Printing device and method for controlling printing device

Abstract

To prevent omission of a delivery request notification to a delivery service that delivers consumables for a printing device. [Solution] The printer includes a detection unit that detects the installation and removal of consumables attached to the printing device and when the remaining capacity of the consumables reaches a set threshold, a transmission unit that transmits a status change notification to a server when the detection unit detects this, a first control unit that controls the status change notification to include a consumable delivery request if the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold when the status change notification is transmitted, and a second control unit that controls the execution of a retransmission process for a notification to the server that the consumables have been replaced until a response is received from the server when the threshold is set to 100%. If the threshold is not set to 100%, the retransmission process is not performed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known automatic consumable delivery service that automatically delivers consumables used by a printing device to a user. When the remaining amount of a consumable falls below a predetermined threshold, a printing device that can use the automatic consumable delivery service requests delivery of new consumables from a management server that manages the delivery status of consumables. Patent Document 1 discloses that consumables can be ordered based on conditions specified by the user regarding the remaining amount of consumables on an input screen of a printer or information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-102254 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system that notifies a printing device of a status change when the remaining amount of a consumable falls below a threshold, a consumable delivery request is sent from the printing device to the management server along with the status change notification. If the previous status change notification did not include a delivery request, but the current status change notification does, the management server recognizes that a new delivery request has been made. For example, if the threshold is set to 70%, a notification including a delivery request is sent when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below 70%, and a notification without a delivery request is sent when the consumable is removed and when a new consumable is installed. Subsequently, a notification including a delivery request is sent when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below 70% again, and the management server recognizes that a new delivery request has been made. For example, if the threshold is set to 100%, a notification including a delivery request is sent when a new consumable is installed, and a notification without a delivery request is sent when the consumable is removed. As a result, the number of notifications sent is extremely low, and in some cases, the management server may not be able to recognize a new delivery request due to communication failures or other issues.

[0005] The present invention aims to prevent failure to notify a delivery request to a delivery service that delivers consumables for a printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printing device of the present invention comprises a detection means for detecting the attachment or detachment of consumables attached to the printing device and when the remaining capacity of the consumables reaches a set threshold; a transmission means for transmitting a status change notification to a server that provides a delivery service for delivering consumables for the printing device when detected by the detection means; a first control means for controlling the status change notification to include a consumable delivery request if the remaining capacity is below the threshold when the status change notification is sent; and a second control means for controlling the execution of a retransmission process for a notification to make the server recognize that the consumable has been replaced, when the threshold is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, until a response is received from the server to the status change notification from the printing device, and is characterized in that the retransmission process by the second control means is not performed if the threshold is not set to a value indicating that the consumable is new. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent failure to notify a delivery request to a delivery service that delivers consumables for a printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device during top-side paper ejection. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a consumables management server. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a printing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information stored in the memory of an internal tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information stored in a memory of a printing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for setting the timing of delivery notification. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for recording the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing a process for recording the start date of use of an ink tank. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a status change notification. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting a status change notification. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a consumables management server. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for managing delivery status in a consumables management server. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a status change notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In this embodiment, the printing device is exemplified as a single-function printer with a printing function, but is not limited to this. The printing device may also be a copying machine with a printing function and a reading function for reading images on a document, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP) with other functions added.

[0011] 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. The printing system includes a printing device 100 and a consumables management server 102. The consumables management server 102 is a server that provides a consumables delivery service that automatically delivers consumables used by the printing device 100. The printing device 100 can use the consumables delivery service provided by the consumables management server 102 by entering into an automatic consumables delivery contract or subscription contract. The consumables management server 102 manages the delivery status of consumables for printing devices 100 that are targets of the consumables delivery service.

[0012] The printing device 100 is connected to a router-integrated ONU (Optical Network Unit) 105. The consumables management server 102 is connected to the Internet 106. The router-integrated ONU 105 is a terminal device for an optical line and has the function of converting optical signals of the optical line into electrical digital signals and vice versa. The router-integrated ONU 105 is connected to the Internet 106 via the optical line. The printing device 100 is connected to the Internet 106 and the consumables management server 102 via the router-integrated ONU 105 so as to be able to communicate with them. Note that in the printing system shown in FIG. 1, one printing device is connected to the consumables management server, but multiple printing devices may be connected to the consumables management server.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment during top-side paper ejection. The printing apparatus 100 includes two feeding units 200a and 200b, each capable of loading a roll of sheet 1. An image is printed on a sheet 1 selectively pulled from one of the two rolls loaded in the vertically arranged feeding units 200a and 200b. The printed sheet 1 is ejected to a stacker 3 located above the printing apparatus 100. A user can input various operations for the printing apparatus 100 using a touch panel and various buttons on the operation panel 2. The operation panel 2 also functions as a display panel, displaying notification screens that notify the user of various information and setting screens that accept user inputs and allow various settings to be made. However, the display panel and operation panel may be provided separately. The operation panel 2 is an example of the display / operation unit 406 in FIG. 4.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the consumables management server 102 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3(a) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the consumables management server 102. The consumables management server 102 has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a storage device 304, a communication I / F 305, an operation unit 306, and a display unit 307. These units are interconnected via a system bus 310, and transmit and receive data between them.

