Method, server and computer program related to printer used by multiple users

Abstract

To provide a novel technique capable of limiting a print quantity in consideration of the remaining amount of printing material.SOLUTION: Printing limitation is started to: acquire information related to the remaining amount of printing material in a printer that multiple users share; determine whether the remaining amount of printing material in the printer decreases to a first reference value or less; and if the remaining amount of printing material in the printer decreases to the first reference value or less, limit print quantities that the printer is allowed to print, according to an instruction from each of the users, within upper-limit values set for each user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a method performed in a printer and a server, a communication system including a printer and a server, and a server capable of communicating with a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] In the image forming system described in Patent Document 1, the number of printed sheets is counted independently for each of the upper department and multiple lower departments belonging to the upper department. In this image forming system, the upper department and lower department have their own upper limit set for the number of printed sheets, and printing is stopped when the number of printed sheets in either the upper department or the lower department exceeds the set upper limit. When printing is stopped, an email indicating this is sent to the administrator, and if the administrator allows printing to continue, the stop of printing is lifted and printing is resumed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-123290 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification discloses a new technique that can limit the number of prints by taking into account the remaining amount of printing material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following application examples.

[0006] [Application Example 1] A method for a printer shared by multiple users, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding a remaining amount of printing material in the printer; a first determination step of determining whether the remaining amount of printing material in the printer has fallen below a first reference value; and a restriction initiation step of initiating a print restriction that limits the number of prints that can be performed by the printer to within an upper limit value set for each user based on instructions from each of the multiple users when the remaining amount of printing material in the printer has fallen below the first reference value. A method for providing the above.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the remaining amount of printing material falls below a first reference value, a printing restriction is initiated to restrict the number of sheets that can be printed by the printer based on the user's instruction to within an upper limit value set for each user. As a result, the number of sheets that can be printed based on each user's instruction can be restricted, taking into account the remaining amount of printing material. For example, excessive printing restrictions can be suppressed compared to when printing is restricted all the time, which can promote the use of printing.

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a communication system, a method, a server, a printer, a computer program for realizing these devices, systems, and methods, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an account database DBa and a management database DBb. [Diagram 3] Sequence diagram of pre-processing. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a first sequence diagram of the remaining ink amount management process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a second sequence diagram of the remaining ink amount management process. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a first sequence diagram of the printing process. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is a second sequence diagram of the printing process. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print restriction management table PT. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit change permission screen W1. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a process for resetting print restrictions. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an upper limit change determination process according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A. Working Example A1. System 1000 Configuration 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. The system 1000 includes a printer 100, a first server 200, a second server 300, a first terminal device 400A, and a second terminal device 400B.

[0011] Printer 100 is a device that consumes ink as a printing material to perform printing. Printer 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller for printer 100, a volatile storage device 120 such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile storage device 130 such as a hard disk or flash memory. Printer 100 also includes a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images, an operation unit 150 such as buttons or a touch panel for acquiring operations by a user, a printing mechanism 170, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

[0012] The communication IF 180 is an interface for connecting to the Internet IT, for example, a wired interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface conforming to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0013] The CPU 110 is a calculation device (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 120 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 110 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 130 stores a computer program PGp for controlling the printer 100, and an information database IB in which information such as the remaining amount of ink and various settings is recorded.

[0014] In this embodiment, the computer program PGp is ​​provided by being stored in advance in the non-volatile storage device 130 at the time of manufacturing the printer 100. Alternatively, the computer program PGp may be provided, for example, in a form in which it is downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT, or in a form in which it is recorded on a recording medium.

[0015] CPU 110 executes computer program PGp to execute various processes for controlling printer 100. For example, printer 100 (CPU 110) controls print mechanism 170 to print an image. Furthermore, printer 100 executes computer program PGp to cooperate with first server 200, second server 300, and terminal devices 400A and 400B to execute registration processing, remaining ink management processing, and printing processing, which will be described later.

[0016] The printing mechanism 170 executes printing under the control of the CPU 110. The printing mechanism 170 of this embodiment is an inkjet printing mechanism that uses K ink as the printing material to print a monochrome image on a recording medium. Alternatively, the printing mechanism 170 may be an electrophotographic printing mechanism that uses toner contained in a toner cartridge as the printing material to print an image on a recording medium.

[0017] The printer 100 is, for example, connected to a local area network LN, and is connected to the Internet IT via the local area network LN.

[0018] The first server 200 and the second server 300 are, for example, computers, such as cloud servers, operated by a business that manufactures and sells the printer 100. The first server 200 and the second server 300 cooperate to provide an ink management service. The ink management service is a service that manages the remaining amount of ink in a target printer (for example, the printer 100) and delivers ink bottles and ink cartridges that contain ink for refilling the printer 100 to the user of the printer 100. The first server 200 mainly manages the accounts of users of the ink management service (for example, the user of the printer 100). The second server 300 mainly communicates with the target printer (for example, the printer 100) and the user's terminal device (for example, the terminal devices 400A and 400B) to perform processes for managing the remaining amount of ink and printing restrictions (described later).

[0019] The first server 200 includes a CPU 210 as a controller of the first server 200, a volatile storage device 220 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 230 such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and a wired or wireless communication IF 280 for connecting to the Internet IT. The first server 200 is connected to the Internet IT.

[0020] The CPU 210 is a computing device (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 220 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 210 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 230 stores a computer program PGa and an account database DBa.

[0021] The computer program PGa is provided, for example, in a form uploaded by a business operator who operates the first server 200. The first server 200 (CPU 210) executes the computer program PGa to execute a registration process, which will be described later, in cooperation with, for example, the printer 100, the terminal devices 400A and 400B, and the second server 300. In the account database DBa, information related to the account of the administrative user is recorded, as will be described later.

[0022] The second server 300 has the same configuration as the first server 200, that is, includes a CPU 310, a volatile storage device 320, a non-volatile storage device 330, and a communication IF 380. The second server 300 is connected to the Internet IT.

[0023] A computer program PGb different from the computer program PGa is stored in the non-volatile storage device 330. The computer program PGb is provided, for example, in a form of being uploaded by a business operator who operates the second server 300. The second server 300 (CPU 310) executes the computer program PGb to cooperate with the first server 200, the printer 100, and the terminal devices 400A and 400B to execute a registration process, a remaining ink amount management process, and a printing process, which will be described later.

[0024] The servers 200 and 300 are communicably connected to the printer 100 and terminal devices 400A and 400B via the Internet IT.

[0025] The first terminal device 400A includes a CPU 410 as a controller of the first terminal device 400A, a volatile storage device 420 such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile storage device 430 such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The first terminal device 400A also includes a display unit 440, an operation unit 450, and a communication interface 480.

