Image forming apparatus, system, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

Traditionally, after a subscription contract for a particular printer ended, the printing cartridges used during that contract period could no longer be used, and the only option was for the user to return them. [Solution] If a subscription contract is terminated and a contract is concluded to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 103 changes the operation mode to "allow printing of cartridges in use mode" in response to instructions from the print server 101 (Figure 4). In "allow printing of cartridges in use mode", the print control unit 304 of the image forming apparatus 103 allows printing on the condition that a consumable with a WOROM is installed and that the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 is stored in the WOROM (TRUE in S801, FALSE in S802, TRUE in S803 → S803).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a system, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many devices have been connected to the Internet, and the Internet of Things (IoT) that controls various devices, transmits the operation data of the devices to the cloud, and uses it on the cloud has begun to widely penetrate into the general public. Even in an office environment, many devices such as multifunction printers, projectors, and network cameras are operating and transmitting data to cloud services. In addition, by constantly connecting IoT devices to cloud services, it has become possible to give instructions such as version updates and maintenance operations of IoT devices from cloud services to IoT devices in real time and make them execute.

[0003] Furthermore, the business form in printers is changing. Originally, in the business for enterprises, instead of selling consumables to customers, service providers provided maintenance of printers and multifunction printers and replenishment of consumables, and there was a contract form in which a usage fee according to the number of printed sheets was charged to customers. Previously, in the business for individual users, the costs such as grasping the number of printed sheets and replenishing consumables did not match, and there was not much contract form in which a usage fee was charged according to the number of printed sheets. These days, by constantly connecting to cloud services, even in the business for individual users, the number of cases where a subscription-type contract is concluded and billing is done for each number of printed sheets is increasing.

[0004] In such a subscription-type contract, it has become possible to detect the remaining amount of consumables such as toner and ink cartridge, which are printing material cartridges, and automatically deliver them without a service person going to the site. At this time, a mechanism for preventing the illegally use of the delivered printing material cartridges is considered.

[0005] One example of misuse is using print material cartridges delivered under a subscription contract in a printer that is not affiliated with that contract. Another example is when a user continues to use printing cartridges that were delivered during the subscription period, even though the subscription contract has ended.

[0006] Patent Document 1 proposes a method in which a printing material cartridge has a memory that becomes read-only after being written to once, and when the printing material cartridge is installed in a printer, a printer ID is written to this memory, thereby restricting which printers can use this printing material cartridge. This method is intended to prevent the misuse of automatically delivered printing material cartridges. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-505444 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, traditionally, once a subscription contract for a particular printer ended, the printing cartridges used during that contract period could no longer be used, and the only option was for the user to return them, which was inconvenient.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanism that allows printing material cartridges that were in use during the contract period to be used even after the termination of a subscription-based contract. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus corresponding to a first contract to which a consumable product having a memory that becomes read-only after being written to is provided, and comprises: a switching means for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the apparatus transitions when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the apparatus transitions when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the apparatus transitions when a second contract, which could be entered into when the first contract was previously effective, becomes effective; a writing means for writing identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory when the consumable product having the memory in its initial state is installed in the first mode; and a control means for controlling the printing process according to the operating mode, wherein the control means permits printing when the consumable product having the memory is installed in the first mode, does not permit printing when the consumable product having the memory is installed in the second mode, and permits printing when the consumable product having the memory is installed in the third mode, depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and does not permit printing when the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even after the termination of a subscription-based contract, the printing material cartridges that were being used during the contract period can still be used. As a result, user convenience can be greatly improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example of the overall network configuration of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the overall hardware configuration of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4]A flowchart showing an example of the processing in the operation mode switching processing unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the printing process in the printing process unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of the normal mode printing process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of the subscription contract machine mode printing process in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of the printing process in the in-use cartridge printing permission mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the operation mode switching determination process in the printing server in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing an example of the normal mode printing process in the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the network configuration of the entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, in the system of the present embodiment, a print server 101, a user terminal 102, and an image forming apparatus 103 are connected via a network 104. Further, the image forming apparatus 103 and the printing material cartridge 105 are connected via an arbitrary communication protocol 106. Specific examples of the communication protocol 106 include a serial communication protocol, etc., but details are omitted. The printing material cartridge 105 is a cartridge filled with printing materials such as ink and toner, and can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0015] In addition, the printing server 101 has a function that can register the device information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the user terminal 102. The registration of the image forming apparatus 103 to the printing server 101 is for managing a subscription-type contract in which consumables such as the printing material cartridge 105 are periodically sent and the user pays a usage fee for each number of printed sheets.

[0016] In addition, the printing server 101 is provided with a function of receiving event communication from the image forming apparatus 103 and associating it with the registered device information. For this purpose, the printing server 101 is provided with a function of receiving communication for registration from the image forming apparatus 103 and correctly associating it with the registration information.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the entire system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, each device will be described. <Printing server 101> In the printing server 101, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 205 based on a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204.

