Control device and system

Abstract

The control device prompts the user to conclude the warranty contract when the user is highly motivated to conclude the warranty contract.SOLUTION: When the remaining life of the printer is equal to or less than the first period, and when the printer 1 fails, if the warranty contract is not concluded (S201: NO), a contract guidance screen for prompting conclusion of the warranty contract is displayed on the display (S202). Thereafter, a contract selection screen for selecting whether or not to conclude the warranty contract according to the selection of the user is displayed on the display unit (S205). When the guarantee contract is concluded (S207: YES), a guarantee notification screen for notifying that another substitute printer is provided free of charge when the printer fails according to the guarantee contract is displayed on a display part (S208). When the non-conclusion of the guarantee contract is selected (S206: YES), a purchase guide screen for urging the purchase of another substitute printer is displayed on a display part (209).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and a system including the control device. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a control device, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that prints images. The image forming device in Patent Document 1 describes a contract type known as a pay-as-you-go contract, in which a monthly maintenance service fee is paid as a warranty contract, consisting of a fixed monthly fee including maintenance fees, plus a usage-based fee according to the number of pages printed each month, but supplies are provided free of charge or nearly so. Patent Document 1 also describes that the image forming device can switch contracts when firmware is updated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56771 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, when the control device is operating normally, users are often less willing to enter into a warranty contract such as the contract described in Patent Document 1.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can encourage a user to enter into a warranty contract when the user is highly motivated to enter into a warranty contract, and a system that includes the control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention is a control device having a display unit and a control unit, and when a predetermined condition regarding the lifespan of the control device is met, the control unit displays a first object on the display unit that prompts the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0007] The control device of the present invention includes a display unit and a control unit, and when a predetermined condition related to the life of the control device is satisfied, the control unit displays a first object on the display unit, which prompts the user to enter into a warranty contract for the provision of another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0008] In addition, the control device of the present invention is a control device that is communicatively connected to an external device having a display unit and has a control unit, and when the control unit is in a state where it can communicate with the external device and meets predetermined conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device, it transmits a signal to the external device to cause the display unit of the external device to display an object that prompts the user to enter into a guarantee contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0009] The control device of the present invention is a control device that is communicably connected to an external device having a display unit and has a control unit, and the control unit, when a predetermined condition related to the life of the control device is satisfied while in a state in which communication with the external device is possible, transmits a signal to the external device to cause the display unit of the external device to display an object that prompts the user to enter into a warranty contract for the provision of another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0010] The system of the present invention is a system comprising a control device, an external device having a display unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, and a server having a control unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, wherein the control unit of the server acquires lifespan information regarding the lifespan of the control device, and when the lifespan information indicates that predetermined conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device are met, displays an object on the display unit of the external device encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0011] The system of the present invention includes a control device, an external device having a display unit and communicably connected to the control device, and a server having a control unit and communicably connected to the control device. The control unit of the server acquires lifespan information regarding the lifespan of the control device, and when the lifespan information indicates that a predetermined condition regarding the lifespan of the control device is satisfied, causes the display unit of the external device to display an object encouraging the customer to enter into a warranty contract for the provision of another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

[0012] The system of the present invention is a system comprising a control device having a display unit, a memory unit, and a first control unit, and an external device having a second control unit and communicatively connected to the control device, wherein the second control unit of the external device acquires device information about the control device, predicts the remaining life of the control device based on the device information, and transmits life information about the predicted remaining life to the control device, and the first control unit of the control device stores the life information received from the external device in the memory unit, and when the control device and the external device are able to communicate, displays an object on the display unit encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device when a first condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information received from the external device is met, and when the control device and the external device are not able to communicate, displays the object on the display unit when a second condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the memory unit is met.

[0013] The system of the present invention includes a control device having a display unit, a storage unit, and a first control unit, and an external device including a second control unit and communicatively connected to the control device. The second control unit of the external device acquires device information about the control device, predicts the remaining life of the control device based on the device information, and transmits life information about the predicted remaining life to the control device. The first control unit of the control device stores the life information received from the external device in the storage unit. When the control device and the external device are capable of communicating with each other, if a first condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information received from the external device is satisfied, the display unit displays an object that prompts the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device. When the control device and the external device are not capable of communicating with each other, if a second condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the storage unit is satisfied, the display unit displays the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Regarding a warranty contract under which a replacement device is provided free of charge in the event of a device failure, it is possible to encourage users to conclude the contract when their willingness to conclude the contract is relatively high. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [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 a system including the printer according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for prompting the conclusion of a warranty contract according to the remaining life of the printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the transmission and reception of signals between the printer and the server when a warranty contract is made. [Figure 5](a) is a diagram explaining the contract information screen when the printer has a short remaining lifespan, (b) is a diagram explaining the contract selection screen, (c) is a diagram explaining the warranty notification screen when the printer has a short remaining lifespan, and (d) is a diagram explaining the purchase information screen when the printer has a short remaining lifespan. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram to explain the contract information screen when the printer breaks down, (b) is a diagram to explain the warranty notification screen when the printer breaks down, and (c) is a diagram to explain the purchase information screen when the printer breaks down. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for prompting the conclusion of a warranty contract in accordance with the remaining life of a replacement part in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram for explaining the contract information screen when the remaining life of the replacement part is short, (b) is a diagram for explaining the contract selection screen corresponding to (a), (c) is a diagram for explaining the warranty notification screen when the remaining life of the replacement part is short, and (d) is a diagram for explaining the purchase information screen when the remaining life of the replacement part is short. [Figure 9] (a) is a diagram for explaining the contract information screen when a replacement part breaks down, (b) is a diagram for explaining the warranty notification screen when a replacement part breaks down, and (c) is a diagram for explaining the purchase information screen when a replacement part breaks down. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for notifying a user with a message bar when the remaining life of a printer is short, and for displaying a contract information screen when the printer breaks down. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for notifying a user with a message bar when the remaining life of a replacement part is short, and for displaying a contract information screen when the replacement part breaks down. [Figure 12](a) is a diagram to explain the state in which a message bar displays a message informing that the printer has a short remaining lifespan, (b) is a diagram to explain the state in which the printer has broken down and a contract information screen has popped up, (c) is a diagram to explain the state in which a message bar displays a message informing that a replacement part has a short remaining lifespan, and (d) is a diagram to explain the state in which a replacement part has broken down and a contract information screen has popped up. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including a printer, a server, and an external device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for displaying a contract information screen or the like on the display unit of the external device according to the remaining life of the printer under the control of the server. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for displaying a contract information screen or the like on the display unit of the external device according to the remaining life of a replacement part under the control of the server. [Figure 16] (a) is a diagram for explaining the sending and receiving of device information and lifespan information between the printer and the server, and (b) is a flowchart showing the processing flow for displaying a contract information screen, etc., according to the remaining lifespan of the printer, regardless of whether the printer and the server can communicate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [First embodiment] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0017] <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" and the "image recording device" of the present invention.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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. In the first embodiment, the ink cartridges 24 correspond to the "consumables" of the present invention.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 the first embodiment, the recording paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] <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.

[0027] In addition to the components described above, the printer 1 also includes a display unit 68, an operation unit 69, and a communication unit 70. The display unit 68 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Various screens are displayed on the display unit 68 under the control of the control unit 80. The operation unit 69 is, for example, a hard key or a touch panel provided on the display unit 68. When a 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.

[0028] The communication unit 70 is for communicating with the server 99. The communication unit 70 is connected to a network 98 such as the Internet, and is connected to the server 99 via the network 98. The communication unit 70 may be connected to the network 98 by a wired connection, or may be connected to the network 98 by a wireless connection. The control unit 80 transmits and receives signals to and from the server 99 via the communication unit 70 and the network 98. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 and the server 99 connected via the network 98 form a system 40.

