Server, managing system, control method thereof and program

Abstract

To address a technical problem that, in a built-in type ink cartridge with a print head, an order placement for a replacement ink cartridge is not made when the print head becomes malfunction before the remaining level of ink becomes lower than or equal to a threshold.SOLUTION: A printer device managing server 103 transmits, to a dealer server 102, an identifier of an ink cartridge and the remaining level of ink both received from a printer device 104, and the dealer server 102 executes a process of shipping a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times that the ink remaining level of the ink cartridge becomes lower than a threshold reaches a defined number of times (an error variability suppressing number of times). When receiving information on a print head error of the ink cartridge from the printer device 104 (S802:Yes), the printer device managing server 103 transmits, to the dealer server 102, the ink remaining level becoming lower than the threshold by what corresponds to the defined number of times as the ink remaining level of such an ink cartridge (S805 to S807).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, automatic delivery services for consumables have been widely provided to users of image forming apparatuses. Each image forming apparatus subscribes to such automatic delivery services. In many automatic delivery services for consumables, when the remaining amount of a consumable falls below a threshold in a contracted image forming apparatus, the consumable is delivered.

[0003] Patent document 1 proposes a technology for delivering replacement consumables in a system that delivers consumables when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below a threshold, even if the remaining amount of the consumable cannot be obtained correctly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-61056 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional technology, in the case of an ink cartridge integrated with a print head, if the print head breaks down before the remaining ink level falls below a threshold, an order for a replacement ink cartridge cannot be placed.

[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 ink cartridges even if a print head breaks down before the remaining ink level in an ink cartridge integrated with a print head falls below a threshold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a printing device into which an ink cartridge with an integrated print head is mounted, and a server which communicates with an ordering system which processes for the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the remaining ink level in an ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number of times, the server having a transmission means which transmits an ink cartridge identifier and remaining ink level received from the printing device to the ordering system, and when the transmission means receives information about a print head error in the ink cartridge from the printing device, it transmits the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold for the specified number of times to the ordering system. Effect of the Invention

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

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a consumables ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing consumable information stored in a retail store server and a printing device management server. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing a sequence for enabling mutual access between a dealer server and a printing device management server. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing a sequence for newly registering a printing device that cooperates with a dealer server. [Figure 8]6 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting remaining ink information by the printing device management server of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing ink status information transmitted from the printing device. [Figure 10] 6 is a diagram showing remaining ink amount information sent from the printing device management server to the retail store server. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing a consumables ordering process by the retail store server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a remaining ink level history table stored in a retail store server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a consumables order management table stored in a retail store server. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user management table held in a dealer server. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a remaining ink amount information transmission process by a printing device management server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a message management table. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing a message acquisition process performed by a printing device. [Figure 18] 6 is a flowchart showing a message display process by a printing device. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a UI screen displayed on the printing device. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a consumable error information management table stored in a retail store server. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining ink amount information transmission process by a printing device management server according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing a consumables ordering process by a retail store server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a remaining ink level history table stored in a retail store server. 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. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the consumables management system of this embodiment includes a terminal device 101, a store server 102, a printing device management server 103, and a printing device 104. The configuration of the consumables management system of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0012] The terminal device 101 is any information processing device, such as a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0013] The printing device 104 is a printer that forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by ejecting a recording agent such as ink onto the recording medium. The printing device 104 may be a multifunctional printer (MFP) that is integrally equipped with multiple functions such as a copying function, a fax function, and a printing function. In this embodiment, the printing device 104 is a device that performs printing using an inkjet recording method, but is not limited to this, and may be a device that performs printing using, for example, an electrophotographic method or a thermal dye sublimation method.

[0014] The terminal device 101 can communicate with the store server 102 via a network such as the Internet. In the store server 102, information about the terminal device 101 is associated with user information.

[0015] The printing device 104 can communicate with the printing device management server 103 via a network such as the Internet. The printing device management server 103 is a server that provides a printing device management service that manages the printing devices 104 of each user registered in the printing device management server 103. That is, information on a plurality of printing devices 104 is registered in the printing device management server 103 in association with user information. The information on the printing device 104 includes, for example, identification information (identifier) ​​of the printing device such as a serial number, and the model name of the printing device. The printing device management server 103 acquires, for example, remaining amount information of consumables of the printing device and manages the operating status of the printing device. The printing device management server 103 can also communicate with the retailer server 102 via a network such as the Internet.

[0016] The retail store server 102 obtains remaining information on consumables for the printing device from the printing device management server 103, and constitutes an ordering system that places an order for consumables (processing for delivery) with the user based on the obtained remaining information on consumables for the printing device. Each of the above-mentioned communications is controlled through HTTP, XMPP, etc. However, the protocols are not limited to these, and other protocols may be used.

[0017] <Terminal device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 101. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 101 includes an operation unit 201, a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a display unit 204, a RAM 205, an external storage device 206, a communication unit 207, and a short-range wireless communication unit 208. The above-mentioned blocks are connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus 209. In addition, in the configuration of Fig. 2, a plurality of blocks may be configured as one block, or one block may be divided into two or more blocks.

[0018] The CPU 202 is a system control unit, and is a processor that performs overall control of the terminal device 101 . The RAM 205 is composed of, for example, a static RAM (SRAM) that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 205 retains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it is possible to store data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 205 includes a memory area for storing setting information and management data of the terminal device 101. The RAM 205 is used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 202.

[0019] The ROM 203 stores programs executed by the CPU 202, data tables, operating system (OS) programs, and other fixed data. The external storage device 206 stores the programs executed by the CPU 202 and various data. In this embodiment, an application program for the consumables delivery service is installed in the terminal device 101 and stored in the ROM 203 or the external storage device 206. The operation of the terminal device 101 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 202 reading out the program stored in the ROM 203 or the external storage device 206 into the RAM 205 and executing it.

[0020] The operation unit 201 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse for a user to perform various input operations. The display unit 204 includes, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a screen based on various display data. The display unit 204 may be configured as, for example, a touch display, and thus have a function of accepting various input operations from a user. In other words, the display unit 204 is an interface for accepting data inputs and operation instructions from a user, and may be configured as an operation panel including a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, and the like.

