Image forming apparatus and control method

Abstract

To change functions that can be used in an image forming apparatus according to the presence or absence of the conclusion of a contract for the image forming apparatus and consumable items.SOLUTION: A controller (61) of an image forming apparatus (1) executes first determination processing of determining if first type information stored in a main body memory (62) shows that a main body is a special main body that can be used when a main body contract is concluded, second determination processing of determining if second type information stored in a consumable item memory (42) shows that a consumable item is a special consumable item that can be used when a consumable item contract is concluded, and switching processing of switching functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus (1) according to the combination of the first type information determined in the first determination processing and the second type information determined in the second determination processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a flat-rate printing service has been widely provided to users who use an image forming apparatus. The flat-rate printing service is also called a subscription service. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that in an image forming apparatus which is a contract machine for which a contract regarding the use of a flat-rate printing service has been concluded, printing is permitted at a fixed usage fee up to a preset number of sheets during a preset period.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a subscription service, there are contracts targeting an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a fax transmission function, and a fax reception function. There is a desire to change the functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus depending on whether it is a dedicated main body that can be used when a main body contract targeting the image forming apparatus is concluded, or a normal main body that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main body contract. There is also a desire to change the functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus depending on whether it is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a consumable contract targeting the image forming apparatus is concluded, or a normal consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the consumable contract.

[0005] This disclosure addresses the aforementioned issues and aims to allow the functions of the image forming apparatus to be changed depending on whether or not a contract covering the image forming apparatus and consumables has been concluded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus comprising: a main unit; a main unit memory that stores first type information indicating whether the main unit is a dedicated main unit usable when a main unit contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a normal main unit usable regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract; consumables having a consumables memory that stores second type information indicating whether consumables attached to the main unit are dedicated consumables usable when a consumables contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or normal consumables usable regardless of the conclusion of the consumables contract; and a controller, wherein the controller performs a first determination process that determines whether the first type information indicates that the main unit is a dedicated main unit usable when a main unit contract has been concluded; a second determination process that determines whether the second type information indicates that the consumables are dedicated consumables usable when a consumables contract has been concluded; and a switching process that switches the functions usable by the image forming apparatus based on a combination of the first type information determined in the first determination process and the second type information determined in the second determination process.

[0007] The second embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein the controller may execute the second determination process after the first determination process.

[0008] The third embodiment of the image forming apparatus is the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus, wherein the main memory may store condition information representing switching conditions set to switch functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus according to the first type information or the second type information.

[0009] A fourth embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, wherein the main memory stores contract information indicating whether the consumables contract for the image forming apparatus is concluded or not, and the controller may perform a contract determination process to determine whether the contract information indicates that the consumables contract is concluded, and a third determination process to determine whether the switching condition is met if the contract determination process determines that the contract information indicates that the consumables contract is concluded.

[0010] A fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, wherein the controller may execute the switching process if it is determined in the third determination process that the switching condition is met.

[0011] A sixth embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, wherein the switching process may include a process that restricts the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus.

[0012] A seventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, further comprising a printing unit, wherein the controller may switch the printing function available for use in the printing unit during the switching process.

[0013] An eighth aspect is an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a scanner unit, wherein the controller may switch the scanner function available for use in the scanner unit during the switching process.

[0014] The ninth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, further comprising a communication interface, a fax transmission function performed via the communication interface, and a fax reception function performed via the communication interface, wherein the controller may switch at least a part of the fax transmission function or the fax reception function in the switching process.

[0015] A tenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, further comprising a communication interface, wherein the main memory has a sheet storage unit that stores the number of printable sheets when offline communication with an external communication device via the communication interface is disconnected, and the switching condition may include reaching the number of printable sheets during the offline period.

[0016] An eleventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, further comprising a communication interface, wherein the switching condition includes a print stop instruction received from an external communication device via the communication interface.

[0017] A twelfth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the controller has a timer, the main memory has a period storage unit that stores the contract period from the start of the contract to the expiration of the contract period for the consumables contract and the main unit contract, and the switching condition may include the timer detecting the completion of the contract period for either the consumables contract or the main unit contract.

[0018] A thirteenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, further comprising a printing unit, wherein the controller may, in the first determination process, determine that the first type information indicates that the main unit is the dedicated main unit that can be used when the main unit contract has been concluded, and in the third determination process, determine that the switching condition is met, disable the printing function that can be used by the printing unit in the switching process.

[0019] A 14th embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the 5th embodiment, further comprising a printing unit, wherein the controller may, in the first determination process, determine that the first type information indicates a normal main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, in the second determination process, determine that the second type information indicates a dedicated consumable that can be used when the consumable contract has been concluded, and in the third determination process, determine that the switching condition is met, disable the printing function of the printing unit in the switching process.

[0020] The 15th embodiment is an image forming apparatus of the 14th embodiment, wherein the controller may enable the printing function of the printing unit in the switching process if, in the first determination process, it is determined that the first type information indicates a normal main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, in the second determination process, it is determined that the second type information indicates a normal consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the consumable contract, and in the third determination process, it is determined that the switching condition is met.

[0021] The sixteenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, comprising a notification unit for notifying information, wherein the main memory stores notification condition information representing notification conditions set to notify that the functions available for use in the image forming apparatus may be switched according to the first type information or the second type information, and the controller may perform a fourth determination process to determine whether the notification conditions are met if the contract determination process determines that the contract information indicates that the consumables contract has been concluded, and a notification process to notify via the notification unit that the functions available for use in the image forming apparatus may be switched according to a combination of the first type information determined in the first determination process and the second type information determined in the second determination process, if the fourth determination process determines that the notification conditions are met.

[0022] Aspect 17 is the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 5, wherein after executing the switching process, the controller determines whether the switching condition is satisfied, and if it is determined in the fifth determination process that the switching condition is not satisfied, the functions available in the image forming apparatus may be restored to the functions available in the image forming apparatus before the switching process.

[0023] Aspect 18 is the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 1, further comprising a communication interface, and when the controller receives a notification that the main body contract has been concluded from an external communication device via the communication interface, the first type of information may be stored in the main body memory as information indicating that it is the dedicated main body that can be used when the main body contract has been concluded.

[0024] Aspect 19 is the image forming apparatus according to Aspect 4, further comprising a communication interface, and when the controller receives a notification that the consumable contract has been concluded from an external communication device via the communication interface, the contract information may be stored in the main body memory as information indicating that the consumable contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0025] The control method of the 20th aspect is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, and a main body memory that stores first type information indicating whether the main body is a dedicated main body that can be used when a main body contract for the image forming apparatus is concluded, or a normal main body that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main body contract. The consumable includes a consumable memory that stores second type information indicating whether the consumable mounted on the main body is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a consumable contract for the image forming apparatus is concluded, or a normal consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the consumable contract, a controller. The controller executes a first determination step of determining whether the first type information indicates the dedicated main body that can be used when the main body contract is concluded, a second determination step of determining whether the second type information indicates the dedicated consumable that can be used when the consumable contract is concluded, and a switching step of switching the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus according to the combination of the first type information determined in the first determination step and the second type information determined in the second determination step.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect or the control method of the 20th aspect, the controller can switch the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus according to the combination of the first type information determined in the first determination process and the second type information determined in the second determination process. Thereby, according to whether the main body of the image forming apparatus is a dedicated main body that can be used when a main body contract is concluded, or whether the consumable mounted on the main body is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a contract is concluded, the functions that can be used can be changed. That is, the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus can be changed according to whether contracts for the image forming apparatus and the consumable are concluded.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, since the second determination process is performed after the first determination process, the controller can reliably determine whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0028] According to the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the main memory stores switching conditions set for switching the functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus according to the first type information or the second type information. This allows the controller to determine whether the switching conditions set for switching the functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus are met.

[0029] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the controller determines whether the switching conditions set for switching the functions available in the image forming apparatus are met, provided that a consumables contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded. This makes it possible to determine whether the switching conditions are met only when a consumables contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0030] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the controller executes a switching process when it determines that the switching conditions are met. This allows the controller to change the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus when it determines that the switching conditions are met.

