Control device

Abstract

To enable a user to easily receive an appropriate guarantee.SOLUTION: When warranty period information of a first warranty contract is input (S102, S103: YES, S109, S118: YES), the warranty period information is stored in a memory (S111). When the warranty period information is not input and a second warranty contract different from the first warranty contract is not concluded (S104: YES, S105: NO), a first contract guide screen is displayed on a display part (S108). When an input related to a warranty period is made, a second warranty contract is not concluded, and the warranty period has passed (S110: YES, S112: NO, S113: YES), a second contract guide screen is displayed on a display part (S114). When the warranty period information is input, the second warranty contract is not concluded, and the remaining warranty period is less than the predetermined remaining period (S110: YES, S112: NO, S113: NO, S115: YES), a third contract guidance screen is displayed on the display (S116).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a control device, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the warranty period for consumables such as conveyance rollers is stored in advance in a storage unit. If a malfunction (error) occurs in the consumables within the warranty period, the user is notified of the warranty details, which include a gradual reduction in replacement, repair, or maintenance costs associated with the error. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-976 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the warranty period is stored in advance in a storage unit. In this case, for example, it is necessary to store the warranty period in the storage unit when the image forming apparatus is shipped. However, there are cases where it is not possible to store the warranty period in advance in the storage unit, such as when the warranty period is set based on the date the user purchased the image forming apparatus at a store. In such cases, the image forming apparatus cannot provide a notification according to the warranty period, and there is a risk that the user will not receive an appropriate warranty.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can make it easier for users to receive appropriate warranties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention is a control device that includes an input unit for a user to input, a display unit, a memory unit, and a control unit, and the control unit displays an input screen on the display unit that allows the user to input information regarding the warranty period of a first warranty contract from the input unit, and stores warranty period information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract in the memory unit based on the input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the present invention, an input screen for inputting information about the warranty period of the first warranty contract for the control device is displayed on the display unit. Then, warranty period information is stored in the storage unit based on the input about the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input unit. Here, for example, even if the user remembers the warranty period of the first warranty contract when the control device is initially purchased, they may forget about it over time. In such a case, there is a risk that the user will not receive appropriate warranty even if the warranty period of the first warranty contract is still in effect. In response to this, in the present invention, by storing the warranty period information in the storage unit while the user still remembers the warranty period of the first warranty contract, for example, when the control device is initially purchased, even if the user later forgets about the warranty period of the first warranty contract, the user can be made more likely to receive appropriate warranty by, for example, notifying the user based on the warranty period information of the first warranty contract stored in the storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for displaying an input screen and the like in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A is a diagram for explaining an input selection screen, FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining a first contract information screen, and FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining a details screen. [Figure 5] 10A is a diagram for explaining the input screen, FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the second contract information screen, and FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining the third contract information screen. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow when diagnosing the life of a replacement part in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow when diagnosing the lifespan of the printer main body in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram for explaining the fourth contract information screen, (b) is a diagram for explaining the first warranty notification screen, (c) is a diagram for explaining the second warranty notification screen, and (d) is a diagram for explaining the third warranty notification screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for diagnosing a replacement part in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for diagnosing the main body of the printer in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a first lifespan notification screen, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram illustrating a second lifespan notification screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0010] <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 the first embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "control device" of the present invention.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] <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.

[0020] 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. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 69 corresponds to the "input unit" of the present invention.

[0021] 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.

[0022] <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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] <Processing when entering warranty period information for the first warranty contract> Next, the processing of the control unit 80 when inputting information related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract in the printer 1 will be described. Here, the first warranty contract is, for example, a warranty contract between the manufacturer of the printer 1, the retailer of the printer 1, the insurance company, the repairer who repaired the printer 1, the repair manufacturer, etc. The content of the warranty under the first warranty contract is set by the manufacturer of the printer 1, the retailer of the printer 1, the insurance company, the repairer who repaired the printer 1, the repair manufacturer, etc. In this specification, for convenience, the warranty contract subscribed to by the user himself / herself as described above will be referred to as the first warranty contract. The content of the warranty under the first warranty contract may be at least partially the same as the content of the warranty under the second warranty contract described below, or may be different from the content of the warranty under the second warranty contract described below.

[0025] Furthermore, if the first warranty contract is made with the manufacturer of the printer 1 and the retailer of the printer 1, the warranty period of the first warranty contract is, for example, a period set based on the purchase date of the printer 1. If the first warranty contract is made with an insurance company, the warranty period of the first warranty contract is, for example, a period set based on the contract date of the first warranty contract. If the first warranty contract is made with the repairer and repair manufacturer of the printer 1, the warranty period of the first warranty contract is, for example, a period set based on the repair date of the printer 1.

[0026] In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3 to input information related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract. For example, when the printer 1 is turned on, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3.

[0027] 3 in detail, the control unit 80 first determines whether or not input has been made regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract (S101). The control unit 80 makes the determination in S101 based on whether or not warranty period information, which is information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract, has been stored in the memory 84. In this embodiment, the memory 84 corresponds to the "storage unit" of the present invention.