[0021] The communication unit 207 includes a circuit and an antenna for performing communication according to a predetermined wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit 207 can wirelessly connect to an external access point. The communication unit 207 may operate as an access point that is used temporarily. The communication unit 207 may operate according to a wireless communication method (Wi-Fi) of a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series, or may operate according to another wireless communication method. The short-range wireless communication unit 208 executes short-range wireless communication with another device existing within a certain short-range range from the terminal device 101. The short-range wireless communication unit 208 communicates according to a wireless communication method different from that of the communication unit 207. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 208 operates according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The terminal device 101 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may include blocks according to functions that the terminal device 101 can execute, as appropriate.

[0022] <Server configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103. In this embodiment, the servers are described as having a common configuration. However, the configurations of the servers may differ depending on the functions of the servers.

[0023] The CPU 301 is a processor for providing overall control over the entire device in which it is installed. The storage device 302 stores application programs 308, databases 309, the OS, and various other files that the CPU 301 reads and executes.

[0024] The memory 303 is composed of a RAM or the like, and is used, for example, for temporary storage and buffering of data by the CPU 301. The operation of each server in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 301 of each server reading out a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing the program.

[0025] The display unit 304 includes, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a screen based on various display data. The operation unit 305 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse for the user to perform various input operations.

[0026] The network communication unit 306 is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 307, and performs various types of communication. The network communication unit 306 has a configuration corresponding to the medium of the network, and can perform communication by, for example, a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. For example, when the network communication unit 306 supports a wired LAN, the network connection unit 307 is a connector for connecting a cable of the wired LAN. When the network communication unit 306 supports a wireless LAN, the network connection unit 307 is an antenna. The network connection unit 307 may support both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

[0027] The above-mentioned blocks are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 310. In addition, in the configuration of Fig. 3, a plurality of blocks may be configured as one block, or one block may be divided into two or more blocks. The store server 102 and the printing device management server 103 are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and may include blocks according to the functions that each server can execute. The dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103 may each be realized by a single computer or by multiple computers. For example, they may be realized using cloud computing technology.

[0028] In the database 309, a database corresponding to each of the dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103 is constructed. In the retail store server 102, there are constructed a database corresponding to each consumable as shown in Fig. 5 described below, a database for storing the remaining ink amount received from the printing device management server as shown in Fig. 12, and a database for managing the order status of consumables as shown in Fig. 13. In addition, in the retail store server 102, there is constructed a database in which authentication information (first authentication information) for accessing the printing device management server 103, information on the terminal device 101, login user information of the consumable delivery service provided by the retail store server 102, and information on the printing device 104 are associated with each other.

[0029] In the printing device management server 103, a database corresponding to each consumable item as shown in Fig. 5 described later is constructed, similar to the retail store server 102. In addition, in the printing device management server 103, a database is constructed in which authentication information (second authentication information) for accessing the retail store server 102, login user information of the printing device management server 103, and information on the printing device 104 corresponding to the login user are associated with each other. In addition, the first authentication information stored in the database of the retail store server 102 is information issued by the printing device management server 103, and it is assumed that the printing device management server 103 also stores this issued first authentication information in its database.

[0030] In this embodiment, a database as described above is constructed in each server, thereby realizing a consumables management system for the printing device consumables managed by the printing device management system. Hereinafter, a user registered in the printing device management system provided by the printing device management server 103 may be referred to as a logged-in user. In this embodiment, the logged-in user corresponds to a user of the terminal device 101.

[0031] <Printing device configuration> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 104. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the printing device 104 is configured as a multifunction peripheral. In the printing device 104, the printing function is realized by a printer unit 401. The scanner function is realized by a scanner unit 402, and the storage function is realized by a memory card insertion unit 403 and a memory card 404.

[0032] The printer unit 401 executes printing based on, for example, image data received from an external source or image data stored in a memory card 404. The printer unit 401 also stores consumable information such as ink information such as the amount of remaining ink and paper information such as the amount of remaining paper. The printing device 104 transmits printing device status information such as this remaining ink information to the printing device management server 103.

[0033] The scanner unit 402 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown), converts it into electronic data, and further converts it into a specified file format to generate image data. The scanner unit 402 then transmits the generated image data to an external device via a network, or stores it in a storage area such as a memory card 404 or a hard disk drive (not shown).

[0034] In the printing device 104, the copy function is realized by the scanner unit 402 reading a document set on a document tray and transferring the generated image data to the printer unit 401, which then prints an image based on the image data on printing paper.

[0035] Various file data are stored in memory card 404 inserted in memory card insertion section 403. The file data can be read and edited from an external device via a network. Also, the file data can be stored in memory card 404 from an external device via the network.

[0036] The printing device 104 further includes a CPU 405 , a program memory 406 , a work memory 407 , a display unit 408 , an operation unit 409 , a network communication unit 410 , a network connection unit 411 , and a flash memory 412 .

[0037] The CPU 405 is a processor for controlling each unit in the printing device 104 in an integrated manner. The program memory 406 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 414 for communicating with the printing device management server 103. The application 414 is various application programs for realizing functions such as accessing the printer unit 401 and acquiring consumable information such as ink information and paper information. The work memory 407 is composed of a RAM or the like, and temporarily stores and buffers image data and the like when each service is executed. The operation of the printing device 104 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 405 reading a program stored in the program memory 406 into the work memory 407 and executing it.

[0038] The display unit 408 includes, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a screen based on various display data. The operation unit 409 includes switches for the user to perform various input operations.

[0039] The network communication unit 410 is connected to a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 411, and performs various communications. The network communication unit 410 has a configuration corresponding to the medium of the network, and can perform communications by, for example, a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. For example, when the network communication unit 410 supports a wired LAN, the network connection unit 411 is a connector for connecting a cable of the wired LAN. When the network communication unit 410 supports a wireless LAN, the network connection unit 411 is an antenna. The network connection unit 411 may support both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the network communication unit 410 supports, for example, a wireless LAN, and can connect to an access point according to a wireless communication method of the wireless LAN that complies with the IEEE802.11 standard series. The flash memory 412 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data received by the network communication unit 410 and the like.

[0040] When the ink cartridge mounted in the ink tank unit 415 runs out of ink or the remaining ink level is extremely low, the user replaces the ink cartridge with another ink cartridge. Also, if the ink cartridge mounted in the ink tank unit 415 is a cartridge with an integrated print head, the user can also replace the ink cartridge with another ink cartridge if the print head breaks down and printing is no longer possible. In other words, the ink cartridge mounted in the ink tank unit 415 of this embodiment is a type of consumable item that is replaced with a replacement ink cartridge when the ink runs out or the print head breaks down.