[0031] According to the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the switching process includes a process that restricts the functions that can be used by the image forming apparatus, so the controller can restrict the functions that can be used depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0032] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment, the controller can switch and change the printing functions that can be used in the printing section depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0033] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the controller can switch and change the scanner functions that can be used in the scanner unit depending on whether or not a main unit contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0034] According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth embodiment, the controller can switch and change at least a part of the fax transmission function or fax reception function performed via the communication interface, depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0035] According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth embodiment, the switching condition includes reaching the number of printable pages while offline. This allows the controller to switch to stopping the printing function when the number of pages printed while offline reaches the number of printable pages, depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0036] According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, the switching condition includes a print stop instruction received from an external communication device via a communication interface. As a result, when the controller receives a print stop instruction from an external communication device via the communication interface, the controller can switch to stopping the printing function depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus has been concluded.

[0037] According to the 12th embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the switching condition includes the timer detecting the completion of the contract period for either the consumables contract or the main unit contract. This makes it possible to change the functions that can be used depending on whether or not a main unit contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded when the timer detects the completion of the contract period for either the consumables contract or the main unit contract.

[0038] According to the image forming apparatus of the 13th embodiment, if the first type information indicates that it is a dedicated unit and it is determined that the switching conditions are met, the controller switches to disable the printing functions available in the printing unit. As a result, if the ownership of the image forming apparatus belongs to the business operator, the controller can stop the printing functions using dedicated consumables and normal consumables when the switching conditions are met.

[0039] According to the image forming apparatus of the 14th embodiment, if the first type information indicates that it is a normal main unit and the second type information indicates that it is a dedicated consumable, and the switching conditions are met, the controller disables the printing function. As a result, if the ownership of the image forming apparatus belongs to the user, the controller can stop the printing function using the dedicated consumable when the switching conditions are met.

[0040] According to the image forming apparatus of the 15th embodiment, if the first type information indicates that it is a normal main unit and the second type information indicates that it is a normal consumable, and the switching conditions are met, the controller makes the printing function available. As a result, if the ownership of the image forming apparatus belongs to the user, the controller can continue to make the printing function using normal consumables available when the switching conditions are met.

[0041] According to the image forming apparatus of the 16th embodiment, the controller can, when a consumables contract is in place and the notification conditions are met, notify that the functions available for use may be switched depending on whether or not a main contract covering the image forming apparatus is in place. The user can confirm that the functions available for use in the image forming apparatus may be switched and can avoid having the functions of the image forming apparatus switched.

[0042] According to the image forming apparatus of the 17th embodiment, when the switching condition for switching the functions of the image forming apparatus is released, the functions available to the image forming apparatus can be returned to the state before the switching process. This allows the user to use the image forming apparatus normally.

[0043] According to the image forming apparatus of the 18th embodiment, when the controller receives a notification from an external communication device via a communication interface that a main unit contract has been concluded, it stores the first type information in the main unit memory as information indicating that it is a dedicated main unit. As a result, by transmitting a notification from an external communication device via a communication interface to the image forming apparatus at a sales company's warehouse or the like, ownership of the image forming apparatus can be set to belong to the business operator. Consequently, it becomes possible to pre-set ownership of the image forming apparatus to belong to the user at the time of factory shipment, and inventory products can be standardized at sales company warehouses or the like.

[0044] According to the image forming apparatus of the 19th embodiment, when the controller receives a notification from an external communication device via a communication interface that a consumables contract has been concluded, it stores the contract information in the main memory as information indicating that a consumables contract has been concluded. As a result, in a sales company's warehouse or the like, the contract information can be set to the state in which a consumables contract has been concluded by transmitting a notification from an external communication device via a communication interface to the image forming apparatus. Consequently, it becomes possible to pre-set the contract information to the state in which a consumables contract has not been concluded at the time of factory shipment, thereby enabling the standardization of inventory products in sales company warehouses and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the overall schematic configuration of the image forming system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the information stored in the toner memory of a toner cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the main memory. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the contract status update process performed by a multifunction printer. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a switching process that allows a multifunction printer to switch between multiple functions that can be used by the printer. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a switching decision table. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a notification mode setting table. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a preview content setting table. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a restricted mode setting table. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a restriction setting table. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is a so-called multifunction printer (MFP) having multiple functions including a printing function, a scanning function, and a fax transmission and reception function. The case in which the printing function is configured as a laser printer will be described.

[0047] [Overview of the Image Forming System] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 includes a multifunction printer 1, a server 8, a user terminal 9, and a delivery management server 5.

[0048] Multifunction printer 1 is a device that enables the services provided through the conclusion of contracts such as the "Main Unit Contract" and the "Consumables Contract" described below for multifunction printer 1. Furthermore, multifunction printer 1 can also be considered the device subject to the contract. Hereafter, multifunction printer 1 designated by the user or provided to the user by the service provider will also be referred to as the "Contracted Device."

[0049] For example, a user enters into a "main unit contract," which is an example of a "contract," with a service provider. This provides the user with a service that allows them to use a contract-specific main unit 10 provided by the service provider, for example, for a fixed monthly fee. Therefore, if a user enters into a "main unit contract" with a service provider, ownership of the multifunction printer 1 belongs to the service provider. On the other hand, if a user purchases the multifunction printer 1 and does not enter into a "main unit contract" with a service provider, ownership of the multifunction printer 1 belongs to the user.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, a user may enter into a "consumables contract," which is an example of a "contract," with a service provider. This allows the user to use consumables specifically for the contract, for example, at a fixed monthly fee. The conclusion of these contracts means that both the service provider and the user agree that the service provider will provide the service to the user, after the service usage period, usage fees, etc., have been agreed upon between them.

[0051] In other words, in the multifunction printer 1 of this embodiment, after a "consumables contract" is concluded, the multifunction printer 1 becomes capable of performing printing using consumables specifically for the contract based on the content of the concluded contract (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "contract printing").

[0052] Furthermore, in the multifunction printer 1 of this embodiment, after the "main unit contract" is concluded, the user becomes able to use the main unit 10, which is dedicated to the contract based on the content of the concluded contract. In other words, after the "main unit contract" is concluded, the user becomes able to use the multifunction printer 1 to which the contract has been concluded.

[0053] Furthermore, if a user enters into a "Main Unit Agreement," they may also enter into a "Consumables Agreement" at the same time. By entering into both a "Main Unit Agreement" and a "Consumables Agreement," the user can perform contract printing using the contract-specific consumables on the contract-specific main unit 10 multifunction printer 1.

[0054] [Delivery Management Server 5] The delivery management server 5 is a server managed by the sales company. The sales company is a company that stores the multifunction printers 1 shipped from the factory in a warehouse and provides a delivery service to deliver the multifunction printers 1 from the warehouse in response to orders from mass retailers and other customers. The delivery management server 5 is installed at the sales company. The delivery management server 5 is an external device that can communicate with the multifunction printers 1 stored in the warehouse via the network NT. The delivery management server 5 has a processor such as a CPU, a storage device, and a communication interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown in the diagram).

[0055] [User terminal 9] The user terminal 9, used by the user, is a device that communicates with the server 8 to conclude, terminate, and perform other procedures related to contracts. The user terminal 9 can be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or any other information processing terminal equipped with standard communication functions. The user may also use the user terminal 9 to issue print commands to the multifunction printer 1 and print any number of pages using contract-specific consumables. The user terminal 9, server 8, and multifunction printer 1, which constitute the image forming system 100, can communicate with each other via a network NT, such as the Internet.

[0056] The user terminal 9 has an input interface for receiving various user input operations and a communication interface for communicating with the server 8. The user registers the equipment covered by the "consumables contract" with the server 8 by performing input operations via the user terminal 9. For example, the user inputs their own identification information and the identification information of the multifunction printer 1 that they wish to include in the "consumables contract" into the user terminal 9. Upon receiving the input, the user terminal 9 transmits the input information to the server 8.

[0057] [Server 8] Server 8 is an external device that communicates with the multifunction printer 1 via the network NT, and is an example of a management device that manages the operating status of the multifunction printer 1. In this embodiment, Server 8 is a server managed by the service provider. As shown in Figure 1, Server 8 comprises a server control unit 81, a server memory 82, a communication interface 83, and a timer 84. The server control unit 81, server memory 82, communication interface 83, and timer 84 are connected to each other via a bus 85. The server control unit 81 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that comprehensively controls Server 8. The server memory 82 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of Server 8.

