Apparatus and system with replacement parts

Abstract

To guide replacement of a replacement component so as to prevent a user from misunderstanding.SOLUTION: When replacement of a replacement component is required in a printer (S101), an arrangement signal for requesting arrangement of delivery of the replacement component is transmitted to a server (S103), and then a first signal indicating that the arrangement of the delivery of the replacement component is completed is received from the server (S104: YES). Thereafter, in a case where a state in which the printer and the server can communicate with each other is maintained (S105: YES), the replacement guide screen is not displayed on the display unit while the second signal indicating that the delivery of the replacement part has been completed is not received (S106: NO), and the replacement guide screen is displayed on the display unit when the second signal is received (S106: YES).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device with replaceable replacement parts and a stem including a device with a replaceable replacement part. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an apparatus equipped with replaceable replacement parts, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus equipped with replaceable parts. In Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus is connected to a management server via a network. In Patent Document 1, when the image forming apparatus detects a part whose frequency of use exceeds a threshold, replacement guide information for the replacement part is acquired from the management server and a replacement procedure button is displayed. Then, when a user operates the replacement procedure button, replacement guide processing is performed, such as displaying an image showing the replacement procedure for the replacement part and outputting a guide voice, based on the acquired replacement guide information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-122207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, it has become increasingly common for delivery of replacement parts to be arranged over the Internet or the like, and the arranged replacement parts to be delivered to the user. It may take some time from the time the delivery of the replacement parts is arranged until the replacement parts are delivered to the user. In such cases, if images showing the replacement part replacement procedure are displayed or audio guidance is output regardless of the delivery status of the replacement parts, the user may be informed of the replacement of the replacement parts even though the delivery of the replacement parts has not been completed and the replacement parts are not yet at hand, and may misunderstand that the replacement parts need to be replaced immediately.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a device equipped with a replacement part, and a system including a device equipped with a replacement part, that can guide the user in replacing the replacement part in a manner that is less likely to cause misunderstanding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with a first external device and is equipped with a replaceable replacement part, and is equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit displays a replacement guide on a display unit that guides the user to replace the replacement part when certain conditions are met when a first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received from the first external device, and does not display the replacement guide on the display unit even when the certain conditions are met when the first signal has been received from the first external device.

[0007] Furthermore, the device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with a first external device, is an device equipped with a replaceable replacement part, and is equipped with a control unit, and when the control unit has not received a first signal from the first external device indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged, the control unit displays a first replacement guide on the display unit as a replacement guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part when certain conditions are met, and when the control unit has received the first signal from the first external device, the control unit displays a second replacement guide on the display unit that contains less information than the first replacement guide when the certain conditions are met.

[0008] The system including a device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is a system comprising a device equipped with a replaceable replacement part, a first external device capable of communicating with the device equipped with the replacement part, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a replacement guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part when certain conditions are met if the control unit has not received a first signal from the first external device indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged, and does not cause the display unit to display the replacement guide even when the certain conditions are met if the control unit has received the first signal from the first external device.

[0009] Furthermore, a system including a device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is a system comprising a device equipped with a replaceable replacement part, a first external device capable of communicating with the device equipped with the replacement part, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, when it has not received a first signal from the first external device indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged, causes the display unit to display a first replacement guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part when certain conditions are met, and when it has received the first signal from the first external device, causes the display unit to display a second replacement guide that contains less information than the first replacement guide when the certain conditions are met.

[0010] Furthermore, the device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with a first external device, and is equipped with a replaceable replacement part, and is equipped with a control unit, wherein when a first signal is not received from the first external device, the control unit, when certain conditions are met, does not cause the display unit to display an indication that the replacement part is being delivered, but displays an exchange guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part, and when the first signal is received from the first external device, when the certain conditions are met, causes the display unit to display an indication that the replacement part is being delivered, but does not display the exchange guide.

[0011] Furthermore, the device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with a first external device, and is equipped with a replaceable replacement part, and is equipped with a control unit, wherein when the control unit has not received a second signal from the first external device, and when certain conditions are met, the control unit causes the display unit to display an indication that the replacement part is being delivered, and does not display an replacement guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part, and when the control unit has received the second signal from the first external device, and when certain conditions are met, the control unit causes the display unit to display an indication that delivery of the replacement part has been completed, and displays the replacement guide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to guide the user to replace replacement parts in a manner that is unlikely to cause misunderstanding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for displaying an exchange guide screen and the like in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a product maintenance contract has not been concluded in the flowchart of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] (a) is a sequence diagram for explaining the sending and receiving of signals between a printer and a server when arranging for the delivery of replacement parts, and (b) is a sequence diagram for explaining the sending and receiving of signals between a printer and a server when concluding a product maintenance contract. [Figure 6] 10A is a diagram illustrating an exchange guide screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a return guide screen. [Figure 7] 10A is a diagram for explaining the first contract information screen, FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the second contract information screen, and FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining the purchase information screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for displaying an exchange guide screen and the like in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a simple replacement guide screen. [Figure 10] (a) is a sequence diagram for explaining an example in which a first signal is sent and received but a second signal is not sent and received after arranging for delivery of a replacement part, and (b) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for displaying a replacement guide screen, etc., in an example in which a replacement guide screen is displayed when the first signal is not received and is not displayed when the first signal is received. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow for displaying the replacement guide screen, etc., in an example in which the replacement guide screen is displayed when the first signal is not received and the simple replacement guide screen is displayed when the first signal is received. [Figure 12] (a) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for displaying an exchange guide screen, etc., in an example in which an exchange guide screen is displayed when the first signal is not received and a delivery notification screen is displayed when the first signal is received, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the delivery notification screen. [Figure 13] (a) is a sequence diagram for explaining an example in which a second signal is sent and received after arranging for delivery of a replacement part, but a first signal is not sent and received; (b) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for displaying a replacement guide screen, etc., in an example in which a delivery notification screen is displayed when the second signal is not received, and a replacement guide screen is displayed when the second signal is received; and (c) is a diagram for explaining the replacement guide screen in this example. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system made up of a printer, a server, and an external device connected via a network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [First embodiment] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0015] <Overall printer configuration> 1, the printer 1 of the first embodiment includes a carriage 2, a subtank 3, an inkjet head 4, a platen 5, transport rollers 6 and 7, and a maintenance unit 8. In this embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "device having a replaceable part" of the present invention.

[0016] The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11 and 12 extending in the scanning direction. The carriage 2 is also connected to a carriage motor 86 shown in FIG. 2 via a belt or the like (not shown). When the carriage motor 86 is driven, the carriage 2 moves in the scanning direction along the guide rails 11 and 12. In the following description, the right and left sides of the scanning direction are defined as shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] The subtank 3 is mounted on the carriage 2. The printer 1 is provided with four cartridge mounting sections 23 aligned in the scanning direction at the right end in the scanning direction, downstream in the horizontal transport direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. An ink cartridge 24 is removably mounted in each cartridge mounting section 23. The four ink cartridges 24 mounted in the four cartridge mounting sections 23 store black, yellow, cyan, and magenta ink, in order from the cartridge mounting section 23 on the right side in the scanning direction. The four ink cartridges 24 mounted in the four cartridge mounting sections 23 are connected to the subtank 3 via four tubes 25, and the four colors of ink stored in the four ink cartridges 24 are supplied to the subtank 3 via the four tubes 25.