[0041] The above-mentioned blocks are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 413. In addition, in the configuration of Fig. 4, a plurality of blocks may be configured as one block, or one block may be divided into two or more blocks. The printing device 104 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 4, and may include blocks according to the functions that the printing device 104 can execute, as appropriate.

[0042] <Pre-registration process> In the consumables management system of this embodiment, when the remaining amount of consumables in the printing device 104 falls below a threshold consecutively, the consumables are delivered to the user. The administrator of the consumables management system registers the consumables information of the printing device 104 in advance in the retailer server 102. The information to be registered will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information registered in the database 309 of the dealer server 102. As shown in FIG. The consumables information 500 includes items 501 to 506. An item 501 indicates a consumable ID, and is a value (identifier) ​​that is uniquely assigned to each ink cartridge mounting site of the printing device 104 . An item 502 indicates the ink color, an item 503 indicates the product code of the ink cartridge, and an item 506 indicates the model name of the printing device 104.

[0044] For example, Fig. 5 shows consumable ID / color / product code information for each of the black and color ink cartridges that can be installed in the printing device 104 with model name "AAAA". In other words, the printing device 104 with model name "AAAA" is a printing device that can be equipped with ink tanks for two colors. Also, order ID / color / product code information for each of the black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges that can be installed in the printing device 104 with model name "BBBB" is shown. In other words, the printing device 104 with model name "BBBB" is a printing device that can be equipped with ink tanks for four colors.

[0045] Item 504 indicates a threshold value for determining whether the ink level in an ink tank at the site of the printing device 104 where an ink cartridge is installed is low. Item 505 indicates a reference number of times set for determining whether the ink level in the ink tank is below the threshold without error fluctuation based on how many consecutive times the ink level in the ink tank below the threshold has been sent. In other words, if the dealer server 102 receives consecutive transmissions of ink levels in an ink tank below the threshold for the number of times indicated in item 505, it determines that the ink level is low and executes a reorder.

[0046] The items 504 and 505 are set for each consumable ID. 5, the threshold value is expressed in units of percentage relative to the maximum capacity, but other units may be used as long as they are indicative of the remaining ink amount. For example, the threshold value may be expressed in units of volume (milliliters, etc.).

[0047] Note that consumables information 500 as shown in FIG. 5, which is registered in advance in the retail store server 102 by the administrator of the consumables management system, is also registered in the database 309 of the printing device management server 103 .

[0048] <Authentication information registration process> 6 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for enabling mutual access between the dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103. In this sequence diagram, the processing of the terminal device 101 is performed by the CPU 202 of the terminal device 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 205 and executing it. Also, the processing of the dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103 is performed by the CPU 301 of each server reading a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it.

[0049] First, the user executes a process for acquiring first authentication information required when the retail store server 102 accesses the printing device management server 103 using the terminal device 101 that is previously associated with the consumables automatic delivery service. That is, the terminal device 101 requests the retail store server 102 to acquire authorization from the printing device management server 103 based on a user instruction (S601). The user instruction for requesting this authorization may be executed on a screen provided by a local application installed on the terminal device 101, or may be executed on a screen of a web page provided by the retail store server 102 via a web browser.

[0050] When the dealer server 102 receives an authorization request from the terminal device 101 to the printing device management server 103, it transmits an authorization request (including information about the terminal device 101) to the authorization endpoint of the printing device management server 103 (S602). When the printing device management server 103 receives the authorization request sent from the dealer server 102 in S602, it transmits authentication screen data for performing authentication to the terminal device 101 specified in the authorization request (S603).

[0051] When the terminal device 101 receives the authentication screen data transmitted from the printing device management server 103 in S603, the terminal device 101 displays the authentication screen on the display unit 204. The user inputs the user's own authentication information registered in the printing device management server 103 on the authentication screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 101. When the authentication information is input, the terminal device 101 transmits the input authentication information to the printing device management server 103 (S604). By transmitting this authentication information, the authorization request is approved. As the authentication information, for example, a user ID and password registered in advance for logging in to the printing device management service of the printing device management server 103 are transmitted.

[0052] When the printing device management server 103 receives the authentication information transmitted from the terminal device 101 in S604, it verifies the authentication information. If the authentication is successful as a result of the verification, the printing device management server 103 transmits a first authorization code to the dealer server 102 (S605). When the retail store server 102 receives the first authorization code transmitted from the printing device management server 103 in S605, the retail store server 102 transmits the first authorization code to the token end point of the printing device management server 103 (S606).

[0053] When the printing device management server 103 receives the first authorization code transmitted from the dealer server 102 in S606, it issues first authentication information to the dealer server 102 (S607). The first authentication information is information necessary for the dealer server 102 to access the printing device management server 103, such as an access token or a refresh token. When the retail store server 102 receives the first authentication information issued by the printing device management server 103 in S607, it associates the first authentication information with the information of the terminal device 101 and stores it in the database 413 (S608).

[0054] Next, a process is executed to obtain second authentication information required for accessing the dealer server 102 from the printing device management server 103. The dealer server 102 transmits the second authorization code to the printing device management server 103 (S609). When the printing device management server 103 receives the second authorization code transmitted from the dealer server 102 in S609, it transmits the second authorization code to the second endpoint of the dealer server 102 (S610). When the dealer server 102 receives the second authorization code transmitted from the printing device management server 103 in S601 and the authorization process is completed normally, the dealer server 102 issues and transmits second authentication information to the printing device management server 103 (S611). The second authentication information is authentication information required to access the dealer server 102.

[0055] When the printing device management server 103 receives the second authentication information transmitted from the dealer server 102 in S611, it associates the second authentication information with the first authentication information issued in S607, information on the logged-in user of the printing device management server 103, and information on the printing device 104 corresponding to the logged-in user, and stores them in the database 513 (S612). Note that the logged-in user information is, for example, the user ID and password transmitted from the terminal device 101 to the printing management server 103 in S604.

[0056] As a result, in the database 513 of the printing device management server 103, the first authentication information, the second authentication information, the logged-in user information, and the information on the printing device 104 corresponding to the logged-in user are associated with each other. Furthermore, the retail store server 102 can access the printing device management server 103 using the first authentication information, and the printing device management server 103 can access the retail store server 102 using the second authentication information.

