System, management server, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: a replacement item is not ordered if a print head breaks down before ink remaining becomes a threshold value or lower in an ink cartridge integrated with the print head.SOLUTION: A printer 103 performs the steps of: transmitting ink status information to a printer management server 101 (S401); and notifying the printer management server 101 of error status information when a head error of an ink cartridge occurs (S402). The printer management server 101 performs the steps of: storing a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when receiving the ink status information; and when receiving a notification of the error status information, if the ink cartridge where the head error of the notification has occurred is a prescribed contract object and the ink cartridge is integrated with a printer head, performing processing for delivering a replacement item of the cartridge (S404 to S406).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a management server, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, flat-rate printing services have been widely provided to users of image forming apparatuses. Flat-rate printing services are also called subscription services, and are services that can be subscribed to for each image forming apparatus. In general, when using a flat-rate printing service, it is common for users to periodically order consumables specifically for the flat-rate printing service for the image forming apparatus with which the contract has been concluded.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for shipping a specific type of cartridge to a user depending on the remaining amount of recording agent filled in the cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6651744 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology of shipping cartridges according to the amount of remaining recording agent as in Patent Document 1, there was an issue with ink cartridges that are integrated with a print head. In that case, if the print head breaks down before the remaining ink level falls below a threshold, a replacement cartridge would not be ordered.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a mechanism that makes it possible to order a replacement even if the print head integrated with the ink cartridge breaks down before the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a system including a printer into which an ink cartridge with an integrated print head is installed, and a printer management server, wherein the printer has a transmitting means for transmitting status information including an identifier and ink cartridge type of the installed ink cartridge to the printer management server, and a notifying means for notifying the printer management server of a head error including an ink cartridge identifier when a head error occurs in the installed ink cartridge, and the printer management server has a storage means for storing the printer identifier, ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when the status information is received from the printer, a determining means for determining the ink cartridge type based on the ink cartridge identifier and the storage means included in the notification when a head error notification is received from the printer, and an executing means for executing processing to deliver a replacement cartridge if the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is subject to a specified contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, even if the print head integrated with the ink cartridge breaks down before the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold value, a replacement can be ordered. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a printer management server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]6 is a sequence diagram of the process up to delivery of a replacement ink cartridge according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a status information transmission process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of status information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing tables stored in a database of a printer management server according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a consumables order instruction transmission process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an order management table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a user management table stored in a database of a dealer server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the consumables ordering system in this embodiment includes a printer management server 101, a store server 102, and printers 103 (103a, 103b) that are image forming devices (recording devices). The configuration of the consumables ordering system in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0012] The printer 103 includes a printer 103a that is equipped with an ink cartridge with an integrated print head, and a printer 103b that is equipped with an ink cartridge that does not include a print head (a stand-alone ink cartridge). When simply referred to as the printer 103, either type may be used.

[0013] Printer 103 is a printer that can be used in both cases, when the user uses the printer without entering into a contract with the service provider, and when the user uses the printer after entering into a contract with the service provider. In the following description, the state in which the user uses the printer without entering into a contract with the service provider is referred to as a "normal use state," and the state in which the user uses the printer after entering into a contract with the service provider is referred to as a "contract use state." As an example, the service is a "flat-rate printing service."

[0014] The flat-rate printing service is a service that allows a user to perform "flat-rate printing," an example of contract printing, for a fixed usage fee as specified by the contract conditions, within the usage period and maximum number of pages as specified by the contract conditions. For example, the flat-rate printing service provides consumables and / or replacements used in flat-rate printing to the user at a fixed price as long as the usage period and maximum number of pages are not exceeded. That is, when the remaining amount of recording agent in a dedicated cartridge installed in a printer with which a flat-rate printing service contract has been concluded falls below a threshold, a dedicated cartridge for the contract is automatically delivered. In addition, in the case of a dedicated cartridge integrated with a print head, a dedicated cartridge for the contract is automatically delivered in response to an error occurring in the head of the cartridge.

