Image forming apparatus and processing method of the image forming apparatus

Abstract

This will allow for timely requests for the delivery of consumables when new consumables are installed. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a delivery request means that requests delivery of consumables when the remaining amount of consumables is below a threshold, and a modification means that, when the installation of a consumable is detected, changes the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the consumable whose installation was detected, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation was detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for processing an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a consumable automatic delivery service in which consumables used for printing in an image forming apparatus are automatically delivered to a user. An image forming apparatus capable of using the consumable automatic delivery service generally makes a delivery request for new consumables to a management server that manages service information when the remaining amount of the consumables falls below a predetermined threshold. Also, in the consumable automatic delivery service, it is important from the viewpoint of convenience that the consumables are delivered to the user at an appropriate time.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an input screen on an image forming apparatus or an information processing apparatus and ordering consumables based on conditions input by a user in order to improve the convenience for the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Consumables may be removed from the image forming apparatus and new consumables with a different capacity may be installed in the image forming apparatus. At this time, even if the user has input the delivery conditions for the consumables, there are cases where the consumables are not delivered at the time desired by the user. For example, this is a case where the threshold value of the remaining amount for which a delivery request is made can be input as a ratio to the capacity of the consumables. Therefore, the delivery conditions for the consumables need to take into account the capacity of the consumables used by the user.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to enable timely requests for the delivery of consumables, even when new consumables are installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus includes a delivery request means that requests delivery of consumables when the remaining amount of consumables is below a threshold, and a modification means that, when the installation of a consumable is detected, changes the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the installed consumable, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the installed consumable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, even when new consumables are installed, it is possible to request delivery of consumables at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an image processing system. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing how an image forming apparatus changes its delivery threshold settings. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the settings screen for delivery thresholds. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing how an image forming apparatus performs the printing process. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing how an image forming apparatus performs the ink tank installation process. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the screen for changing delivery threshold settings. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing how an image forming apparatus can change its automatic delivery threshold settings. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the screen for changing the automatic delivery threshold setting. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing how an image forming apparatus performs the ink tank installation process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention also includes modifications and improvements made to the embodiments described below, based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an image processing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The image processing system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 200, an ink tank 300, and a server 400.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 200 has a printing function that performs printing operations using recording material, and is, for example, a large-format inkjet printer. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a CPU 210, a program memory 220, a storage unit 230, an input / output device control unit 240, a communication control unit 250, an ink tank connection unit 260, a head control unit 270, a sensor control unit 280, and a motor control unit 290. These are connected via a system bus 211.

[0013] The CPU 210 is the system control unit and controls the entire image forming apparatus 200. The program memory 220 stores control programs executed by the CPU 210, embedded operating system (OS) programs, and the like.

[0014] The memory unit 230 includes various work buffer areas for storing program control variables and the like used when controlling the image forming apparatus 200, and a non-volatile memory area for storing setting information necessary for various operations. The memory unit 230 also holds apparatus identification information 231, delivery threshold settings 232, and consumable capacity information 233.

[0015] The device identification information 231 is information that identifies an individual image forming apparatus 200, which is assigned to it when it is manufactured, and is, for example, a serial number.

[0016] The delivery threshold setting 232 is the threshold of the remaining amount of the ink tank 300 at which the image forming apparatus 200 requests the server 400 to deliver a new ink tank 300 in the consumable automatic delivery service. In this embodiment, the delivery threshold setting 232 can be set as a ratio of the remaining amount to the capacity of the ink tank 300. The initial value of the delivery threshold setting 232 is 10% in this embodiment. When a plurality of ink tanks 300 can be mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the delivery threshold setting 232 can be set individually for each type of the mounted ink tank 300 (for example, ink color), and the delivery thresholds of all the mounted ink tanks 300 are held in the storage unit 230.

[0017] The consumable capacity information 233 is the capacity information 313 acquired by the image forming apparatus 200 from the ink tank 300 at an arbitrary timing. When a plurality of ink tanks 300 can be mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 holds the capacity information 313 of all the mounted ink tanks 300 in the storage unit 230 as the consumable capacity information 233.