[0029] 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.

[0030] <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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <Processing to encourage the conclusion of a guarantee contract> Next, a process for encouraging the user to conclude a warranty contract based on the remaining life of the printer 1 will be described. Here, a warranty contract is a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee every predetermined period. The predetermined fee every predetermined period may be a fixed fee or may be a fee that changes every predetermined period. In the first embodiment, the warranty under the warranty contract includes a guarantee that a replacement printer 1 will be provided free of charge in the event of a printer 1 malfunction.

[0033] In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3 to prompt the user to enter into a warranty contract depending on the remaining life of the printer 1. For example, when power is first supplied to the printer 1, the control unit 80 starts processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3.

[0034] 3 in detail, the control unit 80 executes a lifespan prediction process (S101). In the lifespan prediction process of S101, the control unit 80 predicts the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1, the time elapsed since the printer 1 was first started up, the total number of pages printed by the printer 1, etc.

[0035] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the printer 1 predicted in the life prediction process of S101 is equal to or less than a first period (S102). The first period may be specified in terms of time, such as "xx days remaining," or as a percentage of the total life, such as "xxth of remaining" or "xx% remaining." The same applies to the second period, etc., described below.

[0036] If the remaining life of the printer 1 is longer than the first period (S102: NO), the process returns to S101. If the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period (S102: YES), the control unit 80 executes a display process (S103).

[0037] In the display process of S103, the control unit 80 performs the process in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 4(a). More specifically, in the display process of S103, the control unit 80 first determines whether the above-mentioned guarantee contract has been concluded (S201).

[0038] Here, the conclusion of a warranty contract will be described. For example, when an operation for concluding a warranty contract is performed on the operation unit 69 of the printer 1, a contract conclusion signal indicating that a warranty contract will be concluded is transmitted from the printer 1 to the server 99 (S301), as shown in FIG. 4(b). When the control unit 99A of the server 99 receives the contract conclusion signal from the printer 1, it executes contract processing for concluding the warranty contract (S302). The contract processing of S302 is, for example, processing for storing information such as the person who concluded the warranty contract and the warranty contract management number in the server 99. The control unit 99A of the server 99 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, etc.

[0039] After the contract processing is completed, the server 99 transmits a contract completion signal to the printer 1 (S303). When the contract completion signal is received from the server 99, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 executes a contract conclusion information update process (S304). Here, the memory 84 of the printer 1 stores contract conclusion information indicating whether or not a warranty contract has been concluded. In the contract conclusion information update process of S304, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 updates the contract conclusion information stored in the memory 84 from information indicating that a warranty contract has not been concluded to information indicating that a warranty contract has been concluded.

[0040] Then, in S201, the contract conclusion information stored in the memory 84 is acquired, and it is determined based on the acquired contract conclusion information whether or not a guarantee contract has been concluded.

[0041] If a warranty contract has already been concluded (S201: YES), the process proceeds to S208. If a warranty contract has not already been concluded (S201: NO), the control unit 80 executes a contract guide screen display process (S202). In the contract guide screen display process of S202, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a contract guide screen 45, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0042] As a result, in the first embodiment, when the contract conclusion information indicates that a warranty contract has not been concluded, that is, when the printer 1 has not received a contract completion signal and the remaining life of the printer 1 is the first period or less, the contract guidance screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, after the printer 1 receives the contract completion signal, the contract conclusion information indicates that a warranty contract has been concluded, and as described above, it is determined in S201 that the warranty contract has been concluded (S201: YES), and the process proceeds to S208. As a result, in the first embodiment, after the printer 1 receives the contract completion signal, the contract guidance screen 45 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if the remaining life of the printer 1 is the first period or less.

[0043] The contract information screen 45 in FIG. 5(a) has a message section 45A and selection sections 45B and 45C. The message section 45A displays a message informing the user that the printer 1 is nearing the end of its life and urging the user to enter into a warranty contract. The selection section 45B is a section selected when the user wishes to confirm the details of the warranty contract. The selection section 45C is a section selected when the user does not wish to confirm the details of the warranty contract.

[0044] Here, if the operation unit 69 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 68, the selection units 45B and 45C can be selected by touching the portion of the display unit 68 where the selection units 45B and 45C are displayed. Also, if the operation unit 69 is a hard key, the selection units 45B and 45C can be selected by operating the hard key. The same applies to the other selection units described below.

[0045] 4(a), after the contract information display process of S202, the control unit 80 waits until a selection is made not to check the details of the warranty contract or a selection is made to check the details of the warranty contract (S203: NO, S204: NO). That is, the control unit 80 waits until either the selection unit 45B or 45C is selected.

[0046] If the selection unit 45C is selected to not confirm the details of the warranty contract (S203: YES), the process proceeds to S209. If the selection unit 45B is selected to confirm the details of the warranty contract (S204: YES), the control unit 80 executes a contract selection screen display process (S205). In the contract selection screen display process of S205, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a contract selection screen 46, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0047] The contract selection screen 46 in FIG. 5(b) has a message section 46A and selection sections 46B and 46C. The message section 46A displays a message informing the user that if the warranty contract is concluded, the user will be provided with a replacement printer 1 free of charge in the event of a malfunction of the printer 1, and asking whether or not to conclude the warranty contract. The selection section 46B is a section selected when the warranty contract is concluded. The selection section 46C is a section selected when the warranty contract is not concluded.

[0048] When the selection section 46B is selected, as described above, a guarantee contract is concluded by sending and receiving signals between the printer 1 and the server 99, as shown in FIG. 4(b), and when the conclusion of the guarantee contract is completed, a contract completion signal is sent from the server 99 to the printer 1, and the contract conclusion information stored in the memory 84 of the printer 1 is updated from one indicating that a guarantee contract has not been concluded to one indicating that a guarantee contract has been concluded.

[0049] 4(a), after the contract selection screen display process of S205, the control unit 80 waits until it is selected not to conclude a guarantee contract or until a guarantee contract is concluded (S206: NO, S207: NO). That is, the control unit 80 waits until the selection unit 46C is selected or the selection unit 46B is selected and the processes of S301 to S304 are executed, thereby completing the conclusion of the guarantee contract.

[0050] If the selection unit 46C is selected to select not to conclude a guarantee contract (S206: YES), the process proceeds to S209. If the selection unit 46B is selected and the conclusion of the guarantee contract is completed by the processes of S301 to S304 (S207: YES), the process proceeds to S208.

[0051] In S208, the control unit 80 executes a warranty notification screen display process. In the warranty notification screen display process of S208, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a warranty notification screen 47 as shown in FIG.

[0052] The warranty notification screen 47 in FIG. 5(c) has a message section 47A and a selection section 47B. The message section 47A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that the printer 1 is nearing the end of its life and that, based on the warranty contract, if the printer 1 breaks down, another printer 1 can be provided free of charge in place of the printer 1. The selection section 47B is an area that is selected when the display of the warranty notification screen 47 is to be terminated. When the selection section 47B is selected, the display of the warranty notification screen 47 on the display section 68 is terminated.

[0053] In S209, the control unit 80 executes a purchase guide screen display process. In the purchase guide screen display process of S209, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a purchase guide screen 48 as shown in FIG.

[0054] 5(d) has a message section 48A and selection sections 48B and 48C. The message section 48A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that the printer 1 is nearing the end of its life and urging the user to purchase a replacement printer 1.

