Printing apparatus and method for controlling printing apparatus

Abstract

To reduce a load on a server related to delivery of consumables by using both determination by an image forming apparatus and determination by the server.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 reads the automatic distribution history from the memory of the mounted consumable item at the time of startup or when the consumable item is mounted, and stores the automatic distribution history in a storage unit 14 in association with the ID of the consumable item. In a case where the automatic distribution history stored in the storage unit 14 in association with the ID of the mounted consumable item has no history, a cartridge type determination command is transmitted to a management server 2 (S906), and in a case where there is a history, the cartridge type determination command is not transmitted. When the delivery request for the mounted consumables is received from the management server 2, the automatic delivery history stored in the storage unit 14 corresponding to the ID of the mounted consumables is updated to the presence of the history. The automatic distribution history stored in the storage unit 14 corresponding to the ID of the mounted consumable item is written in the memory of the mounted consumable item at the timing when printing is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known system in which a server manages the automatic delivery of consumables used in a printing device. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a management server determines whether a consumable installed in a printing device is eligible for automatic delivery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-140056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology described above, the server is responsible for all the determinations as to whether a consumable is eligible for automatic delivery, which places a burden on the server.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can reduce the load on a server in automatic delivery of consumables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides A printing device comprising: a first processing means that reads, from a first storage means provided in a consumable attached to the printing device, identification information of the consumable and history information indicating whether delivery processing has been performed by a specified service for the consumable identified from the identification information, associates the information, and stores the information in a second storage means provided in the printing device; a request means that requests information related to the service regarding the consumable attached to the printing device from a server system that provides the service; and a receiving means that receives the information related to the service sent by the server system in response to the request, wherein the request means makes the request if the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable attached to the printing device indicates that delivery processing has not been performed by the service, and does not make the request if the history information contains a delivery history indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the load on the server in the automatic delivery of consumables. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a service operation mode using a consumables management system. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a connection between a consumables mounting unit and an ink cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a management server. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control by a management server. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of data stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a cartridge recognition process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a type determination request process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a delivery determination request process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables management system SY according to an embodiment of the present invention The consumables management system SY includes an image forming device 1, a management server 2, and a host device 3. The image forming device 1 and the host device 3 are installed in a user's office or the like, and are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0011] The management server 2 is installed in an office of a provider of the automatic consumables delivery service (described later) and is one of the servers constituting a server system that provides the automatic consumables delivery service. The management server 2 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network NW such as the Internet. Note that the communication method via the network NW described above is an example, and other communication methods can be adopted as appropriate.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer or the like, and represents an example of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 receives print job data including image data from a host device 3 and records (prints) an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the received data. The image forming apparatus 1 may also be a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a scanner or the like, and may record an image based on image data of a document scanned by the scanner. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is described as an inkjet printer that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium. However, the recording method of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to this, and it may also be, for example, an electrophotographic printer. In the present embodiment, the consumables to be delivered are mainly recording agent containers. Specifically, these include ink cartridges, ink tanks, ink bottles, toner bottles, and toner cartridges. The recording agent containers are equipped with memory, and when installed in the image forming apparatus 1, reading and writing to the memory is possible under the control of the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a service operation using the consumables management system SY. Here, the diagram illustrates an outline of an operation of a consumables automatic delivery service using the consumables management system SY for ink cartridges 5 (see FIG. 3(b)), which are consumables to be installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1 transmits information about consumables to the management server 2 via the network NW. When the management server 2 receives the information about the consumables from the image forming apparatus 1, it determines whether the consumables are eligible for the consumables automatic delivery service. The management server 2 may then determine whether a new consumable (e.g., ink cartridge 5 as shown in FIG. 3B) needs to be delivered based on the usage status of the consumable. The management server 2 may also determine whether an additional fee is required. The service provider of the consumables automatic delivery service sends the ink cartridge 5, which is a consumable, to the contractor based on the determination result of the management server 2. With this operation mode, when the ink cartridge 5, which is a consumable, needs to be replaced, a new ink cartridge 5 is delivered to the contractor. Therefore, the contractor can continue to use the image forming apparatus 1 without having to wait for the delivery of consumables. The management server 2 can be connected to multiple image forming apparatuses 1 (image forming apparatus 1A, image forming apparatus 1B) and manages automatic delivery to multiple contractors (Contractor A, Contractor B).

[0015] For example, the automatic delivery service may be a subscription service that allows a subscriber to use automatically delivered ink cartridges 5 without additional charge until the number of pages printed by the image forming device 1 reaches a specified number by paying a fixed monthly fee. Alternatively, for example, the automatic delivery service may be a pay-as-you-go service in which the subscriber pays a fee according to the number of automatically delivered ink cartridges 5. Note that services to which this embodiment can be applied are not limited to automatic delivery services. For example, a service may be one in which points are awarded to a subscriber according to the number of ink cartridges 5 used by the subscriber. In this case, the points awarded to the subscriber may be managed by the management server 2. Furthermore, consumables are not limited to those that are automatically delivered, and may also be consumables that are individually purchased by the user as long as they are eligible for the service.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a recording unit 13, a storage unit 14, a read / write unit 15, and a consumables mounting unit 16. Note that the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3(a) is an example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0017] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 that serves as a main storage device for storing temporary data during control, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 that stores a control program. For example, the CPU 111 reads out a program stored in the ROM 113 into the RAM 112 and executes it, thereby realizing various functions related to the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the information processing by the software stored in the ROM 113 is specifically realized by the CPU 111, which is an example of hardware, and the control unit 11 can execute each function.

[0018] At least some of the functions realized by control unit 11 may be realized by known semiconductor devices such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. Although control unit 11 is shown here as a single element, control unit 11 may be divided into two or more elements as necessary.