[0015] The printer management server 101 and the store server 102 are each connected to the Internet 100. The printer 103 can be connected to the Internet via a router 104. The printer management server 101 manages information transmitted from the printer 103, and if the printer 103 is in a contracted usage state, the information transmitted from the printer 103 can be provided to the dealer server 102 via the Internet 100. Each communication is controlled through HTTP, XMPP, etc. Note that the protocols are not limited to these, and other protocols may be used.

[0016] <Server configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the printer management server 101. The configuration of the printer management server 101 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0017] The printer management server 101 includes a CPU 201 , a RAM 202 , a ROM 203 , a storage device 204 , an operation unit 205 , a display unit 206 , a network communication unit 207 , and a network connection unit 208 .

[0018] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit for controlling each part of the printer management server 101. The RAM 202 serves as a working memory required when the CPU 201 executes a program. The ROM 203 is a read-only memory for storing a boot program required for system startup. The storage device 204 is a device for storing the programs executed by the CPU 201, a database 209, or various information, and is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory.

[0019] The operation unit 205 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. The display unit 206 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays various information to be presented to the user. The network communication unit 207 is connected to a network such as the Internet 100 via a network connection unit 208, and performs various communications. The above-mentioned components are connected to each other via a bus 210, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from each other.

[0020] The store server 102 has the same hardware configuration as the printer management server 101, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the store server 102 may have a different hardware configuration from that of the printer management server 101.

[0021] Also, in FIG. 2, an example is described in which the printer management server 101 is configured from one server (information processing device), but it may be configured from multiple servers. In other words, each function may be executed by multiple servers working in cooperation with each other. It may be configured using cloud computing technology. The dealer server 102 may also be configured from multiple servers in the same manner. In this embodiment, a configuration consisting of one server or multiple servers is called a server system.

[0022] <Printer hardware configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the printer 103. The configuration of the printer 103 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The printer 103 has a printer unit 301, a scanner unit 302, a memory card mounting unit 303, a memory card 304, and an ink tank unit 315. The printer 103 also has a CPU 305, a program memory 306, a work memory 307, a display unit 308, an operation unit 309, a network communication unit 310, a network connection unit 311, and a flash memory 312.

[0023] In this embodiment, the printer 103, which is a multifunction machine, is taken as an example of a recording device, but the recording device to which this embodiment can be applied does not have to be a multifunction machine. An image recording device such as a copier or facsimile may be used, or a printer without a scanner function may be used. In addition, the recording device of this embodiment is taken as an example of a printer that records using ink, but may be applied to a device that uses a recording agent such as toner.

[0024] In the printer 103, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 301. Also, the scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 302, and the storage function is realized by a memory card mounting unit 303 and a memory card 304. The printer unit 301 records (i.e., prints) an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by an inkjet method based on image data received from the outside or image data stored in the memory card 304. Furthermore, the printer unit 301 also manages paper information including information on the remaining amount of ink and the number of sheets of loaded paper.

[0025] The scanner unit 302 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data, and further converts the image data into a specified file format, and transmits the image data to an external device via a network or stores it in a storage area (not shown) such as a HDD. The copy function is realized by transferring image data generated by reading an original placed on the platen with the scanner unit 302 to the printer unit 301, and the printer unit 301 records an image on a recording medium based on the image data. Various file data are stored in a memory card 304 mounted in a memory card mounting unit 303. This file data can be read from an external device via a network and edited. It is also possible to store file data in the memory card 304 in response to an instruction from an external device.

[0026] The CPU 305 is a central processing unit for controlling each section within the printer 103 . The program memory 306 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 314 for communicating with the printer management server 101. The module of the application 314 has a function of generating printer status information, which will be described later.

[0027] The work memory 307 is composed of a RAM, etc. In the work memory 307, image data, etc. are temporarily stored when each service is executed, and the work memory 307 is used for buffering.

[0028] The display unit 308 is configured with, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 309 is configured with switches and the like that allow the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 310 connects to the router 104 via the network connection unit 311. That is, the network communication unit 310 connects to a network such as the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 311 and performs various communications. In the various communications, control is performed through HTTP, XMPP, or the like. Note that the protocols are not limited to these, and other protocols may be used.

[0029] The flash memory 312 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data and the like received by the network communication unit 310 . The above-mentioned components are connected to each other via a bus 313, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from each other.