[0018] The ROM 202 stores a control program executable by the CPU 201 and the like. The RAM 203 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

[0019] The hard disk (HDD) 204 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, etc. In the present embodiment, an HDD is used, but in addition to the HDD, an SD card, a flash memory, or the like may be used as an external storage device. The network interface (I / F) 206 performs data communication with an external network via a network cable.

[0020] The print server 101 may be implemented by a single computer or by multiple computers. For example, the print server 101 may be implemented using cloud computing technology. Alternatively, the functions of the print server 101 may be implemented by separating them across multiple servers.

[0021] <User terminal 102> In the user terminal 102, the CPU 221 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 225 based on a control program stored in the ROM 222 or HDD 224. ROM222 stores control programs and other data that the CPU221 can execute.

[0022] RAM223 primarily functions as the main memory and work area for CPU221, and is configured to allow memory capacity expansion via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). HDD224 stores the boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, etc. While this embodiment uses an HDD, other external storage devices such as SD cards or flash memory may also be used.

[0023] The panel operation interface 227 controls the display of the operation panel 228 and the input of various setting information set on the operation panel 228. The network interface 226 communicates with the external network via a network cable.

[0024] <Image forming apparatus 103> In the image forming apparatus 103, the CPU 241 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 245 based on a control program stored in the ROM 242 or HDD 244. ROM242 stores control programs and other data that the CPU241 can execute.

[0025] RAM243 primarily functions as the main memory and work area for CPU241, and is configured to allow memory capacity expansion via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD244 stores the boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, etc. While this embodiment uses the HDD244, other external storage devices such as an SD card or flash memory may also be used.

[0026] The scanner interface 249 controls the image input from the scanner 250. The printer interface 251 controls the image output to the printer 252. The panel operation interface 247 controls the display of the operation panel 248 and the input of various setting information set on the operation panel 248. Network I / F246 communicates with the external network via a network cable. The cartridge interface 253 is configured to provide access to the printing material cartridge 105.

[0027] <Printing Material Cartridge 105> In the printing material cartridge 105, the main unit I / F 273 forwards access from the image forming apparatus 103 to various devices connected to the system bus 265. ROM262 stores information such as the serial number and MAC (Media Access Control) address of the printing material cartridge.

[0028] The write-once read-only memory 274 has no information written to it before the printing material cartridge is used. Once information is written to it from the image forming apparatus 103 via the main unit I / F 273, it becomes read-only thereafter. This write-once read-only memory is generally called WORM (Write Once Read Many). Hereafter, the write-once read-only memory 274 will be referred to as WORM274.

[0029] The container 275 for holding printing materials is connected to the printer 252 of the image forming apparatus 103 and is configured to supply printing materials when the printer 252 performs printing. Specifically, the printing materials are toner and ink.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the system according to this embodiment. The configuration of the print server 101 shown in Figure 3 is realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. The configuration of the user terminal 102 is realized by the CPU 221 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 222 or HDD 224. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 is realized by the CPU 241 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 242 or HDD 244.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the print server 101 has a contract management processing unit 301 as part of its software configuration. The user terminal 102 has a web browser 302 as part of its software configuration. The image forming apparatus 103 has a software configuration that includes an operation mode switching processing unit 303 and a printing processing unit 304.

[0032] In the system of this embodiment, the operation mode switching step, in which the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 103 is changed from the print server 101, and the printing step, in which the image forming apparatus 103 performs printing according to the operation mode, allows the printing material cartridges that were in use during the contract period to be used even after the termination of the subscription-type contract. The following describes the detailed processing of each module of the image forming apparatus 103 during the operation mode switching step and the printing step.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the operating mode switching processing unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 103 in the first embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 241 reads the program stored in the HDD 244 into the RAM 243 and executes it.

[0034] The processing in this flowchart is initiated when the image forming apparatus 103 receives an operating mode switching instruction from the print server 101 via the network interface 246. The operation mode switching instruction is transmitted from the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103 when, for example, the user connects to the print server 101 from the web browser 302 of the user terminal 102 and gives a predetermined instruction to the contract management processing unit 301 of the print server 101 via the web browser 302.

[0035] In S401, when the CPU 241 of the image forming apparatus 103 receives an operating mode switching instruction from the print server 101 via the network I / F 246, it passes this operating mode switching instruction to the operating mode switching processing unit 303 and proceeds to S402.