[0058] The server control unit 81 updates the registration table stored in the server memory 82 in response to notifications or requests received from the multifunction printer 1. The "registration table" is a data table registered by the user or the server 8, associating the device ID that identifies the multifunction printer 1 designated as a contracted machine with the user name and the user ID that identifies the user. In other words, the registration table contains information that links the user with the multifunction printer 1, which is the contracted machine. The "registration table" also contains data indicating whether or not each contracted machine is currently under contract.

[0059] The server memory 82 has area 821 and area 822. The server memory 82 stores device information in area 821. The server memory 82 stores a registration table in area 822. Areas 821 and 822 are writable areas. Device information is data that summarizes various information about the multifunction printer 1. Device information is stored separately for each multifunction printer 1. The device information includes at least a device ID that identifies the multifunction printer 1. In addition, the device information may also include the cumulative number of printed documents printed by the multifunction printer 1 and the cumulative number of printed documents printed by the multifunction printer 1 under contract printing.

[0060] The communication interface 83 is a wired or wireless interface for communicating with the user terminal 9, the delivery management server 5, and the multifunction printer 1, and is connected to the network NT. The server control unit 81 receives various data, notifications, and requests from the multifunction printer 1 via the communication interface 83. The server control unit 81 also transmits various data, notifications, and requests to the multifunction printer 1 via the communication interface 83.

[0061] For example, the server control unit 81 receives the device ID, the cumulative number of printed documents, and the cumulative number of documents printed under contract printing from the multifunction printer 1 via the communication interface 83. The server control unit 81 may then associate the received device ID with each cumulative number and store it as device information for the multifunction printer 1 in area 821 of the server memory 82.

[0062] [Multifunction machine 1] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction device 1 comprises a controller 61, a main memory 62, a communication interface 63, a display 64, an operation unit 65, a printing unit 66, a scanner unit 67, a facsimile and telephone communication unit 68, and a cartridge communication unit 71. The controller 61, the main memory 62, the communication interface 63, the display 64, the operation unit 65, the printing unit 66, the scanner unit 67, the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68, and the cartridge communication unit 71 are connected to each other via a bus 72.

[0063] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1 is detachably mounted to the main unit 10 together with the drum cartridge 20, with the toner cartridge 4 already installed in the drum cartridge 20. The drum cartridge 20 has a photosensitive drum (not shown) as a component used for image formation. The drum cartridge 20 may also have a drum memory 22. The drum memory 22 is a memory that allows information to be read and written. The drum memory 22 is, for example, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Registered Trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0064] The drum memory 22 may store information about the photoconductor drum of the drum cartridge 20. The drum memory 22 may store the drum ID. The drum memory 22 may store drum life information. The drum ID is a unique serial number for identifying each drum cartridge 20. The drum life information is information representing the lifespan of the photoconductor drum.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the toner cartridge 4 has a toner memory 42 as an example of consumable memory. The toner memory 42 is located on the outer surface of the toner cartridge 4. The toner memory 42 is a memory that can read and write information, such as flash ROM or EEPROM®.

[0066] The toner memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, and a third area 423 for storing information about the toner cartridge 4. The toner memory 42 stores the toner ID in the first area 421. The toner memory 42 stores the second type information in the second area 422. The toner memory 42 stores the remaining toner amount information in the third area 423. The data in the third area 423 may be rewritable.

[0067] The toner ID is, for example, a unique serial number used to identify each individual toner cartridge 4. The toner ID may also include information representing the color of each toner cartridge 4.

[0068] The second type information is information representing the type of toner cartridge 4. In this embodiment, there are two types of toner cartridges 4. One is a "dedicated cartridge," which is an example of a dedicated consumable that can only be used with the contracted machine. The other is a "standard cartridge," which is an example of a standard consumable that can be used with the multifunction printer 1, which is not the contracted machine. Note that the second type information may be included in the toner ID. That is, the toner ID may be information that identifies each toner cartridge 4, and at the same time, information that represents what type each toner cartridge 4 is.

[0069] The toner level information represents the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 4. The toner level is composed of values ​​corresponding to multiple stages, from full to empty, and the value corresponding to the toner level among these stages is stored in the third area 423. Each stage of the toner level stored in the toner memory 42 may be a string such as "FULL" to "EMPTY", a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%", or a combination of a string and a numerical value, based on the above values.

[0070] The cartridge communication unit 71 is, for example, a terminal, and is electrically connected to the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20 mounted on the main unit 10, and to the toner memory 42 of the toner cartridge 4 mounted on the main unit 10 together with the drum cartridge 20.

[0071] The controller 61 includes, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 61 also includes a timer 69, enabling time measurement. By performing various processes, the controller 61 enables the use of multiple functions of the multifunction device 1, including the printing function, scanner function, and fax transmission / reception function.

[0072] The controller 61 may also include a processor such as a CPU. In this case, the main memory 62 may store a control program that implements multiple functions, including a printing function, a scanner function, and a fax transmission / reception function. The processor of the controller 61 operates according to the control program stored in the main memory 62, thereby enabling the use of the multiple functions, including the printing function, scanner function, and fax transmission / reception function, of the multifunction device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the controller 61 itself may be equipped with a computer-readable recording medium that stores the control program. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium" such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc., can be used. Alternatively, RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the control program may also be used.

[0074] Furthermore, the control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the control program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). In one aspect of this disclosure, the control program may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0075] When the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 4 are installed in the main unit 10, the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42 are electrically connected to the controller 61 via the cartridge communication unit 71. The controller 61 can then read information from the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42 via the cartridge communication unit 71. The controller 61 can also perform at least one of the following operations: writing information to the drum memory 22 and toner memory 42 or rewriting information to them via the cartridge communication unit 71.

[0076] The main memory 62 is a memory that can read and write information. The main memory 62 is, for example, a flash ROM or EEPROM (registered trademark). As shown in Figure 3, the main memory 62 has areas 621 to 628 for storing various types of information. The main memory 62 stores toner information in area 621.

[0077] Toner information refers to information about each toner cartridge 4 installed in the multifunction printer 1. For example, toner information may be data that associates a toner ID read from a toner memory 42 with a second type of toner information and toner remaining amount information read from the same toner memory 42. The main unit memory 62 may then store this associated data for each toner cartridge 4 in area 621.

[0078] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores the device ID in area 622. The device ID is identification information for identifying the multifunction printer 1. The device ID may be, for example, the serial number of the multifunction printer 1.

[0079] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores contract information in area 623. The contract information is in one of two modes: "contract mode" and "normal mode". "Contract mode" indicates that a "consumables contract" for the multifunction printer 1 has been concluded. "Normal mode" indicates that a consumables contract for the multifunction printer 1 has not been concluded, or that the "consumables contract" has been terminated. When the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory, area 623 is initially stored with a value corresponding to "normal mode". The controller 61 rewrites the "contract information" as appropriate.

[0080] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores first type information in area 624. The first type information is information representing the type of the multifunction device 1. In this embodiment, there are two types of multifunction device 1. One is a "dedicated main unit" as an example of a dedicated main unit that can be used when a "main unit contract" has been concluded. The other is a "standard main unit" as an example of a standard main unit that can be used when a "main unit contract" has not been concluded, or regardless of whether a "main unit contract" has been concluded.

[0081] The controller 61 rewrites the first type information as appropriate. When the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory, the area 624 stores a value corresponding to "normal unit" as an initial value. The first type information may also be included in the device ID. That is, the device ID may be information that identifies each multifunction printer 1, and at the same time may be information that indicates what type each multifunction printer 1 is.

[0082] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores a first page counter in area 625. The first page counter is the cumulative number of pages printed by the multifunction printer 1. The main memory 62 also stores a second page counter in area 626. The second page counter indicates the number of printed materials printed by the multifunction printer 1 under contract printing. The second page counter may be reset to 0 each time the multifunction printer 1 switches from contract mode to normal mode, or it may be the cumulative number of printed materials printed by the multifunction printer 1 under contract printing up to that point. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the value of the second page counter will be the cumulative number of printed materials printed under contract printing.

[0083] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores condition information in area 627. The condition information includes multiple "restriction conditions B" that are pre-set to restrict the use of multiple functions of the multifunction device 1 (see Figure 9). The main memory 62 also stores the restriction mode setting table 95 (see Figure 9), which will be described later, in area 627.