[0015] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 is a central processing unit that controls each unit in the consumables management server 102. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and data that run on the consumables management server 102. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 is a volatile memory that is used as a temporary work area when the CPU 301 executes various programs. The CPU 301 uses the RAM 303 as work memory to execute various programs stored in the ROM 302, etc., thereby realizing the processing of the flowcharts described below by the consumables management server 102. The storage device 304 is made up of multiple hard disk drives in a RAID configuration and stores various data. The storage device 304 stores data such as the start date of use, remaining capacity, and delivery status of various consumables of the printing device 100.

[0016] The communication I / F 305 is an interface for connecting to the Internet 106 via a wired or wireless LAN. The CPU 301 uses the communication I / F 305 to send and receive data to and from the printing device 100. The operation unit 306 is made up of a keyboard, mouse, etc., which are used by the administrator of the consumables management server 102 to make various inputs. The display unit 307 is made up of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays screens, etc., for the administrator of the consumables management server 102.

[0017] 3(b) shows an example of the functional configuration of the consumables management server 102. The consumables management server 102 functions as an information management unit 311 and a processing determination unit 312 by the CPU 301 using the RAM 303 as a work memory and executing various programs stored in the ROM 302 or the like.

[0018] The information management unit 311 communicates with the printing device 100 using the communication I / F 305 and receives status change notifications for various consumables from the printing device 100. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 transmits status change notifications in accordance with the timing of status changes for consumables (when a consumable is installed or removed, or when a delivery notification event occurs). If the remaining capacity of the consumable is below a preset threshold at the time of the status change, the status change notification includes a delivery notification indicating a consumable delivery request. Upon receiving a status change notification, the information management unit 311 determines whether a delivery notification has been received and stores the delivery notification status, indicating whether a delivery notification has been received or not, in the storage device 304. The information management unit 311 also obtains consumable information, such as the start date of use and remaining capacity of the consumable, from the printing device 100 and stores the information in the storage device 304. It is assumed that communication with the printing device 100 uses command communication defined by the manufacturer.

[0019] The processing determination unit 312 determines whether or not to perform the delivery processing of the consumables based on the delivery notification status stored in the storage device 304. In this embodiment, the processing determination unit 312 determines to perform the delivery processing of the consumables when the delivery notification status stored in the storage device 304 switches from a status where there is no delivery notification to a status where there is a delivery notification. In this way, the delivery status of the consumables is managed by the delivery notification status stored in the storage device 304.

[0020] Fig. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 100. The printing device 100 has a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an NVRAM 404, a communication I / F 405, a display operation unit 406, and a print unit 407. These units are interconnected by a bus 410 and transmit and receive data between them.

[0021] The CPU 401 is a central processing unit for controlling each unit within the printing device 100. The ROM 402 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and various data. The RAM 403 is a volatile memory that is used as a temporary work area when the CPU 401 executes various programs. The CPU 401 uses the RAM 403 as work memory to execute various programs stored in the ROM 402, etc., thereby realizing the processing of each flowchart described below by the printing device 100. The NVRAM 404 is a non-volatile memory that stores various data necessary for maintaining the printing device 100, information related to image data for printing, etc.

[0022] The communication I / F 405 is an interface for connecting to the Internet 106 via the router-integrated ONU 105 over a wired or wireless LAN. The CPU 401 uses the communication I / F 405 to send and receive data to and from the consumables management server 102. The display operation unit 406 corresponds to the operation panel 2 in FIG. 2 and is composed of a touch panel display or the like, and accepts various inputs from the user and displays various screens. The CPU 401 controls the display content of the various screens displayed on the display operation unit 406 based on input information accepted from the display operation unit 406.

[0023] Print unit 407 prints an image on a sheet (recording medium) such as paper based on image data received via communication I / F 405 from an external device such as a host computer on Internet 106 or image data stored in NVRAM 404. Ink tanks 408a to 408d are detachably attached to print unit 407. In the following description, the consumables are described as ink tanks, but the consumables are not limited to ink tanks and may be toner cartridges or the like as long as they are consumables that are attached to printing device 100 and used.

