Patent ID: 12250353

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments thereof.

FIG.1is a configuration diagram of an information processing system including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An image processing apparatus101, which is an example of the information processing apparatus, has a function of transmitting and receiving a facsimile (FAX) via a public line102and a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from a server via a network103, and is configure to transmit and receive image data. It should be noted that the configuration of the network103only needs to be a configuration capable of transmitting image data, and may be a configuration wirelessly connected to an access point (not shown).

FIG.2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing apparatus101. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus101is referred to as an MFP101.

The MFP101includes a control part110, an operation part116, a reading part118, and a printing part120. The control part110includes a CPU111and controls the overall operation of the MFP101. The CPU111reads a control program stored in a ROM112or a storage114, and performs various types of control such as reading control, printing control, and communication control. The ROM112stores the control program executed by the CPU111. The ROM112further stores a boot program, font data, and the like. A RAM113is a main storage memory of the CPU111, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for loading various control programs stored in the ROM112and the storage114. The storage114stores image data, printing data, an address book, a shortcut, various programs, and various setting information. A flash memory is assumed as the storage114; however, an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, an HDD, or an eMMC may be used as the storage114.

In the MFP101, one CPU111executes each processing shown in a flowchart to be described later using one memory (RAM113). However, other modes may be adopted. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can cooperate to execute each processing shown in the flowchart described later. In addition, some processing may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

An operation part I/F115connects the operation part116and the control part110to each other, wherein I/F means an interface. The operation part116has a function as a display part that displays information to a user, and has a function of receiving an input from the user. A reading part I/F117connects the reading part118and the control part110to each other. The reading part118reads an image on a document and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the reading part118is transmitted to an external device, saved in an external recording device, or printed on recording paper.

A printing part I/F119connects the printing part120and the control part110to each other. The CPU111transfers image data to be printed (image data of printing target) to the printing part120via the printing part I/F119. The printing part120prints an image on recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown) using toner supplied from a toner cartridge130. Here, the toner cartridge130is an example of a consumable used in the image processing apparatus101, and contains toner. The number of toner cartridges130is not limited, and may be one or more.

A MODEM121transmits image data by FAX to an external FAX receiver via the public line102. A LAN I/F122is connected to an external server via the network103and transmits image data.

FIG.3is a flowchart showing consumable management processing. This processing is implemented by allowing the CPU111to load a program stored in the ROM112or the like in the RAM113and executing the program. The consumable management processing is started when the image processing apparatus101is started. Alternatively, the consumable management processing may be started by a start instruction from a user after the image processing apparatus101is started.

This processing will be outlined. The CPU111proposes, to the user, implementation of a consumable collection request according to the consumption state of a consumable, and performs collection request processing when an instruction to perform collection is given from the user. In step S308, collection request processing (FIG.4) is executed as a subroutine. The toner cartridge130is exemplified as a consumable.

In step S301, the CPU111waits until a certain time elapses from the start of the present processing. Here, the certain time is a predetermined fixed value and is stored in the ROM112or the like. Alternatively, a certain time may be set by the user as the setting of the MFP101.

In step S302, the CPU111detects a remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge130and stores the detection result in the RAM113. It should be noted that, in a case where there is a plurality of toner cartridges130, the remaining amount of toner in each toner cartridge130is detected, and each detection result is stored. A known method can be adopted regardless of the method for detecting the remaining amount of the toner. For example, the remaining amount of toner is calculated from the amount of toner of a brand-new toner cartridge130and a toner supply amount from the toner cartridge130to an image forming part (not shown).

In step S303, the CPU111reads the remaining amount of toner stored in the RAM113in step S302, and determines whether or not the toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. At this time, in a case where the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge130is below a predetermined value, the CPU111determines that the toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. The fact that the toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner” means that the toner cartridge130is used and consumed. It should be noted that the predetermined value is 0 or a value greater than 0, and is stored in the ROM112or the like in advance.

The CPU111proceeds the processing to step S304in a case where the toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”, and proceeds the processing to step S309in a case where the toner cartridge130is not in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. It should be noted that, in the case of a configuration in which a plurality of the toner cartridges130is present, the CPU111proceeds the processing to step S304in a case where at least one toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”.

In step S304, the CPU111determines whether or not “no-remaining-amount flag” stored in the RAM113is set (is set to “1”). Setting the no-remaining-amount flag to “1” indicates that the toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. Setting the no-remaining-amount flag to “0” indicates that the toner cartridge130is not in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. It should be noted that, in the case of the above-mentioned configuration in which the plurality of the toner cartridges130are present, setting the no-remaining-amount flag to “1” indicates that at least one toner cartridge130is in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”.

