U.S. patent application number 14/264958 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-06 for point bank system.
The applicant listed for this patent is RICOH COMPANY, LTD.. Invention is credited to Kanae AMEMIYA.
Application Number | 20140330730 14/264958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19063959 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140330730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AMEMIYA; Kanae |
November 6, 2014 |
POINT BANK SYSTEM
Abstract
A maintenance management side manages machine information and
the installed number of machines such as a copier, a printer, a
facsimile, a digital multi-functional apparatus, and a scanner, and
exchanges the usage number for each machine for a point value,
based on the machine information and the installed number of
machines. A service is provided to the user based on the point
value. In addition, the service to the user can be utilized through
each machine provided at the user side.
Inventors: |
AMEMIYA; Kanae; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RICOH COMPANY, LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
19063959 |
Appl. No.: |
14/264958 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10481124 |
Dec 18, 2003 |
8751406 |
|
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PCT/JP02/07753 |
Jul 30, 2002 |
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14264958 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/20 20130101;
G06Q 30/0645 20130101; G03G 21/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0231 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/307 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02; G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 31, 2001 |
JP |
2001-231976 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A point bank system, comprising: an obtaining part that obtains
a first usage amount of a device from the device, a calculation
part that calculates a first point associated with a user based on
the first usage amount, a storage part that stores a second point
associated with a service to be provided, a determination part that
determines, for the user, possible services to be provided based on
the first point and the second point, a sending part that sends the
possible services to be provided by the first point of the user
identified by first identification information, and a service
providing part that provides one or more services when receiving a
request to provide the one or more services of the possible
services sent by the sending part.
3. The point bank system of claim 1, wherein: the obtaining part
obtains a second usage amount associated with the device, and the
calculation part calculates a first point associated with a service
based on the first usage amount and the second usage amount.
4. The point bank system of claim 1, wherein the storage part
stores contract information for the user, and the calculation part
calculates a first point associated with a user based on the
contract information stored for the user in the storage part and
the first usage amount.
5. The point bank system of claim 1, wherein: the service providing
part sends software to the device identified by the second
identification information when receiving the request to provide a
service which provides software and the second identification
information.
6. The point bank system of claim 1, wherein: the storage part
stores the first point associated with a user which is calculated
by the calculation part, the determination part determines the
possible services to provide for the user based on the first point
for the user which is stored in the storage part and the second
point for the services to be provided, and the calculation part
deducts a point corresponding to the one or more services from the
second point stored in the storage part when the one or more
services are provided by the service providing part.
7. The point bank system of claim 1, wherein: the one or more
services provided by the service providing part comprise at least
one of a discount of a maintenance management charge, free
maintenance management, and an article of consumption.
8. A point bank system, comprising: a storage part that stores a
first point associated with a service to be provided and that
records a group comprising multiple users, an obtaining part that
obtains a first usage amount of a device from the device, a
calculation part that calculate a second point of the group based
on the first usage amount, a determination part that determines
possible services to provide to the group based on the second point
and the first point, a sending part that sends the possible
services to provide by the second point of the group to which the
user belongs, the user identified by first identification
information received from outside, and a service providing part
that provides one or more services when receiving a request of
providing the one or more services of the possible services which
the sending part sent.
9. The point bank system of claim 8, wherein: the obtaining part
obtains a second usage amount associated with the device, and the
calculation part calculates the second point of the group based on
the first usage amount and the second usage amount.
10. The point bank system of claim 7, wherein: the storage part
stores contract information for each of the groups, and the
calculation part calculates the second point for each of the groups
based on the contract information stored for each of the groups in
the storage part and the first usage amount.
11. The point bank system of claim 7, wherein: the storage part
stores the second point of the group calculated by the calculation
part, the determination part determines the possible services
provided by the second point of the group to which the user
belongs, the user identified by the first identification
information, based on the second point of the group which is stored
in the storage part and the first point for each of the services to
be provided, and the calculation part deducts a point corresponding
to the one or more services from the first point stored in the
storage part when the one or more services are provided by the
service providing part.
12. A point bank method, comprising: obtaining a first usage amount
of a device from the device, calculating a first point associated
with a user based on the first usage amount, storing a second point
associated with a service to be provided, determining, for the
user, possible services to be provided based on the first point and
the second point, sending the possible services to be provided by
the first point of the user identified by first identification
information, and providing one or more services when receiving a
request to provide the one or more services of the possible
services.
13. The point bank method of claim 12, comprising: obtaining a
second usage amount associated with the device, and calculating a
first point associated with a service based on the first usage
amount and the second usage amount.
14. The point bank method of claim 12, comprising storing contract
information for the user, and calculating a first point associated
with a user based on the contract information stored for the user
and the first usage amount.
15. The point bank method of claim 12, comprising: sending software
to the device identified by the second identification information
when receiving the request to provide a service which provides
software and the second identification information.
16. The point bank method of claim 12, comprising: storing the
first point associated with a user which is calculated by the
calculation part, determining the possible services to provide for
the user based on the first point for the user and the second point
for the services to be provided, and deducting a point
corresponding to the one or more services from the second point
when the one or more services are provided.
17. The point bank method of claim 12, wherein: the one or more
services comprise at least one of a discount of a maintenance
management charge, free maintenance management, and an article of
consumption.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/481,124, filed Dec. 18, 2003, which is a
national phase filing under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International
Application No. PCT/JP02/07753, filed Jul. 30, 2002, and which
claims the priority of Japanese Application No. 2001-231976, filed
Jul. 31, 2001, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a point bank
system, a point bank apparatus, and a point bank terminal, a method
for accumulating points, and a method for providing service.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Generally, a digital multi-functional apparatus mounting a
copier or a function for copying or a like is provided as a leased
apparatus or as merchandise, which a user purchases, from a maker
selling or providing a maintenance management service.
[0004] In addition, the maker provides the main part of the copier
and the digital multi-functional apparatus as well as a maintenance
management service such as a machine check, a repair, an
adjustment, and a like.
[0005] The cost of the maintenance management service depends on
the number of copies and is calculated by a charge per paper
sheet.
[0006] To realize this, generally, a counter is provided in the
copier or the digital multi-functional apparatus provided as
described above. Using this counter, the maker counts how many
times the user uses the copier for a predetermined period, for
example, one month, and calculates the maintenance management
charge.
[0007] As for the counter as described above, there are a so-called
mechanical counter and a so-called software counter. The mechanical
counter physically exists and maintains a count value of the number
of copies. And the software counter electrically stores the count
value.
[0008] In recent years, such as the maker has provided a service
discounting the maintenance management charge. This service
discounts the copying charge per paper sheet when the user utilizes
the copier more than a set value.
[0009] However, as described above, the service currently provided
to discount the maintenance management charge simply discounts the
copying charge when the copying number exceeds the set value. Thus,
service tailored for each user is not provided.
[0010] In addition, conventionally, the service is simply provided
without considering a user utilizing the service for a long time, a
user installing many machines, or a user requiring a lesser number
of maintenance visits, who is a preferable user. Since the service
is equally provided to all users, the maker has not provided the
service to each user based on various benefits.
[0011] Moreover, since in the service currently provided, the user
pays a charge with respect to a usage amount to the maker, the user
has not received any additional service suitable for the charge of
the usage amount.
[0012] Furthermore, in the service currently provided, only the
copying number is referred to. Thus, for example, even if the user
installs a machine such as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a
like in addition to an existing printer or digital multi-functional
apparatus, any special extra service corresponding to the number of
times using these machines has not been provided to the user.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
point bank system, a point bank apparatus, and a point bank
terminal, a method for accumulating points, and a method for
providing service, in which the above-mentioned problems are
eliminated.
[0014] A more specific object of the present invention is to
provide the point bank system, the point bank apparatus, and the
point bank terminal, the method for accumulating points, the method
for providing service, and the computer-readable recording medium
recorded with program code thereof, in which a service suitable for
each user can be provided.
[0015] In order to achieve the above objects, in a first aspect,
the present invention can provide a point bank system for managing
a point value calculated based on a usage number of a machine
provided at a user side, including a usage number maintaining part
maintaining a usage number for each machine, the usage number
collected through the network, a point exchanging part exchanging
the usage number of each machine maintained in the usage number
maintaining part for the point value; a point accumulating part
accumulating the point value exchanged by the point exchanging
part.
[0016] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide services suitable for each user. That is, based on the
usage number of the machines provided at the user side, the point
value necessary to utilize the services, it is possible to provide
more services or higher quality services for the user having a
greater usage number. In addition, as for the maintenance
management side providing the machines, a greater installed number
of the machines and a greater usage number can be expected.
Accordingly, it is possible to receive a higher benefit.
[0017] Moreover, in a second aspect, the present invention may
provide the point bank system wherein: the user side comprises at
least one person or at least one section; the point exchanging part
exchanges the points for each person or each section; and the point
accumulating part accumulates the points for each person or each
section.
[0018] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide more specific services suitable for each user. That is, for
the same user, it is possible to provide more services or higher
quality services to an individual or a section that uses the
machine more.
[0019] Furthermore, in a third aspect, the present invention may
provide the point bank system further including: a candidate
service determining part determining at least one candidate service
to provide, based on the point value accumulated in the point bank
system; a service utilizing screen creating part creating at least
one service utilizing screen for utilizing the service, based on
the service determined by the candidate service determining part; a
service utilizing screen sending part sending the service utilizing
screen created by the service utilizing screen creating part to the
machine through a network; and a service providing part providing a
service, which the user selects from the service utilizing screen
at the machine at the user side, based on a service selection sent
from the machine, whereby the service is provided to the user based
on the point value accumulated in the point bank system.
[0020] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
utilize the services by using an accumulative point value at the
machine at the user side. Thus, it is possible to provide an
environment allowing the user to easily utilize the services. In
addition, the maintenance management side can improve the value for
utilizing the services provided according to the present invention.
Thus, it is possible to have an increase of the number of the users
who make use of the services according to the present
invention.
[0021] Moreover, in a fourth aspect, the present invention can
provide a machine, which is provided to a user side and capable of
connecting to a point bank system managing a point value calculated
based a usage number at the machine, including: a usage number
sending part sending the usage number to the point bank system; a
point balance specifying part specifying a point balance
accumulated in the point bank system; and a point balance
displaying part displaying the point balance specified by the point
balance specifying part.
[0022] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
confirm the point balance in respect to an accumulative point value
at the machine at the user side. Thus, it is possible to promote
greater use of the machine to the user.
