Apparatus and system with replacement parts

Abstract

To notify a user of information about replacement of a replacement component at appropriate timing according to a use state of the user.SOLUTION: The value of the life parameter N is calculated (S101). The value of the life parameter N is larger as the remaining life of the replacement part of the printer is longer. The value of M is set based on the maximum number of recording sheets which is the maximum value of the number of recording sheets in each of a plurality of times of recording instructions (S102). As the maximum number of recordable sheets increases, the value of the threshold M is increased. When the value of the life parameter N becomes less than the value M (S103: YES), notification processing is executed, and a notification screen for performing notification related to the replacement of the replacement component is displayed on a display part (S104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As an example of an apparatus equipped with replacement parts, Patent Document 1 describes a device equipped with consumable parts. In Patent Document 1, the device is connected to various servers via a network. In Patent Document 1, a web application is executed in a web browser to display the number of days remaining until replacement as information on the lifespan of the device's consumable parts, and a warning is displayed for consumable parts whose remaining days are below a preset threshold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-124762 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, in Patent Document 1, information about the lifespan of a device's consumable parts cannot be checked unless a web application is executed in a web browser. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 also proposes providing a warning before the end of the consumable part's lifespan by displaying a warning when the remaining days of the consumable part fall below a threshold, without relying on the execution of a web application in a web browser. However, the appropriate timing for providing this notification varies depending on the device's usage conditions, such as the degree of wear of the consumable part during device use and the frequency of device use. Therefore, if the notification is provided at a timing set based on a uniform threshold regardless of the device's usage conditions, the notification may be provided too early or too late for the end of the consumable part's lifespan, depending on the device's usage conditions. If the notification is provided too early for the end of the consumable part's lifespan, the user may feel that they need to purchase a replacement part earlier than necessary. Alternatively, if the notification is provided too early for the end of the consumable part's lifespan, the user may forget to purchase the replacement part because there is still some time left until the replacement part's lifespan and there is no need to purchase a replacement part immediately. On the other hand, if the notification is issued too late in relation to when the consumable part reaches the end of its life, the user may not have enough time to obtain a replacement consumable part between the time the user notices the notification and the time the consumable part reaches the end of its life, or the user may not notice the notification before the consumable part reaches the end of its life.

[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 is capable of notifying information about the replacement of replacement parts at an appropriate time according to the user's usage situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The device equipped with a replacement part of the present invention includes an alarm unit and a control unit, and the control unit sets a threshold value Θ as a criterion for whether or not to cause the alarm unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part, based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when operating in response to a single operation instruction from a user, and causes the alarm unit to notify the replacement information after the value of a lifespan parameter Θ related to the remaining lifespan of the replacement part reaches the threshold value.

[0007] In addition, the device equipped with the replacement part of the present invention includes an alarm unit and a control unit, and the control unit sets an alarm timing for causing the alarm unit to notify replacement information regarding the replacement of the replacement part based on the frequency of operation instructions from the user, and causes the alarm unit to notify the replacement information after the alarm timing has arrived.

[0008] The system of the present invention is a system in which a device equipped with a replaceable replacement part, an alarm unit, and a control unit are communicatively connected, and the control unit sets a threshold value that serves as a criterion for whether or not to cause the alarm unit to notify replacement information regarding the replacement of the replacement part, based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when operating in response to a single operation instruction from a user, and causes the alarm unit to notify the replacement information after the value of a life parameter related to the remaining life of the replacement part reaches the threshold value.

[0009] The system of the present invention is a system in which a device equipped with a replaceable replacement part, a notification unit, and a control unit are communicably connected, and the control unit causes the notification unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part based on the frequency of operation instructions from a user. Notification The timing is set, and when the notification timing arrives, the notification unit is caused to notify the replacement information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of replacement information at an appropriate timing according to the usage situation of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the printers according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printers according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 3] (a) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for notifying replacement information in the first embodiment, (b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the maximum number of sheets to be recorded and the threshold value M, (c) is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the threshold value M based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded, (d) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the life parameter N, the threshold value M, and the consumption amount in the state where N > M, and (e) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the life parameter N, the threshold value M, and the consumption amount in the state where N < M. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram for explaining the notification screen regarding the ink cartridge, (b) is a diagram for explaining the notification screen regarding the conveyance roller, and (c) is a diagram for explaining the notification screen regarding the waste liquid tank. [Figure 5] (a) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for notifying replacement information in the second embodiment, (b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the maximum usage frequency and the variable D, (c) is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the variable D based on the maximum recording interval, (d) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the predicted life timing Tf, the notification timing Ta, and the remaining days of the life of the replacement part in the state where the notification timing has not been reached, and (e) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the predicted life timing Tf, the notification timing Ta, and the remaining days of the life of the replacement part in the state where the notification timing has been reached. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the average number of sheets to be recorded and the threshold value M when setting the threshold value M based on the average number of sheets to be recorded in the first embodiment, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the average recording interval and the variable D when setting the variable D based on the average recording interval in the second embodiment. [Figure 7]3(a) is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 3(a) in an example in which the threshold value is changed to a predetermined value when the calculated threshold value is less than the predetermined value in the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the type of part and the predetermined value. [Figure 8] 5A is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 5A in an example of setting a minimum variable value in the second embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the type of part and the minimum variable value. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 3(a) in an example in which replacement information is notified when a recording command is first received after the value of the life parameter falls below the threshold in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 5(a) in an example in which replacement information is notified when a recording command is first received after the notification timing has arrived in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including a printer and an external device. [Figure 12] (a) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for notifying replacement information in an example in which replacement information is notified on the display unit of an external device when the value of a life parameter becomes less than a threshold value, and (b) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for notifying replacement information in an example in which replacement information is notified on the display unit of an external device when the notification timing arrives. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First embodiment] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0013] <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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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. In this embodiment, the recording paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0018] 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 multiple nozzles 10 face the cap 31.