[0018] The input / output device control unit 240 controls the commands executed between the image forming apparatus 200 and the input / output device 241. The input / output device 241 has hard keys and a panel for the user to perform various settings and operations, and a display unit for displaying (notifying) various information to the user.

[0019] The communication control unit 250 controls the data exchange between the outside of the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication line 251 and various interfaces.

[0020] The ink tank connection unit 260 connects the image forming apparatus 200 and the ink tank 300. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which four-color ink tanks 300 of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black can be mounted on the image forming apparatus 200 via the ink tank connection unit 260. Further, the ink tank connection unit 260 receives a request for information acquisition at an arbitrary timing and acquires the information of the ink tank 300 from the memory 310.

[0021] The head control unit 270 controls the operation of the print head 271. The print head 271 is a printing unit that prints images, and prints images onto a sheet based on image data. The print head 271, for example, holds multiple print heads for multiple colors and ejects ink in synchronization with the sheet transport to form an image on the sheet.

[0022] The sensor control unit 280 controls the operation of various sensors, including the optical sensor 281. The optical sensor 281 is a measuring means for measuring attribute values ​​of a printing recording medium, including roll paper, and is a reflective optical sensor composed of an LED as a light-emitting element, a specular light-receiving element, a diffuse light-receiving element, etc. The image forming apparatus 200 uses the optical sensor 281 to measure attribute values ​​such as the intensity of specular and diffuse reflected light from the paper on the platen, and the thickness of the paper.

[0023] The motor control unit 290 controls the operation of various motors, including the cutter motor 291, carriage motor 292, paper feed motor 293, and transport motor 294.

[0024] The cutter motor 291 is a motor for driving a cutter unit that cuts roll paper used as a recording medium. When cutting roll paper, the cutter motor 291 drives the roll paper after image printing to cut it to a predetermined length.

[0025] The carriage motor 292 is a motor for driving the carriage of the print head 271.

[0026] The paper feed motor 293 is a motor that rotates the roll paper core and transports the roll paper in cooperation with the transport motor 294. By driving the paper feed motor 293 to rotate the roll paper core in the reverse direction, the roll paper on the transport roller can also be wound towards the roll paper core.

[0027] The transport motor 294 is a motor that drives the transport rollers that transport the roll of paper.

[0028] The ink tank 300 can be installed and replaced in the image forming apparatus 200 and is filled with ink used as a recording material for printing. The ink tank 300 has a memory 310.

[0029] The memory 310 holds identification information 311, remaining capacity information 312, capacity information 313, and delivery request information 314.

[0030] Identification information 311 is information that identifies an individual ink tank 300 when it is manufactured, and is, for example, a serial number.

[0031] The remaining amount information 312 is information regarding the remaining amount of ink contained in the ink tank 300, and may be expressed using units of volume or in remaining amount levels divided by predetermined thresholds.

[0032] Capacity information 313 is information regarding the amount of ink filled in the ink tank 300 when it is unused (i.e., the capacity of the ink tank 300), and is expressed in units of volume.

[0033] The delivery request information 314 indicates whether the image forming apparatus 200 has made a delivery request for the ink tank 300 to the server 400. When the image forming apparatus 200 has not made a delivery request, the delivery request information 314 is initially set to a value representing OFF, and when a delivery request is made, the image forming apparatus 200 writes a value representing ON to it. The image forming apparatus 200 prevents making more than one delivery request for the same ink tank 300 by acquiring and updating the delivery request information 314 via the ink tank connection unit 260.

[0034] Server 400 is a service provider server that manages information on users who have contracted for the automated consumable delivery service and the image forming apparatus 200, and has a CPU 410, program memory 420, storage unit 430, and communication control unit 440.

[0035] CPU410 is the system control unit and controls the entire server 400.

[0036] The program memory 420 stores control programs executed by the CPU 410, embedded operating system (OS) programs, and the like.