[0023] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect, the present invention can
provide a machine including: a service utilizing screen displaying
part displaying a service utilizing screen for utilizing a service
received from a point bank system that provides the service to a
user based on an accumulative point value; and a selected service
sending part sending a service selection, which is input by the
user based on the service utilizing screen displayed by the service
utilizing screen displaying part.
[0024] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
utilize the services by using the accumulative point value at the
machine at the user side. Thus, it is possible to provide an
environment allowing the user to easily utilize the services. In
addition; the maintenance management side can improve the value for
utilizing the services provided according to the present invention.
Thus, it is possible to have an increase of the number of the users
who make use of the services according to the present
invention.
[0025] Moreover, in a sixth aspect, the present invention can
provide a machine including: a point balance specifying part
specifying a point balance accumulated in a point bank system,
which manages a point value calculated based on a usage number of a
machine provided at a user side; a self usage point exchanging part
exchanging the usage number of the machine for the point value: and
a self usage point adding part adding the point value exchanged by
the self usage point exchanging part to the point balance specified
by the point balance specifying part.
[0026] Accordingly, in the present invention, since the point
balance is managed at the machine at the user side, it is possible
to promptly provide the services to the user at a time when the
point balance reaches a predetermined value. In addition, the
maintenance management side can improve the value for utilizing the
services provided according to the present invention. Thus, it is
possible to have an increase of the number of the users who make
use of the services according to the present invention.
[0027] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect, the present invention may
provide the machine further including: a candidate service
determining part determining at least one candidate service to
provide, based on the point balance obtained by the self usage
point adding part; a service utilizing screen creating part
creating at least one service utilizing screen for utilizing a
service, based on the candidate service determined by the candidate
service determining part; a service utilizing screen displaying
part displaying the service utilizing screen created by the service
utilizing screen creating part; a service selection obtaining
allowing a user of the machine to select a service as a service
selection from the candidate services shown in the service
utilizing screen so as to obtain the service selection; and a
service selection processing part processing the service selection
by either one of providing the service to the user based on the
service selection and sending the service selection input by the
user to the point bank system connected through a network.
[0028] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
promptly utilize the services based on the accumulative points at
the machine at the user side. In addition, since the maintenance
management side can improve the value for utilizing the services
provided according to the present invention, it is possible to have
the increase of the number of the users who make use of the
services according to the present invention.
[0029] Moreover, in an eighth aspect, the present invention can
provide a machine for generating counter information, including a
counter information generating part canceling the counter
information generated by a predetermined usage number of a machine
where a computer is provided, or suppressing the generation of the
counter information for the predetermined usage number of the
machine.
[0030] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide the services that can be free corresponding to usage of the
machine.
[0031] Furthermore, in a ninth aspect, the present invention can
provide a terminal including: a point balance specifying part
specifying a point balance accumulated in a point bank system,
which manages a point value calculated based on a usage number of a
machine provided at a user side; and a point balance displaying
part displaying the point balance specified by the point balance
specifying part.
[0032] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
confirm the point balance of any one of the terminals from that
terminal itself at the user side. Thus, it is possible to promote
greater use of the machines by the user.
[0033] Moreover, in a tenth aspect, the present invention can
provide a terminal including: a service utilizing screen obtaining
part obtaining a service utilizing screen for utilizing a service,
from a point bank system, which manages a point value calculated
based on a usage number of a machine provided at a user side; a
service utilizing screen displaying part displaying the service
utilizing screen obtained from the point bank system; and a service
selection sending part sending a service selection input based on
the service utilizing screen displayed by the service utilizing
screen displaying part, to the point bank system through a
network.
[0034] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
utilize the services based on the point balance of any one of the
terminals from that terminal itself at the user side. Thus, it is
possible to provide an environment allowing the user to utilize the
services in a state suitable for the user.
[0035] Furthermore, in an eleventh aspect, the present invention
can provide a method for accumulating a point value, including the
steps of: (a) exchanging a usage number for each machine provided
at a user side for the point value; and (b) accumulating the point
value obtained in the step (a).
[0036] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide the services that meet requirements for each user. That is,
since a necessary point value to utilize the services is given
based on a usage number of the machine provided at the user side,
it is possible to provide more services or higher quality services
for the user whose usage number is greater. In addition, since the
maintenance management side providing the machine can expect an
increase in installations of the machines and the usage number of
the machines, it is possible to improve profits.
[0037] Moreover, in a twelfth aspect, the present invention may
provide a method that exchanges the usage number of each machine
for the point value based on any selection of each machine, each
job type executed by the machine, and the number of machines
provided at the user side.
[0038] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide or utilize the services properly to or by each user based
on the machine or functions used by the user and the number of the
machines contracted for by the user.
[0039] Furthermore, in a thirteenth aspect, the present invention
may provide a method of setting a predetermined point value to the
user who installs a new machine and/or replaces an installed
machine with another machine.
[0040] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide more services or higher quality service in respect to the
user who installs a new machine or replaces an installed machine.
Thus, it is possible to improve the installation rate of the
machine. In addition, it is possible to provide the service
suitable to a new installation or a machine replacement, to the
user side.
[0041] Moreover, in a fourteenth aspect, the present invention may
provide a method that sets a predetermined point value for the user
who replaces the installed machine with another machine, to be a
different point value corresponding to contract years of the
installed machine.
[0042] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide more services or higher quality services to the user who
replaces the machine. Thus, it is possible to determine a cycle of
replacing the machine closer to a period desired by the maintenance
management side.
[0043] Furthermore, in a fifteenth aspect, the present invention
may provide a method of setting a predetermined point value for the
user who purchases or utilizes a supply product.
[0044] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide an additional point value for purchase or utilization of a
supply product, the charged maintenance, the repair provided by the
maintenance management side as well as the usage of the machine,
the new installation of the machine, or the replacement. Thus, it
is possible to provide the services considering more purchases or
more utilization. In addition, it is possible for the maintenance
management side to have an increase of purchases and the
installation rate and also to have an improvement in profit.
[0045] Moreover, in a sixteenth aspect, the present invention can
provide a method for providing, a service, including the steps of:
(a) determining at least one candidate service to provide, based on
a usage number of each machine provided at a user side; (b)
creating a service utilizing screen for utilizing a service based
on the candidate service determined in the step (a); and (c)
providing a service selected by the user, based on a service
selection that the user inputs based on the service utilizing
screen created in the step (b).
[0046] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide the services based on the accumulative point value. Thus,
it is possible to have an increase of machine installations and
machine usage. In addition, it is possible for the user to receive
the services corresponding to the machines installed from the
maintenance management side and the machine usage. Thus, it is
possible to have an increase of the number of users who make use of
the services according to the present invention.
[0047] Furthermore, in a seventeenth aspect, the present invention
can provide a program for causing a computer serving as a terminal
at a user side to calculate a point balance, the program including
the code for: (a) specifying the point balance managed in a point
bank system that exchanges a usage number of each machine provided
at the user side for a point value and accumulating the point
value; (b) exchanging the usage number of the machines for the
point value; and (c) adding the point value exchanged by the code
(b) to the point balance specified by the code (a).
[0048] Accordingly, in the present invention, since the point
balance is managed at the machine at the user side, it is possible
to promptly provide the services to the user at a time the point
balance reaches a predetermined value. In addition, since the
maintenance management side can improve the value for utilizing the
services provided according to the present invention, it is
possible to have an increase of the number of the users who make
use of the services according to the present invention.
[0049] Moreover, in an eighteenth aspect, the present invention can
provide the program, further including the code for: (d)
determining at least one candidate service to provide, based on a
point balance obtained by the code (b); (e) creating at least one
service utilizing screen for utilizing a service, based on the
candidate service determined by the code (d); and (f) displaying
the service utilizing screen created by the code (e).
[0050] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
promptly provide the services based on the accumulative point value
in the machine at the user side. In addition, since the maintenance
management side can improve the value for utilizing the services
provided according to the present invention, it is possible to have
an increase of the number of users who make use of the services
according to the present invention.
[0051] Furthermore, in a nineteenth aspect, the present invention
can provide a program for causing a computer to create counter
information, the program including the code for: canceling the
counter information generated by a predetermined usage number of a
machine where the computer is provided or suppressing the
generation of the counter information for the predetermined usage
number of the machine.
[0052] Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to
provide services that can be free corresponding to usage of the
machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0054] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining services according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system
configuration according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a user information database according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a counter information database according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a service database according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0059] FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a machine information database according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an
operation conducted in a counter information collecting step
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an
operation conducted in a point accumulating step according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of an available
service list screen of service utilizing screens according to the
first embodiment of the present invention and
[0063] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a selected
service explanation screen of the service utilizing screens
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation
conducted in a service utilizing screen providing step according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are flowcharts showing an example of
an operation conducted in a service providing step according to the
first embodiment of the present invention, especially an example of
an operation at a time of utilizing the service from a machine
provided at a user side;
[0066] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation
conducted in the service providing step according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, especially an example of an
operation at a time of utilizing the service from any one of the
machines provided at the user side;
[0067] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a service
flow according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing another example of a service
type list of the service utilizing screens according to the first
embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 14B is a diagram
showing an each type available service list screen of the service
utilizing screens according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0069] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining services according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining services according to a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a counter information database according to the third embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0072] FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of a data structure of
a user information database according to the third embodiment of
the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Features of the Present Invention
[0073] Features of the present invention will be described prior to
a detailed explanation of the present invention.
[0074] The present invention is to manage a utilization number of
each of the machines (function) installed at a user side at a
maintenance management side of a maker of machines such as a
copier, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, and a digital
multi-functional apparatus or an MFP (Multi-Function Printer)
mounting these functions, and provide a suitable service for the
usage number.
[0075] The usage number shows how many times the user printed out,
sent or received by facsimile, or scanned, by using a copy function
as a copier, a print function as a printer, a facsimile function as
a facsimile, and a scan function as a scanner. It is preferable to
count the paper sheets. In a case of the scanner, one set of image
data obtained by scanning is calculated as one paper sheet. In a
case of the facsimile, the number of paper sheets sent or received
is calculated. Furthermore, in the present invention, these usage
numbers are converted into points by predetermined parameters
(parameters provided for copying, printing, scanning, sending and
receiving by facsimile, respectively) and maintained at the
maintenance management side.
[0076] Moreover, in the present invention, in addition to the usage
numbers described above, the point value is calculated depending on
purchases and utilizations when the user purchases or utilizes a
supply product provided by the maintenance management side, and a
machine is maintained. The supply product will be described
later.
[0077] Furthermore, as services provided in the present invention,
preferably, a discount of a maintenance management charge or free
maintenance management, an article of consumption, such as paper
sheets and toner, or a like (free service or charged service: in a
case of a charged service, a discount is given), a free or charged
maintenance such as a repair, a replacement, and a like (in a case
of a charged maintenance, a discount is given), and a free or
charged maintenance service or machine check service (in a case of
a charged maintenance service or check service, a discount is
given) are provided.