[0024] Ink tanks 408a to 408d are ink tanks of each color (yellow: Y, magenta: M, cyan: C, black: BK) that supply ink to the print unit 407. The color configuration of the ink tanks is not limited to the four colors described above, and other color configurations are also possible. For example, the ink tanks are not limited to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, but may include other colors or may contain only one color. Hereinafter, ink tanks 408a to 408d are collectively referred to as ink tanks 408. Ink is filled by supplying ink from the ink tanks 408 to the print unit 407. When printing or head cleaning is performed by the print unit 407, ink from the ink tanks 408 is supplied to the print unit 407. When an ink tank 408 is replaced, the ink tank of the corresponding color is removed from the print unit 407 and a new ink tank of the corresponding color is installed. Each ink tank 408 of each color has a non-volatile memory that stores status information for the ink tank. The data stored in the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 will be described later with reference to Fig. 5. There are no particular limitations on the ink components, but it is assumed that a water-based pigment ink containing a pigment as a coloring material, water, and resin is used.

[0025] 4(b) shows an example of the functional configuration of the printing device 100. The printing device 100 functions as a state change detection unit 411, a flag determination unit 412, and a notification control unit 413 by the CPU 401 using the RAM 403 as a work memory and executing various programs stored in the ROM 402, etc.

[0026] The status change detection unit 411 detects status changes related to the ink tanks 408 of each color. In this embodiment, the status change detection unit 411 detects the installation of a new ink tank or the removal of an ink tank as a status change for the ink tanks 408 of each color. The status change detection unit 411 also reads the remaining capacity of each color from the non-volatile memory of the printing device 100 main body and compares it with the threshold value for each color set on the delivery notification timing setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7. If the remaining capacity of any color has reached the threshold value, a delivery notification event is detected, and a status change is detected. When the status change detection unit 411 detects the occurrence of a delivery notification event, it turns on the delivery completion flag for that color. The delivery completion flag is stored in the non-volatile memory of the printing device 100 main body. When the removal of an ink tank is detected, the delivery completion flag for that color is turned off.

[0027] When the status change detection unit 411 detects a status change, the flag determination unit 412 reads the delivery completion flag for each color from the non-volatile memory of the main body of the printing device 100, and determines whether there is a color for which the delivery completion flag is ON. When the status change detection unit 411 detects a status change, the notification control unit 413 controls the transmission of a status change notification to the consumables management server 102. In this embodiment, the notification control unit 413 transmits a status change notification when a new ink tank is installed, when an ink tank is removed, when a delivery notification event occurs, etc. Furthermore, when transmitting the status change notification, the notification control unit 413 uses the flag determination unit 412 to transmit a delivery notification indicating a delivery request for an ink tank of that color, if there is a color for which the delivered flag is ON. Furthermore, the notification control unit 413 transmits consumables information such as the start date of use of the consumables and the remaining capacity.

[0028] 5 shows information stored in each storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each ink tank 408 for each color is provided with a nonvolatile memory.

[0029] The storage area 501 records the date on which the ink tank was first used. For example, in the case of the Y ink tank 408a, the date and time information when the Y ink tank 408a was installed in the print unit 407 is recorded as the date on which the ink tank was first used in the storage area 501 of the non-volatile memory of the Y ink tank 408a. The remaining ink capacity is recorded in storage area 502. The remaining ink capacity is 100% when a new ink tank is installed, and is decremented as ink is consumed in the print unit 407. When the ink tank becomes empty, it becomes 0%. The number of times the ink tank has been installed is recorded in storage area 503. The first count is performed when a new ink tank is installed, and the count value is incremented if the ink tank is removed and then installed again.

[0030] 6 shows information stored in each storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory of the main body of the printing device 100. The nonvolatile memory of the main body of the printing device 100 is, for example, the NVRAM 404. The remaining capacity of the Y ink tank 408a is recorded in memory area 601. The remaining capacity read from memory area 502 of the non-volatile memory of the Y ink tank 408a is recorded in memory area 601. The date and time information when the remaining capacity was read is recorded in memory area 603. The delivered flag (Y delivered flag) of the Y ink tank 408a is stored in memory area 602. As described above, the delivered flag is turned ON when the occurrence of a delivery notification event is detected (i.e., when the remaining capacity reaches a threshold value), and is turned OFF when removal of the ink tank is detected.