[0055] Selection section 48B is a section selected when purchasing another printer. When selection section 48B is selected, for example, a purchase screen (not shown) for purchasing a printer is displayed on display section 68. Then, another printer can be purchased based on this purchase screen. Selection section 48C is a section selected when ending the display of purchase guide screen 48. When selection section 48C is selected, the display of purchase guide screen 48 on display section 68 ends.

[0056] Completion of the process of S208 or S209 completes the display process of S103, and the process returns to the flowchart of Fig. 3. After the display process of S103, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the printer 1 has malfunctioned (S104). The determination of S104 is made based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1.

[0057] After the display process of S103, the control unit 80 waits until the printer 1 breaks down (S104: NO). As a result, after the contract information screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 68 in S202 in the display process of S103, the contract information screen 45 is not displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down.

[0058] When the printer 1 breaks down (S104: YES), the control unit 80 executes a display process (S105), and then the process ends. In the display process of S105, as in the display process of S103, the control unit 80 performs the process according to the flowchart of FIG. 4(a).

[0059] However, in the display processing of S105, in the contract information screen display processing of S202, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, the contract information screen 49 as shown in Fig. 6(a). As a result, in the first embodiment, if the printer 1 breaks down before receiving the contract completion signal, the contract information screen 49 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, in the display processing of S105 as well, as in the display processing of S103, after the printer 1 receives the contract completion signal, the contract information screen 49 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if the printer 1 breaks down.

[0060] 6(a) has a message section 49A and selection sections 49B and 49C. The message section 49A displays a message informing the user that the printer 1 has broken down and encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract. The selection sections 49B and 49C are similar to the selection sections 45B and 45C, respectively, on the contract information screen 45.

[0061] In the display process of S105, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a warranty notification screen 50 as shown in FIG. 6B during the warranty notification screen display process of S208. The warranty notification screen 50 of FIG. 6B has a message section 50A and selection sections 50B and 50C. The message section 50A displays a message informing the user that the printer 1 has broken down and that, under the warranty contract, the user can receive a free printer in place of the broken printer 1. The selection section 50B is operated to apply for the free printer under the warranty contract. When the selection section 50B is selected, an application screen (not shown) for applying for the free printer is displayed on the display unit 68. The user can then apply for the free printer based on this application screen. The selection section 50C is similar to the selection section 47B of the warranty notification screen 47.

[0062] Furthermore, in the display processing of S105, in the purchase guide screen display processing of S209, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a purchase guide screen 51 as shown in FIG. 6(c). The purchase guide screen 51 of FIG. 6(c) has a message section 51A and selection sections 51B and 51C. The message section 51A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that the printer 1 has broken down and encouraging the user to purchase a replacement printer. The selection sections 51B and 51C are similar to the selection sections 48B and 48C, respectively, of the purchase guide screen 48.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the condition that the remaining life of the printer 1 is less than or equal to a first period and the condition that the printer 1 has broken down correspond to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the condition that the remaining life of a replacement part of the printer 1, such as the transport rollers 6 and 7, the waste liquid tank 33, or the ink cartridge 24, is less than or equal to a second period, and the condition that a replacement part of the printer 1 has broken down, which will be described in a second embodiment below, do not correspond to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the contract information screens 45 and 49 correspond to the "first object" of the present invention. Furthermore, the warranty notification screens 47 and 50 correspond to the "second object" of the present invention. Furthermore, the contract selection screen 46 corresponds to the "third object" of the present invention. Furthermore, the purchase information screens 48 and 51 correspond to the "fourth object" of the present invention.

[0064] <Effects> In the first embodiment, when the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period, the contract information screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 68. This allows the user to be prompted to enter into a warranty contract when the remaining life of the printer 1 is short and the user is relatively eager to enter into a warranty contract. Here, the life of the printer 1 refers to the estimated period of use of the printer 1 until it is estimated that the printer 1 will break down or become unusable if the printer 1 is not repaired, maintained, or replenished. Specifically, the life of the printer 1 is an estimated number of years, such as five years. The life of the printer 1 may also be the average, minimum, or maximum number of years used before five printers 1 broke down. The life of the printer 1 may also be the amount of consumables consumed by use of the printer 1, such as the remaining number of recordable pages (100), or the number of times the printer 1 has been used, such as the number of recordable operations (100). The life of the printer 1 may also be an estimated period calculated based on the remaining amount or consumption of consumables, the number of times the printer 1 has been used, etc. The life of the printer 1 may also be determined experimentally. The lifespan of the printer 1 may be predicted using operation information of other printers 1 collected by a server or the like. The lifespan of the printer 1 may be updated at predetermined intervals.

[0065] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the remaining life of the printer 1 becomes equal to or less than the first period, the contract information screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 45 is not displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down, thereby reducing the inconvenience to the user.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract information screen 49 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the printer 1 breaks down and the user is relatively keen to conclude a warranty contract.

[0067] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract information screen 49 is displayed on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 49 is not displayed on the display unit 68, thereby reducing the inconvenience to the user.

[0068] Furthermore, when the remaining life of a replacement part of the printer 1, which will be described in a second embodiment below, is short, or when the replacement part of the printer 1 has broken down, the user is less willing to enter into a warranty contract than when the remaining life of the printer 1 is short or when the printer 1 has broken down. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the remaining life of the printer 1 is short or when the printer 1 has broken down, contract information screens 45 and 49 are displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, when the remaining life of a replacement part of the printer 1 is short or when the replacement part of the printer 1 has broken down, the contract information screen is not displayed on the display unit 68. In this way, when the user is highly willing to enter into a warranty contract, the contract information screens 45 and 49 that encourage the user to enter into a warranty contract are displayed on the display unit 68, but when the user is less willing to enter into a warranty contract, the contract information screens are not displayed on the display unit 68, thereby reducing the user's annoyance.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a warranty contract has not been concluded and the remaining life of the printer 1 is less than the first period, and when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract information screens 45, 49 are displayed on the display unit 68, respectively, so that the user can be encouraged to conclude a warranty contract when they are relatively eager to conclude a warranty contract. On the other hand, when a warranty contract has been concluded, it is possible to prevent the contract information screen 45 from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68 even if the remaining life of the printer 1 is less than the first period or if the printer 1 breaks down.

[0070] In addition, in the first embodiment, when a warranty contract has been concluded and the remaining life of printer 1 is less than the first period, and when printer 1 breaks down, warranty notification screens 47, 50 are displayed on display unit 68, respectively, to notify the user that if printer 1 breaks down, another printer will be provided free of charge based on the warranty contract.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the remaining life of the printer 1 falls below the first period or when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract guide screens 45, 49 are displayed on the display unit 68, and then when the selection section 45B is selected, the contract selection screen 46 is displayed on the display unit 68. If the selection section 46B is selected on the contract selection screen 46, thereby selecting to conclude a warranty contract, the warranty notification screens 47, 50 are displayed on the display unit 68, thereby informing the user that another printer will be provided free of charge based on the warranty contract. On the other hand, if the selection section 46C is selected on the contract selection screen 46, thereby selecting not to conclude a warranty contract, the purchase guide screens 48, 51 are displayed on the display unit 68, thereby encouraging the user to purchase a new printer 1.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a warranty contract has not been concluded and the printer 1 has not received a contract completion signal, and the remaining life of the printer 1 is within the first period, or when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract information screens 45, 49 are displayed on the display unit 68, respectively, thereby making it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when they are highly motivated to do so. On the other hand, after a warranty contract has been concluded and the contract completion signal has been received, it is possible to prevent the contract information screen from being unnecessarily displayed on the display unit 68, even if the remaining life of the printer 1 is within the first period or when the printer 1 breaks down.

