A computer program for a control device, a communication system comprising a server and a printer, and a method executed by the control device.

Abstract

This provides a novel technology related to the shipping of colorant cartridges. [Solution] The computer program causes the computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information for each of a plurality of colorant cartridges; a prediction unit that predicts the replacement timing for each of the plurality of colorant cartridges; an identification unit that identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge satisfies a first predetermined condition; and an related processing execution unit that executes related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped. The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped include one or more new colorant cartridges that are replacements for one or more colorant cartridges having replacement timings that satisfy a second predetermined condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses technologies related to the shipment of ink cartridges.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an equipment management system including an image forming apparatus and a management server. In this system, the management server monitors the toner remaining amount of the image forming apparatus, and when the toner remaining amount in a certain toner cartridge becomes below a threshold value, it ships a replacement toner cartridge. Also, when the toner remaining amount in a certain toner cartridge becomes below the threshold value, the management server predicts the ordering timing for other toner cartridges. And when the toner remaining amounts in other toner cartridges become below the threshold value at the same time as a certain toner cartridge, the management server ships the replacement toners for the certain toner cartridge and the other toner cartridges together.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a novel technology related to the shipment of ink cartridges.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The computer program may cause the computer of the control device to function as an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in each of a plurality of colorant cartridges possessed by the printer user. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a prediction unit that uses the remaining amount information of each of the plurality of colorant cartridges to predict the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced. The computer program may cause the computer to function as an identification unit that identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of a first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition. The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped may include a new first colorant cartridge that is a replacement for the first colorant cartridge, and one or more new colorant cartridges that are replacements for one or more colorant cartridges that have a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition may be a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge. The second colorant cartridge may be a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping the two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the control device identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge satisfies a first predetermined condition. The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped include one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, which has a replacement timing later than that of the first colorant cartridge. The control device performs the relevant processing related to shipping the two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped. In this way, a novel technology related to the shipping of colorant cartridges is provided.

[0007] This specification also discloses another computer program for a control device. The computer program may cause the computer of the control device to function as an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in each of a plurality of colorant cartridges owned by users of two or more printers. Each of the two or more printers may be fitted with one or more colorant cartridges. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a prediction unit that predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing when a colorant cartridge should be replaced, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge for each of the plurality of colorant cartridges. The computer program may cause the computer to function as an identification unit that identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of a first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition. The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped may include a new first colorant cartridge that is a replacement for the first colorant cartridge, and one or more new colorant cartridges that are replacements for one or more colorant cartridges that have a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition may be a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge. The second colorant cartridge may be a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge. The computer program may cause the computer to function as a related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping the two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the control device identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge satisfies a first predetermined condition. The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped include one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition. The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, which has a replacement timing later than that of the first colorant cartridge. The control device performs the relevant processing related to shipping the two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped. In this way, a novel technology related to the shipping of colorant cartridges is provided.

[0009] The computer-readable recording medium for storing the above computer program, the control device itself implemented by the above computer program, and the method executed by the control device are also novel and useful. Here, the above recording medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums. Furthermore, a communication system comprising the control device and a printer is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the server. [Figure 3] This graph illustrates a specific case A of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This graph illustrates a specific case B of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This graph illustrates a specific case C of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This graph illustrates a specific case of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This graph illustrates a specific case of the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the processes performed by the server. [Figure 9] This graph illustrates a specific case of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a server 10 and a printer 100A. Each device 10 and 100A can communicate with each other via the internet 6.

[0012] (Configuration of Printer 100A) Printer 100A is a peripheral device capable of performing printing functions, such as a peripheral device of a terminal device (not shown). In a modified example, printer 100A may be a multi-functional device capable of performing scanning functions, facsimile functions, etc., in addition to printing functions. Printer 100A performs printing using colorants contained in a colorant cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of printer 100A. Hereinafter, the cartridge will be referred to as "CTG". In this embodiment, an example is described in which printer 100A has an inkjet printing mechanism. That is, the colorant CTG is an ink CTG. In a modified example, printer 100A may have an electrophotographic printing mechanism. That is, the colorant CTG may be a toner CTG. In yet another modified example, printer 100A may have a thermal printing mechanism. That is, the colorant CTG may be a CTG containing an ink ribbon coated with ink.