[0028] If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input (S101: YES), the process proceeds to S110. If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been input (S101: NO), the control unit 80 executes an input selection screen display process (S102). In the input selection screen display process of S102, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display an input selection screen 51 such as that shown in FIG. 4(a), for example.

[0029] The input selection screen 51 includes a message section 51A and selection sections 51B and 51C. The message section 51A is a section that notifies the user of the benefits of inputting information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract and displays a message inquiring whether or not to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract. The selection section 51B is a section for selecting to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract. The selection section 51C is a section for selecting not to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract. The selection section 51D is a section for selecting when not inputting information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract now but will input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract later.

[0030] Here, if operation unit 69 is a touch panel provided on display unit 68, selection units 51B and 51C can be selected by touching the portion of display unit 68 where selection units 51B and 51C are displayed. Also, if operation unit 69 is a hard key, selection units 51B and 51C can be selected by operating the hard key. The same applies to the other selection units described below.

[0031] Returning to Figure 3, after the input selection screen display process of S102, the control unit 80 waits until selection unit 51B is selected to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract, selection unit 51C is selected to not input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract, or selection unit 51D is selected to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract later (S103: NO, S104: NO, S105: NO).

[0032] When the selection unit 51D is selected to input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract later (S105: YES), the control unit 80 executes a period count process (S106). In the period count process of S106, the control unit 80 counts a set waiting period, such as one month. After the counting of the waiting period in the period count process of S106 is completed, the process returns to S102.

[0033] When the selection unit 51C is selected to not input information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract (S104: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the second warranty contract has been concluded (S107). For example, the memory 84 stores conclusion information indicating whether or not the second warranty contract has been concluded, and in S105 the control unit 80 acquires the contract information from the memory 84 and determines whether or not the second warranty contract has been concluded based on the acquired contract information. Alternatively, for example, the printer 1 is communicably connected to a server (not shown), and the server stores the contract information. In S105, the control unit 80 acquires the contract information from the server and determines whether or not the second warranty contract has been concluded based on the acquired contract information.

[0034] Here, the second warranty contract is a warranty contract separate from the first warranty contract. Specifically, it is a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee at predetermined intervals. The predetermined fee at predetermined intervals may be a fixed fee or may vary from period to period. The warranty under the second warranty contract covers repair or partial replacement of failures due to wear or deterioration of the printer 1, or replacement of the entire printer 1. Partial replacement includes, for example, the provision of replacement parts for the printer 1, such as the transport rollers 6 and 7 and the waste liquid tank 33. The warranty under the second warranty contract may also include consumables such as the ink cartridge 24. For convenience, the warranty contract described above will be referred to herein as the second warranty contract.

[0035] If the second warranty contract has already been concluded (S107: YES), the process ends. As a result, if the warranty period information of the first warranty contract has not been input and the second warranty contract has already been concluded, the first contract information screen 52, which will be described later, is not displayed on the display unit 68.

[0036] If the second guarantee contract has not been concluded (S107: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first contract information screen display process (S108), and then the process ends. In the first contract information screen display process of S108, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display the first contract information screen 52, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0037] The first contract information screen 52 in Fig. 4(b) has a message section 52A and selection sections 52B and 52C. The message section 52A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been entered and encouraging the user to enter into a second warranty contract.

[0038] The selection section 52B is a section selected to display the details of the second warranty contract. When the selection section 52B is selected, the control section 80 causes the display section 68 to display a details screen 53 as shown in FIG. 4(c), for example.

[0039] The details screen 53 includes a message section 53A, a URL display section 53B, a code display section 53C, and a selection section 53D. The message section 53A displays a message encouraging the user to connect to a website containing details of the second warranty contract. The URL display section 53B displays the URL of the website. The code display section 53C displays a two-dimensional code that can be read by a smartphone or other device to connect to the website. Although a detailed description is omitted, the second warranty contract can be concluded, for example, by performing a predetermined operation on the website and communicating with a server (not shown). The selection section 53D is selected to end the display of the details screen 53. When the selection section 53D is selected, the display returns to the first contract information screen 52 displayed on the display unit 68.

[0040] The selection section 52C is a section that is selected when the second guarantee contract is not required. When the selection section 52C is selected, the display of the first contract information screen 52 is terminated.

[0041] 3, when the selection section 51B is selected on the input selection screen 51 of FIG. 4(a) to select input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract (S103: YES), the control section 80 executes input screen display processing (S109). In the input screen display processing of S109, the control section 80 causes the display section 68 to display, for example, the input screen 54 as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0042] The input screen 54 includes a message section 54A, a selection section 54B, an input result display section 54C, and a selection section 54D. The message section 54A is an area where a message prompting input of the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract is displayed. The selection section 54B is an area for selecting the numbers "0" to "9", and on the input screen 54, the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract can be input by operating the selection section 54B. The input result display section 54C is an area where the input result of the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract input by the selection section 54B is displayed. The selection section 54D is an area that is selected when input of the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract is completed.

[0043] Here, the input screen 54 shown in FIG. 5(a) is for inputting the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract as input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract, but the input screen 54 may also be for inputting other information related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract, such as the warranty period of the first warranty contract itself or the purchase date of the printer 1, as input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract. Also, the operation unit 69 may include hard keys "0" to "9," and the input screen 54 may not include the selection unit 54B. In this case, the warranty expiration date of the first warranty contract can be input by operating the hard keys "0" to "9."