[0031] The remaining capacity read from the C ink tank 408c is recorded in a memory area 604. The date and time information when the remaining capacity was read is recorded in a memory area 606. The delivery completion flag (C delivery completion flag) of the C ink tank 408c is stored in a memory area 605. The remaining capacity read from the M ink tank 408b is recorded in a memory area 607. The date and time information when the remaining capacity was read is recorded in a memory area 609. The delivery completion flag (M delivery completion flag) of the M ink tank 408b is stored in a memory area 608. The remaining capacity read from the BK ink tank 408d is recorded in a memory area 610. The date and time information when the remaining capacity was read is recorded in a memory area 612. The delivery completion flag (BK delivery completion flag) of the BK ink tank 408d is stored in a memory area 611.

[0032] Next, the delivery notification timing setting screen will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The delivery notification timing setting screen 700 is displayed on the display / operation unit 406 of the printing device 100. It may also be displayed on a display unit of an information processing device capable of issuing print instructions to the printing device 100. Based on input information received from the display / operation unit 406, the delivery notification timing setting screen 700 sets a threshold value for the remaining capacity of each color as a condition for sending a delivery notification to the consumables management server 102. In this embodiment, the CPU 401 compares the remaining capacity of each ink tank 408 of each color with the threshold value for each color set on the delivery notification timing setting screen 700 to determine whether any color has reached its threshold value. If any color has reached its threshold value, the CPU 401 switches the delivery completion flag of the storage area 602, 605, 608, or 611 for that color to ON. At this time, the CPU 401 detects a status change and sends a status change notification to the consumables management server 102.

[0033] FIG. 7(a) shows an example of a delivery notification timing setting screen 700. The delivery notification timing setting screen 700 has a button 701 for setting thresholds for all colors at once, and buttons 702 to 705 for setting thresholds for each color. An OK button 706 is a button for confirming the thresholds set in FIG. 7(b) or 7(c). When the OK button 706 is pressed, the CPU 401 stores the thresholds for each color in the ROM 402 or the like and closes the delivery notification timing setting screen 700. A cancel button 707 is a button for discarding the settings made in FIG. 7(b) or 7(c). When the cancel button 707 is pressed, the CPU 401 closes the delivery notification timing setting screen 700 without changing the threshold settings for each color.

[0034] FIG. 7B shows an example display when thresholds are set for each color. When the button 702 for setting the threshold for the C ink tank 408c is pressed, a selection menu 710 is displayed in the margin to the right of the button 702, as shown in FIG. 7B. The selection menu 710 displays setting values ​​selectable in 10% increments from 0% to 100%, such as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. Note that while this embodiment shows an example where settings are selectable in 10% increments, they may also be selectable in 5% or 1% increments, such as 15% or 76%. When a setting value is selected in the selection menu 710 and the OK button 706 is pressed, the CPU 401 stores the selected setting value as the threshold for the C ink tank 408c.

[0035] Fig. 7(c) shows a display example when setting thresholds for all colors at once. When button 701 for setting thresholds for all colors at once is pressed, a selection menu 720 is displayed in the margin to the right of button 701, as shown in Fig. 7(c). Selection menu 720 is the same as selection menu 710. When a setting value is selected in selection menu 720 and OK button 706 is pressed, CPU 401 stores the selected setting value as the threshold for Y ink tank 408a, M ink tank 408b, C ink tank 408c, and BK ink tank 408d.

[0036] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of updating the remaining capacity recorded in the storage area 502 of the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 as described in Fig. 5. In the following description, each process (step) is represented by prefixing it with an S, and the notation of the process (step) is omitted. The process of the flowchart in Fig. 8 is executed at a predetermined timing by the CPU 401 of the printing device 100.

[0037] In S801, the CPU 401 determines whether ink has been consumed by refilling ink into the print unit 407. If it is determined that ink has been consumed by refilling ink, the process proceeds to S802, and if not, the process proceeds to S803. In S802, the CPU 401 calculates the amount of ink consumed for each color due to ink filling. In S803, the CPU 401 determines whether ink has been consumed by printing in the print unit 407. If it is determined that ink has been consumed by printing, the process proceeds to S804, and if not, the process proceeds to S805. In S804, the CPU 401 calculates the ink consumption for each color due to printing. In S805, the CPU 401 determines whether ink has been consumed by head cleaning in the print unit 407. If it is determined that ink has been consumed by head cleaning, the process proceeds to S806; if not, the process of this flowchart ends without updating the remaining capacity.

[0038] In S806, the CPU 401 calculates the amount of ink consumed for each color due to head cleaning. In S807, the CPU 401 reads the remaining capacity of the color for which ink has been consumed from the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408. In S808, the CPU 401 calculates the remaining capacity after ink consumption using the remaining capacity read in S807 and the ink consumption amount calculated in S806. In S809, the CPU 401 rewrites the remaining capacity stored in the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 with the remaining capacity calculated in S808, and then ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0039] According to the above-described processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the remaining capacity can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 for each color.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of recording the usage start date in the storage area 501 of the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 as described in Fig. 5. The process of the flowchart in Fig. 9 is executed by the CPU 401 of the printing device 100 at a predetermined timing.

