Print consumable monitoring method, apparatus, and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a printing consumable monitoring method and device and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of image forming devices. The printing consumable monitoring method comprises the following steps: after detecting that a printing consumable is in an installed state, determining whether the printing consumable matches an image forming device. In the case that it is determined that the printing consumable matches the image forming device, the consumable remaining amount of the printing consumable is acquired at a set time interval. A first difference value of the consumable remaining amounts acquired at adjacent time points is calculated. In the case that the first difference value is greater than a first threshold value, it is determined that printing consumable replacement occurs. Through the above scheme, automatic monitoring of the printing consumable replacement condition can be realized, and the accuracy of the monitoring result is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of image forming apparatuses, and particularly relates to a printing consumable monitoring method and device and electronic equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] A printing consumable can be detachably installed in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier, and the printing consumable contains consumables such as toner and ink, and can be used to realize printing imaging. In the use process of the image forming apparatus, the printing consumable is usually replaced only when the consumables are about to run out or have run out. Frequent replacement of the printing consumable means that the consumables are likely to be wasted or maliciously replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the replacement of the printing consumable in the image forming apparatus. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present application provide a printing consumable monitoring method, device and electronic equipment, which can be used to monitor the replacement of the printing consumable.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a printing consumable monitoring method, which comprises: after detecting that a printing consumable is in an installed state, determining whether the printing consumable matches an image forming apparatus; in the case that the printing consumable matches the image forming apparatus, acquiring a consumable amount of the printing consumable at a set time interval; calculating a first difference value of the consumable amount acquired at adjacent time points; and in the case that the first difference value is greater than a first threshold value, determining that printing consumable replacement occurs.

[0005] In one possible implementation, in the case that the printing consumable matches the image forming apparatus, acquiring the consumable amount of the printing consumable at the set time interval comprises: in the case that the printing consumable matches the image forming apparatus, detecting whether the printing consumable is configured with serial number information; and in the case that the printing consumable is not configured with the serial number information, acquiring the consumable amount of the printing consumable at the set time interval.

[0006] In one possible implementation, in the case that the printing consumable is configured with the serial number information, the method further comprises: acquiring the serial number information at the set time interval; comparing the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points; and in the case that it is determined that the serial number information acquired at the adjacent time points is inconsistent, determining that printing consumable replacement occurs.

[0007] In one possible implementation, when the print consumable is configured with the serial number information, the method further includes: obtaining the serial number information and the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable at a set time interval; comparing the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points, and calculating a second difference of the consumable remaining amount obtained at adjacent time points; and determining that consumable abnormal consumption occurs when it is determined that the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points is consistent and the second difference is greater than a second threshold.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: after detecting that the print consumable is in an uninstalled state, sending first prompt information; and the first prompt information is used to prompt that the print consumable is uninstalled.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the print consumable does not match the image forming device, sending second prompt information; and the second prompt information is used to prompt that the print consumable does not match the image forming device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: displaying a first setting interface; and in response to a setting operation on the first setting interface, determining user information; and after determining that the print consumable is replaced, the method further includes: sending notification information to a target user according to the user information, and the notification information is used to indicate that the print consumable is replaced.

[0011] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a print consumable monitoring device, including: a detection module configured to determine whether a print consumable matches an image forming device after detecting that the print consumable is in an installed state; an obtaining module configured to obtain a consumable remaining amount of the print consumable at a set time interval when the print consumable matches the image forming device; an execution module configured to calculate a first difference of the consumable remaining amount obtained at adjacent time points; and a determination module configured to determine that the print consumable is replaced when the first difference is greater than a first threshold.

[0012] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including: at least one processor; and at least one memory connected with the processor in communication, where: the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor invoking the program instructions can execute the method in the first aspect.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions, and the computer instructions make the computer execute the method in the first aspect.