[0019] The communication unit 12 is a communication interface between the image forming apparatus 1 and an external device. For example, the control unit 11 receives print job data including image data from the host device 3 via the communication unit 12. The control unit 11 also transmits and receives information to and from the management server 2 via the communication unit 12. Note that, in this embodiment, a wireless LAN is used as a means for connecting the communication unit 12 to the network NW, but other communication methods may also be used.

[0020] The recording unit 13 records an image on a recording medium. For example, the control unit 11 causes the recording unit 13 to record an image based on print job data received from the host device 3 via the communication unit 12. The storage unit 14 stores various types of information. For example, the control unit 11 stores information received from the management server 2 in the storage unit 14. In this embodiment, the storage unit 14 is configured with a flash ROM, which is a non-volatile memory. However, the storage unit 14 may be any other storage element as long as it is a non-volatile memory. The read / write unit 15 reads information about the ink cartridge 5, which is a consumable item, that is attached to the consumable item attachment unit 16. This will be explained in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0021] 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection between the consumables mounting unit 16 and the ink cartridges 5. In this embodiment, a black cartridge 51 and a color cartridge 52, which are examples of the ink cartridges 5, are detachably mounted on the consumables mounting unit 16, one each.

[0022] When the black cartridge 51 is mounted in the consumables mounting portion 16, the connection receptacle 163 of the consumables mounting portion 16 and the connection terminal 511 of the black cartridge 51 are electrically connected. At this time, the control portion 11 controls the read / write portion 15 to read and rewrite information written in the nonvolatile memory 512 of the black cartridge 51. Similarly, when the color cartridge 52 is mounted in the consumables mounting portion 16, the connection receptacle 164 and the connection terminal 521 are electrically connected. Therefore, the control portion 11 controls the read / write portion 15 to read and rewrite information written in the nonvolatile memory 522.

[0023] In this embodiment, identification information (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge ID") that can identify the individual black cartridge 51 is stored as information related to the consumables in the nonvolatile memory 512. In addition, the cartridge ID of the color cartridge 52 is stored as information related to the consumables in the nonvolatile memory 522.

[0024] The control unit 11 and management server 2 can use the cartridge ID to identify the individual ink cartridge 5 installed in the image forming device 1. Furthermore, non-volatile memory 512 and non-volatile memory 522 store history information for the automatic consumables delivery service, and the control unit 11 can control the read / write unit 15 to read and rewrite this history information.

[0025] There is no limitation on the number or types of ink cartridges 5 that can be attached to the consumables attachment unit 16. For example, the consumables attachment unit 16 may be configured to be able to attach four types of ink cartridges, namely cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Also, the consumables attachment unit 16 may be configured to be able to attach two or more cartridges of the same type (for example, black cartridge 51).

[0026] The manner in which the read / write unit 15 reads the cartridge ID and reads and rewrites the history information of the automatic consumable delivery service can be changed. For example, the ink cartridge 5 may be provided with a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) that includes the cartridge ID as information, and the read / write unit 15 may be a reader that can read these. Alternatively, the ink cartridge 5 may be provided with an IC tag, and the read / write unit 15 may wirelessly communicate with the IC tag to read and rewrite information stored in the memory in the IC tag.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 2. As shown in FIG. The management server 2 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The control unit 21 includes a CPU 211 that performs overall control of the management server 2, a RAM 212 that serves as a main storage device for storing temporary data during control, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 213 that stores a control program.

[0028] For example, the CPU 211 reads out a program stored in the HDD 213 into the RAM 212 and executes it, thereby realizing various functions related to the management server 2. In other words, the information processing by the software stored in the HDD 213 is specifically realized by the CPU 211, which is an example of hardware, and the control unit 21 can execute each function. Note that the configuration may include other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) instead of or in addition to a hard disk drive (HDD (Hard Disk Drive)).

[0029] In this example, the management server 2 is described as being configured with one server device (information processing device), but this embodiment is not limited to this. A configuration in which multiple server devices on the cloud work together to execute each function may also be used. In other words, the management server 2 may be configured with multiple server devices. In this embodiment, a configuration consisting of one server device or multiple server devices is also referred to as a server system.

[0030] The communication unit 22 is a communication interface between the management server 2 and an external device. For example, the control unit 21 communicates with a large number of image forming apparatuses 1 via the communication unit 22. In this embodiment, a wired LAN is used as a means for connecting the communication unit 22 to the network NW, but other communication methods may also be used. The storage unit 23 stores various information related to the automatic delivery service. In this embodiment, the storage unit 23 is configured as a hard disk drive, but other configurations can also be adopted as appropriate.

[0031] 5(a) to 5(c) are flowcharts showing an example of control by the management server 2. The behavior of the management server 2 in the consumables automatic delivery service of this embodiment will be described below. Each flowchart in FIG. 5(a) to 5(c) is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 21 of the management server 2 reading out a program stored in the hard disk drive 213 into the RAM 212 and executing it. In addition, in the management server 2, when the communication unit 22 receives a command from the image forming device 1 or another client device (for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer), the control unit 21 executes processing according to the command. FIG. 5(a) to 5(c) show the processing performed by the control unit 21 when each command is received. In the following description, each step will be simply represented as S511, etc.

[0032] FIG. 5(a) is a flowchart showing an example of a process (cartridge registration process) for pre-registering the cartridge ID of an ink cartridge 5 to be delivered to a contractor. The process of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 21 based on receipt of a cartridge registration command by the communication unit 22. In this embodiment, the cartridge registration command is a command for storing the cartridge ID of an ink cartridge 5 to be automatically delivered to a contractor in the storage unit 23. For example, the cartridge registration command is automatically issued by a cartridge production management server (not shown). Alternatively, for example, the cartridge registration command may be manually issued by a cartridge inventory manager from any client device.

[0033] In S511, the control unit 21 receives an arbitrary number of cartridge IDs via the communication unit 22. Next, in S512, the control unit 21 stores the cartridge ID received in S511 in the storage unit 23. At this time, the control unit 21 stores the cartridge ID in association with information about the contractor at the delivery destination or information about the image forming device 1 used by the contractor (such as identification information of the image forming device 1). Through the above processing, the management server 2 can store information about cartridges to be automatically delivered.