[0013] One or more ink CTGs are detachably installed in the printer 100A. In this embodiment, the printer 100A is equipped with four ink CTGs corresponding to four colors: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Hereinafter, the ink CTGs for K, C, M, and Y installed in the printer 100A will be referred to as CTG "K1", "C1", "M1", and "Y1", respectively.

[0014] Printer 100A is assigned the serial number SN1. Serial number SN1 is a unique string assigned to printer 100A by its vendor. In other words, serial number SN1 is identification information for identifying printer 100A. Printer 100A is a printer with the model name MN1.

[0015] The printer 100A stores the current ink levels in each ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100A in memory (not shown). When a new ink CTG is installed in the printer 100A, the printer 100A updates the current ink level of the color corresponding to the new ink CTG to 100%. The printer 100A then updates the current ink levels each time printing is performed. Specifically, when the printer 100A acquires image data representing the image to be printed, it estimates the amount of ink required to print the image for each color. Then, when printing the image is performed, the printer 100A updates the current ink levels for each color by subtracting the estimated amount used from the current ink level. In a modified example, the printer 100A may be equipped with a sensor that measures the amount of ink remaining in the ink CTG. In this case, the printer 100A may update the current ink levels each time the ink level is measured by the sensor.

[0016] (Server 10 configuration) Server 10 is a server for managing a plurality of printers including Printer 100A. Server 10 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of Printer 100A (hereinafter simply referred to as "vendor"). Server 10 may be a physical server, or may be a virtual server or virtual machine on the cloud, etc. Server 10 may be a single server, or may be a set of multiple servers. Server 10 may be a server on the intranet, or may be a cloud server on the Internet 6. Note that in a modified example, Server 10 may be installed on the Internet 6 by an operator different from the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor may utilize an environment provided by an external cloud computing service without preparing the hardware of Server 10 by itself. In this case, the vendor may realize Server 10 by preparing the program (i.e., software) of Server 10 and introducing it into the above environment. In this modified example, as an example, a form in which Server 10 is a physical server will be described.

[0017] In addition, Server 10 provides a flat-rate service including a consumable automatic shipping service. The flat-rate service is a service in which a predetermined amount is billed when the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period (for example, one month) is less than or equal to the contract printed sheet number (for example, 1000 sheets). In the flat-rate service, a dedicated ink CTG for the flat-rate service is used. Hereinafter, the dedicated ink CTG for the flat-rate service will be referred to as "dedicated CTG". Note that in a modified example, Server 10 may provide a printing service in which an amount corresponding to the number of printed sheets in a predetermined period is billed instead of the flat-rate service.

[0018] The consumable automatic shipping service is a service that automatically ships a new dedicated CTG when the remaining amount of ink in the dedicated CTG installed in the printer satisfies a predetermined shipping condition. Here, "when the predetermined shipping condition is satisfied" means, for example, when it is predicted that the ink in the dedicated CTG will run out within a predetermined period, or when the remaining amount of ink becomes less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount.

[0019] Server 10 comprises a communication interface 16 and a control unit 30. Each of the parts 16 and 30 is connected to a bus line. Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F". The communication I / F 16 is connected to the Internet 6.

[0020] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. For example, the main memory includes RAM and cache memory. For example, the auxiliary memory may be ROM, flash memory, solid state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. A program 36 is stored in the auxiliary memory of the memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0021] Memory 34 further stores multiple account information entries A1, A2, etc., corresponding to multiple users. Each account information entry includes address information indicating the user's address and printer information relating to one or more printers used by that user. In particular, account information A1 includes printer information PI1 relating to printer 100A.

[0022] Server 10 stores account information A1 as follows: Server 10 receives an account registration instruction from the user of printer 100A. The account registration instruction includes address information AI1 indicating the user's address and the serial number SN1 of printer 100A. In this case, Server 10 stores account information A1 in memory 34. Account information A1 includes address information AI1 and printer information PI1. Printer information PI1 is information about printer 100A identified by serial number SN1. Printer information PI1 includes the serial number SN1 of printer 100A, history information HI1, and stock information SI1.