[0073] In addition, in the first embodiment, the warranty contract is a subscription contract in which a specified fee is paid at specified intervals, so based on the warranty contract, the customer can continuously receive a guarantee that another printer 1 will be provided free of charge in the event of a malfunction of the printer 1.

[0074] [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. Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4(a) to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract based on the remaining life of the printer 1. However, in the second embodiment, processing is also performed to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract based on the remaining life of replacement parts for the printer 1.

[0075] Here, examples of the replacement parts for the printer 1 include the transport rollers 6 and 7 and the waste liquid tank 33. The replacement parts for the printer 1 may also include consumables such as the ink cartridge 24. In the second embodiment, the warranty contract provides a free replacement printer when the printer 1 breaks down, similar to the first embodiment, and also includes a free replacement part when a replacement part for the printer 1 breaks down. Examples of the failure of a replacement part for the printer 1 include the transport rollers 6 and 7 wearing out and being unable to properly transport the recording paper S, the waste liquid tank 33 becoming full of waste liquid, or the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 falling below the amount that can be supplied to the inkjet head 4.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the control unit 80 performs processing for each replacement part of the printer 1 in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 7, thereby prompting the user to conclude a warranty contract according to the remaining life of the replacement part. For example, when power is first supplied to the printer 1, the control unit 80 starts processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 7.

[0077] 7 in more detail, the control unit 80 executes a part life prediction process (S401). In the part life prediction process of S401, the control unit 80 predicts the remaining life of the replacement part based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1, the time elapsed since the replacement part was replaced, the number of printed sheets since the replacement part was replaced, the number of suction purges since the replacement part was replaced, etc.

[0078] Next, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part predicted in the part life prediction process of S401 is equal to or shorter than a second period (S402). The second period may be the same as or different from the first period. The remaining life of the replacement part being equal to or shorter than the second period means, for example, that the conveying rollers 6, 7 have worn down by a predetermined amount or more, that the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 33 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, or that the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

[0079] If the remaining life of the replacement part is longer than the second period (S402: NO), the process returns to S401. If the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period (S402: YES), the control unit 80 executes display processing (S403). In the display processing of S403, as in the display processing of S103, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4(a).

[0080] However, in the display processing of S403, in the contract information screen display processing of S202, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, the contract information screen 52 as shown in Fig. 8(a). As a result, in the second embodiment, when the printer 1 has not received the contract completion signal and the remaining life of the replacement part is the second period or less, the contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, in the display processing of S403, as with the display processing of S103, after the printer 1 receives the contract completion signal, the contract information screen 52 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if the remaining life of the replacement part is the second period or less.

[0081] The contract information screen 52 in FIG. 8(a) 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 replacement part is nearing the end of its life and urging the user to conclude a warranty contract. The selection sections 52B and 52C are similar to the selection sections 45B and 45C, respectively, of the contract information screen 45 in FIG. 5(a). Note that "○○" in FIG. 8(a) is the name of the replacement part whose remaining life was estimated in S401. The same applies to "○○" in FIGS. 8(b) to (d) and 12(c) and (d) described below.

[0082] In the display process of S403, in the contract selection screen display process of S205, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a contract selection screen 53 as shown in FIG. 8(b). The contract selection screen 53 of FIG. 8(b) has a message section 53A and selection sections 53B and 53C. The message section 53A notifies the user that if a warranty contract is concluded, a replacement part will be provided free of charge in the event of a failure of the replacement part, and displays a message inquiring whether or not to conclude the warranty contract. The selection sections 53B and 53C are similar to the selection sections 46B and 46C, respectively, of the contract selection screen 46 of FIG. 5(b).

[0083] In the display process of S403, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a warranty notification screen 54 as shown in FIG. 8(c) in the warranty notification screen display process of S208. The warranty notification screen 54 of FIG. 8(c) has a message section 54A and a selection section 54B. The message section 54A displays a message informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life and that, based on the warranty contract, a replacement part can be provided free of charge in the event of a breakdown of the replacement part. The selection section 54B is similar to the selection section 47B of the warranty notification screen 47 of FIG. 5(c).

[0084] Furthermore, in the display processing of S403, in the purchase guide screen display processing of S209, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a purchase guide screen 55 as shown in Fig. 8(d). The purchase guide screen 55 of Fig. 8(d) has a message section 55A and selection sections 55B and 55C. The message section 55A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life and urging the user to purchase the replacement part.

[0085] Selection section 55B is a section selected when purchasing a replacement part. When selection section 55B is selected, for example, a purchase screen (not shown) for purchasing the replacement part is displayed on display section 68. The replacement part can then be purchased based on this purchase screen. Selection section 55C is similar to selection section 48C of purchase guide screen 48 in FIG. 5(d).

[0086] 7, after the display process of S403, the control unit 80 determines whether the replacement part has been replaced and whether the replacement part has failed (S404, S405). The determinations of S404 and S405 are made based on, for example, a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1.

[0087] The control unit 80 waits until the replacement part is replaced or the replacement part breaks down (S404: NO, S405: NO). As a result, after the contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68 in S202 in the display processing of S403, the contract information screen 52 is not displayed on the display unit 68 until the replacement part breaks down.

[0088] If the replacement part has been replaced (S404: YES), the process returns to S401. If the replacement part has failed (S405: YES), the control unit 80 executes display processing (S40605). In the display processing of S406, the control unit 80 also executes processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4(a).

[0089] However, in the display processing of S406, in the contract information screen display processing of S202, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, the contract information screen 56 as shown in Fig. 9(a). As a result, in the second embodiment, if the replacement part breaks down while the printer 1 has not received the contract completion signal, the contract information screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, in the display processing of S406 as well, as in the display processing of S403, after the contract completion signal is received, the contract information screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68 even if the replacement part breaks down.

[0090] The contract information screen 56 in Fig. 9(a) has a message section 56A and selection sections 56B and 56C. The message section 56A displays a message informing the user that a defective part has failed and encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract. The selection sections 56B and 56C are similar to the selection sections 45B and 45C, respectively, of the contract information screen 45 in Fig. 5(a).

[0091] In the display process of S406, similarly to the display process of S403, in the contract selection screen display process of S205, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display the contract selection screen 53 as shown in FIG. 8(b), for example.

[0092] In the display process of S406, the control unit 80 controls the display unit 68 to display a warranty notification screen 57, such as that shown in FIG. 9B, during the warranty notification screen display process of S208. The warranty notification screen 57 of FIG. 9B has a message section 57A and selection sections 57B and 57C. The message section 57A displays a message informing the user that a replacement part has failed and that a replacement part can be provided free of charge in accordance with the warranty contract. The selection section 57B is operated to apply for the free replacement part based on the warranty contract. When the selection section 57B is selected, an application screen (not shown) for applying for the free replacement part is displayed on the display unit 68. The user can then apply for the free replacement part based on this application screen. The selection section 57C is similar to the selection section 50C of the warranty notification screen 50 of FIG. 6B.

[0093] Furthermore, in the display processing of S406, in the purchase guide screen display processing of S209, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, a purchase guide screen 58 as shown in FIG. 9(c). The purchase guide screen 58 of FIG. 9(c) has a message section 58A and selection sections 58B and 58C. The message section 58A is an area where a message is displayed notifying the user that a replacement part has broken down and encouraging the user to purchase the replacement part. The selection sections 58B and 58C are similar to the selection sections 55B and 55C, respectively, of the purchase guide screen 55 of FIG. 8(d).

