METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort for a user to cancel a contract.SOLUTION: A method executes: a first reception step (S232) of receiving, by a server (8), a first notification from a printer (P1); a cancellation processing execution step (S235) of, when the server (8) receives the first notification, executing, by the server (8), processing for canceling a contract for the printer (P1); and a permission step (S236) of, when the server (8) receives the first notification, permitting, by the server (8), the use of a contract cartridge for a printer (P2) associated with the printer (P1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, an image forming apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, flat-rate printing services have been widely provided to users of image forming devices. Flat-rate printing services are also called subscription services, and are services that can be subscribed to for each image forming device. For example, an image forming device that is a contract machine for which a contract for the use of the flat-rate printing service has been concluded is permitted to print up to a preset number of sheets for a predetermined period of time for a fixed usage fee.

[0003] In general, when using a flat-rate printing service, the service provider often specifies that the image forming device with which the contract is concluded should use contract consumables exclusively for the flat-rate printing service. In this case, a mechanism is required to ensure that the contract consumables are used appropriately on the contract device.

[0004] In order to ensure proper use of contracted consumables, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for distinguishing between contracted consumables and normal consumables that can be used regardless of subscription to a service. It also discloses a technique for managing contracted consumables in association with contracted machines so that contracted consumables are used in specific contracted machines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0131831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Meanwhile, a user may change a contracted machine for various reasons. Conventionally, changing a contracted machine was completed in the following procedure. For example, first, a contract cancellation procedure is carried out for the image forming apparatus before the change (hereinafter, the pre-changed apparatus). Second, another image forming apparatus (hereinafter, the post-changed apparatus) is delivered to the user. Third, a contract procedure is concluded for the post-changed apparatus. Fourth, based on the conclusion of the contract for the post-changed apparatus, the service provider supplies the user with contracted consumables for the post-changed apparatus. In other words, in order to cancel the contract for the pre-changed apparatus, the user had to carry out the procedure himself, which was troublesome.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to reduce the effort required for users to cancel a contract. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the method of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first receiving step in which an information processing device receives from a first image forming device a first notification indicating that a normal cartridge has been installed in the first image forming device that is authorized to use a contract cartridge that can be used based on a concluded contract, a cancellation processing execution step in which, when the information processing device receives the first notification, the information processing device executes a cancellation processing of the contract for the first image forming device, and an authorization step in which, when the information processing device receives the first notification, the information processing device authorizes a second image forming device associated with the first image forming device to use the contract cartridge.

[0009] A second aspect is the method of the first aspect, wherein the normal cartridge is a cartridge that can be used regardless of whether the contract is concluded.

[0010] A third aspect is the method according to the first or second aspect, in which the cancellation process may be a process in which the information processing device cancels a contract with the first image forming device.

[0011] A fourth aspect is a method of the first or second aspect, wherein the cancellation process is a process in which the information processing device instructs another information processing device different from the information processing device to cancel the contract with the first image forming device, and the method includes a cancellation step in which the other information processing device cancels the contract with the first image forming device.

[0012] A fifth aspect is a method of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the method includes a storage step of storing contract-related information in a storage unit, the contract-related information being information that associates the first image forming device with the second image forming device, and the permission step may include permitting use of the contract cartridge for the second image forming device indicated by the contract-related information stored in the storage unit.

[0013] A sixth aspect is a method of any one of the first to fifth aspects, which may include, after the permission step, a second receiving step in which the information processing device receives from the second image forming device a second notification indicating that the contract cartridge has been installed in the second image forming device, and a start processing execution step in which, when the information processing device receives the second notification, the information processing device executes a start processing of the contract for the second image forming device.

[0014] A seventh aspect is the method of the sixth aspect, in which the initiation process may be a process in which the information processing device initiates a contract with the second image forming device.

[0015] An eighth aspect is a method of the sixth aspect, wherein the start processing is processing in which the information processing device instructs another information processing device different from the information processing device to start a contract for the second image forming device, and the method may include a start step in which the other information processing device starts the contract for the second image forming device.

[0016] A ninth aspect is a method of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first image forming device is a monochrome printer capable of mounting one cartridge containing toner or ink of a certain color, and the method may include a transmission step in which, when the cartridge mounted on the first image forming device is the normal cartridge, the first image forming device transmits the first notification to the information processing device.

[0017] A tenth aspect is a method of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first image forming device is a color printer capable of mounting a plurality of cartridges containing a single color of toner or ink, and the method may include a transmission step in which the first image forming device transmits the first notification to the information processing device when all of the plurality of cartridges mounted on the first image forming device are normal cartridges.

[0018] An eleventh aspect is the method of the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the first image forming device is provided with a cover that is movable between an open position that opens an opening in a main body housing of the first image forming device and a closed position that closes the opening, and the method may include an installation detection step in which the first image forming device detects the installation of the cartridge in the main body housing when triggered by the first image forming device being powered on or the opening being closed by the cover.

[0019] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first image forming device of a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a first image forming device that is authorized to use a contract cartridge that can be used based on a concluded contract, and is equipped with a main body housing and a controller, and the controller executes a determination process for determining whether the cartridge attached to the main body housing is a normal cartridge, a transmission process for transmitting a notification to an information processing device indicating the attachment of the normal cartridge and permission to use the contract cartridge in a second image forming device associated with the first image forming device, and a reception process for receiving a cancellation notification indicating cancellation of the contract for the first image forming device from the information processing device in response to the notification, and a prohibition process for prohibiting the use of the contract cartridge in the first image forming device when the cancellation notification is received.

[0020] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing device of a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that communicates with a first image forming device that is authorized to use a contract cartridge that can be used based on a concluded contract, and a second image forming device that is associated with the first image forming device, and a control unit of the information processing device executes a first receiving process for receiving a first notification indicating that a normal cartridge has been installed, a cancellation process execution process for executing a cancellation process of the contract for the first image forming device when the first notification is received, and an authorization process for authorizing the second image forming device to use the contract cartridge when the first notification is received. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the method of the first aspect, when a normal cartridge is installed in a first image forming device, the contract for the first image forming device is cancelled and the use of a contract cartridge in a second image forming device is permitted. This reduces the effort required for cancelling a contract.

[0022] According to the method of the second aspect, when a normal cartridge that can be used regardless of whether a contract has been concluded is installed in the first image forming device, the contract for the first image forming device is cancelled. In other words, according to the second method, the contract for the first image forming device is cancelled after the first image forming device is in a state where it can perform printing that is not dependent on a contract. This makes it possible to prevent a period during which the first image forming device is unable to form images.

[0023] According to the method of the third aspect, the information processing device that has received the first notification can cancel the contract with the first image forming device.

[0024] According to the method of the fourth aspect, the contract for the first image forming apparatus can be cancelled by an information processing apparatus other than the information processing apparatus that has received the first notification. For example, the contract can be cancelled by a dedicated server or the like that manages the contract.

[0025] According to the method of the fifth aspect, the permission step can permit use of the contract cartridge for the second image forming apparatus that has been previously associated with the first image forming apparatus in the storage step.

[0026] According to the method of the sixth aspect, the contract is started when the contract cartridge is actually mounted in the second image forming apparatus. This makes it possible to start the contract after the contract cartridge is actually made available for use in the second image forming apparatus.