[0014] The above technical solutions of the present application have the following beneficial effects:

[0015] Through the above scheme, automatic monitoring of the printing consumable replacement condition can be realized. Moreover, considering that when the printing consumable is in an uninstalled state or a mismatched state, the consumable remaining amount is usually set to 0, and the consumable remaining amount data at this time will cause misjudgment of the printing consumable replacement condition, therefore, the above scheme starts detection of the printing consumable replacement condition only after determining that the printing consumable is in an installed and matched state, so that the accuracy of the detection result can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A scene diagram of a printing consumable monitoring method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 A flowchart of a printing consumable monitoring method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 3 A flowchart of another printing consumable monitoring method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a printing consumable monitoring device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to better understand the technical solutions of the present application, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” “first,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers are equipped with printing consumables (such as ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and drum units). These consumables can be detachably installed within the image forming apparatus. When the consumables (toner, ink, etc.) in the printing consumables are depleted or nearly depleted, the printing consumables can be replaced.

[0026] However, during the use of printing consumables, there may be situations where printing consumables are frequently replaced, and most of the consumables still have sufficient reserves. This may lead to waste of printing consumables or malicious theft of printing consumables, which is detrimental to the interests of users.

[0027] To address the aforementioned problems, this application is proposed. This application provides a printing consumables monitoring device for executing the printing consumables monitoring method provided in this application. The printing consumables monitoring method provided in this application can be used to monitor the replacement of printing consumables.

[0028] The aforementioned printing consumables monitoring device can be an external terminal device independent of the image forming apparatus. Its specific form can be, for example, a personal computer (PC), mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, etc. Alternatively, the aforementioned printing consumables monitoring device can also be the image forming apparatus itself on which the printing consumables are installed. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0029] In the case where the aforementioned printing consumables monitoring device is an external terminal device independent of the image forming apparatus... Figure 1 A scenario diagram of a printing consumables monitoring method provided in an embodiment of this application is given.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the printing consumables monitoring device 101 can establish a communication connection with at least one image forming apparatus 102. A printing consumables monitoring program may be installed in the printing consumables monitoring device 101. After the printing consumables monitoring program runs, the printing consumables monitoring process can be started, thereby enabling the printing consumables monitoring device 101 to monitor the replacement status of printing consumables in at least one image forming apparatus 102. The printing consumables monitoring process can reside permanently in the system's running memory.

[0031] Figure 2A flowchart of a print consumable monitoring method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2 The print consumable monitoring method can include the following steps.

[0032] In step 101, it is detected whether the print consumable is in an installed state. If yes, step 102 is performed; otherwise, step 106 is performed.

[0033] In step 102, it is determined whether the print consumable matches the image forming device. If yes, step 103 is performed; otherwise, step 107 is performed.

[0034] In actual use scenarios, different models of image forming devices correspond to different models of print consumables. Only when the model of the print consumable matches the model of the image forming device, the image forming job can be normally performed. When the print consumable is not installed, or the model of the installed print consumable does not match the image forming device, the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable is usually set to 0. It can be seen that the consumable remaining amount data obtained in the case where the print consumable is not installed or does not match will cause misjudgment of the replacement of the print consumable.

[0035] Based on the above description, in order to improve the accuracy of the obtained replacement result of the print consumable, in an embodiment of the present application, the installation state of the print consumable can be detected first. Specifically, the print consumable monitoring device can send an access request for the installation state of the print consumable to the image forming device. Then, the image forming device can send the installation state of the print consumable to the print consumable monitoring device in response to the access request. Alternatively, the image forming device can send a first fault code to the print consumable monitoring device after determining that the print consumable is not installed. The first fault code can be used to represent that the print consumable is not installed.

[0036] Further, in the case where it is determined that the print consumable is in an uninstalled state, the following step 106 can be performed.

[0037] On the contrary, in the case where it is determined that the print consumable is in an installed state, the print consumable monitoring device can further obtain the matching state information of the print consumable and the image forming device from the image forming device.

[0038] Specifically, in an implementation manner, the image forming device can compare the model of the print consumable with a target model, and determine whether they match. The target model can be one or more required models of the image forming device. Then, the image forming device can send a second fault code to the print consumable monitoring device in the case where it is determined that they do not match. The second fault code can be used to represent that the print consumable does not match the image forming device.