[0094] Returning to FIG. 7, after the display process of S406, the control unit 80 waits until the replacement part is replaced (S407: NO), and when the replacement part is replaced (S407: YES), the process returns to S401.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the condition that the remaining life of the printer 1 is less than or equal to the first period, the condition that the printer 1 has broken down, the condition that the life of a replacement part is less than or equal to the second period, and the condition that the replacement part has broken down each correspond to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the contract information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 correspond to the "first object" of the present invention. The warranty notification screens 47, 50, 54, and 57 correspond to the "second object" of the present invention. The contract selection screens 46 and 53 correspond to the "third object" of the present invention. The purchase information screens 48, 51, 55, and 58 correspond to the "fourth object" of the present invention.

[0096] <Effects> In the second embodiment, when the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period, the contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the remaining life of the replacement part is short and the user is relatively motivated to conclude a warranty contract.

[0097] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the remaining life of the replacement part becomes equal to or shorter than the second period, the contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 52 is not displayed on the display unit 68 until the replacement part breaks down. This can reduce the user's inconvenience. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when a replacement part breaks down, the contract information screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68. This makes it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the replacement part breaks down and the user is relatively keen to conclude a warranty contract.

[0098] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when a replacement part breaks down, the contract information screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68. This can reduce the user's inconvenience.

[0099] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, based on the warranty contract, depending on the state of failure of the printer 1 or replacement part, a replacement printer 1 or replacement part can be provided free of charge.

[0100] [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.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments, when the printer 1 receives a contract completion signal from the server 99, the contract conclusion information stored in the memory 84 is updated from one indicating that a warranty contract has not been concluded to one indicating that a warranty contract has been concluded. Then, in S201, the contract conclusion information stored in the memory 84 is acquired, and a determination is made as to whether or not a warranty contract has been concluded based on the acquired contract conclusion information. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0102] For example, when a user concludes a warranty contract using an external device other than printer 1, such as a PC or smartphone, or on paper, and then operates operation unit 69 to input the warranty contract management number, etc., the contract conclusion information stored in memory 84 may be updated from one indicating that a warranty contract has not been concluded to one indicating that a warranty contract has been concluded.

[0103] Alternatively, the server 99 may store contract conclusion information indicating whether or not a guarantee contract has been concluded, and in S201, the control unit 80 may read the contract conclusion information from the server 99 and determine whether or not a guarantee contract has been concluded based on the read contract conclusion information.

[0104] In the first and second embodiments, when a warranty contract has been concluded and the above-described predetermined conditions are met, warranty notification screens 47, 50, 54, and 57 are displayed on the display unit 68. Furthermore, when a warranty contract has not been concluded and the above-described predetermined conditions are met, warranty information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 are displayed on the display unit 68. Thereafter, when the selection units 45B, 49B, 52B, and 56B are selected on the contract information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56, the contract selection screens 46 and 53 are displayed on the display unit 68. When the selection units 46B and 53B are selected on the contract selection screens 46 and 53, respectively, and a warranty contract is concluded, warranty notification screens 47 and 50 are displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, when the selection units 46C and 53C are selected on the contract selection screens 46 and 53, respectively, and a choice is made not to conclude a warranty contract, purchase information screens 48, 51, 55, and 58 are displayed on the display unit 68. However, this is not limiting.

[0105] For example, when a selection section 46C, 53C is selected on the contract selection screen 46, 53 to select not to conclude a warranty contract, the purchase guide screens 48, 51, 55, 58 may not be displayed on the display unit 68, and the display of the contract selection screen 46, 53 on the display unit 68 may be terminated. Also, when a selection section 46B, 53B is selected on the contract selection screen 46, 53 to conclude a warranty contract, the warranty notification screens 47, 50, 54, 57 may not be displayed on the display unit 68, and the display of the contract selection screen 46, 53 on the display unit 68 may be terminated.

[0106] Alternatively, when the warranty contract has been concluded and the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met, the warranty notification screens 47, 50, 54, and 57 may not be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0107] Alternatively, when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met, the contract information screens 45, 49, 52, 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 regardless of whether a guarantee contract has been concluded or not.

[0108] Furthermore, the contract information screen and the contract selection screen are not necessarily separate screens. For example, the contract information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 may further display messages similar to the message sections 46A and 53A of the contract selection screens 46 and 53 in the message sections 45A, 49A, 52A, and 56A. The contract information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 may have selection sections similar to the selection sections 46B and 53B of the contract selection screens 46 and 53 and selection sections similar to the selection sections 46C and 53C of the contract selection screens 46 and 53, instead of the selection sections 45B, 49B, 52B, and 56B. In other words, the contract information screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 may be configured to allow the user to select whether or not to enter into a guarantee contract without moving from the contract information screen to another contract selection screen.

[0109] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the contract information screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 68 only once when the remaining life of the printer 1 becomes equal to or shorter than the first period, and thereafter the contract information screen 45 is not displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down. However, this is not limited to this. For example, after the remaining life of the printer 1 becomes equal to or shorter than the first period, the display process of S103 may be repeated at regular time intervals until the printer 1 breaks down, and the contract information screen 45 may be displayed on the display unit 68 two or more times. In this case, the contract information screen 45 may be displayed on the display unit 68 a predetermined number of times or more, and thereafter the contract information screen 45 may not be displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down. Alternatively, the contract information screen 45 may be displayed on the display unit 68 an unlimited number of times until the printer 1 breaks down.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the printer 1 breaks down, the contract information screen 49 is displayed only once on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 49 is not displayed on the display unit 68. However, this is not limited to this. For example, after the printer 1 breaks down, the display process of S105 may be repeated at regular time intervals to display the contract information screen 49 on the display unit 68 two or more times. In this case, the contract information screen 49 may be displayed on the display unit 68 a predetermined number of times, two or more times, and then the contract information screen 49 may not be displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down. Alternatively, the contract information screen 49 may be displayed on the display unit 68 an unlimited number of times.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the contract information screen is displayed on the display unit 68 when the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period and when the printer 1 breaks down, but this is not limiting. The contract information screen may be displayed on the display unit 68 only when the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period and when the printer 1 breaks down.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the contract information screen 52 is displayed on the display unit 68 only once when the remaining life of the replacement part falls below the second period and is not displayed thereafter until the replacement part breaks down. However, this is not limiting. For example, after the remaining life of the replacement part falls below the second period, the display process of S403 may be repeated at regular intervals until the replacement part breaks down, causing the contract information screen 52 to be displayed on the display unit 68 two or more times. In this case, the contract information screen 52 may be displayed on the display unit 68 a predetermined number of times, two or more times, and then not displayed on the display unit 68 until the printer 1 breaks down. Alternatively, the contract information screen 52 may be displayed on the display unit 68 an unlimited number of times until the replacement part breaks down. Here, between the remaining life of a replacement part falling below the second period and breaking down, the remaining life of another broken part may also fall below the second period. In this case, the contract information screen 52 may be displayed individually for each broken part. That is, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 may be executed for each replacement part.

[0113] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when a replacement part breaks down, the contract information screen 56 is displayed only once on the display unit 68, and thereafter the contract information screen 56 is not displayed on the display unit 68. However, this is not limitative. For example, after a replacement part breaks down, the display process of S406 may be repeated at regular time intervals to display the contract information screen 56 two or more times on the display unit 68. In this case, the contract information screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 a predetermined number of times, two or more times, and thereafter the contract information screen 56 may not be displayed on the display unit 68. Alternatively, the contract information screen 56 may be displayed on the display unit 68 an unlimited number of times.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the contract information screen is displayed on the display unit 68 when the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period, when the printer 1 breaks down, when the remaining life of a replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period, and when a replacement part breaks down, but this is not limiting. The contract information screen may be displayed on the display unit 68 only in some of these cases.