[0057] <Registering a Printer to the Retailer Server 102> Next, the process of registering a printing device in the dealer server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for newly registering, in the dealer server 102, a printing device that cooperates with the dealer server 102. The processing of the dealer server 102 and the printing device management server 103 in this sequence diagram is performed by the CPU 301 of each server reading out a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it. The process shown in FIG. 7 is performed after the first authentication information is stored in the database 309 of the dealer server 102 in S608 of FIG.

[0058] The retail store server 102 uses the first authentication information to send an inquiry to the printing device management server 103 about printing devices registered in the printing device management server 103 (S701). The printing device management server 103, which receives this inquiry, identifies the logged-in user of the printing device management server 103 based on the first authentication information sent from the retail store server 102. In other words, it identifies the logged-in user account. Furthermore, the printing device management server 103 acquires information about the target printing device 104 that is registered in association with the identified logged-in user (S702). The target information about the printing device 104 acquired in S702 includes identification information of the printing device, such as a serial number, and the model name of the printing device.

[0059] 5, the printing device management server 103 acquires a list of consumable IDs (consumable ID list) whose information matches the model name of the printing device 104 acquired in S702 above. Furthermore, the printing device management server 103 transmits the serial number of the printing device 104 acquired in S702 above and the acquired consumable ID list to the retailer server 102 (S703).

[0060] The retail store server 102 receives and stores the serial number of the target printing device 104 and the corresponding consumables ID list sent from the printing device management server 103 in S703 above (S704). In S704, the retail store server 102 associates the first authentication information sent in S701 above, the information of the terminal device 101 associated with the first authentication information, and the serial number of the target printing device 104 and the corresponding consumables ID list in the database 309. Through the above process in Fig. 7, the information of the terminal device 101, the first authentication information, and the information of the target printing device 104 are associated in the database 309 of the retail store server 102.

[0061] <Transmission process of remaining ink level information in the first embodiment> Next, the flow of the printing device management server 103 transmitting remaining ink amount information acquired from the printing device 104 to the retail store server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in which the printing device management server 103 transmits remaining ink information acquired from the printing device 104 to the dealer server 102 in the first embodiment. The process in Fig. 8 is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 reading out a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it. The process in Fig. 8 is also started when printer status information including the remaining ink amount is transmitted from the printing device 104 at the timing when some operation is performed on the printer 103, such as when a print process or copy process is performed on the printing device 104, when the printing device 104 goes from a power-off state to a power-on state, or when the cover of the printer 103 is opened.

[0062] In S801, when the printing device management server 103 receives a printer status from the printing device 104, it extracts ink status information 900 and error status information 910 as shown in Fig. 9 from the received printer status. The printer status will now be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the printer status that the printing device 104 sends to the printing device management server 103. As shown in FIG. The printer status that the printing device 104 sends to the printing device management server 103 includes ink status information 900 and error status information 910 .

[0064] First, the ink status information 900 will be described with reference to FIG. Ink status information 900 includes a serial number 901 of the printing device, a model name 902, and information 903-906 for each ink cartridge, the number of which is equal to the number of ink cartridges. The information for each ink cartridge includes a color 903, a model number 904, a remaining amount of ink 905, and a unique ID (hereafter referred to as an "ink cartridge ID") 906 that identifies the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge ID 906 is an ID that is unique to the cartridge, regardless of the color of ink contained therein. For example, an ink cartridge with "CRG00001" assigned to it will be uniquely identified in this consumables ordering system.

[0065] Next, the error status information 910 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition to the printing device serial number 901 and model name 902, the error status information 910 includes an error code 911 indicating an error that has occurred in the printing device 104, an error status 912, and error accompanying information 913. For example, when a print head error occurs, the error accompanying information 913 includes the ink cartridge ID of the ink in error. Note that if no error has occurred in the printing device, the error code 911, error status 912, and error accompanying information 913 are not included. Also, if multiple errors have occurred in the printing device, the error code 911, error status 912, and error accompanying information 913 are included for each error.

[0066] Returning now to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. In S802, the printing device management server 103 determines whether or not there is a print head error in the printer status error status information 910. If there is no print head error in the error status information 910 (No in S802), the printing device management server 103 advances the process to S803.

[0067] In S803, the printing device management server 103 sets the remaining ink amount 905 to the remaining ink amount for transmission 1003 for the retail store server 102. The remaining ink amount for transmission 1003 for the retail store server 102 will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A shows the remaining ink amount information to be sent to the retail store server 102. As shown in FIG. The remaining transmission ink information 1000 includes a serial number 1001 of the printing device, a consumables ID 1002, and a remaining transmission ink amount 1003 corresponding to the consumables ID.

[0068] In step S803, the printing device management server 103 sets the printing device serial number 901 in the remaining ink amount information for transmission 1000, the ink cartridge ID 906, and the remaining ink amount 905 in the remaining ink amount for transmission 1003. Next, in S804, the printing device management server 103 transmits the remaining ink amount information 1000 to the dealer server 102, and the process of this flowchart ends.

[0069] On the other hand, if the error status information 910 indicates a print head error (Yes in S802), the printing device management server 103 advances the process to S805. In S805, the printing device management server 103 sets the remaining ink amount information 905 as is in the remaining ink amount for transmission 1003 for ink cartridges (also called ink tanks) that have no head errors, and sets the remaining ink amount for transmission 1003 for ink cartridges that have a head error to a value equal to or less than the threshold value defined for each ink cartridge in advance in Fig. 5. For example, the remaining ink amount for transmission 1003 for an ink cartridge that has a head error is set to "0%".

[0070] Next, in S806, the printing device management server 103 transmits the remaining ink amount information 1000 to be transmitted, which was set in S805 above, to the dealer server 102. Next, in S807, the printing device management server 103 determines whether the remaining ink amount to be sent has been transmitted to the retail store server 102 for the error fluctuation prevention count 505. If the remaining ink amount to be sent has not yet been transmitted to the retail store server 102 for the error fluctuation prevention count (No in S807), the printing device management server 103 repeats the process from S806. On the other hand, if the remaining ink amount to be transmitted has already been transmitted to the retailer server 102 the error fluctuation suppression count (Yes in S807), the printing device management server 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, when the printing device management server 103 obtains a printer status including a head error status from the printing device 104, it can transmit to the dealer server 102 the remaining ink amount to be transmitted of the ink tank in which the head error has occurred, the amount being equal to or less than a threshold value, the number of times equal to the error fluctuation suppression count.

