Information processing device, delivery system, and method and program for controlling the information processing device

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of delivering a consumable at an appropriate timing in an information processing device.SOLUTION: An image processing device 101 which is an information processing device comprises: acquisition means (CPU 203) for acquiring the consumption degree of a consumable; estimation means (CPU 203) for estimating the replacement time of the consumable on the basis of the consumption degree; comparison means (CPU 203) for comparing a first period from the estimation time of the replacement time to the replacement time with a second period from the estimation time of the replacement time to the expiration of a subscription contact; and determination means (CPU 203) for determining, when the comparing result of the comparison means shows that the first period is equal to or shorter than the second period, that it is necessary to replace the consumable, and determining that delivery of a consumable at the estimation time can be instructed to a delivery source for delivering the consumable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a delivery system, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, subscription services have become popular, allowing users to receive various services for image processing devices such as printers by paying a regular fee, for example, monthly or yearly. With subscription services, users can receive consumable supplies, such as printing paper and toner, for a fixed fee during the contract period. Some subscription services allow users to sign up for a monthly contract, for example, for a one-month trial. This allows users to assess the usefulness of the subscription service. With subscription services, users can continue using the image processing device without worrying about the extent of consumable consumption. Meanwhile, service providers must deliver consumable supplies in the image processing device in an optimal timing, i.e., in an appropriate amount, depending on the extent of consumption of the consumables. Patent Document 1 discloses a device management system that appropriately predicts the consumption of consumables. The device management system described in Patent Document 1 calculates the predicted consumption of consumables for a device based on attribute information indicating the device user's attributes and consumption information indicating the device's consumption of consumables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-117877 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device management system described in Patent Document 1, even if an order for a consumable is placed based on the predicted consumption amount of the consumable, depending on the timing of the order, the consumable may arrive to the user after the contract period has expired. Also, even if the consumable arrives to the user within the contract period, there is a risk that the consumable may not be used within the contract period.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for delivering consumables for an information processing device at an appropriate timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device that processes information regarding consumables used within the scope of a subscription contract, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring the degree of wear of the consumable; an estimation means for estimating the replacement time of the consumable based on the degree of wear; a comparison means for comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; and a determination means for determining that the consumable needs to be replaced if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and for determining that delivery instructions for the consumable can be given to the delivery source that delivers the consumable at the estimated time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when consumables for an information processing device are delivered, the delivery can be performed at an appropriate timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a delivery system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus and a management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of consumables data. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of contract information for an image processing apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a conventional consumables ordering process that can be executed by an image processing apparatus. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a consumables ordering process executed by the image processing apparatus. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a developing unit and its peripheral devices of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a low toner level. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a conventional low toner remaining display process that can be executed by an image processing apparatus. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a low toner remaining amount display process executed by the image processing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a delivery system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery system 100 includes an image processing device (image forming device) 101, an image processing device (image forming device) 102, a management server (server) 103, and an order server 104. The image processing device 101 and the image processing device 102 are communicably connected to each other via a network 105. The number of image processing devices arranged in the delivery system 100 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The management server 103 and the order server 104 are communicably connected to each other via a cloud-based network 106. The management server 103 and the order server 104 are not limited to being configured separately from each other, and may be, for example, integrated, i.e., configured as a single device. The image processing device 101, the image processing device 102, the management server 103, and the order server 104 are communicably connected to each other via the networks 105 and 106.

[0011] Since the image processing device 101 and the image processing device 102 have the same configuration, the following description will focus on the image processing device 101 as a representative example. The image processing device 101 is an information processing device with an image forming function, and can, for example, receive a print job from a terminal device such as a personal computer and print out an image, or scan an image using a scanner and print out the image. A user of the image processing device 101 enters into a subscription contract with a user of the management server 103. In this case, each user may be an individual or a corporation. Under the subscription contract, for example, when printing using the image processing device 101, a fixed fee is charged for the printing paper used for that printing. In this flat-rate printing method, a user of the image processing device 101 pays a fixed amount every predetermined period (e.g., one month) to print a predetermined number of printable sheets within that fixed amount. The subscription contract is renewable. The image processing device 101 processes information about consumables used within the scope of the subscription contract. Consumables are not particularly limited, and examples include printing paper, toner, etc. Then, the image processing device 101 transmits the degree of consumption of the consumable to the management server 103. The degree of consumption may be the number of times the consumable has been used (counter value), or may be the usage ratio to the average lifespan of the consumable. The timing for transmitting the degree of consumption to the management server 103 may be, for example, periodically, or after an event that increases the degree of consumption is executed, such as a printing process.

