Image processing device, control method of image processing device, and program

Abstract

To solve such a problem that, since a charging destination of maintenance executed by an operation of a user that is not automatically executed according to a print volume is unclear, there may be cases where individuals bear the cost for business use or companies bear the cost for personal use.SOLUTION: An image processing device 101 performs control so as to count consumption information of consumable supplies used during execution of the operation in association with the operation mode at the time of execution of the operation according to execution of the operation that consumes the consumable supplies. If the executed operation is the operation related to maintenance (NO in S602), the device stores the consumption information of the consumable supplies used in execution of the operation in a reservation history (S607), and then performs control so as to count in association with the operation mode during execution of the next print operation unrelated to maintenance (NO in S603, S608-S611).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] One mode in which an image processing device is used is when a user concludes a contract with a service provider and uses the image processing device. In this type of contract, for example, the user pays the service provider an amount according to the number of pages per month. There are systems that assume such use and include an image processing device and a server device that have a function of counting operations that are subject to charges under the contract and calculating the amount charged. For example, there is an image processing device that has operation modes according to the purpose of use, such as work use and personal use, and the company pays for printing in the work operation mode and the individual pays for printing in the personal operation mode. Note that in the image processing device, consumables may be consumed for maintenance operations and the like in addition to normal printing. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for calculating the amount of a maintenance fee charged based on the amount of printing for business purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-46065 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology of calculating the maintenance fee according to the printing volume, it was unclear whether the expenses for the maintenance operation performed by the user operation, other than normal printing, regardless of the printing volume, should be paid by the company as business use or by the individual as personal use. If the expenses were simply determined based on the operation mode when the maintenance operation was performed, the expenses may not be correct. For example, when the maintenance operation is performed in the work operation mode and then the operation mode is immediately switched to the personal operation mode to perform normal printing, or vice versa, the expenses for the maintenance operation for personal printing may be paid by the company, or conversely, the expenses for the maintenance operation for work printing may be paid by the individual. Such issues were not taken into consideration in the conventional technology.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for appropriately determining who should be responsible for the cost of consumables consumed in maintenance operations when the cost of the consumables is borne according to the purpose of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an image processing device that can be used by switching between multiple operating modes, and counts consumption information of consumables indicating information regarding the amount of consumables consumed through use for each of the operating modes, and is characterized in that it has a control means that, in response to the execution of an operation that consumes consumables, controls the consumption information of the consumables used in the execution of the operation to be counted in association with the operating mode at the time the operation was executed, and when the executed operation is an operation related to maintenance, the control means controls the consumption information of the consumables used in the execution of the operation to be counted in association with the operating mode at the time the next printing operation that is not related to maintenance is executed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when the cost of consumables is borne according to the purpose of use, it is possible to appropriately determine who is to bear the cost of consumables consumed in a maintenance operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the appearance and configuration of a printing unit of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the image processing apparatus and a contract server according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage history information screen of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a consumables count information recording destination determination process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] <Summary of the Terms of Use> The image processing device of this embodiment can receive specific services under a subscription contract. The contents of the subscription contract are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the contract is described as one in which, by paying a fixed monthly fee, the use of each function of the image processing device is permitted up to a specified number of prints, and ink is automatically delivered.

[0011] FIG. 1(a) is an external view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the image processing device 101 is a printer equipped with one or more (hereinafter, described as one) print heads 102. An ink tank 103 is attached to the print head 102 and supplies ink for printing to the print head 102. The ink tank 103 is detachable, and can be replaced by opening a cover 104 as necessary. The image processing device 101 detects the opening and closing of the cover 104 by a cover sensor 105.

[0012] The display unit 106 notifies the user of the state, functions, usage, etc. of the image processing device by displaying text, illustrations, or an Internet explanatory page. In this embodiment, the ink tank 103 is mounted on the recording head 102 in an on-carriage manner, but the ink tank 103 may be not mounted on the carriage and may be supplied to the recording head by means of a tube or the like in an off-carriage manner. Also, the image processing device 101 has been described as an inkjet type, but it may be of another printing type such as an electrophotographic type.

[0013] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing unit of the image processing device 101. As shown in FIG. The printing unit 107 is provided with a carriage 109 that moves back and forth on a guide shaft 108 in the directions of arrows A and B, and a recording head 102 having nozzle rows for each color, for example, black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), is mounted on the carriage 109.

