Printing device, program, and warning output method

Abstract

To prevent an ink cartridge from being mounted in a wrong cartridge mounting part. [Solution] The printer comprises a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge, and a first warning means that outputs a first warning when at least one condition is met that indicates that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with one of the cartridge mounting sections may be mounted in that cartridge mounting section, based at least on information regarding an ink cartridge that has been removed from that cartridge mounting section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing device, a program, and a warning output method for preventing incorrect insertion of an ink cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices use consumables such as ink cartridges containing the ink used for printing, toner, etc. These consumables need to be replenished or replaced when consumed during printing. Some printing devices are equipped with multiple ink cartridges, and users must avoid making mistakes when replacing ink cartridges. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of displaying a warning if the wrong ink cartridge is replaced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-251824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 displays a warning after the wrong ink cartridge is installed in the cartridge installation section. If an ink cartridge is inserted into the wrong cartridge installation section, there is a risk that the inks will mix, and cleaning may be required to eliminate the color mixing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to prevent an ink cartridge from being installed in an incorrect cartridge installation portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a printing device comprising a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge, and a first warning means that outputs a first warning when at least one condition is met that indicates that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with any of the cartridge mounting sections may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting sections, based at least on information regarding an ink cartridge that has been removed from that cartridge mounting section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent an ink cartridge from being installed in the wrong cartridge installation portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system [Figure 2] A perspective view and a plan view showing the appearance of the printer [Figure 3] Functional block diagram showing the printer configuration [Figure 4] A diagram showing the modular configuration of the software that runs on the printer [Figure 5] Functional block diagram showing the cloud server configuration [Figure 6] A diagram showing the modular configuration of software running on a cloud server [Figure 7] Diagram showing the WebAPI data structure of the cloud server [Figure 8] A diagram showing the data structure of records stored in the cloud server database. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method performed by a cloud server. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method performed by a cloud server when a job execution request is received. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing method performed by a cloud server when a job status notification request is received. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing method performed by a cloud server when a printer status notification request is received. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a carriage including an ink cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion in which the ink cartridge is mounted. [Figure 14] Diagram explaining how to open and close the access cover [Figure 15] Diagram explaining how to replace ink cartridges [Figure 16] Flowchart showing part of the warning output method [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing another part of a warning output method. [Figure 18] Flowchart showing details of error handling [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of the warning screen displayed on the printer's operation panel [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of the warning screen displayed on the printer's operation panel DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system 101. The printing system 101 includes a cloud server 107 and a device group 108, which are interconnected via a local area network 103 and the Internet 105. The device group 108 includes various devices that can be connected to a network. Examples of devices included in the device group 108 include a smartphone 112, a printer 109, a client terminal 110 such as a personal computer or a workstation, and a digital camera 111. However, the devices included in the device group 108 are not limited to these and may also include home appliances such as a refrigerator, a television, and an air conditioner. The devices included in the device group 108 are interconnected via a local area network 103 and can connect to the Internet 105 via a router 104 installed on the local area network 103. Here, the router 104 is illustrated as a device that connects the local area network 103 and the Internet 105, but it can also have a wireless LAN access point function that constitutes the local area network 103. In this case, each device included in the device group 108 can be configured to connect to the router 104 via a wired LAN, or to connect to an access point via a wireless LAN to participate in the local area network 103. For example, it is also possible to configure the printer 109 and client terminal 110 to be connected to the local area network 103 via a wired LAN, and the smartphone 112 and digital camera 111 to be connected to the local area network 103 via a wireless LAN. Each device included in the device group 108 can communicate with the cloud server 107 via the Internet 105 connected via the router 104. The devices included in the device group 108 can also communicate with each other via the local area network 103. The smartphone 112 and printer 109 can communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication 102. Examples of short-range wireless communication 102 include wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard or the NFC standard.The smartphone 112 is also connected to a mobile phone network 106, and can communicate with the cloud server 107 via this network 106. Note that this configuration is an example of this embodiment, and the functions and effects of this embodiment remain the same even in a different configuration. For example, although an example has been shown in which the router 104 has an access point function, the access point may be configured as a device different from the router 104.

[0011] 2(a) and 2(b) are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing the exterior of the printer 109. In this embodiment, a multifunction printer (MFP) having other functions, such as a scanner function, in addition to a printer function, is shown as an example of the printer 109. FIG. 2(a) shows the overall exterior of the printer 109. The platen 201 is a transparent glass platform on which a document is placed to be scanned by the scanner. The platen pressure plate 202 presses the document to be scanned by the scanner against the platen 201 to prevent it from floating above the platen 201. The platen pressure plate 202 also functions as a cover to prevent external light from entering the scanner unit. The paper tray 203 accommodates various sizes of paper. Paper sheets placed in the paper tray 203 are transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit through a print paper insertion slot provided in the printer 109 body. Paper sheets printed by the printing unit are ejected through a print paper ejection slot 204. The access cover 208 can be opened and closed upward. The user can replace the ink cartridge inside the printer 109 by lifting the access cover 208 upward. After replacing the ink cartridge, the user can place the document on the document table 201 and scan it with the scanner by returning the access cover 208 to its original position.

[0012] 2(b) shows the top surface of the printer 109. An operation panel 205 and a near-field wireless communication unit 206 are arranged above the platen pressure plate 202. The operation panel 205 is configured with a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and can display various information and accept operation inputs to the printer 109 from the user.