[0030] The ink tank unit 315 is equipped with an ink cartridge including an ink tank that contains the ink used in the printer unit 301. When toner is used as the recording agent, a toner cartridge may be equipped. The ink cartridge installed in the ink tank unit 315 is replaced with another ink cartridge by the user when the ink contained therein runs out or the remaining amount is extremely low. Also, when the ink cartridge installed in the ink tank unit 315 is a cartridge with an integrated print head, the ink cartridge is replaced with another ink cartridge by the user when the print head breaks down and printing becomes impossible. In other words, the ink cartridge installed in the ink tank unit 315 of this embodiment is a type of consumable that is replaced with a replacement ink cartridge when the ink runs out or the print head breaks down.

[0031] <Process until delivery of replacement ink cartridge> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence related to the process up to delivery of a replacement ink cartridge. The process up to delivery of a replacement ink cartridge in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 and other figures. The series of processes shown in the sequence of FIG. 4 are performed by the CPUs of the printer 103, the printer management server 101, and the retail store server 102 by loading program code stored in a disk device or the like into RAM and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 4 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the sequence diagram. Below, the subject of each process is the CPU provided in the printer 103, the printer management server 101, and the retail store server 102.

[0032] In S401, the printer 103 transmits printer status information (hereinafter referred to as "ink status information") including information on the ink cartridges to the printer management server 101. In this embodiment, the ink status information includes the cartridge shapes that can be mounted on the printer 103, the ID (identification information) of each ink cartridge currently mounted, color information, cartridge type, remaining ink amount information, etc., and the content of the data is updated according to the ink usage status. Here, the flow of the printer 103 transmitting the ink status information to the printer management server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow in which the printer 103 sends ink status information including information about the ink cartridges to the printer management server 101. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 are performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading program code stored in the program memory 306 or another disk device, etc., into RAM and executing it. Note that it is assumed that the printer 103 is in a power-off state before the series of processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 are started. The process of this flowchart starts when it is detected that the power button of the printer 103 has been pressed.

[0034] In S501, the CPU 305 switches the printer 103 from a power-off state to a power-on state. In S502, the CPU 305 transmits the ink status information 600 to the printer management server 101 as printer status information indicating the status of the printer 103. The printer status information will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of each printer status information that the printer 103 transmits to the printer management server 101. As shown in FIG. First, the ink status information 600 will be described with reference to FIG. Ink status information 600 includes a printer serial number 601, model name 602, ink shape 603 indicating the shape of the ink cartridge, and information for each ink cartridge, equal to the number of ink cartridges, 604 to 608. The information for each ink cartridge includes color 604, model number 605, remaining ink amount 606, a unique ID that identifies the ink cartridge (hereinafter referred to as the "ink cartridge ID") 607, and ink cartridge type information 608.

[0036] Each piece of information will be explained in detail below. There are at least two types of ink shapes 603: a "head integrated type" in which the print head is integrated with the ink cartridge, and an "independent type" in which the head is separate from the ink cartridge and the head is located on the printer body side. For example, the head integrated type is called "A" and the independent type is called "B".

[0037] The ink cartridge ID 607 is an ID that is unique to the cartridge, regardless of the color of ink contained therein. For example, an ink cartridge with the number "CRG00001" assigned to it will be uniquely identified in this consumables ordering system.

[0038] At least two types, "dedicated" and "commercial", are set in the ink cartridge type information 608. For example, "002" is designated as dedicated, and "001" is designated as commercial. The "dedicated" type is an ink cartridge dedicated to the fixed-rate printing service. Hereinafter, an ink cartridge of the "dedicated" type is referred to as a dedicated ink cartridge (a consumable dedicated to the fixed-rate service). The printer 103 can perform fixed-rate printing while a dedicated ink cartridge is installed in the contracted usage state. The dedicated ink cartridge is supplied by the service provider to a user who has signed a contract for the printer 103. The "commercial" type is a commercially available ink cartridge that can be purchased from a home electronics retailer or a mail-order site. Hereinafter, an ink cartridge of the "commercial" type is referred to as a commercially available ink cartridge. The printer 103 can perform printing by installing a commercially available cartridge in either a normal usage state or a contracted usage state.