[0037] The memory unit 430 stores information of users who have contracted for the automatic consumables delivery service, device identification information 231 of the image forming apparatus 200 used in the automatic consumables delivery service, and identification information 311 of the ink tanks 300 for which delivery requests have been made by the image forming apparatus 200.

[0038] The communication control unit 440 controls the exchange of data with the outside via the communication line 441.

[0039] The above components 410 to 440 are interconnected via a system bus 411 managed by the CPU 410.

[0040] In this embodiment, an inkjet printer is used as an example of the image forming apparatus 200, but it can also be applied to, for example, a full-color laser beam (electrophotographic) printer, a monochrome printer, etc.

[0041] In this embodiment, an ink tank 300 is described as an example of a consumable, but the consumable is not limited to an ink tank 300 and may be an ink cartridge, toner cartridge, or the like.

[0042] Next, a method for changing the delivery threshold setting 232 of the image forming apparatus 200 will be explained using Figure 2.

[0043] In step S201, the CPU 210 determines whether it has received a command from the user to change the delivery threshold setting 232 by any means. Commands to change the delivery threshold setting 232 are received via input from the display unit of the input / output device 241 or from a setting screen displayed on the user's host terminal (e.g., a PC or smartphone) that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication control unit 250. As mentioned above, if the image forming apparatus 200 can be equipped with multiple ink tanks 300, the delivery threshold setting 232 can be set individually for each type of ink tank 300 (e.g., ink color). An example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 will be described later with reference to Figure 3. If it is determined that a change command has been received, the process proceeds to step S202; if it is determined that no change command has been received, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0044] In step S202, the CPU 210 updates the delivery threshold setting 232 to the value entered by the user. If the CPU 210 received a command to change the delivery threshold setting only for a specific type of ink tank 300 in step S201, in step S202 it updates only the delivery threshold setting 232 for the target ink tank 300.

[0045] Next, an example of the setting screen for the delivery threshold setting 232 displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 will be explained using Figure 3.

[0046] The delivery threshold setting screen 500 is a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241. The all-color batch setting button 501 is used to change the delivery threshold setting 232 of all ink tanks 300 installed in the image forming apparatus 200 to the same value all at once.

[0047] The Cyan setting button 502 is used to change the delivery threshold setting 232 for the Cyan color ink tank 300. The Magenta setting button 503, Yellow setting button 504, and Black setting button 505 are used to change the delivery threshold setting 232 for each ink color, similar to the Cyan setting button 502.

[0048] The delivery threshold input button 506 is a button for selecting and entering a delivery threshold from the options displayed when any of the buttons from the all-color batch setting button 501 to the Black setting button 505 is pressed. In this embodiment, the delivery threshold input button 506 is shown as an example in which the delivery threshold can be selected and entered from a setting value between 0% and 100% in 10% increments, but it may also be possible for the user to enter the delivery threshold in 1% increments.

[0049] The setting change execution button 507 is a button for executing a setting change for the delivery threshold setting 232. When pressed, the CPU 210 updates the delivery threshold setting 232 for the ink tank 300 to the value entered by the user.

[0050] The setting change cancellation button 508 is used to cancel the setting change of the delivery threshold setting 232. When pressed, the CPU 210 terminates processing without accepting the command to change the delivery threshold setting 232.

[0051] Next, the processing method used when the image forming apparatus 200, which utilizes the automated consumables delivery service, performs printing will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0052] In step S401, the CPU 210 receives a print execution command from the user by any means. The print execution command is received, for example, by pressing the print start button displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241.

[0053] In step S402, the CPU 210 executes the print process that it received as an execution instruction in step S401. At this time, the CPU 210 calculates the amount of ink consumed by the print process.

[0054] In step S403, the CPU 210 updates the remaining ink information 312 of the ink tank 300 using the ink consumption amount calculated in step S402.