[0014] The carriage 109 is connected to a carriage motor 111 via a belt 110. A print recording operation of one scan is performed by applying a drive pulse to the recording head 102 while moving the carriage 109 by the power of the carriage motor 111 transmitted via the belt 110. In addition, a sensor 112 is provided at a position on the carriage 109 aligned with the recording head 102. By monitoring the sensor 112 while moving the carriage 109, the results printed and recorded by the recording head 102 can be read.

[0015] The recording medium 113 is fed a specified amount in the direction of arrow C by a conveying roller 115 driven by a conveying motor 114 for each scanning print recording operation of the carriage 109, and by repeating this process, the print recording operation for one page on the recording medium 113 is completed.

[0016] Further, at a position away from the recording medium 113 in the direction of the arrow A, a recovery mechanism 116 is provided that faces the recording head 102 and has a capping mechanism 117 for capping the recording head 102 to prevent the recording head 102 from drying out. The recovery mechanism 116 is driven after the carriage 109 has been moved to a position where the recording head 102 faces the capping mechanism 117. In this way, by keeping the capping mechanism 117 in contact with the recording head 102, the nozzle portion of the recording head 102 can be capped to prevent drying or solidification of the ink. This will be referred to as "capping" below. These capping operations are automatically performed in accordance with the operational control of the image processing device 101 to maintain appropriate print quality.

[0017] If the ink becomes smudged or disturbed even after the above-mentioned capping has been performed, the user can select and execute a maintenance operation from the operation panel. One maintenance operation is a head cleaning operation in which a cap mechanism 117 is brought into contact with the print head 102 and a recovery mechanism 116 performs a suction operation. Another maintenance operation is a check printing of an adjustment pattern for the print head 102 and the nozzle status. The maintenance operations illustrated here are just examples, and other maintenance operations may be used. In this embodiment, the recovery mechanism 116 is provided with the cap mechanism 117, but the cap mechanism 117 may exist independently of the recovery mechanism 116.

[0018] The configuration of the control unit of the image processing device 101 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 101. As shown in FIG. In the image processing device 101, a CPU 203 provided in a control unit 202 loads a control program recorded in a ROM 205 into a RAM 204 and reads it out when necessary to perform power-on control and various controls of the image processing device. The control program includes various programs for controlling each hardware module of the image processing device 101.

[0019] The RAM 204 is a main memory for the CPU 203 and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for developing various programs stored in the ROM 205 . The ROM 205 stores image data, various programs, various setting information, and used consumables count information (information on the amount of consumables consumed through use). In this embodiment, the ROM 205 is assumed to be a flash storage or the like, but an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk may also be used.

[0020] In the image processing device 101, one CPU 203 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (RAM 204), but other configurations are also possible. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described later can be executed by using multiple CPUs, multiple RAMs, ROMs, and storages in cooperation with each other. Also, some of the processes can be executed using hardware circuits.

[0021] The engine interface 207 connects the printer unit 212 and the control unit 202. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F." Image data to be recorded by the printer unit 212 is transferred from the control unit 202 via the engine I / F 207, and is recorded by the printer unit 212 on a recording medium 113 such as paper.

[0022] The operation unit I / F 208 connects the operation unit 213 and the control unit 202. The operation unit 213 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, operation keys, and the like, and functions as a reception unit that receives instructions from a user. The USB I / F 209 controls communication with a host computer 214 connected to the image processing device 101 via a USB cable 216. The network I / F 210 controls communication with a host computer 214 connected to the image processing device 101 via a network 217. The power supply board 211 transforms the power supplied from a power supply 215 via a power cable 218 and supplies the power to the image processing device 101. The power supply board 211 may also include a storage battery capable of storing power.

[0023] The software configuration of the image processing device 101 will now be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image processing device 101. The software configuration shown in Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 203 of the image processing device 101 expanding a control program recorded in the ROM 205 or the like into the RAM 204 and executing it.

[0024] The control program is roughly divided into three blocks: an application layer 310 that manages applications, a middleware layer 320 for controlling devices via various I / Fs, and an operating system (OS) 330 that manages the overall control. The role of each is explained below.