[0041] In S901, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an ink tank 408 of any color has been installed. If it is determined that an ink tank has been installed, the process proceeds to S902; if not, the process of this flowchart ends. In S902, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the usage start date is recorded in the nonvolatile memory of the installed color ink tank 408. If it is determined that the usage start date is recorded, the processing of this flowchart ends; otherwise, the processing proceeds to S903. In step S903, the CPU 401 acquires date and time information from the printing apparatus 100 main body. In S904, the CPU 401 records the date and time information acquired in S903 as the usage start date in the storage area 501 of the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 of the installed color. Then, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0042] According to the above-described processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the start date of use can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory of the ink tank 408 for each color.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the contents of a status change notification sent from the printing device 100 to the consumables management server 102 in this embodiment.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 10, it will be explained that a status change notification event occurs for each of the M ink tank 408b and C ink tank 408c when a new ink tank is installed, when an ink tank is removed, and when a delivery notification event occurs. In Figure 10, time passes from left to right. On the delivery notification timing setting screen 700, it is assumed that the threshold for the M ink tank 408b is set to 100%, and the threshold for the C ink tank 408c is set to 50%. The M ink tank 408b is an example of a first consumable item. The C ink tank 408c is an example of a second consumable item.

[0045] In S1001, the status change detection unit 411 detects the installation of a new M ink tank 408b. Also, because the threshold value for the M ink tank 408b is set to 100%, a delivery notification event occurs simultaneously with the installation of the ink tank. At this point, the M delivery completion flag is turned ON. In S1002, the status change detection unit 411 detects the installation of a new C ink tank 408c. Here, the threshold for the C ink tank 408c is set to 70%, so no delivery notification event occurs. Note that because the C ink tank 408c and the M ink tank 408b are installed at the same time, S1001 and S1002 occur at the same time.

[0046] After that, the remaining capacity of the C ink tank 408c decreases, and in S1003, the status change detection unit 411 detects that the remaining capacity of the C ink tank 408c has reached the threshold value of 70%. At this timing, a delivery notification event occurs. At this point, the C delivery completion flag is turned ON. Thereafter, the remaining amount in the M ink tank 408b decreases to 0%, and in S1004, the status change detection unit 411 detects that the M ink tank 408b has been removed, at which point the M delivery completion flag is turned OFF. In S1005, the status change detection unit 411 detects the installation of a new M ink tank 408b. Also, because the threshold value for the M ink tank 408b is set to 100%, a delivery notification event occurs simultaneously with the installation of the ink tank. At this point, the M delivery completion flag is turned ON.

[0047] After that, the remaining amount in the C ink tank 408c decreases to 0%, and in S1006, the status change detection unit 411 detects that the C ink tank 408c has been removed, at which point the C delivery completion flag is turned OFF. In S1007, the status change detection unit 411 detects the installation of a new ink tank C 408c. Here, the threshold value for the ink tank C 408c is set to 70%, so no delivery notification event occurs. After that, the remaining capacity of the C ink tank 408c decreases, and in S1008, the status change detection unit 411 detects that the remaining capacity of the C ink tank 408c has reached the threshold of 70%. At this point, a delivery notification event occurs. At this point, the C delivery completion flag is turned ON.

[0048] Next, the contents of the status change notification sent from the printing device 100 to the consumables management server 102 when a status change notification event occurs in steps S1001 to S1008 will be described. In S1009, the notification control unit 413 transmits to the consumables management server 102 the notification of new M ink installation generated in S1001, the notification of delivery of M ink, and the notification of new C ink installation generated in S1002. In S1010, the notification control unit 413 transmits the delivery notification of the C ink generated in S1003 to the consumables management server 102. Furthermore, since the M delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, the delivery notification of the M ink is also transmitted.

[0049] In S1011, the notification control unit 413 transmits the M ink removal notification that occurred in S1004 to the consumables management server 102. Also, since the C delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, a delivery notification for C ink is also transmitted. In S1012, the notification control unit 413 transmits the new M ink installation notification and M ink delivery notification generated in S1005 to the consumables management server 102. Also, since the C delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, a C ink delivery notification is also transmitted.

[0050] In S1013, the notification control unit 413 transmits the C ink removal notification that occurred in S1006 to the consumables management server 102. Furthermore, since the M delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, a delivery notification for the M ink is also transmitted. In S1014, the notification control unit 413 transmits the notification of the installation of a new C ink, which occurred in S1007, to the consumables management server 102. Furthermore, since the M delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, a delivery notification of the M ink is also transmitted.