[0055] In step S404, the CPU 210 determines from the delivery threshold setting 232 whether the remaining ink amount information 312 of the ink tank 300 is below the delivery threshold. The setting value of the delivery threshold setting 232 indicates the delivery threshold. If it is determined that it is below the delivery threshold, the process proceeds to step S405; otherwise, the process of this flowchart ends. In the case where multiple ink tanks 300 can be installed in the image forming apparatus 200, as in this embodiment, if there is at least one ink tank 300 whose remaining ink amount information 312 is below the delivery threshold, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0056] In step S405, the CPU 210 determines whether the delivery request information 314 for the ink tank 300 is OFF. If it is determined to be OFF, the process proceeds to step S406; if it is determined to be not OFF (i.e., ON), the process of this flowchart ends. In this embodiment, if the image forming apparatus 200 can be equipped with multiple ink tanks 300, the process proceeds to step S406 if there is at least one ink tank 300 for which the delivery request information 314 is OFF.

[0057] In step S406, the CPU 210 functions as a delivery request unit and requests the server 400 to deliver new ink tanks 300. The information notified from the image forming apparatus 200 to the server 400 by the delivery request includes apparatus identification information 231 and ink tank 300 identification information 311. In this embodiment, a delivery request for new ink tanks 300 is made for ink tanks 300 whose remaining amount information 312 is below the delivery threshold and whose delivery request completed information 314 is OFF. However, depending on the embodiment, if the delivery request completed information 314 is OFF, a delivery request for new ink tanks 300 may also be made for ink tanks 300 whose remaining amount information 312 is not below the delivery threshold.

[0058] In step S407, the CPU 210 updates the delivery request information 314 of the ink tank 300 for which a delivery request was made in step S406 to ON, thereby recording in the memory 310 of the ink tank 300 that a delivery request has been made, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0059] Next, the processing method when the ink tank 300 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200 will be explained using Figure 5.

[0060] In step S501, the CPU 210 detects the installation of the ink tank 300 through the ink tank connection part 260.

[0061] In step S502, the CPU 210 acquires information about the ink tank 300 that has been detected as being installed.

[0062] In step S503, the CPU 210 determines whether the delivery request information for the ink tank 300 is OFF. If it is determined to be OFF, the process proceeds to step S504. If it is determined not to be OFF (i.e., ON), the process of this flowchart is terminated. As in this embodiment, multiple ink tanks 300 can be installed in the image forming apparatus 200, and if the installation of multiple ink tanks 300 is detected simultaneously, the determination process is performed for all ink tanks 300 whose installation is detected.

[0063] In step S504, the CPU 210 determines whether the consumable capacity information 233 held in the storage unit 230 and the capacity information 313 of the ink tank 300 are different values. At this time, the consumable capacity information 233 is the capacity information 313 of the ink tank 300 that was installed in the image forming apparatus 200 before the ink tank 300 installed in step S501. In other words, in step S504, the CPU 210 performs a comparison process between the capacity information 313 of the removed ink tank 300 and the capacity information 313 of the newly installed ink tank 300. If it is determined that the consumable capacity information 233 and the capacity information 313 are different, the process proceeds to step S505. If it is determined that the consumable capacity information 233 and the capacity information 313 are the same, the process proceeds to step S509.

[0064] In step S505, the CPU 210 calculates a setting value for the delivery threshold setting 232 that is suitable for the capacity information 313 of the ink tank 300 installed in step S501. In this embodiment, the CPU 210 calculates a new setting value Sn for the delivery threshold setting 232 from the consumable capacity information 233, the capacity information 313, and the delivery threshold setting 232 using the following formula (1).

[0065] Sn = (Cp × Sb) / Cs ... (1)

[0066] Here, Cs represents consumable capacity information 233, Cp represents capacity information 313, and Sb represents delivery threshold setting 232.

[0067] Specifically, Cp is the capacity information of the ink tank 300 in which the installation of step S501 was detected. Cs is the capacity information of the ink tank 300 that was installed before the ink tank 300 in which the installation of step S501 was detected. Sb is the setting value (delivery threshold) of the delivery threshold setting 232 in step S404 of Figure 4. Sn is the setting value (delivery threshold) of the new delivery threshold setting 232.