[0026] The display unit 440 is a device configured to display images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 450 is a device configured to receive operations by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 440. The communication interface 480 is an interface for communicating with other devices (e.g., including one or more interfaces of a wired LAN, an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN, and a mobile phone network interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 480 is connectable to a local area network LN.

[0027] The non-volatile storage device 430 stores an application program AP. The CPU 410 executes the application program AP to function as an application for using the printer 100. The application is, for example, a print application that transmits a print instruction to the printer 100 based on a user's operation to cause the printer 100 to execute printing. Specifically, the application cooperates with the servers 200, 300 and the printer 100 to execute a registration process, a remaining ink amount management process, and a print process, which will be described later. The application program AP is provided, for example, by a business that manufactures and sells the printer 100. The application program AP is stored in the non-volatile storage device 430 of the first terminal device 400A from a server (not shown) via a network, for example.

[0028] The second terminal device 400B is a computer similar to the first terminal device 400A, and includes components 410 to 480 (not shown) similar to those of the first terminal device 400A. Description of the configuration of the second terminal device 400B will be omitted.

[0029] The second terminal device 400B is a computer owned by a general user, and the first terminal device 400A is a computer owned by an administrative user. The general users are users of the printer 100 who are different from the administrative user. The administrative user is a user of the printer 100 who is in charge of managing the printer 100. In this way, the printer 100 is shared by multiple users (the administrative user and the general users).

[0030] A2. Account database DBa and management database DBb The following describes the account database DBa stored in the nonvolatile storage device 230 of the first server 200, and the management database DBb stored in the nonvolatile storage device 330 of the second server 300. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the account database DBa and the management database DBb.

[0031] The account database DBa in FIG. 2(A) is a table in which the account information of the administrative user is recorded. The account information includes the administrative user's account ID and information associated with the account ID. In this embodiment, the account information includes an account ID, a password, a user name, and payment information, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 2, the account ID "AC_a", password "PW_a", user name "KEN", and payment information "SI_a" of the administrative user of the printer 100 are recorded. Although not shown, the account database DBa also includes other user information necessary for the ink management service. The other user information includes, for example, the user's address (mailing address for ink bottles and ink cartridges) and email address. The payment information includes, for example, a credit card number.

[0032] The management database DBb in FIG. 2B includes a remaining ink amount management table RT and a print restriction management table PT. In the remaining ink amount management table RT, the remaining ink amount of the printer having the device ID is recorded in association with the device ID, which is an identifier for identifying the printer, and the account ID of the administrator of the printer having the device ID. The remaining ink amount is expressed, for example, as a percentage, and in this embodiment, it is expressed as a numerical value from 0 to 100, with the maximum value (for example, the value immediately after ink is replenished) being 100%. As another example, the remaining ink amount may be expressed as a storage amount (for example, in ml) instead of a percentage. In the example of FIG. 2B, the remaining ink amount "IR_a" of the printer 100 is recorded in association with the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100 and the account ID "AC_a" of the administrator user of the printer 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, one device ID is associated with one account ID.

[0033] The print restriction management table PT is a table in which information for print restriction, which will be described later, is recorded. Although details will be described later, print restriction is performed for each user (i.e., for each user ID associated with an account ID and a device ID), so the print restriction management table PT has an entry (one line of data in FIG. 2B) for each user (i.e., for each user ID). Entry EN1 in FIG. 2B is an entry corresponding to the administrative user of the printer 100, that is, the user who owns the first terminal device 400A. Entry EN2 is an entry corresponding to the general user of the printer 100, that is, the user who owns the second terminal device 400B. Each entry includes a user ID for identifying a user, a device ID of a printer used by a user having the user ID, and an account ID of an administrative user of the printer having the device ID. Furthermore, each entry includes an administrator flag, a post-restriction print count, a restriction upper limit, a distribution rate, a remaining amount threshold, and a maximum print count. The user name (FIG. 2(A)) and user ID (FIG. 2(B)) of the administrative user are different pieces of information. The user name is the name of the administrative user and is information registered by the administrative user himself, and the user ID is an identifier assigned to the user of the printer 100 and is generated by, for example, the second server 300.

[0034] In this embodiment, multiple user IDs are associated with one account ID of an administrative user. In the example of Fig. 2, as shown in the print restriction management table PT, two user IDs, namely, the user ID "UID_a" of the administrative user and the user ID "UID_b" of a general user, are associated with the account ID "AC_a".

[0035] The administrator flag indicates whether a user having a corresponding user ID is an administrative user or a general user. For example, as shown in entry EN1 in FIG. 2(B), an administrator flag "1" indicating that the user is an administrative user is associated with the user ID "UID_a" of an administrative user. As shown in entry EN2 in FIG. 2, an administrator flag "0" indicating that the user is a general user (not an administrative user) is associated with the user ID "UID_b" of a general user.

[0036] The number of printed sheets after the limit is the number of sheets printed by a user having the corresponding user ID after the start of the print limit, which will be described later. The print limit management table PT in Fig. 2 shows the state after the start of the print limit, and if printing is performed without the print limit being imposed, the number of printed sheets after the limit is zero regardless of the number of sheets printed.

[0037] The maximum number of pages during printing restriction is the upper limit of the number of pages that a user having a corresponding user ID can print after printing restriction, which will be described later, is started.

[0038] The maximum number of prints is the number of printable sheets when the ink remaining amount is at its maximum (for example, immediately after ink is refilled), and is, for example, a value that is predetermined for each model. The remaining amount threshold is a threshold used as a trigger for starting the print restriction. As described later, in this embodiment, when the ink remaining amount of the printer 100 falls below the remaining amount threshold, the print restriction is started. The remaining amount threshold is determined by the administrative user, for example, in the range of 10 to 60%. The distribution rate indicates the distribution ratio of the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the restriction. For example, in the example of FIG. 2(B), the distribution rate between the administrative user (user ID "UID_a") and the general user (user ID "UID_b") is 2:1, so the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the restriction for each user is determined so that the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the restriction for the administrative user is twice that of the general user. In the example of FIG. 2, the maximum number of prints is 1800 sheets, and the remaining amount threshold is 50%, so the number of printable sheets of the printer 100 at the time of the start of the print restriction is 900 sheets. These 900 sheets are allocated in a 2:1 ratio between administrative users and general users, so the maximum number of sheets that can be used by administrative users during the time of the limit is 600 sheets, and the maximum number of sheets that can be used by general users during the time of the limit is 300 sheets (Figure 2 (B)).

[0039] A3.Preliminary processing The pre-processing executed to use the ink management service will be described below. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram of the pre-processing. The pre-processing includes a process for registering an administrative user or a general user as a user of the ink management service, and a process for setting print restrictions, which will be described later. Note that the process for registering the printer 100 in an application to be started on the terminal devices 400A and 400B, and the network settings for communication between the terminal devices 400A and 400B and the printer 100 are assumed to have been completed in advance, and therefore will not be described here.