[0034] The consumables automatic delivery service checks whether the ink cartridge 5 installed in the contractor's image forming device 1 is one provided by this service (an ink cartridge covered (supported) by this service). The management server 2 can perform this check by executing the cartridge registration process shown in Figure 5(a) in advance.

[0035] Fig. 5(b) is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining the type of ink cartridge 5 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. This flowchart is executed by the control unit 21 when the communication unit 22 receives a cartridge type determination command issued by the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the cartridge type command is a command for determining whether the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge 5 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is one that has been stored in the memory unit 23 by the cartridge registration process shown in Fig. 5(a).

[0036] In S521, the control unit 21 receives the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge 5 attached to the image forming device 1 from the image forming device 1 via the communication unit 22. In this embodiment, the number of cartridge IDs received is one per command, but the control unit 21 may receive multiple cartridge IDs per command.

[0037] Next, in S522, the control unit 21 searches for the cartridge ID received in S521 above. For example, the cartridge registration process of FIG. 5A checks whether information about the image forming apparatus 1 that sent the cartridge type command and the cartridge ID received in S521 above are associated and stored in the storage unit 23. If these are associated and stored in the storage unit 23, the control unit 21 may recognize that the cartridge ID received in S521 is registered in the storage unit 23.

[0038] In S523, the control unit 21 controls the process to branch based on the search result of S522. If the cartridge ID is registered in the storage unit 23 (Yes in S523), the control unit 21 advances the process to S524. In S524, the control unit 21 sends a response to the image forming device 1 via the communication unit 22 indicating that the cartridge is an automatic delivery cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "automatic delivery cartridge") that is eligible for the automatic delivery service, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0039] On the other hand, if the cartridge ID is not registered in the storage unit 23 (No in S523), the control unit 21 advances the process to S525. In S525, the control unit 21 transmits a response to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 22 indicating that the cartridge does not correspond to an automatically delivered cartridge, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0040] Through the above process, the management server 2 can determine whether the ink cartridge 5 installed in the image forming device 1 is an automatically delivered cartridge, and notify the image forming device 1 of this.

[0041] 5(c) is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining whether delivery of an ink cartridge 5 is required. This flowchart is executed by the control unit 21 when the communication unit 22 receives a cartridge delivery determination command issued by the image forming device 1. The cartridge delivery determination command is a command for requesting delivery of an ink cartridge 5 depending on the status of the image forming device 1 or the ink cartridge 5.

[0042] In S531, the control unit 21 receives information about the status of the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 22. The information about the status of the image forming apparatus 1 may include, for example, whether or not an automatically delivered ink cartridge 5 is installed. The information about the status of the image forming apparatus 1 may also include the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 5 installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0043] Next, in S532, the control unit 21 refers to the information regarding the status of the image forming device 1 received in S531 above, and determines whether or not delivery of the ink cartridge 5 is required. For example, if an automatically delivered ink cartridge 5 is installed in the image forming device 1, the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 5 is below a predetermined value, and a delivery request has not yet been made, it may be determined that delivery of the ink cartridge 5 is required.

[0044] If it is determined in S532 above that delivery of the ink cartridge 5 is not required (No in S533), the control unit 21 advances the process to S536. In S536, the control unit 21 transmits a response to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 22 to the effect that the delivery request was not sent, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0045] In S533, the control unit 21 controls the process to branch based on the determination result of S532 above. If the control unit 21 determines in S532 above that delivery of the ink cartridge 5 is required (Yes in S533), the process proceeds to S534.

[0046] In S534, the control unit 21 transmits information requesting delivery of the ink cartridge 5 via the communication unit 22. In this embodiment, the transmission destination is a cartridge order management server (not shown). For example, the cartridge order management server manages delivery destination information for consumables, and upon receiving a delivery request for the ink cartridge 5 from the management server 2, it arranges for the ink cartridge 5 to be delivered to the delivery destination of the target contractor. Note that the transmission destination in S534 is not limited to the cartridge order management server. Next, in S535, the control unit 21 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a response to the image forming apparatus 1 indicating that the delivery request has been transmitted, and then ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0047] Through the above process, the management server 2 can place an order for the ink cartridge 5 to be delivered to the user of the image forming device 1 whose ink cartridge 5 needs to be replaced. As described above, the behavior of the management server 2 shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c) enables the ink cartridges 5 to be automatically delivered in the right amount to users of image forming devices 1 that are using the automatic delivery service.

[0048] FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) are flowcharts showing an example of control of the image forming device 1. The behavior of the image forming device 1 in the consumables automatic delivery service of this embodiment will be described below. For example, after a user operates the image forming device 1, the control unit 11 performs the processes shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d). The processes shown in each flowchart of FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) are realized by the CPU 111 of the control unit 11 of the image forming device 1 reading a program stored in the ROM 113 or the like into the RAM 112 and executing it. In the following description, each step will be simply represented as S611, etc.

[0049] FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 11 when the user starts up the image forming apparatus 1 by turning on the power. In S611, the control unit 11 performs cartridge recognition processing. The cartridge recognition processing is processing in which the read / write unit 15 reads the cartridge ID and history information of the automatic consumable delivery service (hereinafter referred to as "automatic delivery history information") from the ink cartridge 5 installed in the consumable installation unit 16. Details will be described later.

[0050] Next, in S612, the control unit 11 performs a cartridge type determination process. In this embodiment, the cartridge type determination process is a process of sending a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 if necessary, and receiving information regarding whether or not the cartridge corresponds to an automatic delivery cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "automatic delivery eligibility information") as a response. At this time, the management server 2 executes the flowchart of FIG. 5(b). Details will be described later.