[0027] According to the method of the seventh aspect, the information processing device that has received the second notification can itself start a contract with the second image forming device.

[0028] According to the method of the eighth aspect, the contract for the second image forming device can be started by an information processing device other than the information processing device that has received the second notification. For example, the contract can be started by a dedicated server or the like that manages the contract.

[0029] According to the method of the ninth aspect, the first image forming device transmits the first notification when one normal cartridge is installed. Here, the first image forming device prints with one normal cartridge. Therefore, according to the method of the ninth aspect, it is possible to prevent the first image forming device from becoming unable to print when the contract for the first image forming device is terminated.

[0030] According to the method of the tenth aspect, the first image forming device can transmit the first notification when color printing using the normal cartridge becomes possible, thereby preventing the first image forming device from becoming unable to print when the contract for the first image forming device is terminated.

[0031] According to the method of the eleventh aspect, the first image forming device detects whether the cartridge is installed in the main body housing based on the power-on or the operation of closing the cover when the installation of the cartridge is completed. This makes it possible to detect without delay that the cartridge has been installed.

[0032] According to the first image forming device of the twelfth aspect, when a normal cartridge is installed in the first image forming device, the contract for the first image forming device is cancelled, the use of the contract cartridge in the second image forming device becomes possible, and then the use of the contract cartridge in the image forming device is prohibited. This reduces the effort required for cancelling the contract.

[0033] According to the information processing device of the thirteenth aspect, the same effects as those of the method of the first aspect are achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an apparatus included in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a registration table in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system of the first embodiment in the case of a new contract. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transition of information in the registration table in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a process performed when a contract change is made in the image forming system of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in the image forming system of the first embodiment in the case of a contract change. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a transition of information in the registration table in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus is an inkjet printer.

[0036] <Overview of image forming system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming system 100 according to a first embodiment. In the image forming system 100, a printing service is provided from a business to a user's image forming device 1 based on a contract concluded between the business and the user. In the following, a fixed-price printing service provided based on a contract is referred to as a contract service. Printing performed by the image forming device 1 using the provided contract service is referred to as contract printing to distinguish it from normal printing performed regardless of the contract. Normal printing performed regardless of the contract is referred to as normal printing in the following.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, a server (information processing device) 8, and a user terminal 9. The image forming apparatus 1 used by the user is an apparatus that executes printing using a contract service. The server 8 used by the business operator is an apparatus for managing the image forming apparatus 1 for which a contract has been concluded and the use of the contract service has been permitted. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 for which a contract has been concluded and the use of the contract service has been permitted is referred to as a contract machine. The user terminal 9 used by the user is an apparatus for communicating with the server 8 to conclude and terminate a contract, and to execute other procedures. For example, an information processing terminal equipped with a standard communication function, such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, may be adopted as the user terminal 9. The apparatuses constituting the image forming system 100 can communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0038] 1 represent image forming apparatuses 1 purchased by the same user. However, the image forming system 100 may be configured to include other image forming apparatuses purchased by other users, although not shown.

[0039] Each of the multiple image forming devices 1 is an image forming device that allows a user to use contract-specific consumables or replacements by entering into a contract with a business operator. As an example, a contract is when a business operator providing a contract service and a user agree to provide the contract service to the user after the contract service usage period, usage fee, maximum number of sheets, etc. are agreed upon between the business operator providing the contract service and the user. In other words, the image forming device 1 of this embodiment is an image forming device that is capable of performing contract printing, which is printing based on the contents of the contract for the contract service, after a contract for the contract service is concluded.

[0040] In the image forming system 100 of this embodiment, in the contract service provided from the business to the user, the timing of the following (1) and (2) is different.

[0041] (1) Timing when the server 8 recognizes the image forming apparatus 1 as a contract machine (2) The timing at which the server 8 determines that the contracted service for the image forming device 1 has started That is, in the contract service of this embodiment, the server 8 may recognize the image forming apparatus 1 as "a contract machine, but the use of the contract service has not yet started."

[0042] In (2), "deeming the contracted service to have started" simply means that the server 8 recognizes that "provision of the contracted service started from a certain date and time." Therefore, the timing at which the server 8 deems the contracted service for the image forming device 1 to have started does not have to coincide with the timing at which the image forming device 1 actually executed the contracted printing.

[0043] In the following, unless otherwise specified, the contracted service is a paid service. The timing of (1) does not trigger the start of billing for the contract concluded with the image forming device 1, and the timing of (2) is the timing for the start of billing.

[0044] In the following, an ink cartridge used for contract printing and dedicated to a contract service will be referred to as a “contract cartridge.” In other words, a contract cartridge is an ink cartridge 4 that can be used based on an concluded contract.

[0045] In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming device 1 is an inkjet printer that prints data on a printing paper by ejecting ink (printing material). One or more ink cartridges are mounted in the main body of the image forming device 1. In this embodiment, the image forming device 1 is a color printer that can mount a plurality of cartridges containing ink of one color. More specifically, in this embodiment, the image forming device 1 is mounted with ink cartridges of four colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK). Although not shown, the image forming device 1 may be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or lamp, and an input unit such as a button. The liquid crystal display may be configured to function as an input unit by being integrated with a touch panel.

[0046] Although details will be described later, a user who uses image forming system 100 can change the contract. In this embodiment, "changing the contract" means canceling a contract concluded with a certain image forming device 1 and concluding a contract with another image forming device 1. Note that "terminating the contract" in this embodiment means that server 8 no longer recognizes image forming device 1 as a contract machine.

[0047] In other words, a contract change can be said to mean changing the contracted machine from one image forming apparatus 1 to another image forming apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 that is the currently contracted machine is also referred to as the "image forming apparatus 1 before the change (first image forming apparatus)." In addition, the other image forming apparatus 1 for which a new contract has been concluded in place of the image forming apparatus 1 before the change is also referred to as the "image forming apparatus 1 after the change (second image forming apparatus)."

[0048] Furthermore, the user can conclude a new contract. In this embodiment, a "new contract" refers to concluding a contract for a certain image forming device 1 without setting the changed image forming device 1. In other words, a new contract means increasing the number of contracted machines registered in the server 8. Furthermore, the user can also cancel a contract for a certain image forming device 1 without setting the changed image forming device 1.

[0049] <Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 1> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. For convenience, in the following description, the upper side of Fig. 2 will be referred to as the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1, the lower side of Fig. 2 will be referred to as the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1, the left side of Fig. 2 will be referred to as the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the right side of Fig. 2 will be referred to as the front side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0050] The image forming device 1 is an inkjet printer that prints data on printing paper P by ejecting ink. One or more ink cartridges are attached to the main body housing of the image forming device 1. In the example of Fig. 2, the image forming device 1 is ready to print when four ink cartridges 4 are attached.

[0051] The image forming apparatus 1 may have an opening for mounting the ink cartridge 4 in the main body housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 may also include a cover for closing the opening for mounting the ink cartridge 4. The cover is configured to be movable between an open position where the opening is open and a closed position where the opening is closed.

[0052] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a lamp, and an input unit such as buttons. The liquid crystal display may be integrated with a touch panel to function as the input unit.