[0068] In step S501, the CPU 210 detects the installation of the ink tank 300 by replacing the ink tank 300. In step S505, the CPU 210 calculates a new delivery threshold setting value (delivery threshold) Sn for the delivery threshold setting 232 based on the capacity information Cp of the replaced ink tank 300, the capacity information Cs of the ink tank 300 before replacement, and the current delivery threshold setting value (delivery threshold) Sb for the delivery threshold setting 232 using equation (1).

[0069] In step S506, the CPU 210 displays a change screen on the display unit of the input / output device 241 asking the user whether to change the setting value of the delivery threshold setting 232 to the setting value Sn calculated in step S505, and accepts the user's input to change it to the setting value Sn. An example of the change screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 at this time will be described later with reference to Figure 6. If the user operates to change the delivery threshold setting 232 to the setting value Sn, the process proceeds to step S507; if the user operates not to change it, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0070] In step S507, the CPU 210 functions as a change unit and changes (updates) the current setting value of the delivery threshold setting 232 to the setting value Sn of the delivery threshold setting 232 calculated in step S505. At this time, the CPU 210 may also display a screen on the display unit of the input / output device 241 indicating that the setting change has been completed.

[0071] In step S508, the CPU 210 updates the consumable capacity information 233 to the capacity information 313 of the ink tank 300 that was installed in step S501.

[0072] Steps S509 to S511 are the same as steps S404 and S406 to S407 in the flowchart of Figure 4, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0073] Next, an example of the screen for changing the delivery threshold setting 232 displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 will be explained using Figure 6.

[0074] The delivery threshold change screen 600 is a change screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241. The setting change button 601 is a button for changing the setting of the delivery threshold setting 232. When pressed, the CPU 210 updates the delivery threshold setting 232 of the ink tank 300 to the setting value Sn calculated in step S505.

[0075] The setting change cancellation button 602 is used to cancel the setting change of the delivery threshold setting 232. When pressed, the CPU 210 terminates processing without changing the setting of the delivery threshold setting 232.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 can not only set a delivery threshold for consumables (e.g., ink tank 300) based on user input, but also calculate an appropriate delivery threshold from the capacity of the installed consumables and prompt the user to change the setting. This enables the image forming apparatus 200, which supports the installation of consumables of multiple capacities, to deliver consumables at an appropriate time for the user.

[0077] The image forming apparatus 200 can accommodate consumables of multiple capacities and can request the delivery of consumables at a time appropriate for the user. This improves convenience for users utilizing the automated consumable delivery service.

[0078] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, when a consumable was removed from the image forming apparatus 200 and a new consumable of a different capacity was installed in the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 prompted the user to change the delivery threshold setting. However, it is conceivable that some users of the automatic consumable delivery service may not want to input whether or not to change the delivery threshold setting each time a consumable of a different capacity is installed.

[0079] Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example is described in which the image forming apparatus 200 can automatically change the delivery threshold setting 232 when the ink tank 300 is installed, and the user can set whether or not to perform the automatic change (hereinafter referred to as automatic delivery threshold setting).

[0080] The setting value for the automatic delivery threshold setting is stored in an area not shown in the memory unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 200. The setting value can be set to either automatic ON, which indicates that automatic changes will be performed; manual ON, which does not perform automatic changes but changes the delivery threshold setting 232 to the setting value Sn by user input as in the first embodiment; or OFF, which does not perform any changes based on the calculation of the setting value Sn by formula (1). The initial value of the setting value may be automatic ON, manual ON, or OFF.