[0013] The short-range wireless communication unit 206 is a unit for performing short-range wireless communication, and can communicate with a short-range wireless communication unit of a communication partner that is within a predetermined distance. The wireless LAN antenna 207 is an embedded antenna for connecting to the local area network 103 using a wireless LAN and performing communication.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 109. The printer 109 includes a main board 302 that controls the entire printer 109, a wireless LAN unit 301, and a short-range wireless communication unit 206. A processor 303, such as a CPU, disposed on the main board 302 operates according to a control program stored in a program memory 305, such as a ROM, connected via an internal bus 304, and the contents of a data memory 306, such as a RAM. The processor 303 controls a scanner mechanism control circuit 307 to scan an original document and stores the image data obtained thereby in an image memory 308 in the data memory 306. The processor 303 also controls a print mechanism control circuit 309 to print on a recording medium based on the image data stored in the image memory 308. The processor 303 controls the wireless LAN unit 301 via a wireless LAN communication control circuit 310 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. The processor 303 can detect connection with other short-range wireless communication terminals and transmit and receive data to and from other short-range wireless communication terminals by controlling the short-range wireless communication unit 206 via the short-range wireless communication control circuit 311. The processor 303 can display the status of the printer 109 and display a function selection menu on the operation panel 205 by controlling the operation unit control circuit 312. The processor 303 can also accept user operations on the operation panel 205 by controlling the operation unit control circuit 312.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the module configuration of software running on the printer 109. The software 400 running on the printer 109 includes an embedded control operating system (OS) 410 and multiple modules running on the embedded control OS 410. Each module is located in one of the system control layer 420, job management layer 430, middleware layer 440, and application layer 450. The embedded control OS 410 is an operating system (OS) that controls the basic operation of the printer control software 400, and typically uses a real-time OS with excellent responsiveness. The system control layer 420 is primarily home to a group of modules responsible for controlling the hardware of the printer 109. The print control module 421 is a control module for controlling the print mechanism (not shown) via the print mechanism control circuit 309 to execute the printing operation of the printer 109. The read control module 422 is a control module for controlling the scanner mechanism (not shown) via the scanner mechanism control circuit 307 to execute the operation of reading a document placed on the platen 201. The panel control module 423 is a control module for controlling the display on the operation panel 205 of the printer 109 and detecting operations on various keys. The memory management module 424 is a control module for managing dynamic allocation of storage areas in the data memory 306 and the image memory 308. The power control module 425 is a control module for controlling the power supply of the printer 109, supplying the power required for operation to each hardware block, and controlling power-saving modes. The close-proximity wireless communication control module 426 is a control module for controlling the close-proximity wireless communication unit 206 via the close-proximity wireless communication control circuit 311 to communicate with devices such as the smartphone 112. The network communication control module 427 is a control module for controlling the wireless LAN unit 301 via the wireless LAN communication control circuit 310 to perform communication physical layer control for LAN communication with external devices. The job management layer 430 includes a group of modules (not shown) that use the system control layer 420 to perform various operations while performing hardware resource allocation, exclusive control, scheduling, and the like in response to job execution requests from upper layers.The middleware layer 440 is located between the application layer 450 and the job management layer 430 and is a collection of modules commonly used by multiple function modules in the application layer 450. The application framework 441 is a framework module commonly used when the application layer 450 requests the job management layer 430 to execute a job. The network protocol stack 442 is a module for performing communication in accordance with various network protocols such as HTTP and TCP / IP. The cryptographic processing module 443 is a module for performing encryption and decryption processes required for network communication, etc. The web server module 444 is a module for operating the printer 109 as a web server to deliver remote UI content. The application layer 450 includes a group of applications that realize various functions of the printer 109. The copy application 451 is an application module for performing a copy operation, such as scanning and printing an original. The driver print application 452 is an application module for receiving a job from a printer driver of the smartphone 112 or the client terminal 110 and performing processing according to the job. Jobs from the driver include print jobs for printing, scan jobs for reading a document and outputting image data, and maintenance jobs for exchanging information with an external device to configure and manage the printer 109. The standard print application 453 is an application module for receiving jobs from a standard print service provided by the smartphone 112 system and executing processing according to the job. Jobs from the standard print service include print jobs for printing and scan jobs for reading a document and outputting image data. However, because the standard print service is provided by smartphone manufacturers and standard OS vendors, it is restricted in that it cannot perform settings or management specific to printer models from individual manufacturers. The remote UI application 454 is an application that uses the web server module 444 to provide external devices with the remote UI functions of the printer 109.An external device can use the remote UI function to configure and manage the printer 109. In particular, in the printer 109 shown in this embodiment, the information that can be displayed and configured on the operation panel 205 is limited, so the remote UI is used to perform more detailed configuration and management. Furthermore, if a dedicated driver is not available for the smartphone 112 or client terminal 110, only the standard print service is available, and therefore the use of the remote UI is essential to perform detailed configuration and management.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the cloud server 107. The cloud server 107 includes a main board 503 that controls the entire device, a network connection unit 501, and a hard disk unit 502. A processor 504, such as a CPU, disposed on the main board 503 operates according to a control program stored in a program memory 506 connected via an internal bus 505 and the contents of a data memory 507. The processor 504 controls the network connection unit 501 via a network control circuit 508 to connect to a network such as the Internet 105 and communicate with other devices. The processor 504 can read and write data from and to a hard disk unit 502 connected via a hard disk control circuit 509. The hard disk unit 502 stores an operating system and control software for the cloud server 107 that are loaded into the program memory 506 and used, as well as various data. A GPU 510 is connected to the main board 503. The GPU 510 can execute various arithmetic operations instead of the processor 504.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the module configuration of software 600 running on the cloud server 107. The software 600 running on the cloud server 107 includes an operating system (OS) 610 and multiple modules running on the OS 610. Each module is located in either the data storage layer 620, the middleware layer 630, or the application layer 640. Each module is stored in the hard disk unit 502. Each module is loaded into the program memory 506 or the data memory 507 as appropriate and then executed. The data storage layer 620 includes a database 621 and a file storage 622 that store and manage information used in various services. The database 621 is a relational database managed by a database management system 633. The file storage 622 stores files managed by a file system 634. Examples of files stored in the file storage 622 include files that store image data of a print job to be printed by the printer 109 and files that store image data scanned by the printer 109. The middleware layer 630 is located below the application layer 640 and is a collection of modules commonly used by multiple application modules in the application layer 640. The network protocol stack 631 is a module for performing communication in accordance with various network protocols such as HTTP and TCP / IP. The WebAPI service 632 is a module for performing WebAPI processing of services provided by the cloud server 107. The WebAPI is defined as a data structure exchanged using the HTTP protocol. The WebAPI service 632 requests processing from one of the service modules 641 to 645 in the application layer 640 according to the contents of an HTTP request received using the network protocol stack 631. The WebAPI service 632 also receives the processing results of each requested module and performs processing to return an HTTP response to the request source using the network protocol stack 631.The database management system 633 is a module that provides management functions for accessing information in the database 621 from various services 641 to 645 in the application layer 640. The file system 634 is a module that provides management functions such as reading and writing files to the file storage 622 from various services 641 to 645 in the application layer 640.

[0018] The application layer 640 includes modules for various services that provide various functions of the cloud server 107 .

[0019] The printer management service 641 provides a management function related to information on the registered printer 109. The management functions provided include, for example, the following:

[0020] - Receive and manage status notifications from the printer 109 Based on the service agreement, if delivery of ink cartridges is required depending on the condition of the printer 109, a request for delivery of ink cartridges may be issued. Based on the service agreement, manage the number of prints made by the printer 109 and limit printing that exceeds the upper limit. The account management service 642 provides management functions related to the information of registered service users. Examples of the management functions provided include the following:

[0021] Managing service user information Based on the service agreement, manage the data capacity stored in the file storage 622 and limit the data storage capacity exceeding the upper limit. The job management service 643 provides a management function related to job information for a service user to execute printing, scanning, etc. using the registered printer 109. Examples of the management functions provided include the following:

[0022] Receive a job execution request from a service user, spool the job data to the file storage, and notify the printer 109 -Returning job information in response to inquiries from the printer 109 Receive and manage job status notifications from the printer 109, and delete completed job data from the file storage. The contract management service 644 provides a management function for the service usage contract information relating to the service user's use of the registered printer 109. Examples of the management functions provided include the following:

[0023] - Managing service contract information The ink cartridge delivery management service 645 provides a management function related to information for delivering ink cartridges, which are consumables used in the printer 109, from the service provider to the service user based on the service usage contract. Examples of the management functions provided include the following:

[0024] Receive ink cartridge delivery requests from Printer Management Service 641 and carry out the necessary ink cartridge delivery procedures for service users. - Managing information regarding ink cartridge delivery The module configuration of software 640 shown in Fig. 6 is based on the assumption that cloud server 107 is configured as a single physical server. However, cloud server 107 may be configured using two or more physical servers. In such a case, the multiple modules shown in Fig. 6 may be distributed across multiple physical servers. For example, each of services 641 to 645 in application layer 640 may be run on a different physical server. Furthermore, the application server that provides these services may be run on a different physical server, and the database 621 and file storage 622 may be run on a different physical server.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the WebAPI data structure of the cloud server 107.

[0026] FIG. 7(a) shows the data structure of an API request 700. The API request 700 is sent from the printer 109 to the cloud server 107 as an HTTP request. The entire API request 700 is written as text data, and its structure is determined line by line, separated by a linefeed code. The first line of the API request 700 is a request line 701. The request line 701 begins with the requested HTTP method, followed by a URI (Universal Resource Identifier) ​​that identifies the requested resource and a protocol version notation, and ends with a linefeed code. Here, the URI consists of "base," which is the URI indicating the location of the cloud server 107, followed by a character string indicating the name of the API request. At least one line from the line following the request line 701 until the first blank line is a request header 702. The request header 702 is used to pass the request and additional information about the HTTP client that sent the request to the HTTP server that is the destination of the request. As an example, a string 704 identifying the user is written following the name string "userid:", and a string 705 identifying the printer is written following the name string "printerid:". Furthermore, other parameters can be written from line 706 onwards. The lines following the blank line after the request header 702 are called the message body 703. The message body 703 describes the data itself to be passed from the HTTP client to the HTTP server depending on the type of HTTP method of the request. Note that depending on the type of API, the message body 703 may not exist.

[0027] FIG. 7B shows the data structure of an API response. This data structure is used to send the response from the cloud server 107 to the printer 109 in response to the API request 700 as an HTTP response. The API response 710 is written entirely as text data, with the structure determined by lines separated by linefeed codes. The first line of the API response 710 is a status line 711. The status line 711 begins with the protocol version, followed by a numeric status code and a string, and terminates with a linefeed code. At least one line following the status line 711 and up to the first blank line constitutes a status header 712. The status header 712 is used to pass additional information about the status and the data passed in the message body 713 included in the HTTP response to the HTTP client that made the request. As an example, a string 714 identifying the user is written after the name string "userid:", and a string 715 identifying the printer is written after the name string "printerid:". Other parameters can also be written from line 716 onwards. The blank line following the status header 712 and subsequent lines are called the message body 713. The data itself to be passed from the HTTP server to the HTTP client is described in the message body 713. Here, as an example, a case where API return data 717 is stored is shown, but depending on the type of API, the message body 713 may not exist.