[0078] Moreover, the present invention has the following features
other than the features as described above.
[0079] First, the present invention has a feature in that various
services described above can be utilized through a display provided
in the digital multi-functional apparatus including any one of a
copier, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, and functions thereof.
That is to say, in the present invention, a service utilizing
screen is displayed at the display based on a point value managed
at the maintenance management side and provided to each user. The
user utilizes the service based on the service utilizing screen
displayed at the display.
[0080] In addition, the present invention has a feature in that the
service utilizing screen can be displayed at a monitor of a
personal computer (hereinafter called PC) as well as the machines
(the copier, the printer, the facsimile, the digital
multi-functional apparatus, and a like). Thereby, it is possible
for the user to utilize the service not only from any one of the
machines but also from any terminal.
[0081] Furthermore, the present invention has a feature in that the
point value managed at the maintenance management side can be
confirmed at each display of the machines or the monitor of the PC.
Thereby, in the present invention, the user can confirm how many
points the user has obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to
promote the greater use of the machines to the user.
[0082] Preferred embodiments of the present invention having
features as described above will be described with reference to the
figures.
First Embodiment
[0083] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described as follows:
[0084] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, information
concerning utilization (usage information or counter information)
of a digital multi-functional apparatus or an MFP (Multi-Function
Printer: hereinafter, included in the digital multi-functional
apparatus) is sent to the maintenance management side 100. And the
maintenance management side 100 maintains and manages the
information. Moreover, a point value corresponding to a purchase or
utilization of a supply product is added.
[0085] In a case that accumulative point value reaches a
predetermined point count, the maintenance management side 100
proposes specific services to the user and provides the user one
service selected from the specific services.
[0086] An example of a configuration that specifically realizes the
features of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described
with reference to FIG. 2.
Configuration of the First Embodiment
[0087] Referring to FIG. 2, the maintenance management side 100 and
the user side 200 are shown in the first embodiment. The
maintenance management side 100 provides machines 2000 including a
copier 201, a printer 202, a facsimile 203, a digital
multi-functional apparatus (including the MFP) 204, and a scanner
205, to the user side 200. At the user side 200, at least one of
the machines 2000 is utilized and the maintenance management
service is conducted thereto. In this case, the maintenance
management side 100 can be a manufacturer of the machines 2000. A
user at the user side 200 can be an individual or a
corporation.
[0088] A supply product 206 is a product provided for the copier
201, the printer 202, the facsimile 203, the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204, the scanner 205, and a like. For
example, the supply product 206 can be an article of consumption or
various parts for toner, a paper sheet, or a like, or various
support services for a maintenance check, a repair, or a like. The
supply product 206 is not limited to these but various products and
services can be applied as the supply product 206.
[0089] Maintenance Management Side 100
[0090] In a system configuration according to the first embodiment
as shown in FIG. 2, the maintenance management side 100 includes a
point bank system 110 and a management side terminal 101.
[0091] The point bank system 110 is a system to manage utilization
information sent from the user side 200 via a network (the Internet
10, the public line 20, or a like) and provide a service according
to the first embodiment to the user side 200.
[0092] The point bank system 110 shown in FIG. 2 includes a
management system 111, a user information database (DB) 121, a
counter information database 122, a service database 123, and a
machine information database 124.
[0093] In this configuration, the user information database 121
stores necessary information concerning the user who has concluded
a predetermined contract with the maintenance management side 100.
The counter information database 122 stores and manages counter
information (utilization information) sent from the machines 2000
provided at the user side 200. The service database 123 maintains
all candidate services to provide to the user side 200. Moreover,
the machine information database 124 stores machine information and
connection information (including a telephone number and
information necessary to communicate using an IP address or a like)
of the machines 2000 specified by machine IDs included in the
machine ID group of the user information database 121. These
databases 121, 122, 123 and 124 will be described later.
[0094] Also, the management side terminal 101 is a terminal for
staff at the maintenance management side 100 to input various
settings and information, and is connected to the management system
111 through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).
[0095] User Side 200
[0096] Moreover, in FIG. 2, the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, the
scanner 205, and a like are provided at the user side 200. In the
first embodiment, not all machines 2000 are necessarily provided at
the user side 200 but at least one of the machines 2000 is
provided, that is any one of machine types of the machine 2000. For
the sake of convenience, the machines 2000 include all machine
types and one for each machine type.
[0097] Moreover, the machines 2000 provided at the user side 200
are connected to the point bank system 110 at the maintenance
management side 100 via the network (the Internet 10, the public
line 20, or a like).
[0098] Furthermore, a user terminal 210 configured by such as a PC
or a like is provided at the user side 200 and is connected to the
point bank system 110 through the Internet 10, the public line 20,
or a like.
[0099] In this configuration, identification information is
uniquely assigned to each of the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and the
scanner 205, and is stored in an internal memory thereof. A
manufacturer's number can be applied as the identification
information, hereinafter called a machine ID.
[0100] In addition, each of the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and the
scanner 205 mounts a counter that counts a utilization number (the
number of paper sheets) each time a job is executed for each job
type (for example, a copy job if the copier 201, a print job if the
printer 202, a facsimile send/receive job if the facsimile 203, any
one of these jobs if the digital multi-functional apparatus 204,
and a scan job if the scanner 205). Hereinafter, information
identifying the job type is called a job ID.
[0101] Furthermore, each of the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and the
scanner 205 sends a value as counted above (hereinafter, called a
counter value) to the management system 111 with the machine ID and
the job ID through the network (the Internet 10, the public line
20, or a like).
[0102] In this case, each of the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and the
scanner 205 temporarily maintains the counter value in an internal
or external storage device thereof and then, may send the counter
value with the machine ID or may send the counter value with the
machine ID each time a job is executed. Also, information of a date
and time when each job is executed may be additionally included in
information to be sent to the management system 111.
[0103] In this configuration, the counter internally mounted in
each of the machines 2000 is a software counter (counter recording
the counter value as electronic data). Alternatively, for example,
the counter can be a mechanical counter (counter physically
recording the counter value). In this case, the counter value can
be sent to the point bank system 110 through the network.
Alternatively, the staff may be sent from the maintenance
management side 100 to the user side 200 periodically or as
necessary, may detect the counter value of each counter of the
machines 2000, and may input the counter of each counter from the
management side terminal 101 at the maintenance management side 100
to the counter information database 122.
[0104] Moreover, the management system 111 in the point bank system
110 calculates the point value for each user by referring to the
counter value, the job ID of each count information, and each user
information stored as described above, and stores these to
respective items of the user information database 121.
[0105] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in a case in which the
supply product 206 provided by the maintenance management side 100
is purchased and utilized at the user side 200, the point value
corresponding to the supply product 206 is input from the
management side terminal 101 to the point bank system 110. It
should be noted that the point value corresponding to the supply
product 206 is defined at the maintenance management side 100
beforehand.
[0106] Moreover, in the first embodiment, the point value can be
viewed using the user terminal 210. Thus, in the first embodiment,
a user ID and a password are defined for each user. The user
accesses the point bank system 110 using the user ID and the
password. After authenticating the user by using the user ID and
the password, the point bank system 110 sends information including
the point value of the user, in response to a user request, from
the management system 111 to the user terminal 210 through the
Internet 10. At the user terminal 210, the information including
the point value is received by an application such as a browser or
a like and is displayed to the user.
[0107] The point value managed at the point bank system 110 can be
confirmed by the machines 2000 (the copier 201, the printer 202,
the facsimile 203, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and
the scanner 205) at the user side 200. This can be realized by
embodying an application for displaying the point value sent from
the point bank system 110 in the machines beforehand. In addition,
communication from the point bank system 110 to each of the
machines 2000 can be conducted in accordance with a predetermined
protocol through the network (the Internet 10, the public line 20,
or a like).
[0108] Moreover, each of the machines 2000 at the user side 200 is
configured so that the count value of each of the machines 2000 can
be displayed at a display (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), touch
panel, or a like). The counter value to be displayed may be an
accumulative counter value or a counter value for every
predetermined period. The counter value may be displayed for each
job type.
[0109] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, utilization of the
supply product can be a subject for which to add points. In this
case, for example, based on contents ordered from the user terminal
210 or each of the machines 2000 to the management system 111, the
point value may be calculated and added at the management system
111. Alternatively, based on contents ordered by phone, the staff
at the maintenance management side 100 may input the point value
using the management side terminal 101.
(Database Configuration)
[0110] Next, a configuration of each of databases 121, 122, 123,
and 124 will be described with reference to figures in detail,
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0111] User Information Database 121
[0112] First, a data configuration of the user information database
121 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, according to the
first embodiment.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 3, the user information database 121
according to the first embodiment includes as items a user ID, a
password, a name (contact person if the user is from a corporation
or a section of the corporation), an address (address of the
corporation of the user or the section of the corporation), a
telephone number (telephone number of the contact person if the
user is from a corporation or a section of the corporation), an
e-mail address (e-mail address of the contact person if the user is
from a corporation or a section of the corporation), a machine ID
group (machine IDs of all machines 2000 provided from the
maintenance management side 100), contract contents concluded
between the user side 200 and the maintenance management side 100,
payment information necessary for the maintenance management side
100 to collect the maintenance management charge and other charges
from the user side 200, and a point value accumulated for each user
(point information: preferably, detailed information is included
for each job type).
[0114] The user ID and the password are given from the maintenance
management side 100 to the user side 200 when the user side 200
concludes the contract for utilizing services according to the
first embodiment with the maintenance management side 100. In
addition, the name, the address, the telephone number, the e-mail
address, the machine ID group, the contract contents, and the
payment information are sent from the user side 200 when the user
at the user side 200 applies to utilize the services to the
maintenance management side 100. The maintenance management side
100 may maintain the machine IDs provided to the user side 200 for
the machines 2000 beforehand, and the machine ID group may store
the machine IDs.
[0115] Counter Information Database 122
[0116] Next, a data configuration of the counter information
database 122 according to the first embodiment will be described
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, items of the machine ID, the counter
value, the job type, and job executed date and time are stored in
the counter information database 122 according to the first
embodiment.
[0118] The counter value is a value counted by the software counter
or the mechanical counter provided in each of the machines 2000 (or
job types), and may be an entirely accumulated value or a
periodically accumulated value.
[0119] Also, these items are sent from each of the machines 2000 at
the user side 200 through the network (the Internet 10, the public
line 20, or a like).