[0023] History information HI1 shows the history of the ink levels of each ink CTG currently installed in printer 100A. Server 10 repeatedly acquires ink level information from printer 100A at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 12 hours). Specifically, printer 100A sends ink level information to server 10 at the predetermined intervals mentioned above. The ink level information includes the serial number SN1 of printer 100A, the model name MN1, and the current ink level. Each time server 10 receives ink level information from printer 100A, it updates the history information HI1 associated with the serial number SN1 included in that ink level information. Specifically, server 10 adds information to history information HI1 that associates the date and time the ink level information was acquired with the ink level included in that information. As a result, history information HI1 showing the ink levels in each CTG at multiple dates and times is stored in memory 34.

[0024] Furthermore, the server 10 can acquire remaining ink information from the printer 100A at predetermined timings different from the predetermined cycles described above. These predetermined timings include, for example, the timing when the printer 100A is powered on, or the timing when the cover of the printer 100A's casing is opened and then closed in order to insert or remove the ink CTG installed in the printer 100A. For example, the printer 100A may send the remaining ink information to the server 10 at one of these predetermined timings.

[0025] Furthermore, each time an ink CTG is replaced in printer 100A, server 10 deletes the information corresponding to the ink color contained in the ink CTG from the current history information HI1. Specifically, for example, when server 10 acquires remaining ink information, it compares the current remaining amount included in the remaining ink information with the latest remaining amount included in the history information HI1 for each color. If the current remaining amount is greater than the latest remaining amount, server 10 determines that an ink CTG has been replaced in printer 100A and deletes the information corresponding to that color from the history information HI1. Subsequently, server 10 stores new information in history information HI1 for that color, including the date and time the remaining ink information was acquired and the current remaining amount included in the remaining ink information. In other words, the history information does not include the remaining ink information of ink CTGs previously installed in printer 100A, but includes the remaining ink information of the ink CTG currently installed in printer 100A.

[0026] Stock information SI1 indicates the number of dedicated CTGs for printer 100A owned by the user that are not installed in printer 100A. Stock information SI1 shows the number of ink CTGs not installed in printer 100A for each of K, C, M, and Y. In other words, stock information SI1 shows the number of dedicated CTGs for each color that should be used in printer 100A.

[0027] Even if a dedicated CTG is shipped to the user, it is not guaranteed that the dedicated CTG will be immediately installed in the printer 100A. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, two or more dedicated CTGs are shipped to the user. In particular, two or more dedicated CTGs containing the same color ink may be shipped. The server 10 stores stock information SI1 in order to calculate the estimated date and time of depletion of each color ink, taking into account the dedicated CTGs that have already been shipped to the user.

[0028] Server 10 updates stock information SI1 when supplying shipping information to the shipping server (not shown). Specifically, Server 10 updates stock information SI1 using information indicating the dedicated CTG to be shipped, which is included in the shipping information. For example, suppose the shipping information includes information indicating two K ink CTGs, one C ink CTG, and one Y ink CTG. In this case, Server 10 first adds 2 to the number of K items included in stock information SI1. Similarly, Server 10 adds 1 to the number of C and Y items included in stock information SI1.

[0029] Server 10 further updates stock information SI1 when an ink CTG is replaced in printer 100A. Specifically, when server 10 determines that an ink CTG of a certain color has been replaced in printer 100A, it subtracts 1 from the number of corresponding CTGs of that color included in stock information SI1. In this way, server 10 can properly manage dedicated CTGs that have been shipped to users.

[0030] (Processing by Server 10; Figure 2) Next, referring to Figure 2, we will explain the process that is realized when the CPU 32 of the server 10 executes program 36.

[0031] In S10, CPU32 monitors for the acquisition of remaining ink information from the printer (e.g., printer 100A) via the communication interface 16. As described above, CPU32 receives remaining ink information from the printer every 12 hours or at the predetermined timings described above. When CPU32 receives remaining ink information from the printer (YES in S10), it adds the information associated with the current time and the remaining ink information to the printer's history information and proceeds to S12. Furthermore, if it is determined to be YES in S10, CPU32 identifies the number of stock CTGs for each color from the stock information associated with the printer's history information. Hereafter, the remaining ink information received here will be referred to as "target remaining ink information". The printer that sent the target remaining ink information will be referred to as "target printer".