[0044] 3, after the input screen display process of S109, the control unit 80 waits until the input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract is completed, that is, until the selection unit 54D is selected (S110: NO). When the input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract is completed, that is, when the selection unit 54D is selected (S110: YES), the control unit 80 executes a storage process to store warranty period information, which is information about the warranty period of the first warranty contract, in the memory 84 based on the input related to the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the operation unit 69 (S111), and the process proceeds to S112.

[0045] In S112, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a second warranty contract has been concluded, in the same manner as in S107. If the second warranty contract has been concluded (S112: YES), the processing ends. As a result, if the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input and the second warranty contract has been concluded, the second contract information screen 55 and the third contract information screen 56, which will be described later, are not displayed on the display unit 68, regardless of whether the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired or the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract.

[0046] If the second warranty contract has not been concluded (S112: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired based on the stored warranty period information (S113). If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired (S113: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second contract information screen display process (S114), and then the process ends. In the second contract information screen display process of S114, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second contract information screen 55, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0047] The second contract information screen 55 in Fig. 5(b) has a message section 55A and selection sections 55B and 55C. The message section 55A displays a message informing the user that the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired and urging the user to enter into a second warranty contract. The selection sections 55B and 55C are similar to the selection sections 52B and 52C of the first contract information screen 52, respectively.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 3, if the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired (S113: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than the predetermined remaining period (S115). If the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is equal to or greater than the predetermined remaining period (S113: NO), the process ends. If the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than the predetermined remaining period (S115: YES), the control unit 80 executes a third contract information screen display process (S116), and then the process ends. In the third contract information screen display process of S116, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a third contract information screen 56, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(c).

[0049] The third contract information screen 56 in FIG. 5(c) has a message section 56A and selection sections 56B and 56C. The message section 56A displays a message informing the user that the warranty period of the first warranty contract is approaching and encouraging the user to enter into a second warranty contract. The selection sections 56B and 56C are similar to the selection sections 52B and 52C of the first contract information screen 52. In this embodiment, when the second warranty contract is concluded while the warranty period of the first warranty contract still remains, the second warranty contract is initiated immediately. However, when the second warranty contract is concluded while the warranty period of the first warranty contract still remains, the second warranty contract may be initiated upon the expiration of the warranty period of the first warranty contract. Here, when entering into the second warranty contract, the user may be given the option of starting the second warranty contract immediately or upon the expiration of the warranty period of the first warranty contract entered.

[0050] <Diagnosis and other processing regarding remaining lifespan> Next, the processing of the control unit 80 when diagnosing the lifespan of the replacement parts of the printer 1 and the main body of the printer 1 will be described. The control unit 80 performs a process for each replacement part in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 6 to diagnose the lifespan of the replacement part. Here, examples of replacement parts of the printer 1 include the ink cartridge 24, the transport rollers 6 and 7, and the waste liquid tank 33. The control unit 80 also performs a process in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 7 to diagnose the lifespan of the main body of the printer 1.

[0051] In the first embodiment, for example, when a user operates the operation unit 69 to issue an instruction for a lifespan diagnosis, when a predetermined timing is reached, or the like, processing is performed according to the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7. The predetermined timing may be, for example, when a predetermined time is reached, whenever a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or whenever a certain number of sheets of recording paper S have been recorded on. Alternatively, processing according to the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7 may be performed based on some kind of error or fault signal in the printer 1.

[0052] The flowchart of Fig. 6 will be described in detail. When performing processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 6, the control unit 80 first executes a part diagnosis process (S201). In the part diagnosis process of S201, the control unit 80 performs a part diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the replacement part.

[0053] The part diagnosis is, for example, a diagnosis of the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24, the degree of wear on the transport rollers 6 and 7, and the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 33. These diagnoses are performed based on, for example, signals from sensors (not shown) provided in the printer 1, the number of printed sheets since the replacement part was installed, the elapsed time, etc.

[0054] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part indicated by the result of the part diagnosis in S201 is less than a first period (S202). The first period may be specified in terms of time, such as "x days remaining," or may be specified as a percentage of the entire life, such as "x% remaining." The same applies to the second to sixth periods described below. The first period may be the same for all replacement parts, or may be different for each replacement part.

[0055] If the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or greater than the first period (S202: NO), the process ends. If the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the first period (S202: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input, as in S101 described above (S203). If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been input (S203: NO), the process proceeds to S205. If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input (S203: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired, as in S111 described above (S204). If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired (S204: YES), the process proceeds to S205. If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired (S204: NO), the process proceeds to S208.

[0056] In S205, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the second warranty contract has been concluded, in the same manner as in S105 described above. If the second warranty contract has not been concluded (S205: NO), the control unit 80 executes a fourth contract information screen display process (S206), and then the process ends. In the fourth contract information screen display process of S206, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a fourth contract information screen 57, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0057] The fourth contract information screen 57 in FIG. 8(a) includes a message section 57A and selection sections 57B, 57C, and 57D. The message section 57A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life, that the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired, and that the replacement part can be provided if the user concludes a second warranty contract. In other words, the message notifies the user that the replacement part will be provided without the user having to purchase it. Note that the "○○" in the message displayed in the message section 57A in FIG. 8(a) is the name of the replacement part for which the life diagnosis was performed in S201. The same applies to FIGS. 8(b) to 8(d) described below.

