Image forming system and program

Abstract

We provide an image forming system and program that does not disadvantage users who have entered into a usage agreement for a set period. [Solution] A usage right equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage contract is set, and the usage right corresponding to the time used is extinguished. When all usage rights are extinguished, the system is put into a prohibited state in which the use of at least some functions of the system is prohibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a terminal management method that enables addition and recovery of terminals of registered members of a service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, a subscription service is provided that concludes a usage contract at regular intervals such as monthly or annually and permits the use of an image forming system during the usage contract period.

[0005] However, in the above service, regardless of the usage situation of the user, a uniform fee is generated during the usage contract period. That is, users with a large usage amount and users with a small usage amount during the usage contract period are charged the same fee. Therefore, there arises a problem of disadvantaging users with a small usage amount.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming system and a program that do not disadvantage users who have concluded a usage contract for a set period.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The image forming system in the first embodiment includes a processor, the processor sets usage rights corresponding to the duration of the concluded usage agreement, extinguishes usage rights for the duration used, and when all usage rights have been extinguished, puts the system into a prohibited state, which prohibits the use of at least some of its functions.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the image forming system, the processor sets usage rights for each function corresponding to the duration of the concluded usage contract period, extinguishes the usage rights for each function corresponding to the time used, and puts the function into a prohibited state where the use of the function for which all usage rights have been extinguished is prohibited.

[0009] In the third embodiment of the image forming system, the processor is capable of transferring at least a portion of its usage rights from one function to another.

[0010] In the image forming system of the fourth embodiment, the processor prohibits the transfer of usage rights beyond a set number of times, in the image forming system of the third embodiment.

[0011] In the fifth embodiment of the image forming system, the processor is capable of transferring at least a portion of the usage rights from an external device to its own system, in the image forming system of the first embodiment.

[0012] The sixth embodiment of the image forming system is an image forming system of the fifth embodiment in which the processor prohibits the transfer of usage rights beyond a set number of times.

[0013] In the seventh embodiment of the image forming system, in the image forming system of the first embodiment, the processor sets a grace period before putting the system into a prohibited state when all usage rights have expired, and sets usage rights equivalent to the duration of the grace period.

[0014] The image forming system of the eighth embodiment is an image forming system of the seventh embodiment in which the processor sets a priority for each function, and sets a longer grace period for functions with higher priority.

[0015] The program of the ninth aspect causes the computer to perform the following steps: setting up usage rights equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage agreement; expiring the usage rights for the time that has been used from the set usage rights; and, if all usage rights have been expired, putting the system into a prohibited state in which the use of at least some of its functions is prohibited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the image forming system of the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid causing any disadvantage to a user who has entered into a usage agreement for a set period.

[0017] According to the image forming system of the second embodiment, usage rights can be managed for each function.

[0018] According to the image forming system of the third embodiment, the right to use one function can be shared with that of other functions.

[0019] According to the image forming system of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the unlimited transfer of usage rights.

[0020] According to the image forming system of the fifth embodiment, usage rights can be transferred from an external device.

[0021] According to the image forming system of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the unlimited transfer of usage rights.

[0022] According to the image forming system of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to prevent the system from immediately becoming prohibited from use when the right to use expires.

[0023] According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to make it difficult to put a function with a higher priority in a prohibited state of use compared to a function with a lower priority.

[0024] According to the program of the ninth aspect, it is possible to prevent disadvantages from being imposed on a user who has concluded a usage contract for a set period.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first and second image forming apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the processing of the usage right in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the transfer processing of the usage right between functions in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the transfer processing of the usage right between image forming apparatuses.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a mode example for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus management system of the present embodiment is composed of a first image forming apparatus 10, a second image forming apparatus 20, and a management server 30.

[0028] The first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 are so-called multifunction devices that have multiple functions such as copying, printing, faxing, and scanning. The first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 are interconnected via a local network 45. The first image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an image forming system in the technology of this disclosure.

[0029] The management server 30 is a server for managing the usage contract periods of the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20. The management server 30 is connected to the local network 45 via the Internet 40.

