Device including replacement part and external device connected to device including replacement part

Abstract

To enable a user to easily grasp whether or not a replacement component of a currently used device can be used in another device instead of the currently used device.SOLUTION: When a life condition related to a life of a printer is satisfied (S101: YES), in a case where a subscription contract for providing another printer instead of the printer is concluded (S102: YES) and in a case where the subscription contract is concluded (S104: YES), one of a first selection screen and a second selection screen for selecting the other printer is displayed according to whether or not an ink remaining amount of any ink cartridge is less than a predetermined amount (S106, S107). The first selection screen and the second selection screen display information on the other printer and information on whether the ink cartridge of the currently used printer can be used in the other printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device with a replacement part and an external device that is connected to the device with the replacement part. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of an apparatus equipped with replacement parts, Patent Document 1 describes a network-compatible image forming apparatus that has consumables as replacement parts. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which, when a user requests support in the event of a breakdown in the image forming apparatus, the user can access a homepage stored in the image forming apparatus by inputting a combination of the homepage URL and the identification number of the image forming apparatus into a browser. Patent Document 1 also describes a configuration in which the user can access, from this homepage, the homepage of a company in charge of maintenance, the homepage of a company that orders consumables, the homepage of a company that offers new products, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-132991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a device equipped with replacement parts, such as the image forming device disclosed in Patent Document 1, breaks down, the replacement parts may not yet have reached the end of their lifespan. However, when a device breaks down and a user accesses the website of a company that offers new products, as in Patent Document 1, to purchase a replacement device, the user cannot easily determine whether the replacement parts for the device currently being used are usable in the new product.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus equipped with a replacement part, and an external device connected to the apparatus equipped with the replacement part, which allows a user to easily determine whether a replacement part for an apparatus currently in use can be used in another apparatus instead of the apparatus in question. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The device with a replacement part of the present invention is a device with a replaceable replacement part, and is equipped with a control unit, and when a life condition regarding the remaining life of the device with the replacement part is met, the control unit displays information on a device with another replacement part instead of the device with the replacement part, and information on the replacement part in the device with the other replacement part, on a display unit.

[0007] The external device of the present invention is an external device having a control unit connected to an apparatus having a replaceable replacement part with a display unit, and when a life condition regarding the remaining life of the apparatus having the replacement part is met, the control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding an apparatus having a different replacement part instead of the apparatus having the replacement part, and information regarding the replacement part in the apparatus having the different replacement part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a user can grasp information about an alternative device to the device currently being used, as well as information about replacement parts for the alternative device, based on the display on the display unit, thereby easily grasping whether a replacement part for the device currently being used can be used in the alternative device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including a printer. [Figure 3]10 is a flowchart showing a process flow according to the remaining life of the printer. [Figure 4] 10A is a diagram for explaining the first contract information screen, and FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the transmission and reception of signals between the printer and the server when concluding a contract. [Figure 5] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a first selection screen, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram illustrating a second selection screen. [Figure 6] 4A is a flowchart showing the flow of the purchase guide process of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a second contract guide screen. [Figure 7] 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a first purchase guide screen, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram illustrating a second purchase guide screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing according to the remaining life of the printer in an example in which different selection screens are displayed depending on whether any of the ink cartridges have passed their expiration date. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the purchase guidance process of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram for explaining the second selection screen displayed in the second selection screen display process of Figure 8, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the second purchase screen displayed in the second purchase guide screen display process of Figure 9. [Figure 11] (a) is a diagram for explaining the first selection screen that is displayed first in an example where the model information display section of the first selection screen switches based on user operation, (b) is a diagram for explaining the first selection screen when the left display switching section is selected in the state of (a), and (c) is a diagram for explaining the first selection screen when the right display switching section is selected in the state of (a). [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including a printer, a server, and an external device. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing according to the remaining life of the printer by the control unit of the external device in the system of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0011] <Overall printer configuration> 1, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a carriage 2, a subtank 3, an inkjet head 4, a platen 5, transport rollers 6 and 7, and a maintenance unit 8. In this embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "device having a replaceable part" of the present invention.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 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 mounted 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 this embodiment, the ink cartridges 24 correspond to the "replacement part" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ink corresponds to the "adhesive" of the present invention.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The platen 5 is disposed below the inkjet head 4 and faces the multiple nozzles 10. The platen 5 extends over the entire length of the recording paper S in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper S from below. The transport roller 6 is disposed upstream of the inkjet head 4 and platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport roller 7 is disposed downstream of the inkjet head 4 and platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 6 and 7 are rollers whose axial direction is the scanning direction and are connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 2 via gears (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 6 and 7 rotate and the recording paper S is transported in the transport direction. In this embodiment, the recording paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] <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.

[0021] In addition to the components described above, the printer 1 also includes a display unit 68, an operation unit 69, and a communication unit 70. The display unit 68 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Various screens are displayed on the display unit 68 under the control of the control unit 80. The operation unit 69 is, for example, a hard key or a touch panel provided on the display unit 68. When the user operates the operation unit 69, a signal corresponding to the user's operation is sent to the control unit 80.

[0022] 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 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 this embodiment, the printer 1 and the server 99 connected via the network 98 form a system 40.

[0023] 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.

[0024] <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 to deposit ink on the recording paper S, and controls the conveyance motor 87 to repeatedly perform a conveyance operation to convey the recording paper S by the conveyance rollers 6 and 7 in the conveyance direction a predetermined distance, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S.

[0025] Here, for example, when an operation to instruct recording of an image 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 of an image is performed on the external device, the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction from the external device.

[0026] <Processing according to the remaining life of the printer> Next, a description will be given of processing according to the lifespan of the printer 1 in this embodiment. In the printer 1, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 3, thereby performing processing according to the lifespan of the printer 1. For example, when power is first supplied to the printer 1, the control unit 80 starts processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 3.

