Terminal device, control method for terminal device, program, and system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a mechanism that allows for additional printouts by setting a printing deadline. [Solution] The printer is controlled to display multiple options for adding the number of pages that can be printed. These options include one or more options that display a deadline and a number of pages. When one of these options is selected and payment processing for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the printer allows printing of the number of pages displayed in that option. If the deadline is exceeded, printing of the number of pages that were not printed by the deadline is restricted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for adding the allowable number of printed sheets in a printer. It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many devices have been connected to the Internet, and "Internet of Things, IoT", which controls various devices, transmits the operation data of the devices to the cloud, and uses them on the cloud, has begun to widely penetrate into the general public. Similarly, printers have come to be connected to cloud services.

[0003] Also, the business form in printers is changing. For example, there is a service that manages the data of the number of printed sheets in a printer by a cloud service and can perform printing within the number of printed sheets purchased in advance.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a prepaid printing service has been proposed in which charging is performed to charge the number of printed sheets for printing, and for other consumables, when the remaining amount exceeds a threshold value, the consumables are delivered and replenished.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, some users may want to add the allowable number of printed sheets at a low cost, for example, even if a printing deadline is set. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not consider setting a printing deadline.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the terminal device of the present invention has a display control means that controls the printer to display a plurality of options for adding the number of pages that can be printed, and the plurality of options include one or more options that display a deadline and a number of pages, and when one of the one or more options that display a deadline and a number of pages is selected and the payment process for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the printer is allowed to print the number of pages displayed in that one option, and when the deadline is exceeded, the printing of the number of pages that were not printed by the deadline out of the number of pages displayed in that one option is restricted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the terminal device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism that allows for setting a deadline for printing and increasing the number of printable pages. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing service system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of terminal device 200. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of the print service server 300. [Figure 5] This figure shows the sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an example of a management screen where users can purchase print count charges for a limited-time charge period in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the processing flow when a print log is received in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen used for confirming purchases in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an example of a screen for ordering ink after purchase in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the sequence in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an example of a screen displaying a notification for an ink delivery application in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows the sequence in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <First Embodiment> Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] <Configuration of the printing service system> Figure 1 shows the configuration of the printing service system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the printing service system in this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100, a terminal device 200, and a printing service server 300. The configuration of the printing service system in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0012] Network 1000 is a network that connects image forming apparatus 100, terminal device 200, and print service server 300. Network 1000 is a communication network realized by the following configuration. For example, it is a Local Area Netowrk (hereinafter abbreviated as LAN), such as the Internet, or a Wide Area Network (hereinafter abbreviated as WAN). Also, for example, it is a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable TV line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. Network 1000 may be of any type as long as data transmission and reception between each component are possible. In the present embodiment, network 1000 will be described as the Internet.

[0013] Image forming apparatus 100 is a printer that forms (prints) an image on a recording medium, such as printing paper, by ejecting a recording agent, such as ink. Note that image forming apparatus 100 may be a multi-functional printer (MFP: MultiFunctional Printer) that integrally includes a plurality of functions, such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function. Note that in the present embodiment, image forming apparatus 100 is assumed to be an apparatus that performs printing by an inkjet recording method, but is not limited thereto, and may be an apparatus that performs printing by, for example, an electrophotographic method or a thermal sublimation method.

[0014] Terminal device 200 is, for example, a smart phone, a personal computer (PC, Personal Computer), or a tablet terminal. Also, for example, it is a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. That is, terminal device 200 is an arbitrary information processing device. Terminal device 200 and image forming apparatus 100 are configured to be communicable.

[0015] In FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity of explanation in the present embodiment, each component is illustrated as a single unit, but there is no intention to limit or restrict the number of units in terms of configuration. Each component may be constituted by one or more than one plurality of elements.

[0016] The print service server 300 is a server on which the application 111 that provides services to users runs. The print service server 300 receives operational information such as print logs, errors, and alerts from the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 1000 and provides print services to users. Furthermore, the print service server 300 transmits information such as the number of printable pages to the image forming apparatus 100. The print service server 300 stores various information for providing print services to users, including the user's print service contract information and print history information. In this embodiment, the print service server 300 provides users with a means of registering for print services, such as a website, and accepts print service registrations from users. Users register their service plan, contract information, and information about the image forming apparatus 100 with the print service server 300 via the terminal device 200, and the print service server 300 retains the contract information.