[0036] In this embodiment, the operating modes of the image forming apparatus will be described as three. The first is "Normal Mode." Normal Mode is for users who purchase printing material cartridges and consumables for the image forming machine from stores or other retailers and use them for printing. The second is the "subscription contract machine mode." The subscription contract machine mode (hereinafter referred to as "subscription contract machine mode") is a mode for users who have a subscription-based contract in which they print using printing material cartridges and consumables for the image forming machine that are automatically delivered to them, without purchasing them at a store, and pay a usage fee based on the number of pages printed. In the subscription-based contract of this embodiment, consumables such as the printing material cartridge 105 equipped with WORM274 are provided. The third is the "Allow Printing While Cartridge is in Use Mode." This mode primarily allows the use of cartridges that were partially used after the aforementioned subscription-based contract has ended. In this context, it is assumed that the system will transition to "Normal Mode" when the "Subscription Contract Machine Mode" or "Print Permission Mode for Cartridge in Use" ends. Furthermore, the "allow printing of cartridges in use mode" may be accessible from "normal mode" but not from "subscription contract mode." Additionally, the user may be notified of the existence of a "contract to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract" upon termination of the "subscription-type contract." This notification may be sent, for example, by email to the user's pre-registered email address, displayed on the operation panel 248 of the image forming apparatus 103, or displayed on the screen of the user logged into the print server 101. Furthermore, these three operating modes are merely examples, and the operating modes of an image forming apparatus are not limited to the three described above.

[0037] When the print server 101 instructs the image forming apparatus 103 to switch its operating mode, this typically involves a change in the financial contract. For example, when a subscription contract is successfully concluded (becomes active), the machine switches to "Subscription Contract Machine Mode." Conversely, when a subscription contract is canceled (becomes inactive), the machine switches to "Normal Mode." Furthermore, for example, if, after a subscription contract has been canceled, a contract is successfully concluded to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract, the machine switches to "Used Cartridge Printing Permission Mode." Note that contracts to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract can only be concluded after the subscription contract has been canceled. On the print server 101, there is a mechanism that links changes in contract status and operating mode, but the details of this mechanism will not be explained here.

[0038] In S402, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 determines whether the received operation mode switching instruction is an instruction to switch to normal mode. If it is determined that this is an instruction to switch to normal mode (TRUE in S402), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S406. In this case, in S406, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 changes the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the received operation mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to normal mode). Then, in S407, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 returns the result of the operation mode switching to the instruction source. If the switching fails, it returns a message to that effect. The operating mode is determined by storing the current operating mode information on, for example, HDD244, and updating this information allows for a change (switching) of the operating mode.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to normal mode (i.e., FALSE in S402), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S403.

[0040] In S403, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 determines whether the received operation mode switching instruction is an instruction to switch to the subscription contract machine mode. If it is determined at this point that this is an instruction to switch to subscription contract machine mode (if TRUE is received in S403), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S406. In this case, in S406, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 changes the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the received operation mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to the subscription contract machine mode). Then, in S407, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 returns the result of the operation mode switching to the instruction source. If the switching fails, it returns a message to that effect.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to subscription contract machine mode (i.e., FALSE in S403), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S404.

[0042] In S404, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 determines whether the received operation mode switching instruction is an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode. If it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode (FALSE in S404), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S407. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 has three operation modes as described above. In this case, since it is not any of the three above, in S407, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 sends a reply to the print server 101 that issued the instruction, stating that, as a result of the operation mode switching instruction, for example, the operation mode to which the instruction was issued does not exist and therefore the switch cannot be made.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode (if TRUE is obtained in S404), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S405.

[0044] In S405, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 determines whether the image forming apparatus 103 has ever been in subscription contract mode in the past. Specific examples of this determination include the following methods: As will be explained in detail in Figure 7 below, the image forming apparatus 103 writes to the WORM274 when a printing material cartridge with an unwritten, initial WORM274 is installed in subscription contract mode. When this writing to the WORM274 is performed, the history is saved in the HDD244, and the above determination can be made based on whether or not this history exists. Another specific example is that when the system switches to subscription contract mode, the history is saved in the HDD244, and the above determination can be made based on whether or not this history exists. Furthermore, if the print server 101 manages the contract history for the image forming apparatus 103, the above determination can also be made by querying the print server 101 to see if the image forming apparatus 103 has ever been in subscription contract mode in the past. Note that the method is not limited to these methods, and any method that can determine whether or not the system has been in subscription contract mode in the past may be used.

[0045] In S405, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has previously been in subscription contract mode (TRUE in S405), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S406. In this case, in S406, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 changes the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the received operation mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode). Then, in S407, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 returns the result of the operation mode switching to the instruction source. If the switching fails, it returns a message to that effect.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined in S405 that the image forming apparatus 103 has never been in subscription contract mode in the past (FALSE in S405), the operation mode switching processing unit 303 proceeds to S407. In this case, it is not possible to switch to the mode that allows printing of cartridges in use, so in S407, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 sends a reply to the print server 101 that issued the instruction, stating that, as a result of the operation mode switching instruction, it is not possible to switch to the mode that allows printing of cartridges in use because the image forming apparatus 103 has never been in subscription contract mode in the past. Furthermore, if the device has never been in subscription contract mode before, it may determine that the original state should not be "subscription contract mode" and perform a process to switch to "normal mode," and then return a message indicating this as the result of the operation mode switching instruction.