[0028] 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of records stored in database 621 of cloud server 107. The data structure of each table is defined as a collection of multiple attribute values. The attributes include a primary key that uniquely identifies a record stored in the table and a foreign key that references records in other tables. Here, the data structure is shown divided into upper and lower boxes, with the primary key listed in the upper box and attributes including the foreign key listed in the lower box.

[0029] FIG. 8(a) shows the data structure of a user information record 800 stored in the user information table. A user ID 801 is a primary key that allows a desired record to be uniquely identified from multiple records stored in the user information table. User details 802 stores attribute information such as the user's address, name, and age. A current period storage limit 803 stores the user's current period storage limit. A current period used storage limit 804 stores the user's current period storage limit. The current period is a management period determined based on a contract and is managed based on a predetermined period, such as one month or one year. The current period storage limit 803 is set for each management period as the storage limit value 837 of the contract information record 830 (described later), but can be increased or decreased within the period depending on service usage. This allows users to temporarily exceed the storage limit specified in the contract. If the current period used storage capacity 804 exceeds the current period upper limit storage capacity 803, the user will no longer be able to store any more data on the cloud server 107. Currently held points 805 stores point information held by the user. Points are awarded according to the number of printed pages and ink consumption, and users can use the awarded points to receive various services. For example, they can be used to pay for charges related to a contract or to pay for goods sold by a service provider.

[0030] FIG. 8B shows the data structure of a printer information record 810 stored in the printer information table. The printer ID 811 is a primary key that allows a desired record to be uniquely identified from multiple records stored in the printer information table. The printer status 812 stores information such as whether an error has occurred in the printer 109 and, if an error has occurred, the type of error. The remaining ink amount 813 stores information about the remaining ink used by the printer 109. If the remaining ink amount falls below a predetermined amount, a warning is issued or operation is stopped as an error. The current print count for the current period 814 stores the number of prints for the printer 109 in the current period. The current print limit 815 stores the maximum number of prints for the printer 109 in the current period. The current print limit 815 is set for each management period as the maximum print count 836 in the contract information record 830 (described later), but this value can be increased or decreased within the period depending on the service usage. This allows users to temporarily exceed the number of prints specified in the contract. When the current period print count 814 exceeds the current period print count upper limit 815, the corresponding printer 109 will no longer be able to print any more.

[0031] FIG. 8C shows the data structure of a job information record 820 stored in the job information table. The job ID 821 is a primary key that uniquely identifies a desired record from multiple records stored in the job information table. The user ID 822 is an external key that identifies the user who requested the job and references the user's information from the user information table. The printer ID 823 is an external key that identifies the printer 109 that should execute the job and references the printer's information from the printer information table. The job status information 824 stores current status information for the job. The status information can take values ​​such as "waiting to print," "printing," "printing completed," and "alternate printing completed." The print parameter settings 825 store parameter information that specifies the printing conditions used for the job. The parameter information can include information such as paper size, paper type, and ink type. The print job data 826 stores information that identifies the print image data to be printed for the job. This information includes information such as the location of the job stored in the file storage 622. The reprint flag 827 indicates whether the job is to be reprinted. This is set if reprinting is required after performing alternative printing, and is cleared when reprinting is complete.

[0032] FIG. 8D shows the data structure of a contract information record 830 stored in the contract information table. The contract ID 831 is a primary key that allows a desired record to be uniquely identified from multiple records stored in the contract information table. The user ID 832 is an external key that identifies the user covered by the contract and references the user's information from the user information table. The printer ID 833 is an external key that identifies the printer covered by the contract and references the printer's information from the printer information table. The contract type 834 stores the type of contract. Contract types include pay-per-use contracts, flat-rate contracts, and delivery contracts. Pay-per-use contracts are contracts in which charges are based on printer usage. In other words, charges are based on the number of pages printed or the amount of consumables consumed. A flat-rate contract is a contract in which a fixed usage fee is charged for each specified period regardless of printer usage. A contract that sets an upper limit on the number of pages printed per specified period or a limit on the amount of print data stored on the cloud server 107 allows unlimited use within those limits for a flat fee. A delivery contract is a contract in which consumables such as ink cartridges are automatically ordered and delivered when they are used up, and the purchase price is paid according to the consumables ordered. Note that the contract types described here are merely examples, and other usage forms may be provided by contract.

[0033] Contract information details 835 stores detailed information about the contract. This can include information such as the contract period, terms of use, and amount. Print count upper limit 836 stores the contractual upper limit of the number of prints that can be made by the printer 109 related to the contract. Storage capacity upper limit 837 stores the contractual upper limit of storage capacity for the user related to the contract.

[0034] Figure 8(e) is a diagram showing the data structure of a delivery information record 840 stored in the delivery information table. The order ID 841 is a primary key that allows the desired record to be uniquely identified from multiple records stored in the delivery information table. The contract ID 842 is an external key that is used to identify the contract that is the basis for the delivery and to reference the information about that contract from the contract information table. The order details 843 stores detailed information about the relevant delivery. This can include information such as the ink type and quantity. The order date 844 stores the date on which delivery was arranged. The expected arrival date 845 stores the date on which the item arranged for delivery is expected to arrive at the user's hands.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the cloud server 107. This processing is executed by the processor 504 of the cloud server 107 each time the cloud server 107 receives a WebAPI request from an external device. When the processor 504 of the cloud server 107 receives a WebAPI request, in step S901, it checks the type of the received WebAPI request. Hereinafter, "step S" will be simply represented as "S." Below, processing according to the type of the received WebAPI request is performed in each step. If the request is for job execution from a user terminal, the processor 504 proceeds to step S902 and performs job execution processing, which will be described later. If the request is for a job inquiry from the printer 109, the processor 504 proceeds to step S903 and transmits job data if there is a job for the printer 109. Here, the job data may be transmitted by returning the spooled job data itself as a WebAPI response, or by returning a URI pointing to the spooled job data as a response. If the request is for job status notification from the printer 109, the processor 504 proceeds to step S904 and performs job status notification processing, which will be described later. If the request is a printer status notification from the printer 109, the processor 504 proceeds to S905 and performs printer status notification processing, which will be described later. If the request is a delivery status inquiry, the processor 504 proceeds to S906, acquires the corresponding delivery information record 840 from the database 621, and returns it as a WebAPI response. If the request is a contract status inquiry, the processor 504 proceeds to S907, acquires the corresponding contract information record 830 from the database 621, and returns it as a WebAPI response. If the request is a contract change notification, the processor 504 proceeds to S908, and updates the contract information details 835 of the contract information record 830 stored in the database 621. If the request is any other request, the processor 504 proceeds to S909 and performs appropriate processing, which will not be described in detail here.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing method performed by the cloud server 107 when a job execution request is received. This processing is executed as a subflow of S902 in the flowchart of FIG. 9. That is, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed by the processor 504 of the cloud server 107 when the request is for job execution from a user terminal. Upon receiving a job execution request, the processor 504 first checks in S1001 whether the upper limit number of sheets has been exceeded. To do this, it refers to the printer information record 810 and checks whether the current period print count 814 exceeds the current period print limit number 815. If the upper limit number of sheets has not been exceeded, the processor 504 proceeds to S1002 and generates a new job. In the following S1003, the processor 504 spools the data of the accepted job in the file storage 622. In S1004, the processor 504 notifies the printer 109 of the registration of the new job. If the upper limit number is not exceeded in S1001, the processor 504 proceeds to S1005 and returns an upper limit exceeded error as a WebAPI response.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing method performed by the cloud server 10 when a job status notification request is received. This processing is executed as a subflow of S904 in the flowchart of FIG. 9. That is, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is executed by the processor 504 of the cloud server 107 when the request is a job status notification from the printer 109. Upon receiving a job status notification request, the processor 504 first updates the information of the corresponding job information record 820 in the database 621 in S1102. Next, in S1103, the processor 504 references the notified job status information and determines whether the notification indicates normal completion of the job. If normal completion is determined, the processor 504 proceeds to S1104 and erases the job data of the corresponding job spooled in the file storage 622. On the other hand, if normal completion is determined in S1103, the processor 504 determines whether the reprint flag 827 of the corresponding job information record 820 is set in S1105. If the reprint flag 827 is set, the processor 504 proceeds to S1106 and stores the job data for reprinting. The reprint job stored here is to be executed again after consumables such as ink cartridges and paper have been replenished and the system has returned to normal operation.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing method performed by the cloud server 107 when a printer status notification request is received. This processing is executed as a subflow of S905 in the flowchart of FIG. 9. That is, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is executed by the processor 504 of the cloud server 107 when the request is a printer status notification from the printer 109. Upon receiving a printer status notification request, the processor 504 first updates the information in the corresponding printer information record 810 in the database 621 in S1501. In the following S1502, the processor 504 checks whether the remaining ink amount 813 has changed to or below a predetermined value. This can be done by comparing the remaining ink amount 813 in the printer information record 810 before the update with the remaining ink amount 813 in the printer information record 810 after the update, and checking whether the remaining ink amount has changed from above the predetermined value to below the predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value may be a predetermined fixed value, or it may be configured to vary depending on the user or contract, or it may be configured to be set by the user. If the ink level has fallen below a predetermined level in S1502, the processor 504 proceeds to S1203 and requests the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 to deliver the ink cartridge. On the other hand, if the ink level is not below the predetermined level in S1502, the processor 504 proceeds to S1204 to check whether the ink has been refilled. This can be done by comparing the ink level 813 in the printer information record 810 before the update with the ink level 813 in the printer information record 810 after the update, and checking whether the ink level has changed from below a predetermined value to above the predetermined value. If it is determined that the ink has been refilled, the processor 504 proceeds to S1205 to check whether there is a job that has been specified to be reprinted for the printer 109. If there is a reprint job, the processor 504 proceeds to S1206 and notifies the printer 109 of the reprint job. Note that ink is refilled by replacing an ink cartridge that has no ink remaining with an ink cartridge that has ink remaining (for example, a new ink cartridge).

