Information processing device and device management method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a device management method for smoothly coping with the replacement of a printing device while continuing services to the printing device.SOLUTION: Provided is a data processing server 100 having a processor that is able to process a first printing device 200 in a printing system 1 by conceptually dividing thereof into a physical device PD based on device individual information of the printing device and a logical device LD that is associated with service related information relating to service provisions related to the printing device 200 and is also associated with the physical device PD, wherein the processor executes: processing of registering the logical device LD in association with a user; and processing of, when the first printing device is replaced and taken over by a second printing device for takeover, associating the logical device LD registered in association with the user with a second physical device corresponding to the second printing device that is different from a first physical device corresponding to the first printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a network and a device management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, the number of printable sheets based on a printing service is stored in a management table of a printer, and activation information indicating whether the printer is in a state where it can print without restrictions is stored and managed in a server. A printing system is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a failure or the like occurs in the printer used by the user, for example, it is necessary to replace it with a new printer. When the printer is replaced during the provision of the printing service to the user, in order to continue the service, it is necessary to smoothly transfer the service content to the new printer. The technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot be said to be sufficient to cope with printer replacement while continuing the service to the printer, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a device management method that can smoothly cope with the replacement of a printing apparatus while continuing the service to the printing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an information processing device comprising: a printing device that forms an image on a printing medium and a communication interface that can communicate via a network; and a control unit that can process information regarding the provision of services using the printing device, using the individual information of the printing device and contract identification information that is associated with the service information relating to the printing device and also associated with the individual information, wherein the control unit performs a user registration process that registers a user associated with the contract identification information, and an association construction process that, when exchanging and transferring a first printing device to a second printing device for transfer, associates a second individual information corresponding to the second printing device, which is different from the first individual information corresponding to the first printing device, with the contract identification information to which the user is registered.

[0007] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit handles the printing device using individual information and contract identification information associated with that individual information. Individual information is information associated with an individual printing device. Contract identification information is information associated with service information related to the provision of services related to the printing device. When the control unit performs a user registration process, a user is associated with the contract identification information associated with the service information.

[0008] For example, if the first printing device malfunctions and is replaced with a second printing device, a handover of service provision related to the first printing device takes place. In the present invention, at the time of replacement and handover, a second set of individual information relating to the second printing device is prepared, separate from the first set of individual information relating to the first printing device. The second set of individual information is associated with contract identification information associated with service information through an association construction process performed by the control unit.

[0009] According to the information processing device of the present invention, a printing device is identified using contract identification information and individual device information associated with service information, and when a replacement or handover occurs, new second individual device information is associated with the contract identification information. According to the present invention, it is possible to continue providing services to the printing device while also being able to replace the printing device sufficiently and smoothly.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an information processing device having a communication interface that can communicate via a network with a printing device that forms an image on a printing medium, and a control unit that can process information regarding the provision of services using the printing device using the individual information of the printing device and contract identification information that is associated with the service information relating to the printing device and also associated with the individual information, wherein the control unit performs a user registration process that registers a user associated with the contract identification information, and an association update process that, when the first printing device fails and is replaced with a second printing device for handover, maintains the registration that associates the user with the first contract identification information relating to the first printing device through the user registration process, discards the previously associated association between the first contract identification information relating to the first printing device and the first individual information, and constructs a new association between the first contract identification information and the second individual information relating to the second printing device.

[0011] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit handles the printing device using individual information and contract identification information. Individual information is information associated with an individual printing device. Contract identification information is information associated with service information related to the provision of services related to the printing device. When the control unit performs a user registration process, a user is associated with the contract identification information associated with the service information.

[0012] For example, if the first printing device malfunctions and is replaced with a new second printing device, a handover of service provision related to the first printing device takes place. In the present invention, at the time of the handover, a second individual information related to the second printing device is prepared, which is separate from the first individual information related to the first printing device. In the present invention, at the time of the handover, the control unit performs an association update process, which discards the previously formed association between the first contract identification information and the first individual information, and newly constructs an association between the first contract identification information and the second individual information.

[0013] According to the information processing device of the present invention, a printing device is identified using contract identification information and individual device information associated with service information, and during replacement and handover, the new second individual device information is associated with the original first contract identification information. According to the present invention, it is possible to continue providing services to the printing device while also being able to replace the printing device sufficiently and smoothly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to continue servicing the printing equipment while also being able to replace the printing equipment sufficiently and smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the division of software processing between the data processing server and the multifunction printer in a comparative example. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a comparative example of the software processing division configuration between the data processing server and the multifunction printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an example of a specific association configuration between logical and physical devices. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the association configurations for two scenarios: one where multiple users use a single multifunction printer, and another where one user uses multiple multifunction printers. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing the related soaking configuration in the replacement handover of the multifunction device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the initial setup sequence. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the user association sequence for the second and subsequent users. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the tutorial charge sequence. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the billing charge sequence. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the malfunctioning multifunction device replacement sequence. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the malfunctioning multifunction device replacement sequence when an alternative device is immediately shipped before returning the malfunctioning multifunction device. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the malfunctioning multifunction device replacement sequence when setting a tutorial charge plan dedicated to handover.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [[ID=

[28] ] A printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. This embodiment is an embodiment of a printing system 1 in which a prepaid printing service is provided in which a user who is a customer pays a fee and uses the printing function of the multifunction device 200.