[0120] Service Database 123
[0121] A data configuration of the service database 123 according
to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
5.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, the service database 123 according to
the first embodiment includes items of a service ID identifying a
service, a point value (required point value) required (deducted)
to utilize the service, a comment (service explanation) for
explaining a service name or service contents, and information
(service information) to realize an operation for actually
providing the service. The service information may be about
software if the service is provided by the software, software for
causing a system calculating the maintenance management charge to
conduct a request or an operation if, for example, the service is
to discount the maintenance management charge, or software for
making an order if the service is to provide the supply product 206
free or with a charge. In addition, an example of the service to be
provided will be described in detail later.
[0123] Machine Information Database 124
[0124] A data configuration of the machine information database 124
according to the first embodiment will be described with reference
to FIG. 6.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 6, the machine information database 124
according to the first embodiment stores information necessary when
the management system 111 establishes a line with each of the
machines 2000 provided at the user side 200. Accordingly, the
machine information database 124 stores the machine ID and machine
information and connection information corresponding to the machine
ID. The machine information includes information of year, month,
and date of manufacture for each of the machines 2000. The
connection information is information necessary to establish a
connection with the management system 111 through the network (the
Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like).
[0126] By the data configuration described above, in the first
embodiment, based on the utilization number of each of the machines
2000 provided to the user side 200, various services can be
suitably provided for each user.
[0127] It should be noted that the data configurations of the
databases 121, 122, 123, and 124 are not limited as described
above, but any modified data configuration storing necessary
information can be applied.
Operations of the First Embodiment
[0128] Next, steps to provide the service by using such as the
system configured above will be described with reference to figures
in detail, according to the first embodiment.
[0129] The operation according to the first embodiment of the
present invention mainly consists of the following five steps:
(1) user registering step (2) counter information collecting step
(3) point accumulating step (4) service utilizing screen providing
step (5) service providing step
[0130] The user registering step (1) is a step in which the user
side 200 concludes or modifies a contract in order to utilize a
service (hereinafter, this service is called a point bank service).
An operation may be conducted for creating a new record concerning
the user who contracts regarding the user information database 121
in FIG. 2 or another operation may be conducted for modifying the
contents already registered.
[0131] In addition, the counter information collecting step (2) is
a step that collects the counter information from the machine 2000
provided in user side 200 and maintains the counter information at
the maintenance management side 100. Moreover, in the counter
information collecting step (2), an operation is conducted to
obtain the counter information via the network (the Internet 10,
the public line 20, or a like), or another operation is conducted
to input the counter value and a like (including the machine ID,
other information, and a like) calculated by a service staff member
from the management side terminal 101.
[0132] In addition, the point accumulating step (3) is a step for
accumulating the point value for each user. In the point
accumulating step (3), based on the counter information collected
and input in the counter information collecting step (2), an
operation is conducted to calculate the points accumulated until
the present time.
[0133] In addition, the service utilizing screen providing step (4)
is a step for providing a screen for utilizing the point bank
service 110 according to the first embodiment, to the user side
200. In the service utilizing screen providing step (4), an
operation is conducted to send the screen for utilizing various
services to the machine 2000 of the user side 200 via the network
(the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like).
[0134] In addition, the service providing step (5) is a step for
the user to utilize the service based on the screen provided in the
service utilizing screen providing step (4) or the service
providing screen example shown to the user terminal 210. In the
service providing step (5), an operation is conducted to provide
the screen corresponding to each service. That is, the services in
the first embodiment are for providing software or hardware (supply
product or a like). Accordingly, in the service providing step (5),
an operation corresponding to each service is conducted. Each
operation in steps (1) through (5) described above will be
described.
[0135] (1) User Registering Step
[0136] First, in the user registering step (1) according to the
first embodiment, an operation is conducted to register various
information concerning the user who applies to utilize a service
provided in the first embodiment, to the user information database
121.
[0137] Case of a New Contract
[0138] When at the user side 200 a new copier, a new printer, a new
facsimile, a new digital multi-functional apparatus, a new scanner
or a like (hereinafter, called machines 2000) is leased or
purchased and the user contracts to utilize the point bank system
110, each item stored in the user information database 121
according to the first embodiment is input by the staff from the
management side terminal 101 to the maintenance management side
100. It should be noted that in this case, the information to be
input is input based on information that the user provided in a
proper application sheet or a sheet for a lease or a purchase
contract.
[0139] Case of Contract Changes
[0140] In addition, when the user at the user side 200 additionally
purchases a new machine 2000 or the user replaces or cancels the
machine 2000, then the current contract is changed and, and based
on the contract change, the staff at the maintenance management
side 100 changes registered items of the contents by using the
management side terminal 101. In addition, when the user side 200
moves to a new address or a contact person is changed, a similar
operation is conducted.
[0141] However, since the purpose of the user registering step (1)
is to store information needed for the user information database
121, as long as this purpose can be achieved, it is possible to
modify variously and to carry out the user registering step
(1).
[0142] (2) Counter Information Collecting Step
[0143] In addition, in the counter information collecting step (2)
according to the first embodiment, the operation is conducted to
collect the counter information of each job at the machines 2000
provided at the user side 200 and store the counter information to
the counter information database 122. As for the operation to
collect the counter information, a method for collecting via the
network (the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like) or a
method in that the staff at the maintenance management side 100
comes to the user side 200, determines the counter information, and
inputs from the management side terminal 101 to the point bank
system 110 can be applied to the first embodiment.
[0144] Case of Collecting Via the Network
[0145] When the counter information of each machine 2000 provided
at the user side 200 is collected via the network (the Internet 10,
the public line 20, or a like), in each machine 2000, the counter
information concerning each job can be stored in an internal or an
external storage unit. Accordingly, in this step, the management
system 111 collects the counter information stored in such a
storage unit periodically or every predetermined time, and then the
operation for storing the counter information to the counter
information database 122 is conducted.
[0146] The operation to output the counter information from each
machine 2000 at the user side 200 to the point bank system 110 can
be conducted from each machine 2000 or the management system
111.
[0147] The timing of starting the operation in each machine 2000
can be a time when a predetermined period passes after the last
transmission or at a predetermined time, by using a time mechanism
inside the machine 2000. Moreover, as for the timing given from the
management system 111 to start the operation, by using the time
mechanism in the management system 111, it is determined when the
predetermined period passes after the last transmission, when the
predetermined time arrives, or when an instruction to start an
operation is input from the management side terminal 101. Then, the
operation is started.
[0148] An example of the operation for collecting the counter
information in a case in which the timing of the operation start is
given by the management system 111 will be described with reference
to FIG. 7. In the first embodiment, the predetermined time is
detected by the management system 111 and then the operation is
started.
[0149] Referring to FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, the management
system 111 always monitors time based on the time mechanism
provided inside the management system 111 (step S101). When the
time arrives at the predetermined time (Yes in step S101), the
management system 111 refers to the user information database 121
and selects one record (step S102). In addition, the predetermined
time set in the management system 111 can be in a time frame in
which the network (the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like)
is not experiencing heavy use.
[0150] Next, the management system 111 specifies the machine ID
group in the record selected in step S102, and selects one from the
machine ID group (step S103).
[0151] Moreover, the management system 111 specifies connection
information corresponding to the machine ID selected in step S103
(step S104), establishes a line connection with the machine 2000
that is the target machine in accordance with the connection
information, and requests the machine 2000 to send the counter
information (a) (step S105). When the machine 2000 receives the
request for the counter information, the machine 2000 specifies the
counter information stored a storage unit (hard disk or a like)
that is internally or externally provided, and sends the counter
information (b) to the management system 111 via the network (the
Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like) (step S201). The
counter information sent to the management system 111 includes
information corresponding to items which are to be stored in the
counter information database 122 shown in FIG. 4. However, the
machine ID does not need to be stored because the machine ID can be
specified by the management system 111.
[0152] As a result of the operation, it is needed to manage not to
duplicate the same counter information in the point bank system
110. As a method for realizing this, the management system 111 may
indicate a period and request the counter information of each
machine 2000, each machine 2000 may delete the counter information
that has already been sent, or identification may be provided to
the counter information to show that the counter information has
already sent. However, the method is not limited to do so, but
various modifications can be applied to the configuration in the
first embodiment in order that the point bank system 111 not manage
duplicated counter information.
[0153] By the operation described above, the management system 111,
which receives the counter information, stores the counter
information corresponding to the machine ID into the counter
information database 122 (step S106).
[0154] After that, in step S107, the management system 111
determines whether or not all machine IDs included in the machine
ID group specified in step S103 are selected. That is, the
management system 111 determines whether or not the counter
information is collected from all machines 2000 corresponding to
the machine IDs included in the machine ID group. When it is
determined that not all counter information is collected (No of
step S107), a machine ID that has not selected is selected (step
S108), and then the operation goes back to step S104.
[0155] In addition, as a result of step S107, when it is determined
that all machine IDs are selected (Yes of step S107), the
management system 111 determines whether or not all records
registered in the user information database 121 are selected. That
is, it is determined whether or not the counter information is
collected from all user sides 200 registered in the user
information database 121 as users utilizing services (step S109).
When it is determined that the counter information is not collected
from all user sides 200 (No of step S109), a record that has not
been selected is selected (step S110), and then the operation goes
back to step S103.
[0156] Also, as a result of step S109, when it is determined that
all records are selected (Yes of step S109), the management system
111 terminates the operation.
[0157] In the operation described above, the management system 111
may skip steps for the machines 2000 when the management system 111
cannot establish a line connection with the machines 2000.
[0158] Also, in the operation described above, for example, an
algorithm for selecting one record or one machine ID can be a
round-robin method.
[0159] Case of Collecting by Staff
[0160] Different from the method of using the network, the staff of
the maintenance management side 100 comes to the user side 100,
reads the counter information (counter value) stored in a counter
of each machine 2000, and stores the counter information to the
counter information database 122. In this case, the staff of the
maintenance management side 100 accesses the point bank system 110
using the management side terminal 101, inputs the counter
information by indicating the machine ID and a job ID, and stores
the counter information to the counter information database
122.
[0161] By operating as described above, it is possible to collect
the counter information of all the machines 2000 registered to the
users provided at the user sides 200, and to store the counter
information to the counter information database 122.
[0162] (3) Point Accumulating Step
[0163] In the point accumulating step (3) according to the first
embodiment, based on the counter information collected in the
counter information collecting step (2), the points for each user
are calculated, and are added to a point value (called a point
balance) included in the point information stored in the user
information database 121.
[0164] It can be configured that this operation is initiated by a
trigger such as an end of an operation shown in FIG. 7.