[0039] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a carriage 1301 including a plurality of ink cartridges 1306 and a cartridge mounting portion 1305 in which the ink cartridges 1306 are mounted.

[0040] The printer 109 is equipped with a carriage 1301 as shown in Fig. 13. The carriage 1301 is equipped with a head unit 1302. The head unit 1302 includes an inkjet head 1303 and a cartridge housing section 1304. A plurality of cartridge mounting sections 1305 are arranged in the cartridge housing section 1304. The cartridge housing section 1304 can house a plurality of ink cartridges 1306. Each ink cartridge 1306 is housed in the cartridge housing section 1304 and is mounted in the corresponding cartridge mounting section 1305.

[0041] Here, an ink color is assigned in advance to each cartridge mounting section 1305. Ideally, each cartridge mounting section 1305 should be fitted with an ink cartridge 1306 of the same ink color as the ink color assigned to that cartridge mounting section 1305.

[0042] The inkjet head 1303 has multiple nozzle rows (not shown). The nth group of nozzle rows corresponds to the nth ink cartridge 1306, where n is any number between 1 and the total number of ink cartridges. Therefore, droplets of ink contained in the nth ink cartridge 1306 are ejected from the nth group of nozzle rows and adhere to the recording medium. With the inkjet head 1303 facing the recording medium, the carriage 1301 scans the recording medium in the width direction (X direction) of the printer 109. In addition, the recording medium is transported in a direction (e.g., Y direction) intersecting the width direction (X direction) by a transport mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible to print an image or the like on the recording medium.

[0043] 14(a) to 14(c) are diagrams for explaining a method for replacing the ink cartridge.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the access cover 208 and the platen 202 of the printer 109 are normally closed.

[0045] 14(b), in order to replace the ink cartridge 1306, the user opens the access cover 208 and the platen pressure plate 202 as shown by arrow 1401. At this time, the access cover 208 transitions from a closed state to an open state. This causes the carriage 1301 to move to a main scanning position where the user can replace the ink cartridge 1306.

[0046] 15(a), the ink cartridge 1306 is removed by the user from the cartridge mounting portion 1305. To do this, the user presses down on the tab of the ink cartridge 1306 as shown by arrow 1501, and then the user removes the ink cartridge 1306 from the cartridge storage portion 1304 as shown by arrow 1502.

[0047] As shown in Figure 15(b), a new ink cartridge 1306 is mounted by the user in the cartridge mounting section 1305. To do this, the user inserts the new ink cartridge 1306 into the cartridge storage section 1304 as shown by arrow 1503. Then, as shown in Figure 15(c), the front end of the new ink cartridge 1306 is pushed downward by the user as shown by arrow 1504.

[0048] 14(c), to complete replacement of the ink cartridge 1306, the user closes the access cover 208 and the platen pressure plate 202 as indicated by arrow 1402. At this time, the access cover 208 transitions from an open state to a closed state. The processor 303 can detect whether the access cover 208 is in the open state or the closed state via a sensor (not shown).

[0049] 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the warning output method. This is executed in conjunction with the above-described ink cartridge replacement method performed by the user. The warning output method is realized by the processor 303 reading a program stored in the program memory 305 into the data memory 306 and executing it.

[0050] In the loop of S1601 and S1602, the processor 303 waits until the access cover 208 transitions from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] When the access cover 208 has transitioned to the open state, the processor 303 repeats the processes from S1603 to S1618 while waiting for 500 ms in S1620 until it is determined in S1619 that the access cover 208 has transitioned from the open state to the closed state.

[0052] Here, the repeat interval of 500 ms is set as a sufficiently short time for the processor 303 to detect that the access cover 208 has been opened, but the repeat interval may be different from 500 ms.

[0053] For convenience of explanation, the processes from S1603 to S1618 will be selected and explained below.

[0054] In S1603, the processor 303 determines whether an ink cartridge of a different ink color from the ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 has been removed from the cartridge mounting unit. Here, the ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 refers to, for example, an ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 within the most recent predetermined number of deliveries. The predetermined number of deliveries may be one or more. The ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 within the most recent predetermined number of deliveries replaces an ink cartridge that the ink delivery management service 645 has recently detected to be nearing zero. Therefore, the ink cartridge to be removed from the cartridge mounting unit is often of the same ink color as the ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 within the most recent predetermined number of deliveries. Therefore, if an ink cartridge of a different ink color from the ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 within the most recent predetermined number of deliveries is removed from the cartridge mounting unit, the following possibilities exist: That is, the removed ink cartridge may not actually need to be removed. In other words, the removed ink cartridge may be an ink cartridge that was removed by mistake.

[0055] The processor 303 can use the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting portion 1305 as the ink color of the ink cartridge 1306 removed from the cartridge mounting portion 1305. The processor 303 can read the ink color of the ink cartridge 1306 from the ink cartridge 1306 via the cartridge mounting portion 1305 while the ink cartridge 1306 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 1305.

[0056] Therefore, if the processor 303 determines in S1603 that an ink cartridge with an ink color different from that of the ink cartridge delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 has been removed, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to S1604. Then, in S1604, the processor 303 starts displaying a warning screen A1 such as that shown in Fig. 19(a) on the display unit of the operation panel 205.

[0057] If multiple ink cartridges were delivered in the last specified number of deliveries, the ink color of all of the ink cartridges delivered in the last specified number of deliveries is compared with the ink color of the removed ink cartridge. If the ink color of the removed ink cartridge does not match the ink color of all of the ink cartridges delivered in the last specified number of deliveries, the determination in S1603 is YES.

[0058] The determination in S1603 is performed as follows.

[0059] The premise is that the ink cartridge delivery management service, which works in conjunction with printing devices, keeps track of the operating status and remaining ink level of the printing device in real time, and automatically delivers ink cartridges to the location associated with the printing device when the replacement period approaches.

[0060] Obtain information about the type of ink cartridge delivered to a location corresponding to the printing device from an ink cartridge delivery management service linked to the printing device. The information about the type of ink cartridge also includes information about the ink color of the ink cartridge (first color information).

[0061] Identify the cartridge compartment from which the ink cartridge was removed.

[0062] Obtain information (second color information) about the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting section from which the ink cartridge has been removed.

[0063] ·Compare the first color information with the second color information.

[0064] The determination in S1603 may be performed as follows.