[0039] In another implementation, the print consumable monitoring device can acquire the model information of the print consumable from the image forming apparatus. Then, the print consumable monitoring device can compare the acquired model information with the target model. In case of a consistent comparison, it is determined that the print consumable matches the image forming apparatus; otherwise, it is determined that the print consumable does not match the image forming apparatus.

[0040] Further, in case of determining that the print consumable does not match the image forming apparatus, the following step 107 can be performed. In contrast, in case of determining that the print consumable matches the image forming apparatus, the monitoring of the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable can be started, i.e., the following step 103.

[0041] In step 103, the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable is acquired at a set time interval.

[0042] In step 104, a first difference of the consumable remaining amounts acquired at adjacent time points is calculated.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable can be acquired from the image forming apparatus based on a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

[0044] In a possible implementation, after the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable is acquired each time, a first difference of the consumable remaining amount acquired this time and the consumable remaining amount acquired last time (except for the first time when the consumable remaining amount is acquired) can be calculated. Based on this implementation, it is beneficial to timely find the case of an abnormal first difference and timely determine the replacement of the print consumable.

[0045] In another implementation, after the consumable remaining amounts of the print consumable at multiple time points are acquired, the first differences of the consumable remaining amounts at adjacent time points can be calculated respectively. Based on this implementation, it is beneficial to reduce the amount of calculation and save the calculation resources.

[0046] In step 105, in case that the first difference is greater than a first threshold, it is determined that the replacement of the print consumable occurs.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present application, the first threshold and the set time interval can be pre-set by a user and stored in the print consumable monitoring device. The value of the first threshold is associated with the value of the set time interval. Specifically, the value of the first threshold should be greater than the change amount of the consumable within the set time interval in a normal use scenario.

[0048] In a specific implementation, the manner in which the user pre-stores the first threshold value and sets the time interval in the print consumable monitoring device can be that the print consumable monitoring device can display a second setting interface, which can be a setting interface of the monitoring parameter. Then, the print consumable monitoring device can determine the first threshold value and the set time interval and store them in response to the user's setting operation on the second setting interface.

[0049] Based on the above description, in the case that the first difference is greater than the first threshold value, it is indicated that the actual usage amount of the consumable in the set time interval is greater than the variation amount in the normal use scenario. At this time, it can be determined that the print consumable replacement occurs.

[0050] The first difference of the consumable residual amount obtained at adjacent time points being greater than the first threshold value can be that Q N+1 -Q N The value of Q N -Q N+1 The value of Q N is the consumable residual amount obtained at the Nth time point, and Q N+1 is the consumable residual amount obtained at the (N+1)th time point.

[0051] Further, in the embodiment of the present application, after it is determined that the print consumable replacement occurs, information about the print consumable replacement can be notified to the target user.

[0052] Specifically, in a possible implementation, the print consumable monitoring device can pre-store user information of the target user. The user information can include but is not limited to a user name, a user email address, a key, and email server information, etc. After it is determined that the print consumable replacement occurs, the print consumable monitoring device can send notification information to the target user according to the pre-stored user information, and the notification information can be used to indicate that the print consumable replacement occurs. For example, the print consumable monitoring device can send an email notification to the target user according to the user email address.

[0053] The manner in which the user information is pre-stored in the print consumable monitoring device can be that the print consumable monitoring device can display a first setting interface, which can be a setting interface of the user information. Then, the print consumable monitoring device can determine the user information and store it in response to the user's setting operation on the first setting interface.

[0054] In another possible implementation, the print consumable monitoring device can display prompt information about the print consumable replacement on its own display interface after it is determined that the print consumable replacement occurs. Alternatively, the print consumable monitoring device can also issue voice prompt information about the print consumable replacement, etc.

[0055] Step 106: issuing the first prompt information.

[0056] After determining that the print consumable is in the uninstalled state, the print consumable monitoring device can display first prompt information on its own display interface. The first prompt information can be used to prompt that the print consumable is not installed.

[0057] Step 107, issuing second prompt information.

[0058] After determining that the print consumable does not match the image forming device, the print consumable monitoring device can display second prompt information on its own display interface. The second prompt information is used to prompt that the print consumable does not match the image forming device.