[0018] The inkjet head 4 is mounted on the carriage 2 and attached to the underside of the subtank 3. The inkjet head 4 is supplied with the four colors of ink from the subtank 3. The inkjet head 4 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on its underside, a nozzle surface 4a. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the transport direction to form nozzle rows 9, and on the nozzle surface 4a, four nozzle rows 9 are lined up in the scanning direction. The plurality of nozzles 10 eject black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks in that order, starting from the nozzles constituting the nozzle row 9 on the right side in the scanning direction.

[0019] The platen 5 is disposed below the inkjet head 4 and faces the multiple nozzles 10. The platen 5 extends over the entire length of the recording paper S in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper S from below. The transport roller 6 is disposed upstream of the inkjet head 4 and platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport roller 7 is disposed downstream of the inkjet head 4 and platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 6 and 7 are rollers whose axial direction is the scanning direction, and are connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 2 via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 6 and 7 rotate, and the recording paper S is transported in the transport direction.

[0020] The maintenance unit 8 includes a cap 31, a suction pump 32, and a waste liquid tank 33. The cap 31 is disposed to the right of the platen 5 in the scanning direction. When the carriage 2 is positioned at a maintenance position to the right of the platen 5 in the scanning direction, the plurality of nozzles 10 face the cap 31.

[0021] The cap 31 is connected to a cap lifting mechanism 88 shown in FIG. 2. When the cap lifting mechanism 88 is driven, the cap 31 moves up and down. When the carriage 2 is positioned at the maintenance position, where the plurality of nozzles 10 and the cap 31 face each other, the cap 31 is raised by the cap lifting mechanism 88, whereby the upper end of the cap 31 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a, and the plurality of nozzles 10 are covered by the cap 31. When the cap 31 is lowered, the plurality of nozzles 10 are not covered by the cap 31. Note that the cap 31 does not necessarily have to cover the plurality of nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a. For example, the cap 31 may cover the plurality of nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with a frame (not shown) or the like that is arranged around the nozzle surface 4a of the inkjet head 4.

[0022] The suction pump 32 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the cap 31 and the waste liquid tank 33. In the maintenance unit 8, when the suction pump 32 is driven in the above-mentioned capped state, it is possible to perform a so-called suction purge, which discharges ink from inside the inkjet head 4 through the multiple nozzles 10. The ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 33.

[0023] For convenience, the cap 31 has been described as covering all of the nozzles 10 together, and ink in the inkjet head 4 is discharged from all of the nozzles 10 during suction purging. However, this is not limiting. For example, the cap 31 may have separate portions covering the nozzles 10 constituting the rightmost nozzle row 9 that ejects black ink and the nozzles 10 constituting the three leftmost nozzle rows 9 that eject color inks, so that either the black ink or the color ink in the inkjet head 4 can be selectively discharged during suction purging. Here, color ink refers to yellow, cyan, and magenta ink. Alternatively, for example, a cap 71 may be provided for each nozzle row 9, so that ink can be discharged from the nozzles 10 individually for each nozzle row 9 during suction purging.

[0024] <Printer electrical configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the printer 1 is equipped with a control unit 80. The control unit 80 is made up of a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, memory 84, ASIC 85, etc. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The control unit 80 controls a carriage motor 86, inkjet head 4, transport motor 87, cap lifting mechanism 88, suction pump 32, etc.

[0025] In addition to the components described above, the printer 1 also includes a display unit 68, an operation unit 69, and a communication unit 70. The display unit 68 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Various screens are displayed on the display unit 68 under the control of the control unit 80. The operation unit 69 is, for example, a hard key or a touch panel provided on the display unit 68. When the user operates the operation unit 69, a signal corresponding to the user's operation is sent to the control unit 80.

[0026] The communication unit 70 is for communicating with the server 99. The communication unit 70 is connected to a network 98 such as the Internet, and is connected to the server 99 via the network 98. The communication unit 70 may be connected to the network 98 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The control unit 80 transmits and receives signals to and from the server 99 via the communication unit 70 and the network 98. In the first embodiment, the server 99 corresponds to the "first external device" of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the system 40 constituted by the printer 1 and the server 99 corresponds to the "system" of the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that only the CPU 81 performs various processes, or such that only the ASIC 85 performs various processes, or such that the CPU 81 and the ASIC 85 work together to perform various processes. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one CPU 81 performs processes independently, or such that multiple CPUs 81 share the processes. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one ASIC 85 performs processes independently, or such that multiple ASICs 85 share the processes.

[0028] <Recording control> Next, we will explain the processing of the control unit 80 when recording an image on recording paper S in the printer 1. In the printer 1, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction to record an image on recording paper S, it controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 in the scanning direction, while controlling the inkjet head 4 to eject ink from the multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S (a recording pass), and controls the conveyance motor 87 to convey the recording paper S by the conveyance rollers 6 and 7 in the conveyance direction by repeating these conveyance operations, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S.

[0029] Here, for example, when an operation to instruct recording is performed on the operation unit 69 of the printer 1, the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction from the operation unit 69. Alternatively, for example, when the printer 1 is connected to an external device (not shown), such as a PC or smartphone, and an operation to instruct recording is performed on the external device, the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction from the external device.

[0030] <Processing for displaying exchange guides, etc.> Next, we will explain the process flow for displaying a replacement guide screen that guides the user on replacing replacement parts in the printer 1. In the first embodiment, for example, each of the ink cartridges 24, the transport rollers 6 and 7, and the waste liquid tank 33 are replacement parts for the printer 1.

[0031] In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4, thereby causing the display of a replacement guide screen 51 (described later) and the like. The flowchart in Figure 3 starts, for example, when the printer 1 is turned on for the first time.

[0032] To explain the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4 in more detail, the control unit 80 first detects whether or not replacement of the replacement part is necessary, and based on the result of that, determines whether or not replacement of the replacement part is necessary (S101).

[0033] In S101, the control unit 80 detects whether or not replacement of a replacement part is necessary based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown). For example, if the replacement part is an ink cartridge 24, the sensor may be a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24. For example, if the replacement part is the transport rollers 6 and 7, the sensor may be a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the degree of wear on the surfaces of the transport rollers 6 and 7. For example, if the replacement part is the waste liquid tank 33, the sensor may be a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of drained liquid in the waste liquid tank 33.