Alternatively, it can be configured that this operation is
initiated based on an instruction input from the management side
terminal 101 or a like.
[0165] An example of this operation will be described with
reference to FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, in this operation, the
management system 111 selects one of records of the user
information database 121 (step S111), and selects one machine ID
from the machine ID group in the record selected in step S111 (step
S122). As a selecting method in steps S111 and S112, similar to the
selecting method in FIG. 7, for example, a round-robin method can
be conducted.
[0166] When selecting one machine ID, the management system 111
specifies a record (the counter information including the count
value and the job ID) from the counter information database 122 by
using the machine ID (step S113). Then, a specified record is
classified for each job ID and the counter value for each job ID is
specified (step S114). However, in step S114, the classification
operation for classifying the counter information for each job ID
can be omitted if a subject machine 2000 is not a digital
multi-functional apparatus providing a plurality of functions (more
than one of the copy function, the print function, the facsimile
function, and a like). In addition, the counter information that is
not previously used for a point calculation is the subject
information in this operation. Thus, it is possible for the
operation to prevent duplicating the same counter information.
Alternatively, as a method for preventing duplicate counter
information, the counter information (record) once used to
calculate the point value is deleted and moved to another
database.
[0167] Next, based on the machine information and the job ID
corresponding to the machine ID selected in step S112, a parameter
is specified for each job ID and the point value is calculated for
each machine 2000 by using the parameter and the count value (step
S115). It is configured in that the point value for each machine
2000 is calculated based on the machine information and the job ID
so as to change the parameter used based on contents of items. This
configuration will be described later.
[0168] Moreover, the management system 111 determines in step S116
whether or not all machine IDs included in the machine ID group are
selected, so as to calculate the point value for each of all
machine IDs included in the machine ID group in the record selected
in step S111. As a result of step S116, when it is determined that
there are some machine IDs that have not been selected yet (No of
step S116), the management system 111 selects one of the machine
IDs that have not been selected yet, and then goes back to step
S113.
[0169] Furthermore, as a result of step S116, when it is determined
that all machine IDs are selected (Yes of step S116), the machine
system 111 determines a predetermined parameter based on the
contract indicated in the record selected in step S111. And the
management system 111 multiplies total value of the points
calculated in step S112 through step S117 by the predetermined
parameter, and adds the multiplication result to the point value
included in an item of the point information in the record selected
in step S111 (step S118).
[0170] After that, the management system 111 determines in step
S119 whether or not all records registered in the user information
database 121 are selected, that is, whether or not the point value
is calculated based on the counter information newly stored for all
users. When it is determined that there are records that have not
been selected yet (No of step S119), the management system 111
selects one of the records that have not been selected yet (step
S120) and then goes back to step S112. Also, as a result of step
S119, when it is determined that all records are selected (Yes of
step S119), the management system 111 terminates this process.
[0171] As described above, the point balance for each user can be
updated based on the counter information newly stored.
[0172] Also, for example, an algorithm for selecting the record or
the machine ID can be the round-robin method.
[0173] (4) Service Utilizing Screen Providing Step
[0174] Next, the service utilizing screen providing step (4) will
be described according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0175] The service utilizing screen providing step (4) provides a
screen to utilize the service provided according to the first
embodiment and to provide a list of service (a list of an
explanation of service contents) that the user can utilize and
information of the point value necessary to utilize the
service.
[0176] Example of Service Utilizing Screen
[0177] Service utilizing screens are illustrated in FIG. 9A and
FIG. 9B, according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. For example, the service utilizing screens are displayed
at a display unit (including an LCD, a touch panel, and a like) of
the machine 2000. A case in which the service utilizing screens are
displayed at the display unit including the touch panel will be
described.
[0178] Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, as service utilizing
screens according to the first embodiment of the present invention
an available service list screen in FIG. 9A and a selected service
explanation screen in FIG. 9B are provided.
[0179] Available Service List Screen
[0180] The available service list screen illustrated in FIG. 9A
shows the point balance of the user, a service list (available
service list) available for the current point balance, and a point
value needed (to be deducted) when each service listed in the
available service list is utilized.
[0181] Moreover, if the available service list screen includes a
plurality of pages, it is preferable to provide a current page
number and buttons to move to the next page or the previous page in
the available service list screen.
[0182] When the user selects one of the services listed in the
available service list screen and clicks the button "SELECT", the
selected service explanation screen illustrated in FIG. 9B is
displayed at the display unit of the machine 2000.
[0183] In the available service list screen, each service listed in
the available service list screen corresponds to a service ID.
[0184] Selected Service Explanation Screen
[0185] The selected service explanation screen is a screen to
explain contents of the service selected by the user in detail and
provides a section for explaining the contents of the service. In
addition, in the selected service utilizing screen, it is
preferable to display the point balance after utilizing the service
selected by the user.
[0186] When a button "UTILIZE SERVICE" is clicked by the user in
the selected service explanation screen, an operation for providing
the service is actually conducted. A detailed service example will
be described later.
[0187] Service Utilizing Screen Sending Operation
[0188] Next, an operation for sending the service utilizing screens
illustrated above to the machine 2000 at the user side 200 will be
described with reference to FIG. 10. It should be noted that this
operation is initiated by a trigger indicating that the operation
shown in FIG. 8 is completed.
[0189] Referring to FIG. 10, in this operation, the management
system 111 selects one of the records registered in the user
information database 121 (step S121).
[0190] Next, the management system 111 specifies the point
information in the record selected in step S121 (step S122), and
provides a service available from the service database 123 based on
the point value (point balance) included in the point information
specified in step S122 (step S123).
[0191] When the service available to be provided to the user is
specified, the management system 111 creates the service utilizing
screens described above based on the service specified above, and
maintains the service utilizing screens by corresponding to the
user ID (step S124). The service utilizing screens created by the
management system 111 may be stored in the user information
database 121 or another database.
[0192] After that, the management system 111 selects one from the
machine ID group in the record selected in step S121 (step S125),
and specifies the connection information corresponding to the
machine ID selected in step S125 (step S126). Since not all
machines 2000 provided at the user side 200 can display the service
utilizing screens, in the first embodiment, it is determined
whether or not the subject machine 2000 can display the service
utilizing screens (step S127). For this determination, information
showing whether or not each machine 2000 can so display may be
stored beforehand in one item of the machine information database
124, for example, an item of the connection information.
[0193] As a result of step S127, when it is determined that the
subject machine 2000 can display the service utilizing screens (Yes
of step S127), the management system 111 establishes a connection
with the subject machine 2000 via the network (the Internet 10, the
public line 20, or a like) based on the connection information
specified in step S126, and sends the service utilizing screens (c)
created in step S124 (step S128). And the subject machine at the
user side 200 stores the service utilizing screens received from
the management system 111 to the storage unit internally or
externally provided to the subject machine (step S221).
[0194] In addition, as a result of the step S127, when it is
determined that the subject machine can not display the service
utilizing screen (No of step S127), the management system 111 does
not send the service utilizing screen and goes to step S129.
Moreover, the management system 111 determines whether or not all
machine IDs included in the machine ID group in the record selected
in step S121 are selected (step S129). When it is determined that
not all machine IDs are selected (No of step S129), the management
system 111 selects one of the machine IDs that have not been
selected (step S130) and goes back to step S126. Also, as a result
of step S129, when it is determined that all machine IDs are
selected (Yes of step S129), the management system 111 determines
whether or not all records registered in the user information
database 121 are selected (step S131).
[0195] As a result of step S131, when it is determined that there
are records that have not been selected yet (No of step S131), the
management system 111 selects one from the records that have not
been selected yet (step S132), and goes back to step S122. Also, as
a result of step S131, when it is determined that all records are
selected (Yes of step S131), the management system 111 terminates
this process.
[0196] It is preferable to configure the operation for sending the
service utilizing screen shown in FIG. 10 similar to the operation
shown in FIG. 7, so that the operation in FIG. 10 is conducted when
the network is not experiencing heavy use. In addition, in the
operation in FIG. 10, for example, an algorithm for selecting the
record or the machine ID can be the round-robin method.
[0197] By the operation shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to provide
the service utilizing screen to the machine 2000 at the user side
200 for the user.
[0198] (5) Service Providing Step
[0199] Next, the service providing step (5) will be described
according to the first embodiment.
[0200] Case of Providing the Service Indicated Through the
Machine
[0201] In the service providing step, an operation is conducted for
the maintenance management side 100 to provide the service selected
by the user using the service utilizing screens provided to the
machine 2000 at the user side 200.
[0202] The operation is illustrated in FIGS. 11A-C. Referring to
FIGS. 11A-C, in the first embodiment, the machine 2000 storing the
service utilizing screens detects that the user approaches the
machine 2000 or that the user presses a predetermined button, and
then displays the service utilizing screens at the display unit or
a like (step S241). In order to realize this, the machine 2000 is
provided with means for detecting that a person or a like
approaches the machine 200 and a button or a like to display the
service utilizing screens at the display unit.
[0203] Moreover, when the user selects one service and inputs an
instruction of a utilization decision (step S242) with respect to
the service utilizing screens displayed at the display unit, the
machine 2000 sends the service ID corresponding to the service
selected by the user and the machine ID identifying the machine
2000 itself to the management system 111 through the network (the
Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like) (step S243).
[0204] When the management system 111 receives the service ID and
the machine ID, the management system 111 refers to the service
database 123 using the service ID received from the machine 2000,
and specifies the record corresponding to the service ID (step
S141). After that, the management system 111 refers to the service
information in the record specified in step S141 and determines
whether or not the service information shows a service to provide
software (hereinafter, called service software) (step S142).
[0205] As a result of step S142, when it is determined that the
service software is to be provided (Yes of step S142), the
management system 111 specifies the service software and the
connection information corresponding to the machine ID received in
step S141, and sends the subject machine 2000 the service software
specified in step S144 in accordance with the connection
information. When the machine 2000 receives the service software at
the user side 200, the machine 2000 stores the service software in
the storage unit internally or externally provided therewith (step
S244) and executes the service software stored in the storage unit
(step S245). Accordingly, the service selected by the user is
provided to the user. On the other hand, as a result of step S142,
when it is determined that the service software is not to be
provided to the user (No of step S142), the management system 111
starts a process for providing the service to the user side 200 in
accordance with the service information in the record specified
above (step S143). The service to provide to the user will be
described later.
[0206] After executing the process for providing the service, the
management system 111 specifies the necessary point value in the
record, and specifies the point information in the record
corresponding to the machine ID from the user information database
121. The management system 111 deducts the necessary point value
from the point value indicated by the point information specified
above and updates the point value of the point information
corresponding to the deduction result (step S146). Then, the
management system 111 terminates the process.