[0025] The operating system 330 provides basic functions for executing a control program in the control unit 202 . The middleware layer 320 is composed of a group of software that controls the I / F with the printer unit and each physical device. In this embodiment, the middleware layer 320 includes a printer control module 321 as a module that controls the engine I / F 207. Similarly, the middleware layer 320 includes an I / F control module 322 that controls the USB I / F 209 and the network I / F 210, which are devices used for communication with the host computer 214. In addition, the middleware layer 320 includes a UI control module 323 that controls the operation unit I / F 208, and the like.

[0026] The application layer 310 includes software that operates each device via each middleware to realize functions such as recording that the image processing device 101 provides to the user. For example, when the UI control module 323 detects that the user has instructed to execute recording via the operation unit 213 and the operation unit I / F 208, the application layer 310 is notified of the fact. In response to the notification, the application layer 310 operates a job management application 311 for performing recording. Using a printer control module 321 in the middleware layer 320, the job management application 311 controls the printer unit 212 via the engine I / F 207 to execute a recording operation, a cleaning operation, or the like.

[0027] The media position management application 312 notifies the printer control module 321 in the middleware layer 320 of the media information acquired from the job management application 311. The printer control module 321 controls the printer unit 212 in accordance with the media information to acquire the position information of the recording medium 113. If the recording medium 113 is not present, the printer control module 321 controls the UI control module 323 to prompt the user to reinsert the recording medium 113, for example.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between the image processing device 101 of this embodiment and the contract server. In this embodiment, the subscription contract of the image processing device 101 is managed by a contract server 401 connected via the Internet. The application layer 310 of the image processing device 101 periodically receives contract information of the image processing device 101 from the contract server 401 and records it in a non-volatile manner in the ROM 205.

[0029] The contract information that the application layer 310 receives from the contract server 401 includes the contract start date and time, the contract end date and time, and the monthly settlement date. The application layer 310 can obtain the current date and time from the contract server 401 as necessary. The format of the current date and time is, for example, ISO8601 (yyyy-MM-ddThh:mm:ssZ). By obtaining the current date and time from the contract server 401, the times of all the image processing devices 101 connected to the contract server 401 can be managed uniformly. Note that although the terms "contract start date and time", "contract end date and time", and "settlement date and time" are used here, the present embodiment does not necessarily require that time information be included. In other words, information containing only the year, month, and date may be sufficient.

[0030] The application layer 310 of the image processing device 101 records information on the number of pages printed / amount of ink used / number of times a maintenance menu has been performed in each operating mode as usage information of the image processing device 101 in the ROM 205 as consumable count information, and periodically transmits the consumable count information to the contract server 401. Here, the operation mode refers to information for switching the operation of the image processing device, including UI display, depending on the use of the image processing device, and the current operation mode is stored in ROM 205 as one of the setting values ​​of the image processing device. In this embodiment, at least two operation modes, "work" and "personal", can be switched as settings of the image processing device by user input from operation unit 213. Image processing device 101 counts information on the amount of consumables consumed by use (hereinafter "consumable count information") for each of the above operation modes and stores it in ROM 205. Note that the operation mode may also be switched via network I / F 210.

[0031] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (usage history screen) that displays the usage history of the image processing device 101. This screen is displayed on the operation panel of the operation unit 213 under the control of the UI control module 323. The usage history screen has displays such as a list of operation items 501, a count number display section 502 for each operation mode, operation item list scroll buttons 503, and a usage history information print button 504.

[0032] The operation items displayed in each operation item list 501 include, for example, printing, copying, head position adjustment, cleaning, etc. The display in the count number display section 502 for each operation mode includes the consumable count number for the work operation mode and the consumable count number for the personal operation mode.

[0033] Each operation item list 501 and count number display section 502 for each operation mode are displayed based on the consumables count information stored in ROM 205. If the number of items does not fit on one screen, the user can scroll the list by pressing operation item list scroll button 503. In addition, the user can press usage history information print button 504 to print on paper detailed information equal to or greater than the content displayed on this screen.

[0034] In this embodiment, the image processing device 101 is described taking as an example a case where use of each function of the image processing device 101 is permitted up to a predetermined number of prints by paying a fixed monthly fee under a subscription contract. Therefore, as the above-mentioned consumables count information and information displayed on the usage history screen based on the information, an example is shown in which the number of prints is counted in the case of normal printing operations such as printing and copying, and the number of times maintenance operations such as head position adjustment and cleaning are performed. However, this consumables count information is not limited in any way as long as it is consumption information of consumables, and may include information indicating the consumption amount of printing agents such as ink.