[0040] First, the process for registering an administrative user will be described. The administrative user starts an application on the first terminal device 400A, and inputs a registration instruction specifying the printer 100 to the application by operating the operation unit 450. For example, the administrative user inputs the IP address of the printer 100 and necessary information on an input screen (not shown) to input a registration instruction. The necessary information includes, for example, a password and a user name for creating an account.

[0041] In S10, the first terminal device 400A (application) transmits a registration request to the printer 100 in response to the registration instruction. The registration request is transmitted to the input IP address as the destination, for example. The registration request includes a password and a user name for creating an account.

[0042] When the printer 100 (CPU 110) receives a registration request from the first terminal device 400A, in S12, it transmits the registration request to the second server 300. In this embodiment, the manufacturer of the printer 100 and the operator of the second server 300 are the same business entity, and the printer 100 stores information (e.g., an IP address) for communicating with the second server 300 in advance.

[0043] When the second server 300 (CPU 310) receives the registration request from the printer 100, it transmits the registration request to the first server 200 in S14. At this point, the first server 200 (CPU 210) executes account registration because an account for the administrative user of the printer 100 has not been registered in the account database DBa (FIG. 2(A)). Specifically, the first server 200 creates an account for the administrative user using the password and user name included in the registration request and stores it in the account database DBa. As a result, as shown in the dashed frame F1 in FIG. 2(A), the administrative user's account ID "AC_a", password "PW_a", and user name "KEN" are recorded in association with each other in the account database DBa.

[0044] In S18, the second server 300 and the first server 200 execute a process to register the administrative user. First, the administrative user's account ID and the device ID of the printer managed by the administrative user are associated and recorded in the remaining ink management table RT. Specifically, as shown in the dashed box F2 in Figure 2(B), the administrative user's account ID "AC_a" and the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100 are associated and recorded.

[0045] Furthermore, the user ID and administrator flag of the administrative user are recorded in the print restriction management table PT in association with the account ID of the administrative user and the device ID of the printer managed by the administrative user. Specifically, as shown in the dashed box F3 in Fig. 2(B), the account ID "AC_a" of the administrative user, the device ID "DID_a" of the printer 100, the user ID "UID_a", and the administrator flag "1" are recorded.

[0046] In S20, the second server 300 transmits an administrative user registration notification to the first terminal device 400A, indicating that registration of the administrative user has been completed. The administrative user registration notification includes the account ID and user ID assigned to the administrative user. Through the above process, registration of the administrative user is completed. After this, the administrative user can use the ink management service by, for example, accessing the first server 200 or the second server 300 and registering necessary information such as payment information.

[0047] Next, a process for registering a general user will be described. The general user starts an application on the second terminal device 400B, and operates the operation unit 450 to input a registration instruction specifying the printer 100 to the application.

[0048] In S30, the second terminal device 400B (application) transmits a registration request to the printer 100 in response to the registration instruction. Upon receiving the registration request from the second terminal device 400B, the printer 100 (CPU 110) transmits the registration request to the second server 300 in S32.

[0049] When the second server 300 (CPU 310) receives the registration request from the printer 100, in S34 it transmits the registration request to the first server 200. At this point, the first server 200 (CPU 210) does not create a new account because the account of the administrative user of the printer 100 is registered in the account database DBa (FIG. 2(A)).

[0050] In S38, the first server 200 and the second server 300 execute a general user registration process. Specifically, as shown in the dashed frame F4 in Fig. 2(B), a general user's user ID "UID_b" and an administrator flag "0" are newly recorded in association with the administrative user's account ID "AC_a" and the printer 100's device ID "DID_a".

[0051] In S40, the second server 300 transmits a general user registration notification to the second terminal device 400B of the general user, indicating that the registration of the general user has been completed. The general user registration notification includes the user ID assigned to the general user. In S42, the second server 300 also transmits the general user registration notification to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user. Through the above processing, the registration of the general user is completed. After this, the general user can use the ink management service.

[0052] Next, the process of setting print restrictions will be described. The process of setting print restrictions is started based on a setting instruction from an administrative user. The administrative user starts an application on the first terminal device 400A, and inputs a setting instruction for print restrictions to the application by operating the operation unit 450. For example, the administrative user inputs account information and setting information on an input screen (not shown) to input a setting instruction. The account information includes, for example, an account ID and a password. The setting information includes, for example, a distribution rate and a remaining amount threshold for each user.

[0053] In S50, in response to the setting instruction, the second terminal device 400B transmits a print restriction setting request to the second server 300. The setting request includes the above-mentioned account information and setting information.

[0054] When the second server 300 receives the print restriction setting request, the second server 300 and the first server 200 execute authentication processing of the administrative user using the account information included in the print restriction setting request in S51. Specifically, the second server 300 acquires the account information of the administrative user from the first server 200 in the account database DBa of the first server 200, and checks whether it matches the account information included in the print restriction setting request. If the account information matches, it is determined that the authentication was successful, and if the account information does not match, it is determined that the authentication failed. If the authentication of the administrative user fails, the processing from S52 onwards is not executed.

[0055] If the authentication of the administrative user is successful, the second server 300 records the setting information of the print restriction in the print restriction management table PT in S52. Specifically, the second server 300 records the distribution rate and the remaining amount threshold included in the print restriction setting request in the entries EN1 and EN2 including the account ID "AC_a" of the authenticated administrative user. The first server 200 further records the maximum number of prints (a predetermined fixed value) of the printer 100 having the device ID "DID_a" in the entries EN1 and EN2. The first server 200 further calculates the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the restriction for each user (administrative user and general user) based on the maximum number of prints, the distribution rate, and the remaining amount threshold, and records it in the entries EN1 and EN2. As a result, the maximum number of prints, the distribution rate, the remaining amount threshold, and the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the restriction are recorded in the print restriction management table PT as shown in the dashed frame F5 in FIG. 2(B). As a result, the print restriction becomes executable.

[0056] In S54, the second server 300 transmits a setting notification to the second terminal device 400B indicating that a print restriction has been set. The second terminal device 400B displays the setting notification on the display unit 440. The setting notification includes information indicating, for example, the remaining amount threshold and the upper limit number of pages when the print restriction is applied. This allows general users to know that a print restriction will be applied when the ink remaining amount of the printer 100 falls below the remaining amount threshold, and to know the number of pages that can be printed when the print restriction is applied (the upper limit number of pages when the print restriction is applied).