[0019] 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, and the upper end of the cap 31 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a, covering the plurality of nozzles 10. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] <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.

[0023] In addition to the components described above, the printer 1 also includes a display unit 68 and an operation unit 69. 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.

[0024] 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. The control unit 80 may be configured such that one CPU 81 performs processes independently, or such that multiple CPUs 81 share the processes. The control unit 80 may be configured such that one ASIC 85 performs processes independently, or such that multiple ASICs 85 share the processes.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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. Note that in the first embodiment, the recording instruction corresponds to the "operation instruction" of the present invention.

[0027] <Processing for reporting exchange information> Next, we will explain the process flow for notifying replacement information regarding replacement of replacement parts in the printer 1. Here, we will explain the case where each ink cartridge 24, the transport rollers 6 and 7, and the waste liquid tank 33 are replacement parts as an example.

[0028] In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3(a) to notify replacement information. The flowchart of Fig. 3(a) is started, for example, when the printer 1 is used for the first time and when a replacement part is installed in the printer 1 after replacement.

[0029] 3(a) in detail, the control unit 80 first executes a lifespan parameter calculation process (S101). In the lifespan parameter calculation process of S101, the control unit 80 calculates the value of the lifespan parameter N based on the usage status of the printer 1, such as the number of printed sheets and the number of suction purges. At this time, the control unit 80 calculates the value of the lifespan parameter N to be a smaller value as the remaining lifespan of the replacement part becomes shorter.

[0030] Next, the control unit 80 executes a threshold setting process (S102). In the threshold setting process of S102, the control unit 80 sets a value of the threshold M to be compared with the life parameter N based on the maximum number of recorded sheets, which is the maximum number of recorded sheets by each of multiple recording instructions during the period from a point in time a predetermined time before the present to the present.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the maximum number of recording sheets is low, i.e., "low," the control unit 80 sets the value of the threshold M to Ma1. When the maximum number of recording sheets is low, i.e., "low," the maximum number of recording sheets is, for example, less than 10. Ma1 is, for example, 30. When the maximum number of recording sheets is medium, i.e., "medium," the control unit 80 sets the value of the threshold M to Ma2, which is larger than Ma1. When the maximum number of recording sheets is low, i.e., "medium," the maximum number of recording sheets is, for example, between 10 and 100. Ma2 is, for example, 300. When the maximum number of recording sheets is high, i.e., "high," the control unit 80 sets the value of the threshold M to Ma3, which is larger than Ma2. When the maximum number of recording sheets is high, i.e., the maximum number of recording sheets is, for example, 100 or more. Ma3 is, for example, 900.

[0032] As an example of setting the value of threshold M based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded, for example, as shown in Figure 3(c), if five recordings are performed during the period from time Tp a predetermined time before the present to the current time Tc, and the numbers of sheets to be recorded in each of these five recording instructions are 5, 10, 10, 35, and 40, respectively, the maximum number of sheets to be recorded is 40, which corresponds to "Many" in Figure 3(b).The control unit 80 then sets the value of threshold M to Ma3, which is, for example, 900, in accordance with the maximum number of sheets to be recorded, 40.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the wear amount of the replacement part when the smaller of any two of the three maximum numbers of maximum numbers of recording sheets, "small," "medium," and "large," is the maximum number of recording sheets, corresponds to the "first wear amount" of the present invention, and the wear amount of the replacement part when the larger of the three maximum numbers of recording sheets is the maximum number of recording sheets, corresponds to the "second wear amount" of the present invention. Also, the value of threshold M when the smaller of any two of the maximum numbers of recording sheets is the maximum number of recording sheets, corresponds to the "first threshold" of the present invention, and the value of threshold M when the larger of the two maximum numbers of recording sheets is the maximum number of recording sheets, corresponds to the "second threshold" of the present invention.

[0034] To give an example, in the relationship between the two maximum numbers of recorded sheets, "low" and "medium," the wear amount of the replacement part when the maximum number of recorded sheets is "low," for example, less than 10 sheets, corresponds to the "first wear amount" of the present invention, and the wear amount of the replacement part when the maximum number of recorded sheets is "medium," for example, 10 sheets or more but less than 100 sheets, corresponds to the "second wear amount" of the present invention. In this case, Ma1, for example, 30, which is the value of threshold M when the maximum number of recorded sheets is "low," corresponds to the "first threshold" of the present invention, and Ma2, for example, 300, which is the value of threshold M when the maximum number of recorded sheets is "medium," corresponds to the "second threshold" of the present invention.

[0035] Here, the amount of wear of replacement parts refers to the amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 consumed by recording, the degree of wear on the transport rollers 6 and 7 due to transporting the recording paper S during recording, the amount of ink increased in the waste liquid tank 33 due to suction purging performed before, during, and after recording, etc. Generally, the greater the maximum number of records, the greater the amount of wear of these replacement parts.

[0036] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the value of the life parameter N calculated in S101 is smaller than the threshold value M set in S102 (S103).

[0037] Here, the relationship between the lifespan parameter N and threshold value M compared in S103 will be explained. As described above, the shorter the remaining lifespan of the replacement part, the smaller the calculated value of the lifespan parameter N. A short remaining lifespan of the replacement part means that the remaining wear amount, which is the amount of wear of the replacement part until the replacement part reaches the end of its lifespan, is small. In other words, the lifespan parameter N is a parameter that corresponds to the remaining wear amount of the replacement part, and can be said to be a parameter whose value is smaller the shorter the remaining wear amount of the replacement part.