[0012] The management server 103 can receive and manage various levels of wear from the image processing device 101. The management server 103 can also manage contract information such as the contract period for the subscription of the image processing device 101, and provide the contract information to the image processing device 101. The management server 103 also manages the ordering server 104. The ordering server 104 is a delivery source that delivers (ships) consumables used in the image processing device 101 based on the management information in the management server 103.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device and a management server. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 101 includes a control unit 201, a touch panel 210, a display 211, a storage device 212, a scanner 213, and a printer 214. The control unit 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 203, a random access memory (RAM) 204, and a read-only memory (ROM) 205. The control unit 201 also includes an input control interface (I / F) 206, a display control interface (I / F) 207, a storage device interface (I / F) 208, and a network interface (I / F) 209. The CPU 203 to the network interface (I / F) 209 are communicably connected to one another via a system bus 202. The scanner 213 and the printer 214 are also communicably connected to the system bus 202. The CPU 203 is a computer that controls the image processing device 101 and performs data calculations and processing. The RAM 204 is a volatile memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 203. The ROM 205 is a non-volatile memory that stores image data and other data, various programs for the operation of the CPU 203, etc. The CPU 203 controls each unit of the image processing device 101 using the RAM 204 as a work memory in accordance with, for example, a program stored in the ROM 205. These programs include programs for causing a computer to execute each unit and each means (method of controlling an information processing device) of the image processing device 101. Note that the programs for the operation of the CPU 203 are not limited to being stored in the ROM 205, and may be stored in, for example, the storage device 212.

[0014] The input control I / F 206 accepts user operations from an input device such as the touch panel 210, generates a control signal corresponding to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 203. The input device includes, in addition to the touch panel 210, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The CPU 203 controls each unit of the image processing device 101 in accordance with a program based on the control signal from the input control I / F 206. This allows the image processing device 101 to perform an operation corresponding to the user operation. The display control I / F 207 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 211. The CPU 203 supplies a display control signal generated in accordance with a program to the display control I / F 206. The display control I / F 207 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs it to the display 211. For example, the display control I / F 207 can display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the display 211 based on the display control signal from the CPU 203. The touch panel 210 may be configured integrally with the display 211. In this case, the touch panel 210 is configured so that its light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display 211, and is attached above the display surface of the display 211. Input coordinates on the touch panel 210 correspond to display coordinates on the display 211. This makes it possible to configure a GUI that makes it appear as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 211. A storage device 212, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, is connected to the storage device I / F 208. This allows data to be read from and written to the storage device 212 under the control of the CPU 203. Note that the image processing device 101 may use the storage device 212 instead of the RAM 204 or ROM 205. The network I / F 209 performs communication with various networks, such as the network 105, under the control of the CPU 203.

[0015] The scanner 213 reads an original document and generates image data of the original document under the control of the CPU 203. For example, the CPU 203 causes the scanner 213 to execute a scan process in response to a user operation input via the input control I / F 206. The scanner 213 reads an original document placed on a platen or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), converts the scanned image data into digital data, and generates image data of the original document. The scanner 213 then stores the image data in the storage device 212 via the storage device I / F 208. The printer 214 executes a print process of the image data stored in the storage device 212 under the control of the CPU 203. For example, the CPU 203 causes the printer 214 to execute a print process in response to a user operation input via the input control I / F 206 or a command input from an external device via the network I / F 209. The printer 214 prints on printing paper supplied from a paper supply unit. The paper supply unit includes a cassette supply that can supply large quantities of printing paper of a specific size, such as A4 or A5, at once, and a manual supply that allows the user to manually insert printing paper. The printer 214 reads image data from the storage device 212, converts it into a printable data format, and prints it on printing paper.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the management server 103 includes a CPU 215, a RAM 216, a HDD 217, and a network I / F 218. The CPU 215 controls the entire management server 103. The CPU 215 can control data transmission and reception between the RAM 216, the HDD 217, and the network I / F 218. The CPU 215 loads a control program (instructions) read from the HDD 217 into the RAM 216 and executes the instructions stored in the RAM 216. The RAM 216 can load instructions stored in the HDD 217 to make them readable by the CPU 215, and can store various data required for executing the instructions. The HDD 217 can store control programs (instructions) executable by the CPU 215, wear levels received from the image processing device 101, setting values ​​used by the image processing device 101, and the like. The management server 103 may include other storage media in addition to the HDD 217. The network I / F 218 communicates with various networks such as the network 106 under the control of the CPU 215 .