[0051] In S1015, the notification control unit 413 transmits the delivery notification of the C ink generated in S1008 to the consumables management server 102. Furthermore, since the M delivery completion flag is ON when this notification is transmitted, the delivery notification of the M ink is also transmitted. In steps S1009, S1010, S1012, S1013, S1014, and S1015, the notification control unit 413 may read the usage start date and remaining capacity from the nonvolatile memory of the M ink tank 408b and transmit them to the consumables management server 102.

[0052] Here, if the status change notification sent from the printing device 100 includes an ink tank color that has switched from not including a delivery notification to including one, the consumables management server 102 performs delivery processing for the ink of that color. In the example of FIG. 10 , of the status change notifications sent from S1009 to S1015, delivery notifications for M ink are included in S1009, S1010, S1012, S1013, S1014, and S1015, but not in S1011. Therefore, delivery processing for M ink is performed at the timing of S1009 and S1012. On the other hand, delivery notifications for C ink are included in S1010, S1011, S1012, and S1015, but not in S1009, S1013, or S1014. Therefore, delivery processing for C ink is performed at the timing of S1010 and S1015.

[0053] Here, the delivery notification timing threshold for the M ink tank 408b is set to a value (100%) indicating that the ink tank is new, so a status change notification including a delivery notification is sent when a new ink tank is installed. Therefore, the number of status change notifications not including a delivery notification is small. In the example of FIG. 10, a status change notification not including a delivery notification for the M ink is only sent at the timing of S1011. In other words, if the consumables management server 102 is not able to correctly receive this status change notification due to unstable communications or the like, the consumables management server 102 will not recognize that this is a new delivery request after the ink tank has been replaced. Therefore, the printing device 100 resends the notification for ink tank colors for which the delivery notification is included in the status change notification and for which the delivery notification timing threshold is set to 100% until it receives a response from the consumables management server 102.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process executed when printing device 100 sends a status change notification that does not include a delivery notification. In step S1101, the CPU 401 transmits a status change notification to the consumables management server 102. In step S1102, the CPU 401 receives a response from the consumables management server 102. In S1103, the CPU 401 determines whether there are any ink tank colors for which no delivery notification is included in the status change notification. If there are any colors for which no delivery notification is included, the process proceeds to S1104; if not, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0055] In S1104, the CPU 401 determines whether the delivery notification timing threshold for the corresponding color is set to a value (100%) that indicates a new product. If it is set to 100%, the process proceeds to S1105; if not, the process of this flowchart ends. In S1105, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a response was correctly received from the consumables management server 102 in S1102. If the response was not correctly received, the process proceeds to S1106, and if the response was correctly received, the process of this flowchart ends. In S1106, the CPU 401 retransmits the status change notification. In S1107, the CPU 401 receives a response from the consumables management server 102. Then, the process returns to S1105.

[0056] According to the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 11 as described above, by performing retransmission, the consumables management server 102 can reliably recognize the timing when the state changes from not including a delivery notification to including one (i.e., the timing when the consumables are replaced).

[0057] In Figure 11, we have explained the case where the threshold for the delivery notification timing is set to 100%, but it is not limited to 100%, and it can also be set to a value such as 90%, 80%, or a value that indicates when the ink tank is full or close to full.

[0058] 12 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the consumables management server 102. The consumables management server 102 checks whether the status change notification from the printing device 100 includes a delivery notification, and if it confirms that a delivery notification for an ink tank color that was not included in the previous status change notification is included, performs the ink tank delivery processing.

[0059] The flowchart of Fig. 12 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. The processing of this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined timings. In S1201, the CPU 301 checks whether a status change notification has been received from the printing apparatus 100. If a status change notification has been received, the process proceeds to S1202; if not, the process of this flowchart ends. In S1202, the CPU 301 checks whether a delivery notification is included in the status change notification received in S1201. If a delivery notification is included, the process proceeds to S1204, and if not, the process proceeds to S1203. In step S1203, the CPU 301 sets the delivery notification status of all colors to "no delivery."

[0060] In S1204, the CPU 301 determines whether the delivery notification status of the color corresponding to the delivery notification is “no delivery.” If the delivery notification status is “no delivery,” the process proceeds to S1205, and if it is “delivered,” the process of this flowchart ends. In S1205, the CPU 301 sets the delivery notification status of the color corresponding to the delivery notification to "Delivery has been made." In step S1206, the CPU 301 performs delivery processing for the ink tank of the color for which "Delivery Available" was set in step S1205. After that, the series of processes in this flowchart ends.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the transition of the delivery notification status of each color of ink stored in the storage device 304 of the consumables management server 102 when a status change notification is received in steps S1009 to S1015 of FIG. 10 will be described.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the storage device 304 of the consumables management server 102 has a storage area for storing the delivery notification status of each color corresponding to the color configuration of the ink tank 408 of the printing device 100. 13(b) shows the initial delivery notification status of each color, which is set to "no delivery."