[0053] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed tray 20, a paper feed section 2, a transport roller 70, a recording section 3, a discharge roller 72, and a discharge tray 30. An opening is formed in the front of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper feed tray 20 is disposed in the opening so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The paper feed tray 20 stores a plurality of stacked printing papers P. The printing papers P are, for example, papers of a predetermined size.

[0054] The paper feed unit 2 has a paper feed roller 21, a paper feed arm 22, and a shaft 23. The paper feed unit 2 feeds the print paper P stored in the paper feed tray 20 to the transport path R by forward rotation of the paper feed roller 21. The paper feed roller 21 is rotatably provided at the tip of the paper feed arm 22. The paper feed arm 22 is rotatably provided on a shaft 23 supported by the frame of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper feed arm 22 is urged to rotate toward the paper feed tray 20 by its own weight or an elastic force of a spring or the like. A driving force generated by reverse rotation of a motor (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 21, causing the paper feed roller 21 to rotate forward.

[0055] The transport path R is a space formed by a guide member 51, a guide member 52, the recording unit 3, a guide member 53, a guide member 54, and the like.

[0056] A transport roller 70 is disposed upstream of the recording unit 3 in the transport direction. A pinch roller 71 is disposed so as to face the lower part of the transport roller 70. The transport roller 70 rotates by the power of a motor included in the image forming apparatus 1. The pinch roller 71 rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 70. As the transport roller 70 and the pinch roller 71 rotate forward, the print paper P is transported to an image recording position X on the transport path R while being sandwiched between the transport roller 70 and the pinch roller 71. The image recording position X is a position where an image is recorded on the print paper P by the recording head 32. When the driving force caused by the forward rotation of the motor of the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the transport roller 70, the transport roller 70 rotates forward. Also, when the driving force caused by the reverse rotation of the motor is transmitted to the transport roller 70, the transport roller 70 rotates reversely. Note that the forward rotation of the motor provided in the image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to the rotation in the first direction, and the reverse rotation of the motor corresponds to the rotation in the second direction.

[0057] The recording unit 3 is disposed between a transport roller 70 and a discharge roller 72 on the transport path R. The recording unit 3 has a carriage 31, a recording head 32, a plurality of nozzles 33, and a platen 34. The nozzles 33 are each connected to an ink cartridge 4. The number of nozzles 33 and ink cartridges 4 is not particularly limited.

[0058] The ink cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can be attached to the main body housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The ink cartridge 4 contains inks of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as materials used for forming images. The ink is a consumable item that is consumed every time printing is performed.

[0059] The carriage 31 moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, i.e., in the width direction of the print paper P. In recording an image on the print paper P, the image forming apparatus 1 ejects ink from the nozzles 33 of the recording head 32 as a recording process while moving the carriage 31 in the width direction of the print paper P with the transport of the print paper P stopped, thereby recording one line of an image on the print paper P. As a line feed process, the image forming apparatus 1 drives the transport rollers 70 and discharge rollers 72 to transport the print paper P by a predetermined line feed amount. The image forming apparatus 1 repeats this recording process and line feed process.

[0060] 2, a recording head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are provided on the bottom surface of the recording head 32. The recording head 32 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 33. The platen 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the printing paper P is placed. As the carriage 31 moves relative to the printing paper P supported by the platen 34, the recording head 32 selectively ejects ink droplets, thereby recording an image on the printing paper P.

[0061] Discharge rollers 72 are disposed downstream of the recording unit 3 in the transport direction. Spurs 73 are disposed in a position facing the upper part of the discharge rollers 72. The discharge rollers 72 are driven by a motor provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The spurs 73 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge rollers 72. As the discharge rollers 72 and the spurs 73 rotate in the forward direction, the print paper P is sandwiched between the discharge rollers 72 and the spurs 73 and discharged to the discharge tray 30.

[0062] The discharge tray 30 is disposed above the paper feed tray 20. The discharge tray 30 supports the print paper P discharged by the discharge rollers 72.

[0063] <Main components of the device included in the image forming system> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the devices included in the image forming system 100. For convenience, Fig. 3 shows the main configuration of only one image forming device 1. However, each of the image forming devices 1 included in the image forming system 100 has the configuration described below.

[0064] (Ink cartridge 4) The ink cartridge 4 has a cartridge memory 42. The cartridge memory 42 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The cartridge memory 42 is, for example, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0065] The cartridge memory 42 stores various information related to the ink cartridge 4. The cartridge memory 42 stores, for example, a cartridge ID 421, a cartridge type 422, and remaining ink amount information 423.

[0066] The cartridge ID 421 is identification information for uniquely identifying the ink cartridge 4. As an example, the cartridge ID 421 is a serial number assigned to each ink cartridge 4. The cartridge ID 421 may include information indicating the color, model number, manufacturer, production lot, etc. of the ink cartridge 4.

[0067] The cartridge type 422 is information that indicates the type of the ink cartridge 4. In this embodiment, at least two types of ink cartridges 4 can be set: "contract" and "normal."

[0068] An ink cartridge 4 whose cartridge type 422 indicates "contract" is an ink cartridge exclusively for a contract service, that is, a "contract cartridge." The image forming device 1 can perform contract printing while a contract cartridge is installed. Contract cartridges are supplied by a business to users who have signed a contract for the image forming device 1.

[0069] An ink cartridge 4 whose cartridge type 422 indicates "normal" is an ink cartridge 4 that can be used for normal printing. As described above, normal printing is printing that is performed regardless of a contract. Therefore, an ink cartridge 4 whose cartridge type 422 indicates "normal" is a cartridge that can be used regardless of whether a contract has been concluded. Hereinafter, an ink cartridge 4 whose type is "normal" will be referred to as a normal cartridge.

[0070] The normal cartridge may be a commercially available ink cartridge 4 that can be purchased from a home appliance retailer or a mail order site. The normal cartridge may be a so-called genuine product manufactured by the manufacturer of the image forming device 1, or may be a so-called third-party product manufactured by a third party other than the manufacturer.

[0071] The remaining ink information 423 is information that indicates the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 4. The remaining ink information 423 is stored, for example, as values ​​corresponding to a number of stages from full to empty. Based on the above values, each stage of the remaining ink may be notified to the user in words such as "FULL" to "EMPTY", or may be notified to the user as a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%", or may be notified to the user by a combination of these expressions.

[0072] In addition to the various information described above, the cartridge memory 42 may store status information indicating whether the ink cartridge 4 is new or old. The cartridge memory 42 may also store the device ID of the image forming device 1 in which the ink cartridge 4 that contains it is to be mounted.

[0073] (Image forming device 1) The image forming apparatus 1 has a controller 61, a main body memory 62, and a communication unit 63. The controller 61 has, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 is electrically connected to the main body memory 62 and the communication unit 63 provided in the main body housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 61 executes various operations to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform various processes related to printing.

[0074] The controller 61 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this case, a control program for implementing a control method for the image forming apparatus may be stored in the main body memory 62, and the controller 61 may cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform various processes by the processor operating according to the control program.

[0075] The controller 61 may also include a computer-readable recording medium such as a main memory 62 that stores a control program. As the recording medium, a "non-transient tangible medium" such as a ROM or the like, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like may be used. A RAM (Random Access Memory) in which the control program is deployed may also be used. The control program may also be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the control program. Note that one aspect of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the control program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0076] The main body housing of the image forming apparatus 1 has a connector 101. When the ink cartridge 4 is attached to the main body housing of the image forming apparatus 1, the connector 101 is electrically connected to the cartridge memory 42. This enables the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with the cartridge memory 42 of the ink cartridge 4. This enables the controller 61 to execute a process of reading information from the cartridge memory 42 and a process of writing information to the cartridge memory 42 (including a rewriting process).