[0051] The automatic delivery eligibility information can be said to be information as to whether or not the ink cartridge 5, which is an example of a consumable item, was provided (is covered by the service) based on a contract for the use of the image forming device 1. Furthermore, the contract for the use of the image forming device 1 can be said to be a contract for the delivery of the ink cartridge 5, which is an example of a consumable item to be installed in the image forming device 1. If the service is a service related to points awarding, in S612 the control unit 11 receives, as a response, information from the management server 2 indicating whether or not the ink cartridge 5 is covered by the service that awards points when used.

[0052] Next, in S613, the control unit 11 performs cartridge delivery determination processing. In this embodiment, the cartridge delivery determination processing is processing for notifying the management server 2 of the status of the image forming apparatus 1 by sending a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2. Furthermore, the control unit 11 receives, as a response from the management server 2, information regarding whether the management server 2 has sent a delivery request. At this time, the management server 2 executes the flowchart in FIG. 5(c), which will be described in detail later.

[0053] Upon completion of S613, the control unit 11 ends the processing of this flowchart. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to be operable by the user even while the control unit 11 is executing the processing of S612 and S613.

[0054] 6(b) is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 11 when the user replaces the ink cartridge 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 and installs it in the consumables installation unit 16. Steps S621 to S623 are similar to steps S611 to S613, respectively, and therefore will not be described here. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to be operable by the user even while the control unit 11 is executing steps S622 and S623.

[0055] FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing an example of processing that the control unit 11 performs after the image forming apparatus 1 receives image data from the host device 3 and the recording unit 13 records an image on a recording medium. In S631, the control unit 11 performs a cartridge rewriting process. In this embodiment, the cartridge rewriting process is a process in which the control unit 11, using the read / write unit 15, rewrites the automatic delivery history information stored in the ink cartridge 5 attached to the consumables attachment unit 16.

[0056] When the control unit 11 executes the process of Fig. 6(c), the installation state of the ink cartridge 5 in the consumables installation unit 16 remains unchanged, and therefore the cartridge recognition process corresponding to S611 in Fig. 6(a) is omitted. Steps S632 and S633 are similar to steps S612 and S613, respectively, and therefore will not be described here. Even while the process shown in Fig. 6(c) is being executed, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive image data from the host device 3 and record an image on a recording medium using the recording unit 13.

[0057] 6(d) is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 11 when communication with the management server 2 becomes possible again after the image forming apparatus 1 is started and communication becomes impossible. One example of a cause for communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 2 being impossible is the temporary loss of the wireless LAN connection between the communication unit 12 and the network NW. S641 and S642 are similar to S612 and S613, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] When the control unit 11 executes the process of FIG. 6(d), the installation state of the ink cartridge 5 in the consumables installation unit 16 remains unchanged, and therefore the cartridge recognition process corresponding to S611 in FIG. 6(a) is omitted. Even while the process shown in FIG. 6(d) is being executed, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive image data from the host device 3 and record an image on a recording medium using the recording unit 13. The process shown in FIG. 6(d) is executed when the image forming apparatus 1 itself is activated and transitions from a state in which it cannot communicate with the management server 2 to a state in which it can. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 1 becomes able to communicate with the management server 2 upon activation (power-on), the control unit 11 executes the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0059] 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of data stored in the storage unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores a cartridge ID (identification information of a consumable) and service-related information in association with each other. The storage unit 14 is capable of storing a plurality of such associated records. The storage unit 14 is capable of storing, as the service-related information, information (reception history) indicating whether the image forming apparatus 1 has received automatic delivery applicability information. The storage unit 14 is also capable of storing, as the service-related information, automatic delivery applicability information for the target ink cartridge 5. The storage unit 14 is also capable of storing, as the service-related information, automatic delivery history information for the target ink cartridge 5. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the storage of service-related information by the storage unit 14.

[0060] In this embodiment, the storage unit 14 manages information separately for the black cartridge 51 and the color cartridges 52. That is, the storage unit 14 has separate databases for managing information about the black cartridge 51 and information about the color cartridges 52. The configuration of the storage unit 14 is not limited to this, and for example, information about multiple types of ink cartridges 5 may be managed collectively.

[0061] 7(a) to 7(d), "TRUE" in the reception history indicates that automatic delivery eligibility information for the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID has been received. Also, "FALSE" in the reception history indicates that automatic delivery eligibility information for the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID has not yet been received.

[0062] "TRUE" in the automatic delivery applicability field indicates that the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID is an automatic delivery cartridge. "FALSE" in the automatic delivery applicability field indicates that the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID is not an automatic delivery cartridge. "N / A" in the automatic delivery applicability field indicates that the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID has not yet received automatic delivery applicability information, and therefore automatic delivery applicability information is not available.

[0063] "TRUE" in the automatic delivery history indicates that the management server 2 has sent a delivery request for the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID (delivery history exists). Also, "FALSE" in the automatic delivery history indicates that the management server 2 has not sent a delivery request for the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID (delivery history does not exist). In other words, the automatic delivery history is information that indicates whether the consumable automatic delivery service has performed delivery processing for the cartridge identified by the target cartridge ID.

[0064] 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing detailed control of the image forming apparatus 1. Details of the processing performed by the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described using FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8 to 10. The processing shown in each flowchart in FIGS. 8 to 10 is realized by the CPU 111 of the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 reading a program stored in the ROM 113 or the like into the RAM 112 and executing it. In the following description, each step will simply be represented as S801, etc.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the cartridge recognition process, that is, detailed processing of S611 in FIG. 6(a) and the like. In S801, the control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge 5 mounted in the consumables mounting unit 16. For example, the control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID stored in the nonvolatile memory 512 of the black cartridge 51 and the nonvolatile memory 522 of the color cartridge 52 using the read / write unit 15. The control unit 11 stores the cartridge ID read by the read / write unit 15 in the RAM 112.