[0038] Therefore, if the remaining wear amount of the replacement part at the time of replacement is defined as the lifespan L of the replacement part, and the wear amounts of the replacement part recorded by each recording instruction are defined as C1, C2, ..., respectively, then the lifespan parameter N corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the total wear amount Ct, which is the sum of the replacement part wear amounts C1, C2, ..., recorded by each recording instruction, from the lifespan L of the replacement part, as shown in Figures 3(d) and (e).

[0039] On the other hand, the threshold value M is compared with the life parameter N in S103 as described above, and is set for the remaining wear amount of the replacement part, just like the life parameter N. In the first embodiment, as described above, the threshold value M is determined based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded. For example, in the case of FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d), the wear amount C k-1 The threshold value M is determined based on the above. The larger the maximum number of recording sheets, the larger the value of the threshold value M.

[0040] Then, in S103, it is determined whether a lifespan parameter N, which corresponds to the remaining wear amount of the replacement part obtained by subtracting the total wear amount Ct from the lifespan L of the replacement part, is smaller than a threshold M set for the remaining wear amount of the replacement part. For example, in the case of Fig. 3(d), the lifespan parameter N is larger than the threshold M, and in the case of Fig. 3(e), the lifespan parameter N is smaller than the threshold M.

[0041] If the value of the lifespan parameter N is equal to or greater than the threshold value M (S103: NO), the process returns to S101. If the value of the lifespan parameter N is less than the threshold value M (S103: YES), the control unit 80 executes notification processing (S104), and then the process ends. In the notification processing of S104, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a notification screen for notifying about the replacement of the replacement part.

[0042] More specifically, if the replacement part is one of the ink cartridges 24, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a notification screen 50A as shown in FIG. 4(a) in the notification process of S104. The notification screen 50A is a screen that notifies the user that the ink cartridge 24 will soon run out of ink and urges the user to replace the ink cartridge 24. The notification screen 50A also has a details display section 51A. When the user operates the operation unit 69 to select the details display section 51A, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a screen (not shown) that explains details of replacing the ink cartridge 24, such as how to obtain the ink cartridge 24 and how to replace it.

[0043] Furthermore, if the replacement part is one of the conveyance rollers 6, 7, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a notification screen 50B as shown in FIG. 4B in the notification process of S104. The notification screen 50B is a screen that notifies the user that the conveyance rollers 6, 7 will soon reach the end of their lifespan and urges the user to replace the conveyance rollers 6, 7. The notification screen 50B also has a details display section 51B. When the user operates the operation unit 69 to select the details display section 51B, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a screen (not shown) that explains details of replacing the conveyance rollers 6, 7, such as how to obtain and replace the conveyance rollers 6, 7.

[0044] Furthermore, if the replacement part is the waste liquid tank 33, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a notification screen 50C as shown in FIG. 4(c) in the notification process of S104. The notification screen 50C is a screen that notifies the user that the waste liquid tank 33 will soon be full and urges the user to replace the waste liquid tank 33. The notification screen 50C also has a details display section 51C. When the user operates the operation unit 69 to select the details display section 51C, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a screen (not shown) that explains details of replacing the waste liquid tank 33, such as how to obtain and replace the waste liquid tank 33.

[0045] <Effects> In the first embodiment, replacement information is notified when the value of the lifespan parameter N falls below a threshold M set according to the amount of wear of the replacement part when an operation is performed in response to a single recording instruction. This allows the replacement information to be notified at an appropriate timing according to the degree of wear of the replacement part due to recording on the recording paper S, which varies depending on the user's usage of the printer 1. More specifically, a user who has performed a recording operation is likely to see the notification. If the user instructs a recording that results in a large amount of wear of the replacement part in a single recording instruction, a small threshold M may prevent the user from seeing the notification in advance. Therefore, in this case, a large threshold is set. This allows a user who performs a recording that results in a large amount of wear of the replacement part to be notified at an early stage while there is still time to do so. Furthermore, if a user who instructs a recording that results in a small amount of wear of the replacement part in a single recording instruction is notified using the same threshold M as a user who instructs a recording that results in a large amount of wear of the replacement part, the notification may be too early. If the notification is too early, the user may feel that they need to purchase a replacement part earlier than necessary. Alternatively, if the notification is too early, there may be a long time before the end of the life of the replacement part and there is no need to purchase the replacement part immediately, so the purchase of the replacement part may be forgotten. Therefore, the threshold M for a user who records with a small amount of replacement part wear in a single recording instruction is set low.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the lifespan parameter N is a parameter whose value decreases as the remaining lifespan of the replacement part decreases, and the threshold value M corresponding to the remaining lifespan of the replacement part is set to a larger value as the amount of wear of the replacement part increases when the replacement part is operated in response to a single recording instruction. As a result, the notification information can be notified at an earlier stage as the amount of wear of the replacement part increases when the replacement part is operated in response to a single recording instruction.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the value of the threshold M is set based on the maximum number of sheets recorded when operating in response to each of a plurality of recording instructions, i.e., the maximum amount of wear of replacement parts when operating in response to each of a plurality of recording instructions, thereby making it possible to notify replacement information at an appropriate timing according to the user's usage situation.

[0048] [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 causes the control unit 80 to perform processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 5(a), thereby notifying the user of the replacement of the replacement part.

[0049] 5(a) in detail, the control unit 80 first executes an expected lifespan timing calculation process (S201). In the expected lifespan timing calculation process of S201, the control unit 80 calculates an expected lifespan timing Tf, which is the timing at which the replacement part is expected to reach the end of its life, based on, for example, the timing at which the replacement part was installed in the printer 1 and the usage conditions of the printer 1, such as the maximum recording interval described below. In the second embodiment, the expected lifespan timing Tf calculated in S201 is a date.