[0034] Alternatively, in S101, the control unit 80 may detect whether or not a replacement part needs to be replaced by performing a calculation based on the usage status of the printer 1. For example, if the replacement part is the ink cartridge 24, the control unit 80 may detect whether or not the ink cartridge 24 needs to be replaced based on the number of sheets recorded since the ink cartridge 24 was installed in the cartridge installation unit 23. Alternatively, for example, if the replacement part is the transport rollers 6 and 7, the control unit 80 may detect whether or not the transport rollers 6 and 7 need to be replaced based on the number of sheets recorded since the transport rollers 6 and 7 were last replaced. Alternatively, for example, if the replacement part is the waste liquid tank 33, the control unit 80 may detect whether or not the waste liquid tank 33 needs to be replaced based on the number of suction purges performed since the waste liquid tank 33 was last replaced.

[0035] The control unit 80 waits while detecting that replacement of replacement parts is not necessary (S101: NO). When detecting that replacement of replacement parts is not necessary (S101: YES), the control unit 80 then determines whether a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S102). For example, information on whether a product maintenance contract has been concluded is stored in the memory 84, and the control unit 80 acquires this information from the memory 84 and makes the determination in S102. Alternatively, information on whether a product maintenance contract has been concluded is stored in the server 99, and the control unit 80 acquires this information from the server 99 and makes the determination in S102. Here, the product maintenance contract in the first embodiment is a subscription contract for the warranty of the printer 1, which includes the provision of new replacement parts when needed in exchange for a predetermined payment at regular intervals. Here, the product maintenance contract may also include the provision of a new device when the product itself breaks down. Furthermore, the product maintenance contract may also include the provision of a repaired device after the manufacturer has taken over the device and repaired it when the product itself breaks down.

[0036] If a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S102: YES), the control unit 80 then executes an arrangement signal transmission process (S103). In S103, the control unit 80 transmits an arrangement signal to the server 99 to arrange for delivery of a replacement part. As a result, if a product maintenance contract has been concluded, delivery of the replacement part is arranged and delivered without the user having to make any arrangements.

[0037] Here, the transmission and reception of signals between the printer 1 and the server 99 when arranging for delivery of a replacement part will be described. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when arranging for delivery of a replacement part, an arrangement signal is sent from the printer 1 to the server 99 (S301). The arrangement signal sent by the control unit 80 to the server 99 in S103 of FIG. 3 is an example of an arrangement signal sent from the printer 1 to the server 99 in S301. In addition, for example, if the user wishes to obtain a replacement part in advance when replacement is not necessary, the arrangement signal may be sent from the printer 1 to the server 99 in S301 by operating the operation unit 69.

[0038] The server 99 executes an arrangement process for arranging for delivery of the replacement part (S302) when it receives the arrangement signal from the printer 1. The arrangement process is, for example, a process of requesting a replacement part delivery company to deliver the replacement part to the user of the printer 1.

[0039] After the arrangement process is completed, the server 99 transmits a first signal and a delivery completion schedule signal to the printer 1 (S303). The first signal is a signal indicating that arrangements for delivery of the replacement part have been completed. The delivery completion schedule signal is a signal indicating the date and time when delivery of the replacement part is scheduled to be completed.

[0040] Furthermore, if the replacement part removed due to replacement can be returned to the printer 1 manufacturer or the like, in S303, the server 99 sends a third signal to the printer 1 together with the first signal and the delivery completion expected signal. The third signal is a signal indicating that the replacement part removed due to replacement can be returned. However, the third signal may also be sent from the server 99 to the printer 1 at a different time after the arrangement process is completed and before the replacement of the replacement part is completed, as will be described later. Note that if the replacement part removed due to replacement cannot be returned to the printer 1 manufacturer or the like, the server 99 does not send the third signal to the printer 1.

[0041] Thereafter, when delivery of the replacement part is completed, a delivery completion signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part is completed is transmitted from the delivery company or the like to the server 99 (S304). Then, when the server 99 receives the delivery completion signal, a second signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part is completed is transmitted from the server 99 to the printer 1 (S305).

[0042] Returning to FIG. 3, after transmitting the dispatch signal in S103, the control unit 80 waits until it receives a first signal (S104: NO). When it receives the first signal (S104: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether it is still able to communicate with the server 99 (S105). If it is still able to communicate with the server 99 (S105: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether it has received a second signal (S106). If it is no longer able to communicate with the server 99 (S105: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether it is the expected delivery completion date and time indicated in the delivery completion estimate signal received in S303 described above (S107).

[0043] If it is determined in S106 that the second signal has not been received (S106: NO), or if it is determined in S107 that the scheduled delivery completion date and time has not yet arrived (S107: NO), the process returns to S105.

[0044] If it is determined in S106 that the second signal has been received (S106: YES), and if it is determined in S107 that the scheduled delivery completion date and time has arrived (S107: YES), the control unit 80 executes the replacement guide display process (S108).

[0045] In the replacement guide display process of S108, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a replacement guide screen 51, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(a). The replacement guide screen 51 in FIG. 6(a) includes a message section 51A, a procedure explanation section 51B, and an illustration section 51C. The message section 51A is an area where a message urging the user to replace the replacement part is displayed. The procedure explanation section 51B is an area where an explanation of each procedure for replacing the replacement part is displayed. The illustration section 51C is an area where the explanation content in the procedure explanation section 51B is displayed as a still image or a moving image.

[0046] 3, after the replacement guide display process of S108, the control unit 80 determines whether or not replacement of the replacement part is complete (S109). In S109, the control unit 80 determines whether or not replacement of the replacement part is complete based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown) provided in the printer 1. Alternatively, in S109, the control unit 80 determines whether or not replacement of the replacement part is complete based on, for example, whether or not a signal indicating that replacement of the replacement part has been completed, which is transmitted from the operation unit 69 in response to a user operation, is received.

[0047] The control unit 80 waits until the replacement of the replacement part is completed (S109: NO). Then, when the replacement of the replacement part is completed (S109: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the above-mentioned third signal has been received, that is, whether or not the replacement part is returnable to the manufacturer of the printer 1 (S110). If the third signal has not been received, that is, if the replacement part is not returnable (S110: NO), the process returns to S101. On the other hand, if the third signal has been received, that is, if the replacement part is returnable (S110: YES), the control unit 80 executes return guide display processing (S111), and then the process returns to S101.

[0048] In the return guide display process of S111, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a return guide screen 52, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b). The return guide screen 52 of FIG. 6(b) includes a message section 52A and a return destination display section 52B. The message section 52A is an area where a message urging the user to return the replacement part is displayed. The return destination display section 52B is an area where the address of the destination to which the replacement part should be returned, etc., is displayed.

[0049] Returning to Figure 3, if a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S102: NO), or if the replacement part is a consumable item (S201: YES), as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 80 determines whether a consumable item maintenance contract has been concluded (S202).

[0050] Here, consumables are items consumed for recording on the recording paper S. In the first embodiment, among the replacement parts, the ink cartridges 24 are consumables, while the transport rollers 6, 7 and the waste liquid tank 33 are not. The consumables maintenance contract in the first embodiment is a subscription contract for the warranty of the printer 1, which includes the provision of new consumables when needed by paying a predetermined amount that is less than that of the product maintenance contract at regular intervals. More specifically, the user may be provided with a certain number of recordable pages in a corresponding month by paying a predetermined amount. The consumables maintenance contract may also be one in which the number of recordable pages is determined according to the amount charged by the user. Unlike the product maintenance contract, the consumables maintenance contract does not provide replacement parts other than consumables.