[0066] Next, in S802, the control unit 11 reads the automatic delivery history information of the ink cartridge 5 mounted in the consumables mounting unit 16. For example, similar to S801 above, the control unit 11 reads the automatic delivery history information stored in the nonvolatile memory 512 and the nonvolatile memory 522. The control unit 11 stores the automatic delivery history information read by the read / write unit 15 in the RAM 112.

[0067] Next, in S803, the control unit 11 searches the storage unit 14 to see if the cartridge ID read and stored in the RAM 112 in S801 is stored therein.

[0068] Next, in S804, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on the search result of S803. If the cartridge ID read in S801 is not stored in the storage unit 14, that is, if the ID is not registered (Yes in S804), the control unit 11 advances the process to S805. In S805, the control unit 11 stores (registers) the cartridge ID read in S801 in the storage unit 14, and the process proceeds to S806.

[0069] On the other hand, if the cartridge ID read in S801 is stored in the storage unit 14, that is, if the ID is registered (No in S804), the control unit 11 advances the process to S806.

[0070] In S806, the control unit 11 stores (registers) the automatic delivery history information read in S802 in the storage unit 14 in association with the cartridge ID, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0071] Next, the flow of registering cartridge IDs and automatic delivery history information based on the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described using a specific example. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the data about the black cartridge 51 stored in the memory unit 14 is in the state shown in Fig. 7(a). Also, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the flowchart in Fig. 8 starts when the black cartridge 51 with the cartridge ID "2000" and the automatic delivery history information "FALSE" is installed in the consumable installation unit 16.

[0072] First, the control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID of the black cartridge 51 installed in the consumables installation unit 16 using the read / write unit 15 (S801). Similarly, the control unit 11 also reads the automatic delivery history information (S802). The control unit 11 then searches the memory unit 14 to determine whether the read cartridge ID (2000) is stored therein (S803). However, since the ID is not stored in the memory unit 14, the control unit 11 registers the cartridge ID "2000" in a new area of ​​the memory unit 14, as shown in FIG. 7B. In this state, the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a response from the management server 2 as to whether the black cartridge 51 is an automatic delivery cartridge. Therefore, the control unit 11 stores information in the memory unit 14 indicating that the reception history for the ID is "FALSE" and that the automatic delivery status is "N / A." Then, the control unit 11 stores the read automatic delivery history information "FALSE" in the storage unit 14 in association with the cartridge ID (2000) (S806).

[0073] By the above-described processing, if the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge 5 attached to the consumables attachment section 16 is not one stored in the storage section 14, the cartridge ID can be stored in the storage section 14. In addition, the automatic delivery history information stored in the ink cartridge 5 can be stored in the storage section 14.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the type determination request process, that is, detailed processing of S612 in FIG. 6(a) and the like. In S901, the control unit 11 checks the reception history of the response to the type determination request. For example, the control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID read in S801 of Fig. 8 from the RAM 112. Then, the control unit 11 obtains from the storage unit 14 automatic delivery applicability information for the read cartridge ID, i.e., the presence or absence of a reception history for the response to the type determination request.

[0075] For example, suppose that cartridge ID "1000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" stored in storage unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). At this time, the value for cartridge ID "1000" is "TRUE," indicating that a response to the type determination request has already been received. Therefore, control unit 11 recognizes that ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" has already received a response to the type determination request, i.e., there is a reception history.

[0076] Also, for example, suppose that cartridge ID "2000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" stored in storage unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). At this time, for cartridge ID "2000," the value is "FALSE," indicating that a response to the type determination request has not yet been received. Therefore, control unit 11 recognizes that ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" has not yet received a response to the type determination request, i.e., there is no reception history.

[0077] Next, in S902, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on the check result in S901. If the control unit 11 recognizes in S901 above that there is a reception history (No in S902), it ends the processing of this flowchart. In other words, if the response result to the type determination request has already been stored in the storage unit 14, the control unit 11 will omit (do not) send a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 (S906, described later). This makes it possible to reduce the load on the management server 2.

[0078] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines in S901 that there is no reception history (Yes in S902), the process proceeds to S903.

[0079] In S903, the control unit 11 checks the automatic delivery history information. For example, the control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID from the RAM 112, as in S901 above. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the automatic delivery history information related to the read cartridge ID from the storage unit 14.

[0080] For example, suppose that cartridge ID "1000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" stored in storage unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). At this time, the automatic delivery history information for cartridge ID "1000" is "TRUE." Therefore, control unit 11 recognizes that management server 2 has sent a delivery request for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" (delivery history exists).

[0081] Also, for example, suppose that cartridge ID "2000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" stored in storage unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). At this time, the automatic delivery history information for cartridge ID "2000" is "FALSE." Therefore, control unit 11 recognizes that management server 2 has not sent a delivery request for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" (no delivery history).

[0082] Next, in S904, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on the check result in S903. If the control unit 11 recognizes in S903 above that "there is a delivery history" (No in S904), it ends the processing of this flowchart. In other words, if the management server 2 has already sent a delivery request, it omits (does not) send a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 (S906, described later). This makes it possible to reduce the load on the management server 2.

[0083] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 recognizes that there is no delivery history in S903 (Yes in S904), the process proceeds to S905. That is, if the management server 2 has not yet sent a delivery request, the control unit 11 sends a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 (S906, which will be described later).

[0084] In this embodiment, the management server 2 sends a delivery request only once for each ink cartridge 5. Therefore, if the automatic delivery history information indicates that there is a delivery history, the management server 2 will not send a delivery request again. Therefore, for an ink cartridge 5 with a delivery history, the control unit 11 determines that there is no need to send a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2, and S906 (sending a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2) can be omitted.

[0085] If there is no reception history or delivery history for either or both of the black cartridge 51 and the color cartridge 52, the control unit 11 may perform the processes from S905 onwards for the corresponding ink cartridge 5. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may execute the flowchart shown in Figure 9 separately for the case where the target is the black cartridge 51 and the case where the target is the color cartridge 52.