[0058] Selection section 57B is a section selected to confirm the contents of the second warranty contract. When selection section 57B is selected, for example, the details screen 53 of FIG. 4(c) is displayed on the display section 68. Selection section 57C is a section selected to confirm the case where the second warranty contract is not concluded. When selection section 57C is selected, for example, a purchase guide screen (not shown) for guiding the purchase of replacement parts is displayed on the display section 68. Then, the user can carry out procedures for purchasing replacement parts based on this purchase guide screen. Selection section 57D is a section selected to terminate the display of the fourth contract guide screen 57. When selection section 57D is selected, the display of the fourth contract guide screen 57 on the display section 68 is terminated.

[0059] 6, if the second warranty contract has been concluded (S205: YES), the control unit 80 executes a first warranty notification screen display process (S207), and then the process ends. In the first warranty notification screen display process of S207, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first warranty notification screen 58 as shown in FIG. 8(b), for example.

[0060] The first warranty notification screen 58 in FIG. 8(b) includes a message section 58A and selection sections 58B and 58C. The message section 58A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life and that the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired but that a replacement part can be provided under the concluded second warranty contract. The selection sections 58B and 58C are similar to the selection sections 57B and 57D of the fourth contract information screen 57. However, when the first warranty notification screen 58 is displayed, the second warranty contract has already been concluded, and procedures for providing a replacement part under the second warranty contract can be carried out from the homepage displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 4(c) that is displayed when selection section 58B is selected. The same applies when selection section 60B is selected on the third warranty notification screen 60 in FIG. 8(c) described below.

[0061] 6, in S208, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a second warranty contract has been concluded, in the same manner as in S105 described above. If a second warranty contract has not been concluded (S208: NO), the control unit 80 executes a second warranty notification screen display process (S209), and then the process ends. In the second warranty notification screen display process of S209, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second warranty notification screen 59, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

[0062] The second warranty notification screen 59 in FIG. 8(c) includes a message section 59A and a selection section 59B. The message section 59A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part or the printer 1 itself is nearing the end of its life, and that the product may be covered under the first warranty contract because it is still within the warranty period under the first warranty contract. The selection section 59B is similar to the selection section 57D on the fourth contract information screen 57.

[0063] If the second warranty contract has been concluded (S208: YES), the control unit 80 executes a third warranty notification screen display process (S210), and then the process ends. In the third warranty notification screen display process of S210, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a third warranty notification screen 60, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(d).

[0064] The third warranty notification screen 60 of FIG. 8(d) includes a message section 60A and selection sections 60B and 60C. The message section 60A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life, that a replacement part can be provided under the concluded second warranty contract, and that the user may be covered under the first warranty contract because the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired. However, the message displayed in the message section 60A may only inform the user that a replacement part can be provided under the concluded second warranty contract, but may not inform the user that the user may be covered under the first warranty contract because the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired. The selection sections 60B and 60C are similar to the selection sections 57B and 57D of the fourth contract information screen 57, respectively.

[0065] Next, the flowchart of Fig. 7 will be described in detail. When performing processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 7, the control unit 80 first executes a main body diagnostic process (S301). In the main body diagnostic process of S301, the control unit 80 performs a main body diagnostic on the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1.

[0066] The main body diagnosis is a diagnosis of the degree of deterioration of specific parts other than replacement parts of the printer 1. This diagnosis is performed based on, for example, signals from sensors (not shown) provided in the printer 1, the number of printed pages since the printer 1 was first used, the elapsed time, etc.

[0067] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the printer 1 main body indicated by the result of the main body diagnosis in S301 is less than a second period (S302). The second period may be the same as the first period for any of the replacement parts, or may be different from the first period for any of the replacement parts.

[0068] If the remaining life of the printer 1 main body is equal to or greater than the second period (S302: NO), the process ends. If the remaining life of the printer 1 main body is less than the second period (S302: YES), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S303 to S310, which are the same as S203 to S210 described above.

[0069] However, in S306, S307, S309, and S310, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display the screens of FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), and 8(d), respectively, where "XX" is "printer body." Furthermore, when selection section 57C is selected on the fourth contract information screen 57 displayed in S306, a purchase information screen (not shown) for guiding the user through the purchase of a printer is displayed on the display unit 68. The user can then carry out procedures for purchasing a printer based on this purchase information screen. Furthermore, procedures for providing the printer 1 based on the second warranty contract can be carried out from the homepage shown on the screen of FIG. 4(c), which is displayed when selection sections 58B and 60B are selected on the first warranty notification screen 58 and the third warranty notification screen 60 displayed in S307 and S309.