[0207] case of providing the service indicated through the user
terminal 210
[0208] The method, in which the service utilizing screens are
displayed at the machine 2000 at the user side 200 and the service
selected by the user based on the service utilizing screens is
provided to the user, is described above. Alternatively, another
method, in which the user accesses the management system 111 from
the user terminal 210, displays the service utilizing screens at
the user terminal 210, and selects the service indicated based on
the display contents, can be applied in the first embodiment.
[0209] An operation in this method is illustrated in FIG. 12.
Referring to FIG. 12, in this operation, the user accesses the
management system 111 through the user terminal 210 and inputs the
user ID and the password (step S251). The management system 111
authenticates the user, that is, determines whether or not the user
accessing the management system 111 is a registered user by using
the user ID and the password input through the Internet 10 (step
S151).
[0210] When the management system 111 authenticates that the user
is a registered user, the management system 111 specifies the
service utilizing screens maintained for the user in step S124 in
FIG. 10 by using the user ID input by the user and then sending the
service utilizing screens to the user terminal 210 (step S152). In
this case, a file format for the service utilizing screens is
converted so that the service utilizing screens can be displayed on
a browser or a like installed to the user terminal 210.
[0211] When the user terminal 210 receives the service utilizing
screens sent from the management system 111, the user terminal 210
displays the service utilizing screens at the display unit or a
like (step S252). The user selects a desired service based on the
service utilizing screens displayed at the display unit (step
S253), and sends the service ID corresponding to the desired
service to the management system 111 through the Internet 10 (step
S254).
[0212] After that, the management system 111 and the user terminal
210 conduct the operation in accordance with step S141 and step
S244 in FIG. 11B, and conduct the process for providing the service
to the user side 200. In this operation, in a case in which the
service to provide is software (service software), it is preferable
to configure the machine 2000 to receive the service software can
be indicated from the user side 200. As for this configuration, the
management system 111 specifies the machines 2000 capable of
executing the service software from the machine IDs in the record
in the user information database 121, provides a list of the
machines 2000, and the user is allowed to select one machine 2000
from the list.
[0213] As described above, the maintenance management side 100
sends the user side 200 available services to provide the user side
200, and the service, which is indicated by the user at the user
side 200 based on the available services, is provided from the
maintenance management side 100.
[0214] Summary of the Operations
[0215] As described above, in the first embodiment, various
services are provided from the maintenance management side 100 to
the user side 200 based on a machine use number. Each operation of
the steps (1) through (5) is just an example to realize the first
embodiment. As long as the same object of the present invention is
achieved, variations and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0216] Moreover, each operation can be realized by software. The
software for each operation is stored in the storage unit
internally or externally provided with each machine 2000, the
management system 111, or the user terminal 210, and is read out
and executed as necessary.
Services Provided in the First Embodiment
[0217] Next, examples of the services provided to the user by the
operations above will be described.
[0218] As the services provided in the first embodiment, as
described above, a discount of the maintenance management charge or
free maintenance management, an article of consumption, such as
paper sheets and toner, or a like (free service or charged service:
in a case of a charged service, a discount is given), a free or
charged maintenance service such as a repair, a replacement, and a
like (in a case of a charged maintenance service, a discount is
given), and a free or charged maintenance service or machine check
service (in a case of a charged maintenance service or maintenance
check service, a discount is given) can be applied.
[0219] In this case, a free copy as the free maintenance management
is provided by software. Services other than this service of the
free copy are provided by processes conducted by the maintenance
management side 100. For example, a discount parameter (percentage)
is input to calculate the maintenance management charge and then a
charge amount after discount is calculated based on the discount
parameter for the discount of the maintenance management. In
addition, to provide the service for the free or charged supply
product, the management system 111 of the maintenance management
side 100 or the staff conducts an order process, so as to provide
the service to the user side 200.
[0220] FIG. 13 shows a service flow. For the sake of convenience,
the digital multi-functional apparatus 204 is illustrated as the
machine 2000 at the user side 200.
[0221] In this case, an indication of a desired service of the user
is sent to the point bank system 110 using the user terminal 210 or
the digital multi-functional apparatus 204 at the user side
200.
[0222] In the point bank system 110, a process corresponding to
each service is conducted in response to the indication of the
desired service of the user. The service flow will be described for
each type of service.
[0223] Case of Providing the Service Software
[0224] As services provided by the service software according to
the first embodiment, a free service to use the machine 2000
(digital multi-functional apparatus 204), especially, a free
service to use the copy function can be illustrated.
[0225] By the free service to use the copy function, a process is
conducted so that the copy charge by the maintenance management
side 100 is set to zero (no charge). This process may be a process
in that when the user copies, the counter value in the counter
information is not incremented so as to maintain the previous
counter value or is replaced with a specific value, or information
showing the free copy is additionally provided to the counter
information, or the counter information itself is not
generated.
[0226] When the free service is selected by the user, for example,
the point bank system 110 sends the predetermined service software
(application) and the predetermined service software is executed in
the digital multi-functional apparatus 204. Accordingly, in the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204 where the service software
is executed; the process described above is conducted for the
counter information for the predetermined number of sheets in
respect to the free service. As a result, the copying for the
number of sheets becomes free (at no charge).
[0227] Case of Discounting a Maintenance Management Charge
[0228] In addition to providing the free copying as the free
service, as a discount service according to the first embodiment of
the present invention, the discount service to discount the
maintenance management fee charged by the maintenance management
side 100 by a predetermined percentage can be illustrated.
[0229] The discount service deducts a percentage included in the
service selected by the user, from the maintenance management
charge calculated by a system (hereinafter, a billing system) that
calculates the maintenance management charge of the maintenance
management side 100.
[0230] Accordingly, when the discount service is selected by the
user at the user side 200, the point bank system 110 sends the
billing system the percentage for deducting from the charge for the
maintenance management service that the user selects. When the
billing system receives the percentage, the billing system deducts
a discount amount from the charge for the maintenance management
service, which is charged to the user, based on the percentage.
[0231] Preferably, the discount service is available for a
predetermined period. For example, the discount service may be
available for the maintenance management charge incurred within one
month. And, the discount service may be available once for a
predetermined period. That is, in this manner, it is possible to
prevent the user, who has already utilized the discount service for
deducting a certain percentage, from utilizing the discount service
multiple times within a period available for the discount
service.
[0232] Case of Providing a Supply Product
[0233] In addition, it is possible to apply a service for providing
the supply product 206 to the first embodiment, other than various
services described above.
[0234] The service for providing the supply product 206 provides a
supply product such as paper sheets, toner, or a like, a
maintenance service such as the maintenance check or repair
maintenance, or other various products by free or charge (if
charged, a discount is applied).
[0235] When the service for providing the supply product 206 is
selected by the user, the point bank system 110 informs the
management side terminal 101 that the service is selected. Then,
the staff at the maintenance management side 100 conducts an order
process to provide the service or the point bank system 110
conducts the order process by itself, and then the supply product
206 is provided to the user side 200.
Other Examples of Service Utilizing Screens
[0236] Moreover, another example of the service utilizing screens,
which are displayed at the machine 2000 or the user terminal 210 at
the user side 200, will be described.
[0237] The available service list screen shown in FIG. 9A displays
the list of available services. Alternatively, another screen
hierarchically showing the available services will be
described.
[0238] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show examples of the service utilizing
screens. In the service utilizing screens in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B,
the available services are classified into various service types
and are hierarchically displayed as selections.
[0239] Referring to FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, as one of the service
utilizing screens, first a service type list screen showing the
list of the service types that can be provided to the user is
displayed at the display unit of the machine 2000 or the user
terminal 210 at the user side 200. When the user selects one
service type from the service type list screen, an each type
available service list screen shown in FIG. 14B is displayed to
show available services for the service type selected by the
user.
[0240] After that, when the user selects one service on the each
type available service list screen, the selected service
explanation screen shown in FIG. 9B is displayed.
[0241] Instead of hierarchically displaying the services for each
service type in the service list, the services may be classified
into various necessary point values and displayed in the service
list.
[0242] (Free Service Executing Screen for Predetermined Number of
Sheets)
[0243] In addition, in the service described above, when the user
utilizes the free service for a predetermined number of sheets, it
is preferable to show information indicating how many sheets are
left for free (no charge) while copying or waiting, at the display
unit of the machine 2000 executing the free service.
[0244] (Notice of Various Information)
[0245] Providing Various Information by E-Mail or Telephone
[0246] Moreover, it is preferable to provide the point balance
obtained by accumulating the point value in the point accumulating
step (3) described above of the user by e-mail, telephone or a
like. If the point balance is provided to the user by e-mail, the
management system 111 determines whether or not to provide the
point balance calculated in the operation of the point accumulating
step (3) of the user. When it is determined that e-mail is to be
used, the management system 111 creates a message and sends the
message to an e-mail address of the user stored in the user
information database 121. Alternatively, if the telephone is to be
used, the management system 111 also determines whether or not to
provide the point balance of the user. When it is determined that
the telephone is to be used, the management system 111 sends the
management side terminal 101 information indicating that the
telephone is to be used. Then, the management side terminal 101
displays the information and the staff at the maintenance
management side 100 calls a telephone number managed in the user
information database 121.
[0247] Providing the Point Balance by Printing Out
[0248] Furthermore, it is preferable to print out the point balance
maintained in the point bank system 110 by the machine 2000 at the
user side 200. To realize printing out the point balance at the
user side 200, the service utilizing screens provided in the
service utilizing screen providing step may be printed out or means
for printing out the point balance can be configured in the service
utilizing screens provided in the service utilizing screen
providing step.
[0249] In addition, when the user inputs an instruction of
confirming the point value, the machine 2000, which the user input
the instruction to, may access the management system 111, obtain
information of the point balance from the management system 111,
and display the information at the display unit or print out the
information.
[0250] Notifying the User about Available Services
[0251] Moreover, in the process in step S124 shown in FIG. 10, the
management system 111 may detect a new available service, that is,
detect that the new available service is additionally provided to
the available service list screen (or the each type available
service list screen). When the management system 111 determines
that the new available service is provided, the management system
111 may send a message to the user by e-mail informing the user
about the new available service.
[0252] Furthermore, when a candidate service, which can be provided
from the maintenance management side 100, is added, the management
system 111 may inform the user by e-mail or telephone about the
candidate service.
[0253] (Point Calculating Method in the First Embodiment)
[0254] Next, a point calculating method will be explained according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0255] In the first embodiment, various parameters are determined
based on the functions (the copy function, the print function, the
facsimile sending function, the facsimile receiving function, the
scan function, or a like) used by the user and in the contract with
the user.