[0047] After the process in S407 described above, the operation mode switching processing unit 303 terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0048] The example described above involves the print server 101 sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 to switch to "subscription contract machine mode" when a subscription contract is concluded, sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 to switch to "normal mode" when the subscription contract is terminated, and sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 to switch to "cartridge in use print permission mode" when a contract is concluded to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract, after the subscription contract has been terminated. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that when such a contract is concluded or terminated, information indicating the contract status is sent from the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103. In this case, the image forming apparatus 103 switches its operating mode according to the information indicating the contract status received from the print server 101.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process in the printing processing unit 304 of the image forming apparatus 103. The processes shown in Figure 5 and the flowcharts in Figures 6 to 8, which will be described later, are realized by the CPU 241 reading the program stored in the HDD 244 into the RAM 243 and executing it.

[0050] The processing in this flowchart begins when the image forming apparatus 103 receives a print command via the network interface 246. This print command is sent to the image forming apparatus 103 from, for example, a printer driver (not shown) installed on the user terminal 102. Another specific example is when a user uploads a document file to the print server 101 and issues a print command to the image forming apparatus 103, which then sends the print command (print document) from the print server 101 to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0051] In S501, when the CPU 241 of the image forming apparatus 103 receives a print command from the network I / F 246, it passes this print command to the print processing unit 304 and proceeds to S502. In S502, the printing processing unit 304 acquires the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103. The operating mode is stored, for example, in the HDD 244, and this information is acquired. This information is, for example, the one that was changed in S406 in Figure 4.

[0052] Next, in S503, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the operating mode acquired in S502 is "normal mode". If it is determined that the system is in "normal mode" (TRUE in S503), the print processing unit 304 performs normal mode printing (S504) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Details of the normal mode printing process in S504 are shown in Figure 6, which will be described later.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in "normal mode" (i.e., FALSE in S503), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S505.

[0054] In S505, the print processing unit 304 determines whether the operating mode acquired in S502 is "subscription contract machine mode". If it is determined at this point that the machine is in "subscription contract mode" (TRUE in S505), the print processing unit 304 performs the subscription contract mode printing process (S506) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Details of the subscription contract mode printing process in S506 are shown in Figure 7, which will be described later.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the machine is not in "subscription contract mode" (i.e., FALSE in S505), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S507.

[0056] In S507, the print processing unit 304 determines whether the operating mode obtained in S502 is the "allow printing mode for cartridges in use". If it is determined at this point that the "allow printing mode for cartridges in use" is active (TRUE in S507), the print processing unit 304 performs the "allow printing mode for cartridges in use" printing process (S508) and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Details of the "allow printing mode for cartridges in use" printing process in S508 are shown in Figure 8, which will be described later.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not "allow printing on a cartridge in use" (FALSE in S507), the print processing unit 304 cancels the print process because it is not in any operating mode (S509), and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0058] The details of the normal mode printing process for S504 in Figure 5 will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal mode printing process. When the normal mode printing process is called, the printing processing unit 304 determines via the cartridge I / F 253 whether a WORM 274 is installed in the printing material cartridge 105 (i.e., a printing material cartridge with a WORM 274 installed is installed) (S601).

[0059] If it is determined that a printing material cartridge with WORM274 installed is installed (TRUE in S601), the printing processing unit 304 cancels the printing process corresponding to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S602), and terminates the processing of this flowchart. In this embodiment, the printing material cartridge 105 equipped with WORM274 is a printing material cartridge used in a subscription-based contract. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 103 in normal mode, a process is performed to prohibit its use.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined that a printing material cartridge 105 without WORM is installed (FALSE in S601), the printing processing unit 304 executes printing according to the print instruction received in S501 (S603) and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0061] The details of the subscription contract machine mode printing process for S506 in Figure 5 will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process in subscription contract machine mode. When the subscription contract machine mode printing process is called, the printing processing unit 304 determines via the cartridge I / F 253 whether WORM274 is installed in the printing material cartridge 105 (i.e., a printing material cartridge with WORM274 installed is installed) (S701).

[0062] If it is determined that a printing material cartridge without WORM274 installed is installed (FALSE in S701), the printing processing unit 304 cancels the printing process corresponding to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S706), and terminates the processing of this flowchart. In relation to the explanation given in the supplement to the processing of S602 in Figure 6 above, in this embodiment, the printing material cartridge 105 without WORM274 installed is a printing material cartridge sold in regular stores, etc. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 103 in subscription contract mode, processing is performed to prohibit its use. However, this prohibition processing may be controlled to allow printing.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that a printing material cartridge with WORM274 installed is installed (TRUE in S701), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S702. In S702, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the WORM274 is in its initial state and has not been written.