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of consumables data. The consumables data 301 shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage device 212 of the image processing device 101. The consumables data 301 includes user identification information 310, a serial number 311, a contract expiration date 312, consumables information 313, consumables information 314, and consumables information 315. The user identification information 310 is identification information of the administrative user who uses and manages the image processing device 101. The serial number 311 is a number that identifies the model and individual unit of the image processing device 101. The contract expiration date 312 is the subscription contract term for the image processing device 101, i.e., the contract expiration date. The contract expiration date 312 is acquired from the management server 103 based on the contract information managed by the management server 103. The contract expiration date 312 is acquired, for example, when the image processing device 101 is started up or when the contract is renewed on the management server 103.

[0018] The consumable information 313 to 315 each include a consumable ID 320, a consumption level 321, a usage start date 322, a replacement guideline 323, an order guideline 324, and order information 325. The consumable ID 320 is an ID for identifying a consumable used in the image processing device 101 under a subscription contract. Examples of consumables include, but are not limited to, printing paper and toner. The consumption level 321 indicates the consumption level of the consumable. For example, the consumption level of a new consumable can be 0%, and the consumption level of a consumable that requires replacement can be 100%, but is not limited to this. The usage start date 322 is the date on which the consumable started to be used from a new state. The replacement guideline 323 is determined based on different criteria depending on the consumable. For example, the number of printed sheets for printing paper and the usage time for toner can be used. The replacement guideline 323 can also be a consumption level expressed as a percentage. The order guideline 324 is a reference period (number of days) until the consumable needs to be replaced, and is an example of a predetermined period. The order guideline 324 is set, for example, so that the consumables will arrive in time when replacement is required, but is also set to a number of days adjusted so that the consumables arrive at the user (contractor) as close to the date of replacement as possible. Setting such a number of days can, for example, reduce pressure on the user's (contractor's) consumable inventory space. The order guideline 324 differs depending on the type of consumable. The order information 325 is information indicating whether the consumable has been ordered. The order information 325 is reset when the consumable is replaced, i.e., it is set to "not ordered." While there are three pieces of consumable information (consumable information 313 to consumable information 315) in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, this is not limiting, and there are as many pieces of consumable information as there are consumables in the image processing device 101.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of contract information for an image processing device. Contract information 401 shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the HDD 217 of the management server 103. The contract information 401 includes image processing device management information 402 and image processing device management information 403. The image processing device management information 402 and image processing device management information 403 are each information for managing contract information for the number of image processing devices owned by each user. The image processing device management information 402 includes user information 410, and the image processing device management information 403 includes user information 413. The user information 410 and the user information 413 each include, for example, information identifying the contract user and information on the delivery address for consumables. The image processing device management information 402 also includes contract information 411 and contract information 412 for two image processing devices owned by one user identified by the user information 410. The image processing device management information 403 also includes contract information 414 and contract information 415 for two image processing devices owned by one user identified by the user information 413. Contract information 411, contract information 412, contract information 414, and contract information 415 each include a serial number 420, a contract expiration date 421, and contract details 422. The serial number 420 is a number that identifies the model and individual unit of the image processing device. The contract expiration date 421 is the subscription contract term (contract expiration date) for the image processing device. The contract details 422 is plan information and the like included in the subscription contract.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a conventional consumables ordering process executable by an image processing apparatus. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 203 of the image processing apparatus 101. The execution timing can be, but is not limited to, when a job, such as printing or scanning, that uses consumables in the image processing apparatus 101 is executed. For example, if a large number of print jobs consume a large amount of consumables, the execution timing can be when printed paper is ejected during the execution of the print job, or when each page is printed. As shown in FIG. 5, in step S501, the CPU 203 of the image processing apparatus 101 reads information on consumables that can be ordered from the consumables information 313 to 315 (see FIG. 3) of the consumables data 301 from the storage device 212 to the RAM 204. As described above, the consumables information 313 to 315 includes the consumables ID 320, the consumption level 321, the usage start date 322, the estimated replacement date 323, the estimated order date 324, and the order information 325, respectively. As a result, in step S501, the degree of consumption of the consumable is acquired (acquisition step). In this manner, in this embodiment, the CPU 203 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the degree of consumption of the consumable. Note that in the image processing device 101, a section that functions as an acquisition unit may be provided separately from the CPU 203. After step S501 is executed, the process proceeds to step S502.