[0017] <1: Overview of the printing system> In FIG. 1, this printing system 1 includes a data processing server 100, a multifunction device 200, an information terminal 300, and a transaction server 400. These data processing server 100, multifunction device 200, information terminal 300, and transaction server 400 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other.

[0018] <1-1: Data processing server> The data processing server 100 is a server installed and managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the multifunction printer 200, and has a processor 110, a storage device 115, and an interface 190. These processor 110, storage device 115, and interface 190 are connected to each other via a bus 105. Note that the data processing server 100 is an example of an information processing device.

[0019] The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130. The volatile memory device 120 is, for example, a DRAM and stores appropriate data for managing the multifunction device, which will be described later. The non-volatile memory device 130 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive and has a program storage area 131 and a data management table 132. The contents of each storage device will be described in detail later.

[0020] The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 110 executes various processes, such as those shown in Figures 4 to 13 below, including data communication to the information terminal 300, the multifunction printer 200, and the transaction server 400 connected to the network NT, by executing a program stored in the program storage area 131. Note that the program 131 in the storage device 115 and the processor 110 that uses it are an example of a control unit.

[0021] Interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to Network NT via a wide-area communication interface (not shown). Interface 190 is an example of a communication interface.

[0022] <1-2: Trading Server> The transaction server 400 is installed, for example, in a company that provides various online services for online payments, and has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0023] <1-3:Multifunction device> The multifunction printer 200 is owned, for example, by a business operator providing the above-mentioned printing service. Note that the multifunction printer 200 is just one example of a printing device. The multifunction printer 200 includes a scanner unit 280, a printing unit 290, a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, a user-operable control unit 250, and a communication interface 270. These components—the scanner unit 280, the printing unit 290, the processor 210, the storage device 215, the display unit 240, the control unit 250, and the communication interface 270—are connected to each other via a bus 205.

[0024] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM and has a data storage area 222 capable of storing image data. The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory. The non-volatile storage device 230 has a program storage area 232. Among the various programs stored in the program storage area 232, management processing programs related to the execution of sequence flows such as those shown in Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 9 to 13 described later are stored in advance as, for example, firmware.

[0025] The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 210 executes the management processing program stored in the program storage area 232 and various print control programs for the multifunction printer 200. As a result, the processor 210 can cause the printing unit 290 to print an image based on the image data transmitted from the information terminal 300.

[0026] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives user input. By operating the operation unit 250, the user can input various instructions to the multifunction device 200. The communication interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to network NT via a wide-area communication interface (not shown).

[0027] The scanner unit 280 generates image data representing the scanned image by optically scanning the document, which is the object to be scanned, using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS.

[0028] The printing unit 290 uses a transport mechanism (not shown) to remove and transport paper from the paper tray, while simultaneously printing an image on the transported paper in a predetermined manner. The following explanation will use an inkjet printing method as an example. Paper is an example of the printing medium.

[0029] <1-4: Information Terminals> In this example, the information terminal 300 is an information terminal owned by the user, such as a desktop PC, tablet PC, or smartphone, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. The information terminal 300 has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown). In this example, the processor of the information terminal 300 uses an operating system (OS) with so-called general-purpose printing functions, such as Mopria or AirPrint. The information terminal 300 also comes pre-loaded with an application program for receiving the above-mentioned printing service, which is launched and deployed on this OS. Note that other information terminals, such as personal computers or tablet computers, may be used instead of the information terminal 300.

[0030] <2: About logical devices and physical devices> As described above, the printing system 1 of this embodiment provides a prepaid printing service in which the user pays a fee to use the printing function of the multifunction printer 200. Specifically, the user, as a customer, uses the printing service through a service agreement, either using a multifunction printer 200 owned by the printing service provider or a multifunction printer 200 purchased by the user. When using the service, the user purchases a predetermined number of printing rights for the multifunction printer 200 via the information terminal 300, meaning that it is a pay-as-you-go system in which the user can print only the predetermined number of pages corresponding to the specific printing service they ordered. At this time, the data processing server 100 directly receives the order for the printing service from the information terminal 300, the transaction server 400 indirectly handles the net settlement of the order, and the printing service is applied to the multifunction printer 200 once the settlement is completed.

[0031] To perform the coordinated printing service processing described above, a software processing division configuration such as the comparative example shown in Figure 2 can be considered for both the data processing server 100 and the multifunction printer 200. In the illustrated example, the data processing server 100 is equipped with a program corresponding to the multifunction printer management processing unit 11, and the multifunction printer 200 is equipped with programs corresponding to the service management processing unit 21, the equipment management processing unit 22, and the equipment control processing unit 23. The multifunction printer management processing unit 11 of the data processing server 100 comprehensively manages information for multiple multifunction printers 200 under the jurisdiction of the data processing server 100. The service management processing unit 21 of the multifunction printer 200 handles processing and management of related information in response to printing service orders from the contracted user of the multifunction printer 200. The equipment management processing unit 22 manages the mechanical status of the multifunction printer 200, such as consumables and malfunctions. The equipment control processing unit 23 handles basic equipment control processing such as printing operation, operation, and display of the multifunction printer 200. Even with this configuration of dividing software processing between the data processing server 100 and the multifunction printer 200, it is possible to realize the prepaid printing service described above. However, this configuration offers little flexibility in various settings, making it difficult to flexibly handle tasks such as linking to multiple users as described later, or re-setup when replacing the multifunction printer 200 with a replacement and taking over the service.