[0017] <Image forming apparatus> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, storage device 104, communication unit 105, printing unit 106, operation unit 107, and display unit 108. Each of the above blocks is interconnected, for example, via an internal bus 109. In the configuration of Figure 2, multiple blocks may be configured as a single block, or a single block may be divided into two or more blocks.

[0018] The CPU 101 performs calculations, decisions, and controls on data and instructions according to the programs stored in the RAM 102 and ROM 103. The RAM 102 is used as temporary storage when the CPU 101 performs various processes. The ROM 103 stores the operating system (OS) and other application software. The ROM 103 may also be a non-volatile memory that allows data to be rewritten, such as flash memory.

[0019] The communication unit 105 is an interface to which a LAN cable is connected, and data communication with the print service server 300 is performed via a router (not shown) or network 1000. This data communication may also be performed wirelessly, for example, via a wireless-compatible interface.

[0020] The display unit 108 is composed of, for example, an LCD and displays various information. The operation unit 107 consists of buttons, a touch panel, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. The printing unit 106 implements the printing function. The printing unit 106 records (i.e., prints) an image on a recording medium such as printing paper using an inkjet method, based on image data etc. received from an external source.

[0021] The system bus 109 exchanges data with the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, communication unit 105, printing unit 106, display unit 108, operation unit 107, etc.

[0022] The processing of the communication unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 is achieved by the CPU 101 reading and executing the program necessary for processing.

[0023] <Terminal device> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes an operation unit 201, a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a display unit 204, a RAM 205, an external storage device 206, a communication unit 207, and a short-range wireless communication unit 208. Each of the above blocks is interconnected, for example, via an internal bus 209. In the configuration of Figure 3, multiple blocks may be configured as a single block, or a single block may be divided into two or more blocks.

[0024] The CPU 202 is the system control unit and is a processor that comprehensively controls the entire terminal device 200. The RAM 205 is composed of, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) that requires a backup power supply. Since the RAM 205 retains data using a primary battery for data backup (not shown), it is possible to store data such as program control variables without them being lost. The RAM 205 has a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the terminal device 200. The RAM 205 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 202. The ROM 203 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 202. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 has an application program for printing services installed and stored in the ROM 203. The operation of the terminal device 200 in this embodiment is achieved, for example, by the CPU 202 reading the program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 205 and executing it.

[0025] The display unit 204 is configured to include, for example, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and displays a screen based on various display data. The display unit 204 may also have the function of receiving various input operations from the user, for example, by being configured as a touch display. In other words, the display unit 204 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user and may be configured as an operation panel including a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc.

[0026] The communication unit 207 includes circuits and antennas for performing communication according to a predetermined wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit 207 can wirelessly connect to an external access point. The communication unit 207 may also operate as a temporary access point. The communication unit 207 may operate according to a wireless LAN wireless communication method (Wi-Fi) compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or it may operate according to other wireless communication methods.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 208 performs short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 200 and other devices located within a certain short-range range. The short-range wireless communication unit 208 communicates using a different wireless communication method than the communication unit 207. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 208 operates according to the Bluetooth® standard.

[0028] The terminal device 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and may include blocks as appropriate according to the functions that the terminal device 200 can perform.

[0029] <Print Service Server> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the print service server 300.

[0030] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit for controlling the following components. The disk device 302 stores application programs 311, databases 312, the OS, and various other files that the CPU 301 reads. The external storage disk reader 303 is a device for reading information such as files stored on external storage media such as SD cards. The memory 304 consists of RAM and other components, and the CPU 301 temporarily stores and buffers data as needed.

[0031] The display unit 305 is, for example, an LCD and displays various information. The operation unit 306 consists of a keyboard, mouse, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. The communication unit 307 is connected to a network such as the Internet and performs various communications. The communication unit 307 supports wired LAN and wireless LAN. The above-mentioned units are interconnected by a bus 308, and can send and receive data to and from each other.

[0032] In Figure 1, the print service server 300 is shown as an example consisting of a single server (information processing device), but it may also consist of multiple servers. In other words, multiple servers may work together to perform each function.

[0033] <Example of information structure managed by the print service server> The database 312 of the print service server 300 consists of the print count charge plan management table (Table 1), the print count charge count management table (Table 2), and the ink level management table (Table 3), as described below. Note that charging print counts means adding the number of pages that the printer is allowed to print. The user issues a print count charge instruction on the terminal device 200, which displays a screen such as Figure 6. The instruction is then sent to the print service server 300, and the instruction is reflected in the management tables described below. The information reflected in the management service is then sent to the image forming apparatus 100 (printer). Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 controls itself to allow printing of the charged number of pages. If the charged number of pages has a time limit, the image forming apparatus 100 controls itself to restrict printing of any pages that were not printed by the time limit once the limit is reached. A case where the charged number of pages has a time limit is when the limited-time charge 607 is selected on the screen shown in Figure 6, and the user completes the payment process.