[0035] Hereinafter, a process in which the image processing apparatus 101 determines which operation mode the consumable item count information is to be counted as when each function is executed will be described with reference to FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a consumable count information recording destination determination process according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 203 of the image processing device 101 loading a program recorded in the ROM 205 or the like into the RAM 204 and executing it.

[0036] Each time the image processing device 101 executes a function, the process of this flowchart is executed. First, in S601, the CPU 203 determines whether the executed function is an operation that consumes a consumable item. If it is determined that the executed function is not an operation that consumes a consumable item (NO in S601), the CPU 203 ends the process of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation is to consume a consumable item (YES in S601), the CPU 203 advances the process to S602.

[0037] In S602, the CPU 203 determines whether the executed function is normal printing. The normal printing here refers to printing of content desired by the user, such as copies, documents, images, etc., excluding operations for maintenance of the image processing device. If it is determined that the printing is normal (YES in S602), the CPU 203 advances the process to S603.

[0038] In S603, the CPU 203 determines whether or not there is a record in the reservation history stored in the ROM 205. The reservation history is recorded in S607, which will be described later. Here, if it is determined that there is no hold history (YES in S603), the CPU 203 advances the process to S604.

[0039] In S604, the CPU 203 determines what the current operation mode of the image processing device is. If it is determined that the current operation mode is "work" (YES in S604), the CPU 203 advances the process to S605. In S605, the CPU 203 updates the consumable count information for the "Work" mode of the operation item (e.g., "Print" or "Copy") corresponding to the normal printing performed above, stored in the ROM 205, based on the consumable count information used in the normal printing performed above, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current operation mode is "personal" (NO in S604), the CPU 203 advances the process to S606. In S606, the CPU 203 updates the consumable count information for the "Private" mode of the operation item corresponding to the normal printing performed above, stored in the ROM 205, based on the consumable count information used in the normal printing performed above, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above S602, if it is determined that the executed function is not normal printing (NO in S602), the CPU 203 advances the process to S607. In S607, the CPU 203 saves information on the non-normal printing operation items (e.g., "head position adjustment", "cleaning", etc.) and the consumable count information used in the operation as a hold history in the ROM 205, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Note that the operation mode at the time of execution of the operation may also be saved in association with the hold history.

[0042] Moreover, in the above S603, if it is determined that there is a hold history (NO in S602), the CPU 203 advances the process to S608. In S608, the CPU 203 determines what the current operation mode of the image processing device 101 is.

[0043] Here, if it is determined that the current operation mode is "work" (YES in S608), the CPU 203 advances the process to S609. In S609, the CPU 203 updates the consumable count information for the "work" mode in the ROM 205, which corresponds to the information of the operation item stored in the hold history, based on the consumable count information stored in the hold history, and proceeds to S611.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current operation mode is "personal" (NO in S608), the CPU 203 advances the process to S610. In S610, the CPU 203 updates the consumable count information for the "personal" mode in the ROM 205, which corresponds to the information of the operation item stored in the hold history, based on the consumable count information stored in the hold history, and proceeds to S611.

[0045] In S611 after S609 or S610, the CPU 203 clears the data stored in the pending history in the ROM 205, and proceeds to S604. Note that the processes from S604 onwards have already been explained, so explanations will be omitted here.

[0046] That is, when a normal printing operation is performed, the image processing device 101 controls so that the consumption amount of the consumables used in the execution of the operation (consumable count information) is counted as the consumption amount of the consumables corresponding to the operation mode when the operation is performed. On the other hand, when an operation that consumes consumables other than normal printing (for example, a maintenance operation such as "head position adjustment" or "cleaning") is performed, the image processing device 101 controls so that the consumption amount of the consumables used in the execution of the operation (consumable count information) is counted as the consumption amount of the consumables corresponding to the operation mode when the next normal printing is performed.

[0047] As described above, the image processing device 101 can be used by switching between a plurality of operation modes according to the purpose of use, such as work and personal use, and has a function of determining the charge party that will bear the cost of the consumables according to the purpose of use, such as work and personal use. With this function, when a maintenance operation is performed by a user operation, information on the consumption of the consumables by the maintenance operation is stored in the reservation history. Then, based on the operation mode during the next normal printing, it is possible to determine whether the maintenance operation is for personal printing / business printing, and to count the consumption information of the consumables in association with the appropriate charge party. In other words, it is possible to appropriately determine the charge party for the consumables consumed in the maintenance operation, etc. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an individual bears the charge for the amount used for work (business) or a company bears the charge for the amount used for personal use.