As a result of the determination in step S304, in a case where the no-remaining-amount flag is set in the RAM113(is set to “1”), the CPU111ends the processing shown inFIG.3, and in a case where the no-remaining-amount flag is not set in the RAM113(is set to “0”), the processing proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the CPU111sets the no-remaining-amount flag (sets to “1”).

In step S306, the CPU111executes collection proposal.

FIG.5is a diagram showing an example of a collection proposal screen (inquiry screen)501. In the collection proposal, the CPU111displays the collection proposal screen501on (the display part of) the operation part116. On the collection proposal screen501, a display502indicates that the collection proposal screen501is a screen related to a collection request function of the toner cartridge130. A display503indicates a message requesting a user to select whether or not to execute the collection request of the toner cartridge130. An icon504is an icon for executing the collection request of the toner cartridge130, and an icon505is an icon for not executing the collection request of the toner cartridge130. The user selects (presses) either the icon504or the icon505.

In step S307, the CPU111serving as a determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to collect the toner cartridge130, based on which of the icon504and the icon505is selected. In a case where the icon504is selected, the CPU111determines that it is necessary to collect the toner cartridge130, and advances the processing to step S308. In a case where the icon505is selected, the CPU111determines that the toner cartridge130does not need to be collected, and ends the processing shown inFIG.3.

In step S308, the CPU111executes the collection request processing shown inFIG.4, and ends the processing shown inFIG.3. In step S309, the CPU111determines whether or not the “no-remaining-amount flag” stored in the RAM113is set (is set to “1”). As a result of the determination in step S309, in a case where the no-remaining-amount flag is set in the RAM113, the CPU111advances the processing to step S310, and in a case where the no-remaining-amount flag is not set, the CPU111ends the processing shownFIG.3.

In step S310, the CPU111lowers the no-remaining-amount flag (set to “0”), and ends the processing shown inFIG.3. It should be noted that, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the consumable management processing ends, the consumable management processing may be started again to execute the processing of step S301and subsequent steps. Alternatively, immediately after the consumable management processing ends, the consumable management processing may be started again to execute the processing of step S301and subsequent steps.

It should be noted that the validity/invalidity of the collection request proposal function may be configured to be able to be designated by a user operation. In this case, the consumable management processing (FIG.3) may be executed on condition that the collection request proposal function is designated as valid.

FIG.4is a flowchart showing the collection request processing executed in step S308ofFIG.3.

In step S401, the CPU111serving as an acquisition unit acquires information (hereinafter referred to as “necessary information”) necessary for requesting collection of a consumable. The necessary information is stored in the ROM112or the RAM113. The necessary information acquired here does not need to include all the necessary information. The necessary information acquired here includes at least user information and destination information (these pieces of information are referred to as “first information”). The user information includes a company name, a name, a telephone number, an address, and the like. The destination information is, for example, a destination number of a FAX of a carrier to which collection is requested. In addition, the necessary information may include information on the number of toner cartridges130determined in step S303to be in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. Further, the necessary information may include information such as a model of the MFP101and a model number of the toner cartridge130.

In step S402, the CPU111acquires an input screen formatted for collection request. For example, the input screen is stored in the ROM112or the like in advance. Here, the input screen is not displayed on the operation part116.

In step S403, the CPU111serving as a control unit reflects the necessary information acquired in step S401on the input screen acquired in step S402. The method for the reflection is not particularly limited. For example, association information for associating each piece of necessary information and an input item in the input screen with each other is stored (held), in advance, in the ROM112or the like. Then, in step S403, when the input screen is displayed, each piece of necessary information may be reflected, based on the association information, so as to be input (included) and displayed in the corresponding input item (field) in the input screen.

In step S404, the CPU111displays the input screen in which the necessary information is reflected in step S403on the operation part116, and receives input/edit to the input item from the user.

FIG.6is a diagram showing an example of an input screen601reflecting necessary information. It should be noted that, in a case where the necessary information acquired in step S401does not include some of all the necessary information, a non-input item (which is an input item (field) not filled in with information) is displayed on the input screen601.

On the input screen601, a display602indicates that the input screen601is a screen related to the collection request function of the toner cartridge130. A display603indicates a message urging a user to input or edit the non-input item. A display604indicates the input item updated by the necessary information being reflected in step S403. A display605indicates an input item excluded from the target of reflection of the necessary information in step S403(that is, indicates the non-input item). An icon606is an OK button, and is an icon to be pressed when the user completes the input and advances the request processing.