[0027] Explaining the flowchart of FIG. 3 in more detail, the control unit 80 determines whether a lifespan condition related to the lifespan of the printer 1 is met (S101). In S101, the control unit 80 determines whether the lifespan condition is met based on information such as a signal from a sensor (not shown) in the printer 1, the time elapsed since the printer 1 was first started, and the total number of pages printed by the printer 1. Here, the lifespan condition is, for example, a condition that the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 is less than a predetermined remaining lifespan. In this case, the predetermined remaining lifespan may be specified in terms of time, such as "xx days remaining," or as a percentage of the entire lifespan of the printer 1, such as "xx of remaining" or "xx% remaining." Furthermore, the lifespan condition may be a condition related to the lifespan of the printer 1 that is separate from the condition that the remaining lifespan of the printer 1 is less than the predetermined remaining lifespan.

[0028] The control unit 80 waits while the lifespan condition is not satisfied (S101: NO). When the lifespan condition is satisfied (S101: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether a subscription contract has been concluded (S102). For example, first contract information indicating whether a subscription contract has been concluded is stored in the memory 84 of the printer 1, and the control unit 80 acquires the first contract information from the memory 84 and makes the determination in S102 based on the acquired first contract information. Alternatively, for example, the first contract information is stored in the server 99, and the control unit 80 acquires the first contract information from the server 99 and makes the determination in S102 based on the acquired first contract information. Note that in this embodiment, the first contract information corresponds to the "contract information" of the present invention.

[0029] Here, the subscription contract in this embodiment is a contract for a warranty 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 a fee that varies every predetermined period. The warranty under the subscription contract in this embodiment includes a guarantee that a replacement printer will be provided in the event of a malfunction of printer 1. The guarantee of providing a replacement printer may be a guarantee that a replacement printer will be provided free of charge, or may be a guarantee that a replacement printer will be provided at a discounted price or other fee. In this embodiment, the subscription contract also includes the awarding of points under a point membership contract, which will be described later.

[0030] If a subscription contract has been concluded (S102: YES), the process proceeds to S105. If a subscription contract has not been concluded (S102: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first contract information screen display process (S103). In the first contract information screen display process of S103, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first contract information screen 51, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0031] 4(a) has a message section 51A and selection sections 51B and 51C. The message section 51A is the section that displays a message informing the user that the remaining life of the printer 1 is short or that the printer 1 has broken down, and that if a subscription contract is concluded, a replacement printer will be provided based on the subscription contract, and also inquiring whether or not to conclude a subscription contract.

[0032] Selection section 51B is a section that is selected when a subscription contract is concluded. Selection section 51C is a section that is selected when a subscription contract is not concluded. Here, if operation section 69 is a touch panel provided on display section 68, selection sections 51B and 51C can be selected by touching the section of display section 68 where selection sections 51B and 51C are displayed. Also, if operation section 69 is a hard key, selection sections 51B and 51C can be selected by operating the hard key. The same applies to the other selection sections described below.

[0033] When the selection unit 51B is selected, as shown in FIG. 4(b), a contract conclusion signal indicating that a subscription contract will be concluded is transmitted from the printer 1 to the server 99 (S201). Upon receiving the contract conclusion signal from the printer 1, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes contract processing to conclude the subscription contract (S202). The contract processing of S202 is, for example, processing for storing information such as the first contract information, the person who concluded the subscription contract, and the management number of the subscription contract in the server 99. After the contract processing is completed, a contract completion signal is transmitted from the server 99 to the printer 1 (S203). If the first contract information is stored in the memory 84 of the printer 1, upon receiving the contract completion signal from the server 99, the control unit 80 updates the first contract information stored in the memory 84 from information indicating that a subscription contract has not been concluded to information indicating that a subscription contract has been concluded. The control unit 99A of the server 99 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a memory, and the like.

[0034] Returning to Fig. 3, after the first contract information screen display process of S103, the control unit 80 determines whether a subscription contract has been concluded (S104). In S104, if the processes of S201 to S203 of Fig. 4(b) are performed by selecting the selection unit 51B on the first contract information screen 51, it is determined that a subscription contract has been concluded. Also, in S104, if the selection unit 51C is selected on the first contract information screen 51, it is determined that a subscription contract has not been concluded.

[0035] If a subscription contract has been concluded (S104: YES), processing proceeds to S105. In S105, the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 is less than a predetermined amount. The control unit 80 makes the determination in S105 based on, for example, a signal from a sensor that detects the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridges 24 provided in each cartridge mounting portion 23 of the printer 1, the number of pages recorded since the ink cartridge 24 was mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 23, the number of suction purges performed since the ink cartridge 24 was mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 23, etc. In this embodiment, the condition that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 is less than a predetermined amount corresponds to the "usage restriction condition" of the present invention.

[0036] If the remaining amount of ink in all ink cartridges 24 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S105: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first selection screen display process (S106), after which the process ends. In the first selection screen display process of S106, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first selection screen 52, such as that shown in FIG. 5(a). The first selection screen 52 of FIG. 5(a) has a message section 52A, three model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3, and three selection sections 52C1, 52C2, and 52C3.

[0037] The message section 52A is the section that displays a message informing the user that printer 1 is nearing the end of its life or has broken down, and that another printer is available based on a subscription contract, and encouraging the user to select the other printer to be provided.

[0038] The three model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3 are sections that display information about the three printer models that are candidates for the other printer. Each of the model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3 has an image display section 52D, a model number information display section 52E, and an annotation section 52F.

[0039] Image display section 52D is an area where an image such as a photograph of the corresponding model of printer is displayed. Model number information display section 52E is an area where information about the model number of the corresponding model of printer and the model number of the ink cartridge used in that model of printer is displayed. Note that, for convenience, only one ink cartridge model number is displayed in Figure 5(a), but model number information for each of the four ink cartridges 24 may also be displayed.

[0040] The annotation section 52F is a section that displays information about whether the corresponding model of printer is a compatible model of printer that can use the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used, or an incompatible model of printer that cannot use the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used.

[0041] 5(a), the printer model corresponding to the model information display section 52B1 is the usable printer model. The annotation section 52F of the model information display section 52B1 indicates that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used because the model number of the ink cartridge 24 is the same.

[0042] 5(a), the printer models corresponding to the model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 are unusable printer models. The annotation section 52F of the model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 indicates that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 cannot be used because the ink cartridge model number is different, and that if the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 is returned, points will be awarded according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24.