[0070] <Effects> In the first embodiment, the input screen 54 for inputting information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is displayed on the display unit 68. Then, warranty period information is stored in the memory 84 based on the input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract entered on the input screen 54 by the user operating the operation unit 69. This allows the printer 1 to operate according to whether it is within the warranty period of the first warranty contract. In other words, the printer 1 can operate optimally for the user both within and outside the warranty period of the first warranty contract. For example, even if the user remembers the warranty period of the first warranty contract when the printer 1 is first purchased, they may forget about it over time. In such a case, the user may not receive appropriate warranty coverage even if the printer is still within the warranty period of the first warranty contract. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the warranty period information is stored in the memory 84 while the user still remembers the warranty period of the first warranty contract, for example, when the printer 1 is first purchased. Therefore, even if the user later forgets about the warranty period of the first warranty contract, the user can be notified based on the warranty period information stored in the memory 84, making it easier for the user to receive appropriate warranty coverage.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been input and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the first warranty contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the conclusion of the second warranty contract when it is unclear whether the warranty under the first warranty contract can be obtained and the second warranty contract has not been concluded. On the other hand, even if the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been input and it is unclear whether the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired, if the second warranty contract has been concluded, it is possible to prevent the first warranty contract information screen 52 from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input but the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the second warranty contract information screen 55 is displayed. This makes it possible to encourage the conclusion of the second warranty contract when the warranty under the first warranty contract is not available and the second warranty contract has not been concluded. On the other hand, even when the warranty under the first warranty contract is not available, if the second warranty contract has been concluded, it is possible to prevent the second warranty contract information screen 55 from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input and the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired but the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than a predetermined remaining period, if the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the third contract information screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68, but if the second warranty contract has been concluded, the third contract information screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the conclusion of the second warranty contract when the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is short and the second warranty contract has not been concluded. On the other hand, even if the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is short, if the second warranty contract has been concluded, it is possible to prevent the third contract information screen 56 from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input, the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is longer than a specified remaining period, it is possible to prevent the third contract information screen 56 from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68, regardless of whether a second warranty contract has been concluded or not.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the diagnosis result regarding the lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 indicates that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part is less than the first period or that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, i.e., that the lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 is short, and it is unclear whether the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired or the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the fourth contract guidance screen 57 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the conclusion of the second warranty contract when, at the point when the remaining lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 has become short, it is unclear whether the warranty under the first warranty contract can be received or the warranty under the first warranty contract cannot be received and the second warranty contract has not been concluded.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the diagnosis result regarding the lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 indicates that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part is less than the first period or that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, i.e., that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 is short, and it is unclear whether the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired, or if the warranty period under the first warranty contract has expired and a second warranty contract has been concluded, the first warranty notification screen 58 is displayed on the display unit 68. This notifies the user that they are eligible for warranty under the second warranty contract, making it easier for them to receive the warranty.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the diagnosis result regarding the lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 indicates that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part is less than the first period or that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, i.e., that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 is short, if the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the second warranty notification screen 59 is displayed on the display unit 68. This notifies the user that there is a possibility that they may be able to receive warranty under the first warranty contract, making it easier for them to receive that warranty.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the diagnosis result regarding the lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 indicates that the remaining lifespan of the replacement part is less than the first period or that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, i.e., when the remaining lifespan of the replacement part or the main body of the printer 1 is short, if the warranty period under the first warranty contract has not expired and a second warranty contract has been concluded, the third warranty notification screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 68. This notifies the user that they are eligible for warranty under the second warranty contract, making it easier for them to receive that warranty. In this case, it is also possible to notify the user that they may be eligible for warranty under the first warranty contract, making it easier for them to receive that warranty.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the second warranty contract is a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee at predetermined intervals, so that the warranty can be continued under the second warranty contract even after the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired. Here, the second warranty contract includes the provision of replacement parts and repairs when replacement or repair of at least one of the product or replacement parts is necessary, as well as the provision of the product itself. The provision includes both free of charge and paid provision, and does not necessarily mean that it is free of charge.

[0080] [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 the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a control unit 80 that performs a process for each of the printer 1's replacement parts in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 9 to diagnose the lifespan of the replacement parts. Also, unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a control unit 80 that performs a process for the printer 1 in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 10 to diagnose the lifespan of the printer 1 main body. In the second embodiment, the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 start when the printer 1 is turned on, for example, and the process continues while the printer 1 is turned on.

[0081] The flowchart of Fig. 9 will be described in detail. In the flowchart of Fig. 9, the control unit 80 first determines whether it is a predetermined timing (S401). The predetermined timing in S401 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, for example.

[0082] If it is the predetermined timing (S401: YES), the control unit 80 executes a normal part diagnosis process (S402). In the normal part diagnosis process of S402, the control unit 80 performs a normal part diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the replacement part. The normal part diagnosis is, for example, the same diagnosis as the part diagnosis in the first embodiment.

[0083] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part indicated by the result of the normal part diagnosis process of S402 is less than a third period (S403). The third period may be the same for all replacement parts or may be different for each replacement part. Furthermore, the third period may be the same as the first period in the first embodiment or may be a period different from the first period.