[0050] Next, the control unit 80 executes a notification timing setting process (S202). In the notification timing setting process of S202, the control unit 80 sets the value of the variable D based on the maximum recording interval, which is the longest length of the period during which no recording instruction was issued during the period from a predetermined time before the present to the present, and sets the notification timing Ta to D days before the expected end of life timing calculated in S201. Here, in the second embodiment, the length of the period during which no recording instruction was issued refers to the number of consecutive days during which no recording instruction was issued. The maximum recording interval in the second embodiment corresponds to the frequency of operation instructions of the present invention. This frequency is the frequency of whether or not a recording instruction was issued by the user each day.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the maximum recording interval is short, the control unit 80 sets the value of variable D to Da1. A case where the maximum recording interval is short means, for example, when the maximum recording interval is five days or less. Da1 is, for example, 15. When the maximum recording interval is medium, the control unit 80 sets the value of variable D to Da2, which is larger than Da1. A case where the maximum recording interval is medium means, for example, when the maximum recording interval is six days or more and 30 days or less. Da2 is, for example, 90. When the maximum recording interval is long, the control unit 80 sets the value of variable D to Da3, which is larger than Da2. A case where the maximum recording interval is long means, for example, when the maximum recording interval is 31 days or more. Da3 is, for example, 270.

[0052] As an example of setting the value of threshold M based on the maximum recording interval, for example, as shown in Figure 5(c), if the lengths of the periods during which no recording instruction was issued from a point a predetermined time before the present to the present are 10 days, 10 days, 60 days, 15 days, and 5 days, respectively, the maximum recording interval is 60 days, which corresponds to "long" in Figure 5(b). The control unit 80 sets the value of variable D to Da3, which is, for example, 270, in accordance with the maximum recording interval of 60 days.

[0053] In the second embodiment, of any two maximum recording intervals among the three maximum recording intervals of "short," "medium," and "long," the shorter maximum recording interval corresponds to the "first frequency" of the present invention, and the longer maximum recording interval corresponds to the "second frequency" of the present invention. Furthermore, of the two maximum recording intervals, the D day determined by the variable D when the shorter recording interval is present corresponds to the "first time" of the present invention, and the D day determined by the variable D when the longer recording interval is present corresponds to the "second time" of the present invention.

[0054] To give an example, in the relationship between the two maximum recording intervals, "short" and "medium," the maximum recording interval when it is "short," for example, 5 days or less, corresponds to the "first frequency" of the present invention, and the maximum recording interval when it is "medium," for example, 6 days or more and 30 days or less, corresponds to the "second frequency" of the present invention. In this case, Da1 days, for example, 15 days, determined by the value Da1 of variable D when the maximum recording interval is "short" corresponds to the "first time" of the present invention, and Da2 days, for example, 90 days, determined by the value Da2 of variable D when the maximum recording interval is "medium" corresponds to the "second time" of the present invention.

[0055] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the notification timing set in S202 has been reached (S203). Here, as shown in FIGS. 5(d) and 5(e), if the current time is Tc and the expected lifespan timing calculated in S201 is Tf, the K-day period from the current time Tc to the expected lifespan timing Tf is the number of days remaining in the expected lifespan of the replacement part. On the other hand, as described above, the notification timing Ta set in S202 is D days before the expected lifespan timing Tf. The D-day period corresponding to the expected lifespan timing Tf is set based on the number of days remaining in the expected lifespan of the replacement part. When the notification timing has not been reached, K days is longer than D days, as shown in FIG. 5(d). On the other hand, when the notification timing has been reached, K days is shorter than D days, as shown in FIG. 5(e).

[0056] If the notification timing has not yet arrived (S203: NO), the process returns to S201. If the notification timing has arrived (S203: YES), the control unit 80 executes notification processing similar to S104 in the first embodiment (S204), and then the process ends.

[0057] <Effects> In the second embodiment, replacement information is notified at the notification timing set according to the frequency of recording instructions by the user, so that replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing according to the degree of wear of replacement parts due to recording on the recording paper S, which varies depending on the user's usage conditions.

[0058] In addition, in the second embodiment, the date on which the replacement information is notified is set as the notification timing depending on the frequency of whether or not a recording instruction is issued each day, so that the replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing according to the user's usage situation.

[0059] In addition, in the second embodiment, replacement information is notified at the notification timing set according to the maximum recording interval, which is the longest period of time during which no recording instruction was issued, so that replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing according to the user's usage situation.

[0060] In addition, in the second embodiment, the expected lifespan timing is calculated, and a reference timing earlier than the expected lifespan timing is set depending on the frequency of recording instructions, so that replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing depending on the user's usage conditions.

[0061] In the second embodiment, when the maximum recording interval is long, i.e., when the frequency of recording instructions is low, the notification information is notified at an earlier timing than the predicted end of life timing, so that the replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing according to the user's usage situation.

[0062] <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.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the value of the threshold M is set based on the maximum number of sheets that can be printed, but this is not limiting. In the first modification, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart in Fig. 4(a) to issue a notification regarding replacement of the replacement part. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the first modification, in S102, the value of the threshold M is set based on the average number of sheets printed, which is the average value of the number of sheets printed in each of a plurality of printing instructions during the period from a point in time a predetermined time before the present to the present.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), if five recordings are performed during the period from time Tp, a predetermined time before the present, to time Tc, and the number of sheets recorded in each of these five recording instructions is 5, 10, 10, 35, and 40, respectively, the average number of sheets recorded is 20. Then, the control unit 80 sets the value of threshold M in accordance with the average number of sheets recorded, 20. For example, the control unit 80 sets the value of threshold M to 60, which is three times the average number of sheets recorded, 20.