[0084] The restriction mode setting table 95 stores "restriction modes" that restrict the use of multiple functions of the multifunction printer 1, associated with combinations of multiple restriction conditions B and whether or not there is a contract for the multifunction printer 1. The "restriction modes" include "Restriction 1", "Restriction 2", "Restriction 3", "Restriction 4", "Restriction 5", and "Restriction 6". Each restriction mode is assigned a "Level 1", "Level 2", and "Level 3" which indicate the selection order for selecting one "restriction mode" from two or more "restriction modes" corresponding to the met restriction conditions B when two or more restriction conditions B are met simultaneously. The selection order for selecting a "restriction mode" is in the order of "Level 1", "Level 2", and "Level 3".

[0085] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores the restriction content setting table 96 (see Figure 10), which will be described later, in area 627. The restriction content setting table 96 stores the restriction content for multiple functions of the multifunction device 1 for each restriction mode.

[0086] Furthermore, the main memory 62 stores notification condition information in area 628. The notification condition information includes a number of pre-set "notification condition A" (see Figure 7). The number of "notification condition A" are conditions for displaying a notification on the display 64 that the functions that can be used by the multifunction device 1 may be limited for each of the multiple restriction modes. In addition, the main memory 62 stores the notification mode setting table 92 (see Figure 7), which will be described later, in area 628.

[0087] The notification mode setting table 92 stores "notification modes" that notify that the functions usable by the multifunction printer 1 may be limited, associated with combinations of multiple notification conditions A and whether or not there is a main unit contract for the multifunction printer 1. The "notification modes" include notification modes "notification 1", "notification 2", "notification 3", "notification 4", "notification 5", and "notification 6". The main unit memory 62 also stores the notification content setting table 93 (see Figure 8), described later, in area 628. The notification content setting table 93 stores the notification content for each notification mode.

[0088] Furthermore, the main memory 62 has a page count storage unit 629. The page count storage unit 629 stores the number of printable documents that can be printed by contract printing while the multifunction printer 1 is offline from the network NT. The main memory 62 also has a period storage unit 630. The period storage unit 630 stores contract period information, including the start date and end date and time of the "consumables contract" and the "main unit contract," respectively.

[0089] The communication interface 63 is a wired or wireless interface for communicating with the user terminal 9, server 8, and delivery management server 5, and is connected to the network NT. The communication interface 63 is also connected to a telephone line. The controller 61 receives various data, notifications, and requests from the server 8, delivery management server 5, etc., via the communication interface 63. The controller 61 also transmits various data, notifications, and requests to the server 8 via the communication interface 63.

[0090] The display 64 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 65 is a device that receives user input. The user can input various instructions to the multifunction device 1 by operating the operation unit 65. The operation unit 65 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated on the screen of the display 64.

[0091] The printing unit 66 retrieves and transports paper from the paper tray using a transport mechanism (not shown). The printing unit 66 prints an image on the transported paper using a laser printer system with a drum cartridge 20 and a toner cartridge 4. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 has a printing function that allows the use of the printing unit 66. The toner cartridge 4 includes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner cartridges 4. However, unless otherwise specified, they will be simply referred to as "toner cartridge 4" in the following explanation.

[0092] The scanner unit 67 optically reads the document to be scanned using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS. Subsequently, the multifunction device 1 generates scan data representing the image read by the scanner unit 67. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 has a scanner function that allows the use of the scanner unit 67.

[0093] The facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 is connected to a telephone line via a communication interface 63. The facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 transmits and receives image data as facsimile signals to and from external communication destination devices, and performs voice communication with the desired recipient. Therefore, the multifunction device 1 has both a fax transmission function and a fax reception function.

[0094] [Contract status update process] Next, an example of the contract status update process executed by the controller 61 of the multifunction printer 1 in the sales company's warehouse, etc., will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of the contract status update process executed by the controller 61 of the multifunction printer 1. The program shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 is stored in the main unit memory 62 in advance.

[0095] When the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory and stored in the sales company's warehouse, the contract information stored in area 623 of the main unit memory 62 is set to represent "normal mode". In addition, the contract information stored in area 623 of the main unit memory 62 is set to represent "normal main unit". In other words, at the time the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory and delivered to the sales company's warehouse, the contract information of the multifunction printer 1 represents both "normal mode" and "normal main unit".

[0096] The contract status update process described below is executed at the sales company's warehouse or similar location after the multifunction printer 1 has been delivered there. It is also executed when the printer is delivered from the warehouse to the user.

[0097] When the power is turned on, the controller 61 displays a standby screen on the display 64. Then, when the controller 61 receives an instruction to execute the contract status update process via the operation unit 65 on the standby screen, it starts the contract status update process program shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 and proceeds to step S11.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, the controller 61 of the multifunction printer 1 first determines whether an instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" have been set up (S11). If the controller 61 determines that an instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" have been set up (S11: YES), it proceeds to the process in S12.

[0099] In S12, the controller 61 reads the first type information stored in area 624 of the main unit memory 62. Then, the controller 61 changes the first type information from representing a "normal main unit" to a "dedicated main unit," and then stores the first type information back in area 624 (S12).

[0100] Next, in S13, the controller 61 reads the contract information stored in area 623 of the main memory 62. Then, the controller 61 changes the setting of the contract information from "normal mode" to "contract mode" and stores the contract information back in area 623 (S13). After that, the controller 61 terminates the contract status update process.

[0101] This allows the multifunction printer 1 stored in the sales company's warehouse to be configured as a product that can be delivered to users who have concluded a "main unit contract" and a "consumables contract." As a result, the first type information can be set to represent "standard main unit" at the time of factory shipment for all multifunction printers 1. In addition, the contract information can be set to represent "normal mode." This makes it possible to standardize the products of multifunction printers 1 shipped from the factory.

[0102] Furthermore, the first type information is set to represent "dedicated main unit," so the ownership of the multifunction printer 1 is set to belong to the business operator. In addition, the contract information is set to represent "contract mode." As a result, the multifunction printer 1 is set to be able to perform contract printing using the dedicated toner cartridge 4.

[0103] Furthermore, the contract status update process may be performed by the controller 61 before the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory. The controller 61 may then execute steps S12 and S13 if it determines that an instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that the "main unit contract" and "consumables contract" have been set up (S11: YES). In other words, the multifunction printer 1 may be set up as a multifunction printer 1 that can be delivered to a user who has concluded a "main unit contract" and a "consumables contract" before being shipped to the sales company.

[0104] On the other hand, in S11, if the controller 61 determines that no instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" have been set up (S11: NO), it proceeds to the process in S14. In S14, the controller 61 determines whether an instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that the "consumables contract" has been set up (S14).

[0105] Then, if the controller 61 determines that an instruction indicating that a "consumables contract" has been set has been input via the operation unit 65 (S14: YES), it proceeds to process S13. After executing the process in S13, the controller 61 terminates the contract status update process.

[0106] This allows the multifunction printer 1, stored in the sales company's warehouse, to be configured as a product that can be delivered to users who have entered into a "consumables contract." As a result, at the time of factory shipment of all multifunction printers 1, the first type information can be set to represent "standard unit" and the contract information can be set to represent "standard mode," thereby standardizing the products of multifunction printers 1 shipped from the factory. Furthermore, since the first type information is set to represent "standard unit," ownership of the multifunction printer 1 belongs to the user who purchased it. In addition, since the contract information is set to represent "contract mode," the multifunction printer 1 is configured to be able to perform contract printing using the dedicated toner cartridge 4.

[0107] Furthermore, the contract status update process may be performed by the controller 61 before the multifunction printer 1 is shipped from the factory. The controller 61 may then execute the process in step S13 if it determines that an instruction indicating that a "consumables contract" has been set up has been input via the operation unit 65 (S14: YES). In other words, the multifunction printer 1 may be set up as a multifunction printer 1 that can be delivered to a user who has concluded a "consumables contract" before being shipped to the sales company.

[0108] On the other hand, in S14, if the controller 61 determines that no instruction has been received via the operation unit 65 indicating that a "consumables contract" has been set (S14: NO), it decides not to change the contract information stored in the main unit memory 62. In other words, the multifunction printer 1 becomes an uncontracted multifunction printer 1, which has not concluded a contract with the user. After that, the controller 61 terminates the contract status update process.

[0109] Through the above contract status update process, the multifunction printer 1 stored in the sales company's warehouse can be configured as a product that can be delivered to the user in the same condition as when it was shipped from the factory, thereby standardizing the products of the multifunction printer 1 shipped from the factory. In addition, ownership of the multifunction printer 1 will belong to the user who purchased it. The multifunction printer 1 cannot be used for printing contracts that utilize the dedicated toner cartridge 4.