[0065] Obtain information about the type of ink cartridge delivered to a location corresponding to the printing device from an ink cartridge delivery management service linked to the printing device. The information about the type of ink cartridge also includes information about the ink color of the ink cartridge (first color information).

[0066] Identify the cartridge compartment from which the ink cartridge was removed.

[0067] Obtain information (third color information) about the color of ink assigned to the ink cartridge obtained from the ink cartridge that was attached to the identified cartridge attachment section.

[0068] ·Compare the first color information with the third color information.

[0069] If the determination in S1603 is YES, there is a possibility that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting portion where the removed ink cartridge was mounted. Therefore, in this case, a warning screen A1 is displayed to reduce such a possibility in advance.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 19(a), the warning screen A1 includes, for example, a warning message 1901 stating, "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), which is different from the ink color of the delivered cartridge. Is the ink color of the replacement ink cartridge photo cyan (PC) correct?" However, the warning message 1901 may simply state, for example, "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), which is different from the ink color of the delivered cartridge." or "Is the ink color of the replacement ink cartridge photo cyan (PC) correct?" Such a warning message 1901 is displayed when a photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge is removed even though no photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge has been delivered in the last specified number of deliveries by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645.

[0071] For example, if the user mistakenly removes an ink cartridge with an ink color of photo cyan (PC) from the cartridge mounting portion 1305, the user will realize the mistake by reading the warning message 1901 on the warning screen A1. The user then reinstalls the ink cartridge with an ink color of photo cyan (PC) into the cartridge mounting portion 1305. The user then removes the ink cartridge of the ink color that they originally intended to remove (for example, cyan (C), which is similar to photo cyan (PC)) from the cartridge mounting portion 1305, and then installs a new ink cartridge of the same color into the cartridge mounting portion 1305. In this case, the ink cartridge of the ink color that they originally intended to remove is the one that is running low on ink and has recently been delivered as a replacement by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645. The user then presses the cancel button 1902 on the warning screen A1, which is labeled "Yes." Here, in S1611, the processor 303 determines whether the cancel button 1902 on the warning screen A1 has been pressed, and if so, ends the display of the warning screen A1 in S1612. Therefore, in this case, the processor 303 determines YES in S1611, and ends the display of the warning screen A1 in S1612.

[0072] The inventory count for each ink cartridge color can be obtained based on the history of ink cartridges delivered by the ink cartridge delivery management service 645 and the history of ink cartridges newly installed in the cartridge mounting unit. In such a case, in S1603, the processor 303 may determine whether an ink cartridge of a different ink color from the ink cartridges in inventory has been removed from the cartridge mounting unit. In this case, the warning message 1901 may be changed to, for example, "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), but there is no ink cartridge of the same color in inventory. Is the ink color of the replacement ink cartridge photo cyan (PC) correct?" Alternatively, the warning message 1901 may be changed to simply "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), but there is no ink cartridge of the same color in inventory." or simply "Is the ink color of the replacement ink cartridge photo cyan (PC) correct?"

[0073] In S1605, the processor 303 determines whether an ink cartridge with remaining ink has been removed from the cartridge mounting portion. Typically, a user replaces an ink cartridge with no remaining ink with a new ink cartridge. Therefore, if an ink cartridge with remaining ink has been removed from the cartridge mounting portion, there is a possibility that the user has removed the ink cartridge by mistake. In other words, there is a possibility that the removed ink cartridge was an ink cartridge that was removed by mistake.

[0074] The determination in S1605 is performed as follows.

[0075] Identify the cartridge compartment from which the ink cartridge was removed.

[0076] Obtain the last information about the remaining ink level that was managed corresponding to the cartridge compartment from which the ink cartridge was removed.

[0077] Determine whether the last information about the remaining ink level obtained indicates that ink remains.

[0078] Therefore, if the processor 303 determines in S1605 that an ink cartridge with remaining ink has been removed, it makes a YES determination and proceeds to S1606. Then, in S1606, the processor 303 starts displaying a warning screen A2 such as that shown in Fig. 19(b) on the display unit of the operation panel 205.

[0079] If the determination in S1605 is YES, there is a possibility that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting portion where the removed ink cartridge was mounted. Therefore, in this case, a warning screen A2 is displayed to reduce such a possibility in advance.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the warning screen A2 includes, for example, a warning message 1911 that reads, "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), but ink remains. Is the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced photo cyan (PC) correct?" However, the warning message 1911 may simply read, "The ink color of the removed ink cartridge is photo cyan (PC), but ink remains." or "Is the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced photo cyan (PC) correct?" This warning message 1901 is displayed when the ink cartridge removed from the cartridge mounting portion is photo cyan (PC) and has ink remaining. On the other hand, for example, suppose the ink color of the ink cartridge that is out of ink is cyan (C). If the user should have removed the cyan (C) ink cartridge, but accidentally removed the photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge from the cartridge mounting portion due to the similar color, this warning message 1911 is displayed.

[0081] For example, if the user mistakenly removes an ink cartridge whose ink color is photo cyan (PC) from the cartridge mounting portion 1305, the user realizes the mistake by reading the warning message 1911 on the warning screen A2. The user then reinstalls the ink cartridge whose ink color is photo cyan (PC) into the cartridge mounting portion 1305. The user then removes the ink cartridge of the ink color that the user originally intended to remove (for example, cyan (C), which is similar to photo cyan (PC)) from the cartridge mounting portion 1305, and then installs a new ink cartridge of the same color into the cartridge mounting portion 1305. In this case, the ink cartridge of the ink color that the user originally intended to remove is the ink cartridge that has run out of ink. The user then presses the cancel button 1912, labeled "Yes," on the warning screen A2. In S1613, the processor 303 determines whether the cancel button 1912 on the warning screen A2 has been pressed, and if so, in S1614, the processor 303 terminates the display of the warning screen A2. Therefore, in this case, the processor 303 determines YES in S1613, and ends the display of the warning screen A2 in S1614.

[0082] In S1607, the processor 303 determines whether multiple ink cartridges with similar ink colors have been removed from their respective cartridge mounting portions. That is, the processor 303 determines whether multiple ink cartridges have been removed and whether the ink colors of the removed ink cartridges are similar to each other. If multiple ink cartridges with similar ink colors are removed from their respective cartridge mounting portions, the multiple cartridge mounting portions will simultaneously be in an unattached state. This could lead to a user accidentally installing multiple ink cartridges in the wrong cartridge mounting portions. This is particularly likely if the ink colors of the multiple ink cartridges are similar.

[0083] Here, examples of similar ink colors include cyan (C) and photo cyan (PC). Also, examples of similar ink colors include photo black (PBk) and matte black (MBk). In other words, these refer to inks with different hues but different brightness and saturation, or inks that look the same but are designed for glossy paper and non-glossy paper, respectively.

[0084] Therefore, if the processor 303 determines in S1607 that multiple ink cartridges of similar ink colors have been removed from their respective cartridge mounting portions, it makes a YES determination and proceeds to S1608. Then, in S1608, the processor 303 begins displaying a warning screen A3 such as that shown in Fig. 19(c) on the display unit of the operation panel 205.

[0085] The determination in S1607 is performed as follows.

[0086] Identify multiple cartridge compartments from which ink cartridges have been removed.

[0087] Obtain information about the ink colors assigned to each of the identified cartridge mounting units.

[0088] The acquired information about the ink color is compared between the identified cartridge mounting locations.

[0089] If the ink color is similar between at least two cartridge compartments, the result is YES.

[0090] The determination in S1607 may be performed as follows.

[0091] Identify multiple cartridge compartments from which ink cartridges have been removed.

[0092] Obtain information about the ink color assigned to the ink cartridge obtained from the ink cartridge that was installed in the identified cartridge mounting section.

[0093] The acquired information about the ink color is compared between the identified cartridge mounting locations.

[0094] If the ink color is similar between at least two cartridge compartments, the result is YES.