[0063] Status 1302 corresponds to S1009. Because the status change notification includes a delivery notification for M ink, the information management unit 311 changes the delivery notification status for M ink to "delivered." In this case, the processing determination unit 312 determines that the delivery notification status for M ink has switched from "not delivered" to "delivered," and determines to perform delivery processing for the M ink tank. Status 1303 corresponds to S1010. Because the status change notification includes a delivery notification for C ink, the information management unit 311 switches the delivery notification status for C ink to "delivered." In this case, the processing determination unit 312 determines that the delivery notification status for C ink has switched from "not delivered" to "delivered," and determines to perform delivery processing for the C ink tank. Status 1304 corresponds to S1011. Because the status change notification does not include a delivery notification for M ink, the information management unit 311 switches the delivery notification status for M ink to "no delivery."

[0064] Status 1305 corresponds to S1012. Because the status change notification includes a delivery notification for M ink, the information management unit 311 changes the delivery notification status for M ink to "delivered." In this case, the processing determination unit 312 determines that the delivery notification status for M ink has switched from "not delivered" to "delivered," and determines to perform delivery processing for the M ink tank. A state 1306 corresponds to S1013. Since the state change notification does not include a delivery notification for C ink, the information management unit 311 switches the delivery notification state for C ink to "no delivery." State 1307 corresponds to S1014. The information management unit 311 does not perform any processing since there has been no change from the previous time. Status 1308 corresponds to S1015. Because the status change notification includes a delivery notification for C ink, the information management unit 311 switches the delivery notification status for C ink to "delivered." In this case, the processing determination unit 312 determines that the delivery notification status for C ink has switched from "not delivered" to "delivered," and determines to perform delivery processing for the C ink tank.

[0065] FIG. 14 shows a specific data format of the status change notification sent from the printing device 100 to the consumables management server 102 in steps S1009 to S1015 of FIG. Data 1401 is sent in S1009. The data 1401 includes device information of the printing device 100, a delivery notification of the M ink, and a notification that new C ink and M ink have been installed. Data 1402 is sent in S1010. The data 1402 includes device information of the printing device 100 and delivery notifications for C ink and M ink. Data 1403 is sent in S1011. Data 1403 includes device information of the printing device 100, a removal notification of M ink, and a delivery notification of C ink. Data 1404 is sent in S1012. The data 1404 includes device information of the printing device 100, a notification that a new ink cartridge for M has been installed, and a notification that the C ink and M ink have been delivered. Data 1405 is sent in S1013. The data 1405 includes device information of the printing device 100, a delivery notification for the M ink, and a removal notification for the C ink. The data 1406 is sent in S1014. The data 1406 includes device information of the printing device 100, a delivery notification of the M ink, and a notification that a new C ink has been installed.

[0066] According to the present embodiment described above, even if the timing for notifying the consumables management server of a consumables delivery request is set to the time when a new consumable is set, it is possible to prevent the delivery request from being missed.

[0067] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0068] As a first modification of this embodiment, the printing device 100 may not include a delivery notification in the status change notification when it detects that a new ink cartridge has been installed, but may send a status change notification that includes a delivery notification when it detects that the remaining capacity has reached a predetermined value that is equal to or greater than 90% but less than 100%. In this case, in the example of Fig. 10, a status change notification that does not include a delivery notification for the M ink will be sent at both S1011 and S1012.

[0069] As a second variation of this embodiment, the printing device 100 may send consumables information including the start date of use along with the delivery notification. In this case, in the example of Figure 10, the date and time information accompanying the delivery notification for M ink in S1009 will be different from the date and time information accompanying the delivery notification for M ink in S1012. As a result, even if the notification transmission in S1011 fails, the server can recognize at the time of S1012 that this is a new delivery request after an ink tank replacement.

[0070] As a third variation of this embodiment, the printing device 100 may transmit the remaining ink capacity along with the delivery notification. In this case, in the example of Figure 10, the remaining capacity accompanying the delivery notification for M ink in S1012 will be greater than the remaining capacity accompanying the delivery notification for M ink in S1010. This allows the server to recognize at S1012 that this is a new delivery request after an ink tank replacement, even if the notification transmission in S1011 fails.