[0039] Next, the error status information 610 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition to the printer serial number 601 and model name 602, the error status information 610 includes an error code 611 indicating an error occurring in the printer 103, an error status 612, and error accompanying information 613. For example, when a print head in an integrated head consumable fails (hereinafter referred to as a "print head error"), the error code 611 is "xxx001" and the error status 612 is "head error." Furthermore, when a print head error occurs, the error accompanying information 613 includes, for example, the ink cartridge ID of the ink in error.

[0040] Returning now to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. In S503, the CPU 305 determines whether an event has occurred. An event is, for example, printing or copying, or some operation being performed on the printer 103, such as opening the cover of the printer 103. If an event has occurred (Yes in S503), the CPU 305 advances the process to S504. In S504, the CPU 305 transmits the ink status information 600 to the printer management server 101, and the process proceeds to S505.

[0041] On the other hand, if no event has occurred (No in S503), the CPU 305 advances the process to S505.

[0042] In S505, the CPU 305 determines whether the power of the printer 103 has been turned off. If the power of the printer 103 has not been turned off (No in S505), the CPU 305 returns the process to S503 and repeats the process from S503. On the other hand, if the power supply to the printer 103 is turned off (Yes in S505), the CPU 305 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 305 of the printer 103 transmits ink status information 600 to the printer management server 101 when the power is turned on and when an event occurs such as when printing or copying is performed. When an error occurs in the printer 103, the CPU 305 transmits error status information 610 to the printer management server 101.

[0044] Returning now to the explanation of the sequence in FIG. In S402, when the CPU 201 of the printer management server 101 receives the ink status information 600, it stores the received ink status information 600 in the printer management table 701 and the ink cartridge table 702 of the database 209. Here, the database 209 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of various tables stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7A shows the printer management table 701 . FIG. 7B shows an ink cartridge table 702.

[0046] The printer management table 701 is a table for managing printers, and stores the printer's serial number, contract information, and ink shape, as shown in FIG. 7(a). Data is registered in the printer management table 701 when the printer 103 is registered for the flat-rate service.

[0047] Ink cartridge table 702 is a table for managing ink cartridges, and stores the ink cartridge ID, cartridge type, and ink cartridge model number information, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0048] Hereafter, we return to the explanation of the sequence in FIG. When an error occurs related to the print head in the installed ink cartridge, the CPU 305 of the printer 103 sends error status information 610, which includes print head error information, to the printer management server 101 in S403.

[0049] In S404, when CPU 201 of printer management server 101 receives error status information 610, it searches for data registered in printer management table 701 that matches the printer serial number included in the received error status information 610. If matching data is found, CPU 201 determines whether the ink shape of the matching data is "integral type." If it is determined to be "integral type" (Yes in S404), CPU 201 proceeds to process S405. On the other hand, if the ink shape is other than "integral type" or there is no corresponding data (No in S404), the CPU 201 ends the process.

[0050] In S405, CPU 201 searches for data registered in ink cartridge table 702 that matches the ink cartridge ID included in the received error status information 610. If matching data is found, CPU 201 determines whether the ink cartridge type of the matching data is a dedicated ink cartridge. If it is determined to be a dedicated ink cartridge (Yes in S405), CPU 201 checks the color information and proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if the ink cartridge is not a dedicated ink cartridge or if the corresponding data does not exist (No in S405), the CPU 201 ends the process.

[0051] In step S406, the CPU 201 receives the serial number of the printer 103 and color information of the cartridge in which the print head error occurred (in the example of FIG. 7, ABC- <cl>、ABC- <bk>The retailer server 102 then transmits a replacement order instruction, which includes the model number information (such as the model number of the replacement part) to the retailer server 102.