[0064] If WORM274 is determined to be in its initial state (TRUE in S702), the image forming apparatus 103 proceeds to S703. In S703, the printing processing unit 304 writes the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 to the WORM274 of the printing material cartridge 105 (S703). The identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 is, for example, the serial number assigned to the apparatus, but the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 is not limited to the serial number. Once the process in S703 is complete, the print processing unit 304 executes the print operation according to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S705), and the process in this flowchart ends.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that WORM274 is not in its initial state (i.e., FALSE in S702), the image forming apparatus 103 proceeds to S704. In S704, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 matches the identification information written on the WORM274 of the printing material cartridge 105 (S704). Specifically, it determines whether the serial number of the image forming apparatus 103 matches the serial number written on the WORM274.

[0066] If the identification information is determined to match (TRUE in S704), the print processing unit 304 executes printing according to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S705), and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information does not match (FALSE in S704), the print processing unit 304 cancels the print process corresponding to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S706), and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0068] This process prevents printing material cartridges, which are delivered and installed in image forming machines under a specific subscription contract, from being misused without a contract or under a different contract.

[0069] The explanation in Figure 7 above describes a configuration in which, in subscription contract machine mode printing, writing to WORM274 is performed when a printing material cartridge with an unwritten, initial WORM274 is installed. However, in subscription contract machine mode, it is also acceptable to have a configuration in which writing to WORM274 is performed at another time (for example, when installation is detected) when a printing material cartridge with an unwritten, initial WORM274 is installed.

[0070] The details of the printing process for the cartridge in use (print permission mode) shown in Figure 5 (S508) will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process in the "Print Allowed" mode while a cartridge is in use.

[0071] When the print processing for the cartridge in use print permission mode is called, the print processing unit 304 determines via the cartridge I / F 253 whether WORM 274 is installed in the print material cartridge 105 (i.e., a print material cartridge with WORM 274 installed is installed) (S801).

[0072] If it is determined that a printing material cartridge without WORM274 installed is installed (FALSE in S801), then printing is performed according to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S805), and the processing of this flowchart is terminated.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that a printing material cartridge with WORM274 installed is installed (TRUE in S801), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S802. In S802, the print processing unit 304 determines whether the WORM274 is in its initial state and has not been written.

[0074] If WORM274 is determined to be in its initial state (TRUE in S802), the print processing unit 304 cancels the print operation corresponding to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S804), and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that WORM274 is not in its initial state (i.e., FALSE in S802), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S803. In S803, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 matches the identification information written in the WORM274 of the printing material cartridge 105 (S704).

[0076] If it is determined that the identification information matches (TRUE in S803), the print processing unit 304 executes printing according to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S805), and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information does not match (FALSE in S803), the print processing unit 304 cancels the print process corresponding to the print instruction received in S501 in Figure 5 (S804), and terminates the processing of this flowchart. As explained in the description of the process at S401 in Figure 4, the cartridge printing permission mode in this embodiment is a mode that occurs after the termination of the aforementioned subscription-type contract, and therefore basically allows printing with printing material cartridges that do not have a WORM274 installed. However, in order to make the cartridges that were partially used usable after the termination of the subscription-type contract, control is implemented to allow printing only if the serial number of the device is written to the WORM274.

[0078] Traditionally, after a subscription contract for a particular printer ended, the print cartridges used during that contract period could no longer be used and had to be returned by the user. This meant that users could not purchase replacement cartridges to continue using the remaining cartridges after the subscription ended, which was inconvenient for them. In contrast, in this embodiment, by changing the operating mode to "allow printing of cartridges in use mode," even if the subscription contract has ended, the printing material cartridges that were in use during the contract period can be used through the processes S803 and S805 in Figure 8. Furthermore, the processes S802, S803, and S804 prevent the unauthorized use of the printing material cartridges. As a result, even after the termination of a subscription contract, it becomes possible to use the printing material cartridges that were in use during the contract period, significantly improving convenience for the user.

[0079] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 103 determines whether it is possible to switch the operating mode in response to an operating mode switching instruction from the print server 101 (S402 to S405 in Figure 4), and if it is possible to switch, it switches the operating mode. In the second embodiment, the print server 101 determines whether the operating mode can be switched, and if it can be switched, it sends an operating mode switching instruction to the image forming apparatus 103. The network configuration, hardware configuration, and software configuration of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0080] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation mode switching determination process in the contract management processing unit 301 of the print server 101 in the second embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 201 of the print server 101 reads the program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executes it. The processing in this flowchart begins when the print server 101 receives a request from the web browser 302 of the user terminal 102 via the network interface 206.

[0081] In S901, when the CPU 201 of the print server 101 receives a request from the web browser 302 of the user terminal 102 to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103 via the network I / F 206, it passes this request to the contract management processing unit 301 and proceeds to S902 for processing.