[0059] Through the above scheme, automatic monitoring of the replacement of the print consumable can be realized. Moreover, since the above scheme determines that the print consumable is in the installed and matched state before starting to acquire the consumable remaining amount in the print consumable, the accuracy of the subsequent detection result can be improved.

[0060] Figure 3 Another flowchart of a print consumable monitoring method provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided. As shown in Figure 3 The print consumable monitoring method provided by the embodiment of the present application can include:

[0061] Step 201, detecting that the print consumable is in an installed state and that the print consumable matches the image forming device.

[0062] Step 202, detecting whether the print consumable is configured with serial number information. If the print consumable is configured with serial number information, step 203 is performed; otherwise, step 206 is performed.

[0063] In actual scenarios, based on the differences in the manufacturers, models, etc. of print consumables, some print consumables are configured with serial number information, and some print consumables are not. The serial number can be used to distinguish different print consumables.

[0064] Based on the above description, in the embodiment of the present application, after detecting that the print consumable is in an installed state and that the print consumable matches the image forming device, whether the print consumable is configured with serial number information can be detected first. In a case where it is determined that the print consumable is configured with serial number information, the replacement of the print consumable can be detected based on a first mode, and the first mode is the mode corresponding to step 203. In a case where it is determined that the print consumable is not configured with serial number information, the replacement of the print consumable can be detected based on a second mode, and the second mode is the mode corresponding to step 206.

[0065] Step 203, acquiring serial number information at a set time interval.

[0066] Step 204, comparing the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points.

[0067] Step 205, in the case that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is inconsistent, it is determined that the printing consumable is replaced.

[0068] In the case that the printing consumable is configured with serial number information, the serial number information can be acquired at a set time interval. Since the serial number information can be used to uniquely identify the printing consumable, in the case that it is detected that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is inconsistent, it can be determined that the printing consumable is replaced. Otherwise, in the case that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is consistent, it can be determined that the printing consumable is not replaced.

[0069] Compared with the implementation manner of detecting the consumable residual amount in the foregoing embodiment, this implementation manner is simpler and more accurate.

[0070] Further, in another implementation manner, in the case that the printing consumable is configured with serial number information, in addition to the replacement of the printing consumable, the abnormal consumption of the consumable in the printing consumable can also be detected.

[0071] In this implementation manner, specifically, in the case that the printing consumable is configured with serial number information, the serial number information and the consumable residual amount of the printing consumable can be acquired at a set time interval. Then, the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points can be compared respectively, and a second difference value of the consumable residual amount acquired at adjacent time points can be calculated. In the case that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is consistent and the second difference value is greater than a second threshold value, it can be determined that the printing consumable is not replaced, and the printing consumable has the abnormal consumption of the consumable. The value of the second threshold value should be greater than the normal usage amount of the consumable within the set time interval. The second threshold value can be greater than the first threshold value in the foregoing embodiment, or can be equal to the first threshold value.

[0072] Step 206, the consumable residual amount of the printing consumable is acquired at a set time interval.

[0073] Step 207, a first difference value of the consumable residual amount acquired at adjacent time points is calculated.

[0074] Step 208, in the case that the first difference value is greater than a first threshold value, it is determined that the printing consumable is replaced.

[0075] In the case that the printing consumable is not configured with serial number information, the replacement of the printing consumable can be determined according to the consumable residual amount detected at each time point. The specific implementation manner can refer to the foregoing embodiment, which will not be described here.

[0076] In the foregoing technical solutions, different manners can be selected to detect the replacement of the printing consumable based on the configuration of the serial number information in the printing consumable. Thus, the flexibility of the scheme can be improved, and the scheme can better adapt to different types of printing consumables.

[0077] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a print consumable monitoring device is provided for an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, Figure 4 The print consumable monitoring device can include a detection module 41, an acquisition module 42, an execution module 43, and a determination module 44.

[0078] The detection module 41 is configured to determine whether the print consumable matches the image forming device after detecting that the print consumable is in an installed state.