[0077] The main memory 62 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark). The main memory 62 has one or more storage areas, and, for example, the following various types of information are stored in each area.

[0078] The cartridge information 621 is information relating to the ink cartridges 4 of each color that are attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the cartridge information 621 includes information that associates information relating to the ink cartridges 4 read from the cartridge memory 42 of each ink cartridge 4 with each ink cartridge 4. As an example, the information relating to the ink cartridges 4 is, as shown in the figure, a cartridge ID, a cartridge type, and remaining ink amount information.

[0079] In this embodiment, the controller 61 reads out the cartridge ID 421, cartridge type 422, and remaining ink amount information 423 from the cartridge memory 42 at a predetermined timing. The controller 61 then collects these three pieces of information for each ink cartridge 4 and stores them in the main body memory 62 as cartridge information 621.

[0080] In this embodiment, the cartridge information 621 may be referenced by the controller 61 to determine whether or not to switch modes of the image forming apparatus 1 depending on the installation status of the ink cartridge 4 in the image forming apparatus 1. The "mode of the image forming apparatus 1" is the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1, and specifies, for example, the types of printing that can be performed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0081] The device ID 622 is identification information for identifying the image forming device 1. The device ID 622 is, for example, a serial number of the image forming device.

[0082] The mode information 623 is information indicating the mode of the image forming apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, as an example, two types of modes are defined: a "contract mode" and a "non-contract mode".

[0083] The "contract mode" is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 operates while being recognized by the server 8 as a contract machine. The image forming apparatus 1 in the contract mode is capable of contract printing and normal printing. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 in the contract mode can use both contract cartridges and normal cartridges. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 in the contract mode is an image forming apparatus 1 that is permitted to use contract cartridges.

[0084] On the other hand, the "non-contract mode" is a mode in which the image forming device 1 is not recognized by the server 8 as a contract machine and operates in a state in which no contract has been concluded. The image forming device 1 in the non-contract mode cannot perform contract printing but can perform normal printing. In other words, the image forming device 1 in the non-contract mode cannot use contract cartridges but can use normal cartridges. In other words, the image forming device 1 in the non-contract mode is an image forming device 1 that is not permitted to use contract cartridges.

[0085] When the image forming device 1 is shipped, mode information 623 indicating a value corresponding to the non-contract mode is stored as an initial value in the main body memory 62. The server 8 instructs the image forming device 1 of a contracted user to transition to the contract mode. The controller 61 changes the mode information 623 from the non-contract mode to the contract mode in accordance with the instruction from the server 8. As an example in this embodiment, the change in the value of the mode information 623 by the controller 61 is referred to as "transitioning the mode of the image forming device 1."

[0086] The first number counter 625 is the cumulative number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus 1. The second number counter 626 indicates the number of printed sheets that have been contract-printed in the image forming apparatus 1. The second number counter 626 may be reset to 0 each time the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the non-contract mode to the contract mode, or may be the cumulative number of printed sheets that have been contract-printed in the image forming apparatus 1 up to now. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the value of the second number counter 626 is taken to be the cumulative number of printed sheets that have been contract-printed in the image forming apparatus 1 up to now.

[0087] The communication unit 63 is a communication interface that communicates between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 8. The communication unit 63 connects to and communicates with the server 8 via a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 63 outputs various requests, instructions, and inquiries received from the server 8 to the controller 61. The controller 61 creates responses to these requests, instructions, and inquiries and outputs them to the communication unit 63. The communication unit 63 transmits the input responses to the server 8.

[0088] Depending on the contents of the request, instruction, or inquiry, the controller 61 may not need to send a response to the server 8. For example, assume that the request from the server 8 is an instruction to change various settings in the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the controller 61 changes various settings in the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the instruction, but may or may not reply to the server 8 that the settings have been changed.

[0089] (Server 8) The server 8 is a management device that manages the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1. The server 8 includes a server communication unit 83, a server memory (storage unit) 82, and a server control unit 81.

[0090] The server memory 82 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of the server 8. The server memory 82 stores, as an example, device information 821 and a registration table (contract-related information) 822. The device information 821 is data that compiles various information related to the image forming device 1. The device information is stored separately for each image forming device 1. The device information 821 includes at least the device ID 622 of each image forming device 1. In addition, the device information may include the value of a first sheet number counter 625 and / or the value of a second sheet number counter 626.

[0091] The server communication unit 83 is a communication interface that communicates between the server 8 and the image forming apparatus 1. The server communication unit 83 outputs various data, notifications, and requests received from the image forming apparatus 1 to the server control unit 81. The server communication unit 83 transmits various data, notifications, and requests input from the server control unit 81 to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the server communication unit 83 may receive a device ID, a value of a first sheet number counter, and / or a value of a second sheet number counter from the image forming apparatus 1, and output them to the server control unit 81.

[0092] The server control unit 81 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs overall control of the server 8. The server control unit 81 executes various processes in response to notifications or requests received from the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the server control unit 81 updates a registration table 822 stored in the server memory 82. The "registration table" is a data table in which the image forming apparatus 1 designated by the user as a contract machine is registered. The "registration table" is also data indicating the application status of the contract service for each contract machine. The specific configuration of the registration table 822 will be described in detail later.

[0093] The registration table 822 may be stored in a device other than the server 8, such as a data server, instead of the server memory 82. In this case, the server 8 may be able to access the registration table 822 by communicating with the device in which the registration table 822 is stored via the server communication unit 83. Alternatively, in this case, the server 8 may indirectly update the information in the registration table 822 by instructing another information processing device to perform a data operation on the registration table 822.

[0094] In addition, the server control unit 81 may associate the device ID input via the server communication unit 83 with the value of the first sheet count counter and / or the value of the second sheet count counter, and store it in the server memory 82 as device information of the image forming device 1.

[0095] (User terminal 9) The user terminal 9 has an input interface for receiving various input operations from the user, and a communication interface for communicating with the server 8.

[0096] The user terminal 9 accepts an input operation for concluding a new contract. For example, the user specifies or inputs his / her own identification information (user ID) and identification information of the image forming device 1 to be used as the contract machine via the input interface of the user terminal 9. When the user terminal 9 accepts the input, it transmits an instruction for a new contract including the input information to the server 8.

[0097] Furthermore, the user terminal 9 accepts an input operation for changing the contract. For example, the user designates or inputs his / her own identification information, the identification information of the image forming device 1 before the change, and the identification information of the image forming device 1 after the change via an input interface of the user terminal 9. Upon accepting the input, the user terminal 9 transmits an instruction for changing the contract including the input information to the server 8.

[0098] In addition, the user terminal 9 may also accept an input operation for contract cancellation. The input operation for contract cancellation includes an operation for inputting the identification information of the user and the identification information of the image forming device 1 for which the contract is to be cancelled. When the user terminal 9 accepts the input operation for contract cancellation, it transmits an instruction for contract cancellation including the input information to the server 8. The server control unit 81 cancels the contract for the image forming device 1 by updating the registration table 822 in accordance with the instruction for contract cancellation.