[0086] In S905, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on whether or not communication between the communication unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 2 is possible. If communication between the communication unit 12 and the management server 2 is not possible (No in S905), the control unit 11 ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 12 and the management server 2 is possible (Yes in S905), the control unit 11 advances the process to S906.

[0087] In S906, the control unit 11 transmits a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 via the communication unit 12. At this time, the control unit 11 also transmits the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge 5 to the management server 2. Thereafter, in S907 and S908, the control unit 11 waits until the communication unit 12 receives a response from the management server 2 in response to the cartridge type determination command.

[0088] In S907, the control unit 11 determines whether the waiting state after the command transmission has continued for a predetermined time or more, that is, whether a timeout has occurred. If the waiting state after command transmission times out (Yes in S907), the control unit 11 exits the waiting state and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if the waiting state since the command transmission has not timed out (No in S907), the control unit 11 advances the process to S908.

[0089] In S908, the control unit 11 determines whether the communication unit 12 has received a response from the management server 2. If the control unit 11 has not received a response from the management server 2 via the communication unit 12 (No in S908), the control unit 11 returns the process to S907.

[0090] It may take some time from sending a command to receiving a response depending on the load status of the management server 2. For this reason, after sending the cartridge type determination command, the control unit 11 repeats the processes of S907 to S908 and continues to wait for a response until a timeout occurs (for example, one minute after sending the command). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives a response from the management server 2 via the communication unit 12 (Yes in S908), the control unit 11 advances the process to S909.

[0091] In S909, control unit 11 receives information regarding whether automatic delivery is applicable from management server 2 via communication unit 12. In this way, control unit 11 of image forming apparatus 1 confirms information regarding whether automatic delivery is applicable, which is an example of service-related information regarding the consumable item installed in consumable item installation unit 16, from management server 2 via communication unit 12 that can communicate with management server 2, which is an external device. Next, in S910, the control unit 11 stores (registers) the information received in S909 in the memory unit 14 in correspondence with the cartridge ID acquired in S901, and at this time also updates the corresponding reception history to "TRUE" indicating that reception has been completed, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0092] For example, suppose that the data for the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" stored in the memory unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). Then, suppose that the communication unit 12 receives information that the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" does not correspond to an automatic delivery cartridge. In this case, as shown in Figure 7(c), the control unit 11 registers "FALSE" for automatic delivery, indicating that the ink cartridge does not correspond to an automatic delivery cartridge, in a predetermined position in the memory unit 14 as information related to the cartridge ID "2000." The control unit 11 also rewrites the reception history for the cartridge ID "2000" registered in the predetermined position in the memory unit 14 to "TRUE," indicating that the cartridge has been received.

[0093] An example of a case in which the ink cartridge 5 does not qualify as an automatic delivery cartridge is when the user of the image forming device 1 has not subscribed to an automatic delivery service for the ink cartridge 5. Another example is when the user of the image forming device 1 has subscribed to an automatic delivery service, but for some reason has purchased a commercially available ink cartridge 5 and installed it in the consumables mounting unit 16. In this embodiment, in such cases, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 determines that automatic delivery of the ink cartridge 5 is not necessary when the control unit 21 receives a cartridge delivery determination command.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the delivery determination request process, that is, the specific process of S613 in FIG. 6(a). In S1001, the control unit 11 acquires whether automatic delivery is applicable. The control unit 11 reads the cartridge ID read in S801 of Fig. 8 described above from the RAM 112. Then, the control unit 11 acquires automatic delivery applicable / inapplicable information for the read cartridge ID from the storage unit 14.

[0095] For example, suppose that cartridge ID "1000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" stored in memory unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 9(c). At this time, control unit 11 determines that ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "1000" is an automatically delivered cartridge because the automatic delivery applicability for cartridge ID "1000" is "TRUE."

[0096] Next, in S1002, the control unit 11 acquires the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 5. The remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 5 may be estimated, for example, from the number of ink droplets ejected (dot count) during recording by the recording unit 13. Note that the method for estimating the remaining amount of ink is not limited to this, and the remaining amount of ink may also be physically detected by a sensor or the like, for example, by electrically detecting the presence or absence of ink using an electrode pin.

[0097] Next, in S1003, the control unit 11 checks the automatic delivery history information in the same manner as in S903 of FIG. 9 described above. Next, in S1004, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on the check result in S1003.

[0098] If the control unit 11 determines in S1003 above that there is a delivery history (No in S1004), it ends the processing of this flowchart. In other words, if the management server 2 has already sent a delivery request, the control unit 11 omits sending a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2 (S1006, described later). This reduces the load on the management server 2.

[0099] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines in S1003 that there is no delivery history (Yes in S1004), the process proceeds to S1005. In this embodiment, as described above, if the automatic delivery history information indicates that there is a delivery history, the management server 2 will not send a delivery request again. Therefore, for an ink cartridge 5 with a delivery history, the control unit 11 determines that there is no need to send a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2, and can omit sending the cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2 (S1006, described below).

[0100] If there is no delivery history for either or both of the black cartridge 51 and the color cartridge 52, the control unit 11 may perform the processes from S1005 onwards for the corresponding ink cartridge 5. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may execute the flowchart shown in Figure 10 separately for the black cartridge 51 and the color cartridge 52.

[0101] In S1005, the process is controlled to branch based on whether communication between the communication unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 2 is possible. If communication between the communication unit 12 and the management server 2 is not possible (No in S1005), the control unit 11 ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 12 and the management server 2 is possible (Yes in S1005), the control unit 11 advances the process to S1006.

[0102] In S1006, the control unit 11 transmits a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2 via the communication unit 12. At this time, the control unit 11 also transmits to the management server 2 the automatic delivery eligibility information for the ink cartridge 5 acquired in S1001 above, and the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge 5 acquired in S1002 above.