[0084] If the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or greater than the third period (S403: NO), the process returns to S401. If the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the third period (S403: YES), the control unit 80 executes a first life notification screen display process (S404), and then the process returns to S401. In the first life notification screen display process of S404, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first life notification screen 61, for example, as shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0085] The first lifespan notification screen 61 in FIG. 11(a) includes a message section 61A and selection sections 61B and 61C. The message section 61A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life and urging the user to replace the replacement part. The selection section 61B is a section selected for purchasing the replacement part. When the selection section 61B is selected, a purchase guidance screen for providing guidance on purchasing the replacement part is displayed on the display unit 68, similar to the case when the selection section 57C is selected on the fourth contract guidance screen 57 displayed in S206 of the first embodiment. The user can then carry out procedures for purchasing the replacement part based on this purchase guidance screen. The selection section 61C is similar to the selection section 57D of the fourth contract guidance screen 57.

[0086] 9, if it is not the predetermined timing (S401: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input (S405), in the same manner as S101 in the first embodiment. If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not been input (S405: NO), the process returns to S401.

[0087] If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been input (S405: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired (S406), in the same manner as S111 in the first embodiment. If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired (S406: YES), the process returns to S401.

[0088] If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired (S406: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than a predetermined remaining period (S407), in the same manner as S113 in the first embodiment. If the remaining warranty period of the first warranty contract is equal to or greater than the predetermined remaining period (S407: NO), the process returns to S401.

[0089] If the remaining warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than the predetermined remaining period (S407: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not a second warranty contract has been concluded (S408), in the same manner as S105 in the first embodiment. If the second warranty contract has been concluded (S408: YES), the process returns to S401.

[0090] If the second warranty contract has not been concluded (S408: NO), the control unit 80 executes a special part diagnosis process for the replacement part (S409). In the special part diagnosis process of S409, the control unit 80 performs a special part diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the replacement part.

[0091] The special part diagnosis may be the same as the normal part diagnosis. In this case, the special part diagnosis is a different diagnosis from the normal part diagnosis in that the conditions for starting the special part diagnosis are different from those for starting the normal part diagnosis. Alternatively, the special part diagnosis may be, for example, a diagnosis that takes more time than the normal part diagnosis. Alternatively, for example, the normal part diagnosis may be performed by the printer 1 alone, while the special part diagnosis may be performed by communication between the printer 1 and a server (not shown).

[0092] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part indicated by the result of the special part diagnosis in S409 is less than a fourth period that is longer than the third period in S403 (S410). The fourth period may be the same for all replacement parts, or may be different for each replacement part.

[0093] If the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or greater than the fourth period (S410: NO), the process returns to S401. If the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the fourth period (S410: YES), the control unit 80 executes a first life notification screen display process (S404), and then the process returns to S401.

[0094] Next, the flowchart of Fig. 10 will be described in detail. In the flowchart of Fig. 10, the control unit 80 first determines whether it is a predetermined timing (S501: NO). The predetermined timing in S501 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, for example.

[0095] If it is the predetermined timing (S501: YES), the control unit 80 executes a normal main body diagnostic process (S502). In the normal main body diagnostic process of S502, the control unit 80 performs a normal main body diagnostic regarding the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1. The normal main body diagnostic is, for example, the same diagnostic as the main body diagnostic of the first embodiment.

[0096] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the printer 1 main body indicated by the result of the normal main body diagnosis in S502 is less than a fifth period (S503). The fifth period may be the same as the third period, or may be a period different from the third period. If the remaining life of the printer 1 main body is the fifth period or more (S503: NO), the process returns to S501.

[0097] If the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the fifth period (S503: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second life notification screen display process (S504), and then the process returns to S501.

[0098] In the second life notification screen display process of S504, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display the second life notification screen 62 as shown in FIG. 11(b), for example.

[0099] The second lifespan notification screen 62 in FIG. 11(b) includes a message section 62A and selection sections 62B and 62C. The message section 62A displays a message informing the user that the lifespan of the printer 1 is nearing the end of its life and encouraging the user to purchase a new printer. The selection section 62B is a section selected for purchasing a printer. When the selection section 62B is selected, a purchase guidance screen for guiding the user through the purchase of a printer is displayed on the display unit 68, similar to the case when the selection section 57C is selected on the fourth contract guidance screen 57 displayed in S306 in the first embodiment. The user can then carry out procedures for purchasing a printer based on this purchase guidance screen. The selection section 62C is similar to the selection section 57D of the fourth contract guidance screen 57.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 10, if it is not the predetermined timing (S501: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S505 to S508 similar to S405 to S408 in the second embodiment.

[0101] If the warranty period of the first warranty contract has been entered (S505: YES), the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired (S506: NO), the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than the predetermined remaining period (S507: YES), and the second warranty contract has not been concluded (S508: NO), the control unit 80 executes a special main body diagnostic process (S509). In the special main body diagnostic process of S509, the control unit 80 performs a special main body diagnostic on the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1.

[0102] The special main body diagnostic may be the same as the normal main body diagnostic. In this case, the special main body diagnostic is a different diagnostic from the normal main body diagnostic in that the conditions for starting the special main body diagnostic are different from those for starting the normal main body diagnostic. Alternatively, the special main body diagnostic may be, for example, a diagnostic that takes more time than the normal main body diagnostic. Alternatively, for example, the normal main body diagnostic may be performed by the printer 1 alone, while the special main body diagnostic may be performed by communication between the printer 1 and a server (not shown).