[0032] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the data processing server 100 handles the processing of each individual service management processing unit 21 and device management processing unit 22 for each of the multiple multifunction printers 200. In this case, the service management processing unit 21 performs service management processing using a logical device LD as a virtual machine that is not tied to a specific multifunction printer, and the device management processing unit 22 performs device management processing using a physical device PD that is tied to a specific multifunction printer 200.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of a specific association configuration between these logical devices LD and physical devices PD. First, each logical device LD is individually identified by ID information 133 (an example of contract identification information) that is randomly assigned to each service contract. The accounts of contract users registered with the data processing server 100 are linked to this logical device LD. Note that the linking of users to this logical device LD can be switched in various combinations, as will be described later. The physical device PD records information 134 such as the model name and serial number of one actual multifunction printer 200 that it manages. The model name and serial number information 134 is an example of individual information. The physical device PD also separately records online status detection information, which serves as a criterion for determining whether the corresponding multifunction printer 200 is in a normal operating state or in a malfunction state at that time. One actual multifunction printer 200 is fixedly associated with this physical device PD on a one-to-one basis during normal operation, and its mechanical status can be referenced in real time (hereinafter, this referenced state is referred to as "belonging"). The physical device PD is then switchable to the logical device LD in a specified combination.

[0034] The logical device LD and physical device PD are used to manage data corresponding to their respective processing content. Various information related to the user's printing service linked to the logical device LD is managed as a data table. Specifically, the information managed includes order information, point information, coupon information, print count history information, consumable order information, and tutorial charge information. In this example, the user orders print rights that can be purchased for the multifunction printer 200 by selecting from several types of charge services, such as 100 sheets = 100 yen, 300 sheets = 250 yen, etc. Service points equivalent to a certain percentage of the order charge amount are also awarded. In addition, coupons that grant free orders equivalent to a certain amount are issued during promotional events. In the above printing service, information regarding order purchase history and charge history is managed as order information, service point information is managed as point information, and coupon information is managed as coupon information. Print count history information is information that manages the number of pages actually printed on the service out of the number of pages that the user charged to the multifunction printer 200 in past orders. The consumables order information is data that manages the user's past orders for consumables such as ink cartridges for the multifunction printer 200.

[0035] Order information is an example of paid printing permission information, point information is an example of free printing permission information, coupon information is an example of device printing permission information, print count history information is an example of information on the amount of prints already made on the service, consumable order information is an example of consumable order information, and tutorial charge information is an example of device printing permission information and a free printing right for a predetermined amount of prints.

[0036] In addition to the aforementioned billing orders and coupon usage, this example printing service also offers a tutorial charge as one of the charge methods for the number of printable pages for the multifunction printer 200. This tutorial charge is a one-time charge right that can be applied free of charge or at a significant discount for business purposes, intended to help first-time users learn the charging process or to guarantee initial use of the multifunction printer 200. In this embodiment, the application of the service points and coupons mentioned above can be freely set on a per-user, per-logical device LD, or per-physical device PD (per multifunction printer 200), but this tutorial charge is set to be applicable only once per usage contract (or purchase) of the multifunction printer 200 for the purposes described above. The tutorial charge information indicates whether or not the tutorial charge has already been applied, and as described later, it is information that can be commonly referenced by multiple logical devices LD.

[0037] Furthermore, various information related to the mechanical status of a single physical multifunction printer 200 belonging to the physical device PD is managed as a data table. Specifically, the information managed includes charge remaining page count information, consumable information, and abnormality information. Charge remaining page count information manages the remaining number of printable pages from the number of pages charged by the user to the multifunction printer 200. Consumable information manages the current remaining amount and status of consumables such as ink cartridges in the multifunction printer 200. Abnormality information manages information regarding unauthorized operations performed on the multifunction printer 200, or abnormalities and malfunctions that occurred.

[0038] <3: Regarding the structure of associations and affiliations> As described above, in this embodiment, information related to the printing service is centrally processed within the data processing server 100 using a logical device LD for managing information and a physical device PD for managing the mechanical status. This improves the flexibility of various settings and makes it easier to link to users and to re-setup when replacing the multifunction printer 200 with a replacement, as will be explained below.

[0039] For example, in the example shown in Figure 4 above, it was assumed that one user A manages the printing service for one multifunction printer 200, and that user A's account was linked to a corresponding logical device LD on a one-to-one basis. In contrast, as shown in Figure 5(a), multiple users A, B, and C may be linked to a single logical device LD so that multiple users A, B, and C can commonly manage the usage contract for one multifunction printer 200. In this case, the application settings for the service points and coupons mentioned above may be set individually for each user, or they may be set at the logical device LD level and made available to all users in common.

[0040] Furthermore, to enable one user to manage printing services using multiple multifunction printers 200, the account of one user A may be linked to multiple logical devices LD, as shown in Figure 5(b). In this case, the application settings for the service points and coupons described above may be set on a per-user basis and made available to all multifunction printers 200, or they may be set on a per-logical device LD basis and made available individually to each multifunction printer 200.