[0095] If the determination in S1607 is YES, there is a possibility that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting portion where the removed ink cartridge was mounted. Therefore, in this case, a warning screen A3 is displayed to reduce such a possibility in advance.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 19(c), the warning screen A3 includes a warning message 1921 stating, "Please be careful not to mistake the ink cartridges when installing them correctly." This warning message 1921 alerts the user to avoid making mistakes when installing new ink cartridges into cartridge mounting sections from which ink cartridges have been removed. The warning screen A3 also includes icons 1922 for multiple cartridge mounting sections. Each icon is marked with a symbol representing the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting section. The icon for a cartridge mounting section from which an ink cartridge has been removed is highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 19(c), the icon for the cyan (C) cartridge mounting section and the icon for the photo cyan (PC) cartridge mounting section are highlighted. This indicates that ink cartridges have been removed from the cyan (C) cartridge mounting section and the photo cyan (PC) cartridge mounting section, respectively. Therefore, the warning screen A3 warns the user not to mistake the cyan (C) ink cartridge and the photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge when installing them into their respective cartridge mounting sections.

[0097] The user reads the warning message 1921 on the warning screen A3 and, by looking at the cartridge mounting portion icon 1922 (particularly the highlighted cartridge mounting portion icon 1922), becomes careful to avoid making a mistake. The user then presses the cancel button 1923 on the warning screen A3, which is labeled "Yes." Here, the processor 303 determines in S1615 whether the cancel button 1923 on the warning screen A3 has been pressed, and if so, ends the display of the warning screen A3 in S1616. Therefore, in this case, the processor 303 determines YES in S1615 and ends the display of the warning screen A3 in S1616.

[0098] Whether or not there is ink remaining in each ink cartridge removed from the cartridge mounting portion is not subject to the determination in S1607. Therefore, even if there is ink remaining in some or all of the ink cartridges removed from the cartridge mounting portion, if multiple ink cartridges with similar ink colors are removed from the cartridge mounting portion, the determination result in S1607 will be YES.

[0099] Note that the determination in S1607 may be made without taking ink color into consideration. That is, in S1607, it may be determined only whether multiple ink cartridges have been removed from their respective cartridge mounting portions. This is because, even if the ink colors of the multiple ink cartridges are dissimilar, if multiple ink cartridges are removed from their respective cartridge mounting portions, there is a possibility that the user will install the multiple ink cartridges in the wrong cartridge mounting portions. Even in this case, the cartridge mounting portion from which the ink cartridges have been removed may be detected and the warning screen A3 shown in FIG. 19(c) may be displayed. This allows the user to recognize the multiple cartridge mounting portions with highlighted icons as the multiple cartridge mounting portions into which ink cartridges should be installed.

[0100] Even in this case, whether or not there is ink remaining in each ink cartridge removed from the cartridge mounting portion is not subject to the determination in S1607. Therefore, even if there is ink remaining in some or all of the ink cartridges removed from the cartridge mounting portion, if multiple ink cartridges have been removed from the cartridge mounting portion, the determination result in S1607 will be YES.

[0101] The warning message 1921 may be changed to one that encourages the user to replace the ink cartridges one by one. For example, such a message might say, "The ink cartridges need to be replaced one by one, so please remove only one ink cartridge." In response, the user returns some of the ink cartridges so that the number of removed ink cartridges is one. Then, the user installs only one replacement ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion. The user then replaces the ink cartridges that they had previously returned with unused ink cartridges one by one.

[0102] In S1609, the processor 303 determines whether an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to the ink color of at least one other ink cartridge used in the printer 109 has been removed. In other words, the processor 303 determines whether an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to the ink color of the removed ink cartridge has been removed from the cartridge mounting portion and whether an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to the ink color of the removed ink cartridge is being used in the printer 109. It is generally thought that the user will have an unused ink cartridge of a color similar to the removed ink cartridge in addition to an unused ink cartridge of the same color as the removed ink cartridge. In such a case, there is a possibility that the user will install an unused ink cartridge of a color similar to the removed ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion.

[0103] Therefore, if the processor 303 determines in S1609 that an ink cartridge with an ink color similar to at least one other ink cartridge used in the printer 109 has been removed, it makes a YES determination and proceeds to S1610. Then, in S1610, the processor 303 starts displaying a warning screen A4 such as that shown in FIG. 19(d) on the display unit of the operation panel 205.

[0104] If the determination in S1609 is YES, there is a possibility that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting portion where the removed ink cartridge was mounted. Therefore, in this case, the warning screen A4 is displayed to reduce such a possibility in advance.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 19(d), the warning screen A4 includes a warning message 1931 that reads, "Please be careful not to mistakenly install an ink cartridge of a similar color." This warning message 1931 warns the user not to mistakenly install an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to the ink color assigned to a cartridge mounting section from which an ink cartridge has been removed. The warning screen A4 also includes icons 1932 of multiple cartridge mounting sections. The icons of cartridge mounting sections from which an ink cartridge has been removed are highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 19(d), the icon for the cyan (C) cartridge mounting section is highlighted. This indicates that an ink cartridge has been removed from the cyan (C) cartridge mounting section. Therefore, the warning screen A4 warns the user not to mistakenly install a cartridge of a similar color instead of the cyan (C) ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting section.

[0106] The user reads the warning message 1931 on the warning screen A4 and, by looking at the cartridge mounting portion icon 1932 (especially the highlighted cartridge mounting portion icon 1932), becomes careful not to make any mistakes. The user then presses the cancel button 1933 on the warning screen A4, which is labeled "Yes." Here, the processor 303 determines in S1617 whether the cancel button 1933 on the warning screen A4 has been pressed, and if so, ends the display of the warning screen A4 in S1618. Therefore, in this case, the processor 303 determines YES in S1617 and ends the display of the warning screen A4 in S1618.

[0107] Processor 303 functions as a first warning means when executing steps S1603 and S1604. Processor 303 also functions as a first warning means when executing steps S1605 and S1606. Processor 303 also functions as a first warning means when executing steps S1607 and S1608. Processor 303 also functions as a first warning means when executing steps S1609 and S1610. The first warning means operates during the period from when a YES determination is made in S1601 to when a YES determination is made in S1610 (i.e., during the period when access cover 208 is in the open state).

[0108] When the user has finished replacing the ink cartridge, he or she closes the access cover 208. This causes the processor 303 to make a YES determination in S1619 and proceed to S1620 (FIG. 17).

[0109] In S1620, the processor 303 forcibly terminates the display of the warning screens A1 to A4, because there is a possibility that some warning screens may still be displayed even after the access cover 208 is closed.

[0110] Next, in S1621, the processor 303 determines whether the correct ink cartridges 1306 are attached to each cartridge attachment section 1305. In other words, the processor 303 determines whether the ink color assigned to each cartridge attachment section 1305 is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge attached to each cartridge attachment section 1305.

[0111] If the ink color assigned to each cartridge mounting section 1305 is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted in each cartridge mounting section 1305, the processor 303 determines YES in S1621 and ends the process.

[0112] If the ink color assigned to at least one cartridge mounting section 1305 is not the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted therein, the processor 303 determines NO in S1621. Then, the processor 303 proceeds to S1622 and executes error processing.

[0113] 18 is a flowchart showing the details of error processing S1622. In correct error processing, the user reopens access cover 208 and then removes the ink cartridge 1306 that was mistakenly installed in cartridge mounting portion 1305. Then, after installing the correct ink cartridge 1306 in cartridge mounting portion 1305, the user closes access cover 208.

[0114] Therefore, in the error processing step S1622, it is basically not necessary to execute the processing from steps S1603 to S1618 again.

[0115] Furthermore, the user may mistakenly remove the ink cartridge 1306 that is correctly installed in the cartridge installation section 1305 .

[0116] Therefore, in the error processing S1622, the following steps are executed.

[0117] In S1801, the processor 303 starts displaying a warning screen B as shown in FIG. 20(a) on the display unit of the operation panel 205 or the like.

[0118] Warning screen B as shown in FIG. 20(a) includes a warning message 2001 stating, "An incorrect ink cartridge is installed in the location indicated below. Please replace it with the correct ink cartridge." Note that warning message 2001 may only state, "An incorrect ink cartridge is installed in the location indicated below," or may only state, "Please replace it with the correct ink cartridge." Warning screen B also includes icons 2002 of multiple cartridge mounting compartments. The icon of a cartridge mounting compartment in which an incorrect ink cartridge is installed is highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 20(a), the icon of the cyan (C) cartridge mounting compartment is highlighted. This indicates that the incorrect ink cartridge is installed in the cyan (C) cartridge mounting compartment. Therefore, warning screen B warns that the ink cartridge incorrectly installed in the cyan (C) cartridge mounting compartment needs to be replaced with the correct ink cartridge.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 20(a), the icon of only one cartridge mounting unit is highlighted because the wrong ink cartridge is installed in one cartridge mounting unit. However, if the wrong ink cartridges are installed in multiple cartridge mounting units, the icons of all cartridge mounting units are highlighted. In other words, the icons of all cartridge mounting units with the wrong ink cartridges installed are highlighted.