[0051] If a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), the process proceeds to S103 in Fig. 3. If a consumables maintenance contract has not been concluded (S202: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first contract information display process (S203). In the first contract information display process of S203, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first contract information screen 53, for example, as shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0052] The first contract information screen 53 in FIG. 7(a) includes a message section 53A and selection sections 53B to 53D. The message section 53A is a section that notifies the user that replacement parts will be provided if they conclude a product maintenance contract or a consumables maintenance contract, and displays a message inquiring whether or not to conclude either of the maintenance contracts. The selection section 53B is a section for selecting whether to conclude a product maintenance contract. The selection section 53C is a section for selecting whether to conclude a consumables maintenance contract. The selection section 53D is a section for selecting not to conclude any of the maintenance contracts.

[0053] If the operation unit 69 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 68, the user can select the selection units 53B to 53D by touching the portions of the display unit 68 where the selection units 53B to 53D are displayed. If the operation unit 69 is a hard key, the user can select the selection units 53B to 53D by operating the hard key. The same applies to the selection units in Figures 7(b) and (c) described below.

[0054] Here, we will explain the transmission and reception of signals between the printer 1 and the server 99 when a maintenance contract is concluded by selecting the selection unit 53B or the selection unit 53C. As shown in Fig. 5(b), when the selection unit 53B or the selection unit 53C is selected, a contract request signal is transmitted from the printer 1 to the server 99 requesting the conclusion of a maintenance contract (S401).

[0055] When the server 99 receives the contract request signal from the printer 1, it executes contract processing to conclude a maintenance contract (S402). The contract processing in S402 is, for example, processing to store information such as the person who concluded the maintenance contract and the type of maintenance contract in the server 99. Then, after the contract processing is completed, the server 99 transmits a contract completion signal to the printer 1 (S403).

[0056] Returning to FIG. 4, if a maintenance contract is concluded after the first contract information display process of S203, i.e., if either selection section 53B or 53C is selected (S204: YES), the process proceeds to S103 in FIG. 3.

[0057] If a maintenance contract has not been concluded, i.e., if the selection section 53D is selected (S204: NO), the control section 80 executes a purchase guide display process (S205). In the purchase guide display process of S205, the control section 80 causes the display section 68 to display a purchase guide screen 54, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0058] The purchase guide screen 54 in FIG. 7(b) includes a message section 54A and selection sections 54B and 54C. The message section 54A is a section where a message inquiring whether or not to purchase a replacement part is displayed. The selection section 54B is a section where the user can select whether or not to purchase a replacement part. The selection section 54C is a section where the user can select not to purchase a replacement part.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, after the purchase guide display process in S205, if a selection is made to purchase a replacement part, that is, if the selection section 54B is selected (S206: YES), the process proceeds to S103 in FIG.

[0060] If it is selected not to purchase a replacement part, that is, if selection unit 54C is selected (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S108 in FIG. 3. In this case, the process of S108 causes the replacement guide screen 51 shown in FIG. 6(a) to be displayed on the display unit 68. The user then replaces the replacement part by using a replacement part purchased at a store, for example, in accordance with the replacement guide screen 51. In this case, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display the replacement guide screen 51 without receiving the first signal or the second signal.

[0061] If the replacement part is not a consumable item (S201: NO), the control unit 80 executes a second contract information display process (S207). In the second contract information display process of S207, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second contract information screen 55, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0062] The second contract information screen 55 in FIG. 7(c) includes a message section 55A and selection sections 55B and 55C. The message section 55A notifies the user that replacement parts will be provided if the user signs a product maintenance contract, and displays a message asking whether or not to sign a product maintenance contract. The selection section 55B is a section for selecting whether or not to sign a product maintenance contract. When signing a product maintenance contract by selecting the selection section 55B, signals are sent and received between the printer 1 and the server 99, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in the same manner as described above. The selection section 55C is a section for selecting not to sign a product maintenance contract.

[0063] If a product maintenance contract has been concluded, i.e., if selection section 55B has been selected (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S103 in Fig. 3. If a maintenance contract has not been concluded, i.e., if selection section 55C has been selected (S208: NO), the process proceeds to S205.

[0064] <Effects> In the first embodiment, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received, the user may have obtained the replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by sending an arrangement signal to the server 99, such as by purchasing the replacement part at a store. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal has not been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to guide a user who has obtained a replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by sending an arrangement signal to the server 99 to replace the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0065] On the other hand, when the replacement part needs to be replaced and the first signal has been received but the second signal has not been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This prevents the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately based on the replacement guide screen 51 when delivery of the replacement part has been arranged but delivery of the replacement part has not yet been completed.

[0066] Furthermore, when both the first signal and the second signal are received while replacement of the replacement part is necessary, replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on display unit 68. This allows the user to whom the replacement part has been delivered to be guided on how to replace the replacement part based on replacement guide screen 51.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when a replacement part needs to be replaced and both the first signal and the second signal are received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. However, when a replacement part does not need to be replaced, even when both the first signal and the second signal are received, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This prevents the user from misunderstanding that a replacement part needs to be replaced when it is not.

[0068] Incidentally, a case in which both the first signal and the second signal are received when replacement of a replacement part is not required is, for example, a case in which the user desires to obtain a replacement part in advance when replacement of the replacement part is not required, and operates the operation unit 69 to send an arrangement signal from the printer 1 to the server 99 in S301.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server 99 transmits to the printer 1 the first signal and a delivery completion estimate signal indicating the date and time when delivery of the replacement part will be completed. Then, if the printer 1 remains able to communicate with the server 99 after receiving the first signal and the delivery completion estimate signal, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 when the second signal is received, regardless of the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal. On the other hand, if the printer 1 is no longer able to communicate with the server 99 after receiving the first signal and the delivery completion estimate signal, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 when the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal arrives without receiving the second signal. As a result, even if the printer 1 is no longer able to communicate with the server 99 after arranging delivery of the replacement part, the replacement guide screen 51 can be displayed at an appropriate time to guide the user to replace the replacement part.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a maintenance contract has been concluded, the first signal and the second signal are sent from the server 99 to the printer 1 according to the arrangements for delivery of the replacement part and the status of the delivery. This allows the user to be notified about the replacement of the replacement part at an appropriate timing according to the delivery of the replacement part based on the maintenance contract.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the third signal is received, that is, when the replacement part removed by replacement is returnable, the return guide screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68 after the replacement of the replacement part. As a result, when the removed replacement part is returnable, the user can be guided to return the replacement part based on the return guide screen 52.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1 equipped with the replacement part, thereby guiding the user in replacing the replacement part.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Next, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment also relates to a printer 1 similar to that of the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment differs in that the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 8, thereby displaying a replacement guide screen, etc.