[0057] In S56, the second server 300 transmits a setting notification to the printer 100 indicating that the printing restriction has been set. The printer 100 stores the remaining amount threshold value included in the setting notification in the non-volatile storage device 130. The printer 100 can recognize that the printing restriction will be implemented when the remaining ink amount falls below the remaining amount threshold value.

[0058] A4. Ink remaining amount management process Next, the remaining ink amount management process, which is the main process of the ink management service, will be described. In the remaining ink amount management process, the second server 300 manages the remaining amount of ink in the printer 100, and executes processes related to ink replenishment and printing restrictions according to the remaining amount. Figures 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams of the remaining ink amount management process.

[0059] As shown in S60 and S64, the printer 100 periodically transmits remaining ink information indicating the amount of ink remaining in the ink tanks and ink cartridges of its own printing mechanism 170 to the second server 300. For example, the printer 100 transmits the remaining ink information to the second server 300 when the printer 100 is turned on, after completing printing, or at a predetermined time. When the printer 100 is turned on, a constant connection is established between the printer 100 and the second server 300. The constant connection is, for example, a connection that complies with XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol). This allows the printer 100 and the second server 300 to send and receive data at any timing. Communication between the printer 100 and the second server 300, including the transmission of remaining ink information, is performed using the constant connection.

[0060] As shown in S62 and S66, when the second server 300 receives the remaining ink information, it executes the remaining ink determination based on the received remaining ink information. The remaining ink determination is a determination as to whether the remaining ink of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the remaining ink threshold. The remaining ink threshold is recorded in the print restriction management table PT of FIG. 2(B) as described above, and is 50% in the example of FIG. 2(B). As shown in S62, if the remaining ink of the printer 100 is greater than the remaining ink threshold, the second server 300 does not execute the print restriction. As shown in S66, if the remaining ink of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the remaining ink threshold, the second server 300 starts the print restriction as shown in S68. For example, the second server 300 turns on a predetermined print restriction flag (not shown). After the print restriction is started, the print restriction limits the number of sheets that each user can print to equal to or less than the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction defined for each user. As described above, the upper limit number of sheets during printing restriction is recorded in the printing restriction management table PT in FIG. 2B. In the example of FIG. 2B, the upper limit number of sheets for the administrative user is 600 sheets, and the upper limit number of sheets for the general user is 300 sheets.

[0061] When the print restriction is started, in S70, the second server 300 sends a print restriction start notification indicating the start of the print restriction to the second terminal device 400B. In S72, the second server 300 sends the print restriction start notification to the first terminal device 400A. These notifications are displayed on the display units 440 of the second terminal device 400B and the first terminal device 400A, respectively. This notifies each user of the start of the print restriction.

[0062] In S73, the second server 300 transmits an ink replenishment urging notice to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user. The ink replenishment urging notice is, for example, a notice that notifies the user that the ink has reached a remaining amount threshold and urges the user to replenish ink. The ink replenishment urging notice (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 440 of the second terminal device 400B. The display screen of the ink replenishment urging notice includes, for example, an order button for inputting an order to purchase ink. The administrative user can order ink bottles and ink cartridges by pressing the order button. When the order button is pressed, for example, order information is transmitted from the second terminal device 400B to the second server 300, and the second server 300 executes an order process for ink bottles and ink cartridges, and the ink bottles and ink cartridges are delivered to the administrative user. When the ink bottles and ink cartridges are delivered, ink is replenished to the printer 100. Ink is replenished, for example, by filling an ink tank of the printer with ink from an ink bottle, or by replacing an ink cartridge of the printer with a new ink cartridge.

[0063] Even after the printing restriction is started, the printer 100 periodically transmits remaining ink information to the second server 300, as shown in S74 of FIG. 4 and S78 of FIG. 5. When the second server 300 receives the remaining ink information, it executes a remaining ink determination based on the received remaining ink information, as shown in S76 of FIG. 4 and S80 of FIG. 5. The remaining ink determination after the printing restriction is started is a determination of whether ink has been replenished to the printer 100. For example, the second server 300 determines that ink has been replenished when the remaining ink is equal to or greater than a replenishment determination threshold (e.g., 80%) that is greater than the remaining ink threshold (e.g., 50%) described above. As shown in S76, if ink has not been replenished to the printer 100, the second server 300 does not release the printing restriction (continues the printing restriction). If ink has been replenished to the printer 100, as shown in S80, the second server 300 releases the printing restriction in S82. For example, the second server 300 turns off a predetermined print restriction flag (not shown).

[0064] When the print restriction is released, in S83, the second server 300 initializes the upper limit number of sheets during restriction for each user. As described later, the upper limit number of sheets during restriction may be changed in response to a request from the user during the print restriction. In this step, if the upper limit number of sheets during restriction has been changed, the upper limit number of sheets during restriction is initialized. Specifically, the upper limit number of sheets during restriction for each user is returned to an initial value calculated based on the maximum number of printed sheets, the distribution rate, and the remaining amount threshold value as described above. As a result, the upper limit number of sheets during restriction for the next print restriction is set to the initial value.

[0065] In S84, the second server 300 sends a print restriction lifting notification to the second terminal device 400B, indicating that the print restriction has been lifted. In S86, the second server 300 sends the print restriction lifting notification to the first terminal device 400A. These notifications are displayed on the display units 440 of the second terminal device 400B and the first terminal device 400A, respectively. This notifies each user that the print restriction has been lifted. When the print restriction is lifted, the state of the printer 100 returns to the same state as at the start of the sequence diagram of FIG. 4, so the process of FIG. 4 is repeated again. As can be seen from the above explanation, in this embodiment, print restriction is performed during a period when the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or less than the remaining ink amount threshold, and print restriction is not performed during a period when the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is greater than the remaining ink amount threshold.

[0066] A5. Printing process Next, a printing process in which the printer 100 executes printing in response to a print instruction sent from the terminal devices 400A and 400B (applications) will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams of the printing process.

[0067] First, the printing process when no printing restrictions are applied will be described. An example will be described in which a general user uses the second terminal device 400B to cause the printer 100 to print, but an administrative user can also use the first terminal device 400A to cause the printer 100 to print in the same way.

[0068] When a general user prints, the general user starts an application on the second terminal device 400B and inputs an instruction to the application to cause the printer 100 to print. For example, the general user designates image data to be printed on an input screen (not shown) and inputs an instruction for printing. The image data to be printed is selected from an image data group stored in the non-volatile storage device 430 of the second terminal device 400B, for example.

[0069] When the second terminal device 400B receives an instruction from a general user, in S100, it transmits a print instruction to the printer 100. The print instruction includes, for example, print setting information, image data to be printed, and the user ID of the general user.