[0099] (Registration table) 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of registration table 822. Registration table 822 stores data in which the following information (1) to (4) are associated as one record. Note that a record for a newly contracted image forming apparatus 1 does not need to include information (4).

[0100] (1) User identification information (2) Identification information of the image forming device 1 registered as a contract machine by the user indicated in (1) (3) The application status of the contract service for the image forming device 1 indicated by the identification information in (2) (4) When the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the identification information in (2) is made into a contract machine, the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 whose contract is to be cancelled (i.e., the image forming apparatus 1 before the change) In this embodiment, the "application state of the contracted service" is classified into three states: the state before the contracted service starts, the state after the contracted service starts, and the state after the contracted service is disabled. The "state before the contracted service starts" refers to a state in which the contracted service is registered in the registration table 822 but has not started, i.e., the state before charging. The "state after the contracted service starts" refers to a state in which the contracted service has started, i.e., the state after charging. The "state after the contracted service is disabled" refers to a state in which the contract has been cancelled.

[0101] In the example of FIG. 4, information indicating a user name is stored in the "user name" column as (1). Also, in the example of FIG. 4, the device ID of the image forming device 1 is stored in the "device ID" column as (2). Also, in the example of FIG. 4, the "contract" column includes information indicating one of three types, "before start", "after start", or "invalid", as (3). "Before start" indicates that the contract service of the image forming device 1 is in a state before it is started. "After start" indicates that the contract service of the image forming device 1 is in a state after it is started. "Invalid" indicates that the contract service of the image forming device 1 is in an invalid state. For convenience, the information in the "contract" column is a character string in FIG. 4, but the information in the "contract" column may be a numerical value. Also, in the example of FIG. 4, the device ID of the image forming device 1 before the change is stored in the "before change" column as (4).

[0102] In this way, the registration table 822 is a data table for managing contract machines registered due to new contracts and contract changes. In particular, a record registered due to a contract change can be said to be information that associates the image forming device 1 before the change with the image forming device 1 after the change.

[0103] <Processing flow> (1: Contract processing for new registrations) Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in image forming system 100 in the case of a new contract. Fig. 5 illustrates an example of the operation when a user makes a new contract with printer P1, which is an example of image forming device 1, as the contract machine. Note that in the following explanation and in the figures following Fig. 5, the device ID of printer P1 is assumed to be "00000001". Also, the user name of the user who operates user terminal 9 is assumed to be "User A".

[0104] User A performs an input operation on the user terminal 9 to make a new contract for printer P1 as a contract machine. When the user terminal 9 accepts the input operation, it instructs the server 8 to newly register printer P1 in the registration table (S101). Note that this instruction for new registration includes the user name entered by the user and the device ID of printer P1 entered by the user or acquired by the user terminal 9 from printer P1.

[0105] The server control unit 81 of the server 8 receives the instruction for new registration via the server communication unit 83. Upon receiving the instruction for new registration, the server control unit 81 newly registers the printer P1 in the registration table 822 of the server memory 82 (S131). Specifically, the server control unit 81 performs the following operations (1) to (4) on the registration table 822.

[0106] (1) Add one record.

[0107] (2) In the "User name" column of the added record, store the user name included in the new registration instruction. In the case of Figure 5, "User A" is stored as the user name.

[0108] (3) In the "Device ID" column of the added record, store the device ID of printer P1. In the case of Figure 5, "00000001" is stored as the device ID.

[0109] (4) Store information indicating “Before Start” in the “Contract” column of the added record.

[0110] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the transition of information in registration table 822 in Fig. 5. After the process of S131, as shown in Fig. 6, one record line is added to the top of registration table 822. Note that Fig. 6 shows records sorted by user name for ease of viewing, but the position where the record is added is not particularly limited. The same applies to Fig. 9 described later.

[0111] Returning to FIG. 5 for further explanation, when the server control unit 81 has completed the new registration of the printer P1 in the registration table 822, it instructs the printer P1 via the server communication unit 83 to transition to the contract mode (S132). The controller 61 of the printer P1 receives the instruction to transition to the contract mode via the communication unit 63. Upon receiving the instruction to transition to the contract mode, the controller 61 transitions the state of the printer P1 from the non-contract mode to the contract mode (S111). In other words, the controller 61 rewrites the mode information in the main body memory 62 from "non-contract mode" to "contract mode". Through the above processing, the printer P1 becomes capable of operating as a contract machine.

[0112] After instructing the printer P1 to transition to the contract mode (after S132), the server control unit 81 of the server 8 may check whether the printer P1 has transitioned to the contract mode (S133). More specifically, for example, the server control unit 81 may wait a certain period of time after S132 and then communicate with the printer P1 to obtain the mode information 623 of the printer P1. The server control unit 81 may then refer to the mode information 623 to determine whether the printer P1 has transitioned to the contract mode.

[0113] The timing of the process of S133 may be determined as appropriate as long as it is before the process of S135. When the process of S133 is executed and it is determined that the printer P1 has been able to switch to the contract mode, the server control unit 81 may arrange for the contract cartridge to be sent to the address of the user of the printer P1.

[0114] Alternatively, after the printer P1 has transitioned to the contract mode (after S111), the controller 61 of the printer P1 may notify the server 8 of the transition to the contract mode. Furthermore, when the server control unit 81 of the server 8 is notified by the printer P1 of the transition to the contract mode, it may determine that the printer P1 has transitioned to the contract mode, and may arrange for the contract cartridge to be sent to the address of the user of the printer P1.

[0115] In either case, there is no particular limitation on the method of arranging for the contract cartridge by the server control unit 81. For example, the server control unit 81 may transmit a contract cartridge delivery instruction, with user A's identification information attached, to a delivery server that executes processing for the delivery of the contract cartridge.

[0116] Thereafter, at a predetermined timing, the controller 61 of the printer P1 detects the ink cartridges 4 installed in the main body housing and their types. For example, the controller 61 of the printer P1 may execute the detection process for the ink cartridges 4 when the cover of the main body housing is closed or the power of the printer P1 is turned on as a trigger. The controller 61 first detects the installation of the ink cartridges 4, and can identify the type of the ink cartridges 4 by referring to the cartridge type 422 in the cartridge memory 42 of each ink cartridge 4.

[0117] If the ink cartridge 4 detected by the controller 61 is a contract cartridge, the controller 61 notifies the server 8 that the contract cartridge has been installed. In the example of FIG. 5, the contract cartridge is installed in the printer P1 by the user. In this case, the controller 61 detects the installed contract cartridge (S112). Then, the controller 61 notifies the server 8 that the contract cartridge has been installed (S113). The notification sent by the controller 61 in S113 includes the device ID of the printer P1.

[0118] The server control unit 81 of the server 8 receives the notification from the printer P1 via the server communication unit 83 (S134). The server control unit 81 searches for records in the registration table 822 using the device ID of the printer P1 included in the notification as a key, and checks whether the previous image forming device 1 is set to the printer P1 in the registration table 822.

[0119] In the example of Fig. 5, since printer P1 is a new contract, "image forming device 1 before change" corresponding to printer P1 is not set in registration table 822. In this case, the server control unit 81 rewrites the "contract" column of the record representing printer P1 in registration table 822 to information indicating "after start", as shown in the second table of Fig. 6. By rewriting the record, the server control unit 81 can start the contract for printer P1 on the server 8 (S135).