[0032] In S12, CPU32 calculates the estimated date and time when each color of ink available for the target printer will run out. Hereafter, the estimated date and time of depletion will be referred to as "ED (Empty Date and Time)". Specifically, first, CPU32 identifies the serial number included in the target ink level information. Then, CPU32 uses the printer information, including the identified serial number, to calculate the ED for each color.

[0033] For example, consider a scenario where, in S10, remaining ink information including the serial number SN1 of printer 100A is received. In this case, CPU 32 first identifies the serial number SN1 from the remaining ink information and then identifies printer information PI1 which includes the serial number SN1. Next, CPU 32 identifies the history information HI1 contained in printer information PI1. Therefore, in this example, CPU 32 calculates the ED for each color (i.e., the four colors K, C, M, and Y) that printer 100A can use.

[0034] In S12, CPU32 first calculates the ED of each ink CTG currently installed in the target printer. Here, we will explain the method for calculating the ED of each ink CTG currently installed in printer 100A.

[0035] First, the CPU 32 identifies information indicating the history of a certain ink CTG from the identified history information HI1. For example, the CPU 32 identifies information indicating the history of CTG "K1" from the history information HI1. Then, the CPU 32 identifies the oldest date and time and the remaining amount associated with that oldest date and time from the identified information. Hereafter, the remaining amount associated with the oldest date and time will be referred to as "oldest remaining amount". Furthermore, the CPU 32 identifies the latest date and time and the remaining amount associated with that latest date and time from the identified information. Hereafter, the remaining amount associated with the latest date and time will be referred to as "latest remaining amount".

[0036] Next, CPU32 uses the latest date and time and latest remaining ink level, and the oldest date and time and oldest remaining ink level to calculate a prediction line corresponding to the ink CTG. The prediction line is a straight line on a coordinate plane where the date and time and remaining ink level are represented on the horizontal and vertical axes, respectively. First, CPU32 calculates the difference between the latest date and time and the oldest date and time. Next, CPU32 calculates the difference between the latest remaining ink level and the oldest remaining ink level. Then, CPU32 calculates the slope by dividing the latter difference by the former difference. Next, CPU32 calculates a straight line as the prediction line that passes through the point representing the latest date and time and the latest remaining ink level, and has the calculated slope. In other words, the prediction line is a straight line on the above coordinate plane that passes through two points: the point representing the oldest date and time and the oldest remaining ink level, and the point representing the latest date and time and the latest remaining ink level. Then, CPU32 calculates the date and time corresponding to 0% remaining ink level on the prediction line as the ED of the ink CTG. This allows the CPU 32 to use the history information HI1 to calculate the ED for the CTG "K1" of printer 100A. The CPU 32 also uses the history information HI1 to calculate the EDs for the other CTGs "C1", "M1", and "Y1" of printer 100A.

[0037] Next, the CPU 32 calculates the ED for each color based on the calculated ED for each ink CTG and the identified stock quantity for each color. For colors with a stock quantity of 0, the CPU 32 identifies the ED for the ink CTG of that color as the ED for that color.

[0038] On the other hand, CPU32 calculates the ED for colors with a stock quantity of 1 or more as follows. Hereinafter, each stocked ink CTG will be referred to as "first stock CTG," "second stock CTG," etc. For example, if the stock quantity of a certain color is 1, the user possesses the first stock CTG as the ink CTG for that color. Also, for example, if the stock quantity of a certain color is 2, the user possesses both the first stock CTG and the second stock CTG as the ink CTG for that color.