[0034] Table 1 below is an example of a print count charge plan management table managed in database 313.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] The Plan ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the print-per-page charge plan offered by the printing service. The Type column indicates the type of print-per-page charge plan. The Page Count column indicates the number of pages that can be purchased with each print-per-page charge plan. The Price column indicates the purchase price for each print-per-page charge plan. The Start Date column indicates the start date of the period if the Type is limited-time. The End Date column indicates the end date of the period if the Type is limited-time. The Start Date and End Date are not set if the Type is regular. There may be multiple plans with different page counts and prices if the Type is limited-time.

[0037] Table 2 below shows an example of a print charge count management table managed by database 313.

[0038] [Table 2]

[0039] The User ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the user. The Device ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the device. The Regular Quantity column is the number of charges purchased under the Regular category. The Limited-Time Plan ID column is the ID of the purchased Limited-Time Plan. The Limited-Time Quantity column is the number of charges purchased under the Limited-Time category.

[0040] Table 3 below shows an example of an ink level management table managed by database 313.

[0041] [Table 3]

[0042] The User ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the user. The Cyan column shows the remaining amount of cyan ink. The Magenta column shows the remaining amount of magenta ink. The Yellow column shows the remaining amount of yellow ink. The Black column shows the remaining amount of black ink. The Delivery Threshold column is the delivery threshold for each ink. The ink levels managed in the ink level management table refer to the amount of ink remaining in the containers installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0043] <Flow for purchasing a limited-time charge plan> In this embodiment of the printing service, a limited-time charge plan (hereinafter referred to as a limited-time printing plan) is registered, and the processing until the end of the period, as well as the UI display, will be explained using Figures 5, 6, and 7.

[0044] Here, a limited-time printing plan refers to a plan that, unlike the regular printing plan which can be used indefinitely, has a set expiration date, but in return, the charge fee is set lower.

[0045] Furthermore, the series of processes shown in the following sequences and flowcharts are performed by the CPUs of the image forming apparatus 100, terminal device 200, and print service server 300 loading program code stored in a disk device or the like into RAM and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of each step may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. In the description of each process, the symbol "S" indicates a step in the sequence diagram. Hereafter, the main entities in each process are the CPUs of the image forming apparatus 100, terminal device 200, and print service server 300.

[0046] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the process from registering a plan of type "limited-time printing" until the period ends.

[0047] In S501, the print service server 300 registers the limited-time print plan in the print count charge plan management table (Table 1), which is managed in the database 313. When the limited-time print period begins, a purchase button for the limited-time print plan is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200, as shown in Figure 6(a) below.

[0048] Here, the UI displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 will be explained in Figure 6. This UI is displayed via a web browser displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200.

[0049] 601 is the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 used by userA, and in this embodiment, userA is displaying an example UI of the printer management screen provided by the print service server 300. 602 displays the device name used by userA. 603 displays the device's internet connection status. 604 is a bar graph showing the remaining ink levels of the device displayed in 602, broken down by ink type. 605 displays the remaining number of pages purchased with a regular print plan charge. 606 displays the remaining number of pages purchased with a limited-time print plan charge and its expiration date. 607 is the purchase button for the limited-time print plan's print count charge; pressing it will take you to the print count charge purchase procedure screen (not shown). 606 and 607 are not displayed when the limited-time plan period has expired. 608 is the purchase button for the regular print plan's print count charge; pressing it will take you to the purchase procedure screen (not shown), similar to the limited-time print plan. The number of purchase buttons shown for both the limited-time print plan (607) and the regular print plan (608) is an example; the actual number of buttons may be more or less.

[0050] 607 and 608 will be explained in detail. 607 and 608 represent buttons for purchasing print volume charges. These are multiple options for adding printable pages to the image forming apparatus. The number of printable pages is displayed on each option (button). The amount the user must pay to charge for that number of printable pages is also displayed. Furthermore, the cost per page, calculated based on the amount and the number of printable pages, is displayed. The paper type is also displayed. Pressing any of these options will take the user to the print volume charge purchase procedure screen (not shown) indicated on the button. 607 is an option that displays both an expiration date and a number of pages. In Figure 6, only one of these options is displayed, but two or more options may be displayed. 608 is an option that does not display an expiration date. For options that do not display an expiration date, two or more options may be displayed. Each of these two or more options will display a different number of pages.