[0074] 8 will be described in detail, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S501 to S504 similar to S101 to S104 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the control unit 80 determines in S504 that the first signal has been received (S504: YES), it executes a simple replacement guide display process (S505), and then executes the processes of S506 to S512 similar to S105 to S111 in the first embodiment.

[0075] In the simplified replacement guide display process of S505, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a simplified replacement guide screen 56 as shown in FIG. 9. The simplified replacement guide screen 56 of FIG. 9 includes a message section 56A and an illustration section 56B. The message section 56A is an area where a message notifying that a replacement part needs to be replaced is displayed. The illustration section 56B is an area where a still image or video is displayed showing the location of the replacement part in the printer 1, an outline of the replacement method, etc. Here, the simplified replacement guide screen 56 provides guidance on replacing the replacement part, but contains less information about replacing the replacement part than the replacement guide screen 51 displayed on the display unit 68 in the replacement guide display process of SS509. In the second embodiment, the replacement guide screen 51 corresponds to the "first replacement guide" of the present invention, and the simplified replacement guide screen 56 corresponds to the "second replacement guide" of the present invention.

[0076] 8, if the control unit 80 determines in S502 that a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S502: NO), it executes the processes of S201 to S206 shown in FIG. 4, as in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, if the control unit 80 determines in S202 that a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), if the control unit 80 determines that a maintenance contract has been concluded (S204: YES), if the control unit 80 determines that a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part (S206: YES), or if the control unit 80 determines that a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S503. Also, in the second embodiment, if the control unit 80 determines that a selection has been made to not purchase a replacement part (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S509.

[0077] <Effects> In the second embodiment, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received, the user may have obtained the replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by sending an arrangement signal to the server 99, such as by purchasing the replacement part at a store. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal has not been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to guide a user who has obtained a replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by sending an arrangement signal to the server 99 on replacing the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0078] On the other hand, when the replacement part needs to be replaced and the first signal has been received but the second signal has not been received, the simplified replacement guide screen 56, which contains less information than the replacement guide screen 51, is displayed on the display unit 68. In this way, when the delivery of the replacement part has been arranged but not yet completed, the user is notified based on the simplified replacement guide screen 56 that the replacement part needs to be replaced, but it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately.

[0079] Furthermore, when both the first signal and the second signal are received while replacement of the replacement part is necessary, replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on display unit 68. This allows the user to whom the replacement part has been delivered to be guided on how to replace the replacement part based on replacement guide screen 51.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when a replacement part needs to be replaced and the first signal has been received but the second signal has not been received, the simple replacement guide screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68. Furthermore, when a replacement part needs to be replaced and both the first signal and the second signal have been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. However, when a replacement part does not need to be replaced, the simple replacement guide screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if the first signal has been received but the second signal has not been received. Furthermore, when a replacement part does not need to be replaced, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if both the first signal and the second signal have been received. This prevents the user from misunderstanding that a replacement part needs to be replaced when it is not.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the server 99 transmits the first signal to the printer 1, along with a delivery completion estimate signal indicating the date and time when delivery of the replacement part will be completed. If the printer 1 remains able to communicate with the server 99 after receiving the first signal and the delivery completion estimate signal, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 when the second signal is received, regardless of the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal. As a result, if the printer 1 remains able to communicate with the server 99 after arranging delivery of the replacement part, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed after the delivery of the replacement part is actually completed, thereby guiding the user to replace the replacement part. On the other hand, if the printer 1 is no longer able to communicate with the server 99 after receiving the first signal and the delivery completion estimate signal, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 at the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal without receiving the second signal. As a result, even if the printer 1 becomes unable to communicate with the server 99 after arranging delivery of the replacement part, the replacement guide screen 51 can be displayed at an appropriate time to guide the user to replace the replacement part.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can be notified of the replacement of replacement parts at an appropriate timing according to the delivery of replacement parts based on the maintenance contract.

[0083] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, if the removed replacement part is returnable, the user can be guided to return the replacement part based on the return guide screen 52.

[0084] Also, in the second embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the replacement guide screen 51 and the simple replacement guide screen 56 can be displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1 equipped with the replacement parts to guide the user in replacing the replacement parts.

[0085] <Modification> The above describes the preferred first and second embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0086] In the first and second embodiments, the return guide is displayed on the display unit 68 when the third signal is received after the replacement of the replacement part is completed, i.e., when the replacement part is returnable, but this is not limited to this. In the first and second embodiments, after the replacement of the replacement part is completed, the process may return directly to S101 or S501, respectively, regardless of whether the replacement part is returnable or not. In this case, it is not necessary to send the third signal from the server 99 to the printer 1.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments, when a maintenance contract has been concluded and when a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part, the first signal and the second signal are transmitted from the server 99 to the printer 1 in accordance with the delivery status of the replacement part, but this is not limiting. For example, in the case of a printer for which a maintenance contract has not been concluded, when a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part, the first signal and the second signal may be transmitted from the server 99 to the printer 1 in accordance with the delivery status of the replacement part.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments, the server 99 transmits a delivery completion estimate signal along with the first signal to the printer 1. Thereafter, if the printer 1 remains able to communicate with the server 99, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 when the second signal is received, regardless of the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal. On the other hand, if the printer 1 is no longer able to communicate with the server 99, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 when the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal arrives, without receiving the second signal. However, this is not limited to this.

[0089] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the delivery completion estimate signal does not have to be sent when the first signal is sent from the server 99 to the printer 1. Thereafter, when the second signal is received while the printer 1 remains able to communicate with the server 99, the replacement guide screen 51 may be displayed on the display unit 68. In this case, for example, if the printer 1 is no longer able to communicate with the server 99, the user can operate the operation unit 69 after delivery of the replacement part is completed to display the replacement guide screen 51 on the display unit 68, and replace the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0090] In the first and second embodiments, the specific condition is that a replacement part needs to be replaced. In the first and second embodiments, when a replacement part needs to be replaced, i.e., when the specific condition is met, and both the first signal and the second signal are received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, in the first and second embodiments, when a user has operated the operation unit 69 to arrange for delivery of a replacement part but no replacement of the replacement part is required, i.e., when the specific condition is not met, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if both the first signal and the second signal are received. Also, in the second embodiment, for example, when a user has operated the operation unit 69 to arrange for delivery of a replacement part but no replacement of the replacement part is required, i.e., when the specific condition is not met, the simplified replacement guide screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68 if the first signal is received but the second signal is not received. However, this is not limited to this.

[0091] The specific condition may be a condition other than the need to replace a replacement part. For example, the replaceable replacement part may be a replacement part that is refilled with replaceable ink. More specifically, the printer 1 may have an ink tank installed inside the printer 1 instead of a replaceable ink cartridge 24. In such a case, the specific condition may be a condition that the ink in the tank needs to be refilled, and the replacement part may be a bottle containing the refilled ink. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the replacement guide screen 51 may be displayed on the display unit 68 when both the first signal and the second signal are received, regardless of whether the specific condition is met. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the simple replacement guide screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 when the first signal is received but the second signal is not received, regardless of whether the specific condition is met.