[0072] <Ink cartridge shipping process> Next, a flow of operations in which the retail store server 102 receives remaining ink amount information from the printing device management server 103, determines the remaining ink amount, and performs an ordering process for consumables will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] 11 is a flowchart showing the process in the first embodiment in which the retail store server 102 receives remaining ink level information from the printing device management server 103, determines the remaining ink level, and orders consumables. The process in FIG. 11 is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the retail store server 102 reading a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it.

[0074] In S1101, when the retail store server 102 receives remaining ink information from the printing device management server 103, the retail store server 102 stores the received remaining ink information in a remaining ink history table such as that shown in Fig. 12 in the database 309 of the retail store server 102. The remaining ink history table will now be described.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a remaining ink level history table stored in the database 309 of the retail store server 102. As shown in FIG. The remaining ink level history information 1200 includes items 1201-1204. Items 1201, 1202, and 1204 correspond to the printing device serial number 1001, the consumables ID 1002 of the consumables, and the corresponding remaining ink amount 1003, which are included in the remaining ink amount information received from the printing device management server 103, respectively. An item 1203 corresponds to the date and time when remaining ink amount information was received from the printing device management server 103 .

[0076] Next, the retail store server 102 performs the following processes (S1102 to S1106) for each consumable ID included in the received remaining ink information. That is, the processes of S1102 to S1106 are repeated for each ink cartridge of each ink color. This will be explained in detail below. The retail store server 102 processes the unprocessed consumable IDs among the consumable IDs included in the remaining ink information received in S1101 above, and proceeds to S1103.

[0077] In S1103, the retail store server 102 acquires the remaining ink amount threshold and the error fluctuation suppression count corresponding to the consumable ID to be processed from the consumable information 500 in FIG.

[0078] Next, in S1104, the retail store server 102 obtains the remaining ink information corresponding to the consumable ID to be processed from the remaining ink history table as shown in Fig. 12, and determines whether the remaining ink amount for the most recent error fluctuation prevention count has been continuously below the threshold value. If any of the remaining ink amounts for the most recent error fluctuation prevention count is not below the threshold value (No in S1104), the retail store server 102 returns the process to S1102 and controls to proceed to the processing of the next consumable ID.

[0079] On the other hand, if the remaining ink amount has been continuously below the threshold value for the most recent error fluctuation prevention count (Yes in S1104), the retail store server 102 advances the process to S1105. In S1105, the retail store server 102 acquires data that matches the serial number of the printing device and the consumables ID included in the remaining ink amount information received from the printing device management server 103 from the data registered in a consumables order management table such as that shown in Fig. 13. Here, the consumables order management table will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order management table for consumables stored in the database 309 of the retail store server 102. As shown in FIG. A consumables order management table 1300 is a table for managing orders of consumables, and stores a printing device serial number 1301, a consumables ID 1302, a product code 1303, and a consumables delivery status 1304 in association with each other.

[0081] Furthermore, in S1105, the retail store server 102 determines whether the order status information of the data in which the serial number of the printing device and the consumables ID match is "Not yet" (i.e., the consumables have not been shipped). If the order status information is "Not yet" (i.e., the consumables have not been shipped) (Yes in S1105), the retail store server 102 proceeds to S1106. In S1106, the retail store server 102 acquires the user ID linked to the serial number included in the remaining ink amount information received from the printing device management server 103 and the address of the user associated with that user ID from a user management table 1400 and a printing device and user management table 1410 as shown in Fig. 14, which will be described later, and performs an order process for the product having the product code corresponding to the consumable ID registered in the consumable order management table 1300. After the process of S1106, the retail store server 102 controls to move on to the process of the next consumable ID.

[0082] On the other hand, if the order status information is "Completed" (that is, the consumable has been shipped) (No in S1105), the retailer server 102 returns the process to S1102 and controls the process to proceed to the next consumable ID.

[0083] Then, when the above-mentioned processes of S1102 to S1106 have been repeatedly executed the number of times equal to the number of consumable IDs (the number of ink cartridges) included in the remaining ink amount information received from the printing device management server 103, the retail store server 102 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0084] In the above S1101, the remaining ink level information stored in the remaining ink level history table 1200 in the database 309 of the retailer server 102 may be configured to be viewable from an application or the like on the mobile terminal 101 of this embodiment. At the timing of the order process in S1106 above, the store server 102 may send a notification or email to the application or the like of the mobile terminal 101 of this embodiment to inform the user that the ink level is low or that an order has been placed.

[0085] The user management table 1400 stored in the database 309 of the dealer server 102 will be described below with reference to FIG. 14(a). FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of the user management table 1400. As shown in FIG. When starting to use the consumables automatic delivery service, necessary information is stored in the user management table 1400. Specifically, the user ID of the contractor, the address to which the consumables are to be delivered, and the email address are stored in association with each other.

[0086] Next, the printing device and user management table 1410 stored in the database 309 of the dealer server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 14(b). FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a management table 1410 for printing devices and users. In the printing device and user management table 1410, for example, the user ID of the contract holder of the consumables automatic delivery service and the serial number of the printing device are recorded in association with each other at the timing of S704 in FIG.

[0087] Note that after the printing device management server 103 has transmitted to the retail server 102 the remaining ink amount below the threshold value for an ink cartridge in which a print head error has occurred a specified number of times, it may refrain from transmitting the remaining ink amount for that ink cartridge to the retail server 102 until it is confirmed that the print head error has been resolved. This makes it possible to prevent the remaining ink amount below the threshold value from being transmitted to the retail server 102 the specified number of times when a printer status including a print head error is received multiple times for the same ink cartridge. The confirmation that the above-mentioned print head error has been resolved is confirmed by receiving a printer status from printing device 104 for that ink cartridge that does not include the print head error.

[0088] Furthermore, when a print head error occurs and then the ink cartridge causing the print head error is replaced and the print head error is resolved, printing device 104 may transmit a printer status including information that the print head error has been resolved to printing device management server 103. In this case, printing device management server 103 may confirm that the print head error has been resolved by receiving the printer status including information that the print head error has been resolved.

[0089] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, even if the printhead of a consumable (ink cartridge) integrated with the printhead breaks down, the consumable can be ordered by the automatic delivery service of the consumable. That is, automatic ordering is possible even if the printhead breaks down. As a result, even if the printhead of an ink cartridge breaks down and becomes unable to print before the remaining ink in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold, it is possible to order a replacement ink cartridge.