[0052] When the retail store server 102 receives the replacement order instruction from the printer management server 101, in S407 it performs ordering processing based on the model number of the ink cartridge to be ordered and the printer serial number that correspond to the received replacement order instruction. The retail store server 102 obtains the address of the user linked to the received printer serial number from a user management table 1001, which will be described later, and performs an order process for a replacement ink cartridge. Here, the user management table 1001 stored in the database 209 of the retail store server 102 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] <User management table> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user management table 1001. As shown in FIG. User management table 1001 stores information required for a contract for a service in which ink management and the like is performed by printer management server 101 after a user purchases printer 103. Specifically, the serial number, which is an identifier for the printer that is the subject of the contract, is associated with the user ID, address, and email address of the contractor and stored in user management table 1001.

[0054] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, even if a consumable malfunctions, a replacement can be ordered. In other words, an order can be automatically placed even if the print head malfunctions. This makes it possible to order a replacement even if the print head malfunctions and becomes unable to print before the ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold.

[0055] Also, in the above example, the printer management server 101 performs the ordering instruction process for the replacement ink cartridge, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the printer 103 may perform the ink cartridge replacement ordering determination process and transmit the ordering instruction to the retailer server 102. Also, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the printer management server 101 holds the printer management table 701 and the ink cartridge table 702 itself, but this is not limiting, and the printer management server 101 may read and update tables held in an external device to manage external tables. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the object of the order is ink, but it is not limited to ink and may be, for example, toner, as long as it is a recording material contained in a cartridge, which is a consumable item.

[0056] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a form will be described in which the printer management server 101 determines whether or not to issue an order for a replacement when a print head error occurs. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an ink cartridge order management table 900 stored in the database 209 of the printer management server 101. As shown in FIG. Ink cartridge order management table 900 is a table for managing the order status of ink cartridges. Ink cartridge order management table 900 stores the ink cartridge ID of the ink cartridge for which a replacement has been ordered, the ink cartridge model number, the remaining ink amount, print head error occurrence information, and replacement order information in an associated manner. The print head error occurrence information indicates the occurrence state of a print head error. For example, if the print head error occurrence information is "-", it indicates that a print head error has not occurred, and if it is "occurred", it indicates that a print head error has occurred. Note that in the case of an ink cartridge that does not include a print head (a stand-alone ink cartridge), the print head error occurrence information will be "-".

[0058] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to when the printer management server 101 of this embodiment issues an ordering instruction for a replacement ink cartridge to the retailer server 102. The processing in each step of Fig. 8 is performed by the CPU 201 of the printer management server 101 expanding into the RAM 202 and executing program code stored in the ROM 203 or storage device 204. The processing of this flowchart starts when the printer management server 101 receives data from a printer.

[0059] In S801, the CPU 201 determines whether the data received from the printer 103 is the ink status information 600. If the data is the ink status information 600 (Yes in S801), the CPU 201 advances the process to S802.

[0060] In S802, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining ink amount included in the ink status information 600 received in S801 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value is, for example, an arbitrary value such as 0, 10, 20, etc., which indicates the percentage of remaining ink amount. If the remaining amount of ink is not equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (No in S802), CPU 201 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0061] On the other hand, if the remaining ink level is below the predetermined threshold level (Yes in S802), CPU 201 searches for data registered in ink cartridge order management table 900 that matches the ink cartridge ID included in the received ink status information 600. Furthermore, if matching data is found, CPU 201 updates the remaining ink level information in ink cartridge order management table 900. If matching data is not found, the ink cartridge ID, ink cartridge model number, and remaining ink level information are associated and registered in ink cartridge order management table 900. At this time, the print head error occurrence information is registered as "-" and replacement delivery is registered as "not yet". CPU 201 then proceeds to process S804.

[0062] Also, in S801, if the data received from the printer 103 is not the ink status information 600 (No in S801), the CPU 201 advances the process to S803.

[0063] In S803, the CPU 201 determines whether the data received from the printer 103 is error status information 610 including print head error information. If the data is not error status information 610 including print head error information (No in S803), the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0064] On the other hand, if the received data is error status information 610 including print head error information (Yes in S803), CPU 201 searches for data registered in ink cartridge order management table 900 that matches the ink cartridge ID included in the received error status information 610. If matching data is found, CPU 201 updates the print head error occurrence information in ink cartridge order management table 900 to "occurred". On the other hand, if matching data is not found, CPU 201 registers the ink cartridge ID and print head error occurrence information in ink cartridge order management table 900. At this time, the remaining ink amount information is registered as "-" and replacement delivery is registered as "not yet". CPU 201 then proceeds to process S804.