[0043] That is, in this embodiment, the annotation section 52F displays information about the model number of the ink cartridge 24 of the corresponding model of printer, information about whether the model number of the ink cartridge 24 of the corresponding model of printer is the same as that of the currently used printer 1, and information about whether the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the corresponding model of printer. Also, in this embodiment, the awarding of points according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24 corresponds to the "benefit according to the remaining life of the replacement part" of the present invention. And the information about this benefit displayed in the annotation section 52F of the model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 corresponds to the "benefit information" of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, on first selection screen 52, the printer model corresponding to model information display section 52B1 is an available printer model, and the printer models corresponding to model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 are unavailable printer models. Accordingly, model information display section 52B1 is displayed in the horizontal center of display section 68, and model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 are displayed at the horizontal ends of display section 68. Furthermore, the image display section 52D and model number information display section 52E of model information display section 52B1 are larger than the image display sections 52D and model number information display sections 52E of model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3. Thus, in this embodiment, model information display section 52B1 is displayed with priority over model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3.

[0045] The three selection sections 52C1, 52C2, and 52C3 correspond to the three model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3, respectively. When selection section 52C1, 52C2, or 52C2 is selected, an application screen (not shown) for applying for the printer model indicated by model information display section 52B1, 52B2, or 52B3 is displayed on display section 68. The user can use these application screens to carry out procedures such as applying for a printer.

[0046] 3, if the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 is less than the predetermined amount (S105: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second selection screen display process (S107), after which the process ends. In the second selection screen display process of S107, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second selection screen 53, such as that shown in FIG. 5(b). The second selection screen 53 of FIG. 5(b) has a message section 53A, three model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3, and three selection sections 53C1, 53C2, and 53C3.

[0047] The message section 53A is similar to the message section 52A on the first selection screen 52. The three selection sections 53C1, 53C2, and 53C3 are similar to the three selection sections 52C1, 52C2, and 52C3 on the first selection screen 52.

[0048] The three model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 are sections that display information about the three printer models that are candidates for the other printer. Each of the model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 has an image display section 53D, a model number information display section 53E, and an annotation section 53F. The image display section 53D is the same section as the image display section 52D of the first selection screen 52. The model number information display section 53E is the same section as the model number information display section 52E of the first selection screen 52.

[0049] The annotation section 53F displays information about whether the corresponding printer model is a compatible printer model or an incompatible printer model. The annotation section 53F of the model information display section 53B1 indicates that although the ink cartridge 24 has the same model number, the current ink cartridge 24 cannot be used because the remaining ink level is too low. Here, "XX" in the annotation section 53F of the model information display section 53B1 in FIG. 5(b) indicates the color (black, yellow, cyan, or magenta) whose remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 24 is less than a predetermined level. The "XX" color may be one color or two or more colors. The annotation sections 53F of the model information display sections 53B2 and 53B3 are similar to the annotation sections 52F of the model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 on the first selection screen 52.

[0050] 3, if a subscription contract has not been concluded (S104: NO), the control unit 80 executes a purchase guidance process (S108), and then the process ends. In the purchase guidance process of S108, the control unit 80 performs the process in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 6(a).

[0051] 6(a) in more detail, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a point membership contract has been concluded (S301). For example, second contract information indicating whether or not a point membership contract has been concluded is stored in the memory 84 of the printer 1, and the control unit 80 acquires the second contract information from the memory 84 and makes the determination in S301 based on the acquired second contract information. Alternatively, for example, the second contract information is stored in the server 99, and the control unit 80 acquires the second contract information from the server 99 and makes the determination in S301 based on the acquired second contract information.

[0052] Here, the point membership contract is a contract separate from the subscription contract, and is a contract in which points that can be used to purchase products, etc. are awarded when purchasing products such as the printer 1 or the ink cartridge 24, or when purchasing an unusable model of printer and returning the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1. The point membership contract may be a free contract, or may be a paid contract with a fee that is lower than the subscription contract, for example.

[0053] If a point membership contract has been concluded (S301: YES), the process proceeds to S304. If a point membership contract has not been concluded (S301: NO), the control unit 80 executes a second contract information screen display process (S302). In the second contract information screen display process of S302, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second contract information screen 54, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0054] The second contract information screen 54 in Figure 6(b) has a message section 54A and selection sections 54B and 54C. The message section 54A is the section that displays a message informing the user of the benefits of signing a point membership contract and asking whether or not to sign a point membership contract. The selection section 54B is the section that is selected when signing a point membership contract. The selection section 54C is the section that is selected when not signing a point membership contract.

[0055] When the selection section 54B is selected, signals are sent and received between the printer 1 and the server 99, as shown in FIG. 4(b), in the same manner as when the selection section 51B is selected on the first contract information screen 51. However, the contract conclusion signal sent in S201 at this time is a signal indicating that a point membership contract will be concluded. The contract processing in S202 is processing for concluding a point membership contract, and at this time, the second contract information is stored in the server 99. The contract completion signal sent in S203 indicates that the conclusion of the point membership contract has been completed. If the second contract information is stored in the memory 84 of the printer 1, when the control unit 80 receives this contract completion signal from the server 99, it updates the second contract information stored in the memory 84 from information indicating that a point membership contract has not been concluded to information indicating that a point membership contract has been concluded.

[0056] After the second contract information screen display process of S302, the control unit 80 waits until either the selection unit 54B or 54C is selected and the selection to conclude a point membership contract is completed (S303: NO). Then, when either the selection unit 54B or 54C is selected and the selection to conclude a point membership contract is completed (S303: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether the remaining amount of ink in either ink cartridge 24 is less than a predetermined amount (S304), as in S105.

[0057] If the remaining amount of ink in all of the ink cartridges 24 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S304: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first purchase guide screen display process (S305), after which the process ends. In the first purchase guide screen display process of S305, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first purchase guide screen 55, such as that shown in FIG. 7(a). The first purchase guide screen 55 of FIG. 7(a) has a message section 55A, three model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3, and three selection sections 55C1, 55C2, and 55C3.

[0058] Message section 55A displays a message informing the user that printer 1 is nearing the end of its life or has broken down, and urging the user to purchase another printer. Model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3 are similar to model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3, respectively, of first selection screen 52. That is, model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3 each have an image display section 55D similar to image display section 52D, a model number information display section 55E similar to model number information display section 52E, and an annotation section 55F similar to annotation section 52F.