[0082] Alternatively, instead of receiving a request from the web browser 302 to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103, the CPU 201 of the print server 101 may receive a request from the web browser 302 for a contract related to the image forming apparatus 103, and if such a contract is concluded, pass a request to the contract management processing unit 301 to switch to the operating mode corresponding to the concluded contract, and proceed to S902. In this configuration, if a subscription-type contract is concluded, a request to switch to "subscription contract machine mode" is passed to the contract management processing unit 301; if a subscription-type contract is terminated, a request to switch to "normal mode" is passed; and if a contract is concluded after the termination of a subscription-type contract to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription-type contract, a request to switch to "cartridge in use print permission mode" is passed to the contract management processing unit 301.

[0083] In S902, the contract management processing unit 301 determines whether the received request for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103 is an instruction to switch to normal mode. If it is determined that this is an instruction to switch to normal mode (TRUE in S902), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S906. In this case, in S906, the contract management processing unit 301 transmits an operation mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to normal mode) based on the request received in S901 to the image forming apparatus 103 (S906). Once the processing in S906 is complete, the contract management processing unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to normal mode (i.e., FALSE in S902), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S903.

[0085] In S903, the contract management processing unit 301 determines whether the received operating mode switching instruction is an instruction to switch to the subscription contract machine mode. If it is determined at this point that this is an instruction to switch to subscription contract machine mode (if TRUE is obtained in S903), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S906. In this case, at S906, the contract management processing unit 301 transmits the received operating mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to subscription contract machine mode) to the image forming apparatus 103 to change the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103 (S906). Once the processing at S906 is complete, the contract management processing unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to subscription contract machine mode (i.e., FALSE in S903), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S904.

[0087] In S904, the contract management processing unit 301 determines whether the received operation mode switching instruction is an instruction to switch to the mode that allows printing of the cartridge currently in use. If it is determined that this is not an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode (i.e., FALSE in S904), the contract management processing unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 has three operating modes as described above, and in this case, since it is not one of the three modes, the processing is terminated.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode (if TRUE is obtained in S904), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S905.

[0089] In S905, the contract management processing unit 301 determines whether the image forming apparatus 103 has ever been in subscription contract machine mode in the past. Specific examples of this determination include the following methods: As will be explained in detail in Figure 7 below, the image forming apparatus 103 writes to WORM274 when it first prints in subscription contract mode. When this write to WORM274 is performed, the image forming apparatus 103 notifies the print server 101, and the history is saved on the print server 101's HDD204. The above determination can then be made by checking whether there is a history corresponding to the image forming apparatus 103. Another specific example is to store the subscription contract table in the print server 101 on the print server 101's HDD204 and check whether there is a record of the image forming apparatus 103's subscription contract. In other words, if there is a record of the subscription contract, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has been in subscription contract mode in the past, and if there is no such record, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has never been in subscription contract mode in the past. Table 1 shows an example of a subscription contract table.

[0090] [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, the subscription contract table includes the serial number and the subscription contract period. The serial number is the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103. The subscription contract period is information indicating the period during which the image forming apparatus 103 with that serial number had a subscription-type contract. In this embodiment, it is mainly used to determine whether the image forming apparatus 103 has previously entered into a subscription-type contract and whether writing to WORM274 has occurred. Note that the method is not limited to these methods, and any method that can determine whether the machine has been in subscription contract mode in the past may be used.

[0091] In step S905, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has previously entered subscription contract mode (if TRUE is obtained in S905), the contract management processing unit 301 proceeds to S906. In this case, at S906, the contract management processing unit 301 transmits the received operating mode switching instruction (in this case, an instruction to switch to the cartridge printing permission mode) to the image forming apparatus 103 (S906). Once the processing at S906 is complete, the contract management processing unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in S905 that the image forming apparatus 103 has never been in subscription contract mode in the past (FALSE in S905), the contract management processing unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. Furthermore, if the system has never been in "subscription contract machine mode" before, it may determine that the original state should not be "subscription contract machine mode" and send an instruction to the image forming apparatus 103 to switch to "normal mode".

[0093] Note that the operation mode switching process in the operation mode switching processing unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 103 in the second embodiment is the same as in Figure 4 of the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted. In addition, in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 may not make a determination as to whether the operation mode can be switched (S402 to S405 in Figure 4), but instead follow the operation mode switching instruction received from the print server 101. Furthermore, the printing process in the printing processing unit 304 of the image forming apparatus 103 of the second embodiment is the same as in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the first embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

[0094] As described above, in the second embodiment, the print server 101 can determine whether or not there has been a subscription-type contract in the past.