[0065] In variant example 1, by setting the value of threshold M based on the average wear amount of the replacement part when operating in response to each of multiple recording instructions, replacement information can be notified at an appropriate time according to the user's usage situation.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the notification timing is set based on the maximum recording interval and the value of the expected life parameter, but this is not limited to this. In the second modification, similar to the second embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part according to the flowchart in Fig. 5(a) to issue a notification regarding the replacement of the replacement part. However, unlike the second embodiment, in the second modification, in S202, the value of the variable D is set based on the average recording interval, which is the average length of the period during which no recording instruction was issued during the period from a predetermined time before the present to the present, and the notification timing is set to D days before the expected life timing.

[0067] To specifically explain the setting of variable D based on the average recording interval, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), if the lengths of the periods during which no recording instructions were issued from a predetermined time before the present to the present are 10 days, 10 days, 60 days, 15 days, and 5 days, respectively, the average recording interval is 20 days. The control unit 80 sets the value of variable D in accordance with the average recording interval of 20 days. For example, the control unit 80 sets the value of variable D to 100, which is 5 times the average number of recorded sheets (20).

[0068] In variant example 2, replacement information is notified at the notification timing set according to the average recording interval, which is the average length of the period during which no recording instruction was issued, so that replacement information can be notified at an appropriate timing according to the user's usage situation.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the value of the threshold M is set to one of three values ​​based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded, but this is not limiting. In the first embodiment, the value of the threshold M may be set to one of two or four or more values ​​based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the value of variable D is set to one of three values ​​based on the maximum recording interval, but this is not limiting. In the second embodiment, the value of variable D may be set to one of two or four or more values ​​based on the maximum recording interval.

[0071] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, data of a function for calculating the value of threshold M from the maximum number of recorded sheets may be stored in memory 84, and the value of threshold M may be calculated based on the function. Also, in the second embodiment, data of a function for calculating the value of variable D from the maximum recording interval may be stored in memory 84, and the value of variable D may be calculated based on the function.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the first modified example, the determination in S103 is always performed using the threshold value M set based on the maximum number of printed sheets and the average number of printed sheets, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0073] In the third modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 7(a), thereby causing notification regarding the replacement of the replacement part to be made.

[0074] 7A in detail, the control unit 80 first executes a life parameter calculation process (S301) similar to S101 in the first embodiment. Then, the control unit 80 executes a threshold setting process (S302). In S302, the threshold M is set based on the average number of printed sheets, similar to the first modification.

[0075] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the threshold value M set in S302 is smaller than the minimum threshold value Mm (S303). In the third modification, the memory 84 stores data on the minimum threshold value Mm for each replacement part, as shown in FIG. 7(b). In S303, the control unit 80 determines whether the threshold value M calculated in S302 is smaller than the minimum threshold value Mm stored in the memory 84.

[0076] Here, the minimum threshold value Mm for each replacement part will be explained. For example, while the ink cartridge 24 can be purchased at a mass retailer, the transport rollers 6, 7 and waste liquid tank 33 must be obtained by arrangement with the manufacturer. In general, the transport rollers 6, 7 and waste liquid tank 33 are less readily available than the ink cartridge 24. In contrast, in Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 7(b), Mm2, which is the value of the minimum threshold value Mm for the transport rollers 6, 7 and waste liquid tank 33, is greater than Mm1, which is the value of the minimum threshold value Mm for the ink cartridge 24.

[0077] In Modification 3, the ink cartridge 24 corresponds to the "first replacement part" of the present invention, and the transport rollers 6, 7 and waste liquid tank 33 correspond to the "second replacement part" of the present invention. The minimum threshold value Mm corresponds to the "predetermined value" of the present invention. The value Mm1 of the minimum threshold value Mm for the ink cartridge 24 corresponds to the "first predetermined value" of the present invention. The value Mm2 of the minimum threshold value Mm for the transport rollers 6, 7 and waste liquid tank 33 corresponds to the "second predetermined value" of the present invention.

[0078] If the threshold value M calculated in S302 is equal to or greater than the minimum threshold value (S303: NO), the process proceeds to S305. If the threshold value M calculated in S302 is less than the minimum threshold value (S303: YES), the control unit 80 changes the threshold value M to the minimum threshold value Mm (S304), and the process proceeds to S305.

[0079] In S305, the control unit 80 determines whether the value of the lifespan parameter N is smaller than the threshold value M. If the value of the lifespan parameter N is equal to or greater than the threshold value M (S305: NO), the process returns to S301. If the value of the lifespan parameter N is smaller than the threshold value M (S305: YES), the control unit 80 executes a notification process similar to S104 in the first embodiment (S306), and then the process ends.

[0080] If the value of threshold M is too small, the user may not have enough time to obtain a replacement part from the notification of replacement information until the replacement part reaches the end of its life, or the user may not notice the notification of replacement information before the replacement part reaches the end of its life. Therefore, in Modification 3, if threshold M, which is set based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when operating in response to a recording instruction, is smaller than minimum threshold Mm, the value of threshold M is changed to minimum threshold Mm. This makes it possible to ensure a certain amount of time from the notification of replacement information until the replacement part reaches the end of its life.

[0081] In addition, by setting a larger minimum threshold value Mm for replacement parts that are less easily available, the period from the timing of notification of replacement information to the end of the replacement part's life can be ensured longer for replacement parts that are less easily available.

[0082] In addition, in the third modification, the memory 84 stores data of a function for calculating the threshold value M based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded, and in S302, the threshold value M may be set based on the maximum number of sheets to be recorded and the above function.

[0083] Furthermore, in the third modification, the minimum threshold value Mm is varied depending on the availability of replacement parts, but this is not limiting. The minimum threshold value Mm may be set to a uniform value regardless of the type of replacement part.

[0084] In addition, in variant example 3, if the threshold value M calculated in S302 is smaller than the minimum threshold value Mm, the threshold value M is changed to the minimum threshold value Mm, but such a change in the threshold value M may not be made regardless of the threshold value M calculated in S302.