[0103] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part indicated by the result of the special main body diagnosis in S509 is less than a sixth period, which is longer than the fifth period in S503 (S510). The sixth period may be the same period as the fourth period for any of the replacement parts, or may be a period different from the fourth period for any of the replacement parts. If the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is equal to or greater than the sixth period (S510: NO), the process returns to S501. If the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the sixth period (S510: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second life notification screen display process (S504), and then the process returns to S501.

[0104] <Effects> In the second embodiment, a normal part diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the replacement parts of the printer 1 is performed at a predetermined timing, and if the results of the normal part diagnosis indicate that the remaining life of the replacement parts is shorter than the third period, a first life notification screen 61 can be displayed on the display unit to notify the user that the remaining life of the replacement parts of the device is short.

[0105] On the other hand, if the warranty period under the first warranty contract has not expired but the remaining period of the warranty period under the first warranty contract is less than the specified remaining period, and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, a special parts diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the replacement part of the printer 1 is performed, and if the results of the special parts diagnosis indicate that the remaining life of the replacement part is longer than the third period but shorter than the fourth period, the first life notification screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to notify early on that the remaining life of the replacement part is short when the remaining period of the warranty period under the first warranty contract is short and the second warranty contract has not been concluded.

[0106] In addition, in the second embodiment, a normal main body diagnosis regarding the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is performed at a predetermined timing, and if the results of the normal main body diagnosis indicate that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is shorter than the fifth period, a second life notification screen 62 can be displayed on the display unit 68 to notify the user that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is short.

[0107] On the other hand, if the warranty period under the first warranty contract has not expired but the remaining period of the warranty period under the first warranty contract is less than the specified remaining period, and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, a special main body diagnosis regarding the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is performed, and if the results of the special main body diagnosis indicate that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is shorter than the sixth period but longer than the fifth period, the second lifespan notification screen 62 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to notify early on that the remaining lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 is short if the remaining period of the warranty period under the first warranty contract is short and the second warranty contract has not been concluded.

[0108] [Variations] 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.

[0109] In the first embodiment, the contract information screens 52, 55, 56, and 57 are different from one another, but this is not limiting. At least two of the contract information screens 52, 55, and 56 may be the same screen.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining period, if the second warranty contract has been concluded, the contract information screen may not be displayed on the display unit 68, and if the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the third contract information screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68. However, in this case, the message displayed in the message section 56A of the third contract information screen 56 does not include a message indicating that the warranty period of the first warranty contract is approaching.

[0111] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, when input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is equal to or longer than a predetermined remaining period, the third contract information screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether the second warranty contract has been concluded. However, in this case, the message displayed in the message section 56A of the third contract information screen 56 does not include a message indicating that the warranty period of the first warranty contract is approaching.

[0112] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is less than the specified remaining period, the third contract information screen 56 does not need to be displayed on the display unit 68, regardless of whether the second warranty contract has been concluded or not.

[0113] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, if input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is less than a specified remaining period, the third contract information screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether the second warranty contract has been concluded or not.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input screen 54 and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has expired, the second contract information screen 55 may be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether the second warranty contract has been concluded or not.

[0115] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, if the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input screen 54 and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has passed, the second contract information screen 55 does not have to be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether the second warranty contract has been concluded or not.

[0116] In addition, in the first embodiment, if no input is made regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input screen 54, the first contract information screen 52 may be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether or not a second warranty contract has been concluded.

[0117] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, if no input is made regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input screen 54, the first contract information screen 52 does not have to be displayed on the display unit 68, regardless of whether or not a second warranty contract has been concluded.

[0118] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the result of the part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the first period, or the result of the main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, and input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has expired, and the second warranty contract has not been concluded, the fourth contract information screen 57 does not need to be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0119] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the result of the part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the first period, or the result of the main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, and input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has expired, and a second warranty contract has been concluded, the first warranty notification screen 58 does not need to be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0120] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the result of the part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the first period, or the result of the main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, and input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and a second warranty contract has not been concluded, the second warranty notification screen 59 does not have to be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0121] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the result of the part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than the first period, or the result of the main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the printer 1 is less than the second period, and input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input screen 54, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and a second warranty contract has been concluded, the second warranty notification screen 59 does not need to be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0122] In the first and second embodiments, both the diagnosis regarding the lifespan of the replacement part and the diagnosis regarding the lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 are performed, but this is not limited to this. In the first and second embodiments, only one of the diagnosis regarding the lifespan of the replacement part and the diagnosis regarding the lifespan of the main body of the printer 1 may be performed.

[0123] In the above example, the second warranty contract was a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee every predetermined period, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second warranty contract may be a contract in which the warranty is continued for a certain period after the warranty period of the first warranty contract has expired by paying a one-time fee.

[0124] In the above example, each screen is displayed over the entire display unit 68, but this is not limiting. A display area for displaying each screen may be set in a portion of the display unit 68, and each screen may be displayed in this display area. Alternatively, each screen may be displayed as a pop-up in a portion of the display unit 68.

[0125] 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.