[0070] The printer 100 recognizes that the amount of remaining ink in the printer 100 is greater than the remaining ink threshold, and therefore recognizes that no printing restrictions are currently being imposed. Therefore, when the printer 100 receives a print instruction, it executes printing in accordance with the print instruction at S102. For example, the printer 100 executes image processing, including halftone processing, on the image data included in the print instruction to generate print data, and uses the print data to control the print mechanism 170 to execute printing.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of the print process when print restrictions are in place. In S104, the second terminal device 400B transmits a print instruction to the printer 100 in response to an instruction from a general user, similar to S100.

[0072] The printer 100 is aware that its own remaining ink level is below the remaining ink level threshold, and therefore is aware that printing is currently restricted. For this reason, when the printer 100 receives a print instruction, in S106 the printer 100 transmits a print permission determination request to the second server 300, requesting a determination as to whether or not printing is permitted. The print permission determination request includes information indicating the number of sheets to be printed based on the received print instruction, and the user ID.

[0073] When the second server 300 receives the print permission determination request, in S107, it updates the post-limit print number. Specifically, the second server 300 adds the post-limit print number associated with the user ID in the print restriction management table PT to the print number indicated by the print number information. In S108, the second server 300 determines whether printing is permitted. Specifically, the second server 300 determines whether the post-limit print number after the addition is greater than the limit upper limit number associated with the user ID. If the post-limit print number after the addition is greater than the limit upper limit number, the second server 300 determines that printing is prohibited, and if the post-limit print number after the addition is equal to or less than the limit upper limit number, it determines that printing is permitted.

[0074] 6, it is assumed that the second server 300 determines that printing is possible. In this case, the second server 300 transmits a print continuation instruction to the printer 100 in S110. Upon receiving the print continuation instruction, the printer 100 executes printing in S112 according to the print instruction received in S140.

[0075] A case where it is determined that printing is not possible in the printability determination will also be described. In S114, similar to S104, the second terminal device 400B transmits a print instruction to the printer 100. In S116, similar to S106, the printer 100 transmits a printability determination request to the second server 300. In S117 and S118, the second server 300 updates the post-limit print count and determines whether printing is possible in response to the printability determination request, and determines that printing is not possible.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the print restriction management table PT. In Fig. 8(A), as shown in the dashed frame F6, the post-limit print count for a general user (user ID "UID_b") is 255, and the limit count is 300. In this state, assume that a print instruction for 50 sheets is sent to the printer 100 in S114. In this case, when printing based on the print instruction is executed, the post-limit print count becomes 305, which exceeds the limit count "300", and therefore it is determined in the print permission determination in S118 that printing is not possible.

[0077] In this case, the second server 300 transmits a print stop instruction in S120. When the printer 100 receives the print stop instruction, the printer 100 transmits a print impossible notification indicating that printing is impossible to the second terminal device 400B that transmitted the print instruction in S122, without executing printing.

[0078] When the second terminal device 400B receives the printing impossible notification, it transmits an upper limit change request to the second server 300 in S124 of Fig. 7. The upper limit change request is a request to increase the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction for general users so that the printer 100 can execute printing based on the print instruction in S114. Note that communication between the second terminal device 400B and the second server 300 is executed using, for example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0079] When the second server 300 receives the upper limit change request, it sends an upper limit change permission request to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user in S126. The upper limit change permission request is a request for the administrative user to decide whether to permit an increase in the upper limit number of general users at the time of limit. The upper limit change permission request includes, for example, information indicating the current printing status of the printer 100, specifically, information indicating the number of printed sheets after limit and the upper limit number at the time of limit for each user.

[0080] When the first terminal device 400A receives an upper limit change permission request, it displays an upper limit change permission screen W1 on the display unit 440. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the upper limit change permission screen W1. The upper limit change permission screen W1 in FIG. 9 includes a message MS1 notifying a general user of a request to increase the upper limit number during limit and prompting input of whether or not to approve the request, printing status information CI, and buttons B1 to B3. The printing status information CI is information indicating the number of printed sheets after limit and the upper limit number during limit for each user. The buttons B1 and B2 are buttons for inputting permission to increase the upper limit number during limit for general users. The number of sheets to be increased is different between the buttons B1 and B2. The button B3 is a button for inputting not permission to increase the upper limit number during limit for general users.

[0081] The administrative user inputs whether or not to increase the upper limit number during limit by pressing one of buttons B1 to B3 on the upper limit change permission screen W1. When the first terminal device 400A acquires the information on whether or not to increase the upper limit number during limit, the first terminal device 400A determines in S128 whether or not to increase the upper limit number during limit. If buttons B1 or B2 are pressed, it is determined that increasing the upper limit number during limit is permitted, and if button B3 is pressed, it is determined that increasing the upper limit number during limit is not permitted.

[0082] If raising the upper limit number during limit is not permitted (S128: NO), the first terminal device 400A transmits a non-permission notification indicating that raising the upper limit number during limit is not permitted to the second server 300 in S130. Upon receiving the non-permission notification, the second server 300 transmits the non-permission notification to the second terminal device 400B in S132. In this case, printing based on the print instruction in S114 is not performed.

[0083] If an increase in the limit upper limit number is permitted (S128: YES), the first terminal device 400A transmits a permission notice indicating that an increase in the limit upper limit number is permitted to the second server 300 in S134. Upon receiving the permission notice, the second server 300 changes the limit upper limit number in S136.

[0084] Specifically, the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for the administrator user and general users of the printer 100 is changed in the print restriction management table PT. FIG. 8(A) shows the print restriction management table PT before the upper limit number is changed, and FIG. 8(B) shows the print restriction management table PT after the upper limit number is changed. As shown by the dashed frame F7 in FIG. 8(B), the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for the administrator user (user ID "UID_a") is reduced by 200 sheets from 600 sheets and changed to 400 sheets. Also, the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for the general user (user ID "UID_b") is increased by 200 sheets from 300 sheets and changed to 500 sheets. As a result, even if printing is performed based on the print instruction in S114, the post-limit print number for the general user will not exceed the upper limit number at the time of limit.

[0085] In S138, the second server 300 transmits a print resume instruction to resume printing based on the print instruction of S114 to the printer 100. Upon receiving the print resume instruction, the printer 100 executes printing based on the print instruction of S114 in S140.

[0086] A6. Processing when adding and deleting users Next, the process of adding and deleting a user will be described. When adding a new user to the printer 100, for example, the terminal device of the new user transmits a registration request similar to S30 in Fig. 3 to the printer 100. This causes the same processes as S32 to S42 in Fig. 3 to be executed, and a new general user is added.

[0087] When a new general user is added, the second server 300 executes a process of resetting print restrictions. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the process of resetting print restrictions. Fig. 10(A) shows the print restriction management table PT before the user is added (initial state), and Fig. 10(B) shows the print restriction management table PT after the user is added (after the resetting process).