[0095] [Third Embodiment] As described above, in the first and second embodiments, by entering into a contract to purchase the remaining amount of the printing material cartridge that was partially used at the time of the subscription contract, it becomes possible to continue using the printing material cartridge that was partially used at the time of the subscription contract in the image forming apparatus 103 even after the subscription contract is terminated. In the third embodiment, a configuration is described in which the image forming apparatus 103 enters into a contract to purchase the remaining amount at the time a print instruction is received.

[0096] The details of the normal mode printing process in S504 of Figure 5 in the second embodiment will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal mode printing process in the second embodiment, with the same step numbers used in Figure 6 for the same steps. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 is realized when the CPU 241 reads the program stored in the HDD 244 into the RAM 243 and executes it.

[0097] In the third embodiment, if TRUE is obtained in S601, the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S1001. In S1001, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the image forming apparatus 103 has ever been in subscription contract mode in the past. This determination method is the same as in S405 in Figure 4, so it is omitted here.

[0098] If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has never been in subscription contract mode before (FALSE in S1001), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S602 and cancels the print.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 103 has been in subscription contract mode in the past (if TRUE in S1001), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S1002.

[0100] In S1002, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 matches the identification information written in the WORM274 of the printing material cartridge 105. If it is determined that the identification information does not match (i.e., FALSE in S1002), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S602 and cancels the print operation.

[0101] On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information matches (TRUE in S1002), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S1003. In S1003, the print processing unit 304 displays a screen (not shown) on the operation panel 248 for the user to enter into a contract to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract, and accepts the user's decision to enter into a contract or not to enter into a contract. Upon receiving the user's decision, the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S1004. Alternatively, the above contract screen may be displayed on the screen of the printer driver that is the source of the print command received in S601, and the user's decision may be accepted there as well.

[0102] In S1004, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the above contract operation has been performed. If it is determined that a contract has not been made (FALSE in S1004), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S602 and cancels the print operation.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined that a contract operation has been performed (if TRUE in S1004), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the print processing unit 304 sends a request for the above contract to the print server 101 via the network I / F 246 and receives the contract result from the print server 101. Next, in S1006, the printing processing unit 304 determines whether the above contract was successful. If the above contract fails (FALSE in S1006), the print processing unit 304 proceeds to S602 and cancels the print operation.

[0104] On the other hand, if it is determined that the above contract has been successful (TRUE in S1006), the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S1007. In S1007, the printing processing unit 304 changes the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103 to "allow printing of cartridge in use mode" via the operating mode switching processing unit 303. Furthermore, the printing processing unit 304 proceeds to S603, executes printing according to the received print instruction, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0105] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 can enter into a contract to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription contract, at the time a print command is received. This significantly enhances user convenience.

[0106] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 103 may initiate a contract to purchase the remaining amount of printing material from a cartridge that was partially used during the subscription period, not only when a print command is received, but also in response to user operation.

[0107] In each of the embodiments described above, if a contract is concluded to purchase the remaining amount of printing material cartridges that were partially used during the subscription period after the subscription contract has been terminated, the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 103 is changed to the "allow printing of cartridges in use" mode. In the "allow printing of cartridges in use" mode, the image forming apparatus 103 allows printing on the condition that the identification information of the image forming apparatus 103 is stored in the cartridge in which the WOROM is installed. This makes it possible to use the printing material cartridges that were being used during the subscription period even after the subscription contract has ended, significantly improving usability.

[0108] It should be noted that the structure and content of the various data described above are not limited to those mentioned, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various structures and contents depending on the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Furthermore, any configurations combining the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0109] [Other Embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments 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) that implements one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