[0051] Returning to Figure 5, in S502, the terminal device 200 makes a request to the print service server 300 for the management screen shown in Figure 6.

[0052] In S503, the print service server 300 retrieves plan information from the print charge plan management table in Table 1, which is managed in the database 313, and sends a management screen response to the terminal device 200.

[0053] In S504, terminal device 200 controls the display of the acquired management screen. In Figure 5, since the user is within the period of the limited-time plan, the limited-time print plan 607 is displayed on the management screen.

[0054] In S505, terminal device 200 purchases a limited-time printing plan.

[0055] In S506, the print service server 300 registers the limited-time plan ID and the limited-time number of pages in the print charge plan management table (Table 1), which is managed in the database 313.

[0056] In S507, the print service server 300 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the number of print charges registered in S506.

[0057] In S508, the image forming apparatus 100 performs printing.

[0058] In S509, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits print log information to the print service server 300. This print log information includes information on printing materials such as the device ID, document information, page information, paper type, ink used, and remaining ink level.

[0059] In S510, the print service server 300 updates the print charge count management table according to the flow shown in Figure 7, which will be described later.

[0060] In S511, a request to display the printer management screen 601 is made from the terminal device 200.

[0061] In S512, the print service server 300 retrieves the printable page counts for both the regular print plan and the limited-time print plan from the print charge management table. It then returns this information as a response in S511, and the terminal device 200 displays the printable page count on the display unit 204. In this case, as with S504, since it is within the limited-time period, the limited-time print plan 607 is displayed on the management screen.

[0062] When the limited-time plan period ends, the print service server 300 in S513 updates the print charge count management table and deletes the expired limited-time plan ID and the limited-time count.

[0063] In S514, the print service server 300 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 with the updated device ID of the updated number of printable pages.

[0064] The communication protocol used in this sequence can be HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Alternatively, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) or XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) can also be used.

[0065] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing how the print service server 300 uses the print log received from the image forming apparatus 100 in S511 to determine which print plan's print count will be consumed.

[0066] In S701, the print service server 300 acquires the print log.

[0067] In S702, the print service server 300 retrieves the remaining print count for userA from the print charge count management table managed in the database 313.

[0068] In S703, the print service server 300 determines whether the remaining print count obtained in S702 includes a limited-time print limit. If it does, proceed to S705; otherwise, proceed to S704.

[0069] In S704, the print service server 300 subtracts the number of pages used for printing from the normal number of pages to calculate the remaining number of pages for userA to print.

[0070] In S705, the print service server 300 subtracts the number of pages used for printing from the limited number of pages that can be printed for userA.

[0071] In S706, the print service server 300 determines whether the number of pages used for printing, which was subtracted in S705, is within the remaining number of pages for userA's limited-time print limit. If it is, proceed to S708; otherwise, proceed to S707.

[0072] In S707, the print service server 300 subtracts the amount of userA's remaining print count that was not covered by the subtraction in S706 from userA's normal print count.

[0073] In S708, the print service server 300 updates the remaining print count for userA in the print charge count management table managed in database 313 using the subtracted value.

[0074] According to this embodiment, in a prepaid service where users purchase the number of prints in advance, it is possible to introduce a limited-time printing plan that allows for cheaper printing in exchange for a limited printing period. Furthermore, by prioritizing the use of prints from the limited-time printing plan, it is possible to prevent situations where the limited-time printing plan is not used up before the regular printing plan expires.

[0075] <Second Embodiment> The first embodiment described a method for introducing a limited-time printing plan. With a limited-time plan, users may print more frequently than usual because the printing period is limited. Embodiment 2 describes a method for warning and notifying the user and requesting ink delivery when the ink delivery threshold is reached, both before and after purchasing a limited-time plan.

[0076] In this embodiment, explanations of aspects common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from the first embodiment will be explained primarily.

[0077] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the process from when the terminal device 200 purchases a limited-time printing plan, updates the ink level threshold, and when an ink delivery request is made, the print service server 300 delivers the ink.

[0078] In S801, terminal device 200 purchases a limited-time printing plan.

[0079] In S802, the print service server 300 refers to the delivery threshold in the ink level management table (Table 3) managed in the database 313. If there is insufficient ink, it displays a pop-up warning of insufficient ink, as shown in Figure 9, which will be explained later.