[0021] In step S502, the CPU 203 estimates the replacement time of the consumable item based on the degree of consumption of the consumable item included in the consumable item information read in step S501 (estimation step). As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 203 also functions as an estimation unit that estimates the replacement time. Note that the image processing device 101 may have a section that functions as an estimation unit separate from the CPU 203. In this embodiment, the replacement time is the number of days remaining from the current time until the degree of consumption reaches 100%, i.e., the degree of consumption at which the consumable item is considered to be completely consumed. Therefore, the number of remaining days is the period (first period) from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time. To obtain this number of remaining days, for example, the number of days of use of the consumable item is obtained based on the start date of use 322 and the current date and time. Next, the current degree of consumption 321 is divided by the number of days of use to obtain the degree of consumption per day. For example, if the degree of consumption is 80% over 50 days, the degree of consumption per day is 1.6%. Next, the remaining number of days is obtained by subtracting the consumption level 321 from the consumption level 100% and multiplying the result by the consumption progress rate per day.

[0022] In step S503, CPU 203 determines whether the number of remaining days acquired in step S502 is equal to or less than estimated order number 324. In this manner, in this embodiment, CPU 203 also functions as a determination means for determining whether the number of remaining days is equal to or less than estimated order number 324. Note that in image processing device 101, a section functioning as a determination means may be provided separately from CPU 203. Then, if it is determined in step S503 that the number of remaining days is equal to or less than estimated order number 324, processing proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the number of remaining days is not equal to or less than estimated order number 324, processing proceeds to step S507.

[0023] In step S504, CPU 203 determines whether the consumable has been shipped based on order information 325 included in the consumable information read in step S501. If it is determined in step S504 that the consumable has been shipped, the process proceeds to step S507. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the consumable has not been shipped, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0024] In step S505, CPU 203 controls network I / F 209 to transmit consumable serial number 311 and consumable ID 320 included in consumable data 301, as well as an ordering instruction for the consumable, to management server 103. As a result, network I / F 218 of management server 103 can receive serial number 311, consumable ID 320, and the ordering instruction for the consumable. Then, CPU 215 of management server 103 transmits user information 410 related to serial number 311 and consumable ID 320, as well as consumable ID 320, to ordering server 104. As a result, ordering processing for the consumable is executed in ordering server 104, and the consumable is delivered to the user. Note that in this embodiment, the consumable order request is sent from image processing device 101 to ordering server 104 via management server 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image processing device 101 may directly send an order request to ordering server 104. After step S505 is executed, processing proceeds to step S506.

[0025] In step S506, the CPU 203 updates the order information 325 to indicate that the consumable has been ordered. After step S506 is executed, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0026] In step S507, CPU 203 determines whether confirmation of the execution of the processes in steps S501 to S506 for all consumable parts that can be ordered has been completed. If it is determined in step S507 that confirmation has been completed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S507 that confirmation has not been completed, the process returns to step S501, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0027] In this way, conventional consumable ordering processes order consumables based on the consumption rate of the consumables. However, depending on the timing of the order, there is a risk that the consumables will arrive to the user after the subscription contract period has expired. Furthermore, even if the consumables arrive to the user within the subscription contract period, there is a risk that the consumables will not be used within the contract period, i.e., will not need to be replaced. In this case, there is a risk that the user's storage space for consumables will be strained.