[0120] The printer P1 can accommodate four ink cartridges 4. The controller 61 may execute the process of S113 if it detects even one contract cartridge. Under this condition, the controller 61 will not send a notification of S113 to the server 8 if all four ink cartridges 4 are normal cartridges.

[0121] Furthermore, the controller 61 may execute the process of S113 if all four ink cartridges 4 are contract cartridges. If this condition is met, the controller 61 will not send the notification of S113 to the server 8 if it detects even one normal cartridge.

[0122] (2: Processing when the image forming device before the contract change is set) Next, a case where printer P2, which is an image forming apparatus 1 different from printer P1, is registered as a contract machine and printer P1 is set as the pre-change image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. That is, in the example of Figures 7 to 9, printer P1 is the pre-change image forming apparatus 1 and printer P2 is the post-change image forming apparatus 1.

[0123] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of the process when a contract change is made in image forming system 100. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of various devices in image forming system 100 when a contract change is made. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation after the series of processes in FIG. 5 are completed. That is, it is assumed that the user terminal 9, printer P1, and server 8 in FIG. 8 are in a state where the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 have been completed. Note that the device ID of printer P2 is "00000002". FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the transition of information in the registration table in FIG. 8.

[0124] A user (user A in this example) performs an input operation for changing the contract for printer P1 on user terminal 9. The input operation for changing the contract may include, for example, an input operation for specifying image forming device 1 before the change, an input operation for specifying image forming device 1 after the change, and an input operation for user identification information such as a user name.

[0125] 7A shows an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 when the user terminal 9 accepts the above-mentioned input operation by the user. In response to the accepted input operation, the user terminal 9 transmits an instruction to register a contract change to the server 8 (S201 in FIG. 8). The instruction to register a contract change includes identification information of the image forming device 1 before the change, identification information of the image forming device 1 after the change, and identification information of the user.

[0126] When the server control unit 81 of the server 8 receives the instruction to register the contract change, it registers the printer P2 in the registration table 822. When the user terminal 9 accepts the input operation, it instructs the server 8 to newly register the printer P2 and to register the setting of the printer P1 as the image forming device 1 before the change (S201). This instruction for new registration includes the user name and the device ID of the printer P2 and the device ID of the printer P1. It also includes information indicating that the printer P1 is the image forming device 1 before the change. The server control unit 81 of the server 8 receives the instruction for new registration via the server communication unit 83.

[0127] Fig. 7(B) shows an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 after the server 8 receives an instruction to register a contract change. When the server control unit 81 receives the instruction to register a new printer, it registers the printer P2 in the registration table of the server memory 82 (S231 in Fig. 8). S231 is an example of a storage step for storing contract-related information in the storage unit. Specifically, the server control unit 81 performs the following operations (1) to (5) on the registration table.

[0128] (1) Add a record (2) In the "User Name" column of the added record, store the user name included in the contract change registration instruction. (3) Store the device ID of printer P2 in the "Device ID" column of the added record. (4) Store the information indicating "Not started" in the "Contract" column of the added record (5) Store the device ID of printer P1 in the "Before change" column of the added record. By storing the information (1) to (5) in the registration table, printer P2 and printer P1, which is the image forming apparatus 1 before printer P2 was changed, are registered in the registration table in an associated state. After the process of S231, one row record is added to registration table 822, as shown in the first registration table 822 in FIG.

[0129] In the processes of S201 and S231, the user mounts a normal cartridge in the printer P1, which is the previous image forming apparatus 1, at any timing after inputting information into the user terminal 9. The printer P1 executes an attachment detection step for detecting attachment of the cartridge in the main body housing of the printer P1 at a predetermined timing. The printer P1 further executes a determination process for determining the type of the detected cartridge (S211 in FIG. 8). For example, the controller 61 of the printer P1 may execute the detection process for the ink cartridge 4 when triggered by the cover of the main body housing being closed or the power of the printer P1 being turned on.

[0130] When the printer P1 detects a normal cartridge, it transmits a notification (first notification) indicating that a normal cartridge has been installed in the printer P1 to the server 8 (S212 in FIG. 8). S212 is an example of a transmission step and a transmission process.

[0131] As will be described later, this first notification is used as a trigger for the server 8 to permit use of the contract cartridge in the printer P2. Therefore, this first notification sent by the printer P1 can also be said to be a notification permitting use of the contract cartridge in the printer P2 associated with the printer P1 in the registration table 822.

[0132] (C) of Fig. 7 shows an example of the operation of the image forming system 100 after the server 8 receives the first notification. When the server 8 receives the first notification (S232 in Fig. 8), S232 is an example of a first receiving step and a first receiving process. The printer P1, which is the image forming device 1 before the change, is identified, and a contract cancellation process for the printer P1 is executed (S235 in Fig. 8). Here, the cancellation process refers to a process in which the server 8 directly or indirectly cancels the contract for the printer P1. S235 is an example of a cancellation process execution step and a cancellation process execution process.

[0133] For example, the server control unit 81 of the server 8 searches the registration table 822 for a record in which the device ID of the printer P1 that is the sender of the first notification is stored in the "Device ID" column. When a corresponding record is found, the server control unit 81 changes the "Contract" column of the corresponding record to "Invalid." This causes the contract service to be cancelled in the printer P1, as shown in the second registration table 822 in FIG.

[0134] Before or after the processing of S235, the server control unit 81 instructs the printer P1 to transition to the non-contract mode (S233 in FIG. 8). The instruction to transition to the non-contract mode can also be considered a cancellation notification indicating the contract cancellation of the printer P1. The controller 61 of the printer P1 receives the instruction to transition to the non-contract mode. This is an example of a receiving process. The controller 61 transitions the printer P1 to the non-contract mode (S213 in FIG. 8). S213 is an example of a prohibition process. As a result, the controller 61 of the printer P1 prohibits the use of the contract cartridge in the printer P1.

[0135] After instructing the printer P1 to transition to the non-contract mode (after S233), the server control unit 81 of the server 8 may check whether the printer P1 has transitioned to the non-contract mode in a manner similar to S133 in Fig. 5 (S234 in Fig. 8). Note that the processes of S233, S213, and S234 may be performed before or after the release process in S235.

[0136] When the above processing is completed, the server control unit 81 of the server 8 instructs the printer P2 to transition to the contract mode (S236 in FIG. 8). The instruction to transition to the contract mode is an example of an authorization step and authorization processing. By transitioning to the contract mode, the image forming apparatus 1 becomes able to use the contract cartridge. Therefore, the instruction to transition the mode of the printer P2 from the non-contract mode to the contract mode can also be said to be an instruction from the server 8 to the printer P2 to authorize the use of the contract cartridge.

[0137] Upon receiving the instruction, the controller 61 of the printer P2 switches the printer P2 to the contract mode (S221 in FIG. 8). After instructing the printer P2 to switch to the contract mode (after S236), the server control unit 81 of the server 8 may check whether the printer P2 has switched to the contract mode in a manner similar to S133 in FIG. 5 (S237 in FIG. 8). When the process of S237 is executed and it is determined that the printer P2 has been able to switch to the contract mode, the server control unit 81 may arrange for the contract cartridge to be sent to the address of the user of the printer P2.