[0039] First, CPU32 uses the ED of an installed ink CTG of a color with a stock quantity of 1 or more as the start date and time for using the first stock CTG. CPU32 identifies (i.e., obtains) 100% as the remaining amount of the first stock CTG. CPU32 calculates a line that passes through the point indicating the start date and time for using the first stock CTG and the 100% remaining amount, and has the same slope as the predicted line for the installed ink CTG of that color, as the predicted line corresponding to the first stock CTG. Then, CPU32 calculates the date and time corresponding to 0% remaining amount on the predicted line of the first stock CTG as the ED of the first stock CTG. If the stock quantity is 1, CPU32 identifies the ED of the first stock CTG as the ED of that color. On the other hand, if the stock quantity is 2 or more, CPU32 uses the ED of the first stock CTG as the start date and time for using the second stock CTG and performs the same process as above. CPU32 repeats this process for the number of stocks to identify the ED of the color. In other words, in this embodiment, "ED for each color" represents the date and time when the ink of that color is expected to be completely depleted from the user's possession.

[0040] In S14, CPU32 determines whether the earliest ED among the calculated EDs for each color is within 10 days. That is, CPU32 determines whether the difference between the current date and time and the earliest ED is within 10 days. Hereafter, the color with the earliest ED will be referred to as the "earliest color". If the ED of the earliest color is within 10 days (YES in S14), CPU32 proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if the ED of the earliest color is not within 10 days (NO in S14), CPU32 returns to monitoring in S10. Note that "10 days" used here is just an example; a value less than 10 days or a value greater than 10 days may be used.

[0041] In S16, CPU32 adds information indicating the new ink CTG for the earliest color ink to the shipping information. The shipping information includes the address information included in the account information identified in S12, and the CTG information. The CTG information is, for example, the CTG model number. That is, in S16, CPU32 adds the CTG model number of the earliest color ink to the shipping information. Hereafter, the earliest color ink CTG currently installed in the target printer will be referred to as the "earliest installed CTG". The ink CTG that should be installed in the target printer as a replacement for the earliest installed CTG will be referred to as the "earliest new CTG".

[0042] In S18, CPU32 calculates the ED of the earliest new CTG. Specifically, CPU32 first uses the ED of the earliest installed CTG as the start date and time of use for the earliest new CTG. Next, CPU32 calculates a line that passes through the start date and time of use and the point indicating 100% remaining capacity for the earliest new CTG, and has the same slope as the prediction line corresponding to the earliest installed CTG, as the prediction line corresponding to the earliest new CTG. Then, CPU32 calculates the date and time corresponding to 0% remaining capacity on the prediction line of the earliest new CTG as the ED of the earliest new CTG. In particular, CPU32 identifies the ED of the earliest new CTG calculated here as the ED of the earliest color.

[0043] In S20, CPU32 identifies the color ED with the highest ink consumption per unit period among the ink CTGs other than the oldest installed CTG currently installed in the target printer and the newest CTG. Specifically, CPU32 first identifies the prediction line with the smallest slope (i.e., the largest absolute value) among the prediction lines corresponding to each of the above CTGs. Then, CPU32 identifies the color ED corresponding to the identified prediction line. Hereafter, the ED identified here will be referred to as the "minimum slope ED".

[0044] In S22, CPU32 determines whether there is a color that has an ED prior to the specified minimum slope ED and an ED prior to the end date of the contract for the flat-rate service. If there is a color that satisfies the above conditions (YES in S22), CPU32 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if there is no color that satisfies the above conditions (NO in S22), CPU32 proceeds to S30.

[0045] In S24, CPU32 adds information indicating a new ink CTG of the color determined to be YES in S22 to the shipping information. That is, CPU32 adds the CTG model number identifying the new ink CTG to the shipping information. If the shipping information already contains the CTG model number identifying the new ink CTG, server10 increments the information indicating the number of ink CTGs with that CTG model number to be shipped by 1.

[0046] In S26, CPU32 calculates the ED of the new ink CTG added to the shipping information in S24. The specific processing is the same as in S18. CPU32 identifies the ED of the new ink CTG calculated here as the ED of the corresponding color. Then, CPU32 uses the ED of the color identified here to execute the processing in S22 again.

[0047] In S30, CPU32 supplies shipping information to a shipping server (not shown). As described above, the shipping information includes address information and CTG information included in the account information identified in S12. The CTG information includes the CTG model number added in S16 and the CTG model number added in S24. As a result, the shipping server ships the ink CTG indicated by the CTG information to the user's address indicated by the address information. When processing in S30 is complete, CPU32 returns to monitoring S10.