[0081] In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and configurations not mentioned will be assumed to be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0082] The process by which the image forming apparatus 200 changes the automatic setting of the delivery threshold will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0083] In step S701, the CPU 210 determines whether it has received a command from the user to change the automatic delivery threshold setting by any means. Commands to change the automatic delivery threshold setting are received via input from the display unit of the input / output device 241 or from a setting screen displayed on the user's host terminal (e.g., a PC or smartphone) that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication control unit 250. An example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 will be described later with reference to Figure 8. If it is determined that a change command has been received, the process proceeds to step S702; if it is determined that no change command has been received, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0084] In step S702, the CPU 210 determines whether the value entered by the user in step S701 is anything other than OFF. If it is determined to be anything other than OFF (i.e., automatic ON or manual ON), the process proceeds to step S703; if it is determined to be OFF, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0085] In step S703, the CPU 210 obtains capacity information 313 for the installed ink tank 300.

[0086] In step S704, the CPU 210 updates the consumable capacity information 233 with the capacity information 313 obtained in step S703. If the automatic delivery threshold setting is set to automatic ON or manual ON, the CPU 210 uses the consumable capacity information 233, the capacity information 313, and the setting value of the delivery threshold setting 232 to calculate the new setting value Sn for the delivery threshold setting 232 using formula (1). Therefore, the CPU 210 updates the consumable capacity information 233 when the automatic delivery threshold setting is set to automatic ON or manual ON.

[0087] In step S705, the CPU 210 updates the automatic delivery threshold setting to the value entered by the user in step S701.

[0088] Next, an example of the automatic delivery threshold setting screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 will be explained using Figure 8.

[0089] The delivery threshold automatic setting screen 700 is a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241. The automatic ON setting button 701 is a button for setting the delivery threshold automatic setting to automatic ON. When pressed, the CPU 210 recognizes that the user has entered "automatic ON".

[0090] The manual ON setting button 702 and the OFF setting button 703 are used to manually set the automatic delivery threshold setting to ON and OFF, respectively, similar to the automatic ON setting button 701.

[0091] Next, the processing method when the ink tank 300 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200 will be explained using Figure 9.

[0092] Steps S901 to S903 are the same as steps S501 to S503 in the flowchart of Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0093] In step S904, the CPU 210 determines whether the automatic delivery threshold setting is set to something other than OFF. If it is determined to be something other than OFF (i.e., automatic ON or manual ON), the process proceeds to step S905; if it is determined to be OFF, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0094] Steps S905 and S906 are the same as steps S504 and S505 in the flowchart of Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0095] In step S907, the CPU 210 determines whether the automatic delivery threshold setting is manually ON. If it is determined to be manually ON, the process proceeds to step S908; otherwise, it proceeds to step S909.

[0096] Steps S908 to S913 are the same as steps S506 to S511 in the flowchart of Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0097] As described above, when the automatic delivery threshold setting is in manual ON mode, the CPU 210 changes the value of the delivery threshold setting 232 in Figure 6 to the new value Sn, depending on the user's operation of whether or not to change the value of the delivery threshold setting 232 to the new value Sn.

[0098] In contrast, when the automatic delivery threshold setting is in the automatic ON mode, the CPU 210 changes the value of the delivery threshold setting 232 in Figure 6 to the new value Sn without prompting the user for any action to change the value of the delivery threshold setting 232 to the new value Sn.

[0099] According to this embodiment, by setting the automatic delivery threshold, the user can change the delivery threshold to an appropriate one based on the capacity of the installed consumables, without having to input whether or not to change the delivery threshold each time consumables are installed. This allows the image forming apparatus 200, which supports the installation of consumables of multiple capacities, to deliver consumables at an appropriate time for the user.

[0100] (Third embodiment) To control whether or not a delivery request is executed to the server 400, the CPU 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 may store service contract information in the storage unit 230 indicating whether or not there is a contract for the automatic ink delivery service. In this case, the CPU 210 may add a condition that the service contract information is a value indicating that the service is contracted as a condition for executing a change in the delivery threshold setting 232 when the ink tank 300 is installed. Furthermore, if the service contract information is a value other than that indicating that the service is contracted, the CPU 210 may control the display so that the delivery threshold setting screen 500 and the automatic delivery threshold setting screen 700 are not displayed on the display unit of the input / output device 241 or the user's host terminal.