[0059] However, on the first purchase guidance screen 55, the display in the annotation section 55F of the model information display sections 55B2 and 55B3 is different from the annotation section 52F of the model information display sections 52B2 and 52B3 on the first selection screen 52. The annotation section 55F of the model information display sections 55B2 and 55B3 displays that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 cannot be used because the ink cartridge model number is different, and that if you have a point membership contract, you will be awarded points according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24 if you return the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1.

[0060] The three selection sections 55C1, 55C2, and 55C3 correspond to the three model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3, respectively. When selection section 55C1, 55C2, or 55C3 is selected, a purchase screen (not shown) for purchasing the printer model indicated by model information display section 55B1, 55B2, or 55B3 is displayed on display section 68. The user can then carry out procedures for purchasing the printer based on this purchase screen.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 6(a), if the remaining ink level in any ink cartridge 24 is less than the predetermined level (S304: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second purchase guide screen display process (S306), after which the process ends. In the second purchase guide screen display process of S306, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second purchase guide screen 56, such as that shown in FIG. 7(b). The second purchase guide screen 56 in FIG. 7(b) has a message section 56A, three model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3, and three selection sections 56C1, 56C2, and 56C3.

[0062] Message section 56A is similar to message section 55A of first purchase guide screen 55 of FIG. 7(a). Model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3 are similar to model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 of second selection screen 53 of FIG. 5(b). That is, model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3 each have an image display section 56D similar to image display section 53D, a model number information display section 56E similar to model number information display section 53E, and a comment section 56F similar to comment section 53F. However, on second purchase guide screen 56, comment sections 56F of model information display sections 56B2 and 56B3 display content similar to comment sections 55F of model information display sections 55B2 and 55B3 of first purchase guide screen 55. The three selection sections 56C1, 56C2, and 56C3 are similar to the three selection sections 55C1, 55C2, and 55C3 on the first purchase guide screen 55 of FIG. 7(a).

[0063] In this embodiment, the printer images displayed in image display areas 52D, 53D, 55D, and 56D and the printer model number information displayed in model number information display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E in model information display areas 52B1-52B3, 53B1-53B3, 55B1-55B3, and 56B1-56B3 correspond to the "information about another device" of the present invention. Also, the ink cartridge model number information displayed in model number display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E in model information display areas 52B1-52B3, 53B1-53B3, 55B1-55B3, and 56B1-56B3, and information on whether the ink cartridge model number of each printer model is the same as the model number of ink cartridge 24 of printer 1 currently being used and is usable, displayed in annotation areas 52F, 53F, 55F, and 56F, correspond to the "information about replacement parts" of the present invention.

[0064] In this embodiment, the usable printer models corresponding to the model information display sections 52B1, 53B1, 55B1, and 56B1 correspond to the "first device" of the present invention. The unusable printer models corresponding to the model information display sections 52B2, 52B3, 53B1, 53B2, 55B1, 55B2, 56B1, and 56B2 correspond to the "second device" of the present invention.

[0065] Furthermore, the printer images displayed in image display areas 52D, 53D, 55D, and 56D of model information display areas 52B1, 53B1, 55B1, and 56B1, and the printer model number information displayed in model number information display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E, correspond to the "information about the first device" of the present invention. Furthermore, the printer images displayed in image display areas 52D, 53D, 55D, and 56D of model information display areas 52B2, 52B3, 53B2, 53B3, 55B2, 55B3, 56B2, and 56B3, and the printer model number information displayed in model number information display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E, correspond to the "information about the second device" of the present invention.

[0066] In addition, the information on the ink cartridge model number displayed in the model number display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E of the model information display areas 52B1, 53B1, 55B1, and 56B1, and the information displayed in the annotation areas 52F, 53F, 55F, and 56F indicating that the ink cartridge model number of each model of printer is the same as the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used and can be used, correspond to the ``information regarding replacement parts for the first device'' of this invention.

[0067] In addition, the information on the ink cartridge model number displayed in the model number display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, and 56E of the model information display areas 52B2, 52B3, 53B2, 53B3, 55B2, 55B3, 56B2, and 56B3, and the information displayed in the annotation areas 52F, 53F, 55F, and 56F indicating that the ink cartridge model number of each model of printer is different from the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used and cannot be used, correspond to the ``information regarding replacement parts for the second device'' of this invention.

[0068] <Effects> In this embodiment, when the printer 1 currently being used meets the lifespan condition, information about another printer that can replace the printer 1 currently being used, as well as information about the ink cartridges of that other printer, can be obtained based on the first selection screen 52, second selection screen 53, first purchase guide screen 55, and second purchase guide screen 56 displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1. This makes it easy to determine whether the ink cartridges 24 of the printer 1 currently being used can be used in that other printer.

[0069] More specifically, if the currently used printer 1 meets the lifespan condition and has or has entered into a subscription contract, the first selection screen 52 or the second selection screen 53 is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1. Information about the other printer and information about the ink cartridges of the other printer are displayed in the model information display areas 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3 of the first selection screen 52 and the model information display areas 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 of the second selection screen 53. This makes it easy to determine, based on the display of the first selection screen 52 and the second selection screen 53, whether the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the other printer provided under the subscription contract.

[0070] Furthermore, if the printer 1 currently being used meets the lifespan condition and a subscription contract has not been concluded or has not been concluded, the first purchase guide screen 55 or the second purchase guide screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1. Information about the other printer and information about the ink cartridges of the other printer are displayed in the model information display areas 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3 of the first purchase guide screen 55 and the model information display areas 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3 of the second purchase guide screen 56. This makes it easy to determine whether the ink cartridges 24 of the printer 1 currently being used can be used in the other printer to be purchased, based on the display of the first purchase guide screen 55 and the second purchase guide screen 56.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, information about the ink cartridges of another printer is displayed in the model number information display areas 52E, 53E, 55E, 56E and annotation areas 52F, 53F, 55F, 56F of the first selection screen 52, the second selection screen 53, the first purchase guide screen 55, and the second purchase guide screen 56. The information includes the model number of the ink cartridge of the other printer, information about whether the model number of the ink cartridge 24 in the other printer is the same as that of the currently used printer 1, and information about whether the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the other printer. This makes it easy to know whether the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the other printer.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first selection screen 52 has model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3 for each of the other printer candidates. The second selection screen 53 has model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 for each of the other printer candidates. The first purchase guide screen 55 has model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 52B3 for each of the other printer candidates. The second purchase guide screen 56 has model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3 for each of the other printer candidates. This makes it easy to see whether the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used with each of the multiple other printer candidates when there are multiple other printer candidates.