In step S405, the CPU111determines whether the icon606has been selected (pressed). In a case where the icon606is not selected, the CPU111returns the processing to step S404, and in a case where the icon606is selected, proceeds the processing to step S406. Therefore, the user can input information to the non-input item and/or edit information, on the screen601by operating the operation part116until the user presses the icon606.

In step S406, the CPU111checks whether or not there is an input omission for each input item on the screen601. That is, in step S407, the CPU111determines whether or not there is a non-input item. The CPU111advances the processing to step S410in a case where there is no non-input item, and advances the processing to step S408in a case where there is a non-input item. In step S408, the CPU111displays an input screen701(FIG.7) with marking, on the operation part116, and receives input/editing to the input item.

FIG.7is a diagram showing an example of the input screen701with marking. As shown in the input screen701, marking is applied to a non-input item, by which the non-input item and filled input item can be distinguished. A display702indicates that the input screen701is a screen related to the collection request function of the toner cartridge130. A display703is a message urging a user to make a new input to an input item and/or edit an input item. A display704indicates a message for making a user recognize a non-input item. A display705indicates the filled input item. A display706indicates the non-input item. An icon707is an OK button, and is an icon to be pressed when the user completes the input/editing and advances the request processing.

In step S409, the CPU111determines whether or not the icon707on the input screen701has been selected (pressed). The CPU111returns the processing to step S408in a case where the icon707is not selected, and returns the processing to step S406in a case where the icon707is selected. Therefore, until the user presses the icon707, the user can input information to the non-input item and/or change (edit) an input content of the filled input item on the input screen701, by operating the operation part116.

In step S410, the CPU111stores the input content of each input item obtained by reflecting the input/editing in step S404or S408, in the RAM113. The input content stored here is “second information” for requesting collection of a consumable. In step S411, the CPU111displays a confirmation screen801(FIG.8) in which the input content stored in the RAM113is reflected, on the operation part116.

FIG.8is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen801. On the confirmation screen801, the latest content input/edited so far is reflected. By referring to the confirmation screen801, the user can confirm the content input in step S404and/or S408.

On the confirmation screen801, a display802indicates that the confirmation screen801is a screen related to the collection request function of the toner cartridge130. A display803indicates a message urging a user to determine whether or not to make a collection request with each displayed information. A display804indicates a current input item, and this input item is normally filled in. An icon805is an OK button, and is an icon to be pressed by the user to instruct the collection request. An icon806is an edit button, and is an icon for re-editing to shift, when selected, the processing to the re-editing of the input content. An icon807is a cancel button, and is an icon to be pressed by the user to stop the collection request processing.

In step S412, the CPU111determines whether or not the icon806on the confirmation screen801has been selected (pressed). The CPU111returns the processing to step S404in a case where the icon806is selected, and advances the processing to step S413in a case where the icon806is not selected.

In step S413, the CPU111determines whether or not the icon805on the confirmation screen801has been selected (pressed). Selection of the icon805means reception of a collection request transmission instruction from the user. The CPU111advances the processing to step S415in a case where the icon805is selected, and advances the processing to step S414in a case where the icon805is not selected.

In step S414, the CPU111determines whether the icon807on the confirmation screen801has been selected (pressed). The CPU111ends the processing shown inFIG.4in a case where the icon807is selected, and returns the processing to step S412in a case where the icon807is not selected.

As described above, in steps S404to S414, the CPU111receives, from the user, the supplement (input) of the information necessary for the consumable collection request and/or the edit of the already input information, via the input screens601,701, and801, and updates each information. As a result, the CPU111serving as a generation unit generates the second information for requesting collection of a consumable. The second information includes an input content input afterwards, in addition to the first information including the user information and the destination information. In a case where the first information or the information input afterwards is modified (edited), the second information includes the latest input content (the latest information) related thereto.

In step S415, the CPU111acquires a format image901for collection request (FIG.9).

FIG.9is a diagram showing an example of the format image901for collection request. The format image901is stored in the ROM112or the RAM113. It should be noted that the format image901may be stored in advance, or information for generating the format image901may be stored, and the format image901may be generated based on the information. It should be noted that the format image901is assumed to be RAW data, but is not limited thereto.

In the format image901, a display902indicates that the format image901is an image (image data) for a collection request. A display903indicates an item name of information, and inFIG.9, displays903including items such as a company name, a department name, a name of a person in charge, a telephone number, a FAX number, and an address are lined up. A display904is an input field for filling in an input content corresponding to each item. A display905is an item name indicating an item on the desired collection date, and a display906is an input field of the desired collection date. A display907is an item name indicating an item of the number of used toner cartridges130to be collected, and a display908is an input field of the number of toner cartridges130to be collected. It should be noted that the input fields of the display904, the display906, and the display908are blank at the time of execution of step S415.