[0115] In the first and second embodiments, each screen is displayed on the entire display unit 68, but this is not limited to this. In Modification 1, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 10 to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract in accordance with the remaining life of the printer 1. Also, in Modification 1, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 11 to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract in accordance with the remaining life of a replacement part.

[0116] 10, the control unit 80 performs the same processes of S501 and S502 as S101 and S102. Then, when it is determined in S502 that the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period (S502: YES), the control unit 80 executes a message bar display process (S503).

[0117] 12(a) to 12(d), in Modification 1, a message bar 68A extending in the left-right direction is provided at the upper end of the display unit 68. The message bar 68A may also be provided at the lower end of the display unit 68. In the message bar display process of S503, the control unit 80 causes the message bar 68A to display a message 59 informing the user that the printer 1 is nearing the end of its life, as shown in FIG. 12(a).

[0118] 10, after the message bar display process of S503, the control unit 80 determines whether the printer 1 has broken down (S504) in the same manner as in S104, and waits until the printer 1 has broken down (S504: NO). Then, when the printer 1 has broken down (S504: YES), the control unit 80 executes a pop-up display process (S505), and then the process ends.

[0119] In the pop-up display process of S505, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 4(a), similar to the display process of S103. However, unlike the display process of S103, the pop-up display process of S505 differs in that the control unit 80 causes each screen to be popped up on the display unit 68 in S202, S205, S208, and S209. Fig. 12(b) shows, as an example, a state in which a contract information screen 49 is popped up on the display unit 68.

[0120] Next, the flowchart of Fig. 11 will be described. In the flowchart of Fig. 11, the control unit 80 performs the processes of S601 and S602, which are similar to S401 and S402. Then, when it is determined in S602 that the remaining life of the replacement part is the second period or less (S602: YES), the control unit 80 executes a message bar display process (S603).

[0121] In the message bar display process of S603, the control unit 80 causes the message bar 68A to display a message 60 informing the user that the replacement part is nearing the end of its life, as shown in FIG. 12(c).

[0122] 11, after the message bar display process of S603, the control unit 80 waits until the replacement part is replaced or the replacement part breaks down (S604: NO, S605: NO). If the replacement part has been replaced (S604: YES), the process returns to S601. If the replacement part breaks down (S605: YES), the control unit 80 executes a pop-up display process (S606), and then the process ends.

[0123] In the pop-up display process of S606, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 4(a), similar to the display process of S105. However, unlike the display process of S105, the pop-up display process of S606 differs in that the control unit 80 causes each screen to be popped up on the display unit 68 in S202, S205, S208, and S209. Fig. 12(d) shows, as an example, a state in which the contract information screen 56 is popped up on the display unit 68.

[0124] After the pop-up display process in S606, the control unit 80 waits until the replacement part is replaced (S607: NO), and when the replacement part is replaced (S607: YES), the process returns to S601.

[0125] In Modification 1, the condition that the printer 1 has broken down and the condition that a replacement part has broken down each correspond to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. The pop-up contract information screens 49 and 56 correspond to the "first object" of the present invention. The pop-up warranty notification screens 50 and 57 correspond to the "second object" of the present invention. The pop-up contract selection screens 46 and 53 correspond to the "third object" of the present invention. The pop-up purchase information screens 51 and 58 correspond to the "fourth object" of the present invention. The messages 59 and 60 displayed in the message bar 68A correspond to the "fifth object" of the present invention.

[0126] In the first modification, messages 59 and 60 are displayed in message bar 68A to notify the user that the life of printer 1 or replacement part is nearing the end of its life. When printer 1 or replacement part breaks down, contract information screens 49 and 56 are displayed as pop-ups on display unit 68, respectively, to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the user is relatively keen to do so.

[0127] In the above, an example has been described in which the contract information screen and the like are displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0128] In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 13, a system 100 includes an external device 101 in addition to the printer 1 and server 99 similar to those of the system 40 of the first embodiment.

[0129] The external device 101 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The external device 101 includes a display unit 111, an operation unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a control unit 114. The display unit 111 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The operation unit 112 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse when the external device 101 is a PC, or a touch panel when the external device 101 is a smartphone, or the like. The communication unit 113 is connected to a network 98, and is connected to a communication unit 70 of the printer 1 via the network 98 so as to be able to communicate with the communication unit 70.

[0130] The control unit 114 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a memory, etc., and controls the display unit 111 and the communication unit 113. In addition, signals are input to the control unit 114 from the operation unit 112 and the communication unit 113.

[0131] In the system 100 of variant example 2, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing in accordance with the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4(a), as in the first embodiment, or performs processing in accordance with the flowcharts of Figures 3, 4(a), and 7, as in the second embodiment.

[0132] However, in Modification 2, in S202, S205, S208, and S209, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 transmits a signal to the external device 101 via the communication unit 70 and the network 98, instructing the external device 101 to display the corresponding screen. When the communication unit 113 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 of the external device 101 to display the corresponding screen. That is, in Modification 2, each screen is displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 under the control of the control unit 80 of the printer 1. In addition, in Modification 2, the contract guide screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 correspond to the "objects" of the present invention.

[0133] In the second modification, when the above-described predetermined conditions are satisfied, a contract information screen is displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 under the control of the control unit 80 of the printer 1. This makes it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the user is relatively motivated to do so.

[0134] In the second modification, each screen is displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 under the control of the control unit 80 of the printer 1, but this is not limiting. Similar to the second modification, the third modification relates to a system 100 shown in Fig. 13, which is configured by the printer 1, a server 99, and an external device 101 communicably connected via a network 98.

[0135] In Modification 3, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 14 to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract in accordance with the remaining life of the printer 1. Also, in Modification 3, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 15 for each replacement part to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract in accordance with the remaining life of the replacement part of the printer 1.

[0136] 14, the control unit 99A of the server 99 first executes a device information acquisition process (S701). In the device information acquisition process of S701, the control unit 99A of the server 99 acquires, from the printer 1, device information necessary for predicting the remaining life of the printer 1. The device information is, for example, information such as a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1, the time elapsed since the printer 1 was first started up, the total number of pages printed by the printer 1, etc.

[0137] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes a lifespan prediction process (S702). In the lifespan prediction process of S702, the control unit 99A of the server 99 predicts the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 based on the device information acquired in S701.

[0138] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 determines whether the remaining life of the printer 1 indicated by the prediction result in S702 is equal to or shorter than the first period (S703). If the remaining life of the printer 1 is longer than the first period (S703: NO), the process returns to S701.

[0139] If the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or less than the first period (S703: YES), the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes display processing (S704). In the display processing of S704, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4(a). However, in the display processing of S704, in S202, S205, S208, and S209, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits a signal to the external device 101 instructing it to display the corresponding screen. When the external device 101 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 to display the corresponding screen.

[0140] After the display process of S704, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes the same device information acquisition process as S701 (S705). Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 determines whether the printer 1 has malfunctioned based on the device information acquired in S705 (S706). If the printer 1 has not malfunctioned (S706: NO), the process returns to S705. If the printer 1 has malfunctioned (S706: YES), the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes the same display process as S704 (S707), and then the process ends. However, in the display process of S707, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits a signal to the external device 101 instructing it to display the corresponding screen in S202, S208, and S209, respectively.

[0141] 15, the control unit 99A of the server 99 first executes a device information acquisition process (S801). In the device information acquisition process of S801, the control unit 99A of the server 99 acquires device information necessary for predicting the remaining life of a replacement part from the printer 1. The device information is, for example, information such as a signal from a sensor (not shown) of the printer 1, the elapsed time since the replacement part was replaced, the number of printed sheets since the replacement part was replaced, and the number of suction purges since the replacement part was replaced.