[0101] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0102] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0103] This embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Composition 1) If the remaining amount of consumables falls below a threshold, a delivery request means is provided to request delivery of the consumables. When the installation of the aforementioned consumable is detected, a modification means is provided to change the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the consumable whose installation was detected, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation was detected. An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the changing means changes the threshold to a new threshold in response to a user operation of whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold. (Composition 3) When the delivery request means makes the delivery request, it records on the consumables that the delivery request has been made. The aforementioned modification means is, If the installation of the consumable is detected and the fact that the delivery request has been made is not recorded on the consumable, the threshold is changed to a new threshold. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the installation of the consumable is detected and the fact that a delivery request has been made is recorded on the consumable, the threshold is not changed to a new threshold. (Composition 4) The aforementioned modification means is, The system detects the installation of the consumable, and if the capacity information of the installed consumable and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the installed consumable are different, the threshold is changed to a new threshold. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that it detects the installation of the consumable, and if the capacity information of the consumable whose installation has been detected and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation has been detected are the same, the threshold is not changed to a new threshold. (Composition 5) The aforementioned modification means is, In the first mode, depending on the user's operation of whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold, the threshold is changed to a new threshold. In the second mode, the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4 is characterized in that the threshold is changed to a new threshold without requiring user input to determine whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold. (Method 1) If the remaining amount of consumables falls below a threshold, a delivery request step is made to request delivery of the consumables. When the installation of the aforementioned consumable is detected, a change step is performed to change the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the consumable whose installation was detected, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation was detected. A processing method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100 Image processing system, 200 Image forming apparatus, 210 CPU, 220 Program memory, 230 Storage unit, 231 Device identification information, 232 Delivery threshold setting, 233 Consumable capacity information, 240 Input / output device control unit, 241 Input / output device, 250 Communication control unit, 251 Communication line, 260 Ink tank connection unit, 270 Head control unit, 271 Print head, 280 Sensor control unit, 281 Optical sensor, 290 Motor control unit, 291 Cutter motor, 292 Carriage motor, 293 Paper feed motor, 294 Transport motor, 300 Ink tank, 310 Memory, 311 Identification information, 312 Remaining amount information, 313 Capacity information, 314 Delivery requested information, 400 Server, 410 CPU, 411 System bus, 420 Program memory, 430 Storage unit, 440 Communication control unit, 441 communication line

Claims

1. If the remaining amount of consumables falls below a threshold, a delivery request means is provided to request delivery of the consumables. When the installation of the aforementioned consumable is detected, a modification means is provided to change the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the consumable whose installation was detected, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation was detected. An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the changing means changes the threshold to a new threshold in response to a user operation of whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold.

3. When the delivery request means makes the delivery request, it records on the consumables that the delivery request has been made. The aforementioned modification means is, If the installation of the consumable is detected and the fact that the delivery request has been made is not recorded on the consumable, the threshold is changed to a new threshold. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the installation of the consumable is detected and the fact that a delivery request has been made is recorded on the consumable, the threshold is not changed to a new threshold.

4. The aforementioned modification means is, The system detects the installation of the consumable, and if the capacity information of the installed consumable and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the installed consumable are different, the threshold is changed to a new threshold. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it detects the installation of the consumable, and if the capacity information of the consumable whose installation has been detected and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation has been detected are the same, the threshold is not changed to a new threshold.

5. The aforementioned modification means is, In the first mode, the threshold is changed to a new threshold in response to a user operation of whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the second mode, the threshold is changed to a new threshold without requiring user input to determine whether or not to change the threshold to a new threshold.

6. If the remaining amount of consumables falls below a threshold, a delivery request step is made to request delivery of the consumables. When the installation of the aforementioned consumable is detected, a change step is performed to change the threshold to a new threshold based on the threshold, the capacity information of the consumable whose installation was detected, and the capacity information of the consumable that was installed before the consumable whose installation was detected. A processing method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

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