[0110] [Switching process] Next, an example of a switching process for switching between multiple functions available on the multifunction device 1, as configured above, will be explained based on Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a switching process for switching between multiple functions available on the multifunction device 1, executed by the controller 61 of the multifunction device 1. The program shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 is pre-stored in the main unit memory 62. When the power is turned on, the controller 61 starts the switching process program shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 every few minutes to several hours and proceeds to step S21.

[0111] Furthermore, the controller 61 may be configured to start the switching process program and proceed to step S21 not only when the power is turned ON, but also when it receives an instruction to execute the switching process from an external source via the communication interface 63. Alternatively, the controller 61 may be configured to start the switching process program and proceed to step S21 at regular intervals, for example, every few hundred milliseconds, regardless of whether the power is turned ON or OFF.

[0112] Furthermore, the switching determination table 91 shown in Figure 6 is pre-stored in the main unit memory 62. The notification mode setting table 92 shown in Figure 7, the notification content setting table 93 shown in Figure 8, the restriction mode setting table 95 shown in Figure 9, and the restriction content setting table 96 shown in Figure 10 are also pre-stored in the main unit memory 62.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5, the controller 61 of the multifunction printer 1 first determines whether a switchover decision based on the consumables contract is necessary, based on the switchover decision table 91 shown in Figure 6 (S21). As shown in Figure 6, the switchover decision table 91 stores information including "main unit contract in place", "no main unit contract", "consumables contract in place", and "no consumables contract".

[0114] "Main contract in effect" indicates that a "Main contract" has been concluded. "No main contract" indicates that a "Main contract" has not been concluded. "Consumables contract in effect" indicates that a "Consumables contract" has been concluded. "No consumables contract" indicates that a "Consumables contract" has not been concluded. In addition, both "Consumables contract in effect" and "No consumables contract" include information indicating the type of toner cartridge 4 installed, namely "dedicated cartridge" and "standard cartridge".

[0115] For example, if the combination is "main unit contract in place" and "consumables contract in place," the controller 61 determines that a switchover check in S21 is necessary regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge." Also, if the combination is "no main unit contract" and "consumables contract in place," the controller 61 determines that a switchover check in S21 is necessary regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge."

[0116] Furthermore, if the combination of "main unit contract in effect" and "no consumables contract" applies, the controller 61 determines that a switching check in S21 is not necessary, regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge". Furthermore, if the combination of "no main unit contract" and "no consumables contract" applies, the controller 61 determines that a switching check in S21 is not necessary, regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge".

[0117] In other words, if a consumables contract is in place, the controller 61 determines that a switchover check in S21 is necessary. Conversely, if there is no consumables contract, the controller 61 determines that a switchover check in S21 is not necessary.

[0118] Therefore, in S21, the controller 61 first reads the first type information from area 624 of the main memory 62. Then, the controller 61 determines whether the first type information indicates a "dedicated main unit" (first determination process). If the first type information indicates a "dedicated main unit", the controller 61 sets the switching determination table 91 to "Main unit contract in effect". If the first type information indicates a "normal main unit", the controller 61 sets the switching determination table 91 to "No main unit contract".

[0119] Furthermore, after the first determination process, the controller 61 reads the "second type information" of the toner information from area 621 of the main memory 62. The controller 61 then determines whether the second type information indicates a "dedicated cartridge" (second determination process). If the second type information indicates a "dedicated cartridge," the controller 61 determines that it is a "dedicated cartridge" in the switching determination table 91. If the second type information indicates a "standard cartridge," the controller 61 determines that it is a "standard cartridge" in the switching determination table 91. Note that the order of determination between the first and second determination processes by the controller 61 is not limited to this. That is, the controller 61 may execute the second determination process first and then the first determination process.

[0120] The controller 61 also reads the contract information from area 623 of the main memory 62. The controller 61 then determines whether the contract information indicates "contract mode". If the contract information indicates "normal mode", that is, if no consumables contract has been concluded for the multifunction printer 1, the controller 61 determines that the switching determination table 91 is "no consumables contract". The controller 61 then determines that if the switching determination table 91 is "no consumables contract", a switching determination is not necessary regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge" (S21: NO). After that, the controller 61 terminates the switching process.

[0121] On the other hand, if the contract information indicates a "contract mode," that is, if a "consumables contract" for the multifunction printer 1 has been concluded, the controller 61 determines that the switchover determination table 91 is "Consumables contract in effect." The controller 61 then determines that a switchover determination is necessary if the switchover determination table 91 is "Consumables contract in effect," regardless of whether the toner cartridge 4 is a "dedicated cartridge" or a "standard cartridge" (S21: YES). The controller 61 then proceeds to the process in S22.

[0122] In S22, the controller 61 determines whether any of the notification conditions A in the notification mode setting table 92 shown in Figure 7 have been met (S22). As shown in Figure 7, the notification mode setting table 92 stores information including "Main contract in effect", "No main contract", and "Notification condition A".

[0123] Furthermore, "Notification Condition A" includes information referred to as "Condition A1," "Condition A2," and "Condition A3." Conditions A1, A2, and A3 are as follows: Condition A1: 100 pages remaining in the number of printable pages while offline. Condition A2: Three days prior to the server's instruction to stop printing. Condition A3: Three days before the end of the contract period according to the internal clock. Each condition will be explained in more detail below.

[0124] Condition A1 occurs when the number of pages printed by contract printing during offline operation, when communication with an external communication device, such as server 8, via the communication interface 63 is disconnected, reaches, for example, 100 pages before the number of pages that can be printed while offline. Specifically, the controller 61 reads the number of pages that can be printed while offline from the page count storage unit 629 of the main memory 62. Then, from the moment offline operation is detected, the controller 61 reads the count value of the second page counter stored in area 626 of the main memory 62 and determines whether condition A1 is met.

[0125] Condition A2 occurs when, for example, it is three days before the server 8 sends a print stop instruction via the communication interface 63. For example, the controller 61 receives a print stop instruction from the server 8 via the communication interface 63 when the user fails to pay the usage fees for the main unit contract or consumables contract even after the payment deadline has passed. Here, the payment deadline for the usage fees for the main unit contract or consumables contract is stored in the main unit memory 62 at the time of contract. The controller 61 reads the date and time information using the timer 69, which acts as an internal clock. The controller 61 then reads the payment deadline for the usage fees for the main unit contract or consumables contract from the main unit memory 62 and determines whether condition A2 is met.

[0126] Condition A3 occurs when the timer 69, which acts as an internal clock, reaches, for example, three days before the end of the contract period for either the "main unit contract" or the "consumables contract." The controller 61 reads the contract end date and time information for both the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" from the period storage unit 630 of the main unit memory 62 and determines whether condition A3 is met.

[0127] Then, if the controller 61 determines that none of the notification conditions A in the notification mode setting table 92 are met (S22: NO), it executes the process in S22 again. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that any of the notification conditions A in the notification mode setting table 92 are met (S22: YES), it proceeds to the process in S23.

[0128] In S23, the controller 61 acquires the notification mode based on the first type information and the notification conditions established in S22. Specifically, first, the controller 61 reads the first type information from area 624 of the main memory 62. Then, if the first type information indicates that it is a "dedicated main unit", the controller 61 determines that a "main unit contract" has been concluded. Then, the controller 61 reads the notification mode in combination with any of the conditions A1, A2, and A3 established in S22 and stores it in the main memory 62 (S23). For example, if the combination is "main unit contract concluded" and "condition A1", the controller reads the notification mode for notification 1 in S23.

[0129] Furthermore, if the first type information indicates "normal main unit," the controller 61 determines that no "main unit contract" has been concluded. Then, the controller 61 reads the notification mode in combination with any of the conditions A1, A2, and A3 that were met in S23 and stores it in the main unit memory 62 (S23). For example, if the combination is "no main unit contract" and "condition A1," the controller reads the notification mode for notification 2 in S22.

[0130] Here, we will explain in detail, using Figure 8, the previews 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a preview content setting table 93. As shown in Figure 8, the preview content setting table 93 is composed of information including "preview mode" and "preview content". The "preview mode" includes information representing the preview mode for previews 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The "preview content" includes information on the preview content corresponding to each of the preview modes for previews 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0131] The information regarding the content of each of the preview modes, Preview 1, Preview 2, Preview 3, Preview 4, Preview 5, and Preview 6, is as follows: • Notice 1, Notice 3, Notice 5: The device may become unusable. Please check the dashboard for details. • Notices 2, 4, and 6: Dedicated cartridges may become unusable. Please check the dashboard for details. Note that a "dashboard" refers to a web page used for personalized user support.