[0088] When a new general user is added, the second server 300 adds an entry EN3 for the added user (user ID "UID_c") to the print restriction management table PT (FIG. 10(B)). Like the existing entries EN1 and EN2, entry EN3 includes the administrative user's account ID "AC_a" and the printer 100's device ID "DID_a". Furthermore, like the existing entries EN1 and EN2, entry EN3 includes the printer 100's maximum number of prints "1800", the remaining amount threshold "50%" and the distribution rate "1" set by the administrative user.

[0089] In the reset process, the second server 300 updates the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the limit for each user according to the distribution ratio determined for each user. Specifically, the distribution ratio between the administrative user and the two general users when a new general user is added is 2:1:1, as shown in the dashed frame F9 in FIG. 10B. Since the maximum number of printed sheets is 1800 sheets and the remaining amount threshold is 50%, the number of printable sheets of the printer 100 at the start of the print restriction is 900 sheets. Since these 900 sheets are allocated to the administrative user and the two general users in a 2:1:1 ratio, the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the limit for the administrative user is reset to 450 sheets, and the upper limit number of sheets at the time of the limit for each of the two general users is reset to 225 sheets, as shown in the dashed frame F10 in FIG. 10B.

[0090] Next, a case where the administrative user (user ID "UID_a") is deleted from the state of FIG. 10(B) will be described. For example, the administrative user operates the first terminal device 400A to delete himself / herself from the users and inputs an instruction to an application to designate a general user (user ID "UID_b") as the new administrative user. The first terminal device 400A (application) transmits to the second server 300 an instruction to delete the current administrative user (user ID "UID_a") and an instruction to change the general user (user ID "UID_b") to the administrative user.

[0091] Upon receiving these instructions, the second server 300 executes a process in accordance with these instructions to delete the current administrative user (user ID "UID_a") and change the general user (user ID "UID_b") to the administrative user. FIG. 10(C) shows the print restriction management table PT after the user has been deleted (after the reconfiguration process). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the second server 300 deletes the entry EN1 for the user ID "UID_a" from the print restriction management table PT. Furthermore, as shown in the dashed frame F11 in FIG. 10(C), the second server 300 changes the administrator flag associated with the user ID "UID_b" in the entry EN2 for the user ID "UID_b" in the print restriction management table PT to a value "1" indicating that the user is an administrative user.

[0092] The second server 300 further executes a process of resetting the print restriction. That is, the second server 300 updates the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction for each user according to the distribution ratio determined for each user. Specifically, the distribution ratio between the new administrative user (user ID "UID_b") and the general user (user ID "UID_c") is 1:1, as shown in the dashed frame F12 in FIG. 10(C). And, since the maximum number of printed sheets is 1800 sheets and the remaining amount threshold is 50%, the number of printable sheets of the printer 100 at the start of the print restriction is 900 sheets. Since these 900 sheets are allocated 1:1 between the administrative user and the general user, the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction for the administrative user is 450 sheets, and the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction for the general user is reset to 450 sheets, as shown in the dashed frame F13 in FIG. 10(C).

[0093] According to the embodiment described above, the second server 300 acquires the remaining ink information of the printer 100 (S60, S64 in FIG. 4). The second server 300 judges whether the remaining ink of the printer 100 has decreased to or below the remaining ink threshold (S62, S66 in FIG. 4). When the remaining ink of the printer 100 has decreased to or below the remaining ink threshold, the second server 300 starts a print restriction that restricts the number of pages printed by the printer 100 based on the user's print instruction to within the upper limit number of pages at the time of restriction set for each user (S68 in FIG. 4). As a result, the number of pages printed based on the instruction of each user can be restricted in consideration of the remaining ink. For example, since excessive print restrictions can be suppressed compared to when printing is restricted all the time, the use of printing can be promoted.

[0094] If the number of prints for each user is always limited to a predetermined upper limit, the user may become reluctant to print. In this case, the user may refrain from using the printer, and the use of the printer may not be promoted. If the number of prints for each user is not always limited, for example, when the ink level is low, one user may print an excessive number of sheets. In this case, the printer 100 may run out of ink before the next ink bottle or cartridge arrives at the user's hand, and other users may not be able to print until the ink arrives. According to this embodiment, when the ink level of the printer 100 is greater than the ink level threshold value, no print restriction is imposed, and excessive print restriction is suppressed, which may promote the use of the printer. Furthermore, when the ink level of the printer 100 falls below the ink level threshold value, print restriction is initiated, so that it is possible to suppress exclusive or excessive printing by a specific user when the ink level is low. As a result, it is possible to suppress a problem in which the ink runs out before the ink is prepared, making it impossible to print.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second server 300 judges whether or not ink has been replenished by judging whether the remaining ink amount in the printer 100 has increased to or above a replenishment judgment threshold, which is greater than the remaining amount threshold, after the printing restriction has commenced (S76 in FIG. 4, S80 in FIG. 5). If the remaining ink amount in the printer 100 has increased to or above the replenishment judgment threshold, in other words, if ink has been replenished, the printer 100 lifts the printing restriction (S82 in FIG. 5). As a result, if there is sufficient ink, the printing restriction is lifted, and it is possible to ensure that no printing restriction is imposed, and therefore excessive printing restrictions can be more reliably prevented.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the print restriction starts, a print restriction start notice is sent to each of the terminal devices 400A and 400B of the multiple users (S70 and S72 in FIG. 4). As a result, the users recognize that the print restriction has started and refrain from excessive printing, which prevents the ink from running out before it is prepared and prevents printing from becoming impossible.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the remaining ink level of the printer 100 falls below the remaining ink level threshold, the printer 100 transmits an ink replenishment prompting notification to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user to prompt the user to replenish ink (S73 in FIG. 4), but does not transmit the ink replenishment prompting notification to the second terminal device 400B of the general user. As a result, the administrative user can place an order for ink and replenish the ink. In addition, the general user can be prevented from receiving unnecessary notifications.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a specific change condition is satisfied while the print restriction is being implemented, the second server 300 changes the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction set for a specific user (e.g., a general user) (S136 in FIG. 7). As a result, when the specific change condition is satisfied, the specific user can print more than the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction even while the print restriction is being implemented. Therefore, flexible print restriction can be implemented, improving user convenience.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the print restriction is released, the second server 300 sets the upper limit number of sheets for the next print restriction to the initial value (S83 in FIG. 5). As a result, the next time the print restriction is applied, the same print restriction as this time is applied.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second server 300 transmits an upper limit change permission request to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user in response to an upper limit change request (S124 in FIG. 7) transmitted from the second terminal device 400B of the general user (S126 in FIG. 7). The second server 300 changes the upper limit number during limit when a permission notice for changing the upper limit is obtained from the second terminal device 400B in response to the upper limit change permission request (S136 in FIG. 7). That is, when a permission notice for changing the upper limit is obtained from the second terminal device 400B, it is determined that a specific change condition for changing the upper limit number during limit is satisfied. As a result, the upper limit number during limit can be appropriately changed in accordance with the intention of the administrative user.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second server 300 counts the number of printed sheets after the limit, which is the number of printed sheets printed after the start of the print limit (S107, S117 in FIG. 6). The second server 300 transmits an upper limit change permission request including information based on the number of printed sheets after the limit to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user (S126 in FIG. 7, FIG. 9). As a result, the upper limit change permission screen W1 including the print status information CI based on the number of printed sheets after the limit is displayed on the first terminal device 400A. Therefore, the administrative user can appropriately determine whether or not to permit a change to the upper limit number at the time of limit by referring to the print status information CI. For example, if the number of printed sheets after the limit of other users is small and there is a margin up to the upper limit number at the time of limit, it is possible to determine that it is possible to permit an increase in the upper limit number at the time of limit of a specific user without any problem since it is possible to reduce the upper limit number at the time of limit of other users.