[0126] In the above, an example has been described in which the control device is an inkjet printer that ejects ink from nozzles toward recording paper S, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control device may be, for example, a laser printer that has replaceable parts such as a toner cartridge and a recording paper transport roller. Furthermore, the control device may be an electronic device other than a recording device that has replaceable parts, such as a scanner that has a light source unit as a replaceable part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Printer 6,7 Conveyor roller 24 ink cartridges 33 Waste liquid tank 68 Display section 69 Operation section 80 Control Unit

Claims

1. A control device comprising an input unit for a user to input, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, The control unit displaying an input screen on the display unit for allowing a user to input information relating to the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input unit; a control device that stores, in the storage unit, warranty period information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract based on an input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract from the input unit;

2. The control unit The control device described in claim 1, characterized in that if no input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit, a first contract information screen is displayed on the display unit prompting the user to enter into a second warranty contract separate from the first warranty contract.

3. The control unit acquiring contract information regarding whether the user has concluded the second guarantee contract; When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is not input from the input unit, If the contract information indicates that the second guarantee contract has not been concluded, the first contract guide screen is displayed on the display unit; 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when the contract information indicates that the second guarantee contract has been concluded, the first contract information screen is not displayed on the display unit.

4. The control unit The control device described in claim 1, characterized in that when information regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has passed, a second contract guidance screen is displayed on the display unit to encourage the user to enter into the second warranty contract, which is separate from the first warranty contract.

5. The control unit acquiring contract information regarding whether the user has concluded the second guarantee contract; When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has passed, If the contract information indicates that the second guarantee contract has not been concluded, the second contract guide screen is displayed on the display unit; 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein when the conclusion information indicates that the second guarantee contract has been concluded, the second contract information screen is not displayed on the display unit.

6. The control unit acquiring contract information regarding whether the user has concluded the second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; When an input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is less than a predetermined remaining period, If the contract information indicates that the second guarantee contract has not been concluded, a third contract guide screen is displayed on the display unit to prompt the conclusion of the second guarantee contract; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the conclusion information indicates that the second guarantee contract has been concluded, the third contract information screen is not displayed on the display unit.

7. The control unit The control device described in claim 6, characterized in that when input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information is equal to or longer than the specified remaining period, the third contract information screen is not displayed on the display unit, regardless of whether the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has been concluded.

8. The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; When the control device has a replacement part replaceable by a user, a diagnosis is made regarding the remaining life of the replacement part or the remaining life of the main body of the control device; When the result of the diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a first period, or the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a second period, If no input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit, or if input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has passed, and further, if the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has not been concluded, 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a fourth contract guide screen that prompts the user to conclude the second guarantee contract.

9. The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; When the control device has a replacement part replaceable by a user, a diagnosis is made regarding the remaining life of the replacement part or the remaining life of the main body of the control device; When the result of the diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a first period, or the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a second period, If no input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit, or if input regarding the warranty period of the first warranty contract is made from the input unit and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has passed, and further, if the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has been concluded, The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays a first warranty notification screen to notify the user that the replacement part or the control device main body is guaranteed based on the second warranty contract.

10. The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; When the control device has a replacement part replaceable by a user, a diagnosis is made regarding the remaining life of the replacement part or the remaining life of the main body of the control device; When the result of the diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a first period, or the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a second period, When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has not been concluded, The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays a second warranty notification screen to notify the user that the replacement part or the control device itself is covered by the warranty during the warranty period of the first warranty contract.

11. The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; When the control device has a replacement part replaceable by a user, a diagnosis is made regarding the remaining life of the replacement part or the remaining life of the main body of the control device; When the result of the diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a first period, or the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a second period, When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has been concluded, The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays a third warranty notification screen to notify the user that the replacement part or the control device itself is guaranteed by the second warranty contract.

12. A user-replaceable replacement part is provided; The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; At a predetermined timing, a regular part diagnosis is performed regarding the remaining life of the replacement part; When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit, and the warranty period information indicates that the warranty period of the first warranty contract has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than a predetermined remaining period, and the contract information indicates that the second warranty contract has not been concluded, a special part diagnosis separate from the normal part diagnosis is performed regarding the remaining life of the replacement part, When the result of the normal part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a third period, displaying a first life notification screen on the display unit to notify that the remaining life of the replacement part is short, 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first life notification screen is displayed on the display unit when the result of the special part diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a fourth period that is longer than the third period.

13. The control unit acquiring contract information as to whether the user has concluded a second guarantee contract separate from the first guarantee contract; At a predetermined timing, a normal main body diagnosis is performed regarding the remaining life of the main body of the control device; When the warranty period of the first warranty contract is input from the input unit, and the warranty period of the first warranty contract indicated by the warranty period information has not expired, and the remaining period of the warranty period of the first warranty contract is less than a predetermined remaining period, and the conclusion information indicates that the second warranty contract has not been concluded, a special main body diagnosis separate from the normal main body diagnosis is performed regarding the remaining life of the main body of the control device, When the result of the normal main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a fifth period, a second life notification screen is displayed on the display unit to notify that the remaining life of the main body of the control device is short, The control device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the result of the special main body diagnosis indicates that the remaining life of the main body of the control device is less than a sixth period which is longer than the fifth period, the second life notification screen is displayed on the display unit.

14. 14. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the second warranty contract is a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee every predetermined period.

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