[0073] In this embodiment, first selection screen 52 has selection sections 52C1, 52C2, and 52C3 for model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3, respectively, allowing the user to select one of the printers corresponding to model information display sections 52B1, 52B2, and 52B3. Second selection screen 53 has selection sections 53C1, 53C2, and 53C3 for model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3, respectively, allowing the user to select one of the printers corresponding to model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3.

[0074] In this embodiment, first purchase guide screen 55 has selection sections 55C1, 55C2, and 55C3 for model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3, respectively, allowing the user to select one of the printers corresponding to model information display sections 55B1, 55B2, and 55B3. Second purchase guide screen 56 has selection sections 56C1, 56C2, and 56C3 for model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3, respectively, allowing the user to select one of the printers corresponding to model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3.

[0075] For these reasons, in this embodiment, if there are multiple candidates for the other printer, it is possible to determine whether the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 is usable for each of the multiple candidate printers before selecting the other printer.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the first selection screen 52 and the second selection screen 53, model information display sections 52B1 and 53B1 for usable models are displayed with priority over model information display sections 52B2, 52B3, 53B2, and 53B3 for unusable models. Also, on the first purchase guide screen 55 and the second purchase guide screen 56, model information display sections 55B1 and 56B1 for usable models are displayed with priority over model information display sections 55B2, 55B3, 56B2, and 56B3 for unusable models. This makes it easier for the user to select a usable model over an unusable model.

[0077] In this embodiment, on the first selection screen 52 and the second selection screen 53, the annotation sections 52F, 53F of the model information display sections 52B2, 52B3, 53B2, 53B3 for the unusable models display that by returning the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1, points will be awarded as a special benefit according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridges 24. Also, on the first purchase guide screen 55 and the second purchase guide screen 56, the annotation sections 55F, 56F of the model information display sections 55B2, 55B3, 56B2, 56B3 for the unusable models display that, if a point membership contract has been concluded, by returning the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1, points will be awarded as a special benefit according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridges 24. This makes it possible to encourage the return of the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1 when the other printer is an unusable model by the benefit of awarding points.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the other printer is a compatible printer model, if the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24 is too low, the ink cartridge 24 may not be able to be used normally even if installed in the other printer.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 of the printer 1 currently being used is less than a predetermined amount, the second selection screen 53 and the second purchase guide screen 56 are displayed on the display unit 68. Then, the annotation sections 53F, 56F of the model information display sections 53B1, 56B1 of the usable models on the second selection screen 53 and the second purchase guide screen 56 display that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently being used printer 1 cannot be used in the other printer because the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 is low.

[0080] This allows the user to understand that the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used cannot be used in the other printer, even if the other printer is a printer of a usable model, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used is too low.

[0081] [Variations] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the condition for restricting use is that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 is less than a predetermined amount, but the condition is not limited to this.

[0083] In the first modification, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the lifespan of the printer 1 by performing processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0084] More specifically, the control unit 80 executes steps S401 to S404, which are similar to steps S101 to S104 in the above-described embodiment. If it is determined in step S402 that a subscription contract has been concluded (YES in step S402), or if it is determined in step S404 that a subscription contract has been concluded (YES in step S404), the control unit 80 determines whether the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has passed (step S405). For example, the ink cartridges 24 are provided with a chip (not shown), and expiration date information is stored on this chip. The control unit 80 makes the determination in step S405 based on the expiration date information stored on the chip. In the first modification, the condition that the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 has passed corresponds to the usage restriction condition of the present invention.

[0085] If the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has not passed (S405: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first selection screen display process (S406), and then the process ends. In the first selection screen display process of S406, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a first selection screen 52, such as that shown in FIG. 5(a), in the same manner as S106 in the above-described embodiment.

[0086] If the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has passed (S405: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second selection screen display process (S407), and then the process ends. In the second selection screen display process of S407, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second selection screen 57, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

[0087] The second selection screen 57 of FIG. 10(a) has a message section 57A, three model information display sections 57B1, 57B2, and 57B3, and three selection sections 57C1, 57C2, and 57C3.

[0088] Message section 57A is similar to message section 53A on second selection screen 53 in Fig. 5(b). Model information display sections 57B1, 57B2, and 57B3 are similar to model information display sections 53B1, 53B2, and 53B3 on second selection screen 53 in Fig. 5(b), respectively. That is, model information display sections 57B1, 57B2, and 57B3 each have an image display section 57D, a model number information display section 57E, and a comment section 57F.

[0089] However, the content displayed in annotation section 57F of model information display section 57B1 on second selection screen 57 differs from annotation section 53F of model information display section 53B1 on second selection screen 53. Annotation section 57F of model information display section 57B1 on second selection screen 57 displays that although the model number of ink cartridge 24 is the same, the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used cannot be used because its expiration date has passed.

[0090] 8, if it is determined in S404 that a subscription contract has not been concluded (S404: NO), the control unit 80 executes a purchase guidance process (S408). In the purchase guidance process of S408, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0091] More specifically, the control unit 80 executes the same processes of S501 to S503 as S301 to S303 in the above-described embodiment. If it is determined in S501 that a point membership contract has been concluded (S502: YES), or if it is determined in S503 that a point membership contract has been concluded (S503: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has passed (S504), as in S405.

[0092] If the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has not passed (S504: NO), the control unit 80 executes a first purchase guide screen display process (S505), and then the process ends. In the first purchase guide screen display process of S505, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display, for example, the first purchase guide screen 55 as shown in FIG. 7(a), similar to S306 in the above embodiment.

[0093] If the expiration date of any of the ink cartridges 24 has passed (S504: YES), the control unit 80 executes a second purchase guide screen display process (S506), and then the process ends. In the second purchase guide screen display process of S506, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display a second purchase guide screen 58, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0094] The second purchase guide screen 58 of FIG. 10(b) has a message section 58A, three model information display sections 58B1, 58B2, and 58B3, and three selection sections 58C1, 58C2, and 58C3.