[0071] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage media storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0072] The disclosure of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) a detection means for detecting the attachment or detachment of a consumable item attached to the printing device and the remaining capacity of the consumable item reaching a set threshold; a transmitting means for transmitting a status change notification to a server that provides a delivery service for delivering consumables for the printing device when the detecting means detects the status change; a first control means for controlling the status change notification to include a delivery request for consumables when the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value at the time of sending the status change notification; a second control means for controlling, when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, to execute a retransmission process for a notification for causing the server to recognize that the consumable has been replaced until a response to the status change notification from the printing device is received from the server; and The printing device is characterized in that, if the threshold value is not set to a value that indicates that the consumable is new, the retransmission process by the second control means is not performed. (Configuration 2) The printing device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, the second control means executes the retransmission process for the status change notification sent in response to the detection means detecting the removal of the consumable. (Configuration 3) The printing device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, the first control means controls the status change notification sent in response to the detection of the removal of the consumable so as not to include the delivery request, and controls the status change notification to include the delivery request after it is detected that the remaining capacity has reached 90% or more but less than 100%. (Configuration 4) The printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first control means controls the status change notification to include date and time information when the installation of the consumable was detected if the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value when the status change notification is sent. (Configuration 5) the detection means detects the attachment and detachment of a first consumable and a second consumable attached to the printing device, the remaining capacity of the first consumable reaching a first threshold value, and the remaining capacity of the second consumable reaching a second threshold value, the first threshold value being set to a value representing that the consumables are new; The printing device of any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the first control means controls the status change notification to include a delivery request for the first consumable and the remaining capacity of the first consumable if the remaining capacity of the first consumable is equal to or less than the first threshold value when the status change notification for the first consumable and the second consumable is sent. (method) a detection step of detecting whether a consumable item attached to the printing device has been attached or detached, and whether the remaining capacity of the consumable item has reached a set threshold; a sending step of sending a status change notification to a server that provides a delivery service for delivering consumables for the printing device when the status change is detected in the detecting step; a first control step of controlling the status change notification to include a delivery request for consumables when the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value at the time of sending the status change notification; a second control step of controlling, when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, to execute a retransmission process for a notification for causing the server to recognize that the consumable has been replaced until a response to the status change notification from the printing device is received from the server; Including, A control method for a printing device, characterized in that if the threshold value is not set to a value that indicates that the consumable is new, the retransmission process is not performed by the second control step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100: Printing device, 102: Consumables management server

Claims

1. a detection means for detecting the attachment or detachment of a consumable item attached to the printing device and the remaining capacity of the consumable item reaching a set threshold; a transmitting means for transmitting a status change notification to a server that provides a delivery service for delivering consumables for the printing device when the detecting means detects the status change; a first control means for controlling the status change notification to include a delivery request for consumables in the status change notification if the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value at the time of sending the status change notification; a second control means for controlling, when the threshold value is set to a value representing that the consumable is new, the execution of a retransmission process for a notification for causing the server to recognize that the consumable has been replaced until a response to the status change notification from the printing device is received from the server; and The printing device is characterized in that, if the threshold value is not set to a value that indicates that the consumable is new, the retransmission process by the second control means is not performed.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second control means executes the retransmission process for the status change notification sent in response to the detection of the removal of the consumable by the detection means when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new.

3. The printing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the first control means controls the status change notification sent in response to the detection of the removal of a consumable item so as not to include the delivery request when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable item is new, and controls the status change notification to include the delivery request after it is detected that the remaining capacity has reached 90% or more but less than 100%.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control means controls the status change notification to include date and time information when the installation of the consumable item was detected if the remaining capacity is below the threshold when the status change notification is sent.

5. the detection means detects the attachment and detachment of a first consumable and a second consumable attached to the printing device, the remaining capacity of the first consumable reaching a first threshold value, and the remaining capacity of the second consumable reaching a second threshold value, the first threshold value being set to a value representing that the consumables are new; The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control means controls the status change notification to include a delivery request for the first consumable and the remaining capacity of the first consumable if the remaining capacity of the first consumable is equal to or less than the first threshold value when the status change notification regarding the first consumable and the second consumable is sent.

6. a detection step of detecting whether a consumable item attached to the printing device has been attached or detached, and whether the remaining capacity of the consumable item has reached a set threshold; a sending step of sending a status change notification to a server that provides a delivery service for delivering consumables for the printing device when the status change is detected in the detecting step; a first control step of controlling the status change notification to include a delivery request for consumables when the remaining capacity is equal to or less than the threshold value at the time of sending the status change notification; a second control step of controlling, when the threshold value is set to a value indicating that the consumable is new, to execute a retransmission process for a notification for causing the server to recognize that the consumable has been replaced until a response to the status change notification from the printing device is received from the server; Including, A control method for a printing device, characterized in that if the threshold value is not set to a value that indicates that the consumable is new, the retransmission process by the second control step is not performed.

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