[0041] Furthermore, for the purposes described above, the tutorial charge is set to be applicable only once per usage contract for the multifunction printer 200 in both cases shown in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b). Therefore, the reference information for applying the tutorial charge must be referenced in common by all logical devices LD associated with a single usage contract.

[0042] Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction of the actual multifunction printer 200, the service provider will replace it with a substitute unit simply by the user contacting them. In this embodiment, since the physical device PD corresponds to an individual multifunction printer 200, as shown in Figure 6, a new physical device PD2 is prepared separately for the substitute multifunction printer 2, in addition to the physical device PD1 corresponding to the malfunctioning multifunction printer 1. Then, their affiliation is switched so that they are swapped with the common logical device LD. Because the physical device PD and the logical device LD are configured separately in this way, even when replacing the malfunctioning multifunction printer 1 with the substitute multifunction printer 2, the system re-setup within the data processing server 100 becomes easy. In other words, only the affiliation of the physical devices PD1 and PD2, which refer to the individual device information 1 and 2 of the multifunction printer 1 and multifunction printer 2 being replaced, is swapped, and the logical device LD and its reference information, the service-related information 1, are not affected in any way. Note that service-related information 1 is an example of first service information, and the process of registering service-related information 1 in association with the logical device LD is an example of service information registration process.

[0043] <4: About various sequences> Next, the specific steps involved in the initial setup of a new multifunction printer 200 within the data processing server 100 of this embodiment, the linking of a second and subsequent user, the tutorial charge, the billing charge, and the replacement of a faulty multifunction printer 200 will be described below, with reference to the sequence diagrams in Figures 7 to 11. In each figure, the actual multifunction printer 200 and various reference information will be shown as necessary, while other elements will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] <4-1: Initial Setup Sequence> First, when a user installs and sets up the multifunction printer 200 under a new usage contract, a connection to the data processing server 100 is also established via the NT network. Until this connection is completed, the data processing server 100 contains no information about the multifunction printer 200 (not specifically shown).

[0045] When the multifunction printer 200 is connected, the data processing server 100 registers a new physical device PD that receives and references the device information of the multifunction printer 200, and a logical device LD to which it belongs, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0046] Next, when user A uses the information terminal 300 to complete the procedure at a designated registration site, user A's account is registered in the data processing server 100, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0047] Then, by having User A verify the model name and serial number of the multifunction printer 200, User A's account is linked to the corresponding logical device LD, as shown in Figure 7(c). After completing the initial setup described above, User A can start using the printing service. The process of linking User A's account to the logical device LD at this time is an example of the user registration process and user registration step.

[0048] <4-2: User linking sequence for the second and subsequent users> As shown in Figure 8(a), when only one user A is linked to the logical device LD, only user A can manage the printing services using the multifunction printer 200. If another user B also wishes to manage the printing services using the same multifunction printer 200, they can register an account corresponding to user B by going through the same procedure on the registration site, as shown in Figure 8(b). Then, by similarly verifying the model name and serial number of the multifunction printer 200, user B and user A's respective accounts are linked to the corresponding common logical device LD, as shown in Figure 8(c). As a result, both user A and user B can manage the printing services using the same multifunction printer 200 via the same logical device LD.

[0049] <4-3: Tutorial Charge Sequence> Next, we will explain the charging process when using the tutorial charge plan, which is provided only once when signing a usage contract for the 200 multifunction printer. In this example, the tutorial charge plan is a free charge privilege that does not require payment from the user.

[0050] When user A instructs the use of the tutorial charge plan via the information terminal 300, as shown in Figure 9(a), the data processing server 100 selects only one tutorial charge plan from among the many stored print service plans and applies it to the order processing unit, which is part of the control unit of the data processing server 100. At this time, if the "Tutorial Charge Applied" flag information shown in Figure 4 indicates that it has not been applied, specifically if the flag is not set (the check box is not filled in), the tutorial charge plan is applied to the order processing unit. If it has already been applied, application to the order processing unit is avoided. When the tutorial charge plan is applied, the order processing unit transitions from the previous chargeable state to the charging state, and the service content set in the tutorial charge plan, that is, a charge for a predetermined number of prints, is applied to the logical device LD.

[0051] Then, as shown in Figure 9(b), the remaining charge information for the physical device PD is updated to increase by the number of charges specified in the tutorial charge plan. The number of charges is also transmitted to the actual multifunction printer to which the physical device PD belongs. As a result, the number of printable pages for the multifunction printer 200 increases by the number of charges specified in the tutorial charge plan. The order processing unit then transitions from the charging state to the charging complete state and records the applied state with the tutorial charge applied information flagged (by checking the check box).

[0052] From that point onward, even if user A, who used the service, or another user B, who is covered by the same service agreement as shown in Figure 9(c), instructs to use the tutorial charge plan, the order processing unit will refuse to apply it based on the record of its applied status. Since the record of the applied status will not be changed thereafter, the tutorial charge plan will not be applied to the same multifunction printer 200 more than once.

[0053] <4-4: Charge Sequence> Next, we will explain the sequence of the charging process when a user charges the number of printable pages using a standard billing plan. Although not specifically shown in the diagrams, the data processing server 100 has several types of billing plans available for selection.