[0120] When executing steps S1621 and S1801, the processor 303 functions as a second warning means. The second warning means is activated when a YES determination is made in S1619 (i.e., when the access cover 208 transitions from the open state to the closed state).

[0121] In the loop of S1802 and S1803, the processor 303 waits until the access cover 208 transitions from the closed state to the open state.

[0122] When the access cover 208 has transitioned from the closed state to the open state, in S1804 the processor 303 terminates the display of the warning screen B. The processor 303 may also terminate the display of the warning screen B when a cancel button 2003 with the caption "Yes" provided on the warning screen B is pressed. Alternatively, the warning screen may remain displayed without executing S1804 so that the user can compare it with the warning screen C described below.

[0123] Next, the processor 303 repeats the processes from S1805 to S1808 while waiting for 500 ms in S1810 until it determines in S1811 that the access cover 208 has transitioned from the open state to the closed state.

[0124] In S1805, the processor 303 determines whether the ink cartridge that is correctly installed in the cartridge installation section has been removed.

[0125] If it is determined that the ink cartridge correctly installed in the cartridge mounting portion has been removed, the processor 303 proceeds to step S1806. In step S1806, the processor 303 starts displaying a warning screen C such as that shown in FIG. 20(b) on the display unit of the operation panel 205.

[0126] Warning screen C, as shown in FIG. 20(b), includes a warning message 2011 stating, "The correct ink cartridge has been removed. Please remove the incorrect ink cartridge." Warning screen C also includes icons 2012 for multiple cartridge mounting sections. The icon of the cartridge mounting section from which the correct ink cartridge has been removed is highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 20(b), the icon for the photo cyan (PC) cartridge mounting section is highlighted. This indicates that the photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge, which was correctly installed in the cartridge mounting section, has been incorrectly removed from the cartridge mounting section. Therefore, warning screen C warns that the photo cyan (PC) ink cartridge has been removed, but that it must be reinserted into the cartridge mounting section and the incorrect ink cartridge must be removed. Note that the incorrect ink cartridge has already been displayed in warning screen B. As described above, warning screen B may continue to be displayed. Warning screen C may also be changed to include information from warning screens B and C. In other words, warning screen C may be changed to display both the ink cartridge to be replaced and the ink cartridge that was incorrectly removed.

[0127] The user reads the warning message 2011 on the warning screen C, and further, by looking at the cartridge mounting portion icon 2012 (particularly the highlighted cartridge mounting portion icon 2012), realizes that they have mistakenly removed the correct ink cartridge. The user then presses the cancel button 2013 on the warning screen C, which is labeled "Yes." Here, the processor 303 determines in S1807 whether the cancel button 2013 on the warning screen C has been pressed, and if so, ends the display of the warning screen C in S1808. Therefore, in this case, the processor 303 determines YES in S1807, and ends the display of the warning screen C in S1808. The user also reinserts the correct ink cartridge that was mistakenly removed from the cartridge mounting portion into the cartridge mounting portion. Then, the user replaces the ink cartridge mistakenly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion with the correct ink cartridge. That is, the user removes the ink cartridge of the wrong ink color that has been mistakenly installed in the cartridge mounting portion from the cartridge mounting portion, and installs the ink cartridge of the correct ink color in that cartridge mounting portion.

[0128] When the user has finished replacing the ink cartridge, he or she closes the access cover 208. This causes the processor 303 to determine YES in S1809 and proceed to S1811. In S1811, the processor 303 forcibly terminates the display of warning screen C. If warning screen B is being displayed, the processor 303 also forcibly terminates the display of warning screen B.

[0129] When executing steps S1805 and S1806, processor 303 functions as a third warning means. The third warning means operates during a part of the period from when the second warning means outputs a warning until a YES determination is made in S1821. Here, the part of the period is the period from when a YES determination is made in S1802 until a YES determination is made in S1811 (i.e., the period during which access cover 208 is in the open state).

[0130] Although it has been explained that it is not necessary to execute the processes from S1603 to S1618 again in the error processing S1622, a determination similar to S1607 or S1609 may be made. In this case, for example, these determinations are inserted before S1809.

[0131] However, in the determination based on S1607, it is determined whether ink cartridges have been removed from multiple cartridge mounting units to which similar ink colors are assigned. If the determination is YES, a step similar to S1608 is executed.

[0132] For example, if there are multiple cartridge mounting units with incorrect ink cartridges inserted, and the user sees warning screen B indicating this and removes multiple ink cartridges, warning screen A3 is displayed.

[0133] In the determination based on S1609, it is determined whether an ink cartridge has been removed from a cartridge mounting portion that has an ink color similar to that assigned to at least one other cartridge mounting portion. If the determination is YES, a step similar to S1610 is executed.

[0134] For example, if a cartridge mounting section has an incorrect ink cartridge inserted, and the user sees warning screen B indicating this and removes the ink cartridge, and if the ink color of the ink cartridge is similar to the ink color of at least one other ink cartridge used in the printer 109, warning screen A4 will be displayed.

[0135] The determination in S1603 can be made only if the printer 109 is linked to the ink cartridge delivery management service 645. In contrast, the determinations in S1605, S1607, and S1609 can be made regardless of whether the printer 109 is linked to the ink cartridge delivery management service 645, and can achieve the following effect: That is, it is possible to achieve the effect of reducing in advance the possibility that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting portion in which the removed ink cartridge was mounted is mounted.

[0136] There is a possibility that two or more warning screens A1 to A4 may be displayed at the same time, but it is sufficient to ensure that the display positions do not overlap, for example.

[0137] In the above embodiment, whether an ink cartridge is compatible with a cartridge mounting unit is determined based on whether the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit matches the ink color of the ink cartridge. However, this is not limited to this, and whether an ink cartridge is compatible with a cartridge mounting unit may also be determined based on other attributes of the cartridge mounting unit and other attributes of the ink cartridge.

[0138] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a computer in a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, recorded on a storage medium (sometimes more fully referred to as a “non-transitory computer-readable storage medium”), and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and may also be implemented by a method executed by the computer in the system or device by reading and executing the computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, recorded on a storage medium, and / or controlling one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors for reading and executing the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), or Blu-ray disk (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

[0139] <Technical Features of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure includes the following configurations, programs, and methods.

[0140] [Configuration 1] a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge; a first warning means for outputting a first warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with any of the cartridge mounting units may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting units is satisfied based at least on information relating to the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; A printing device comprising:

[0141] [Configuration 2] The ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting unit is an ink cartridge of an ink color different from the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit. 2. The printing device according to claim 1.

[0142] [Configuration 3] the first warning means outputs the first warning when a condition indicating that an ink cartridge of an ink color different from the ink color assigned to any of the cartridge mounting portions may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting portions is satisfied based at least on information relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions; 3. The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2.

[0143] [Configuration 4] the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges delivered to a location corresponding to the printing device within a predetermined number of most recent deliveries by an ink cartridge delivery management service linked to the printing device; 4. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0144] [Configuration 5] the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges delivered to the location in a predetermined number of most recent deliveries, and a message inquiring whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; 5. The printing device according to claim 4.

[0145] [Configuration 6] the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges in inventory; 6. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0146] [Configuration 7] the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions is different from any of the ink colors of the one or more ink cartridges in the inventory, and a message asking whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions; 7. The printing device according to claim 6.

[0147] [Configuration 8] The at least one condition includes a condition that the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is an ink cartridge that had ink remaining at the time of removal. 8. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0148] [Configuration 9] the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units had ink remaining when it was removed, and a message asking whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; 9. The printing device of claim 8.

[0149] [Configuration 10] the at least one condition includes a condition that a plurality of the ink cartridges are removed from any of a plurality of the cartridge mounting portions, and the ink colors of the removed ink cartridges are similar to each other; 10. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9.