[0080] Let's explain Figure 9. 901 shows an example UI for the low ink warning screen. 902 shows the purchase button for the limited-time printing plan; pressing it will take you to the purchase procedure screen for the number of prints charged (not shown). 903 shows the cancellation button for the limited-time printing plan purchase; pressing it will take you to Figure 6. By displaying Figure 9, the system warns the user that the ink level is low.

[0081] Returning to Figure 8, since S803 is the same as the process in S503 in Figure 5, we will omit its explanation.

[0082] When a limited-time printing plan is purchased, it is expected that a large volume of printing will be performed in a shorter period than usual. Therefore, in S804, the print service server 300 updates the delivery threshold in the ink level management table (Table 3) managed in the database 313.

[0083] In S805, if the ink level has not reached the updated delivery threshold, the print service server 300 displays Figure 10 on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 to confirm whether or not to deliver ink.

[0084] Let's explain Figure 10. 1001 shows an example of the UI screen displayed when the purchase button for 610 is pressed and the threshold for S804 (described later) is exceeded. 1002 shows text prompting delivery of ink colors that have exceeded the ink delivery threshold. 1003 shows the ink delivery request button; pressing it will request delivery of the ink colors prompted in 1002. 1004 shows the ink delivery request cancellation button; pressing it will transition to Figure 6, and the ink delivery request will not be made.

[0085] Returning to Figure 8, at S806, the terminal device 200 requests ink delivery from the print service server 300.

[0086] According to this embodiment, when a user purchases a limited-time printing plan, a threshold can be set to match the user's increased printing frequency, making it possible to deliver ink earlier than usual.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> The second embodiment describes a method in which the ink delivery threshold is changed when purchasing a limited-time printing plan, and if the threshold is reached, the user can apply for ink delivery on the spot. Some users may prefer to apply for ink delivery each time they reach the ink delivery threshold during their regular use. The third embodiment describes a method in which, after printing of the limited-time plan is completed, the user is notified if the ink delivery threshold is reached and prompted to apply for ink delivery.

[0088] In this embodiment, explanations of aspects common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from the first and second embodiments will be explained primarily.

[0089] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the process from when the image forming apparatus 100 sends a print log to the print service server 300 after printing is completed, until the print service server 300 delivers the ink.

[0090] Here, the process up to S507 in Figure 5 is common and is therefore assumed to have already been completed.

[0091] In S1101, the image forming apparatus 100 sends print log information to the print service server 300. The print log information has the same attributes as the print log sent in S508.

[0092] In S1102, the print service server 300 updates the print charge count management table according to the flow shown in Figure 7.

[0093] In S1103, the print service server 300 updates the ink level management table in Table 3, which is managed in the database 313. At this time, the print service server 300 compares each ink level with the delivery threshold, and if it falls below the delivery threshold, it notifies the terminal device 200.

[0094] Figure 12 shows an example of the UI displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 when the terminal device 200 receives a notification from the print service server 300.

[0095] 1201 is the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 used by userA, and it displays an arbitrary screen. 1202 is the text that the terminal device 200 displays, which was notified by the print service server 300 in S1104. The notification method can be anything, such as push notifications or email services.

[0096] Returning to Figure 11, at S1105, terminal device 200 transitions to printer management screen 601 via the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) specified in the notification and submits an ink delivery request.

[0097] At S1106, the print service server 300 performs the ink delivery procedure.

[0098] In S1107, the print service server 300 delivers ink to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0099] According to this embodiment, even at the time printing is completed, the user can be notified of the low ink level using multiple means.

[0100] <Fourth Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the ink delivery threshold was changed when the limited-time printing plan was purchased, and this threshold remained unchanged until the end of the limited-time printing plan. However, depending on the user's usage, if the threshold is not changed until the end of the limited-time printing plan, excessive ink may be delivered.

[0101] This embodiment describes a method to prevent over-delivery of ink to users by providing opportunities to gradually change the threshold during the period from the start to the end of a limited-time printing plan.

[0102] Table 4 below is an example of an ink delivery threshold management table for a limited-time print plan managed in database 313.

[0103] [Table 4]

[0104] The Limited-Time Plan ID column is the ID of the registered limited-time plan. The Threshold 70% column is the date on which the ink delivery threshold will be changed to 70%. The Threshold 60% column is the date on which the ink delivery threshold will be changed to 70%. The Threshold 50% column is the date on which the ink delivery threshold will be changed to 70%.

[0105] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process from purchasing a limited-time printing plan to the end of that period.