[0054] When user A selects a specific billing plan via information terminal 300 and instructs its purchase and use, the control unit of data processing server 100 processes as shown in Figure 10(a). Specifically, data processing server 100 selects only one billing plan (in the illustrated example, a plan where 100 pages cost 100 yen) from among the many print service plans stored by user A and applies it to the order processing unit.

[0055] In the case of a charge, the order processing unit does not immediately apply the charge for the predetermined number of printed pages to the logical device LD, but rather waits until the payment settlement for the charge plan by user A via a separate transaction server 400 is completed, as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0056] Then, as shown in Figure 10(c), when user A completes the payment procedure and the transaction server 400 notifies the order processing unit of the payment completion, the order processing unit transitions from the payment waiting state to the charging state. It then applies the charge corresponding to the number of prints in the charge plan to the logical device LD, and then transitions to the charge complete state. After that, similar to the tutorial charge shown in Figure 9(b) above, the remaining charge information for the physical device PD is updated to increase by the amount of the charge. The amount of the charge is also transmitted to the actual multifunction printer to which the physical device PD belongs. This allows user A to order the charge plan of their choice and have the number of printable pages on the multifunction printer 200 charged by the corresponding amount of the charge.

[0057] Furthermore, the management of service point generation and the issuance of coupons based on their accumulation, as described above, are carried out through appropriate processing between the data processing server 100 and the transaction server 400. Coupons, which are free order rights, are registered as a selectable type of charge plan within the data processing server 100. When a user uses such a coupon, the order processing unit that applied it immediately applies a charge corresponding to the number of prints for that coupon to the logical device LD without waiting for settlement, and the fact that the coupon has been applied to the logical device LD is recorded (illustrations omitted).

[0058] <4-5: Sequence for replacing a faulty multifunction printer> Next, we will explain the re-setup sequence when your current multifunction printer (model 200) malfunctions and is replaced with a replacement unit. This example assumes that the replacement unit is used while there are still remaining prints covered by the tutorial charge plan, and that the remaining prints are covered by the guarantee.

[0059] If the actual multifunction printer 1 in use malfunctions, it is sent to the manufacturer's appropriate repair center. At the repair center, a transfer coupon is issued based on information such as the remaining charge amount recorded on the malfunctioning multifunction printer 1, and, depending on the internal information of the multifunction printer 1 and the nature of the malfunction, the user's report. Within the data processing server 100, as shown in Figure 11(a), a new physical device PD2 to which the multifunction printer 2 belongs is separately created, and temporarily the two physical devices PD1 and PD2 belong to the same logical device LD. Once the preparations for re-setup are complete, the printing service provider ships the replacement multifunction printer 2, and the user reinstalls the multifunction printer 2. In this example, as mentioned above, the tutorial charge application information referenced by the logical device LD is recorded in an applied state, and the remaining charge amount for the tutorial charge is recorded as the remaining charge amount information on the malfunctioning physical device PD1.

[0060] If no transfer coupon has been issued, the re-setup during replacement can be completed simply by disabling the assignment of the logical device LD to the physical device PD1, which is saved for investigation purposes. However, if a transfer coupon has been issued, a transfer coupon will be applied to transfer the remaining charge amount, as shown in Figure 11(b). In particular, the remaining amount for the tutorial charge needs to be issued as a special type of coupon because it represents the remaining amount for a plan that cannot be applied a second time. Note that such coupons for transferring remaining amounts will only be issued after the remaining charge amount of the faulty multifunction printer 1 has been accurately confirmed at the repair center.

[0061] When a coupon for transferring remaining pages is issued, the user can select and use it via the information terminal 300. When this selection operation is performed, the order processing unit applies the coupon as shown in Figure 11(c), and the corresponding remaining page charge is applied to the logical device LD. Then, as with other charge sequences, the number of pages charged for the new physical device PD2 is updated, and the number of pages charged is transmitted to the replacement multifunction printer 2. This ensures that even if a faulty machine is replaced with a replacement machine while there are still pages remaining for which a tutorial charge has been applied, printing services that guarantee that remaining number of pages are possible are still available.

[0062] It is technically possible for the data processing server 100 to automatically charge the same remaining amount without issuing the coupon and allowing the user to select and use it. However, in this example, issuing a transfer coupon and allowing the user to select and use it has the advantage of clearly confirming to the user that the remaining amount has been guaranteed. Furthermore, the guarantee of the remaining charge amount through the issuance of transfer coupons and automatic charging as described above is not limited to the amount applied to the tutorial charge plan, but may also be applied to other charge plans or the amount applied to other coupons.

[0063] In the above, the malfunctioning multifunction printer 1 is an example of the first printing device, the replacement multifunction printer 2 is an example of the second printing device, the physical device PD1 to which multifunction printer 1 belongs is an example of the first physical device, the physical device PD2 to which multifunction printer 2 belongs is an example of the second physical device, the process of assigning physical device PD2 to logical device LD is an example of association construction process and association construction step, the information of the remaining charge recorded in physical device PD1 is an example of unprocessed service information, the coupon for carrying over the remaining charge is an example of the second service information, the process of issuing and registering this coupon for carrying over the remaining charge to be applicable in logical device LD is an example of replacement service information update process, the unapplied status in the tutorial charge application information is an example of the first free printing right, the remaining amount of the tutorial charge applied is an example of the unprinted amount, and the process of obtaining this remaining amount information is an example of unprinted amount acquisition process.