[0095] Message section 58A is similar to message section 56A of second purchase guide screen 56 in Fig. 7(b). Model information display sections 58B1, 58B2, and 58B3 are similar to model information display sections 56B1, 56B2, and 56B3, respectively, of second purchase guide screen 56 in Fig. 7(b). That is, model information display sections 58B1, 58B2, and 58B3 each have image display section 58D, model number information display section 58E, and comment section 58F.

[0096] However, on the second purchase guide screen 58, the content displayed in the annotation section 58F of the model information display section 58B1 is different from the annotation section 56F of the model information display section 56B1 of the second purchase guide screen 56. The annotation section 58F of the model information display section 58B1 of the second purchase guide screen 58 displays that although the model number of the ink cartridge 24 is the same, the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used cannot be used because its expiration date has passed.

[0097] Here, even if the other printer is a compatible printer model, if the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 has passed, the ink cartridge 24 may not be able to be used normally even if it is installed in the other printer 1.

[0098] Therefore, in Modification 1, even if the other printer is a usable printer model, if the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 has passed, the second selection screen 57 and the second purchase guide screen 58 are displayed on the display unit 68. Then, the annotation sections 57F, 58F of the model information display sections 57B1, 58B1 of the usable model on the second selection screen 57 and the second purchase guide screen 58 display that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 cannot be used in the other printer because the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 has passed.

[0099] This allows the user to understand that even if the other printer is a printer of a usable model, if the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used has passed, the ink cartridge 24 of the printer 1 currently being used cannot be used in the other printer.

[0100] The usage restriction condition may be a condition different from either the condition in the above-described embodiment that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24 is less than a predetermined amount, or the condition in Modification Example 1 that the expiration date of the ink cartridge 24 has passed. If the usage restriction condition is met, the second selection screen and second purchase guide screen may be displayed, and a message may be displayed in the annotation section corresponding to the printer model that can use the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1, indicating that the ink cartridge 24 of the currently used printer 1 cannot be used because the usage restriction condition is met.

[0101] Furthermore, it is not necessary to set usage restrictions. If the other printer is a printer of a usable model, the annotation section may display that the ink cartridge 24 has the same model number as the ink cartridge 24 used in the currently used printer 1 and is usable, regardless of the condition of the ink cartridge 24.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the benefit based on the remaining life of the ink cartridge 24 was the awarding of points based on the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24, but this is not limited to this. The benefit based on the remaining life of the ink cartridge 24 may be something different. For example, the benefit based on the remaining life of the ink cartridge 24 may be a discount on the purchase price of another printer based on the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 24.

[0103] Furthermore, the annotation corresponding to the incompatible printer model does not need to indicate that a special benefit will be provided. In this case, the special benefit according to the remaining life of the ink cartridge 24 may or may not be provided.

[0104] Furthermore, the method of displaying the model information display section for the usable printer models in preference to the model information display section for the unusable printer models is not limited to that in the above-described embodiment.

[0105] For example, the model information display section for usable printer models may be displayed in the center of the display section 68 in the same size as the model information display section for unusable printer models, so that the model information display section for usable printer models is displayed with priority over the model information display section for unusable printer models.

[0106] Alternatively, the model information display section for usable printer models may be displayed in a location other than the center in the horizontal direction of the display section 68 in a larger size than the model information display section for usable printer models, so that the model information display section for usable printer models is displayed with priority over the model information display section for usable printer models.

[0107] Alternatively, for example, the operation unit 69 may be a hard key, and by operating the hard key, a cursor may be moved among a plurality of selection sections corresponding to a plurality of model information display sections on the display unit 68 to select one of the selection sections. In this configuration, the model information display section for the usable printer model may be displayed preferentially over the model information display section for the unusable printer model by initially positioning the cursor on the selection section corresponding to the model information display section for the usable printer model.

[0108] Alternatively, the model information display section for the usable printer models may be displayed on the display unit 68 first, and then the model information display section for the unusable printer models may be displayed on the display unit 68 by a subsequent operation by the user, so that the model information display section for the usable printer models is displayed preferentially over the model information display section for the unusable printer models.

[0109] For example, in Modification 2, in the first selection screen display process of S106, control unit 80 causes first selection screen 59 as shown in Fig. 11(a) to be displayed on display unit 68. First selection screen 59 has a message section 59A, a model information display section 59B1, a selection section 59C1, and a display switching section 59D1.

[0110] Message section 59A is similar to message section 52A on first selection screen 52 in Fig. 5(a). Model information display section 59B1 is similar to model information display section 52B1 on first selection screen 52 in Fig. 5(a). Selection section 59C1 is similar to selection section 52C1 on first selection screen 52 in Fig. 5(a).

[0111] Display switching section 59D1 is located to the right of model information display section 59B1. In Modification 2, display switching section 59D1 and display switching section 59D2, which will be described later, can be selected in the same manner as selection section 52C1, etc., of first selection screen 52 in FIG. 5(a).

[0112] When display switching section 59D1 is selected on first selection screen 59 in the state shown in FIG. 11(a), model information display section 59B2 and selection section 59C2 are displayed in place of model information display section 59B1 and selection section 59C1, and display switching section 59D2 is also displayed, as shown in FIG. 11(b). Model information display section 59B2 is similar to model information display section 52B2 on first selection screen 52 in FIG. 5(a). However, model information display section 59B1 and model information display section 59B2 have approximately the same display size. Selection section 59C2 is similar to selection section 52C2 on first selection screen 52 in FIG. 5(a). Display switching section 59D2 is located to the left of model information display section 59B2.

[0113] When display switching section 59D2 is selected in the state of FIG. 11(b), first selection screen 59 returns to the state of FIG. 11(a). Furthermore, when display switching section 59D1 is selected in the state of FIG. 11(b), first selection screen 59 displays another model information display section and another selection section instead of model information display section 59B2 and selection section 59C2. The other model information display section is, for example, similar to model information display section 52B3 of first selection screen 52 in FIG. 5(a). The other selection section is, for example, similar to selection section 52C3 of first selection screen 52 in FIG. 5(a).

[0114] Although the first selection screen has been described here, the model information display section may be displayed on the display unit 68 in the same manner as described above on the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen.