[0132] Next, in S24, the controller 61 reads the notification mode stored in S23 from the main memory 62 and sets it as the notification mode in the notification content setting table 93 shown in Figure 8. Then, the controller 61 reads the "notification content" corresponding to this notification mode from the notification content setting table 93 and stores it in the main memory 62 (S24).

[0133] For example, if the notification mode read from the main memory 62 is "Notification 1", the controller 61 reads the notification content setting table 93 for notification 1, which reads "The main unit may become unusable. Please check the dashboard for details." The controller 61 then stores the read notification content in the main memory 62. Also, if the notification mode read from the main memory 62 is "Notification 2", the controller 61 reads the notification content setting table 93 for notification 2, which reads "The dedicated cartridge may become unusable. Please check the dashboard for details." The controller 61 then stores the read notification content in the main memory 62.

[0134] Next, in S25, the controller 61 reads the notification content stored in the main memory 62 in S24, displays it on the display 64 to inform the user of the notification content (S25), and then proceeds to the process in S26.

[0135] In S26, the controller 61 determines whether any of the restriction conditions B in the restriction mode setting table 95 shown in Figure 9 have been met (S26). As shown in Figure 9, the restriction mode setting table 95 stores information including "Main contract in effect", "No main contract", and "Restriction conditions B".

[0136] Furthermore, "Constraint B" includes information represented as "Condition B1," "Condition B2," and "Condition B3." Conditions B1, B2, and B3 are as follows: Condition B1: Reached the maximum number of printable pages while offline. Condition B2: Received a print stop command from the server. Condition B3: Detect contract completion using internal clock. Each condition will be explained in more detail below.

[0137] Condition B1 occurs when the number of pages printed by contract printing during offline operation, when communication with an external communication device, such as server 8, via the communication interface 63 is disconnected, reaches the number of pages that can be printed while offline. Specifically, the controller 61 reads the number of pages that can be printed while offline from the page count storage unit 629 of the main memory 62. Then, from the moment offline operation is detected, the controller 61 reads the count value of the second page counter stored in area 626 of the main memory 62 and determines whether condition B1 is met.

[0138] Condition B2 is when a print stop instruction is received from server 8 via communication interface 63. For example, controller 61 receives a print stop instruction from server 8 via communication interface 63 when the user fails to pay the usage fee even after the payment deadline for the main unit contract or consumables contract has passed.

[0139] Condition B3 occurs when the timer 69, which acts as an internal clock, detects the completion of the contract period for either the "main unit contract" or the "consumables contract." The controller 61 reads the contract end date and time information for both the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" from the period storage unit 630 of the main unit memory 62 and determines whether condition B3 is met.

[0140] Then, if the controller 61 determines that none of the restriction conditions B in the restriction mode setting table 95 are met (S26: NO), it executes the process in S22 again. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that any of the restriction conditions B in the restriction mode setting table 95 are met (S26: YES), it stores the condition under which restriction conditions B are met in the main memory 62 and then proceeds to the process in S27.

[0141] In S27, the controller 61 acquires the restriction mode based on the first type information and the restriction conditions established in S26. Specifically, first, the controller 61 reads the first type information from area 624 of the main memory 62. Then, if the first type information indicates that it is a "dedicated main unit", the controller 61 determines that a "main unit contract" has been concluded. Then, the controller 61 reads the restriction mode in combination with any of the conditions B1, B2, and B3 established in S26 and stores it in the main memory 62 (S27).

[0142] For example, if the combination of "Main contract in effect" and "Condition B1" is met, the controller reads the restriction mode of Restriction 1 (Level 1) in S27. If multiple conditions from Condition B1, Condition B2, and Condition B3 are met, the controller 61 reads the restriction mode of the highest level among "Restriction 1 (Level 1)", "Restriction 3 (Level 2)", or "Restriction 5 (Level 3)". The controller 61 then stores the read restriction mode in the main memory 62 (S27).

[0143] Furthermore, if the first type information indicates "normal main unit," the controller 61 determines that a "main unit contract" has not been concluded. Then, the controller 61 reads the restriction mode in combination with any of the conditions B1, B2, and B3 that were met in S26 and stores it in the main unit memory 62 (S27).

[0144] For example, if the combination of "no main unit contract" and "condition B1" is met, the controller reads the restriction mode of restriction 2 (level 1) in S27. If multiple conditions from condition B1, condition B2, and condition B3 are met, the controller 61 reads the restriction mode of the highest level among "restriction 2 (level 1)", "restriction 4 (level 2)", or "restriction 6 (level 3)". The controller 61 then stores the read restriction mode in the main unit memory 62 (S27).

[0145] Next, in S28, the controller 61 reads the restriction mode stored in S27 from the main memory 62 and sets it as the restriction mode in the restriction content setting table 96 shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the restriction content setting table 96 consists of information including the "restriction mode" and the functions of the multifunction printer 1, such as "available toner cartridges", "scanner function", "fax transmission function", "fax reception function (printing)", and "fax reception function (memory reception)".

[0146] Furthermore, the "Restriction Mode" section includes information on restriction modes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The "Available Toner Cartridges" section includes information on the restriction "None" for restrictions 1, 3, and 5, and information on the restriction "Standard Cartridge" for restrictions 2, 4, and 6. The "Scan Function" section includes information on "Available" for restrictions 1, 2, 4, and 6, and information on "Unavailable" for restrictions 3 and 5.

[0147] Furthermore, the "Fax Transmission Function" includes information on restrictions that are "available" for restrictions 1, 2, 4, and 6, and information on restrictions that are "unavailable" for restrictions 3 and 5. The "Fax Reception Function (Printing)" also includes information on restrictions that are "unavailable" for restrictions 1, 3, and 5, and information on restrictions that are "available (with standard cartridge)" for restrictions 2, 4, and 6.

[0148] Furthermore, the "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" includes information on the restriction content, such as "Unavailable" in response to restriction 1, and "Available" in response to restrictions 2, 4, and 6. Additionally, the "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" includes information on the restriction content, such as "Available (P-channel display guidance)" in response to restriction 3, and information on the restriction content, such as "Unavailable (Forced TEL Mode)" in response to restriction 5.

[0149] Therefore, corresponding to each of restrictions 1 through 6, at least a portion of the "fax transmission function," "fax reception function (printing)," and "fax reception function (memory reception)" are switched from "available" to "unavailable." Alternatively, the "fax transmission function," "fax reception function (printing)," and "fax reception function (memory reception)" corresponding to restrictions 1, 3, and 5 may all be switched from "available" to "unavailable."

[0150] The following provides a more detailed explanation of the limitations regarding the functions of the multifunction printer 1, specifically "Available Toner Cartridges," "Scanner Function," "Fax Transmission Function," "Fax Reception Function (Printing)," and "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)."

[0151] The "Available Toner Cartridges" in the restriction settings table 96 represent the "printing functions" that can be used in the printing unit 66, and indicate the type of toner cartridge 4 that can be used for printing out of the two types of toner cartridges 4: dedicated cartridges and regular cartridges. For example, if "Available Toner Cartridges" is "None," it means that neither dedicated cartridges nor regular cartridges 4 can be used for printing. In other words, it means that the "printing functions" that can be used in the printing unit 66 are restricted to be disabled.

[0152] Furthermore, if the "Available Toner Cartridge" is "Standard Cartridge," it indicates that only the standard toner cartridge 4 can be used for printing. In other words, if the dedicated toner cartridge 4 is installed in the main unit 10, it indicates that the "printing function" available in the printing unit 66 will be restricted and disabled.

[0153] For example, if "Scanner function" in the restriction settings table 96 is set to "Available," it means that the "Scanner function" available for use by the scanner unit 67 is not restricted. In other words, it means that the multifunction device 1 can use the "Scanner function" provided by the scanner unit 67. Conversely, if "Scanner function" in the restriction settings table 96 is set to "Unavailable," it means that the "Scanner function" available for use by the scanner unit 67 is restricted to be disabled. In other words, it means that the multifunction device 1 disables the "Scanner function" provided by the scanner unit 67.