[0028] Therefore, the image processing device 101 is configured to be able to reduce such a phenomenon. The configuration and operation will be described below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a consumables ordering process executed by the image processing device. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, steps S601 to S604 are executed sequentially as the process. Steps S601 to S604 are the same as steps S501 to S504 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. If it is determined in step S604 that the consumables have been shipped, the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that the consumables have not been shipped, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0029] In step S605, the CPU 203 of the image processing device 101 determines whether the consumable needs to be replaced within the subscription contract period. This determination is made as follows. First, the CPU 203 acquires the number of remaining days until contract expiration (second period) from the time the remaining days were estimated in step S602 to the expiration of the subscription contract, based on the contract expiration date 312 included in the consumable data 301. Next, the CPU 203 compares the number of remaining days estimated in step S602 (hereinafter referred to as the "first remaining days") with the number of remaining days until contract expiration (hereinafter referred to as the "second remaining days") (comparison step). Then, if the result of this comparison shows that the first remaining days is equal to or less than the second remaining days (the first period is equal to or less than the second period), the CPU 203 determines that the consumable needs to be replaced and determines that delivery instructions for the consumable can be sent to the order server 104 at the time of estimating the first remaining days (determination step).

[0030] 6, if it is determined in step S603 that the first remaining number of days exceeds the estimated order date 324, or if it is determined in step S604 that the consumable has already been shipped, execution of step S605, i.e., comparison of the first remaining number of days with the second remaining number of days, is skipped. Furthermore, if the first remaining number of days exceeds the second remaining number of days, the decision to replace the consumable and the decision to issue a delivery instruction for the consumable are also skipped. Thus, in this embodiment, the CPU 203 functions as a comparison unit that compares the first remaining number of days with the second remaining number of days, and also as a determination unit that determines whether to replace the consumable and whether to issue a delivery instruction for the consumable. Note that in the image processing device 101, a unit that functions as a comparison unit and a unit that functions as a determination unit may be provided separately from the CPU 203. If it is determined in step S605 that the consumable needs to be replaced, the process proceeds to step S606, and subsequent steps S606 to S608 are sequentially executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that replacement of the consumable item is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S608. Steps S606 to S608 are the same as steps S505 to S507 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0031] In the consumables ordering process in which step S605 is executed as described above, when delivering consumables for the image processing device 101, the delivery can be performed at an appropriate time, i.e., neither too early nor too late. Specifically, the timing of ordering consumables is adjusted and managed to reduce the occurrence of consumables arriving to the user after the subscription contract period has expired or of consumables arriving but not being used within the contract period. Furthermore, as described above, subscription contracts are renewable. In this case, the acquisition of the wear level, the estimation of the replacement time, and the determination of whether or not to replace the consumables and to issue a consumables delivery instruction are each performed anew each time the subscription contract is renewed. This enables consumables ordering in accordance with the contract renewal details. Furthermore, the image processing device 101 may be configured to adjust the first remaining number of days. In this case, for example, when the first remaining number of days is estimated, the first remaining number of days may be adjusted to a number less than the estimated number of days by subtracting a desired number of days from the first remaining number of days. Such an adjustment is effective when, for example, the first remaining number of days is close to the second remaining number of days, and there is a possibility that consumables will need to be replaced earlier than expected due to uneven usage of the image processing device 101.