[0064] <5: Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in the data processing server 100 of the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the processor 110 handles the multifunction printer 200 using a physical device PD identified by model name and serial number information 134 and a logical device LD identified by ID information 133 associated with the physical device PD. The physical device PD is a concept associated with the individual device information of the multifunction printer 200. The logical device LD is a concept associated with service-related information concerning the provision of services related to the multifunction printer 200. By performing a process in which the processor 110 registers the user's account linked to the logical device LD, the user is associated with the logical device LD associated with the service-related information.

[0065] For example, if a multifunction printer 1 malfunctions and is replaced with another multifunction printer 2, a handover of service provision related to multifunction printer 1 takes place. In this embodiment, at the time of the handover, a physical device PD2 related to multifunction printer 2 is created, which is separate from the physical device PD1 related to multifunction printer 1. The physical device PD2 is associated with a logical device LD associated with service-related information through processing performed by the processor 110.

[0066] According to the data processing server 100 of this embodiment, the multifunction printer 200 is conceptually understood as a logical device LD associated with service-related information and a physical device PD based on individual device information. During replacement and handover, the new physical device PD2 is associated with the logical device LD. According to this embodiment, it is possible to continue providing services to the multifunction printer 200 while also being able to replace the multifunction printer 200 sufficiently and smoothly.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, service-related information 1 is associated with the logical device LD of the actual multifunction printer 1 before replacement, and service-related information 1 is associated with the logical device LD of the actual multifunction printer 2 after replacement.

[0068] According to the data processing server 100 of this embodiment, when the multifunction printer 200 is replaced and the handover occurs, the new physical device PD2 is associated with the logical device LD, thereby associating service-related information regarding the provision of services after the replacement with the physical device PD2. According to this embodiment, it is possible to replace the multifunction printer 200 while continuing to provide services to the multifunction printer 200, in a sufficiently smooth manner.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each service-related information includes at least one of the following: order information, point information, coupon information, print count history information, consumable order information, and tutorial charge information. According to this embodiment, it is possible to continue providing services corresponding to various print permission information, print volume information, and order information while also being able to replace the multifunction printer 200 sufficiently and smoothly.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each service-related information includes a tutorial charge plan, which is a free printing right for a predetermined amount of printing granted at the time of purchase of the multifunction printer 200. According to this embodiment, when exchanging from multifunction printer 1 to multifunction printer 2, for example, even if the predetermined amount of printing guaranteed by the tutorial charge plan for multifunction printer 1 has not yet been completed, the services guaranteed by the tutorial charge plan can continue to be performed on the exchanged multifunction printer 2.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when transferring data, for example, if there are still remaining pages in the tutorial charge plan for the actual multifunction printer 1, printing the same amount of data on the actual multifunction printer 2 is guaranteed by the remaining pages transfer coupon. According to this embodiment, the same service guaranteed by the tutorial charge plan for the actual multifunction printer 1 can be continuously performed on the actual multifunction printer 2.

[0072] <6: Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical idea. Such modifications will be described in order. The same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the above embodiments, and descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0073] <6-1: When sending a replacement unit immediately before returning the faulty multifunction printer> In the above embodiment, when the multifunction printer 200 malfunctioned, the user first sent the faulty unit to the repair center, and then, once the re-setup was ready, a replacement unit was shipped to the user. As a result, there was a period during which the user did not have a multifunction printer 200, and the printing service was unavailable, resulting in a loss of convenience.

[0074] To address this, this modified version detects a malfunction in the multifunction printer 200 and immediately dispatches a replacement unit, enabling the user to resume printing services as soon as possible. However, in this case, it is necessary to perform a system reset before checking the remaining charge on the faulty unit at the repair center, as was done in the above embodiment, and it becomes impossible to guarantee the remaining charge to the user. Therefore, in this modified version, the replacement of a faulty unit is treated as equivalent to a new usage contract, and the remaining charge on the faulty unit is guaranteed to the user by setting up a new tutorial charge plan that can be used.

[0075] Specifically, let's consider a scenario where the physical device PD1 of the faulty machine still has remaining charge for the tutorial charge plan, as shown in the example in Figure 12(a). To immediately ship a replacement machine to the user and make it available for use, as shown in Figure 12(b), a new physical device PD2 and logical device LD2 for the replacement machine are created within the data processing server 100, separate from the physical device PD1 and logical device LD1 to which the faulty machine belongs, and both systems are temporarily linked to user A. By creating new logical devices LD as well as physical devices PD in this way to handle the replacement machine, the tutorial charge plan, which can nominally only be applied once to one logical device LD, can be set up again separately for the replacement machine. In this case, necessary reference information is also copied from the logical device LD1 on the faulty machine to the logical device LD2 on the replacement machine. By applying this newly set up tutorial charge plan to the logical device LD2 for the replacement machine, the printing service for user A can be resumed as quickly as possible. In other words, in this modified example, the tutorial charge plan can be applied twice. After resuming printing services, you can simply delete the logical device LD1 and physical device PD1 corresponding to the faulty machine.