[0085] Furthermore, in the second embodiment and the second modification, the determination in S203 is always made based on the variable D that is set based on the maximum recording interval and the average recording interval, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0086] In the fourth modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 8(a), thereby causing notification regarding the replacement of the replacement part to be made.

[0087] 8(a) in detail, the control unit 80 first executes an expected end of life timing calculation process similar to S201 in the second embodiment (S401). Next, the control unit 80 executes a notification timing setting process (S402). In the notification timing setting process of S402, the value of the variable D is set based on the average recording interval, in the same manner as described in Modification 2, and the notification timing is set to D days before the expected end of life timing calculated in S401.

[0088] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the value of the variable D set in S402 is smaller than the minimum variable value Dm (S403). That is, it determines whether the period of D days from the notification timing set in S402 to the expected life timing calculated in S401 is shorter than the period of Dm days. In the fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the memory 84 stores data on the minimum variable value Dm for each replacement part. The control unit 80 determines whether the value of the variable D calculated in S302 is smaller than the minimum variable value Dm stored in the memory 84.

[0089] Here, the minimum variable value Dm for each replacement part will be described. For example, as described in Modification 3, the transport rollers 6, 7 and the waste liquid tank 33 are less readily available than the ink cartridge 24. In contrast, in Modification 4, as shown in FIG. 8(b), Dm2, which is the minimum variable value Dm for the transport rollers 6, 7 and the waste liquid tank 33, is greater than Dm1, which is the minimum variable value Dm for the ink cartridge 24.

[0090] In Modification 4, the ink cartridge 24 corresponds to the "first replacement part" of the present invention, and the conveying rollers 6, 7 and the waste liquid tank 33 correspond to the "second replacement part" of the present invention. Also, the period of Dm days corresponds to the "predetermined time" of the present invention. Also, the period of Dm1 days corresponds to the "first predetermined time" of the present invention. Also, the period of Dm2 days corresponds to the "second predetermined time" of the present invention.

[0091] If the value of variable D calculated in S402 is equal to or greater than the minimum variable value Dm (S403: NO), the process proceeds to S405. If the value of variable D calculated in S402 is less than the minimum variable value Dm (S403: YES), the control unit 80 changes the value of variable D to the minimum variable value Dm (S404). That is, the notification timing is changed to Dm days before the expected life timing. Then, the process proceeds to S405.

[0092] In S405, the control unit 80 determines whether the notification timing has arrived. If the notification timing has not arrived (S405: NO), the process returns to S401. If the notification timing has arrived (S405: YES), the control unit 80 executes notification processing similar to S104 in the first embodiment (S406), and then the process ends.

[0093] If the value of variable D is too small, the period between the notification timing and the estimated end of life timing will be too short, and the user may not have enough time between the notification of replacement information and the end of life of the replacement part to obtain a replacement part, or the user may not notice the notification of replacement information before the end of life of the replacement part. Therefore, in Modification 4, if the value of variable D is smaller than the minimum variable value Dm and the length of the period between the notification timing and the estimated end of life timing is shorter than a predetermined time, the value of variable D is changed to the minimum variable value Dm, and the notification timing is set to a timing a predetermined time before the estimated end of life timing. This makes it possible to ensure a certain amount of time between the notification of replacement information and the end of life of the replacement part.

[0094] In addition, by setting the minimum variable value Dm to a larger value for replacement parts that are less easily available, the period from the timing of notification of replacement information to the end of the replacement part's life can be ensured to be longer for replacement parts that are less easily available.

[0095] In addition, in the fourth modification, the memory 84 stores data of a function for calculating the value of the variable D based on the maximum recording interval described in the second embodiment, and in S402, the value of the variable D may be calculated based on the maximum recording interval and the above function.

[0096] In addition, in the fourth modification, the minimum variable value Dm is varied depending on the availability of replacement parts, but this is not limiting. The minimum variable value Dm may be set to a uniform value regardless of the type of replacement part.

[0097] Furthermore, in variant example 4, if the value of variable D calculated in S402 is smaller than the minimum variable value Dm, the value of variable D is changed to the minimum variable value Dm. However, it is also possible not to change the value of variable D in this way regardless of the value of variable D calculated in S402.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the first modification, the notification process is executed when the value of the life parameter N becomes less than the threshold value M, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0099] In the fifth modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 9, thereby causing notification regarding the replacement of the replacement part to be made.

[0100] 9 will be described in detail. The control unit 80 executes the processes of S501 to S503, which are similar to S101 to S103 in the first embodiment. Then, after determining in S503 that the value of the life parameter N is less than the threshold value M (S503: YES), the control unit 80 waits until a recording instruction is received (S504: NO). When a recording instruction is received (S504: YES), the control unit 80 executes notification processing similar to S104 in the first embodiment (S505), and then the processing ends. That is, in the fifth modification, the notification processing is executed when a recording instruction is first issued after the value of the life parameter N becomes less than the threshold value M.

[0101] In the fifth modification, notification information is notified when a recording instruction is first issued after the value of the life parameter N becomes smaller than the threshold value M, thereby making it easier for the user to be notified of the replacement information.

[0102] In the first and third modifications, similarly to the fifth modification, the notification process may be executed when the first recording command is received after it is determined that the value of the life parameter N is less than the threshold value M.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second embodiment and the second modification, the notification process is executed when the notification timing arrives, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0104] In the sixth modification, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 10, thereby causing notification regarding the replacement of the replacement part to be made.

[0105] 10 will be described in detail. The control unit 80 executes the processes of S601 to S603, which are the same as S201 to S203 in the second embodiment. Then, after determining in S603 that the notification timing has been reached (S603: YES), the control unit 80 waits until a recording instruction is received (S604: NO). When a recording instruction is received (S604: YES), the control unit 80 executes the same notification process as S204 in the second embodiment (S605), and then the process ends. That is, in the sixth modification, the notification process is executed when a recording instruction is first issued after the notification timing has been reached.