[0092] In the above example, the printer 1 receives both the first signal and the second signal from the server 99, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0093] In the first modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 10(a), thereby causing replacement guidance to be displayed.

[0094] 10(a) in detail, the control unit 80 detects whether or not replacement of a replacement part is necessary, and waits while replacement of a replacement part is not necessary (S601: NO). If replacement of a replacement part is necessary (S601: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S602), similar to S102 in the first embodiment. If a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S602: YES), the control unit 80 executes a dispatch signal transmission process similar to S103 in the first embodiment (S603).

[0095] 10(b), in Modification 1, when arranging for delivery of a replacement part, an arrangement signal is sent from printer 1 to server 99 (S701), similar to S301 in the first embodiment, and arrangement processing is performed in server 99 (S702), similar to S302 in the first embodiment. After the arrangement processing is completed, a first signal is sent from server 99 to printer 1 (S703). However, in Modification 1, the second signal described in the first embodiment is not sent from server 99 to printer 1, regardless of the delivery status of the replacement part thereafter.

[0096] 10(a), after the dispatch signal transmission process of S603, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a first signal has been received (S604). If the first signal has not been received (S604: NO), the control unit 80 executes an exchange guide display process similar to S108 in the first embodiment (S605), and then the process proceeds to S607. If the first signal has been received (S604: YES), the control unit 80 executes an exchange guide non-display process (S606), and then the process proceeds to S607.

[0097] The replacement guide non-display processing of S606 is processing to prevent the replacement guide screen 51 from being displayed on the display unit 68. Specifically, if the replacement guide screen 51 is being displayed on the display unit 68, in the replacement guide non-display processing of S606, the control unit 80 stops the display of the replacement guide screen 51 on the display unit 68. Furthermore, if the replacement guide screen 51 is not being displayed on the display unit 68, in the replacement guide non-display processing of S606, the control unit 80 does not perform any particular processing, and causes the display unit 68 to maintain a state in which the replacement guide screen 51 is not being displayed.

[0098] In S607, the control unit 80 determines whether the replacement of the replacement part is complete, similar to S109 in the first embodiment. If the replacement of the replacement part is not complete (S607: NO), the process returns to S604. If the replacement of the replacement part is complete (S607: YES), the process returns to S601.

[0099] Furthermore, if it is determined in S602 that a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S602: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S201 to S206 shown in Fig. 4. However, in Modification 1, if it is determined in S202 that a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), if it is determined in S204 that a maintenance contract has been concluded (S204: YES), if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part (S206: YES), or if it is determined in S208 that a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S603. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made not to purchase a replacement part (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S605.

[0100] In the first modification, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal has not been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. This allows a user who has obtained a replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by transmitting an arrangement signal to the server 99 to be guided to replace the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0101] On the other hand, when the first signal is received and replacement of the replacement part is necessary, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This prevents the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately based on the replacement guide screen 51 when delivery of the replacement part has been arranged but delivery of the replacement part has not yet been completed.

[0102] Note that in the case of Modification 1, unlike the first embodiment, the printer 1 does not receive the second signal, and the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even after delivery of the replacement part is completed. Therefore, in the case of Modification 1, for example, when delivery of the replacement part is completed, the user operates the operation unit 69 to display the replacement guide screen 51 on the display unit 68, and replaces the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51. The same applies to Modifications 2 and 3 described below.

[0103] In the second modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 11, thereby causing replacement guidance to be displayed.

[0104] 11 in detail, the control unit 80 detects whether or not replacement of a replacement part is necessary, and waits while replacement of a replacement part is not necessary (S801: NO). When replacement of a replacement part is necessary (S801: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S802), similar to S102 in the first embodiment. When a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S802: YES), the control unit 80 executes a dispatch signal transmission process similar to S103 in the first embodiment (S803).

[0105] Here, in Modification 2, when arranging for delivery of a replacement part, signals are sent and received between the printer 1 and the server 99, as shown in Fig. 10(b), just as in Modification 1. That is, in Modification 2, just as in Modification 1, after the arrangement process, the server 99 sends a first signal to the printer 1, but does not send a second signal.

[0106] After the dispatch signal transmission process of S803, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the first signal has been received (S804). If the first signal has not been received (S804: NO), the control unit 80 executes the same replacement guide display process as S509 in the second embodiment (S805), and then the process proceeds to S807. If the first signal has been received (S804: YES), the control unit 80 executes the same simple replacement guide display process as S505 in the second embodiment (S806), and then the process proceeds to S807.

[0107] In S807, the control unit 80 determines whether the replacement of the replacement part is complete, similar to S109 in the first embodiment. If the replacement of the replacement part is not complete (S807: NO), the process returns to S804. If the replacement of the replacement part is complete (S807: YES), the process returns to S801.

[0108] Furthermore, if it is determined in S802 that a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S802: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S201 to S206 shown in Fig. 4. However, in Modification 2, if it is determined in S202 that a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), if it is determined in S204 that a maintenance contract has been concluded (S204: YES), if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part (S206: YES), or if it is determined in S208 that a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S803. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made not to purchase a replacement part (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S805.

[0109] In the second modification, when a replacement part needs to be replaced but the first signal has not been received, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68. This allows a user who has obtained a replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by transmitting an arrangement signal to the server 99 to be guided to replace the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0110] On the other hand, when the first signal has been received but the second signal has not been received while replacement of the replacement part is necessary, the simplified replacement guide screen 56, which contains less information than the replacement guide screen 51, is displayed on the display unit 68. In this way, when delivery of the replacement part has been arranged but not yet completed, the user is notified based on the simplified replacement guide screen 56 that replacement of the replacement part is necessary, but it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately.

[0111] In the third modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 12(a), thereby causing replacement guidance to be displayed.

[0112] 12(a) in detail, the control unit 80 detects whether or not replacement of a replacement part is necessary, and waits while replacement of a replacement part is not necessary (S901: NO). When replacement of a replacement part is necessary (S901: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S902), similar to S102 in the first embodiment. When a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S902: YES), the control unit 80 executes a dispatch signal transmission process similar to S103 in the first embodiment (S903).

[0113] Here, in Modification 3, when arranging for delivery of a replacement part, signals are sent and received between the printer 1 and the server 99, as shown in Fig. 10(b), just as in Modification 1. That is, in Modification 3, just as in Modification 1, after the arrangement process, the server 99 sends a first signal to the printer 1, but does not send a second signal.

[0114] After the dispatch signal transmission process of S903, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the first signal has been received (S904). If the first signal has not been received (S904: NO), the control unit 80 executes the same exchange guide display process as S108 in the first embodiment (S905), and then the process proceeds to S907. Note that when the exchange guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 68 in the exchange guide display process of S905, the delivery in progress screen 57, which will be described next, is not displayed on the display unit 68.