[0079] The acquisition module 42 is configured to acquire the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable at a set time interval, in a case where the detection module 41 determines that the print consumable matches the image forming device.

[0080] The execution module 43 is configured to calculate a first difference value of the consumable remaining amount acquired at adjacent time points.

[0081] The determination module 44 is configured to determine that print consumable replacement occurs in a case where the first difference value is greater than a first threshold value.

[0082] In a specific implementation, the acquisition module 42 is specifically configured to, in a case where the print consumable matches the image forming device, detect whether the print consumable is configured with serial number information; and in a case where the print consumable is not configured with serial number information, acquire the consumable amount of the print consumable at a set time interval.

[0083] In a specific implementation, the acquisition module 42 is further configured to, in a case where the print consumable is configured with serial number information, acquire the serial number information at a set time interval; compare the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points; and in a case where it is determined that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is inconsistent, determine that print consumable replacement occurs.

[0084] In a specific implementation, the acquisition module 42 is further configured to, in a case where the print consumable is configured with serial number information, acquire the serial number information and the consumable remaining amount of the print consumable at a set time interval; compare the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points, and calculate a second difference value of the consumable remaining amount acquired at adjacent time points; and in a case where it is determined that the serial number information acquired at adjacent time points is consistent and the second difference value is greater than a second threshold value, determine that consumable abnormal consumption occurs.

[0085] In a specific implementation, the detection module 41 is further configured to, after detecting that the print consumable is in an uninstalled state, issue a first prompt information; and the first prompt information is used to prompt that the print consumable is not installed.

[0086] In one specific implementation, the detection module 41 is further configured to issue a second prompt message when the printing consumables and the image forming apparatus are incompatible; the second prompt message is used to indicate that the printing consumables and the image forming apparatus are incompatible.

[0087] In one specific implementation, the determining module 44 is further configured to: display a first setting interface; determine user information in response to a setting operation on the first setting interface; and after determining that a printing consumable replacement has occurred, the determining module 44 is further configured to: send a notification message to the target user based on the user information, the notification message being used to indicate that a printing consumable replacement has occurred.

[0088] The above solution enables automatic monitoring of printing consumable replacement status. Furthermore, because the solution only begins acquiring the remaining quantity of consumables after confirming that the printing consumables are installed and compatible, the accuracy of subsequent testing results is improved.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, and the processor can execute the printing consumables monitoring method provided in the embodiments of this application by calling the program instructions.

[0090] Among them, the aforementioned electronic equipment can be a printing consumables monitoring device.

[0091] Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary electronic device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 5 The electronic device shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors 410, memory 430, and communication bus 440 connecting different system components (including memory 430 and processor 410).

[0093] Communication bus 440 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration bus, a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, these architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0094] Electronic device typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that is accessible by electronic device and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0095] Memory 430 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Electronic device can further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. Although Figure 5 Although not shown in FIG. 4, computer system can also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example, FIG. 4 illustrates a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 452 which reads from or writes to a removable non- volatile magnetic media (i.e., floppy disks), and an optical disk drive 455 which reads from or writes to a removable non-volatile optical disk (e.g., a CD ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media). In these instances, each drive can be connected to bus 440 by one or more data media interfaces. Memory 430 can include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the application.

[0096] A program / utility having a set (at least one) of program modules can be stored in memory 430. Such program modules include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] The electronic device can also communicate with one or more external devices (such as a keyboard, pointing device, display, etc.), and with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the electronic device, and / or with any device that enables the electronic device to communicate with one or more other computing devices (such as a network card, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed through communication interface 420. Furthermore, the electronic device can also communicate through a network adapter ( Figure 5 (Not shown) communicates with one or more networks (e.g., Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet). The aforementioned network adapter can communicate with other modules of the electronic device via communication bus 440. It should be understood that, although... Figure 5 Not shown, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with electronic devices, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, Redundant Arrays of Independent Drives (RAID) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0098] The processor 410 executes various functional applications by running programs stored in the memory 430, such as implementing the printing consumables monitoring method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0099] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions, which cause the computer to execute the printing consumables monitoring method provided in this application.