[0106] In the sixth modification, notification information is notified when a recording instruction is first issued after the notification timing has arrived, thereby making it easier for the user to be notified of the replacement information.

[0107] In the second and fourth modifications, similarly to the sixth modification, the notification process may be executed when the first recording command is received after the notification timing has arrived.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the expected end of life timing and the variable D are calculated, and the notification timing is set to D days before the expected end of life timing, but this is not limited to this. The notification timing may be set based on the recording frequency using a different method. In this case, it is not necessary to calculate the expected end of life timing in order to set the notification timing. The same applies to Modifications 2, 4, and 6.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the recording frequency is determined as the frequency of whether or not a recording instruction is issued daily, but this is not limited to this. For example, the recording frequency may be determined as the frequency of whether or not a recording instruction is issued for a period shorter than one day, such as every hour. Alternatively, for example, the recording frequency may be determined as the frequency of whether or not a recording instruction is issued for a period longer than one day, such as every week or every month. Alternatively, for example, the recording frequency may be determined according to the number of recording instructions issued within a certain period.

[0110] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the notification timing is a date, but this is not limiting, and the notification timing may include a time in addition to a date.

[0111] In the above example, replacement information regarding replacement of replacement parts is notified by displaying a notification screen on the display unit 68 of the printer 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the printer 1 may have an LED lamp and notify the replacement information by lighting or flashing the LED lamp. In this case, the LED lamp corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention. Alternatively, for example, the printer 1 may have a speaker and notify the replacement information by outputting sound from the speaker. In this case, the speaker corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention.

[0112] Furthermore, the printer 1 does not necessarily have to have a notification unit. In the seventh modification, a system 100 includes a printer 101 and an external device 102, as shown in FIG.

[0113] The printer 101 has the same configuration as the printer 1 described in the first embodiment, and also includes a communication unit 111. The communication unit 111 is for communicating with the external device 102. Note that the printer 101 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the display unit 68 and the operation unit 69.

[0114] The external device 102 is, for example, a PC or a smartphone. The external device 102 includes a display unit 121, an operation unit 122, a communication unit 123, and a control unit 124. The display unit 121 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 122 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse when the external device 102 is a PC, or a touch panel when the external device 102 is a smartphone. The communication unit 123 is communicably connected to the communication unit 111 of the printer 101. Here, the communication unit 111 of the printer 101 and the communication unit 123 of the external device 102 may be directly connected or may be connected via a network. The communication unit 111 of the printer 101 and the communication unit 123 of the external device 102 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0115] The control unit 124 has a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a memory 134, etc., and controls the display unit 121 and the communication unit 123. In addition, signals are input to the control unit 124 from the operation unit 122 and the communication unit 123.

[0116] In the system 100 of the seventh modification, the control unit 80 of the printer 101 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 12A to notify the user of the replacement of a replacement part. The flowchart of FIG. 12A will be described in detail below. The control unit 80 of the printer 101 performs processing in steps S701 to S703, which are similar to steps S101 to S103 of the first embodiment. When the control unit 80 determines in step S703 that the value of the life parameter N is less than the threshold value M (YES in step S703), the control unit 80 performs notification signal transmission processing (step S704), after which the processing ends. In the notification signal transmission processing in step S704, the control unit 80 causes the communication unit 111 of the printer 101 to transmit, to the communication unit 123 of the external device 102, a signal instructing the display unit 121 of the external device 102 to display a notification screen for notifying the user of the replacement of a replacement part. When the communication unit 123 receives the notification signal, the control unit 124 of the external device 102 causes the display unit 121 to display a notification screen such as those shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c).

[0117] In addition, in variant 7, processing was performed according to the flowchart of Figure 12(a), in which the notification processing in the flowchart of Figure 3(a) of the first embodiment was replaced with notification signal transmission processing. However, in variant 7, processing may also be performed according to a flowchart in which the notification processing in the flowchart of Figure 7(a) of variant 3 or the flowchart of Figure 9 of variant 5 is replaced with notification signal transmission processing similar to S704.

[0118] The eighth modification relates to the same system 100 as the seventh modification. However, in the eighth modification, the control unit 80 of the printer 101 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0119] 12(b) in detail, the control unit 80 of the printer 101 executes the processes of S801 to S803 similar to S201 to S203 of the second embodiment. Then, in S803, when it is determined that the notification timing has been reached (S803: YES), the control unit 80 executes the same notification signal transmission process as S704 of the seventh modification (S804), and then the process ends. Then, in the eighth modification, as in the seventh modification, when the communication unit 123 receives the notification signal, the control unit 124 of the external device 102 causes the display unit 121 to display a notification screen such as one of FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), for example.

[0120] In addition, in variant 8, processing was performed according to the flowchart of Figure 12(b), in which the notification processing in the flowchart of Figure 4(a) of the second embodiment was replaced with notification signal transmission processing, but in variant 7, processing may be performed according to the flowchart of Figure 8(a) of variant 4 or the flowchart of Figure 10 of variant 6, in which the notification processing in the flowchart of Figure 10 was replaced with notification signal transmission processing.

[0121] In the first embodiment and the like, the threshold value M is set based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when the device is operated in response to a single recording instruction, but this is not limiting. The threshold value M may also be set based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when the device is operated in response to a single operation instruction other than a recording instruction.

[0122] In the second embodiment and the like, the notification timing is set based on the frequency of the recording instruction, but this is not limiting and the notification timing may be set based on the frequency of an operation instruction other than the recording instruction.