[0110] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) An image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, which is provided with consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after being written to once, A switching means for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the operator transitions when a second contract, which could be entered into when the first contract was in effect in the past, becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in its initial state is installed, a writing means for writing identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, It includes control means for controlling the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, The control means is In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing predetermined information when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus switches to the first mode, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the switching means allows switching to the third mode when the predetermined information is stored in the storage means. (Composition 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that the storage means stores the predetermined information when the writing is performed by the writing means. (Composition 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching means switches the operating mode in response to instructions from a server that manages information on multiple contracts, including the first contract and the second contract. (Composition 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means accepts an operation to conclude the second contract when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed and identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory at the timing related to the printing process in the second mode, and switches the operation mode to the second mode via the switching means and permits printing as a result of the operation which makes the second contract valid. (Composition 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the consumable is a cartridge filled with printing material. (Composition 7) A system including a server that manages contract information, including a first contract which provides consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after one write operation, and an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, The aforementioned server, The system has a transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the image forming apparatus to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the contract relating to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is A switching means for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the server switches when a second contract that could be entered into when the first contract was in effect in the past becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in its initial state is installed, a writing means for writing identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, It includes control means for controlling the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, The control means is In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A system characterized by the following features. (Composition 8) The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing predetermined information when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus is switched to the first mode. The system according to configuration 7, characterized in that when the switching means receives an instruction from the server to switch to the third mode, it permits switching to the third mode depending on whether the predetermined information is stored in the storage means. (Composition 9) The system according to configuration 8, characterized in that the storage means stores the predetermined information when the writing is performed by the writing means. (Composition 10) The aforementioned server, Storage means for storing information relating to the history of the conclusion of the first contract for the image forming apparatus, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the image forming apparatus to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus, The switching means of the image forming apparatus switches the operating mode in response to instructions from the server. The system according to configuration 7, characterized in that the transmission means of the server permits the image forming apparatus to transmit an instruction to switch to the third mode when the storage means has information regarding the history stored in it. (Composition 11) The system according to any one of configurations 7 to 10, characterized in that the consumable is a cartridge filled with printing material. (Method 1) A control method for an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, which provides a consumable having memory that becomes read-only after one write operation, A switching step of switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the operator transitions when a second contract, which could be entered into when the first contract was in effect in the past, becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in an initial state is installed, a writing step is performed to write the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, The system includes a control step that controls the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, In the control process described above, In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the following: (Method 2) A control method for a system including a server that manages contract information, including a first contract which provides consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after one write operation, and an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, The image forming apparatus performs the following: A switching step of switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the server switches when a second contract that could be entered into when the first contract was effective in the past becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in an initial state is installed, a writing step is performed to write the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, The system includes a control step that controls the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, In the control process described above, In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A method for controlling a system characterized by the following features. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image forming apparatus described in Method 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 101 Print Server 102 User Terminals 103 Image forming apparatus 105 Printing Material Cartridges

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, which is provided with consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after being written to once, A switching means for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the operator transitions when a second contract, which could be entered into when the first contract was in effect in the past, becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in its initial state is installed, a writing means for writing identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, It includes control means for controlling the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, The control means is In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when the consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing predetermined information when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus switches to the first mode, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching means permits switching to the third mode when the predetermined information is stored in the storage means.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage means stores the predetermined information when the writing is performed by the writing means.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching means switches the operating mode in response to instructions from a server that manages information on a plurality of contracts, including the first contract and the second contract.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means accepts an operation to conclude the second contract when the consumable equipped with the memory is installed and the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory at the timing related to the printing process in the second mode, and in response to the second contract becoming valid as a result of the operation, switches the operation mode to the second mode via the switching means and permits printing.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the consumable is a cartridge filled with printing material.

7. A system including a server that manages contract information, including a first contract which provides consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after being written to once, and an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, The aforementioned server, The system has a transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the image forming apparatus to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the contract relating to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is A switching means for switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the server switches when a second contract that could be entered into when the first contract was effective in the past becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in its initial state is installed, a writing means for writing identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, It includes control means for controlling the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, The control means is In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when the consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A system characterized by the following features.

8. The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing predetermined information when the operating mode of the image forming apparatus is switched to the first mode. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that when the switching means receives an instruction from the server to switch to the third mode, it permits the switch to the third mode depending on whether the predetermined information is stored in the storage means.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the storage means stores the predetermined information when the writing is performed by the writing means.

10. The aforementioned server, Storage means for storing information relating to the history of the conclusion of the first contract for the image forming apparatus, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the image forming apparatus to switch the operating mode of the image forming apparatus, The switching means of the image forming apparatus switches the operating mode in response to instructions from the server. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the transmission means of the server permits the image forming apparatus to transmit an instruction to switch to the third mode when the storage means has information relating to the history stored therein.

11. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the consumable is a cartridge filled with printing material.

12. A control method for an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, which provides a consumable item having memory that becomes read-only after being written to once, A switching step of switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the operator transitions when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the operator transitions when a second contract, which could have been entered into when the first contract was in effect in the past, becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in an initial state is installed, a writing step is performed to write the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, The system includes a control step that controls the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, In the control process described above, In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when the consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the following:

13. A control method for a system including a server that manages contract information, including a first contract which provides consumables equipped with memory that becomes read-only after one write operation, and an image forming apparatus corresponding to the first contract, The image forming apparatus performs the following: A switching step of switching the operating mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes effective, a second mode to which the server switches when the first contract becomes ineffective, and a third mode to which the server switches when a second contract that could be entered into when the first contract was effective in the past becomes effective. In the first mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory in an initial state is installed, a writing step is performed to write the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the memory, The system includes a control step that controls the printing process according to the aforementioned operating mode, In the control process described above, In the first mode, printing is permitted when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the second mode, printing is not permitted when the consumable equipped with the memory is installed. In the third mode, when a consumable equipped with the memory is installed, printing is permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is stored in the memory, and printing is not permitted depending on whether the identification information of the image forming apparatus is not stored in the memory. A method for controlling a system characterized by the following features.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image forming apparatus described in claim 12.

Images