[0030] Next, the hardware configuration of the first image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first image forming apparatus 10. Note that Figure 2 is the same as the block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second image forming apparatus 20, which will be described later.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the first image forming apparatus 10 comprises a control unit 11, a communication interface (IF) 12, a user interface (UI) device 13, a print engine 14, and a scanner 15. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 16.

[0032] The control unit 11 comprises a processor 11a, a memory 11b, and a storage unit 11c. The processor 11a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 11c and expanded into the memory 11b. The storage unit 11c is composed of, for example, a ROM, HDD, or SSD. Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 11c.

[0033] In this embodiment, the processor 11a is described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 11c, but it is not limited to this. This program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, this program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0034] The communication IF 12 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The UI device 13 is, for example, a touch panel and / or buttons, a device for the user to receive and input information. The print engine 14 prints an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The print engine 14 is an example of a printing apparatus in the technology of this disclosure. The scanner 15 reads the original document loaded into the image forming apparatus 10 as image data.

[0035] Next, the hardware configuration of the second image forming apparatus 20 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the second image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication IF 22, a UI device 23, a print engine 24, and a scanner 25. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 26.

[0036] Since these components are common to the first image forming apparatus 10, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0037] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 30 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 30.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the management server 30 comprises a control unit 31, a communication interface 32, and a user interface device 33. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 34.

[0039] The control unit 31 comprises a processor 31a, a memory 31b, and a storage unit 31c. The processor 31a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 31c and expanded into the memory 31b. The storage unit 31c is composed of, for example, a ROM, HDD, or SSD. Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 31c.

[0040] In this embodiment, the processor 31a is described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 31c, but it is not limited to this. The program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, the program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0041] The communication IF32 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The UI device 33 is a device for the user to input information, such as a mouse and / or keyboard.

[0042] One possible usage model for the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 is one in which the user and the service provider enter into a usage agreement, and the user pays a fee to the service provider on a regular basis. In return, the service provider leases the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 to the user, and also provides maintenance services such as supplying consumables necessary for using the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 and resolving any malfunctions that occur.

[0043] However, with this type of maintenance service, a flat fee is charged for the duration of the service contract, regardless of the user's usage. In other words, users who use a lot and users who use a little during the contract period end up paying the same fee. This creates a problem where users who use less are disadvantaged.

[0044] To resolve these issues, the image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment has the following configuration. While the first image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail below, the second image forming apparatus 20 has a similar configuration.

[0045] The control unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment sets a usage right corresponding to the duration of the concluded usage contract, extinguishes the usage right for the time that has been used, and when all usage rights have been extinguished, puts the system into a prohibited state, which prohibits the use of at least some of the functions of the system.

[0046] The processing in the image forming system of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0047] First, the control unit 11 sets up usage rights equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage contract. For example, if a usage contract for one month is concluded, it sets up usage rights for one month, as shown in Figure 4(A). Assuming one month is 30 days, the usage rights for one month are set up to be equivalent to 2,592,000 seconds.

[0048] Next, the control unit 11 cancels the usage rights corresponding to the time that has been used from the set usage rights. For example, if a user uses the first image forming apparatus 10 for 2 million seconds, as shown in Figure 4(B), the control unit 11 cancels the usage rights for 2 million seconds from the set usage rights.

[0049] Next, if all usage rights are lost, the control unit 11 puts the system into a disabled state, as shown in Figure 4(C), which prohibits the use of at least some of the system's functions. This type of function is called a device lock.

[0050] When performing a device lock, the use of all functions of the first image forming apparatus 10 may be prohibited, or only some functions may be prohibited. If some functions are prohibited, for example, frequently used functions and / or functions that are not reproducible, such as fax, may not be prohibited, and the remaining functions may be prohibited.

[0051] Furthermore, if the usage contract period is renewed, the control unit 11 sets usage rights equivalent to the duration of the new usage contract period, as shown in Figure 4(D). If the usage contract period is renewed while the first image forming apparatus 10 is device-locked, the control unit 11 unlocks the device of the first image forming apparatus 10.