[0048] Consumption information of consumables used in the execution of operations related to maintenance and the like other than normal printing may be stored in the hold history together with the operation mode at the time of execution of the operation, and when the image processing device 101 is turned off or has not been used for a predetermined period of time or more, the consumable count information stored in the hold history may be counted as work use or personal use based on the operation mode at the time of execution of the operation corresponding to the information. In the above-mentioned case, the consumable count information stored in the hold history may be divided into work use and personal use according to, for example, the usage ratio for this month and counted.

[0049] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an apparatus capable of switching between operation modes of an image processing apparatus according to the purpose of use, it is possible to appropriately determine the billing destination for functions that involve the consumption of consumables other than normal printing, such as maintenance operations performed by user operations, thereby preventing the occurrence of situations in which an individual pays the fee for business use, or a company pays the fee for personal use.

[0050] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image processing device that can be used by switching between a plurality of operation modes according to a use purpose, and counts consumption information of a consumable item, which indicates information on an amount of the consumable item consumed by use, for each of the operation modes, a control means for controlling, in response to the execution of an operation that consumes a consumable item, to count consumption information of the consumable item used in the execution of the operation in association with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation; The image processing device is characterized in that, when the executed operation is a maintenance-related operation, the control means controls so that consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the operation is counted in association with the operating mode at the time of execution of the next printing operation that is not related to maintenance. (Configuration 2) a storage means for storing consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the maintenance operation together with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation, The image processing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the power of the image processing device is turned off or when the image processing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time or more, the control means controls the consumption information of the consumables stored in the storage means to be counted in association with the operating mode stored together with the information. (Configuration 3) 3. The image processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the maintenance-related operations include at least one of an operation for adjusting the position of the recording head and an operation for cleaning the recording head. (Configuration 4) The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of operation modes include at least two operation modes: an operation mode corresponding to business use and an operation mode corresponding to personal use. (Method 1) 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus that can be used by switching between a plurality of operation modes according to a use purpose, and that counts consumption information of a consumable item, which indicates information on an amount of the consumable item consumed by use, for each of the operation modes, comprising: a control step of controlling, in response to the execution of an operation that consumes a consumable item, to count consumption information of the consumable item used in the execution of the operation in association with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation; The control method for an image processing device is characterized in that, when the executed operation is a maintenance-related operation, the control process controls so that consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the operation is counted in association with the operating mode at the time of execution of the next printing operation that is not related to maintenance. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the control means according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

Claims

1. An image processing device that can be used by switching between a plurality of operation modes according to a use purpose, and counts consumption information of a consumable item, which indicates information on an amount of the consumable item consumed by use, for each of the operation modes, a control means for controlling, in response to the execution of an operation that consumes a consumable item, to count consumption information of the consumable item used in the execution of the operation in association with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation; The image processing device is characterized in that, when the executed operation is a maintenance-related operation, the control means controls so that consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the operation is counted in association with the operating mode at the time of execution of the next printing operation that is not related to maintenance.

2. a storage means for storing consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the maintenance operation together with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation, The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the consumption information of consumables stored in the storage means to be counted in association with the operating mode stored together with the information when the power of the image processing device is turned off or when the image processing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time or more.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance-related operations include at least one of an operation for adjusting the position of the print head and an operation for cleaning the print head.

4. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation modes include at least two operation modes, namely, an operation mode corresponding to business use and an operation mode corresponding to personal use.

5. 1. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus that can be used by switching between a plurality of operation modes according to a use purpose, and that counts consumption information of a consumable item, which indicates information on an amount of the consumable item consumed by use, for each of the operation modes, comprising: a control step of controlling, in response to the execution of an operation that consumes a consumable item, to count consumption information of the consumable item used in the execution of the operation in association with an operation mode at the time of the execution of the operation; The control method for an image processing device is characterized in that, when the executed operation is a maintenance-related operation, the control process controls so that consumption information of consumables used in the execution of the operation is counted in association with the operating mode at the time of execution of the next printing operation that is not related to maintenance.

6. A program for causing a computer to function as the control means according to claim 1 or 2.

Images