[0106] Since S1301 is the same as the process in S501 in Figure 5, its explanation will be omitted.

[0107] In S1302, the print service server 300 registers the limited-time plan in the ink delivery threshold management table (Table 4) managed by the database 313.

[0108] Processes S1303 to S1310 are the same as processes S502 to S507 in Figure 5, and of those, S1304 is the same as process S802 in Figure 8, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0109] After a certain period of time has elapsed, in S1311, the print service server 300 refers to the ink delivery threshold management table in Table 4, which is managed in the database 313, and detects that the date for each threshold has been reached.

[0110] In S1312, if S1311 detects that the date for each threshold has been reached, the delivery threshold in the ink level management table (Table 3) managed in database 313 is updated with the value of that threshold.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the threshold can be changed in stages from the start to the end of the limited-time printing plan. By lowering the ink delivery threshold at the start of the limited-time printing plan as the deadline approaches, it is possible to prevent excessive ink delivery due to the high ink delivery threshold at the beginning.

[0112] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of each of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 100 Image forming apparatus 200 terminal devices 300 Print Service Server 101, 202, 301 CPUs

Claims

1. The printer has a display control means that controls the display to show multiple options for increasing the number of pages that can be printed, The multiple options include one or more options that display an expiration date and quantity. When one of the one or more options displaying the deadline and number of copies is selected, and the payment process for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the printer is allowed to print the number of copies displayed for that option. If the deadline is exceeded, printing will be restricted for the number of pages displayed for that option that were not printed by the deadline. A terminal device characterized by the following features.

2. The display control means controls the display to show a notification when one of the one or more options displayed for the expiration date and number of sheets is selected, and the remaining amount of ink installed in the printer falls below a threshold. The terminal device according to feature 1.

3. The display control means controls the printer to display a notification when the remaining amount of ink installed in the printer falls below a threshold. When one of the one or more options displaying the expiration date and quantity is selected, the threshold is changed from a first value to a second value that is higher than the first value. As the aforementioned deadline approaches, the aforementioned threshold is changed to a lower value. If the aforementioned deadline is exceeded, the threshold value is returned to the first value. The terminal device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned multiple options include two or more options for which no expiration date is displayed, and each of these two or more options for which no expiration date is displayed will have a different number of copies. The terminal device according to feature 1.

5. Each of the aforementioned options displays the amount the user will pay to add the number of pages displayed in that option to the number of pages that the printer is allowed to print. The terminal device according to feature 1.

6. Each of the aforementioned options displays the amount the user will pay to add the number of copies displayed for each option to the number of copies allowed to be printed by the printer, and the cost per copy calculated based on that amount and the number of copies. The terminal device according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned multiple options include two or more options for which no expiration date is displayed, and each of these two or more options for which no expiration date is displayed has a different number of copies. The price per sheet varies depending on the two or more options mentioned above. Among the two or more options mentioned above, the option with a larger number of displayed items has a lower price per item. The terminal device according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned information processing device is a smartphone or a personal computer. The terminal device according to feature 1.

9. The information processing device is the printer, The display control means performs the display via a web browser on a personal computer. The terminal device according to feature 1.

10. The printer has a display control process that controls the display to show multiple options for increasing the number of pages that can be printed, The multiple options include one or more options that display an expiration date and quantity. When one of the one or more options displaying the deadline and number of copies is selected, and the payment process for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the printer is allowed to print the number of copies displayed for that option. If the deadline is exceeded, printing will be restricted for the number of pages displayed for that option that were not printed by the deadline. A control method characterized by the following:

11. On the computer, A program for causing a printer to execute a display control means that controls the display of multiple options for increasing the number of pages that can be printed, The multiple options include one or more options that display an expiration date and quantity. When one of the one or more options displaying the deadline and number of copies is selected, and the payment process for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the printer is allowed to print the number of copies displayed for that option. If the deadline is exceeded, printing will be restricted for the number of pages displayed for that option that were not printed by the deadline. A program characterized by the following features.

12. A system including a printer and a terminal device capable of communicating with the printer, The terminal device has a display control means that controls the printer to display multiple options for adding the number of pages that can be printed. The multiple options include one or more options that display an expiration date and quantity. The aforementioned printer is When one of the one or more options displaying the deadline and number of copies is selected, and the payment process for the amount corresponding to that option is completed, the system controls the printing to allow the number of copies displayed for that option. If the deadline is exceeded, the system has a control mechanism that restricts printing to the number of pages displayed for that option that were not printed by the deadline. A system characterized by the following features.

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