In step S416, the CPU111generates an image for request (hereinafter referred to as “request image”)1001(FIG.10). Specifically, the CPU111reads the input content of each input item stored in the RAM113in step S410. Further, the CPU111generates the request image1001which is a superimposed image, by superimposing the read input content on the format image901.

FIG.10is a diagram showing an example of the request image1001. It should be noted that, as a specific method for realizing the superimposed image, in a case where the format image901is RAW data, the request image1001may be generated by the input content being superimposed as it is on the format image901. In a case where the format image901is not the RAW data, the input content may be superimposed on the format image901after the format image901is converted into the RAW data. Furthermore, as a method for realizing the superimposed image, it is conceivable that the CPU111stores position information of superimposition for each input content in the RAM113in advance, and superimposes in step S416each input content on the format image901based on the stored position information; however, the method for realizing the superimposed image is not limited to this method.

In the request image1001, displays1002,1003,1005, and1007are similar to the displays902,903,905, and907in the format image901(FIG.9), respectively. In displays1004,1006, and1008, input contents are filled in by being superimposed on the format image901.

In step S417, the CPU111serving as a transmission unit uses the destination number of the FAX, which is acquired in step S401as a transmission destination (designated destination), to perform FAX transmission of the request image1001to the transmission destination via the public line102. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second information for requesting collection of a consumable is transmitted by FAX in the form of the request image1001(FIG.10) which is the superimposed image.

It should be noted that, instead of acquiring the destination number of the FAX in step S401, the input of the destination number may be received from the user via the operation part116. Further, the destination number acquired in step S401may be changeable by a user's input. From this viewpoint, it is not essential that the destination information is included in the first information.

It should be noted that the request image1001may be displayed as a preview before the FAX transmission of the request image1001. In this case, the FAX transmission of the request image1001may be configured to be canceled after the preview are displayed.

It should be noted that, in addition to or instead of FAX transmission of the request image1001, the request image1001may be printed on paper. In such a case, it is possible to add handwriting by the user, so that the user may perform FAX transmission using the paper after the addition of handwriting.

In step S418, the CPU111lowers the no-remaining-amount flag in the RAM113(sets to “0”), and ends the processing shown inFIG.4.

According to the present embodiment, in a case where it is determined that the consumable (toner cartridge130) needs to be collected, the CPU111acquires the first information including the user information and the destination information as the necessary information, and displays the input screen601in which the first information is reflected. The CPU111receives supplement (additional input) and/or edit of the necessary information from the user on the displayed screen (input screens601,701, and801), thereby generating the second information for requesting collection of a consumable. The CPU111generates the request image1001(FIG.10) by superimposing the second information on the format image901, and transmits the request image1001by FAX to a destination indicated by the destination information.

According to this processing, the user only needs to additionally input the necessary information other than the first information, and only needs to fill in the non-input item and/or modify (edit) the filled input item as a main necessary work. Therefore, even in an environment where the consumption state of a consumable cannot be shared with a collection request destination, the collection of the consumable can be requested without requiring complicated work.

In addition, the CPU111monitors the consumption state of the consumable and displays the collection proposal screen501(FIG.5) in a case of determining that the consumable has been consumed (S306), which makes it possible to propose collection at an appropriate timing. In addition, the CPU111determines that the consumable needs to be collected in response to receiving a user's instruction to request collection of the consumable (pressing of the icon504) on the collection proposal screen501(S307), which makes it possible to determine the necessity of collection in accordance with the intention of the user.

In addition, the CPU111marks a non-input item among items corresponding to information necessary for requesting collection of the consumable on the input screen601, so that a user can easily recognize the non-input item. Therefore, when the user is urged to input, the user can easily determine an item portion required to be input. It should be noted that a display manner for recognizing the non-input item is not limited to marking, and the display manner may be any manner as long as the display manner makes a user to recognize the non-input item, such as a display manner displaying the non-input item in a display manner different from that for the filled input item. For example, only the non-input item may be differed in color or be blinked.

A second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the collection request processing, and other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

FIG.11is a flowchart showing collection request processing executed in step S308ofFIG.3, in the second embodiment. InFIG.11, the same processing as that of the first embodiment (FIG.4) is denoted by the same step number. In the present embodiment, information for collection request is transmitted to a server of a carrier.

In the present embodiment, the destination information included in the necessary information acquired in step S401is, for example, an IP address of the server of the carrier to which the collection is requested. The CPU111performs processing of steps S401to S413similar to those of the first embodiment. In a case of determining, in step S413, that the icon805on the confirmation screen801has been selected (pressed), the CPU111advances the processing to step S1101. Otherwise, the CPU111advances the processing to step S414which is similar to that of the first embodiment.