[0154] For example, if "Fax transmission function" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Available," it means that the fax transmission function via the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 can be used. Conversely, if "Fax transmission function" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Unavailable," it means that the fax transmission function via the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 is restricted to be disabled. In other words, the multifunction device 1 disables the "fax transmission function" that can be used with the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, if "Fax Reception Function (Printing)" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Unavailable," it means that the printing output of image data received via fax through the communication interface 63 is restricted. Also, if "Fax Reception Function (Printing)" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Available (Normal Cartridge)," it means that when the normal cartridge toner cartridge 4 is installed, the image data received via fax can be printed. In other words, if the dedicated cartridge toner cartridge 4 is installed, it means that the "Fax Reception Function," which prints image data received via fax, is restricted to being disabled.

[0156] For example, if "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" in the restriction settings table 96 is set to "Available," it means that the image data received by fax can be stored in the main unit's memory 62. Conversely, if "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" in the restriction settings table 96 is set to "Unavailable," it means that the function of storing image data received by fax via the communication interface 63 in the main unit's memory 62 is disabled (restricted).

[0157] Furthermore, if "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Available (Panel Display Guidance)," it means that the display 64 will show that the faxed image data is being stored in the main unit memory 62. Also, if "Fax Reception Function (Memory Reception)" in the restriction setting table 96 is set to "Unavailable (Forced TEL Mode)," it means that when a fax is received via the communication interface 63, voice communication will be performed using the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68. In other words, it means that the storage of faxed image data in the main unit memory 62 is stopped (restricted).

[0158] The controller 61 then sets the restrictions for each function corresponding to the restriction mode: "available toner cartridges," "scanner function," "fax transmission function," "fax reception function (printing)," and "fax reception function (memory reception)." In other words, the controller 61 switches each function to the restrictions corresponding to this restriction mode (S28).

[0159] Therefore, in S28, for example, if the controller 61 reads the restriction mode "Restriction 3" stored in S27 from the main memory 62, it sets this "Restriction 3" to the restriction mode in the restriction content setting table 96 shown in Figure 10. Then, as shown in Figure 10, since there are "none" "available toner cartridges" corresponding to "Restriction 3", the controller 61 sets (restricts) the "printing function" that can be used by the printing unit 66 to be stopped.

[0160] Furthermore, since the scanner function corresponding to restriction 3 is unavailable, controller 61 sets (restricts) the scanner function available in scanner unit 67 to be disabled. Also, since the fax transmission function corresponding to restriction 3 is unavailable, controller 61 sets (restricts) the fax transmission function via facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 to be disabled.

[0161] Furthermore, since the "fax receiving function (printing)" corresponding to "restriction 3" is "unavailable," the controller 61 is set (restricted) to stop printing the image data received via fax through the communication interface 63. Also, since the "fax receiving function (memory receiving)" corresponding to "restriction 3" is "available (indicated by panel display)," the controller 61 is set to store and save the image data received via fax in the main unit memory 62.

[0162] Furthermore, if the controller 61 has stored image data in the main unit memory 62, it displays on the display 64 that the received fax image data is stored in the main unit memory 62. This allows the user to receive and confirm image data, such as messages, received by fax from the multifunction device 1 via a user terminal 9 or the like.

[0163] Next, in S29, if the controller 61 restricted the "printing function" available to the printing unit 66 in S28, it displays the restriction on the display 64 to notify the user. Also, if the controller 61 restricted (stopped) the "scanner function" available to the scanner unit 67 in S28, it displays the restriction (stopped) on the display 64 to notify the user.

[0164] Furthermore, if the controller 61 restricts (disables) the "fax transmission function" that can be used by the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 in S28, it displays on the display 64 that the "fax transmission function" has been restricted (disabled) to notify the user. Also, if the controller 61 restricts (disables, etc.) the "fax reception function" that can be used by the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68 in S28, it displays on the display 64 that the "fax reception function" has been restricted (disabled, etc.) to notify the user (S29).

[0165] Subsequently, in S30, the controller 61 reads the conditions under which restriction condition B was met, which were stored in the main memory 62 in S26, and determines whether the met restriction condition B has been released. For example, if the restriction condition B that was met in S26 is condition B1, the controller 61 determines whether communication with an external communication device, such as server 8, via the communication interface 63 has been established. If the controller 61 determines that communication with an external communication device, such as server 8, via the communication interface 63 has been established, it determines that the restriction condition B that was met in S26 has been released.

[0166] Furthermore, for example, if the restriction condition B that was met in S26 is condition B2, the controller 61 determines whether the user has paid the usage fee and received a print resume instruction from the server 8 via the communication interface 63. If the controller 61 determines that it has received a print resume instruction from the server 8 via the communication interface 63, it determines that the restriction condition B that was met in S26 has been released.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, if the restriction condition B established in S26 is condition B3, the controller 61 determines whether it has received a notification from the server 8 via the communication interface 63 that the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" have been concluded, or a notification that only the "consumables contract" has been concluded. If the controller 61 determines that it has received a notification from the server 8 via the communication interface 63 that the "main unit contract" and the "consumables contract" have been concluded, or a notification that only the "consumables contract" has been concluded, it determines that the restriction condition B established in S26 has been lifted.

[0168] Then, if the controller 61 determines that the restriction condition B that was met in S26 has not been released (S30: NO), it executes the process in S30 again. On the other hand, if the controller 61 determines that the restriction condition B that was met in S26 has been released (S30: YES), it proceeds to the process in S31.

[0169] In S31, the controller 61 removes the restrictions set in S28 on the "printing function" that can be used by the printing unit 66. As a result, the user can print using both the dedicated cartridge and the standard cartridge toner cartridge 4. The controller 61 also removes the restrictions set in S28 on the "scanner function" that can be used by the scanner unit 67. As a result, the user can obtain image data of the object to be scanned using the scanner unit 67.

[0170] Furthermore, the controller 61 removes the restrictions set in S28 on the "fax transmission function" and "fax reception function" that can be used by the facsimile and telephone communication unit 68. As a result, the user can send faxes to and receive faxes from external sources. After that, the controller 61 executes the processes from S22 onwards again.

[0171] [Differentiation] [Example 1] For example, the restriction modes "Restriction 1", "Restriction 2", "Restriction 3", "Restriction 4", "Restriction 5", and "Restriction 6" stored in the restriction mode setting table 95 shown in Figure 9 may not be assigned a selection order for selecting one of two or more "restriction modes". In other words, the restriction modes "Restriction 1", "Restriction 2", "Restriction 3", "Restriction 4", "Restriction 5", and "Restriction 6" may not be assigned "Level 1", "Level 2", and "Level 3", which represent a selection order for selecting one of two or more "restriction modes".

[0172] Furthermore, each of the restriction content for multiple functions of the multifunction printer 1 corresponding to each restriction mode stored in the restriction content setting table 96 shown in Figure 10 may be assigned a level such as "Level 1," "Level 2," "Level 3," and "Level 4," which indicates the selection order for selecting the "restriction content." When two or more restriction modes are selected, "Level 1," "Level 2," "Level 3," and "Level 4," etc., they indicate the selection order for selecting one "restriction content" from two or more "restriction content" for each function corresponding to each restriction mode. The selection order for selecting the "restriction content" may be such that "Level 1," "Level 2," "Level 3," and "Level 4" are in descending order.

[0173] Furthermore, in S27, if multiple conditions among conditions B1, B2, and B3 are met, the controller 61 may read the corresponding multiple restriction modes and store them in the main memory 62.

[0174] Next, in S28, the controller 61 reads the multiple restriction modes stored in S27 from the main memory 62 and sets each restriction mode as a restriction mode in the restriction content setting table 96 shown in Figure 10. The controller 61 may then set the restriction content with the highest level among the two or more "restriction content" for each function corresponding to each restriction mode, such as "Level 1," "Level 2," "Level 3," and "Level 4."

[0175] [Differentiation 2] The image forming apparatus disclosed herein is not limited to the multifunction device 1. The image forming apparatus may also be a device having only a printing function, such as a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0176] [Difference 3] The drum cartridge 20 may include a photoreceptor drum, a cartridge housing, a drum memory 22, a charger, and a developing roller. The cartridge housing is provided with the photoreceptor drum, the drum memory 22, the charger, and the developing roller. The toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42, but does not have a developing roller. The cartridge housing contains the toner. The outer surface of the developing roller contacts the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum inside the drum cartridge 20.