[0102] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the number of users using the printer changes, the second server 300 sets the upper limit number of sheets at the time of restriction for each user based on the distribution rate determined for each user after the number of users changes (for example, after a user is added or deleted) (FIG. 10). As a result, even if the number of users changes, printing restrictions can be implemented according to the number of users.

[0103] As can be seen from the above description, the remaining amount thresholds in the above embodiment are examples of the first and third reference values, and the refill determination threshold is an example of the second reference value.

[0104] B. Modifications (1) In the above embodiment, when the second server 300 receives an upper limit change request from the second terminal device 400B of a general user (S124 in FIG. 7), it always transmits an upper limit change permission request to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user (S126 in FIG. 7). Alternatively, when the second server 300 receives an upper limit change request from the second terminal device 400B of a general user, it may execute the upper limit change determination process by itself.

[0105] 11 is a flow chart of an example of the upper limit change judgment process of the modified example. At S200, the second server 300 judges whether the remaining ink level of the printer 100 is equal to or lower than the permitted lower limit based on the remaining ink level information recorded in the remaining ink level management table RT. The permitted lower limit is a value that is less than the remaining ink threshold, for example, a value that is approximately 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 the remaining ink threshold. In this embodiment, the permitted lower limit is 10%.

[0106] If the remaining ink level of the printer 100 is equal to or lower than the permitted lower limit (S200: YES), the second server 300 determines in S210 not to permit the change of the upper limit number at the time of limit. That is, in this case, the second server 300 restricts the change of the upper limit number at the time of limit without sending an upper limit change permission request to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user. This is because if the upper limit number at the time of limit for a specific user is raised when the remaining ink level is excessively low, the number of sheets that other users can print may be excessively reduced, which may cause great disadvantage to the other users. In this case, the second server 300 immediately transmits a non-permission notification in S132 in FIG. 7 to the second terminal device 400B without executing S126 in FIG. 7.

[0107] If the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is greater than the permitted lower limit (S200: NO), then in S220 the second server 300 sends an upper limit change permission request to the administrative user. That is, in this case, the second server 300 sends the upper limit change permission request of S126 in Fig. 7 to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user. In this case, the same process as in the embodiment is carried out in S126 in Fig. 7.

[0108] According to the above modification, when the remaining ink level in the printer 100 falls below the permitted lower limit, a request for permission to change the upper limit is not sent to the administrative user's first terminal device 400A, and a change to the upper limit during limit is restricted. In other words, if it is considered inappropriate to permit a change to the upper limit during limit in consideration of the disadvantage to other users, the change to the upper limit during limit is not automatically permitted, thereby reducing the burden on the administrative user.

[0109] (2) In the upper limit change determination process, the second server 300 may determine whether the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or greater than the automatic permission threshold. The automatic permission threshold is, for example, a value that is less than the remaining amount threshold and greater than the above-mentioned permission adjustment value, for example, a value of about (6 / 10) to (8 / 10) of the remaining amount threshold. For example, the automatic permission threshold is 40%. If the remaining ink amount of the printer 100 is equal to or greater than the automatic permission threshold, the second server 300 permits the change of the upper limit number at the time of limit without sending an upper limit change permission request to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user. This is because it is considered that, when there is sufficient ink remaining, even if the upper limit number at the time of limit of a specific user is raised, other users are unlikely to be greatly disadvantaged. In other words, if it is considered that there is no problem in permitting the change of the upper limit number at the time of limit, even if the disadvantage to other users is taken into consideration, the change of the upper limit number at the time of limit is automatically permitted, thereby reducing the burden on the administrative user. Furthermore, the general user who has sent the print instruction can execute printing promptly without waiting for permission from the administrative user.

[0110] (3) In the above embodiment, even if the upper limit number during limit is changed during print restriction (S136 in FIG. 7), when the print restriction is lifted, the upper limit number during limit is returned to the initial value before the change (S83 in FIG. 5). Alternatively, when the upper limit number during limit is changed during print restriction, even if the print restriction is lifted, the upper limit number during limit may not be returned to the initial value, and when the next print restriction is started, the print restriction may be performed using the changed upper limit number during limit.

[0111] In this case, for example, the second server 300 changes the distribution ratio when changing the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit in S136 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8C shows an example of the print restriction management table PT after changing the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit in this modified example. In this modified example, in S136, the second server 300 first changes the distribution ratio between the administrative user and the general user from 1:2 to 2:1, as shown in the dashed frame F8 in FIG. 8C. The second server 300 changes the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for each user based on the changed distribution ratio. As a result, as shown in the dashed frame F8 in FIG. 8C, the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for the administrative user is changed from 600 sheets to 300 sheets, and the upper limit number of sheets at the time of limit for the general user is changed from 300 sheets to 600 sheets.

[0112] (4) In the above embodiment, the print restriction is lifted when the second server 300 determines that ink has been replenished. Alternatively, for example, when an administrative user replenishes ink, a request to lift the print restriction may be sent to the second server 300 via an application of the first terminal device 400A. In this case, the second server 300 may lift the print restriction when it receives a request to lift the print restriction from the first terminal device 400A.

[0113] (5) In the above embodiment, the second server 300 transmits a print restriction start notification to the terminal devices 400A, 400B of each user (S70, S72 in FIG. 4). Instead of this, for example, the second server 300 may transmit a print restriction start notification to the printer 100. In this case, for example, the printer 100 may display on the display unit 140 of the printer 100 that the print restriction is in progress, or when a print instruction is received, may notify the terminal device that sent the print instruction that the print restriction is in progress.