[0052] In the first image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may set usage rights for each function corresponding to the duration of the concluded usage contract, and for each function, it may extinguish the usage rights for the time that has been used from the set usage rights, and may put the function into a prohibited state in which the use of the function for which all usage rights have been extinguished is prohibited.

[0053] In this case, the control unit 11 may allow the transfer of at least a portion of the usage rights from one function to another. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 11 may prohibit the transfer of usage rights beyond a set number of times.

[0054] The processing in the above embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0055] As an example, the control unit 11 sets usage rights for each of the copy, print, scan, and fax functions, corresponding to the duration of the concluded usage agreement, as shown in Figure 5(A).

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 5(B), the control unit 11 revokes the usage rights for each function corresponding to the time they were used. If an instruction is executed to run jobs using multiple functions in a linked manner, the control unit 11 revokes the usage rights for each individual function corresponding to the time they were used.

[0057] If a function's usage rights expire, the control unit 11 would normally perform a process to prohibit the use of that function. However, for example, in response to instructions from an administrator user, the control unit 11 may transfer some of the usage rights from other functions that still have usage rights to the function whose usage rights have expired.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 5(B), if all print usage rights expire, the control unit 11 can, in response to instructions from the administrator user, transfer one week's worth of usage rights (i.e., 604,800 seconds) from scanning to printing, as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be configured to allow the transfer of at least a portion of the usage rights from a second image forming apparatus 20 contracted by the same user to the first image forming apparatus 10. The second image forming apparatus 20 is an example of an external device in the technology of this disclosure.

[0060] In this case, the control unit 11 may prohibit the transfer of usage rights beyond a set number of times. Furthermore, the two devices to which usage rights are transferred may be limited to those contracted by the same user.

[0061] The processing in the above embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0062] As an example, the control unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 10 sets a usage right for one month (i.e., 2,592,000 seconds), which corresponds to the duration of the concluded usage contract, as shown in Figure 6(A).

[0063] Similarly, the control unit 21 of the second image forming apparatus 20 is also granted usage rights for one month (i.e., 2,592,000 seconds), which corresponds to the duration of the concluded usage contract.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 6(B), the control unit 11 and the control unit 21 extinguish the usage rights corresponding to the time that has been used from the set usage rights.

[0065] If all usage rights are lost, control unit 11 and control unit 21 would normally perform a process to prohibit the use of the function in question. However, for example, in response to instructions from an administrator user, control unit 11 and control unit 21 may transfer some of the usage rights from other devices with remaining usage rights to the device whose usage rights have all been lost.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 6(B), if all usage rights for the first image forming apparatus 10 expire, the control unit 11 can, in response to instructions from the administrator user, transfer one week's worth of usage rights (i.e., 604,800 seconds) from the second image forming apparatus 20, which still has usage rights, to the first image forming apparatus 10, as shown in Figure 6(C).

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may set a grace period before putting the system into a prohibited state when all usage rights have expired, and set usage rights equivalent to the duration of the grace period. In this case, the control unit 11 may set a priority for each function, and set a longer grace period for functions with higher priority.

[0068] Here, priorities may be set such that frequently used functions and / or functions that are not reproducible, such as fax, have higher priorities, while the remaining functions have lower priorities.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may link the control of the termination of usage rights for each function with the connection status of the hardware that implements each function. For example, if the fax board that implements the fax function and the scanner that implements the scanning function are removed from the first image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 11 may disable the fax and scan functions and prevent the termination of usage rights.

[0070] Furthermore, the usage rights information set for the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 may be managed in real time in synchronization with the management server 30. This allows the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 to be restored to their correct state if the usage rights information is unexpectedly lost or tampered with. In addition, the management server 30 can forcibly remove the usage rights set for the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20.

[0071] [Differentiation] Although an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0072] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0073] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] Furthermore, in the technology of this disclosure, a system includes both systems composed of multiple devices and systems composed of a single device.

[0075] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0076] [Note] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0077] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The right to use the service is granted for the duration of the agreed-upon usage contract. The usage rights for the duration of use of the granted usage rights will be extinguished. If all usage rights expire, the system will be placed in a prohibited state, which means that the use of at least some of its functions will be prohibited. Image forming system.