[0032] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. Differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar details will not be described. When the consumable is toner, a message indicating that the toner is low may be displayed on the display 211 of the image processing device 101 to prompt the user to replace the toner. In this case, if toner ordering is suppressed, there is a risk that the toner may not arrive even if the user attempts to replace the toner. Even if the toner has arrived, there is a risk that the user will be forced to perform unnecessary toner replacement work, even though there is no need to replace the toner until the expiration of the contract period. This embodiment describes a process for suppressing the display of a low toner level message that takes into account the expiration of the contract period. Toner replacement is performed by replacing a toner bottle filled with toner. Even if the toner bottle runs out, printing can continue as long as there is toner remaining in the developing device or hopper of the image processing device 101, for example. When the toner bottle runs out, the toner bottle can be replaced even during printing, i.e., without stopping printing. Therefore, when the toner bottle runs out, the user can be notified that the toner bottle can be replaced by displaying "Toner Low (see FIG. 8)" on the display 211. Note that, in this embodiment, toner is used as the consumable item for which the low toner display is to be made, but this is not limiting.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a developing device and its peripheral devices in an image processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, the image processing apparatus 101 includes a drum 701, a developing device 702, a toner bottle 703, a hopper 704, a toner bottle mounting unit 705, a toner stirring member 706, and toner sensors 707 and 708. The image processing apparatus 101 also includes a rotation drive mechanism 709, a toner transport screw 710, and a toner sensor 712. A hopper 704 is disposed above the developing device 702. The hopper 704 temporarily receives toner supplied from a toner bottle 703 serving as a developer container. The toner bottle 703 is replaceably housed within the toner bottle mounting unit 705. The hopper 704 is provided with a toner transport screw 710 for supplying toner to the developing device 702. The weight of toner remaining in the toner bottle 703 can cause unevenness in the amount of toner supplied. The toner transport screw 710 ensures uniform toner supply to stabilize the toner weight in the developing device 702. A toner stirring member 706 is disposed in the hopper 704 to improve the fluidity of the toner inside. The toner delivered to a supply port 711 of the hopper 704 is transported from the hopper 704 to the developing device 702 by a toner transport screw 710 that is rotationally driven by a rotation drive mechanism 709. The toner supplied to the developing device 702 is sent to the drum 701 on which the electrostatic image is formed.

[0034] Developing unit 702 is provided with toner sensors 707 and 708 that detect the amount of toner therein. Hopper 704 is provided with toner sensor 712 that detects the amount of toner therein. Based on the detection results of toner sensors 707, 708, and 712, the supply of toner from toner bottle 703 to hopper 704 and the supply of toner from hopper 704 to developing unit 702 are controlled, and the amount of remaining toner is determined. Note that toner sensor 707 determines the upper limit of toner in the hopper, and toner sensor 708 can determine whether or not toner is present in the hopper. If toner sensor 707 does not turn ON even when toner is supplied from toner bottle 703, toner bottle 703 is determined to be empty. In addition, the amount of supplied toner can be obtained by checking the number of rotations of toner transport screw 710 from the amount of toner supplied per one rotation of toner transport screw 710. This makes it possible to more accurately determine the amount of remaining toner.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a low toner display screen. The screen 801 shown in FIG. 8 is a home screen displayed on the display 211 of the image processing device 101. The screen 801 includes a message 802 and a plurality of icons 803. In FIG. 8, the message 802 is a message indicating that "yellow toner is low," and is located in an area at the bottom of the screen 801 that displays the status of the image processing device 101. Upon checking this message 802, the user knows that the toner in the yellow toner bottle 703 has run out, and can replace the toner bottle 703. The icon 803 includes, for example, an icon for instructing the image processing device 101 to copy, print, or the like.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a low toner display process executed by the image processing apparatus. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is periodically executed by the CPU 203 of the image processing apparatus 101. As shown in Fig. 9, in step S901, the CPU 203 of the image processing apparatus 101 acquires the detection results (information) of the toner sensors 707, 708, and 712 for one color.

[0037] In step S902, CPU 203 determines whether toner bottle 703 of the one color is empty based on the detection result acquired in step S901 and the toner supply operation described above (see FIG. 7). If it is determined in step S902 that toner bottle 703 is empty, the process proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that toner bottle 703 is not empty, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0038] In step S903, the CPU 203 adds a message 802 to the screen 801 displayed on the display 211 of the image processing apparatus 101. After step S903 is executed, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0039] In step S904, CPU 203 determines whether or not confirmation of the execution of the processes in steps S901 to S903 for all colors of toner has been completed. If it is determined in step S904 that confirmation has been completed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that confirmation has not been completed, the process returns to step S901, and the subsequent steps are executed in order.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a toner low display process executed by an image processing apparatus. The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 shows a toner low display process that takes into account the expiration of a contract period. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, steps S1001 and S1002 are executed sequentially as the process. Steps S1001 and S1002 are the same as steps S901 and S902 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. If it is determined in step S1002 that toner bottle 703 is empty, the process proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that toner bottle 703 is not empty, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0041] In step S1003, the CPU 203 of the image processing apparatus 101 reads information on toner (consumables) that can be ordered from the consumables information 313 to 315 of the consumables data 301 (see FIG. 3) from the storage device 212 to the RAM 204.