[0115] If the first signal has been received (S904: YES), the control unit 80 executes a delivery display process (S906), and then the process proceeds to S907. In the delivery display process of S906, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a delivery in progress screen 57 as shown in FIG. 12(b). The delivery in progress screen 57 includes a message section 57A in which a message notifying that a replacement part is being delivered is displayed. Note that when the delivery in progress screen 57 is displayed on the display unit 68, the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68.

[0116] In S907, the control unit 80 determines whether the replacement of the replacement part is complete, similar to S109 in the first embodiment. If the replacement of the replacement part is not complete (S907: NO), the process returns to S904. If the replacement of the replacement part is complete (S907: YES), the process returns to S901.

[0117] Furthermore, if it is determined in S902 that a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S902: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S201 to S206 shown in Fig. 4. However, in Modification 1, if it is determined in S202 that a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), if it is determined in S204 that a maintenance contract has been concluded (S204: YES), if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part (S206: YES), or if it is determined in S208 that a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S903. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made not to purchase a replacement part (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S905.

[0118] In the third modification, when a replacement part needs to be replaced and the first signal has not been received, the display unit 68 does not display the delivery screen 57 indicating that the replacement part is being delivered, but displays the replacement guide screen 51 on the display unit. This makes it possible to guide a user who has obtained a replacement part by a method other than arranging delivery of the replacement part by sending an arrangement signal to the server 99 to replace the replacement part based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0119] On the other hand, when the first signal is received and replacement of the replacement part is necessary, a delivery screen 57 indicating that the replacement part is being delivered is displayed on the display unit 68, and the replacement guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This allows the user to understand that the replacement part is being delivered, and prevents the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately based on the replacement guide screen 51.

[0120] Although the first signal in Modification 3 is a signal indicating that arrangements for delivery of a replacement part have been completed, this is not limiting. In Modification 3, the first signal may be a signal separate from the signal indicating that arrangements for delivery of a replacement part have been completed, and the control unit 80 may process the first signal according to the flowchart in FIG. 12(a). For example, the first signal may be a signal indicating that arrangements are about to be made. In other words, the first signal may be a signal indicating that arrangements are to be made, regardless of whether arrangements have been completed or not.

[0121] In the fourth modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 13(a), thereby causing replacement guidance to be displayed.

[0122] 13(a) in detail, the control unit 80 detects whether or not replacement of a replacement part is necessary, and waits while replacement of a replacement part is not necessary (S1001: NO). When replacement of a replacement part is necessary (S1001: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S1002), similar to S102 in the first embodiment. When a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S1002: YES), the control unit 80 executes a dispatch signal transmission process similar to S103 in the first embodiment (S1003).

[0123] 13(b), in Modification 4, when arranging for delivery of a replacement part, an arrangement signal is sent from the printer 1 to the server 99 in the same manner as in S301 in the first embodiment (S1101), and the server 99 performs arrangement processing in the same manner as in S302 in the first embodiment (S1102). Then, after the arrangement processing is completed, when the server 99 receives a delivery completion signal from the delivery company or the like (S1103), the server 99 sends the second signal described in the first embodiment to the printer 1. However, in Modification 4, the first signal described in the first embodiment is not sent from the server 99 to the printer 1 after the arrangement processing is completed.

[0124] After the dispatch signal transmission process of S1003, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the second signal has been received (S1004). If the second signal has not been received (S1004: NO), the control unit 80 executes a delivery display process similar to S906 of Modification 3, and causes the display unit 68 to display a delivery in progress screen 57 as shown in FIG. 12(b) (S1005), after which the process proceeds to S1007. Note that when the delivery in progress screen 57 is displayed on the display unit 68, the exchange guide screen 51 is not displayed on the display unit 68.

[0125] If the second signal has been received (S1004: YES), the control unit 80 executes replacement guide display processing (S1006), and then the process proceeds to S1007. In the replacement guide display processing of S1006, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a replacement guide screen 58, for example, as shown in FIG. 13(c). The replacement guide screen 58 includes a message section 58A, a procedure explanation section 58B, and an illustration section 58C. The message section 58A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that delivery of the replacement part has been completed and urging the user to replace the replacement part. The procedure explanation section 58B and the illustration section 58C are similar to the procedure explanation section 51B and the illustration section 51C of the replacement guide screen 51, respectively.

[0126] In S1007, the control unit 80 determines whether the replacement of the replacement part is complete, similar to S109 in the first embodiment. If the replacement of the replacement part is not complete (S1007: NO), the process returns to S1004. If the replacement of the replacement part is complete (S1007: YES), the process returns to S1001.

[0127] Furthermore, if it is determined in S1002 that a product maintenance contract has not been concluded (S1002: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S201 to S206 shown in Fig. 4. However, in Modification 1, if it is determined in S202 that a consumables maintenance contract has been concluded (S202: YES), if it is determined in S204 that a maintenance contract has been concluded (S204: YES), if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made to purchase a replacement part (S206: YES), or if it is determined in S208 that a product maintenance contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the process proceeds to S1003. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if it is determined in S206 that a selection has been made not to purchase a replacement part (S206: NO), the process proceeds to S1006.

[0128] In Modification 4, when a replacement part needs to be replaced and the second signal has not been received, a message indicating that the replacement part is being delivered is displayed on the display unit, and replacement guide screen 58 is not displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to understand that the replacement part is being delivered, and prevents the user from misunderstanding that the replacement part needs to be replaced immediately.

[0129] On the other hand, if the second signal has been received and replacement of the replacement part is necessary, the completion of delivery of the replacement part is notified, and replacement guide screen 58, which provides guidance on replacing the replacement part, is displayed on display unit 68. This allows the user to replace the replacement part using the delivered replacement part based on replacement guide screen 58.

[0130] Although the second signal in Modification 4 is a signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been completed, this is not limited to this. In Modification 4, the second signal may be a signal separate from the signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been completed, and the control unit 80 may process it according to the flowchart in FIG. 13(b). For example, there may be cases where it is not possible to accurately determine whether delivery has been completed. For example, the second signal may be a signal that estimates that delivery has been completed.

[0131] In the above example, the replacement guide screen and the like are displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0132] 14, in the fifth modification, the system 100 includes an external device 101 in addition to the printer 1 and server 99 of the first embodiment. Note that in the fifth modification, the external device 101 corresponds to the "second external device" of the present invention.

[0133] The external device 101 is, for example, a PC or a smartphone. The external device 101 includes a display unit 111, an operation unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a control unit 114. The display unit 111 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 112 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse when the external device 101 is a PC, or a touch panel when the external device 101 is a smartphone. The communication unit 113 is connected to a network 98 and is communicably connected to a communication unit 70 of the printer 1 via the network 98. However, the communication unit 70 of the printer 1 and the communication unit 113 of the external device 101 may be directly connected.

[0134] The control unit 114 has a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a memory 124, etc., and controls the display unit 111 and the communication unit 113. In addition, signals are input to the control unit 114 from the operation unit 112 and the communication unit 113.

[0135] In the system 100 of variant example 5, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4, similar to the first embodiment, or the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 4, similar to the second embodiment, thereby displaying replacement guides, etc.