[0090] In addition, 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 that is a consumable item. In this case, the remaining amount of toner is used instead of the remaining amount of ink, and a printing error caused by the toner cartridge is used instead of an ink head error. This makes it possible to order a replacement toner cartridge even if some kind of malfunction occurs in a toner cartridge that is integrated with a photosensitive drum or the like and becomes unable to print before the remaining amount of toner falls below a threshold value.

[0091] Second Embodiment In the above first embodiment, a configuration was described in which, in the event of a consumable failure such as a print head error, the printing device management server transmits remaining ink amount information, which sets the remaining ink amount below the ordering threshold, to the retailer server 102 for the error fluctuation suppression count, and the retailer server 102 places an order for consumables accordingly. In the second embodiment, a configuration is further described in which, in the event of a print head error, the printing device management server 103 notifies the printing device 104 about ordering ink cartridges due to the print head error.

[0092] 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.

[0093] <Transmission process of remaining ink level information in the second embodiment> The flow of the printing device management server 103 transmitting remaining ink level information acquired from the printing device 104 to the retail store server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the process in which the printing device management server 103 transmits remaining ink information acquired from the printing device 104 to the dealer server 102 in the second embodiment. The process in Fig. 15 is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 reading out a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it. The process in Fig. 15 is also started when printer status information including the remaining ink amount is transmitted from the printing device 104 at the timing when some operation is performed on the printer 103, such as when a print process or copy process is performed on the printing device 104, when the printing device 104 goes from a power-off state to a power-on state, or when the cover of the printer 103 is opened.

[0094] 8 are given the same step numbers, and S1501 is a newly added step in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, if the answer is Yes in S807, the printing device management server 103 advances the process to S1501. In S1501, the printing device management server 103 registers information for notifying the printing device 104 of a message related to ordering ink cartridges in a message management table such as that shown in Fig. 16. Here, the message management table will be described.

[0095] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the message management table 1600. As shown in FIG. The message management table 1600 is a table registered in the database 309 of the printing device management server 103 . The message management table 1600 includes items such as a message ID 1601, a generation date and time 1601 when the message was generated, identification information 1603 of the printing device 104 to which the message is to be sent, a message title 1604, and message content 1605. The message management table 1600 also includes items such as a display period 1606 during which the message can be displayed on the printing device 104, and a status 1607 indicating whether the message has been displayed on the printing device 104. Note that the status 1607 is "unread" at the time the message is registered.

[0096] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the printing device 104 acquires a message generated in the printing device management server 103. The processing in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 described later is performed, for example, by the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 reading a program stored in the program memory 406 into the work memory 407 and executing it.

[0097] In S1701, the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 inquires of the printing device management server 103 as to whether there is an instruction to display a message for the printing device 104. The printing device 104 makes this inquiry to the printing device management server 103 at regular intervals, but may also make the inquiry when some operation is performed on the printer 103, such as when a print process or copy process is executed on the printing device 104, when the printing device 104 goes from a power-off state to a power-on state, or when the cover of the printer 103 is opened.

[0098] When the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 receives an inquiry from the printing device 104, it checks whether a message for the printing device 104 exists in the message management table 1600, is within the display period, and has an "unread" status. If a message for the printing device 104 exists, is within the display period, and has an "unread" status, the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 transmits message information with the latest creation date and time 1602 as a response to the inquiry. The message information includes the data (1601, 1604, 1605) of the corresponding message in the message management table 1600 and the transmission date and time. If there is no instruction to display the message for the printing device 104, or it is outside the display period, or the status is not "unread" (if "read"), the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 transmits information indicating that the inquiry was received normally as a response to the inquiry.

[0099] Next, in step S1702, when the CPU 405 of the printing apparatus 104 receives a response to the inquiry from the printing apparatus management server 103, the process proceeds to step S1703. In S1703, the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 determines whether the received response includes a message. If the received response does not include a message (No in S1703), the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0100] On the other hand, if the received response includes a message (Yes in S1703), the CPU 405 of the printing apparatus 104 advances the process to S1704. In S1704, the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 displays an icon (such as an icon like 1902 in FIG. 19A) on the UI screen displayed on the display unit 408 of the printing device 104 to notify that a message from the printing device management server 103 exists.

[0101] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen notifying that a message from the printing device management server 103 exists. When a message is sent from the printing device management server 103, an icon 1902 is displayed on the UI screen 1900. Note that in the display area in which the icon 1902 is displayed, the display of the icon 1902 is maintained even if the display 1901 of the UI screen 1900 is changed.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of a process in which the printing device 104 displays a message. In step S1801, when the CPU 405 of the printing apparatus 104 detects that the user has pressed an icon 1902 (notification icon) displayed on the UI screen of the display unit 408, the process proceeds to step S1802. In step S1802 , the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 displays the message received from the printing device management server 103 on the display unit 408 .

[0103] FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the display unit 408 of the printing device 104 notifying the user about ordering ink cartridges. A message 1911 is a message regarding ordering an ink cartridge. A message 1912 is the color name of the ink cartridge to be ordered. A transmission date and time 1913 is the date and time when the message was transmitted from the printing device management server 103. Note that the message shown in FIG. 19(b) is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0104] Returning now to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. In S1803, when the CPU 405 of the printing apparatus 104 detects that the user has pressed the OK button 1914 (notification confirmation button) displayed on the UI screen of the display unit 408, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0105] In S1804, the CPU 405 of the printing device 104 sends a message status update notification to the printing device management server 103. The message status update notification includes the message ID included in the message information received from the printing device management server 103. Note that if multiple messages are received in S1702 of Fig. 17, the next message is displayed upon detection of pressing of the OK button 1914, and the process proceeds to S1804 upon detection of pressing of the OK button 1914 for the last message. In this case, the update notification includes the message IDs of all displayed messages.

[0106] When the printing device management server 103 receives the message status update notification, it updates the status 1607 of the message in the message management table 1600 that matches the message ID included in the message status update notification to "read."

[0107] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, even when a consumable malfunctions, it is possible to notify the printing device of a message regarding the ordering of consumables due to the malfunction of the consumables, together with ordering the consumables. This makes it possible to prevent the user from getting the impression that the remaining ink level has suddenly decreased, even when the terminal device 101 checks the remaining ink level information stored in the ink remaining level history table 1200 in the database 309 of the retailer server 102. Also, even if the retailer server 102 notifies the mobile terminal 101 that an order has been placed without notifying the mobile terminal 101 of a print head error, it makes it possible to prevent the user from getting the impression that an ink cartridge has been suddenly ordered. In other words, it is possible to reduce user confusion caused by the ordering of consumables from the retailer server when a consumable malfunctions.