[0115] Furthermore, the model information display section for usable printer models does not have to be displayed with priority over the model information display section for unusable printer models. In this case, the model information display section for usable printer models and the model information display section for unusable printer models may be displayed simultaneously, or the screen may be switched by some screen operation or button operation.

[0116] In the above example, the selection screen and the purchase guide screen each have a model information display section and a separate selection section in the model information display section, allowing the user to select a printer. However, this is not limited to this.

[0117] For example, the first selection screen, second selection screen, first purchase guide screen, and second purchase guide screen may each have a model information display section but may not have a selection section. Even in this case, the user can determine whether the ink cartridges 24 of the printer 1 currently being used can be used in a printer provided under a subscription contract or a newly purchased printer.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the first selection screen 52, the second selection screen 53, the first purchase guide screen 55, and the second purchase guide screen 56 each have three model information display sections and three corresponding selection sections, but this is not limited to this. The first selection screen, the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen may each have one, two, or four or more model information display sections, and one, two, or four or more selection sections individually for each model information display section.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the first selection screen 52, the second selection screen 53, the first purchase guide screen 55, and the second purchase guide screen 56 each have a model information display section for one usable model and a model information display section for two unusable models. However, this is not limited to this. The first selection screen, the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen may have a model information display section for two or more usable models. The first selection screen, the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen may have a model information display section for one or three or more unusable models. The first selection screen, the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen may have a model information display section for usable models but not a model information display section for unusable models. Alternatively, the first selection screen, the second selection screen, the first purchase guide screen, and the second purchase guide screen may have a model information display section for unusable models but not a model information display section for usable models.

[0120] In the above example, when the lifespan condition is met, if a subscription contract has been concluded or if a subscription contract has been concluded, the first selection screen 52 or the second selection screen 53 is displayed on the display unit 68. On the other hand, when the lifespan condition is met, if a subscription contract has not been concluded or if a subscription contract has not been concluded, the first purchase guide screen 55 or the second purchase guide screen 56 is displayed on the display unit 68. However, this is not limited to this.

[0121] When the lifespan condition is met, information about another printer that replaces the printer 1 currently being used, and information about the ink cartridges of that other printer, may be displayed on the display unit 68 only if a subscription contract has been concluded or has been concluded. In other words, when the lifespan condition is met, if a subscription contract has not been concluded or has not been concluded, information about another printer that replaces the printer 1 currently being used, and information about the ink cartridges of that other printer, may not be displayed on the display unit 68. For example, when it is determined in S104 of the above embodiment that a subscription contract has not been concluded (S104: NO), the purchase guidance process of S108 may not be executed, and the process may end as is.

[0122] In the above example, the information relating to the ink cartridge in the other printer displayed on the display unit 68 includes information on the model number of the ink cartridge in the other printer, information on whether the model number of the ink cartridge in the other printer is the same as that of the other printer, information on whether the ink cartridge 24 in the currently used printer 1 can be used in the other printer, and the printer 1 currently being used, but this is not limited to this. Only some of this information may be displayed on the display unit 68. Alternatively, information relating to the ink cartridge in the other printer other than the above may be displayed on the display unit 68.

[0123] In the above example, each screen is displayed on the entire display unit 68, but this is not limiting. For example, a display area for displaying each screen may be provided in a portion of the display unit 68, and each screen may be displayed in this display area. Alternatively, each screen may be displayed as a pop-up on the display unit 68.

[0124] In the above example, each screen is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0125] In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 12, 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 above embodiment.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In the system 100 of the third modification, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 performs processing in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 6(a). However, in the third modification, in steps S103, S106, S107, S305, and S306, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 transmits a signal to the external device 101 via the communication unit 70, instructing the external device 101 to display each screen. When the communication unit 113 receives the signal, the control unit 114 of the external device 101 causes the display unit 111 to display each screen. That is, in the third modification, the control unit 80 of the printer 1 controls the display unit 111 of the external device 101 to display each screen.

[0129] In the third modification, information about an alternative printer to the currently used printer 1, as well as information about the ink cartridges in the alternative printer, can be obtained based on the first selection screen 52, second selection screen 53, first purchase guide screen 55, and second purchase guide screen 56 displayed on the display unit 111 of the external device 101. This makes it easy to determine whether the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the alternative printer.

[0130] In the above example, each screen is displayed on the display unit under the control of the control unit 80 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0131] The fourth modification relates to the system 40 shown in Fig. 2. In the fourth modification, the server 99 corresponds to the "external device" of the present invention. In the fourth modification, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 13.

[0132] More specifically, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes a printer information acquisition process (S601). In the printer information acquisition process of S601, the control unit 99A of the server 99 acquires information about the printer 1 from the printer 1. The information about the printer 1 includes information necessary to determine whether the printer 1 meets the lifespan conditions described in the above embodiment, and information necessary to determine whether the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 is less than a predetermined amount.

[0133] Next, the control unit 99A of the server 99 executes the processes of S602 to S609, which are similar to S101 to S108 in the above-described embodiment.

[0134] However, in the case of the fourth modification, the control unit 99A of the server 99 makes the determination in S603 based on the first contract information stored in the server 99.

[0135] Furthermore, the control unit 99A of the server 99 makes the determination in S606 based on the information acquired in S601 that is necessary to determine whether the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 is less than a predetermined amount.

[0136] Furthermore, in S604, S607, and S608, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits signals to the printer 1 instructing it to display each screen. When the communication unit 70 of the printer 1 receives the signals, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display each screen.

[0137] In addition, in S609, the control unit 99A of the server 99 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 6(a).

[0138] However, in the case of Modification 4, the control unit 99A of the server 99 makes the determination in S301 based on the second contract information stored in the server 99. Furthermore, in S302, S305, and S306, the control unit 99A of the server 99 transmits signals to the printer 1 instructing it to display each screen. When the communication unit 70 of the printer 1 receives the signals, the control unit 80 causes the display unit 68 to display each screen.