[0042] In step S1004, CPU 203 estimates the time to replace the toner, i.e., the number of remaining days, based on the toner consumption level included in the consumable product information read in step S1003. When the consumable product is toner, consumption level 321 is obtained based on the amount of toner consumed, where 100% is the sum of the amount of toner normally supplied to developing unit 702 and hopper 704 and the amount of toner in toner bottle 703 when it is new. For example, the consumption level is calculated by using the amount of toner supplied based on the number of rotations of toner conveying screw 710 as the amount of toner consumed. The consumption level may also be supplemented by the replacement of toner bottle 703 and the detection status of toner sensors 707, 708, and 712. In this embodiment, the number of days of use of the consumable product is calculated based on usage start date 322, which indicates the date when toner bottle 703 was last replaced, and the current date and time. The consumption level 321 is then divided by this number of days of use to obtain the daily consumption progress rate. The remaining number of days is then obtained by subtracting the consumption level 321 from the consumption level 100% and multiplying the result by the consumption progress rate per day.

[0043] In step S1005, CPU 203 determines whether a toner out state has occurred within the subscription contract period and whether toner replacement is necessary. This determination is made in the same manner as in step S605. If it is determined in step S1005 that toner replacement is necessary, processing proceeds to steps S1006 and S1007 in that order. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that toner replacement is not necessary, processing proceeds to step S1007. Steps S1006 and S1007 are the same as steps S903 and S904 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.

[0044] In the low toner display process in which steps S1003 to S1005 are executed as described above, message 802 indicating low toner is displayed on display 211 in step S1006 only if toner runs out during the subscription contract period. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being prompted to perform unnecessary toner bottle replacement work. Note that message 802 is information regarding the result of the decision made in the aforementioned decision step, and functions as a notification means for notifying the user of this information.

[0045] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 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 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., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, while the consumables ordering process is executed by the image processing device 101 in the above-described embodiment, it is not limited to this and may also be executed by the management server 103.

[0046] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that processes information about consumables used within the scope of a subscription contract, an acquisition means for acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation means for estimating a replacement time for the consumable item based on the degree of wear; a comparison means for comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; An information processing device characterized by comprising a decision means that, if the comparison result by the comparison means shows that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, determines that the consumable needs to be replaced, and decides that delivery instructions for the consumable can be issued to the delivery source that delivers the consumable at the estimated time. (Configuration 2) The information processing device described in Configuration 1 is characterized in that, if the comparison by the comparison means shows that the first period exceeds the second period, the decision means refrains from deciding to replace the consumable and deciding whether delivery instructions for the consumable can be issued. (Configuration 3) A determination means is provided for determining whether or not the first period is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period until replacement of the consumable item is required, before the comparison by the comparison means is performed; The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the comparison means compares the first period with the second period when the first period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period as a result of the judgment by the judgment means, and refrains from comparing the first period with the second period when the first period exceeds the predetermined period. (Configuration 4) The determination means may determine whether the consumable has been shipped when the first period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period, The information processing device described in configuration 3 is characterized in that the comparison means compares the first period with the second period when the judgment means determines that the first period is less than the specified period and that the consumable has not been shipped. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the comparison means refrains from comparing the first period with the second period when the judgment means determines that the consumable has already been shipped. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined period differs depending on the type of the consumable item. (Configuration 7) The subscription contract is renewable; An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the acquisition of the wear level by the acquisition means, the estimation of the replacement time by the estimation means, and whether or not a decision is made by the determination means are each performed anew each time the subscription contract is renewed. (Configuration 8) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the estimation means estimates the replacement time as the number of days until the level of wear reaches a level at which the consumable is considered to be completely worn out. (Configuration 9) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a notification unit that notifies information relating to the result of the decision made by the decision unit. (Configuration 10) An image forming apparatus having a function of forming an image, 10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the consumables are used in the image forming apparatus. (Configuration 11) A delivery system including an image forming device having a function of forming an image, and a server communicably connected to the image forming device and managing a delivery source that delivers consumables used in the image forming device, The consumables are used within the scope of the subscription agreement; the image forming apparatus, an acquisition means for acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation means for estimating a replacement time for the consumable item based on the degree of wear; a comparison means for comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; A delivery system characterized by comprising a determination means for determining that the consumable needs to be replaced if the comparison result by the comparison means shows that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and for determining that delivery instructions for the consumable can be given to the delivery source at the estimated time. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that processes information about consumables used within the scope of a subscription contract, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation step of estimating a replacement time of the consumable item based on the degree of consumption; a comparison step of comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising a decision step of determining that the consumable needs to be replaced if the comparison result in the comparison step is that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and deciding that delivery instructions for the consumable can be issued to the delivery source that delivers the consumable at the estimated time. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100 Delivery System 101 Image processing device 102 Image processing device 103 Management Server 104 Ordering Server 203 CPU 312 Contract Expiration Date 321 Exhaustion level 324 Order Guide