[0108] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the retailer server 102 receives error information from the printing device management server 103 when an error occurs with a consumable, and places an order based on the error information. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions of contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the administrator of the consumables management system registers in advance in the database 309 of the retailer server 102 error information about consumables that should be ordered immediately.

[0109] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an error information management table for consumables stored in the database 309 of the retail store server 102. As shown in FIG. The error information management table 2000 stores an error code 2001 and a message 2002 in association with each other, the error code 2001 indicating a malfunction or the like that requires the store server to immediately order a consumable.

[0110] 10B is a diagram showing the remaining ink level information in this embodiment that is sent to the retailer server 102. In this embodiment, the remaining ink level information to be sent 1010 includes error information 1011 for the ink cartridge in which an error has occurred.

[0111] <Transmission process of remaining ink level information in the third embodiment> The process by which the printing device management server 103 transmits remaining ink level information acquired from the printing device 104 to the retail store server 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the process in which the printing device management server 103 transmits remaining ink information acquired from the printing device 104 to the retailer server 102 in the third embodiment. The process in Fig. 21 is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the printing device management server 103 reading out a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it. The process in Fig. 21 is also started when printer status information including the remaining ink amount is transmitted from the printing device 104 at the timing when some operation is performed on the printer 103, such as when a print process or copy process is performed on the printing device 104, when the printing device 104 goes from a power-off state to a power-on state, or when the cover of the printer 103 is opened.

[0112] The same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as in Fig. 8. In the third embodiment, if the answer is Yes in S802, the printing device management server 103 advances the process to S2101.

[0113] In S2101, the printing device management server 103 sets the error code of the ink cartridge head received from the printing device 104 in error information 1011 of the consumable ID of the ink having the ink cartridge head error in the remaining ink amount information to be sent 1010. Note that the remaining ink amount information 905 is set as is in the remaining ink amount to be sent 1003 for ink cartridges having no head error.

[0114] Next, in S2102, the printing device management server 103 transmits the remaining ink amount information 1000 to be transmitted, which was set in S2101 above, to the retailer server 102, and the process of this flowchart ends.

[0115] Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for ordering consumables in the store server of the third embodiment. The process in Fig. 22 is performed, for example, by the CPU 301 of the store server 102 reading a program stored in the storage device 302 into the memory 303 and executing it. Note that the same step numbers as in Fig. 11 are assigned to the same steps.

[0116] In S2101, when the retail store server 102 receives remaining ink information from the printing device management server 103, the retail store server 102 stores the received remaining ink information in a remaining ink history table such as that shown in Fig. 23 in the database 309 of the retail store server 102. The remaining ink history table will now be described.

[0117] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a remaining ink level history table received from the printing device management server 103 and stored in the database 309 of the retail store server 102 in this embodiment.

[0118] Residual ink information 2300 is a table in which a new item 2301 has been added to the residual ink history table 1200 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 12, and the same items as in FIG. 12 are given the same reference numerals. In item 2301, information corresponding to the error information 1011 contained in the remaining ink amount information received from the printing device management server 103 is saved.

[0119] Next, the retail store server 102 performs the following processes (S1102, S2202, and S1103 to S1106) for each consumables ID included in the received remaining ink information. That is, the processes of S1102, S2202, and S1103 to S1106 are repeated for each ink cartridge of each ink color. This will be explained in detail below. The retail store server 102 processes the unprocessed consumables IDs among the consumables IDs included in the remaining ink information received in S22101 above, and proceeds to S2202.

[0120] In S2202, the retail store server 102 determines whether the error code 2001 registered in the error information management table 2000 is set in the error ID 2301 corresponding to the consumable ID to be processed. If the error code 2001 registered in the error information management table 2000 is set in the error ID 2301 corresponding to the consumable ID to be processed, that is, if there is an error in the remaining ink amount information that requires immediate delivery (Yes in S2202), the retail store server 102 proceeds to the process in S1105. On the other hand, if the error code 2001 registered in the error information management table 2000 is not set to the error ID 2301 corresponding to the consumable ID to be processed, i.e., if there is no error in the ink remaining amount information that requires immediate delivery (No in S2202), the retailer server 102 proceeds to S1103.

[0121] The remaining ink level in the ink level information 2300 stored in the database 309 of the retailer server 102 may be checked from an application on the mobile terminal 101 of this embodiment, and if the ink level information 2300 contains data in the error code 2301, a message corresponding to the relevant error code may be displayed from the consumable error information management in Figure 20.

[0122] Furthermore, at the time of order processing, if an order is placed based on error information, a message 2002 corresponding to the relevant error code from the error information may be obtained from the consumable error information management 2000 in FIG. 20, and the message 2002 may be included in a message sent from the retailer server 102 to an application or email on the mobile terminal 101 to inform the user that the order has been placed.

[0123] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the third embodiment, the retail store server 102 can receive error information from the printing device management server 103 when an error occurs with a consumable, and can also place an order based on the error information.

[0124] As described above, according to each embodiment, in a system in which a consumables retailer server has its own ordering logic, receives remaining amount information of consumables from a printing device management server, and orders consumables when the remaining amount of the consumables remains below a threshold a specified number of times in succession, it is possible to order consumables even if the print head breaks down before the remaining amount of the consumables falls below the threshold when the consumables are integrated with the print head.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the ordering specifications of the retail store server are described as ordering a replacement ink cartridge when the remaining ink amount received from the print management server falls below a threshold value a specified number of times. However, even if the ordering specifications of the retail store server are different ordering specifications based on the remaining ink amount, it is possible to deal with this by customizing the remaining ink amount notification by the printing device management server according to the ordering specifications.

[0126] 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 to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0127] (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.