[0142] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes a part life prediction process (S802). In the part life prediction process of S802, the control unit 99A of the server 99 predicts the remaining life of the replacement part based on the device information acquired in S801.

[0143] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 determines whether the remaining life of the replacement part indicated by the prediction result in S802 is equal to or shorter than the second period (S803). If the remaining life of the replacement part is longer than the second period (S803: NO), the process returns to S801.

[0144] If the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period (S803: YES), the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes display processing (S804). In the display processing of S804, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4(a). However, in the display processing of S804, in S202, S205, S208, and S209, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits a signal to the external device 101 instructing it to display a corresponding screen. When the external device 101 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 to display the corresponding screen.

[0145] After the display process of S804, the control unit 99A of the server 99 determines whether or not a replacement part has been replaced, similar to S404 (S805). If a replacement part has been replaced (S805: NO), the process returns to S801. If a replacement part has not been replaced (S805: YES), the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes the same device information acquisition process as S801 (S806).

[0146] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 determines whether the replacement part has failed based on the device information acquired in S806 (S807). If the replacement part has not failed (S807: NO), the process returns to S805. If the replacement part has failed (S807: YES), the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes the same display process as S804 (S808). However, in the display process of S808, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits a signal to the external device 101 instructing it to display a corresponding screen in S202, S208, and S209, respectively. When the external device 101 receives these signals, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 to display the corresponding screen.

[0147] After the display process of S808, the control unit 80 waits until the replacement part is replaced (S809: NO), and when the replacement part is replaced (S809: YES), the process returns to S801.

[0148] In the third modification, as described above, each screen is displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 based on the control of the control unit 99A of the server 99. In the third modification, the contract guide screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 correspond to the "objects" of the present invention.

[0149] In the third modification, when the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period, when the printer 1 breaks down, when the remaining life of a replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period, and when a replacement part breaks down, the contract guide screens 45, 49, 52, and 56 are displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101 under the control of the control unit 99A of the server 99. This makes it possible to encourage the user to conclude a warranty contract when the user is relatively keen to do so.

[0150] In the third modification, the control unit 99A of the server 99 may perform only one of the processing according to the flowchart in FIG. 14 and the processing according to the flowchart in FIG.

[0151] In the above example, the predetermined condition is at least one of the following: the remaining life of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than the first period; the printer 1 has broken down; the remaining life of a replacement part is equal to or shorter than the second period; and the replacement part has broken down. However, the predetermined condition is not limited to this. The predetermined condition may be a different condition related to the remaining life of the printer 1 or the replacement part.

[0152] Furthermore, the above example is based on the premise that the printer 1 is maintained in a state where it can communicate with the server 99, etc., but this is not limiting.

[0153] Variation 4 relates to a system 40 configured by a printer 1 and a server 99 connected via a network 98, as shown in FIG. 2. In Variation 4, the server 99 corresponds to the "external device" of the present invention. Also, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 corresponds to the "first control unit" of the present invention, and the control unit 99A of the server 99 corresponds to the "second control unit" of the present invention. Also, the memory 84 of the printer 1 corresponds to the "storage unit" of the present invention.

[0154] In Modification 4, while the printer 1 and the server 99 are connected so that they can communicate with each other, signals are sent and received between the printer 1 and the server 99, for example, at predetermined time intervals, as shown in FIG. 16(a). More specifically, the printer 1 sends device information required to predict the remaining life of the printer 1 to the server 99 (S901). The device information sent in S901 is, for example, the same information as the device information acquired in S701 in Modification 3.

[0155] When the server 99 receives the device information, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes a lifespan prediction process to predict the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 based on the received device information (S902). Then, based on the prediction result of the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 in S902, the server 99 transmits lifespan information about the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 to the printer 1 (S903). When the printer 1 receives the lifespan information, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 executes a lifespan information storage process to store the lifespan information in the memory 84 (S904).

[0156] In addition, in Modification 4, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 16(b), thereby causing the display of a contract information screen and the like according to the remaining life of the printer 1. The control unit 80 of the printer 1 starts processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 16(b) when power is supplied to the printer 1.

[0157] 16(b) in more detail, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 determines whether the printer 1 is able to communicate with the server 99 (S1001). If the printer 1 is able to communicate with the server 99 (S1001: YES), the control unit 80 of the printer 1 determines whether lifespan information has been received from the server 99 in S903 above (S1002). If lifespan information has not been received from the server 99 (S1002: NO), the process returns to S1001.

[0158] When lifespan information is received from the server 99 (S1002: YES), the control unit 80 of the printer 1 determines whether a first condition regarding the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 indicated by the received lifespan information is met (S1003). Here, the first condition is, for example, a condition that the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 is equal to or shorter than a first period. However, the first condition may be another condition regarding the remaining lifespan of the printer 1.

[0159] If the first condition is not met (S1003: NO), the process returns to S1001. If the first condition is met (S1003: YES), the control unit 80 of the printer 1 executes the display process (S1004), and then the process ends.

[0160] In the display processing of S1004, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 4(a). However, in the display processing of S1004, the screens displayed on the display unit 68 in S202, S205, S208, and S209 are screens corresponding to the content of the first condition. For example, if the first condition is that the remaining life of the printer 1 is less than or equal to a first period, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 causes the display unit 68 to display the screens shown in Figs. 5(a) to 5(d) in S202, S205, S208, and S209 of the display processing of S1004, respectively.

[0161] On the other hand, if the printer 1 and the server 99 cannot communicate (S1001: NO), the control unit 80 of the printer 1 determines whether a second condition regarding the remaining life of the printer 1 indicated by the life information previously stored in the memory 84 in the life information storage process of S904 is satisfied (S1005). Here, the second condition may be the same as the first condition. Alternatively, the second condition may be a condition different from the first condition. For example, the second condition may be a condition that the remaining life of the printer 1 indicated by the life information stored in the memory 84 is equal to or shorter than a third period that is longer than the first period. Alternatively, the second condition may be a condition that the period obtained by subtracting the elapsed time since the life information was last stored in the memory 84 from the remaining life of the printer 1 indicated by the life information stored in the memory 84 is equal to or shorter than the first period.

[0162] If the second condition is not met (S1005: NO), the process returns to S1001. If the second condition is met (S1005: YES), the control unit 80 of the printer 1 executes the display process (S1004), and then the process ends.

[0163] In the fourth modification, the lifespan information received by the printer 1 is stored in the memory 84. Then, when the printer 1 is able to communicate with the server 99 and a first condition related to the remaining lifespan indicated in the lifespan information received from the server 99 is met, a contract information screen is displayed on the display unit 68, thereby encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract when the user is relatively eager to enter into a warranty contract. Furthermore, when the printer 1 is not able to communicate with the server 99, a contract information screen is displayed on the display unit 68 when a second condition related to the lifespan information stored in the memory 84 is met. In this way, even when the printer 1 is not able to communicate with the server 99, the user can be encouraged to enter into a warranty contract when the user is relatively eager to enter into a warranty contract. In the fourth modification, the contract information screen corresponds to the "object" of the present invention.

[0164] In addition, in the fourth modification, an external device other than the server 99, such as a PC or a smartphone, may transmit and receive signals to and from the printer 1 as shown in FIG. 16(a).

[0165] In the above example, the warranty contract was a subscription contract in which the warranty is continued by paying a predetermined fee at predetermined intervals, but this is not limited to this. For example, the warranty contract may be a contract in which the warranty is continued for a certain period by paying a one-time fee and then terminates. The predetermined fee paid at each predetermined interval may also be increased or decreased. In the above example, when a condition related to the lifespan of the printer 1 is met, a first object was displayed on the display unit encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract under which another printer 1 is provided free of charge in the event of a malfunction of the printer 1. However, the provision of another printer 1 does not necessarily have to be free of charge. For example, the other printer 1 may be provided for a fee lower than the price at which the user purchased the printer 1. In other words, when a condition related to the lifespan of the printer 1 is met, a first object may be displayed on the display unit encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract under which another printer 1 is provided for a fee in the event of a malfunction of the printer 1.