[0076] Furthermore, if the faulty device is subsequently sent to the repair center and it is determined that the total number of remaining charge points on the device is greater than the number of charge points for one tutorial charge plan, then the user must be compensated for the difference. In that case, as shown in Figure 12(c), a new transfer coupon will be issued that allows the user to charge the difference amount free of charge, and user A will be able to choose to use it. This will ensure that the user is compensated for the difference.

[0077] In the above, the newly set up tutorial jersey plan for the replacement machine is an example of new free print rights, the number of pages charged for this replacement machine's tutorial jersey plan is an example of the new print volume, the difference in the number of pages that can be charged with the transfer coupon is an example of the print volume that should be guaranteed to the second printing device, and the process of determining this difference is an example of the process of determining the guaranteed print volume.

[0078] As explained above, in this modified data processing server 100, if, for example, there are still remaining pages in the tutorial charge plan for the actual multifunction printer 1 when the equipment is being replaced, printing on the actual multifunction printer 2 is guaranteed by a coupon for transferring remaining pages. The guaranteed amount of printing is determined according to the remaining number of pages and the amount of new printing guaranteed by the new tutorial charge plan for the replacement machine. According to this embodiment, the same service guaranteed by the initial tutorial charge plan for the actual multifunction printer 1 can be continuously performed on the actual multifunction printer 2.

[0079] <6-2: Setting up a tutorial charge plan specifically for data transfer> In the first modified example described above, a new logical device LD2 was created to correspond to the replacement machine, based on the principle that the tutorial charge plan is applied only once to a single logical device LD. Alternatively, prioritizing the premise that the logical device LD is not replaced when the actual multifunction printer is replaced, a new tutorial charge plan specifically for the handover process corresponding to the replacement machine may be created when a faulty machine is replaced, and this plan may be applicable to the original logical device LD1.

[0080] In this case, as shown in Figure 13(a), both the physical device PD1 for the faulty machine and the physical device PD2 for the replacement machine are temporarily assigned to the common logical device LD. Then, as shown in Figure 13(b), a new second tutorial charge plan is set up specifically for the handover, separate from the tutorial charge plan applied in the past, and this can be applied to the logical device LD. At the same time, physical device PD1 is deleted from the logical device LD while retaining the assignment of physical device PD2. As a result, as shown in Figure 13(c), the replacement multifunction printer 2 can be quickly charged using the second tutorial charge plan, and the printing service can be resumed.

[0081] Furthermore, since both the tutorial charge plan and coupons allow users to charge a predetermined number of prints free of charge, a coupon with the same number of prints may be issued instead of the above-mentioned tutorial charge plan specifically for transfer purposes. In the above, logical device LD is an example of a first logical device, and the process of deleting physical device PD1 while maintaining the affiliation of physical device PD2 with logical device LD is an example of an association update process and association update step.

[0082] As explained above, in the data processing server 100 of this modified example, the processor 110 handles the multifunction printer 200 using a physical device PD identified by model name and serial number information 134 and a logical device LD identified by ID information 133. The physical device PD is a concept associated with the individual device information of the multifunction printer 200. The logical device LD is a concept associated with service-related information concerning the provision of services related to the multifunction printer 200. A user account is associated with the logical device LD associated with the service-related information.

[0083] For example, if a multifunction printer unit 1 malfunctions and is replaced with a new multifunction printer unit 2, a handover of service provision related to multifunction printer unit 1 takes place. In this modified example, at the time of the handover, a physical device PD2 related to multifunction printer unit 2 is created, separate from the physical device PD1 related to multifunction printer unit 1. In this modified example, at the time of the handover, the previously formed association between the logical device LD and the physical device PD1 is discarded, and a new association between the logical device LD and the physical device PD2 is established.

[0084] According to the data processing server 100 in this modified example, the multifunction printer 200 is conceptually understood as a logical device LD associated with service-related information and a physical device PD associated with individual device information. During replacement and handover, the new physical device PD2 is associated with the original logical device LD. According to this modified example, it is possible to continue providing services to the multifunction printer 200 while also being able to replace the multifunction printer 200 smoothly and efficiently.

[0085] Furthermore, the sequences shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, etc., do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in those sequences. Additional procedures may be added or deleted, or the order may be changed, etc., without departing from the spirit and technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0086] In addition to what has already been described above, the methods described in the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0087] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1. Printing System 100 Data Processing Server (An example of an information processing device) 110 processors 133 ID Information (Example of Contract Identification Information) 134 Model name, serial number information (example of individual information) 200 Multifunction printer (an example of a printing device) 210 processors 300 Information Terminals 400 trading servers LD Logical Device PD physical devices Microsoft Network

Claims

1. A printing device that forms an image on a printing medium and a communication interface that can communicate via a network, Regarding the provision of services using the aforementioned printing apparatus, a control unit capable of processing using the individual information of the printing apparatus and contract identification information associated with the provision of services related to the printing apparatus, and also associated with the individual information, An information processing device having, The control unit, A user registration process that associates and registers a user with the aforementioned contract identification information, A service information registration process that registers first service information relating to the provision of services for the first printing apparatus in association with the contract identification information corresponding to the first printing apparatus, During the exchange and transfer from the first printing device to the second printing device for handover, the association construction process involves associating the contract identification information registered by the user with a second individual information corresponding to the second printing device, which is different from the first individual information corresponding to the first printing device. After the exchange and handover, a service information update process at the time of exchange is performed, which generates new second service information relating to the provision of services after the exchange to the second printing device, corresponding to the unprocessed service information included in the first service information, and registers the generated second service information in association with the contract identification information registered by the user, in place of the first service information. An information processing device that performs this task.