[0078] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, For each function, a usage right equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage agreement is established. For each function, the usage rights corresponding to the time used will be forfeited. The use of a function for which all usage rights have expired is prohibited. The image forming system described in (((1))).

[0079] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, It is possible to transfer at least part of the usage rights from one function to another. The image forming system described in (((2))).

[0080] (((4))) The aforementioned processor, Transferring usage rights beyond the specified number of times is prohibited. The image forming system described in (((3))).

[0081] (((5))) The aforementioned processor, It is possible to transfer at least a portion of the usage rights from an external device to the system itself. An image forming system as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((4))).

[0082] (((6))) The aforementioned processor, Transferring usage rights beyond the specified number of times is prohibited. The image forming system described in (((5))).

[0083] (((7))) The aforementioned processor, If all usage rights are extinguished, a grace period should be set before the usage is prohibited. Grant usage rights equivalent to the grace period. An image forming system as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((6))).

[0084] (((8))) The aforementioned processor, Set priorities for each function. The higher the priority of a feature, the longer the grace period should be set. The image forming system described in (((7))).

[0085] (((9))) The steps include establishing usage rights equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage agreement, The steps include: expiring the usage rights for the amount of time used from the set usage rights, The step of putting the system into a prohibited state, which prohibits the use of at least some of its functions, when all usage rights have expired. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0086] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0087] According to the image forming system (((1))), it is possible to avoid causing any disadvantage to users who have entered into a usage agreement for a set period.

[0088] According to the image forming system (((2))), usage rights can be managed for each function.

[0089] According to the image forming system (((3))), the right to use one function can be shared with other functions.

[0090] According to the image forming system of (((4))), it is possible to prevent the unlimited transfer of usage rights.

[0091] According to the image forming system (((5))), usage rights can be transferred from external devices.

[0092] According to the image forming system of (((6))), it is possible to prevent the unlimited transfer of usage rights.

[0093] According to the image forming system of (((7))), it is possible to prevent the system from immediately being put into a prohibited state when the right to use expires.

[0094] According to the image forming system (((8))), it is more difficult to disable a high-priority function compared to a low-priority function.

[0095] According to the program in (((9))), it is possible to avoid causing any disadvantage to users who have entered into a usage agreement for a set period. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 10 First image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 11a processor 11b memory 11c storage section 12 Communication Interfaces 13. User Interface Device 14 Print Engines 15 Scanners 16 Control bus 20. Second image forming apparatus 21 Control Unit 21a Processor 21b Memory 21c storage section 22 Communication Interfaces 23 User Interface Device 24 Print Engines 25 Scanners 26 Control bus 30 Management Server 31 Control Unit 31a processor 31b Memory 31c storage section 33 User Interface Device 34 Control bus 40 Internet 45 Local Network

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The right to use the service is granted for the duration of the agreed-upon usage contract. The usage rights for the duration of use of the granted usage rights will be extinguished. If all usage rights expire, the system will be placed in a prohibited state, which means that the use of at least some of its functions will be prohibited. Image forming system.

2. The aforementioned processor, For each function, a usage right equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage agreement is established. For each function, the usage rights corresponding to the time used will be forfeited. The use of a function for which all usage rights have expired is prohibited. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, It is possible to transfer at least part of the usage rights from one function to another. The image forming system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, Transferring usage rights beyond the specified number of times is prohibited. The image forming system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned processor, It is possible to transfer at least a portion of the usage rights from an external device to the system itself. The image forming system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned processor, Transferring usage rights beyond the specified number of times is prohibited. The image forming system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, If all usage rights are extinguished, a grace period should be set before the usage is prohibited. Grant usage rights equivalent to the grace period. The image forming system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned processor, Set priorities for each function. The higher the priority of a feature, the longer the grace period should be set. The image forming system according to claim 7.

9. The steps include establishing usage rights equivalent to the duration of the concluded usage agreement, The steps include: expiring the usage rights for the amount of time used from the set usage rights, The step of putting the system into a prohibited state, which prohibits the use of at least some of its functions, when all usage rights have expired. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images