[0166] In the above description, the replacement parts of the printer 1 are the transport rollers 6 and 7, the waste liquid tank 33, and the ink cartridges 24, but this is not limiting. The replacement parts of the printer may be only some of these, or may include other parts.

[0167] 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 an image recording device other than an inkjet printer, such as a laser printer that has replaceable parts such as a toner cartridge and a recording paper transport roller. In this case, the toner cartridge corresponds to the "consumable" of the present invention. Furthermore, the control device may be an electronic device other than an image recording device that has replaceable parts, such as a scanner that has a light source unit as a replaceable part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1. Printer 6,7 Conveyor roller 24 ink cartridges 33 Waste liquid tank 40 Systems 45, 49, 52, 56 contract information screen 46,53 Contract selection screen 47, 50, 54, 57 Warranty notification screen 48, 51, 55, 58 Purchase information screen 68 Display section 68A Message Bar 69 Operation section 80 Control Unit 99 Server 99A Control Unit 100 systems 101 External device 111 Display section 114 Control Unit

Claims

1. A control device having a display unit and a control unit, The control unit A control device characterized in that, when a predetermined condition regarding the lifespan of the control device is met, a first object is displayed on the display unit prompting the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device.

2. A control device having a display unit and a control unit, The control unit A control device characterized in that, when a predetermined condition regarding the lifespan of the control device is met, a first object is displayed on the display unit prompting the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the remaining life of the control device is equal to or shorter than a first period.

4. The control unit The control device described in claim 3, characterized in that the first object is displayed on the display unit when the specified condition that the remaining life of the control device is less than or equal to the first period is met, and thereafter the first object is not displayed on the display unit until the control device fails.

5. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the control device has failed.

6. The control unit The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first object is displayed on the display unit when the predetermined condition that the control device has failed is met, and thereafter the first object is not displayed on the display unit.

7. Equipped with interchangeable replacement parts, 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or shorter than a second period.

8. The control unit The control device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first object is displayed on the display unit when the specified condition that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than or equal to the second period is met, and thereafter the first object is not displayed on the display unit until the replacement part breaks down.

9. Equipped with interchangeable replacement parts, 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the replacement part has failed.

10. The control unit 10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the first object is displayed on the display unit when the predetermined condition that the replacement part has failed is met, and the first object is not displayed on the display unit thereafter.

11. Equipped with interchangeable replacement parts, 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the remaining life of the control device is less than a first period or that the control device has failed, and is not that the remaining life of the replacement part is less than a second period or that the replacement part has failed.

12. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is an image recording device that has consumables and records an image on a recording medium using the consumables.

13. The control unit Obtain contract conclusion information regarding whether the contract has been concluded; displaying the first object on the display unit when the predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the contract conclusion information indicates that the contract has not been concluded; The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the contract conclusion information indicates that the contract has been concluded, the first object is not displayed on the display unit even if a predetermined condition is satisfied.

14. The control unit The control device described in claim 13, characterized in that when the contract conclusion information indicates that the contract has been concluded and the specified conditions are met, a second object indicating that another control device will be provided free of charge based on the contract is displayed on the display unit.

15. The control unit After displaying the first object, displaying a third object on the display unit to allow the user to select whether or not to conclude the contract; When a signal indicating a selection to conclude the contract is received, displaying the second object on the display unit; The control device according to claim 14, characterized in that, when a signal indicating that the user has chosen not to enter into the contract is received, a fourth object prompting the user to purchase a new control device is displayed on the display unit.

16. the display unit has a message bar for displaying a message, the predetermined condition is a condition that the control device has broken down, or that the control device is equipped with a replaceable replacement part and the replacement part has broken down, The control unit when the remaining life of the control device is equal to or shorter than a first period or the remaining life of the replacement part is equal to or shorter than a second period, displaying a fifth object in the message bar indicating that the remaining life of the control device or the replacement part is short; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first object is displayed as a pop-up on the display unit when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

17. Communicatively connected to the server, The control unit a contract conclusion signal indicating that the contract will be concluded is transmitted to the server while the control device is in a state capable of communicating with the server, and a contract completion signal indicating that the conclusion of the contract has been completed is received from the server, thereby acquiring the contract conclusion information indicating that the contract has been concluded; When the predetermined condition is satisfied without receiving the contract completion signal from the server, the first object is displayed on the display unit; 14. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the first object is not displayed on the display unit when the predetermined condition is satisfied after the contract completion signal is received from the server.

18. Equipped with interchangeable replacement parts, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the contract includes a guarantee that a replaceable replacement part of the control device will be provided free of charge in the event of a failure of the replaceable replacement part.

19. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the contract is a subscription contract in which a predetermined amount is paid every predetermined period.

20. A control device that is communicably connected to an external device having a display unit and has a control unit, The control unit A control device characterized by displaying an object on the display unit of the external device prompting the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device when the control device is capable of communicating with the external device and certain conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device are met.

21. A control device that is communicably connected to an external device having a display unit and has a control unit, The control unit A control device characterized in that, when communication with the external device is possible and predetermined conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device are met, an object is displayed on the display unit of the external device prompting the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

22. A system including a control device, an external device having a display unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, and a server having a control unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, The control unit of the server acquiring lifespan information relating to the lifespan of the control device; A system characterized in that, when the lifespan information indicates that specified conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device are met, an object is displayed on the display unit of the external device encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device free of charge in the event of a failure of the control device.

23. A system including a control device, an external device having a display unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, and a server having a control unit and connected to the control device so as to be able to communicate with the control device, The control unit of the server acquiring lifespan information relating to the lifespan of the control device; A system characterized in that, when the lifespan information indicates that specified conditions regarding the lifespan of the control device are met, an object is displayed on the display unit of the external device encouraging the user to enter into a warranty contract to provide another control device for a fee in the event of a failure of the control device.

24. A system including a control device having a display unit, a storage unit, and a first control unit, and an external device including a second control unit and communicably connected to the control device, The second control unit of the external device obtaining device information about the control device; predicting a remaining life of the control device based on the device information, and transmitting life information regarding the predicted remaining life to the control device; The first control unit of the control device storing the lifespan information received from the external device in the storage unit; In a state where the control device and the external device are able to communicate with each other, When a first condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information received from the external device is satisfied, an object is displayed on the display unit to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract for providing another control device free of charge in response to a failure of the control device; In a state where the control device and the external device are not able to communicate with each other, The system displays the object on the display unit when a second condition regarding the remaining lifespan indicated by the lifespan information stored in the storage unit is satisfied.

25. A system including a control device having a display unit, a storage unit, and a first control unit, and an external device including a second control unit and communicably connected to the control device, The second control unit of the external device obtaining device information about the control device; predicting a remaining life of the control device based on the device information, and transmitting life information regarding the predicted remaining life to the control device; The first control unit of the control device storing the lifespan information received from the external device in the storage unit; In a state where the control device and the external device are able to communicate with each other, When a first condition regarding the remaining life indicated by the life information received from the external device is satisfied, an object is displayed on the display unit to prompt the user to conclude a warranty contract for providing another control device for a fee in response to a failure of the control device; In a state where the control device and the external device are not able to communicate with each other, The system displays the object on the display unit when a second condition regarding the remaining lifespan indicated by the lifespan information stored in the storage unit is satisfied.

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