[0114] (6) In the above embodiment, when the ink remaining amount of the printer 100 falls below the remaining amount threshold, the second server 300 transmits an ink replenishment prompt notice to the first terminal device 400A of the administrative user (S74 in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the threshold for transmitting the ink replenishment prompt notice is the same as the threshold for starting the print restriction, but may be a different threshold. As an example, when the threshold for starting the print restriction is 50%, the threshold for transmitting the ink replenishment prompt notice may be set to 60%, which is larger than 50%. In this case, the ink replenishment prompt notice can be transmitted earlier than in the above embodiment. This allows the administrative user to order ink earlier than in the above embodiment, so that the print restriction period can be shortened. As another example, when the threshold for starting the print restriction is 50%, the threshold for transmitting the ink replenishment prompt notice may be set to 40%, which is smaller than 50%. In this case, the second server 300 can transmit the ink replenishment prompt notice later than the print restriction start notice. This allows the administrative user to receive the ink replenishment prompt notice again even if he or she forgets to order ink after receiving the print restriction start notice. Furthermore, multiple thresholds for sending the ink replenishment reminder notice may be defined, and the ink replenishment reminder notice may be sent multiple times. Also, when the remaining ink level of the printer 100 falls below the remaining ink level threshold, the second server 300 may execute a process of automatically ordering ink bottles or ink cartridges and arranging for delivery to the user, without sending an ink replenishment reminder notice.

[0115] (7) In the above embodiment, the second server 300 changes the upper limit number of sheets during restriction on the condition that the administrative user gives permission. However, the upper limit number of sheets during restriction may not be changed and may remain at the value set by the administrative user.

[0116] (8) All or part of the processing performed by the second server 300 in the above embodiment may be performed by the printer 100. For example, the processing performed by the second server 300 in the remaining ink management processing of Figures 4 and 5 may be performed by the printer 100. Also, the processing performed by the second server 300 in the printing processing of Figures 6 and 7 may be performed by the printer 100. In this case, the printing restriction management table PT and remaining ink management table RT may be stored in the non-volatile storage device 130 of the printer 100 and managed by the printer 100.

[0117] (9) In the above embodiment, the ink management service is realized by two servers, the first server 200 and the second server 300. Alternatively, the ink management service may be realized by one server realizing the functions of the two servers 200, 300, or the ink management service may be realized by three or more servers sharing the functions of the servers 200, 300.

[0118] (10) In the above embodiments, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

[0119] The present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications, but the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1000...system, 100...printer, 110...CPU, 120...volatile storage device, 130...non-volatile storage device, 140...display unit, 150...operation unit, 170...printing mechanism, 200...first server, 210...CPU, 220...volatile storage device, 230...non-volatile storage device, 300...second server, 310...CPU, 320...volatile storage device, 330...non-volatile storage device, 400A...first terminal device, 400B...second terminal device, 410...CPU, 420...volatile storage device, 430...non-volatile storage device, 440...display unit, 450...operation unit, 480...communication interface, AP...application program, DBa...account database, DBb...management database, IB...information database, 180...communication IF, 280...communication IF, 380...communication IF, PGa, PGb, PGp...computer program, PT...printing restriction management table, RT...ink remaining amount management table

Claims

1. 1. A method for a printer shared by multiple users, comprising: obtaining information regarding a remaining amount of printing material in the printer; a first determination step of determining whether or not the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer has decreased to a first reference value or less; a limit initiation step of initiating a print limit for limiting the number of prints that can be performed by the printer to within an upper limit value set for each user based on instructions from each of the users when the remaining amount of printing material in the printer falls below the first reference value; A method for providing the above.

2. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a second determination step of determining whether or not the remaining amount of printing material in the printer has increased to or exceeds a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value after the printing restriction is started; a restriction lifting step of lifting the print restriction when the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer increases to or exceeds the second reference value after the print restriction is started; A method comprising:

3. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a start notification sending step of sending a start notification indicating the start of the print restriction to each terminal device of the plurality of users when the print restriction starts.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, the plurality of users includes an administrative user who manages the printer and a general user different from the administrative user, The method further comprises: a third determination step of determining whether the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer has decreased to a third reference value or less; a supply notification sending step of sending a supply notification to the terminal device of the administrative user, when the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer falls below the third reference value, to prompt the user to replenish the printing material, and not sending the supply notification to the terminal device of the general user; A method comprising:

5. 2. The method of claim 1 , The method further comprises: The method further comprises an upper limit changing step of changing the upper limit value set for a specific user when a specific change condition is satisfied during execution of the print restriction.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: a second determination step of determining whether or not the remaining amount of printing material in the printer has increased to or exceeds a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value after the printing restriction is started; a restriction lifting step of lifting the print restriction when the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer increases to or exceeds the second reference value after the print restriction is started; an upper limit value setting step of setting the upper limit value for the next print restriction to an initial value when the print restriction is released; A method comprising:

7. 6. The method of claim 5, In the upper limit changing step, Transmitting a permission request to a terminal device of an administrative user in response to a change request transmitted from the terminal device of the specific user; The method determines that the specific change condition is satisfied when a notification of permission to change the upper limit is obtained from a terminal device of an administrative user in response to the permission request.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, a counting step of counting the number of printed sheets printed after the printing restriction is started, In the upper limit changing step, information based on the number of printed sheets printed during execution of the print restriction and the permission request are transmitted to a terminal device of the administrative user.

9. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: The method further comprises an upper limit setting step of setting the upper limit for each user when the number of users sharing the printer changes, based on a distribution ratio determined for each user after the change in the number of users.

10. 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: a second determination step of determining whether or not the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer has decreased to a third reference value or less, the third reference value being less than the first reference value, after the start of the printing restriction; When the remaining amount of printing material in the previous printer falls below the third reference value, the upper limit changing step restricts the change of the upper limit value without sending the permission request to the terminal device of the administrative user.

11. A server communicably connected to a printer shared by a plurality of users, an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a remaining amount of printing material of the printer; a first determination unit that determines whether or not a remaining amount of the printing material in the printer has decreased to a first reference value or less; a limit initiation unit that initiates a print limit for limiting the number of prints that can be performed by the printer to within an upper limit value set for each user, based on instructions from each of the users, when the remaining amount of printing material in the printer falls below the first reference value; A server comprising:

12. 1. A computer program for a printer shared by multiple users, comprising: an acquisition function for acquiring information regarding a remaining amount of printing material of the printer; a first determination function for determining whether the remaining amount of the printing material in the printer has decreased to or below a first reference value; a limit start function that starts a print limit for limiting the number of prints that can be performed by the printer to within an upper limit set for each user based on instructions from each of the users when the remaining amount of printing material in the printer falls below the first reference value; A computer program that causes a computer installed in the printer or a server connected to the printer so as to be able to communicate with the printer to realize the above.

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