[0065] In S804, CPU 201 searches the data registered in ink cartridge order management table 900 for an ink cartridge ID that matches the ink cartridge ID for which the remaining ink level was determined to be below the threshold level in S802 above, or the ink cartridge ID for which a print head error occurred in S803 above. Replacement order information for the matching ink cartridge ID is confirmed to determine whether a replacement has not been ordered. If replacement delivery in ink cartridge order management table 900 is "not yet," it is determined that a replacement has not been ordered (Yes in S804), and CPU 201 proceeds to process S805. The process of S805 is similar to S407 in FIG. 4, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. On the other hand, if the replacement delivery in the ink cartridge order management table 900 is "delivered," it is determined that the replacement has been ordered (No in S804), and the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0066] Although not shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, even if a head error is received, if the printer that sent the head error is a printer that uses ink cartridges that do not include a print head (i.e., stand-alone ink cartridges), the process for delivering a replacement ink cartridge will not be performed.

[0067] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, if a replacement part has already been ordered before the occurrence of a print head error, it is possible to avoid ordering a replacement part, thereby preventing the user from having to carry excess inventory.

[0068] As described above, according to each embodiment, even if the print head integrated with the ink cartridge breaks down before the remaining amount of the consumable (ink cartridge) falls below a threshold value, it is possible to order a replacement.

[0069] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0070] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0071] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A system including a printer equipped with a print head integrated ink cartridge and a printer management server, The printer includes: a transmission means for transmitting status information including an identifier and a type of the ink cartridge installed to the printer management server; a notification means for notifying the printer management server of a head error including an ink cartridge identifier when a head error occurs in the installed ink cartridge, The printer management server includes: a storage unit that stores a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when the status information is received from the printer; a determining means for determining an ink cartridge type based on an ink cartridge identifier included in a head error notification received from a printer and the storage means; and an execution means for executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge if the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is the subject of a specified contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. A system characterized by: (Configuration 2) The system described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the execution means executes a process to deliver a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which a head error has occurred, regardless of the amount of ink remaining, if the ink cartridge in question is covered by the contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. (Configuration 3) The system includes a second printer having an ink cartridge that does not include a printhead; The system according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the printer management server does not execute a process for delivering a replacement ink cartridge when a notification of a head error is received from the second printer. (Configuration 4) The system described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the specified contract is a contract under which the ink cartridge covered by the contract is automatically delivered when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge covered by the contract falls below a threshold value. (Method 1) A method for controlling a system including a printer having an ink cartridge with an integrated print head and a printer management server, comprising the steps of: The printer executes: a transmission step of transmitting status information including an identifier and a type of the installed ink cartridge to the printer management server; a notification step of notifying the printer management server of a head error including an ink cartridge identifier when a head error occurs in the installed ink cartridge, The printer management server executes: a registration step of linking a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information together and registering them in a storage means when the status information is received from the printer; a determining step of determining, when a head error notification is received from the printer, a type of ink cartridge based on an ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means; and an execution step of executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in the case where the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is the subject of a predetermined contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. 23. A method for controlling a system comprising: (Configuration 6) A management server capable of communicating with a printer in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed, a storage means for storing a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when status information including an identifier and an ink cartridge type of an ink cartridge installed in the printer is received from the printer; a determination means for determining an ink cartridge type based on the ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means when a head error notification including an ink cartridge identifier of the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is received from the printer; an execution means for executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred if the ink cartridge is covered by a specified contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head; A management server comprising: (Configuration 7) The management server according to configuration 6, wherein the execution means executes a process for delivering a replacement for the ink cartridge in which a head error has occurred, regardless of the amount of ink remaining, if the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is covered by the contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. (Configuration 8) the management server is capable of communicating with a second printer in which an ink cartridge that does not include a print head is installed; 8. The management server according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein if a notification of a head error is received from the second printer, processing for delivery of a replacement ink cartridge is not executed. (Configuration 9) The management server according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the specified contract is a contract under which the ink cartridge covered by the contract is automatically delivered when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge covered by the contract falls below a threshold value. (Method 2) A method for controlling a management server capable of communicating with a printer in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed, comprising the steps of: a registration step of linking the printer identifier, the ink cartridge identifier, and the ink cartridge type information and registering them in a storage means when status information including an identifier and an ink cartridge type of the ink cartridge installed in the printer is received from the printer; a determination step of, when receiving a head error notification from the printer, the head error notification including an ink cartridge identifier of the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred, determining the type of the ink cartridge based on the ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means; an execution step of executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred if the ink cartridge is covered by a predetermined contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head; 13. A method for controlling a management server comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to method 2.< / bk> < / cl>