[0139] In addition, in the case of Variation 4, when the selection section 54C is selected on the second contract information screen 54 of FIG. 6(b), a signal indicating that the selection section 54C has been selected is sent to the server 99. The control section 99A of the server 99 determines in S303 that the selection to enter into the point membership contract has not been completed if the transmission and reception of signals at S201 to S204 of FIG. 4(b) regarding the point membership contract has not been performed and a signal indicating that the selection section 54C has been selected has not been received. The control section 99A of the server 99 determines in S303 that the selection to enter into the point membership contract has been completed when the transmission and reception of signals at S201 to S204 of FIG. 4(b) regarding the point membership contract has been performed and a signal indicating that the selection section 54C has been selected has been received.

[0140] Furthermore, the control unit 99A of the server 99 makes the determination in S304 based on the information acquired in S601 that is necessary to determine whether the remaining amount of ink in any of the ink cartridges 24 is less than a predetermined amount.

[0141] In this way, in the fourth modification, each screen is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1 under the control of the control unit 99A of the server 99.

[0142] In the fourth modification, under the control of the control unit 114 of the external device 101, it is possible to grasp information about another printer that can replace the currently used printer 1, as well as information about the ink cartridges of that other printer, based on the first selection screen 52, second selection screen 53, first purchase guide screen 55, and second purchase guide screen 56 displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1. This makes it easy to grasp whether the ink cartridges 24 of the currently used printer 1 can be used in the other printer.

[0143] In addition, in the fourth modification, each screen is displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1 based on the control of the control unit 99A of the server 99, but this is not limiting. For example, in a system 100 shown in Fig. 12 that includes the printer 1, the server 99, and an external device 101 such as a PC or a smartphone, each screen may be displayed on the display unit 68 of the printer 1 based on the control of the external device 101.

[0144] In addition, although the above description has been given using an example in which the replacement part of the printer 1 is the ink cartridge 24, this is not limiting. The replacement part of the printer 1 may be a part other than the ink cartridge 24, such as the transport rollers 6 and 7 or the waste liquid tank 33.

[0145] 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 to perform recording on the 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 in the toner cartridge corresponds to the "adhesive" 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]

[0146] 1. Printer 6,7 Conveyor roller 24 ink cartridges 33 Waste liquid tank 40 Systems 68 Display section 80 Control Unit 99 Server 99A Control Unit 101 External device 111 Display section 114 Control Unit

Claims

1. A device with replaceable replacement parts, a control unit; The control unit An apparatus equipped with a replacement part, characterized in that when a life condition regarding the remaining life of the apparatus equipped with the replacement part is met, information regarding an apparatus equipped with another replacement part instead of the apparatus equipped with the replacement part, and information regarding the replacement part in the apparatus equipped with the other replacement part are displayed on a display unit.

2. the device equipped with the replacement part is equipped with the display unit, The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, wherein information about the replacement part is displayed on the display unit of the device equipped with the replacement part.

3. connected to an external device equipped with the display unit, The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, wherein information about the replacement part is displayed on the display unit of the external device.

4. 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, wherein the information about the replacement part is information about a model number of the replacement part.

5. 2. An apparatus equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that the information regarding the replacement part is information indicating whether the replacement part of the apparatus equipped with the replacement part can be used in the apparatus equipped with the other replacement part.

6. 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that the information on the replacement part is information indicating whether the model number of the replacement part of the device equipped with the replacement part is the same as the model number of the replacement part of the device equipped with the other replacement part.

7. The control unit acquire contract information indicating whether a subscription contract has been concluded for a device equipped with the replacement part, under which a device equipped with another replacement part will be provided when the lifespan condition is met by paying a predetermined amount every predetermined period, for the device equipped with the replacement part; The device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the life condition is met while the contract information indicates that the subscription contract has been concluded, information regarding the device equipped with the other replacement part and information regarding the replacement part in the device equipped with the other replacement part are displayed on the display unit.

8. The control unit The device equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 1, characterized in that information regarding a first device and information regarding a second device different from the first device are displayed on the display unit as information regarding the device equipped with the other replacement part, and information regarding the replacement part of the first device and the replacement part of the second device are displayed on the display unit as information regarding the replacement part in the device equipped with the other replacement part.

9. The control unit The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 8, characterized in that the display unit displays information about the device equipped with the other replacement part, information about the replacement part in the device equipped with the other replacement part, and a selection unit for allowing the user to select either the first device or the second device.

10. The control unit When the replacement part of the device having the replacement part is usable in the first device and is unusable in the second device, An apparatus equipped with a replacement part as described in claim 8, characterized in that information regarding the first apparatus and information regarding the replacement part of the first apparatus are displayed on the display unit in priority to information regarding the second apparatus and information regarding the replacement part of the second apparatus.

11. The control unit 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the replacement part of the device equipped with the replacement part is unusable in the device equipped with the other replacement part, bonus information indicating that a bonus will be granted according to the remaining life of the replacement part of the device equipped with the replacement part is displayed on the display unit.

12. The control unit Even if the replacement part of the device is usable in the device equipped with the other replacement part, if the replacement part of the device equipped with the replacement part satisfies a predetermined use restriction condition, 2. The device equipped with a replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays information regarding the replacement part that the replacement part of the device equipped with the replacement part satisfies the usage restriction conditions and therefore cannot be used in the device equipped with the other replacement part.

13. The device equipped with the replacement part is An image recording device that records an image on a recording medium by adhering an adhesive to the recording medium, a cartridge in which the adhesive agent is stored is provided as the replacement part; 13. The device with a replaceable part according to claim 12, wherein the usage restriction condition is that the remaining amount of the adhesive agent in the cartridge is less than a predetermined amount.

14. The device comprises: An image recording device that records an image on a recording medium by adhering an adhesive to the recording medium, a cartridge in which the adhesive agent is stored is provided as the replacement part; 13. The device with a replaceable part according to claim 12, wherein the use restriction condition is that the expiration date of the cartridge has passed.

15. An apparatus equipped with a replacement part according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the apparatus equipped with the replacement part is an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by applying an adhesive to the recording medium.

16. An external device having a control unit connected to an apparatus having a replaceable replacement part having a display unit, The control unit When a life condition regarding the remaining life of an apparatus equipped with the replacement part is satisfied, information regarding an apparatus equipped with another replacement part instead of the apparatus equipped with the replacement part, and information regarding the replacement part in the apparatus equipped with the another replacement part are displayed on the display unit.

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