[0100] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0101] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including—but not limited to—electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of transmitting, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0102] The program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including—but not limited to—wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0103] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0104] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein only to describe different instances, and do not imply or suggest relative importance or a number of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0105] Any process or method descriptions or blocks in flow charts or otherwise described herein can be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are possible. In some embodiments, the processes or methods described in this application can be tailored or adapted by, for example, removing and / or adding one or more blocks or implementing the functions described by one or more blocks in a different order.

[0106] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be omitted or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units or components shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0107] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional unit.

[0108] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring printing consumables, characterized in that, include: After detecting that the printing consumable is in an installed state, it is determined whether the printing consumable is compatible with the image forming apparatus; wherein, different models of image forming apparatus correspond to different models of printing consumables, and when the model of the printing consumable matches the model of the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the printing consumable is compatible with the image forming apparatus; When the printing consumables are matched with the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount of the printing consumables is obtained at set time intervals; Calculate the first difference in the remaining amount of the consumables obtained at adjacent time points; If the first difference is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that a printing consumable replacement has occurred; The first difference is the difference between the current remaining amount of consumables and the previous remaining amount of consumables, and the first threshold is a positive value. The value of the first threshold is greater than the change in the amount of consumables within the set time interval in a normal usage scenario. When the printing consumables are configured with serial number information, the method further includes: The serial number information and the remaining quantity of the printing consumables are obtained at set time intervals. Compare the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points, and calculate the second difference between the remaining amount of consumables obtained at adjacent time points; If the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points is consistent and the second difference is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that an abnormal consumption of consumables has occurred, where the second threshold is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the printing consumables are matched with the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount of the printing consumables is obtained at set time intervals, including: When the printing consumable is matched with the image forming apparatus, it is detected whether the printing consumable is equipped with serial number information; If the printing consumables are not configured with serial number information, the quantity of the printing consumables is obtained at set time intervals.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the printing consumables are configured with the serial number information, the method further includes: The serial number information is obtained at a set time interval; Compare the sequence number information obtained at adjacent time points; If the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points is inconsistent, it is determined that a replacement of printing consumables has occurred.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Upon detecting that the printing consumables are not installed, a first prompt message is issued; The first prompt message is used to indicate that printing consumables have not been installed.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the printing consumables are incompatible with the image forming apparatus, a second prompt message will be issued; The second prompt message is used to indicate that the printing consumables are incompatible with the image forming apparatus.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: displaying a first settings interface; and determining user information in response to a settings operation on the first settings interface. After determining that printing consumables have been replaced, the method further includes: A notification message is sent to the target user based on the user information, and the notification message is used to indicate that printing consumables need to be replaced.

7. A printing consumables monitoring device, characterized in that, include: The detection module is used to determine whether the printing consumable is compatible with the image forming apparatus after detecting that the printing consumable is in an installed state; wherein, different models of image forming apparatus correspond to different models of printing consumables, and when the model of the printing consumable matches the model of the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the printing consumable is compatible with the image forming apparatus; The acquisition module is used to acquire the remaining amount of the printing consumables at set time intervals when the printing consumables are matched with the image forming apparatus. The execution module is used to calculate the first difference between the remaining quantities of the consumables obtained at adjacent time points; The determination module is used to determine that a printing consumable replacement has occurred when the first difference is greater than a first threshold. The first difference is the difference between the current remaining amount of consumables and the previous remaining amount of consumables, and the first threshold is a positive value. The value of the first threshold is greater than the change in the amount of consumables within the set time interval in a normal usage scenario. When the printing consumables are configured with serial number information, The acquisition module is also used to acquire the serial number information and the remaining amount of the printing consumables at a set time interval; The determining module is further configured to compare the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points and calculate a second difference in the remaining amount of consumables obtained at adjacent time points; if the serial number information obtained at adjacent time points is consistent and the second difference is greater than a second threshold, it is determined that abnormal consumption of consumables has occurred, wherein the second threshold is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein: The memory stores program instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor can execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 by calling the program instructions.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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