2. The first service information and the second service information are, The information processing device according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following: paid printing rights information acquired by a user for a fee; free printing rights information granted to a user free of charge; device printing rights information granted to the corresponding printing device; print volume information for the service printed on the corresponding printing device; and consumable order information provided on the corresponding printing device.

3. The first service information and the second service information are, The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the free printing rights information includes a right to print a predetermined amount of free printing, which was granted to the printing device as the device printing rights information at the time of purchase of the corresponding printing device.

4. The control unit further, During the aforementioned exchange and handover, an unprinted quantity acquisition process is executed to acquire the unprinted quantity, which corresponds to the unexecuted portion of the first free printing right that is assigned to the first printing device as the device printing authority information and included in the first service information, as the unprocessed service information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the service information update process at the time of exchange, the second service information, which includes the device print authorization information that guarantees a print volume approximately the same as the unprinted volume obtained in the unprinted volume acquisition process, is registered in association with the contract identification information to which the second printing device is associated.

5. The control unit further, During the aforementioned exchange and handover, the process of acquiring unprinted quantities is performed to acquire the unexecuted portion of the first free printing rights, which are assigned to the first printing device as device printing authority information and included in the first service information, as unprocessed service information. A guaranteed print volume determination process determines the print volume to be guaranteed to the second printing device, based on the new print volume guaranteed by the new free print right granted to the second printing device as device print authority information, separately from the first free print right, in response to the aforementioned exchange and transfer, and the amount of unprinted material obtained in the unprinted material acquisition process. Execute, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the service information update process at the time of exchange, the second service information, which includes the device print authority information that guarantees the print amount determined in the guaranteed print amount determination process, is registered in association with the contract identification information to which the second printing device is associated.

6. A printing device that forms an image on a printing medium and a communication interface that can communicate via a network, Regarding the provision of services using the aforementioned printing apparatus, a control unit capable of processing using the individual information of the printing apparatus and contract identification information associated with the provision of services related to the printing apparatus, and also associated with the individual information, An information processing device having, The control unit, A user registration process that associates and registers a user with the aforementioned contract identification information, A service information registration process that registers first service information relating to the provision of services for the first printing apparatus in association with the contract identification information corresponding to the first printing apparatus, When the first printing device fails and is replaced with a second printing device for backup, the association update process maintains the registration that associates the user with the first contract identification information related to the first printing device through the user registration process, discards the previously associated association between the first contract identification information and the first individual information related to the first printing device, and constructs a new association between the first contract identification information and the second individual information related to the second printing device. After the exchange and handover, a service information update process at the time of exchange is performed, which generates new second service information relating to the provision of services after the exchange to the second printing device, corresponding to the unprocessed service information included in the first service information, and registers the generated second service information in association with the contract identification information registered by the user, in place of the first service information. An information processing device that performs this task.

7. A device management method performed by an information processing device capable of processing a printing device that forms an image on a printing medium using individual information of the printing device and contract identification information associated with the provision of services related to the printing device, wherein the information processing device is capable of processing the individual information of the printing device, A user registration step involves associating and registering a user with the aforementioned contract identification information. A service information registration step of registering first service information relating to the provision of services for the first printing apparatus in association with the contract identification information corresponding to the first printing apparatus, In the event of a failure of the first printing device and subsequent replacement with a second printing device for handover, the association construction step involves associating a second individual information corresponding to the second printing device, which is different from the first individual information corresponding to the first printing device, with the contract identification information registered in association with the user. After the exchange and handover, a service information update step at the time of exchange is performed, which involves generating new second service information relating to the provision of services after the exchange to the second printing device, corresponding to the unprocessed service information included in the first service information, and registering the generated second service information in association with the contract identification information registered by the user, in place of the first service information. A device management method having the following characteristics.

8. A device management method performed by an information processing device capable of processing a printing device that forms an image on a printing medium using individual information of the printing device and contract identification information associated with service information relating to the provision of services related to the printing device, wherein the information processing device performs the processing of the printing device using individual information of the printing device and contract identification information associated with service information relating to the provision of services related to the printing device, A user registration step involves associating and registering a user with the aforementioned contract identification information. A service information registration step of registering first service information relating to the provision of services for the first printing apparatus in association with the contract identification information corresponding to the first printing apparatus, In the event of a failure of the first printing device and subsequent replacement with a second printing device, the association update step involves maintaining the registration that associates the user with the first contract identification information related to the first printing device in the user registration step, discarding the previously associated association between the first contract identification information and the first individual information related to the first printing device, and constructing a new association between the first contract identification information and the second individual information related to the second printing device. After the exchange and handover, a service information update step at the time of exchange is performed, which involves generating new second service information relating to the provision of services after the exchange to the second printing device, corresponding to the unprocessed service information included in the first service information, and registering the generated second service information in association with the contract identification information registered by the user, in place of the first service information. A device management method having the following characteristics.

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