[0128] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A printing device in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is mounted, and a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, a transmission means for transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; The server is characterized in that when the sending means receives information about a print head error in an ink cartridge from the printing device, it sends to the ordering system the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold value for the specified number of times. (Configuration 2) The server described in configuration 1 is characterized in that it has a notification means for notifying the printing device that an error has occurred in the ink cartridge and that an ink cartridge will be ordered when the transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system an ink remaining amount that has fallen below the threshold value the specified number of times. (Configuration 3) The server according to configuration 2, wherein the notification means includes in the notification that the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge that has experienced the print head error and is managed by the ordering system has fallen below the threshold value. (Configuration 4) The server according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge in which the print head error has occurred and the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge has fallen below the threshold value the specified number of times, the transmission means will not transmit the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge to the ordering system until it is confirmed that the print head error has been resolved. (Configuration 5) 5. The server according to configuration 4, wherein the confirmation that the print head error has been resolved is made by receiving information from the printing device that the print head error has been resolved. (Configuration 6) A management system including a printing device to which a print head integrated ink cartridge is attached, a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes for delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, and the printing device, The server, a first transmission means for transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; The printing device includes: a second transmission means for transmitting an identifier and remaining ink amount of the installed ink cartridge to the server; when the first transmission means receives information of a print head error of an ink cartridge from the printing device, the first transmission means transmits to the ordering system, as the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge, the remaining ink amount being below the threshold value, the specified number of times; When a print head error occurs in the ink cartridge, the second transmission means and transmitting an identifier of the ink cartridge and information about the print head error to the server. (Configuration 7) the server has a notification means for notifying the printing device that an error has occurred in the ink cartridge and that an ink cartridge will be ordered when the first transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system a remaining ink amount that falls below the threshold value as the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge the specified number of times; 7. The management system according to configuration 6, wherein the printing device has a display unit that displays the contents notified from the server. (Configuration 8) The management system according to configuration 7, wherein the notification means includes in the notification that the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge that has experienced the print head error and is managed by the ordering system has fallen below the threshold. (Configuration 9) The management system according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the first transmission means, when the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge in which the print head error has occurred has fallen below the threshold value the specified number of times, does not transmit the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge to the ordering system until it is confirmed that the print head error has been resolved. (Configuration 10) when the print head error of the ink cartridge is eliminated, the second transmission means transmits to the printing device an identifier of the ink cartridge and information indicating that the print head error has been eliminated; the first transmission means confirms that the print head error has been resolved by receiving information from the printing device indicating that the print head error has been resolved; 10. The management system according to configuration 9. (Method 1) A control method for a server that communicates with a printing device in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed and an ordering system that processes the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; A server control method characterized in that, in the sending process, when information of a print head error of an ink cartridge is received from the printing device, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold is sent to the ordering system the specified number of times. (Method 2) A control method for a management system having a printing device to which a print head integrated ink cartridge is attached, a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes for delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, and the printing device, a first transmission step executed by the server of transmitting the identifier and the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; a second transmission step, executed by the printing device, of transmitting an identifier and a remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge installed in the printing device to the server; In the first transmission step, when information of a print head error of an ink cartridge is received from the printing device, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that falls below the threshold is transmitted to the ordering system the specified number of times, a second transmission step of transmitting, when a print head error occurs in the ink cartridge, an identifier of the ink cartridge and information on the print head error to the server; (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to configuration 1.

Claims

1. A printing device in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is mounted, and a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, a transmission means for transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; The server is characterized in that when the sending means receives information about a print head error in an ink cartridge from the printing device, it sends to the ordering system the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold value for the specified number of times.

2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying the printing device that an error has occurred in the ink cartridge and that an ink cartridge will be ordered when the transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold value a specified number of times.

3. The server according to claim 2 , wherein the notification means includes in the notification that the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge in which the print head error has occurred and which is managed by the ordering system, has fallen below the threshold value.

4. A server as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the transmitting means has transmitted to the ordering system the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge that has caused the print head error, the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge having fallen below the threshold value the specified number of times, it will not transmit the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge to the ordering system until it is confirmed that the print head error has been resolved.

5. 5. The server according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation that the print head error has been eliminated is made by receiving information from the printing device indicating that the print head error has been eliminated.

6. A management system including a printing device to which a print head integrated ink cartridge is attached, a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes for delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, and the printing device, The server, a first transmission means for transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; The printing device includes: a second transmission means for transmitting an identifier and a remaining amount of ink of the installed ink cartridge to the server; when the first transmission means receives information of a print head error of an ink cartridge from the printing device, the first transmission means transmits to the ordering system, as the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge, the remaining ink amount being below the threshold value, the specified number of times; When a print head error occurs in the ink cartridge, the second transmission means and transmitting an identifier of the ink cartridge and information about the print head error to the server.

7. the server has a notification means for notifying the printing device that an error has occurred in the ink cartridge and that an ink cartridge will be ordered when the first transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system a remaining ink amount that falls below the threshold value as the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge the specified number of times; 7. The management system according to claim 6, wherein the printing device has a display unit that displays the contents notified from the server.

8. 8. The management system according to claim 7, wherein the notification means includes in the notification that the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge in which the print head error has occurred and which is managed by the ordering system, has fallen below the threshold value.

9. The management system described in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that when the first transmission means has transmitted to the ordering system the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge that has caused the print head error, the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge having fallen below the threshold value the specified number of times, it will not transmit the amount of remaining ink in the ink cartridge to the ordering system until it is confirmed that the print head error has been resolved.

10. when the print head error of the ink cartridge is eliminated, the second transmission means transmits to the printing device an identifier of the ink cartridge and information indicating that the print head error has been eliminated; the first transmission means confirms that the print head error has been resolved by receiving information from the printing device indicating that the print head error has been resolved; The management system according to claim 9 .

11. A control method for a server that communicates with a printing device in which a print head integrated ink cartridge is installed and an ordering system that processes the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting the identifier and the remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; A server control method characterized in that, in the sending process, when information of a print head error of an ink cartridge is received from the printing device, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that has fallen below the threshold is sent to the ordering system the specified number of times.

12. A control method for a management system having a printing device to which a print head integrated ink cartridge is attached, a server that communicates with an ordering system that processes for delivery of a replacement ink cartridge when the number of times the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge falls below a threshold reaches a specified number, and the printing device, a first transmission step executed by the server of transmitting the identifier and the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge received from the printing device to the ordering system; a second transmission step, executed by the printing device, of transmitting an identifier and a remaining amount of ink of the ink cartridge installed in the printing device to the server; In the first transmission step, when information of a print head error of an ink cartridge is received from the printing device, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge that falls below the threshold is transmitted to the ordering system the specified number of times, a second transmission step of transmitting, when a print head error occurs in the ink cartridge, an identifier of the ink cartridge and information on the print head error to the server;

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

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