Claims

1. An information processing device that processes information about consumables used within the scope of a subscription contract, an acquisition means for acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation means for estimating a replacement time for the consumable item based on the degree of wear; a comparison means for comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; An information processing device characterized by comprising a decision means for deciding that the consumable needs to be replaced if the comparison result by the comparison means shows that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and for deciding that delivery instructions for the consumable can be given to the delivery source that delivers the consumable at the estimated time.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the comparison result by the comparison means indicates that the first period exceeds the second period, the decision means refrains from deciding to replace the consumable item and deciding whether delivery instructions for the consumable item can be issued.

3. a determining means for determining whether or not the first period is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period until replacement of the consumable item becomes necessary before the comparison by the comparing means; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the comparison means compares the first period with the second period when the first period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period as a result of the judgment by the judgment means, and refrains from comparing the first period with the second period when the first period exceeds the predetermined period.

4. The determination means may determine whether the consumable has been shipped if the first period is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period, 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the comparison means compares the first period with the second period when the judgment means determines that the first period is less than the predetermined period and that the consumable has not been shipped.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the comparison means postpones the comparison between the first period and the second period when the determination means determines that the consumable has already been shipped.

6. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined period differs depending on the type of the consumable item.

7. the subscription agreement is renewable; The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition of the wear level by the acquisition means, the estimation of the replacement time by the estimation means, and whether or not a decision is made by the determination means are each performed anew each time the subscription contract is renewed.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates, as the replacement time, the number of days until the degree of wear reaches a level at which the consumable item is considered to be completely worn out.

9. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies information relating to the result of the determination made by said determination unit.

10. An image forming apparatus having a function of forming an image, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumables are used in the image forming apparatus.

11. A delivery system including an image forming device having a function of forming an image, and a server communicably connected to the image forming device and managing a delivery source that delivers consumables used in the image forming device, The consumables are used within the scope of the subscription agreement; the image forming apparatus, an acquisition means for acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation means for estimating a replacement time for the consumable item based on the degree of wear; a comparison means for comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; A delivery system characterized by comprising a decision means for deciding that the consumable needs to be replaced if the comparison result by the comparison means shows that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and for deciding that delivery instructions for the consumable can be given to the delivery source at the estimated time.

12. 1. A method for controlling an information processing device that processes information about consumables used within a subscription contract, the method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a consumption level of the consumable; an estimation step of estimating a replacement time of the consumable item based on the degree of consumption; a comparison step of comparing a first period from the estimated time of replacement to the replacement time with a second period from the estimated time of replacement to the expiration of the subscription contract; A control method for an information processing device, characterized by having a decision process for determining that the consumable needs to be replaced if the comparison result in the comparison process indicates that the first period is less than or equal to the second period, and for deciding that delivery instructions for the consumable can be issued to the delivery source that delivers the consumable at the estimated time.

13. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images