[0138] Alternatively, after the printer P2 has transitioned to the contract mode (after S221), the controller 61 of the printer P2 may notify the server 8 of the transition to the contract mode. Furthermore, when the server control unit 81 of the server 8 is notified by the printer P2 of the transition to the contract mode, it may determine that the printer P2 has transitioned to the contract mode, and arrange for the contract cartridge to be sent to the address of the user of the printer P2. In either case, the method by which the server control unit 81 arranges for the contract cartridge is not particularly limited.

[0139] Thereafter, the controller 61 of the printer P2 executes a process for detecting the ink cartridge 4 installed in the main body housing at a predetermined timing (S222 in FIG. 8). For example, the controller 61 of the printer P2 may execute the process for detecting the ink cartridge 4 in response to the cover of the main body housing being closed or the power of the printer P2 being turned on.

[0140] When the controller 61 detects an ink cartridge 4, the controller 61 further identifies the type of the detected ink cartridge 4. For example, the controller 61 accesses the cartridge memory 42 of the detected ink cartridge 4 and refers to the cartridge type 422 of the detected ink cartridge 4. This allows the controller 61 to identify the type of the detected ink cartridge 4.

[0141] If the ink cartridge 4 detected by the controller 61 is a contract cartridge, the controller 61 sends a second notification to the server 8 indicating that a contract cartridge has been installed (S223 in FIG. 8). The second notification includes the device ID of the printer P2.

[0142] The server control unit 81 of the server 8 receives the second notification via the server communication unit 83 (S238 in FIG. 8). S238 is an example of a second receiving step. When the server 8 receives the second notification, the server control unit 81 executes a contract start process for the printer P2. The start process refers to a process in which the server 8 directly or indirectly starts a contract for the printer P2.

[0143] For example, the server control unit 81 searches for a record in the registration table 822 using the device ID of the printer P2 included in the second notification as a key. Then, the "contract" column of the corresponding record is rewritten to "valid." This allows the server control unit 81 to start the contract for the printer P2, as shown in the third registration table 822 in Fig. 9 (S239 in Fig. 8). S239 is an example of a start processing execution step.

[0144] In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9, the server 8 itself rewrites the registration table 822 to cancel the contract for the printer P1. However, in this embodiment, the server 8 may instruct another information processing device other than the server 8 to cancel the contract for the printer P1. Then, the other information processing device that has been instructed may cancel the contract for the printer P1 by rewriting the registration table 822. The process in which the other information processing device cancels the contract for the printer P1 is an example of the cancellation step in this embodiment. The other information processing device is, for example, a dedicated server that manages contracts.

[0145] 7 to 9, the server 8 itself rewrites the registration table 822 to start a contract for the printer P2. However, in this embodiment, the server 8 may instruct another information processing device other than the server 8 to start a contract for the printer P2. Then, the other information processing device that has been instructed may start a contract for the printer P2 by rewriting the registration table 822. The process in which the other information processing device starts a contract for the printer P2 is an example of a start step in this embodiment.

[0146] According to the operation of the image forming system 100 shown in Figures 7 to 9, the installation of a normal cartridge in the printer P1 serves as a trigger for canceling the contract for the printer P1. The installation of a normal cartridge in the printer P1 also serves as a trigger for permitting the use of a contract cartridge in the printer P2. This reduces the user's effort in canceling the contract. It also prevents the occurrence of a period during which the contract cartridge can be used in both the printer P1 and the printer P2, i.e., a period of double contracts.

[0147] It is preferable that the printer P1 transmits the first notification when the printer P1 is capable of printing, that is, when four ink cartridges 4 of four colors are installed and all four cartridges are normal cartridges. This prevents the printer P1 from being unable to print due to contract cancellation, because normal printing is possible when the contract for the printer P1 is terminated. It also prevents a period when neither the printer P1 nor the printer P2 can print.

[0148] If the printer P1 is a monochrome printer capable of mounting one ink cartridge 4 containing toner or ink of one color, the first notification may be sent when it is detected that one ink cartridge 4 is a normal cartridge. Since a monochrome printer can perform normal printing by mounting one normal cartridge, sending the first notification at the above-mentioned timing can prevent the printer P1 from becoming unable to print when the contract for the printer P1 is terminated.

[0149] The mode information 623 stored in the main body memory 62 of the image forming apparatus 1 may include information indicating whether or not billing has started for the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the mode information 623 may indicate which of the three states the image forming apparatus 1 is in: (1) non-contract mode, (2) contract mode and before the start of the contract, and (3) contract mode and after the start of the contract. When the mode information 623 includes information indicating whether billing has started, the controller 61 may obtain information indicating the application state of the contract of the image forming apparatus 1 from the server 8 as appropriate via the communication unit 63, and reflect the information in the mode information 623.

[0150] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0151] When a contract change is made in image forming system 100 shown in embodiment 1, a series of processes for canceling the contract of image forming apparatus 1 before the change and a series of processes for starting the contract of image forming apparatus 1 after the change may be performed in random order or in parallel. Specifically, the processes of S233 to S235 and S213 in Fig. 8 and the processes of S236 to S239 and S221 to S223 in Fig. 8 may be performed in random order or in parallel.

[0152] 7 to 9, the image forming device 1 before the change will be described as printer P1, and the image forming device 1 after the change will be described as printer P2. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a series of processes for starting a contract for printer P2 is performed before a series of processes for canceling the contract for printer P1.

[0153] When the server 8 receives the second notification from the printer P2, it requests the printer P1 to check the remaining ink levels in the installed ink cartridges 4 (the contract cartridges are installed because the contract has not yet been terminated). When the controller 61 of the printer P1 is requested to check the remaining ink levels, it identifies the remaining ink levels of each contract cartridge by referencing the remaining ink level information 423 in the cartridge memory 42 of each contract cartridge. The controller 61 further determines whether or not all of the remaining ink levels are empty.

[0154] When all of the contract cartridges are empty, the controller 61 of the printer P1 sends an exhaustion notification to the server 8, which is a notification that the contract cartridges have been exhausted. When the server 8 receives the exhaustion notification, it starts a release process for the printer P1. After that, the printer P2 and the server 8 execute a series of processes to start the contract for the printer P2.

[0155] On the other hand, if there is at least one contract cartridge that is not empty among the contract cartridges installed in the printer P1, the controller 61 of the printer P1 recommends that the user use up the ink. The method of recommendation is not particularly limited, but for example, an image urging the user to use up the ink may be displayed on the display unit. At this time, the printer P1 may allow the user to select whether or not to use up the ink via the input unit. Then, if the user selects not to use up the ink, the printer P1 may send a notice that the ink is used up to the server 8, in the same way as when the ink is used up as described above. Subsequent processing is the same as when all contract cartridges are empty.

[0156] On the other hand, if the user selects to use up the ink, the printer P1 may notify the user that the contract cartridge cannot yet be installed in the printer P2, and then monitor the remaining ink levels in the contract cartridges. Then, if all of the contract cartridges become empty during monitoring, the printer P1 may send a notice that the ink is used up to the server 8. Subsequent processing is the same as when all of the contract cartridges become empty.