[0256] The point calculating method will be described with
reference to expressions (1) and (2) as follows.
[0257] First, the point value is calculated based on a usage count
(counter information) for each machine 2000 in the first
embodiment. A calculating method in this case will be described by
the expression (1). In this case, it is assumed that the copier
201, the printer 202, the facsimile 203, the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204, and the scanner 205 are provided at
the user side 200, and the digital multi-functional apparatus 204
includes the copy function, the print function, the facsimile
sending function and receiving function, and the scan function.
PoC=Pa.times.(C*Ca)
PoPR=Pb.times.(PR*PRb)
PoF=Pc.times.{(FS*FSc)+(FR*FRc)}
PoD=Pd.times.(C*Cd)+{PR*PRd)+(FS*FSd)+(FR*FRd)+(S*Sd)}
PoS=Pe.times.(S*Se) expression (1)
[0258] In the expression (1), PoC denotes the point value
calculated in respect to usage of the copier 201, PoPR denotes the
point value calculated in respect to usage of the printer 202, PoF
denotes the point value calculated in respect to usage of the
facsimile 203, PoD denotes the point value calculated in respect to
usage of the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and POS
denotes the point value calculated in respect to usage of the
scanner 205.
[0259] Pa denotes a parameter (machine parameter) for weighting the
count value concerning the usage of the copier 201, and Ca shows
the number of copied sheets.
[0260] Pb denotes a parameter (machine parameter) for weighting the
count value concerning the usage of the printer 202, and PRb shows
the number of printed sheets.
[0261] Pc denotes a parameter (machine parameter) for weighting the
count value concerning the usage of the facsimile 203, FSc shows
the number of sheets (number of facsimile-sent sheets) that are
sent by the facsimile 203, and FRc shows the number of sheets
(number of facsimile-received sheets) that are received by the
facsimile 203.
[0262] Pd denotes a parameter (machine parameter) for weighting the
count value concerning the usage of the digital multi-functional
apparatus 204, Cd shows the number of sheets (number of copied
sheets) by the digital multi-functional apparatus 204, PRd shows
the number of sheets (number of printed sheets) by the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204, FSd shows the number of sheets
(number of facsimile-sent sheets) that are sent by the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204, FRd shows the number of sheets
{number of facsimile-received sheets) that are received by the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204, and Sd shows the number of
sheets (number of scanned sheets) that are scanned by the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204.
[0263] Pe denotes a parameter (machine parameter) for weighting the
count value concerning the usage of the scanner 205, and Se denotes
the number of sheets scanned by the scanner 205.
[0264] Furthermore, C denotes a parameter (copy function parameter)
for weighting the count value concerning the usage of the copy
function, and PR denotes a parameter (print function parameter) for
weighting the count value concerning the usage of the print
function, FS denotes a parameter (facsimile send function
parameter) for weighting the count value concerning the usage of
the facsimile send function, FR denotes a parameter (facsimile
receive function parameter) for weighting the count value
concerning the usage of the facsimile receive function, and S
denotes a parameter (scan function parameter) for weighting the
value concerning to the usage of the scan function.
[0265] Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the point value
denoted is calculated depending on the type of the machine 2000
that the user uses or the type of functions. Therefore, it is
possible for the maintenance management side 100 to properly
calculate the point value depending on the usage of the machine
200, which is relatively expensive to purchase, lease, or maintain
and manage, or depending on the function, which costs relatively
more to use.
[0266] In addition, it is possible for the copy function parameter
C to distinguish between a color copy function and a black and
white copy function and allocate a different parameter.
[0267] Based on the point value calculated for each machine 2000, a
total point value is calculated for the user by the following
expression (2).
Po=K*(Poc+PoPR+PoF+PoD+PoS)
[0268] In the expression (2), Po denotes the point value calculated
for the usage for a predetermined period.
[0269] In the first embodiment, the point value is changed based on
the contract with the user, especially, the number of the machines
2000 which the user purchases or leases from the maintenance
management side 100. That is, in order to provide more services for
the user who purchases or leases many machines 2000, a total point
value calculated for each machine 2000 is multiplied by a parameter
K that is based a contract machine number N. K denotes a parameter
(contract machine number parameter) that increases when N is
increased. This explanation is for a case in which the contract
machine number parameter K is increased by k (>0) every one
machine that is increased after a second contract machine
number.
[0270] The expression (1) is executed in step S115 in FIG. 8, and
the expression (2) is executed in step S118 in FIG. 8.
[0271] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide
more services to the user who has contracts for more machines
2000.
[0272] In addition, in the first embodiment, it is possible to
properly provide the point value to the user even if contents of
the contract are changed when the user makes a contract about a new
machine 2000, the user changes a machine, for which the user has
contracted with another maintenance management side, to the machine
2000 provided by the maintenance management side 100; or the user
changes the machine 2000, for which the user has contracted with
the maintenance management side 100, to another machine 2000.
[0273] That is, for example, the management system 111 provides
points A to the user who installs a new machine 2000, points B to
the user who replaces the machine provided from another maintenance
management side with the machine 2000 provided from the maintenance
management side 100, or points C to the user who replaces the
machine 2000 currently provided from the maintenance management
side 100 with another machine 2000 being a new type provided from
the maintenance management side 100.
[0274] Accordingly, it is possible to provide advantages to the
user who installs a new machine 2000 from the maintenance
management side 100 and for the maintenance management side 100 to
obtain more users.
[0275] Moreover, it is possible to change the point value (points
C), which is provided to the user who replaces the current machine
2000 installed from the maintenance management side 100 with
another machine 2000, for example, a new type machine 2000, based
on contract years. That is, for example, points X are provided to
the user who replaces the machine 2000 that has been installed for
one to three years, points Y are provided the user who replaces the
machine 2000 that has been installed for four to five years, and
points Z are provided to the user who replaces the machine 2000
that has been installed for more than six years. The points to
provide the user are changed based the contract years of the
machine 2000 that is to be replaced. Therefore, in the first
embodiment, it is possible for the maintenance management side 100
to set a preferable term for a cycle of the machine 2000 provided
to the user. Also, since the points to provide to the user are
changed, it is possible for the maintenance management side 100 to
provide more services to the user who replaces the machine 2000 in
a certain term which is preferable for the maintenance management
side 100.
[0276] Furthermore, regardless of changes of the contents of the
contract, for example, it is possible to provide points to the user
who requires less maintenance, such as a repair, within a
predetermined term. For example, a maintenance number for each
predetermined term may be maintained using the user information
database 121 in the point bank system 110. That is, in the
predetermined term, points U are provided to the user for whom the
maintenance is not performed, points V are provided to the user for
whom the maintenance is performed once or twice, and no points are
provided to the user for whom the maintenance is performed more
than twice. The management system 111 may conduct such a process
during each predetermined term. In addition, regarding the
maintenance number, the staff of the maintenance management side
100 inputs the maintenance number using the management side
terminal 101.
Application of the First Embodiment
[0277] In the first embodiment as described above, for each user
having a contract, the point value is calculated based the contents
of the contract, usage number, and a like and then the service is
provided to the user based on the point balance. In a case in which
a plurality of sections are recognized as the user having the
contract, it is preferable for each section to be the user
described in the first embodiment. Each section may be registered
as one user to the user information database 121.
[0278] Moreover, in the first embodiment, the point balance of the
user is displayed when the user instructs. Alternatively, the point
balance can be continuously displayed at the display unit of each
machine 2000 at the user side 200.
Second Embodiment
[0279] In the first embodiment, the counter information is
collected from the user side 200, and a specified service is
available for the user when the point balance based on the point
value calculated from the counter information achieves the point
value necessary for each service. Alternatively, in the second
embodiment, the specified service can be available for the user at
a time the point balance of the user reaches a predetermined value.
The second embodiment according to the present invention will be
described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining services according
to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0280] In the second embodiment, to realize a configuration
described above, the machine 2000 at the user side 200 manages
candidate services provided with the point information of the user
side 200 and various parameters as shown in FIG. 15.
[0281] That is, for example, in a case of realizing this in the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204 shown in FIG. 15, a storage
unit 2041 internally or externally provided to the digital
multifunctional apparatus 204 stores the point information of the
user side 200, the candidate service to be provided, and the
various parameters.
[0282] In this configuration, a point value calculated based on the
counter information sent from the copier 201, the printer 202, the
facsimile 203, the scanner 205, or a like to the maintenance
management side 100, and a point value provided based on purchase
and utilization of the supply products 206 are sent to the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 and added to the point value in the
point information stored in the storage unit 2041. In this case, a
transmission of the point value from the management system 111 to
the digital multi-functional apparatus 204 is preferably conducted
in a time frame in which the network (the Internet 10, the public
line 20, or a like) is not experiencing heavy use.
[0283] In order to manage the candidate service provided in the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204, contents stored in the
service database 123 at the maintenance management side 100 are
also sent to the digital multi-functional apparatus 204 through the
network (the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like). In this
case, this transmission of the contents stored in the service
database 123 from the management system 111 to the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 is preferably conducted when a
service content to be provided is changed. This transmission is
preferably conducted in a time frame in which the network (the
Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like) is not experiencing
heavy use.
[0284] Moreover, each time a function mounted to the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 is used, the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 calculates the point value based on
the parameter stored in the storage unit internally or externally
provided thereto, and adds a calculation result to the point value
in the point information. Furthermore, the point information
managed by the digital multi-functional apparatus 204 is sent to
the point bank system 110. Thus, the point bank system 110 can also
manage the point information.
[0285] That is, in a process according to the second embodiment,
the point bank system 110 at the maintenance management side 100
receives the point information (point balance) based on the counter
information sent from each machine 2000 provided at the user side
200, and stores a calculation result to the user information
database 121. Moreover, the point bank system 110 (management
system 111) sends the point information obtained after the above
calculation to the machine 2000 at the user side 200 through the
network (the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a like). It should
be noted that the machine 2000 to send the point information is
indicated by the user side 200 or the maintenance management side
100 beforehand and is a machine that can realize means (capable of
executing a program) for calculating the point value based on the
counter information therein.
[0286] When the machine 2000 receives the point information, the
machine 2000 updates the point information of the user side 200
managed in the storage unit internally or externally provided to
the machine 2000 itself, by the point information received from the
point bank system 110.
[0287] When the point balance reaches a predetermined value
(necessary point value for the service managed in the storage unit
above), the machine 2000 creates the service utilizing screens by
an operation similar to the operation in accordance with steps 123
and 124 in FIG. 10, and stores the service utilizing screens to the
storage unit. The service utilizing screens are displayed at the
display unit as necessary.