Claims

1. A system including a printer equipped with a print head integrated ink cartridge and a printer management server, The printer includes: a transmission means for transmitting status information including an identifier and a type of the ink cartridge installed to the printer management server; a notification means for notifying the printer management server of a head error including an ink cartridge identifier when a head error occurs in the installed ink cartridge, The printer management server includes: a storage unit that stores a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when the status information is received from the printer; a determining means for determining an ink cartridge type based on an ink cartridge identifier included in a head error notification received from a printer and the storage means; and an execution means for executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge if the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is the subject of a specified contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head. A system characterized by:

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the execution means executes a process to deliver a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which a head error has occurred, regardless of the amount of ink remaining, if the ink cartridge in question is covered by a contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head.

3. The system includes a second printer having an ink cartridge that does not include a printhead; 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the printer management server does not execute a process for delivering a replacement ink cartridge when a notification of a head error is received from the second printer.

4. The system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the specified contract is a contract in which the ink cartridge covered by the contract is automatically delivered when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge covered by the contract falls below a threshold value.

5. A method for controlling a system including a printer having an ink cartridge with an integrated print head and a printer management server, comprising the steps of: The printer executes: a transmission step of transmitting status information including an identifier and a type of the installed ink cartridge to the printer management server; a notification step of notifying the printer management server of a head error including an ink cartridge identifier when a head error occurs in the installed ink cartridge, The printer management server executes: a registration step of linking a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information together and registering them in a storage means when the status information is received from the printer; a determining step of determining, when a head error notification is received from the printer, a type of ink cartridge based on an ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means; and an execution step of executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in the case where the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is the subject of a predetermined contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head.

23. A method for controlling a system comprising:

6. A management server capable of communicating with a printer in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed, a storage means for storing a printer identifier, an ink cartridge identifier, and ink cartridge type information in association with each other when status information including an identifier and an ink cartridge type of an ink cartridge installed in the printer is received from the printer; a determination means for determining an ink cartridge type based on the ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means when a head error notification including an ink cartridge identifier of the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is received from the printer; an execution means for executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred if the ink cartridge is covered by a specified contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head; A management server comprising:

7. The management server according to claim 6, characterized in that the execution means executes processing to deliver a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which a head error has occurred, regardless of the amount of ink remaining, if the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred is covered by a contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head.

8. the management server is capable of communicating with a second printer in which an ink cartridge that does not include a print head is installed; 8. The management server according to claim 6, wherein when a notification of a head error is received from the second printer, a process for delivering a replacement ink cartridge is not executed.

9. The management server according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the specified contract is a contract in which the ink cartridge covered by the contract is automatically delivered when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge covered by the contract falls below a threshold value.

10. A method for controlling a management server capable of communicating with a printer in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed, comprising the steps of: a registration step of linking the printer identifier, the ink cartridge identifier, and the ink cartridge type information and registering them in a storage means when status information including an identifier and an ink cartridge type of the ink cartridge installed in the printer is received from the printer; a determination step of, when receiving a head error notification from the printer, the head error notification including an ink cartridge identifier of the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred, determining the type of the ink cartridge based on the ink cartridge identifier included in the notification and the storage means; an execution step of executing a process for delivering a replacement cartridge for the ink cartridge in which the head error has occurred if the ink cartridge is covered by a predetermined contract and is an ink cartridge with an integrated print head; 13. A method for controlling a management server comprising:

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10.

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