In step S1101, the CPU111reads an input content (second information) stored in step S410from the RAM113. Further, the CPU111transmits the read input content using the network103to the IP address acquired in step S401as a transmission destination. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second information for requesting collection of a consumable is transmitted in the form of transmission data. After step S1101, the CPU111executes processing of step S418similar to that of the first embodiment.

It should be noted that, instead of acquiring the IP address of the server of the carrier in step S401, an input of the IP address may be received from a user via the operation part116. Further, the IP address acquired in step S401may be changeable by a user's input. From this viewpoint, it is not essential that the destination information is included in the first information.

According to the present embodiment, the second information is generated similarly to the first embodiment. Further, the CPU111transmits the second information to the IP address indicated by the destination information. Therefore, even in an environment where the consumption state of a consumable cannot be shared with a collection request destination, it is possible to obtain an effect similar to that of the first embodiment, regarding requesting collection of the consumable without complicated work.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which an input content is transmitted to a server is adopted; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration can be adopted, in which the destination information includes a mail address of a transportation company, and in step S1101, an input content is transmitted by mail to the mail address indicated by the destination information.

A third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the consumable management processing, and other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of the toner cartridges130is used in the image processing apparatus101.

FIG.12is a flowchart showing consumable management processing. An execution subject and a start condition of this processing are similar to those of the consumable management processing shown inFIG.3. InFIG.12, the same processing as that of the first embodiment is denoted by the same step number. In the consumable management processing shown inFIG.12, processing in steps S1201, S1202, and S1203are added to the consumable management processing shown inFIG.3.

The CPU111performs processing in steps S301to S304similar to that of the first embodiment. In a case where it is determined in step S304that the no-remaining-amount flag is not set, the CPU111advances the processing to step S1201. Otherwise, the CPU111ends the processing shown inFIG.12as in the first embodiment. In step S1201, the CPU111increments a count value for counting the number of toner cartridges130in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. It should be noted that this count value is reset to 0 at the start of the processing shown inFIG.12. The latest count value is stored in the RAM113.

After step S1201, the CPU111executes step S305similar to that of the first embodiment, and advances the processing to step S1202. In step S1202, the CPU111reads the current count value from the RAM113, and determines whether or not the count value exceeds an upper limit number, that is, whether or not (count value)>(upper limit number) is satisfied. Information on the upper limit number is stored, in advance, in the ROM112or the like. It should be noted that a method for setting the upper limit number is not limited, and the upper limit number may be configured to be settable by a user afterwards.

Then, in a case where the count value does not exceed the upper limit number, the CPU111ends the processing shown inFIG.12. In a case where the count value exceeds the upper limit number, the CPU111advances the processing to step S306, and performs the processing in steps S306and S307similar to that of the first embodiment and performs the processing in step S308.

After step S308, in step S1203, the CPU111resets the count value to 0, and ends the processing shown inFIG.12. It should be noted that, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the consumable management processing ends, the consumable management processing may be started again to execute the processing of step S301and subsequent steps. Alternatively, immediately after the consumable management processing ends, the consumable management processing may be started again to execute the processing of step S301and subsequent steps.

According to the present embodiment, even in an environment where the consumption state of the consumable cannot be shared with a collection request destination, it is possible to obtain an effect similar to that of the first embodiment, regarding requesting collection of the consumable without complicated work.

In addition, the collection proposal screen (FIG.5) is displayed in a case where the number of consumables determined to be consumed exceeds the upper limit number, which makes it possible to propose the collection of a consumable to a user at an appropriate timing.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the collection request processing executed in step S308may be the processing shown inFIG.4(first embodiment) or the processing shown inFIG.11(second embodiment).

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the toner cartridge130which was used in the MFP101in the past and is present outside the MFP101may also be included in the toner cartridge130in the state of “no remaining amount of toner”. In this case, in step S1201, the number of toner cartridges130in the state of “no remaining amount of toner” existing outside the MFP101is also counted. Further, the CPU111automatically inputs a count value to the display1008of the request image1001(FIG.10). As a result, it is not necessary for a user to input the number of toner cartridges130to be collected, and labor is simplified.

It should be noted that the consumable in the present invention is not limited to the toner cartridge, and may be a photosensitive drum developing unit or the like.

It should be noted that the screens601,701, and801may be displayed on a screen on a web form.

It should be noted that execution of the transmission in steps S417and S1101may be instructed by a request via an application in a smartphone or a screen on a cloud service, in addition to the request on the web form.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-116288, filed Jul. 21, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference wherein in its entirety.