[0288] That is, for example, the digital multi-functional apparatus
204 according to the second embodiment creates the service
utilizing screens, triggered when the point balance maintained as
described above reaches a predetermined value, and stores the
service utilizing screens to the storage unit of the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204. The predetermined value is the
point value to be subtracted for the service managed in the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204.
[0289] The digital multi-functional apparatus 204 can be configured
to conduct a part of or the entire operation of the management
system 111 in the first embodiment, so as to realize an operation
according to the second embodiment described above. Thus, a
detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0290] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to
utilize the service desired by the user at a time of reaching the
predetermined point value in the digital multi-functional apparatus
204. That is, in the first embodiment, the user cannot utilize the
specific service until the point value managed in the point bank
system 110 reaches the predetermined point value. However, in the
second embodiment, the user can utilize the specific service at the
time the point value managed in the digital multi-functional
apparatus 204 reaches the predetermined point value. Therefore, it
is possible to provide the specific service to the user earlier
than in the first embodiment. In addition, in the second
embodiment, in a case of using the service software according to
the first embodiment, no transmission is required between the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204 and the point bank system
110 through the network (the Internet 10, the public line 20, or a
like). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a transmission fee to
be paid by the user side 200 or the maintenance management side
100.
[0291] In addition, when the point balance managed in the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 according to the second embodiment
reaches a certain value, the digital multi-functional apparatus 204
displays information of the point balance. When a new available
service is added by an updated point balance, the digital
multi-functional apparatus 204 displays available services
according to the updated point balance at the display unit.
[0292] In the second embodiment, the digital multi-functional
apparatus 204 is illustrated as the machine 2000 at the user side
200 but it is not limited to the digital multi-functional apparatus
204. Any machine 2000 that can conduct the operation or the process
according to the second embodiment can be used.
[0293] In the second embodiment, other configurations and
operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and
explanations thereof will be omitted.
Third Embodiment
[0294] Moreover, a case in which the counter information is managed
using a copy card will be described with reference to FIG. 16, FIG.
17, and FIG. 18 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a
diagram for explaining services according to a third embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a
data structure of a counter information database 122 according to
the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a table
showing an example of a data structure of a user information
database 121 according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0295] In the third embodiment, the point value can be managed for
each section, each individual (each copy card 207), or each machine
2000 as shown in FIG. 16. That is, the user is allowed to select
one of collecting the counter information from each machine 2000 in
the contract so as to integrate the counter information and
calculating the point value based on the integrated counter
information, managing the counter information for each copy card
and calculating the point value for each copy card, or managing the
counter information for each machine 2000 and calculating the point
value for each machine 2000. In this case, the counter information
includes a card ID identifying the copy card as well as information
illustrated in the first embodiment. Also, in this case, the
counter information database 122 includes the card ID as an
additional item as shown in FIG. 17.
[0296] As shown in FIG. 18, the card ID (card ID group) is also
additionally provided as an item to be stored in the user
information database 121 shown in FIG. 3, and the contents of the
contract include a selection by the user for calculating the point
value as described above. The selection is indicated in the
contract when the contract is agreed to or the contract is changed
after being agreed to.
[0297] Accordingly, based on the contents of the contract described
above, the point information managed in the point bank system 110
can be integrated, or managed for each copy card or each machine
2000.
[0298] The service utilizing screens to be provided may be shared
with all machines 2000, or created for each machine 2000 or each
copy card. In a case in which the service utilizing screens are
created for each copy card, the service utilizing screens may be
stored in each machine 2000 if the service utilizing screens are
for the same user. On the other hand, in a case in which the
service utilizing screens are created for each machine 2000, the
service utilizing screens may be stored in respective machines
2000.
[0299] In the third embodiment, in a case in which the point value
is managed for each copy card, the point balance, the service
utilizing screens, and a like can be confirmed or utilized by using
the copy card.
[0300] Moreover, in the third embodiment, the management for each
copy card is described but the present invention is not limited to
this management method for each copy card. Alternatively, as long
as an individual, a section, or a predetermined classification is
distinguishable, variations and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
Fourth Embodiment
[0301] In addition, in a machine or a function that is not subject
for the maintenance management, for example, the usage number of
the printer, the facsimile, those functions, or a like can be
subject for the point calculation only if the contract for the
printer, the facsimile, those functions, or a like is made.
[0302] In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain revenue
from not only maintenance management for the copier 201 and the
digital multi-functional apparatus 204 but also maintenance
management for the printer 202 and the facsimile 203. In addition,
as the service provided to the user, a free or discount copy or
supply product can be applied and also a print charge or a
facsimile receive charge can be zero (no charge) or discounted.
[0303] In the fourth embodiment, the user may pay for a charge
corresponding to the usage of each machine 2000 in respect to the
maintenance management side 100. Also, the maintenance management
side 100 may provide more improved service such as support for each
machine 2000.
[0304] Preferably, the user can select the machines 2000 to include
in the contract. Moreover, as for the maintenance management fee in
respect to the printer 202 or the facsimile 203, a predetermined
money amount may be charged based and the printed sheet number and
the facsimile send or receive number. When the contract is made or
at a predetermined period, a fixed money amount may be paid by the
user.
[0305] Therefore, in a point bank system in a first view according
to the present invention, it is possible to provide services
suitable for each user. That is, based on the usage number of the
machines provided at the user side, and the point value necessary
to utilize the services, it is possible to provide more services or
higher quality services for the user having a greater usage number.
In addition, as for the maintenance management side providing the
machine, a greater installed number of the machines and a greater
usage number can be expected. Accordingly, it is possible to
receive a higher benefit.
[0306] Moreover, in the point bank system in a second view
according to the present invention, it is possible to provide more
specific services suitable for each user. That is, for the same
user, it is possible to provide more services or higher quality
services to an individual or a section that uses the machine
more.
[0307] Furthermore, in the point bank system in a third view
according to the present invention, it is possible to utilize the
services by using an accumulative point value at the machine at the
user side. Thus, it is possible to provide an environment allowing
the user to easily utilize the services. In addition, the
maintenance management side can improve the value for utilizing the
services provided according to the present invention. Thus, it is
possible to have an increase of the number of the users who make
use of the services according to the present invention.
[0308] Moreover, in a machine in a fourth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to confirm the point balance in
respect to an accumulative point value at the machine at the user
side. Thus, it is possible to promote increased use of the machine
to the user.
[0309] Furthermore, in the machine in a fifth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to utilize the services by using
the accumulative point value at the machine at the user side. Thus,
it is possible to provide an environment allowing the user to
easily utilize the services. In addition, the maintenance
management side can improve the value for utilizing the services
provided according to the present invention. Thus, it is possible
to have an increase of the number of the users who make use of the
services according to the present invention.
[0310] Moreover, in the machine in a sixth view according to the
present invention, since the point balance is managed at the
machine at the user side, it is possible to promptly provide the
services to the user at a time when the point balance reaches a
predetermined value. In addition, the maintenance management side
can improve the value for utilizing the services provided according
to the present invention. Thus, it is possible to have an increase
of the number of the users who make use of the services according
to the present invention.
[0311] Furthermore, in the machine in a seventh view according to
the present invention, it is possible to promptly utilize the
services based on the accumulative point value at the machine at
the user side. In addition, since the maintenance management side
can improve the value for utilizing the services provided according
to the present invention, it is possible to have the increase of
the number of the users who make use of the services according to
the present invention.
[0312] Moreover, in the machine in an eighth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to provide services that can be
free corresponding to usage of the machine.
[0313] Furthermore, in a terminal in a ninth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to confirm the point balance of
any one of terminals from that terminal itself at the user side.
Thus, it is possible to encourage the user to use the machines
more.
[0314] Moreover, in the terminal in a tenth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to utilize the services based on
the point balance of any one of the terminals from that terminal
itself at the user side. Thus, it is possible to have an
environment allowing the user to utilize the services in a state
suitable for the user.
[0315] Furthermore, in a method in an eleventh view according to
the present invention, it is possible to provide the services that
meet requirements for each user. That is, since a necessary point
value to utilize the services is given based on a usage number of
the machine provided at the user side, it is possible to provide
more services or higher quality services for the user whose usage
number is greater. In addition, since the maintenance management
side providing the machine can expect an increase of installation
of the machines and the usage number of the machines, it is
possible to improve profits.
[0316] Moreover, in the method in a twelfth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to provide or utilize the
services properly to or by each user based on the machines or
functions used by the user and the number of the machines
contracted by the user.
[0317] Furthermore, in the method in a thirteenth view according to
the present invention, it is possible to provide more services or
higher quality service in respect to the user who installs a new
machine or replaces an installed machine with a new machine. Thus,
it is possible to improve the installation rate of the machines. In
addition, it is possible to provide a service suitable to a new
installation or a machine replacement, to the user side.
[0318] Moreover, in the method in a fourteenth view according to
the present invention, it is possible to provide more services or
higher quality services to the user who replaces the machine. Thus,
it is possible to determine a cycle of replacing the machine closer
to a period desired by the maintenance management side.
[0319] Furthermore, in the method in a fifteenth view according to
the present invention, it is possible to provide an additional
point value for a purchase or utilization of a supply product,
charged maintenance, or a repair provided by the maintenance
management side as well as the usage of a machine, the new
installation of a machine, or the replacement of a machine. Thus,
it is possible to provide the services considering more purchases
or more utilization. In addition, it is possible for the
maintenance management side to receive an increase of the purchases
and the installation rate and also to receive an improvement of the
profit.
[0320] Moreover, in the method in a sixteenth view according to the
present invention, it is possible to provide the services based on
the accumulative point value. Thus, it is possible to receive an
increase of machine installations and machine usage. In addition,
it is possible for the user to receive the services corresponding
to the machine installed from the maintenance management side and
the machine usage. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of
the users who make use of the services according to the present
invention.
[0321] Furthermore, in the method in a seventeenth view according
to the present invention, since the point balance is managed at the
machine at the user side, it is possible to promptly provide the
services to the user at the time the point balance reaches a
predetermined value. In addition, since the maintenance management
side can improve the value for utilizing the services provided
according to the present invention, it is possible to receive an
increase of the number of the users who make use of the services
according to the present invention.
[0322] Moreover, in the method in an eighteenth view according to
the present invention, it is possible to promptly provide the
services based the accumulative point value in the machine at the
user side. In addition, since the maintenance management side can
improve the value for utilizing the services provided according to
the present invention, it is possible to receive an increase of the
number of the users who make use of the services according to the
present invention.
[0323] Furthermore, in the method in a nineteenth view according to
the present invention, it is possible to provide free services
corresponding to usage of the machine.
* * * * *