[0103] Here, a case will be described in which cartridge ID "2000" is stored in RAM 112, and the data for the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" stored in the storage unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(c). In this case, the control unit 11 determines in S1001 that the automatic delivery applicability is "FALSE", and therefore in S1006 sends information to the management server 2 that the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" is not an automatic delivery cartridge. In this case, the control unit 21 of the management server 2 determines in S532 of Figure 5 described above that "delivery is not required (delivery not requested)."

[0104] In this embodiment, even if the automatic delivery applicability acquired in S1001 is "FALSE", the control unit 11 sends a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2 in S1006. However, in this case, it is not necessarily necessary to send the cartridge delivery determination command, and S1006 may be omitted. In this case, the load on the management server 2 can be further reduced.

[0105] In S1007 to S1008, similarly to S907 to S908 in FIG. 9, the control unit 11 repeats the processing of S1007 to S1008 until a timeout occurs, and continues to wait for a response to be received from the management server 2. If the waiting state after command transmission times out (Yes in S1007), the control unit 11 exits the waiting state and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives a response from the management server 2 via the communication unit 12 (Yes in S1008), the control unit 11 advances the process to S1009.

[0106] In S1009, the control unit 11 receives, via the communication unit 12, a response from the management server 2 as to whether or not the management server 2 has transmitted a delivery request. Next, in S1010, the control unit 11 controls the process to branch based on the response reception result in S1009. If the control unit 11 receives a response from the management server 2 in S1009 above indicating that the delivery request will not be sent (No in S1010), the control unit 11 ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives a response in S1009 indicating that the management server 2 has "sent a delivery request" (Yes in S1010), the control unit 11 advances the process to S1011.

[0107] In S1011, the control unit 11 stores (registers) in the storage unit 14 the automatic delivery history information that "delivery history exists" in association with the above-mentioned cartridge ID. That is, the control unit 11 updates the automatic delivery history information stored in the storage unit 14 in association with the above-mentioned cartridge ID to "TRUE." After processing S1011, the control unit 11 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0108] For example, suppose that the data for the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000" stored in the memory unit 14 is in the state shown in Figure 7(c). Then, suppose that the communication unit 12 receives information that an automatic delivery has been requested for the ink cartridge 5 with cartridge ID "2000." In this case, as shown in Figure 7(d), the control unit 11 rewrites the automatic delivery history for cartridge ID "2000" registered in a predetermined location in the memory unit 14 to "TRUE," which indicates that the management server 2 has sent a delivery request.

[0109] In this embodiment, the automatic delivery history stored in the storage unit 14 in S1011 above is reflected in the non-volatile memory 512 or non-volatile memory 522 of the ink cartridge 5 in the cartridge rewrite process of S631 when the control unit 11 next executes the process of FIG. 6C. That is, the control unit 11 rewrites the automatic delivery history information stored in the ink cartridge 5 using the read / write unit 15. Note that the timing at which the control unit 11 rewrites the automatic delivery history information stored in the ink cartridge 5 is not limited to this, and the automatic delivery history information may be rewritten immediately after S1011 in FIG. 10, for example. Storing the automatic delivery history in the ink cartridge 5 allows the automatic delivery history to be carried over even when the user removes the ink cartridge 5 from the consumables mounting unit 16 and mounts it in the consumables mounting unit of another image forming apparatus.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 receives a response to the cartridge delivery determination command from the management server 2 and manages the automatic delivery history information based on the response result, but the method for managing the automatic delivery history information is not limited to this. For example, the information may be a history of detecting that the ink level in the ink cartridge 5 is low. Furthermore, the history information to be managed does not necessarily have to be related to the consumables automatic delivery service. For example, the information may be a history of an image recorded by the recording unit 13 on a recording medium when the ink cartridge 5 is installed in the consumables installation unit 16 of the image forming device 1.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the control unit 11 reads the automatic delivery history information of the ink cartridge 5 in S802 of Fig. 8, and stores it in the memory unit 14 in association with the cartridge ID in S806 of Fig. 8. Then, the control unit 11 acquires the automatic delivery history information from the memory unit 14 in S903 of Fig. 9, and if it recognizes that there is a delivery history, it omits sending the cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 (S906).

[0112] For example, suppose that a user installs an ink cartridge 5, for which the management server 2 sent a delivery request while the ink cartridge 5 was installed in the consumables installation unit of another image forming apparatus, into the consumables installation unit 16, causing the control unit 11 to perform the processing shown in Fig. 6(b). In this case, the control unit 11 recognizes that there is a delivery history in S903 of Fig. 9, and omits sending the cartridge type determination command in S906 (S906). This reduces the load on the management server 2. On the other hand, for example, suppose that, while communication between the communication unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 2 is unavailable, the user installs an ink cartridge 5 with no delivery history in the consumables installation unit 16, causing the control unit 11 to perform the processing shown in FIG. 6B. In this case, the control unit 11 determines No in S905 of FIG. 9 and is unable to transmit a cartridge type determination command to the management server 2 (S906). Thereafter, when communication between the communication unit 12 and the management server 2 becomes available, the control unit 11 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6D. At this time, the control unit 11 acquires automatic delivery history information previously stored in the storage unit 14 in S903, thereby reducing the load on the management server and transmitting the cartridge type determination command in S906. Subsequently, the control unit 11 then transmits a cartridge delivery determination command to the management server 2 in S1006 of FIG. 10, thereby smoothly providing the automatic delivery service for the ink cartridge 5.

[0113] In the above embodiment, ink cartridges are used as examples of consumables, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer, the consumables may be toner. That is, the consumables may be recording materials other than ink cartridges. Alternatively, the consumables may be consumables other than recording materials.