[0177] [Differentiation Example 4] The toner cartridge 4 may consist of two cartridges, not shown. The first of the two cartridges constituting the toner cartridge 4 has a developing roller. The second of the two cartridges constituting the toner cartridge 4 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory 42. The cartridge housing contains the toner.

[0178] [Difference 5] The multifunction printer 1 may have one cartridge (not shown) instead of the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4. The one cartridge has a photoreceptor drum, a cartridge housing, a memory, a charger, and a developing roller. The outer surface of the developing roller is in contact with the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum inside the one cartridge. The cartridge housing of the one cartridge houses the toner.

[0179] [Modification 6] Furthermore, in the multifunction printer 1, the drum cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 4 may be detachable from the main unit 10 independently of each other.

[0180] [Difference 7] The printing unit 66 of the multifunction printer 1 may be an inkjet printer. If the printing unit 66 is an inkjet printer, the main body 10 of the multifunction printer 1 is fitted with ink cartridges instead of a drum cartridge 20 and a toner cartridge 4. The number of ink cartridges fitted to the multifunction printer 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the multifunction printer 1 may be fitted with a total of four ink cartridges, one for each of the four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, or it may be fitted with only one black ink cartridge.

[0181] Ink cartridges have a built-in ink memory. This ink memory stores information such as the ink ID, ink type information, ink level, new cartridge flag, and ordered information. The ink ID is the same information as the toner ID. The ink type information is the same information as the second type information.

[0182] Even when the printing unit 66 is an inkjet printer, the processing flow in Figures 4 to 5 is the same. Specifically, when the printing unit 66 is an inkjet printer, "toner cartridge 4" and "toner memory 42" in the description of the above embodiment should be read as "ink cartridge" and "ink memory," respectively. Also, "toner ID," "second type information," and "toner remaining amount information" should be read as "ink ID," "ink type information," and "ink remaining amount information," respectively. Even when the printing unit 66 is an inkjet printer, the same effects as the multifunction device 1 of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0183] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the multifunction printer 1 (hereinafter referred to as "device") are programs that cause the computer to function as the multifunction printer 1, and these can be realized by programs that cause the computer to function as the controller 61 of the multifunction printer 1.

[0184] In this case, the multifunction device 1 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0185] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be present in the multifunction device 1. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the multifunction device 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0186] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the controller 61 can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits that function as each of the control blocks described above are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0187] [Additional Notes] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, 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 this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1 Multifunction printer, 4 Toner cartridge, 42 Toner memory, 61 Controller, 62 Main unit memory, 63 Communication interface, 64 Display, 66 Printing unit, 67 Scanner unit, 68 Facsimile and telephone communication unit, 69 Timer, 629 Page count memory unit, 630 Period memory unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, The main unit and A main unit memory that stores first type information indicating whether the main unit is a dedicated main unit that can be used when a main unit contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, A consumable equipped with a consumable memory that stores second type information indicating whether the consumable attached to the main unit is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a consumable contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable that can be used regardless of whether a consumable contract has been concluded, Controller and Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, A first determination process for determining whether the first type information indicates that it is the dedicated main unit that can be used when the main unit contract has been concluded, A second determination process for determining whether the second type information indicates that the consumables are the exclusive consumables that can be used when the consumables contract is concluded, A switching process that switches the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus based on a combination of the first type information determined in the first determination process and the second type information determined in the second determination process, An image forming apparatus that performs this function.

2. The aforementioned controller, After the first determination process, the second determination process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned main memory is The system stores condition information representing switching conditions set to switch the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus according to the first type information or the second type information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned main memory is The system stores contract information indicating whether a consumables contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded or whether a consumables contract has not been concluded. The aforementioned controller, A contract determination process that determines whether the aforementioned contract information indicates that the aforementioned consumables contract has been concluded, If the contract determination process determines that the contract information indicates that the consumables contract has been concluded, then a third determination process is executed to determine whether the switching condition is met. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned controller, If the third determination process determines that the switching condition is met, the switching process is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned switching process is, This includes a process that restricts the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

7. With an additional printing section, The aforementioned controller, In the aforementioned switching process, the printing functions available for use in the printing unit are switched. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. It also includes a scanner unit, The aforementioned controller, In the aforementioned switching process, the scanner function that can be used by the scanner unit is switched. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. Communication interface, The fax transmission function performed via the aforementioned communication interface, The fax receiving function is performed via the aforementioned communication interface, Furthermore, The aforementioned controller, In the aforementioned switching process, at least a part of the fax transmission function or the fax reception function is switched. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. Equipped with an additional communication interface, The aforementioned main memory is It has a page count storage unit that stores the number of pages that can be printed while offline, when communication with an external communication device via the aforementioned communication interface is disconnected. The aforementioned switching conditions are: This includes reaching the number of printable pages during the aforementioned offline period. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

11. Equipped with an additional communication interface, The aforementioned switching conditions are: This includes a print stop command received from an external communication device via the aforementioned communication interface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

12. The controller has a timer, The aforementioned main memory is It has a period storage unit that stores the contract period from the start of the contract to the expiration of the contract period for the consumables contract and the main contract, The aforementioned switching conditions are: The timer has detected the completion of the contract period for either the consumables contract or the main contract, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

13. With an additional printing section, The aforementioned controller, If the first determination process determines that the first type information indicates that the main unit is the dedicated main unit that can be used when the main unit contract is concluded, and the third determination process determines that the switching condition is met, In the aforementioned switching process, the printing functions available on the printing unit are made unavailable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

14. With an additional printing section, The aforementioned controller, If, in the first determination process, it is determined that the first type information indicates that it is a regular main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, and in the second determination process, it is determined that the second type information indicates that it is a dedicated consumable that can be used when the consumable contract has been concluded, and in the third determination process, it is determined that the switching condition is met, In the aforementioned switching process, the printing function of the printing unit is disabled. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

15. The aforementioned controller, If, in the first determination process, it is determined that the first type information indicates that it is a normal main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, and in the second determination process, it is determined that the second type information indicates that it is a normal consumable that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the consumables contract, and in the third determination process, it is determined that the switching condition is met, In the aforementioned switching process, the printing function of the printing unit is made available. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. Equipped with a broadcasting unit to disseminate information, The aforementioned main memory is The system stores notification condition information that represents notification conditions set to notify that the functions available in the image forming apparatus may be switched according to the first type information or the second type information. The aforementioned controller, If the contract determination process determines that the contract information indicates that the consumables contract has been concluded, a fourth determination process is performed to determine whether the notice conditions are met. If the fourth determination process determines that the notification conditions are met, a notification process is performed via the notification unit to notify that the functions available for use in the image forming apparatus may be switched based on the combination of the first type information determined in the first determination process and the second type information determined in the second determination process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, which performs the following:

17. The aforementioned controller, After executing the switching process, a fifth determination process is performed to determine whether the switching conditions are met, If the fifth determination process determines that the switching conditions are not met, the functions available to the image forming apparatus are returned to the functions available to the image forming apparatus before the switching process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

18. Equipped with an additional communication interface, The aforementioned controller, If a notification that the main contract has been concluded is received from an external communication device via the communication interface, The first type information is stored in the main unit memory as information indicating that it is the dedicated main unit that can be used when the main unit contract has been concluded. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

19. Equipped with an additional communication interface, The aforementioned controller, If a notification that the consumables contract has been concluded is received from an external communication device via the communication interface, The aforementioned contract information is stored in the main unit memory as information indicating that a consumables contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

20. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus is The main unit and A main unit memory that stores first type information indicating whether the main unit is a dedicated main unit that can be used when a main unit contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular main unit that can be used regardless of the conclusion of the main unit contract, A consumable equipped with a consumable memory that stores second type information indicating whether the consumable attached to the main unit is a dedicated consumable that can be used when a consumable contract for the image forming apparatus has been concluded, or a regular consumable that can be used regardless of whether a consumable contract has been concluded, Controller and It is equipped with, The aforementioned controller, A first determination step of determining whether the first type information indicates that it is the dedicated main unit that can be used when the main unit contract has been concluded, A second determination step to determine whether the second type information indicates that the consumables are the exclusive consumables that can be used when the consumables contract has been concluded, A switching step that switches the functions that can be used in the image forming apparatus based on a combination of the first type information determined in the first determination step and the second type information determined in the second determination step, Execute Control method.

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