[0136] However, in the system of Modification 5, when the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing for each replacement part according to the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4 similar to those of the first embodiment, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 sends signals instructing the external device 101 to display a corresponding screen via the communication unit 70 and the network 98 in S108, S111, S203, S205, and S207. When the communication unit 113 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 of the external device 101 to display the corresponding screen.

[0137] Furthermore, in the system of Modification 5, when the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing for each replacement part according to the flowcharts of Fig. 8 and Fig. 4 similar to those of the second embodiment, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 transmits signals instructing the external device 101 to display a corresponding screen via the communication unit 70 and the network 98 in S509, S512, S203, S205, and S207. When the communication unit 113 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 of the external device 101 to display the corresponding screen.

[0138] In the fifth modification, the replacement guide screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 that is separate from the printer 1 that has the replacement part, thereby guiding the user in replacing the replacement part.

[0139] In the above description, the replacement parts of the printer are the ink cartridge 24, the transport rollers 6 and 7, and the waste liquid tank 33, but this is not limiting. The replacement parts of the printer may be only some of these, or may include other parts.

[0140] Although the above description has been given of an example in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet printer that ejects ink from nozzles toward recording paper S, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a laser printer that has replaceable parts such as toner cartridges and recording paper transport rollers. In this case, for example, the toner cartridges may be consumables among the replaceable parts of the laser printer. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to devices other than recording devices that have replaceable parts, such as a scanner that has a light source unit as a replaceable part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1. Printer 6,7 Conveyor roller 24 ink cartridges 33 Waste liquid tank 40 Systems 68 Display section 80 Control Unit 99 Server 100 systems 101 External device

Claims

1. A device configured to be able to communicate with a first external device and having a replaceable replacement part, a control unit; The control unit displaying a replacement guide on a display unit to guide a user to replace the replacement part when a specific condition is met, when a first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received from the first external device; An apparatus equipped with a replaceable part, characterized in that when the first signal is received from the first external device, the replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit even when the specific condition is met.

2. The control unit When the first signal has been received and a second signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been completed has not been received, the replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit even when the specific condition is met, 2. A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 1, characterized in that when both the first signal and the second signal are received and the specific conditions are met, the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit.

3. the specific condition is a condition that the replacement part needs to be replaced, The control unit Detecting whether the replacement part needs to be replaced; When it is detected that the replacement part does not need to be replaced, the replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit even if both the first signal and the second signal are received, and 3. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 2, wherein when it is detected that the replacement part needs to be replaced and both the first signal and the second signal are received, the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit.

4. The control unit receiving, when receiving the first signal from the first external device, a delivery completion schedule signal indicating a date and time when delivery of the replacement part to the user is scheduled to be completed from the first external device; and thereafter, When the state in which communication with the first external device is possible is maintained, the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the second signal is received, regardless of the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal; A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 2, characterized in that if communication with the first external device becomes impossible, the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the date and time indicated by the delivery completion expected signal arrives without receiving the second signal.

5. A device configured to be able to communicate with a first external device and having a replaceable replacement part, a control unit; The control unit When a first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received from the first external device, a first replacement guide is displayed on a display unit as a replacement guide that guides a user to replace the replacement part when a specific condition is met; A device equipped with a replaceable part, characterized in that when the first signal is received from the first external device, a second replacement guide having less information than the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit as the replacement guide when the specific condition is met.

6. The control unit When the first signal has been received and a second signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been completed has not been received, the second replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the specific condition is met; 6. A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 5, characterized in that when both the first signal and the second signal are received and the specific conditions are met, the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit.

7. the specific condition is a condition that the replacement part needs to be replaced, The control unit Detecting whether the replacement part needs to be replaced; In a state where it is detected that the replacement part does not need to be replaced, Even when the first signal is received and the second signal is not received, the second replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit, Even when both the first signal and the second signal are received, the first replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit, In a state where it is detected that the replacement part needs to be replaced, When the first signal is received and the second signal is not received, the second replacement guide is displayed on the display unit; 7. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 6, wherein the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when both the first signal and the second signal are received.

8. The control unit receiving, when receiving the first signal from the first external device, a delivery completion schedule signal indicating a date and time when delivery of the replacement part is scheduled to be completed from the first external device; and thereafter, When a state in which communication with the first external device is possible is maintained, the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the specific condition is met and the second signal is received, regardless of the date and time indicated by the delivery completion estimate signal, A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 6, characterized in that if communication with the first external device becomes impossible, the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the specific condition is met and the date and time indicated by the delivery completion expected signal arrives without receiving the second signal.

9. The control unit A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 2 or 6, characterized in that it receives the first signal and the second signal from the first external device when a maintenance contract is made under which the replacement part is arranged and delivered without the user having to make any arrangements.

10. The control unit receiving a third signal from the first external device indicating that the replacement part removed by replacement can be returned; An apparatus equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that when the third signal is received and the replacement part has been replaced, a return guide is displayed on the display unit to guide the user in returning the replacement part that has been removed due to replacement.

11. The device comprises the display unit, The control unit 6. An apparatus equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 1, wherein the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit of the apparatus.

12. a second external device that is separate from the first external device and that includes the display unit; The control unit 6. The device equipped with the replaceable part according to claim 1, wherein the replacement guide is displayed on the display unit of the second external device.

13. A system including: a device having a replaceable replacement part; a first external device capable of communicating with the device having the replacement part; a display unit; and a control unit, The control unit When a first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received from the first external device, when a specific condition is met, a replacement guide that guides a user to replace the replacement part is displayed on the display unit; A system characterized in that, when the first signal is received from the first external device, the replacement guide is not displayed on the display unit even when the specific condition is met.

14. A system including: a device having a replaceable replacement part; a first external device capable of communicating with the device having the replacement part; a display unit; and a control unit, The control unit When a first signal indicating that delivery of the replacement part has been arranged has not been received from the first external device, a first replacement guide that guides the user to replace the replacement part is displayed on the display unit when a specific condition is met; A system characterized in that when the first signal is received from the first external device, a second replacement guide containing less information than the first replacement guide is displayed on the display unit when the specific condition is met.

15. A device configured to be able to communicate with a first external device and having a replaceable replacement part, a control unit; The control unit When a first signal is not received from the first external device, when a specific condition is satisfied, a display unit does not display an indication that the replacement part is being delivered, but displays a replacement guide that guides a user to replace the replacement part; A device equipped with a replacement part, characterized in that when the first signal is received from the first external device, when the specific condition is met, the display unit displays a message indicating that the replacement part is being delivered, and does not display the replacement guide.

16. A device configured to be able to communicate with a first external device and having a replaceable replacement part, a control unit; The control unit If a second signal has not been received from the first external device, when a specific condition is satisfied, a display is made on a display unit indicating that the replacement part is being delivered, but a replacement guide that guides a user to replace the replacement part is not displayed; A device equipped with a replacement part that, when receiving the second signal from the first external device, causes the display unit to display an indication that delivery of the replacement part has been completed and to display the replacement guide when certain conditions are met.

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