[0114] 6(a) to 6(d) and 8 to 10 in the above embodiment may be made executable by updating the control program of the image forming device having the communication unit 12 and the consumables installation unit 16. For example, when a service provider concludes a contract with a contractor, the service provider may update the control program of an image forming device owned by the contractor or an image forming device leased to the contractor. In this way, a consumables management system SY may be constructed, and an automatic consumables delivery service may be operated.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the control unit 11 and the communication unit 12, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a communication device having a control unit capable of executing the communication unit 12 and the processes shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) and 8 to 10 may be connected to the image forming apparatus having the consumables mounting unit 16, thereby enabling the image forming apparatus to execute the processes described above. In this case, the service provider may establish a consumables management system SY and operate an automatic consumables delivery service by connecting the communication device to an image forming apparatus owned by a contracted customer or an image forming apparatus leased to the customer.

[0116] In conventional technology, all decisions regarding whether a consumable is eligible for automatic delivery are left to the management server, placing a burden on the management server. In this embodiment, by utilizing information stored in the memory of the consumable, if the printing device can make the decision, the management server does not need to make the decision, thereby reducing the burden on the management server. However, it is not always possible to immediately query the management server when the memory of the consumable is accessed. For example, communication with the management server may not be established at that time. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the memory of the consumable is accessible, information read from the memory is stored (registered) in the storage unit of the printing device. Then, by utilizing this information stored in the printing device, the printing device determines whether the consumable is eligible for automatic delivery, for example, when communication with the management server is established. This allows the printing device to determine whether a query to the management server is necessary even when the timing at which the memory of the consumable is accessible differs from the timing at which communication with the management server is available. Therefore, for example, even if communication with the management server is not possible when accessing the memory installed in the consumable, when communication with the management server is later re-established, the printing device can quickly determine whether the consumable is eligible for automatic delivery. This makes it possible to use both the printing device's determination and the management server's determination, thereby reducing the load on the management server during automatic delivery of consumables.

[0117] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and that the data may be configured in various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus made up of a single device. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of the above embodiments.

[0118] Other Embodiments The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the 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 realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modifications are included in the present invention.

[0119] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) 1. A printing device, comprising: a first processing means for reading, from a first storage means provided in a consumable attached to the printing device, identification information of the consumable and history information indicating whether or not the consumable identified from the identification information has been delivered using a predetermined service, and for storing these pieces of information in a second storage means provided in the printing device in association with each other; a requesting means for requesting information related to the service relating to the consumables installed in the printing device from a server system that provides the service; receiving means for receiving the service-related information transmitted by the server system in response to the request; A printing device characterized in that the request means makes the request when the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable installed in the printing device indicates that delivery processing has not been performed by the service, and does not make the request when the history information contains a delivery history indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service. (Configuration 2) The printing device according to configuration 1, wherein the first processing means performs processing at least when the printing device is started and when a consumable item is installed in the printing device. (Configuration 3) The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2 is characterized in that it has a second processing means that, when receiving information as related information of the service that the service has processed delivery of a consumable identified by the identification information of the consumable installed in the printing device, updates the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the installed consumable to information indicating that delivery has been processed by the service. (Configuration 4) The printing device according to configuration 3 is characterized in that it has a third processing means that rewrites the history information stored in the first storage means provided in the installed consumable item based on the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable item installed in the printing device. (Configuration 5) The printing device according to configuration 4, wherein the third processing means performs processing when processing is performed by the second processing means or when printing is performed by the printing device. (Method 1) A method for controlling a printing device, comprising: a first processing step of reading, from a first storage means provided in the consumable attached to the printing device, identification information of the consumable and history information indicating whether or not the consumable identified from the identification information has been delivered using a predetermined service, and associating these pieces of information and storing them in a second storage means provided in the printing device; a request step of requesting information related to the service relating to the consumables installed in the printing device from a server system that provides the service; a receiving step of receiving the service-related information transmitted by the server system in response to the request, A method for controlling a printing device, characterized in that in the request step, if the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable attached to the printing device indicates that delivery processing has not been performed by the service, the request is made, and if the history information has a delivery history indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service, the request is not made.

Claims

1. 1. A printing device, comprising: a first processing means for reading, from a first storage means provided in a consumable attached to the printing device, identification information of the consumable and history information indicating whether or not the consumable identified from the identification information has been delivered using a predetermined service, and for storing these pieces of information in a second storage means provided in the printing device in association with each other; a requesting means for requesting information related to the service relating to the consumables installed in the printing device from a server system that provides the service; receiving means for receiving the service-related information transmitted by the server system in response to the request; A printing device characterized in that the request means makes the request when the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable installed in the printing device indicates that delivery processing has not been performed by the service, and does not make the request when the history information contains a delivery history indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service.

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first processing means performs processing at least when the printing device is started and when a consumable item is installed in the printing device.

3. A printing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when information is received as related information of the service that delivery processing has been performed by the service for a consumable identified by identification information of the consumable installed in the printing device, the printing device has a second processing means that updates the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the installed consumable to information indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, further comprising a third processing means for rewriting the history information stored in the first storage means provided on the consumable item installed in the printing device based on the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable item installed in the printing device.

5. 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the third processing means performs processing at least when processing is performed by the second processing means or when printing is performed by the printing device.

6. A method for controlling a printing device, comprising: a first processing step of reading, from a first storage means provided in a consumable attached to the printing device, identification information of the consumable and history information indicating whether or not the consumable identified from the identification information has been delivered using a predetermined service, and associating these pieces of information and storing them in a second storage means provided in the printing device; a request step of requesting information related to the service relating to the consumables installed in the printing device from a server system that provides the service; a receiving step of receiving the service-related information transmitted by the server system in response to the request, A method for controlling a printing device, characterized in that in the request step, if the history information stored in the second storage means corresponding to the identification information of the consumable attached to the printing device indicates that delivery processing has not been performed by the service, the request is made, and if the history information has a delivery history indicating that delivery processing has been performed by the service, the request is not made.

Images