[0157] It should be noted that a method may be used in which the ink cartridge 4 used in the printer P1 is used up, taking into consideration the usage fee for the printer P1 and the usage fee for the printer P2. For example, if the one-month usage fee for the printer P2 is higher than the one-month usage fee for the printer P1, the printer P1 may be permitted to be used for the one-month usage fee for the printer P1 until the printer P2 is started to be used. On the other hand, if the one-month usage fee for the printer P2 is lower than the one-month usage fee for the printer P1, the printer P1 may be permitted to be used for the one-month usage fee for the printer P2 until the printer P2 is started to be used.

[0158] [Modifications] (Variation 1: Type of Image Forming Apparatus) The image forming device 1 may be a laser printer capable of mounting a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, or a composite cartridge in which a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are integrated. When the image forming device 1 is a laser printer, a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are mounted in the image forming device 1 instead of an ink cartridge 4. The number of toner cartridges and the number of drum cartridges mounted in the image forming device 1 are not particularly limited. For example, when the image forming device 1 is a monochrome printer, one toner cartridge and one drum cartridge are mounted in the image forming device 1. Also, when the image forming device 1 is a color printer, multiple toner cartridges and a number of drum cartridges corresponding to the multiple toner cartridges are mounted in the image forming device 1.

[0159] The image forming apparatus 1 stores in the toner cartridge and / or drum cartridge information similar to that of the ink cartridge 4 described in embodiment 1. The controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1 may then read the cartridge type from the toner cartridge and / or drum cartridge to determine whether the toner cartridge and / or drum cartridge is a contract cartridge or a regular cartridge.

[0160] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may be an MFP (Multi Function Printer) that also includes other functions such as a scanner or a facsimile. Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP, the image forming apparatus 1 may execute the various processes described in the first and second embodiments in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 1 in the first and second embodiments.

[0161] (Variation 2: Type of printing substrate) In the first and second embodiments, the printing paper P is a paper medium. However, the printing material of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to paper. For example, the printing substrate may be a resin material such as an OHP sheet. Also, for example, the printing substrate may be tape. When the printing substrate is tape, a tape cassette that supplies tape is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 prints on the tape fed from the tape cassette. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0162] (Variation 3: Type of Contract) In the above description, the image forming device 1 has two modes, a contract mode and a non-contract mode. However, the number and types of the modes of the image forming device 1 are not limited to the examples described in the first and second embodiments. For example, assume that two types of contracts are possible for the image forming device 1. In this case, the image forming device 1 may have three modes: a "non-contract mode" in which no mode corresponding to any contract is enabled, a "first contract mode" in which contract printing corresponding to the first contract is possible, and a "second contract mode" in which contract printing corresponding to the second contract is possible. Similarly, when the number of types of contracts increases, the number of types of contract modes may increase accordingly. In this way, when there are multiple types of contracts, "contract cancellation" in the first and second embodiments indicates canceling one of the contracts. Also, "contract change" indicates canceling the contract of the image forming device 1 that is a contract machine under one of the contracts, and making another image forming device 1 a contract machine under the same type of contract as the canceled contract. In this case, the "contract mode" in the description of the first and second embodiments may refer to any one of a plurality of contract modes, such as the first contract mode and the second contract mode.

[0163] Furthermore, the type of contract printing is not limited to fixed-price printing. For example, when the mode is the first contract mode and the status is after charging, fixed-price printing may be possible, and when the mode is the second contract mode and the status is after charging, fixed-quantity printing may be possible, which allows printing up to a certain amount of printing. In this way, when there are multiple types of contract printing, it is desirable for the controller 61 to enable the type of contract printing according to the activated contract mode. Note that, regardless of which type of contract printing is enabled, normal printing may be possible each time only normal cartridges are installed in the image forming device 1.

[0164] [Software implementation example] The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "apparatus") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the apparatus, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the apparatus.

[0165] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in each of the above embodiments.

[0166] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0167] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0168] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1 Image forming device, 4 Ink cartridge, 8 Server, 9 User terminal, 42 Cartridge memory, 61 Controller, 62 Main body memory, 63 Communication unit, 81 Server control unit, 82 Server memory, 83 Server communication unit, 100 Image forming system, 101 Connector, 421 Cartridge ID, 422 Cartridge type, 423 Ink remaining amount information, 621 Cartridge information, 622 Device ID, 623 Mode information, 625 First number counter, 626 Second number counter, 821 Device information, 822 Registration table

Claims

1. a first receiving step in which an information processing device receives, from a first image forming device that is permitted to use a contract cartridge that can be used based on a concluded contract, a first notification indicating that a normal cartridge has been mounted in the first image forming device; a cancellation process execution step of, when the information processing device receives the first notification, canceling the contract for the first image forming device by the information processing device; a permission step of, when the information processing device receives the first notification, allowing a second image forming device associated with the first image forming device to use the contract cartridge, by the information processing device.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the normal cartridge is a cartridge that can be used regardless of whether the contract is concluded.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cancellation process is a process in which the information processing device cancels the contract with the first image forming device.

4. the cancellation process is a process in which the information processing device instructs another information processing device different from the information processing device to cancel the contract of the first image forming device, The method comprises: The method according to claim 1 , further comprising a cancellation step of the other information processing apparatus cancelling the contract with the first image forming apparatus.

5. The method comprises: a storage step of storing contract-related information, which is information associating the first image forming apparatus with the second image forming apparatus, in a storage unit; 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the permission step permits the second image forming apparatus indicated by the contract-related information stored in the storage unit to use the contract cartridge.

6. The method comprises: a second receiving step of receiving, by the information processing device, a second notification indicating that the contract cartridge has been mounted in the second image forming device, from the second image forming device after the permitting step; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an initiation processing execution step in which, when the information processing device receives the second notification, the information processing device executes an initiation processing of the contract for the second image forming device.

7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the initiation process is a process in which the information processing device initiates a contract for the second image forming device.

8. the start process is a process in which the information processing device instructs another information processing device different from the information processing device to start a contract for the second image forming device, The method comprises: The method according to claim 6 , further comprising an initiating step of the other information processing device initiating the contract with the second image forming device.

9. the first image forming device is a monochrome printer capable of mounting one cartridge containing a toner or ink of a certain color, The method comprises: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a sending step in which, when the cartridge mounted in the first image forming device is the normal cartridge, the first image forming device sends the first notification to the information processing device.

10. the first image forming apparatus is a color printer capable of mounting a plurality of cartridges each containing a toner or ink of a certain color; The method comprises: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a transmission step in which the first image forming device transmits the first notification to the information processing device when all of the plurality of cartridges mounted in the first image forming device are normal cartridges.

11. the first image forming apparatus includes a cover movable between an open position for opening an opening of a main body housing of the first image forming apparatus and a closed position for closing the opening; The method comprises: The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an installation detection step in which the first image forming device detects the installation of the cartridge in the main body housing by triggering the first image forming device being turned on or the opening being closed by the cover.

12. an information processing device that communicates with a first image forming device that is permitted to use a contract cartridge that is available based on a concluded contract, and a second image forming device that is associated with the first image forming device, The control unit of the information processing device a first reception process for receiving a first notification indicating that a normal cartridge has been mounted; a cancellation process execution process for executing a cancellation process of the contract for the first image forming apparatus when the first notification is received; when the first notification is received, an information processing apparatus executes a permission process for permitting the second image forming apparatus to use the contract cartridge.

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