[0150] Variations of [Configuration 11] the at least one condition includes a condition that a plurality of the ink cartridges have been removed from any of a plurality of the cartridge mounting units; 10. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9.

[0151] [Configuration 12] the first warning includes a message to alert the user to avoid mistakes when installing new ink cartridges into the cartridge mounting portions from which the ink cartridges have been removed, 12. The printing device according to claim 10 or 11.

[0152] [Configuration 13] the first warning includes a message prompting the user to replace the ink cartridges one by one; 12. The printing device according to claim 10 or 11.

[0153] [Configuration 14] the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the removed ink cartridge is similar to the ink color of at least one other ink cartridge used in the printing device; 14. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0154] [Configuration 15] the first warning includes a message urging a user not to install an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit from which the ink cartridge has been removed, into the cartridge mounting unit from which the ink cartridge has been removed; 15. The printing device of claim 14.

[0155] [Configuration 16] the first warning indicates at least information about the ink color of the removed ink cartridge; 16. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

[0156] [Configuration 17] the first warning means is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion or when the ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and operates while the cover, which is in a closed state at other times, is in an open state; 17. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16.

[0157] [Configuration 18] and a second warning means for outputting a second warning when, for at least one of the cartridge mounting portions, the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting portion does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting portion. 18. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17.

[0158] [Configuration 19] The second warning includes at least one of a message indicating that, for at least one of the cartridge mounting units, the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting unit, and a message urging the user to replace an ink cartridge mounted to a cartridge mounting unit whose color differs from the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit with an ink cartridge whose color is the same as the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit. 19. The printing device of claim 18.

[0159] [Configuration 20] The second warning displays at least information identifying the cartridge mounting unit in which the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted therein. 20. The printing device according to claim 18 or 19.

[0160] [Configuration 21] the second warning means is activated when a cover that is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from or installed in the cartridge installation portion and is in a closed state at other times transitions from an open state to a closed state. 21. A printing device according to any one of configurations 18 to 20.

[0161] [Configuration 22] the first warning means is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion or when the ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and operates while the cover, which is in a closed state at other times, is in an open state; 22. The printing device according to any one of configurations 18 to 21.

[0162] [Configuration 23] the first warning means operates during a period in which the cover, which is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from or installed in the cartridge installation portion, and is in a closed state at other times, is in an open state, except for a period from when the second warning means outputs a warning until the ink color assigned to each of the cartridge installation portions matches the ink color of the ink cartridge installed in each of the cartridge installation portions; 22. The printing device according to any one of configurations 18 to 21.

[0163] [Configuration 24] and third warning means for outputting a third warning when an ink cartridge is removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions and the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting portion from which the ink cartridge was removed is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions during a period from when the second warning means outputs the second warning until the ink color assigned to each of the cartridge mounting portions matches the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted in each of the cartridge mounting portions. 24. A printing device according to any one of configurations 18 to 23.

[0164] [program] A printing device having a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge, A program for executing a method having a warning step of outputting a warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with one of the cartridge mounting sections may be mounted in one of the cartridge mounting sections is met based at least on information regarding an ink cartridge removed from that cartridge mounting section.

[0165] [Configuration 26] 1. A warning output method for a printing device having a plurality of cartridge mounting units, each of which can have an ink cartridge removably mounted therein, comprising: a warning step of outputting a warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with any of the cartridge mounting units may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting units is satisfied based at least on information about the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; Warning output method.

Claims

1. a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge; a first warning means for outputting a first warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with any of the cartridge mounting portions may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting portions is satisfied based at least on information relating to the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions; A printing device comprising:

2. The ink cartridge that is not compatible with the cartridge mounting unit is an ink cartridge of an ink color different from the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit. The printing device of claim 1 .

3. the first warning means outputs the first warning when a condition indicating that an ink cartridge of an ink color different from the ink color assigned to any of the cartridge mounting portions may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting portions is satisfied based at least on information relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions; The printing device of claim 1 .

4. the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges delivered to a location corresponding to the printing device within a predetermined number of most recent deliveries by an ink cartridge delivery management service linked to the printing device; The printing device of claim 1 .

5. the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges delivered to the location in a predetermined number of most recent deliveries, and a message inquiring whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; The printing device according to claim 4 .

6. the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions is different from any of the ink colors of one or more ink cartridges in inventory; The printing device of claim 1 .

7. the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions is different from any of the ink colors of the one or more ink cartridges in the inventory, and a message inquiring whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions; The printing device according to claim 6.

8. The at least one condition includes a condition that the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units is an ink cartridge that had ink remaining at the time of removal. The printing device of claim 1 .

9. the first warning includes at least one of a message indicating that the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units had ink remaining when it was removed, and a message asking whether the ink color of the ink cartridge to be replaced is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; The printing device according to claim 8.

10. the at least one condition includes a condition that a plurality of the ink cartridges are removed from any of a plurality of the cartridge mounting portions, and the ink colors of the removed ink cartridges are similar to each other; The printing device of claim 1 .

11. Variations of the at least one condition includes a condition that a plurality of the ink cartridges have been removed from any of a plurality of the cartridge mounting units; The printing device of claim 1 .

12. the first warning includes a message to alert the user to avoid mistakes when installing new ink cartridges into the cartridge mounting portions from which the ink cartridges have been removed, 12. The printing device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the first warning includes a message urging the user to replace the ink cartridges one by one; 12. The printing device according to claim 10 or 11.

14. the at least one condition includes a condition that the ink color of the removed ink cartridge is similar to the ink color of at least one other ink cartridge used in the printing device; The printing device of claim 1 .

15. the first warning includes a message urging a user not to install an ink cartridge of an ink color similar to an ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit from which the ink cartridge has been removed, into the cartridge mounting unit from which the ink cartridge has been removed; The printing device of claim 14.

16. the first warning indicates at least information regarding the ink color of the removed ink cartridge; The printing device of claim 1 .

17. the first warning means is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion or when the ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and is otherwise in a closed state, and operates while the cover is in an open state; The printing device of claim 1 .

18. and a second warning unit configured to output a second warning when, for at least one of the cartridge mounting units, the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting unit. The printing device of claim 1 .

19. The second warning includes at least one of a message indicating that, for at least one of the cartridge mounting units, the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting unit, and a message urging the user to replace an ink cartridge mounted to a cartridge mounting unit whose color differs from the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit with an ink cartridge whose ink color is the same as the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit.

20. The printing device of claim 18.

20. The second warning displays at least information identifying the cartridge mounting unit in which the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting unit does not match the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted therein.

20. The printing device of claim 18.

21. the second warning means is activated when a cover that is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from or installed in the cartridge installation portion and is in a closed state at other times transitions from an open state to a closed state.

20. The printing device of claim 18.

22. the first warning means is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion or when the ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and is otherwise in a closed state, and operates while the cover is in an open state; 20. The printing device of claim 18.

23. the first warning means operates during a period in which the cover, which is in an open state when the ink cartridge is removed from or installed in the cartridge installation portion, and is in a closed state at other times, is in an open state, except for a period from when the second warning means outputs a warning until the ink color assigned to each of the cartridge installation portions matches the ink color of the ink cartridge installed in each of the cartridge installation portions; 20. The printing device of claim 18.

24. and third warning means for outputting a third warning when an ink cartridge is removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions and the ink color assigned to the cartridge mounting portion from which the ink cartridge was removed is the same as the ink color of the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting portions during a period from when the second warning means outputs the second warning until the ink color assigned to each of the cartridge mounting portions matches the ink color of the ink cartridge mounted in each of the cartridge mounting portions.

20. The printing device of claim 18.

25. A printing device having a plurality of cartridge mounting sections, each of which can removably mount an ink cartridge, A program for executing a method having a warning step of outputting a warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with one of the cartridge mounting sections may be mounted in one of the cartridge mounting sections is met based at least on information regarding an ink cartridge removed from that cartridge mounting section.

26. 1. A warning output method for a printing device having a plurality of cartridge mounting units, each of which can have an ink cartridge removably mounted therein, comprising: a warning step of outputting a warning when at least one condition indicating that an ink cartridge that is not compatible with any of the cartridge mounting units may be mounted in any of the cartridge mounting units is satisfied based at least on information about the ink cartridge removed from any of the cartridge mounting units; Warning output method.

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