[0123] Here, operational instructions other than recording instructions include, for example, operational instructions that are issued when the user operates any part of the printer 1, such as opening or closing a cover of the printer 1 (not shown), and operational instructions other than recording instructions that are issued when the user operates an external device connected to the printer 1.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 a toner cartridge and a recording paper transport roller. 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]

[0126] 1. Printer 6,7 Conveyor roller 24 ink cartridges 33 Waste liquid tank 68 Display section 80 Control Unit 100 systems 101 Printer 102 External device

Claims

1. A device with replaceable replacement parts, The notification department, a control unit, The control unit setting a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to cause the notification unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part, based on a wear amount of the replacement part when an operation is performed in response to a single operation instruction from a user; 10. An apparatus equipped with a replacement part, wherein the notification unit notifies the replacement information after a value of a life parameter relating to a remaining life of the replacement part reaches the threshold value.

2. the lifespan parameter is a parameter whose value decreases as the remaining lifespan of the replacement part decreases, The control unit If the wear amount of the replacement part when operating in response to one operation instruction from the user is a first wear amount, the threshold is set to a first threshold; 2. A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 1, characterized in that if the amount of wear of the replacement part when operating in accordance with a single operation instruction from a user is a second amount of wear greater than the first amount of wear, the threshold is set to a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

3. The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set based on the maximum amount of wear of the replacement part when the device operates in response to each of a plurality of operation instructions from the user.

4. The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set based on an average wear amount of the replacement part when the device operates in accordance with each of a plurality of operation instructions from the user.

5. the lifespan parameter is a parameter whose value decreases as the remaining lifespan of the replacement part decreases, The control unit 2. The device equipped with the replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the threshold value set based on the amount of wear of the replacement part when operating in response to a single operation instruction from a user is smaller than a predetermined value, the threshold value is set to the predetermined value.

6. The replacement parts include a first replacement part and a second replacement part that is less readily available than the first replacement part, The control unit When the threshold value for the first replacement part, which is set based on the amount of wear of the first replacement part when the operation is performed in accordance with the operation instruction from the user once, is smaller than a first predetermined value as the predetermined value, the threshold value for the first replacement part is set to the first predetermined value; When the threshold value for the second replacement part, which is set based on the amount of wear of the second replacement part when the second replacement part is operated in response to one operation instruction from the user, is smaller than a second predetermined value as the predetermined value, the threshold value for the second replacement part is set to the second predetermined value; 6. The apparatus with a replaceable part according to claim 5, wherein said second predetermined value is greater than said first predetermined value.

7. The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the replacement information when the value of the life parameter reaches the threshold value.

8. The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the replacement information when the operation instruction is first issued after the value of the life parameter reaches the threshold value.

9. A device with replaceable replacement parts, The notification department, a control unit, The control unit setting a notification timing for causing the notification unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part based on a frequency of operation instructions by a user; An apparatus equipped with a replaceable part, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the replacement information after the notification timing has arrived.

10. The frequency of the operation instruction is a frequency of whether or not the operation instruction is issued by the user per day, 10. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the notification timing is a date.

11. 10. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the frequency of the operation instruction is the maximum length of a period during which the operation instruction is not given by the user.

12. 10. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the frequency of the operation instruction is an average length of a period during which the operation instruction is not operated by a user.

13. The control unit Calculating an expected lifespan timing, which is a timing when the replacement part is expected to reach the end of its lifespan; 10. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the notification timing is set to be earlier than an expected end of life timing based on the frequency of the operation instruction by the user.

14. The control unit When the frequency of the operation instruction by the user is a first frequency, the notification timing is set to a timing that is a first hour before the expected life timing; When the frequency of the operation instruction by the user is a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency, the notification timing is set to a timing that is two hours before the expected life timing; 14. The apparatus with the replacement part of claim 13, wherein the second time period is greater than the first time period.

15. The control unit 14. A device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 13, characterized in that, when the length of the period between the notification timing, which is set based on the frequency of the operation instruction by the user, and the expected life timing is shorter than a predetermined time, the notification timing is set to a timing that is the predetermined time before the expected life timing.

16. The replacement parts include a first replacement part and a second replacement part that is less readily available than the first replacement part, The control unit When the length of the period between the notification timing set based on the frequency of the operation instruction by the user and the expected life timing for the first replacement part is shorter than a first predetermined time as the predetermined time, the notification timing for the first replacement part is set to a timing that is the first predetermined time before the expected life timing for the first replacement part, When the length of the period between the notification timing set based on the frequency of the operation instruction by the user and the expected life timing for the second replacement part is shorter than a second predetermined time as the predetermined time, the notification timing for the second replacement part is set to a timing that is the second predetermined time before the expected life timing for the second replacement part, 16. The apparatus with a replaceable part of claim 15, wherein the second predetermined time is greater than the first predetermined time.

17. The control unit 10. The device equipped with the replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the notification unit notifies the replacement information when the notification timing arrives.

18. The control unit 10. The device equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 9, wherein the notifying unit notifies the replacement information when the operation instruction is first given after the notification timing has arrived.

19. the device equipped with the replacement part is a recording device that records on a recording medium, the replacement part is a part that is consumed when recording on a recording medium, 10. An apparatus equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the operation instruction is an instruction to record on a recording medium.

20. A system in which a device having a replaceable replacement part, a notification unit, and a control unit are communicatively connected, The control unit setting a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to cause the notification unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part, based on a wear amount of the replacement part when an operation is performed in response to a single operation instruction from a user; The system is characterized in that the notification unit notifies the replacement information after a value of a life parameter related to the remaining life of the replacement part reaches the threshold value.

21. A system in which a device having a replaceable replacement part, a notification unit, and a control unit are communicatively connected, The control unit setting a notification timing for causing the notification unit to notify replacement information regarding replacement of the replacement part based on a frequency of operation instructions by a user; The system is characterized in that, after the notification timing, the notification unit notifies the replacement information.

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