[0048] (Case A; Figure 3) Next, we will explain a specific case A with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents the date and time, and the vertical axis represents the ink level of each CTG. For example, "K1," "C1," "M1," and "Y1" in Figure 3 are the predicted lines for the CTGs "K1," "C1," "M1," and "Y1" of printer 100A, respectively. In the initial state of case A, the user of printer 100A does not stock any ink CTGs.

[0049] Server 10 acquires remaining ink information from printer 100A at date and time D1 (YES in S10 of Figure 2). In this case, Server 10 calculates the ED for each color (S12). Specifically, Server 10 calculates the prediction line and ED for each of the four ink CTGs currently installed in printer 100A. In this case, since the user does not stock ink CTGs, the ED of each installed ink CTG is the ED for each color.

[0050] Server 10 determines whether the earliest ED among the calculated EDs for each color is within 10 days (S14). First, in this case, the color with the earliest ED (i.e., the earliest color) is K. The ED of CTG "K1" (i.e., the earliest installed CTG) is date and time D2. Server 10 then determines whether date and time D2 is before threshold TH1. Threshold TH1 is D1 + 10 days. In this case, date and time D2 is before threshold TH (YES in S14). In this case, Server 10 adds the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" (i.e., the CTG model number that identifies the earliest new CTG) to the shipping information (S16).

[0051] Next, server 10 calculates the ED of the new ink CTG (i.e., the newest CTG) which is a replacement for CTG "K1" (S18). In Figure 3, the point corresponding to 0% remaining amount of CTG "K1" and the point corresponding to 100% remaining amount of the new ink CTG are treated as the same. In subsequent processing, the ED of the newest CTG calculated here becomes the ED of K.

[0052] Next, server 10 identifies the minimum slope ED (S20). First, server 10 identifies the color corresponding to the prediction line with the minimum slope among the prediction lines of each color. In this case, the color with the minimum slope of the prediction line is K. Therefore, server 10 identifies the ED of K (i.e., the ED of the earliest new CTG). Hereafter, the ED of the earliest new CTG identified here will be referred to as threshold TH2.

[0053] Next, server 10 determines whether there are any colors that have an ED before threshold TH2 and an ED before the contract end date and time (EC) for the flat-rate service (S22). In this case, the ED for CTG "C1" is date and time D3, and the ED for CTG "Y1" is date and time D4. These dates and times D3 and D4 are before threshold TH2 and before the end date and time (EC). Therefore, server 10 adds the CTG model numbers that identify CTG "C1" and "Y1" to the shipping information (S24). Also, the ED for the new ink CTG K is date and time TH2, and date and time TH2 is before the end date and time (EC). At this stage, the shipping information has already stored the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1", so server 10 changes the information indicating the number of ink CTGs with that CTG model number to be shipped to 2 (S24).

[0054] Furthermore, server 10 calculates the ED for the new ink CTGs that are replacements for CTGs "C1" and "Y1", and for the new ink CTG that is a second replacement for CTG "K1" (i.e., new CTG2 in Figure 3) (S26). At this point, the EDs for K, C, and Y are the EDs calculated here. All of the EDs calculated here are below the threshold TH2 (NO in S22). Therefore, server 10 does not change the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped included in the shipping information.

[0055] Next, server 10 supplies shipping information to the shipping server, which includes the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1", the CTG model number identifying CTG "C1", and the CTG model number identifying CTG "Y1" (S30). In particular, this shipping information includes information indicating that two ink CTGs having the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" should be shipped. As a result, a total of four ink CTGs are shipped to the user. In particular, in this case, two ink CTGs of the color with the highest ink consumption per unit period, i.e., the color most frequently used by the user, can be shipped.

[0056] (Case B; Figure 4) Next, we will explain a specific case B with reference to Figure 4. In the initial state of case B, the user has one ink CTG containing Y ink in stock. The process is the same as in case A until the predicted line and ED are calculated for each of the four ink CTGs currently installed in printer 100A. For K, C, and M, the ED of the installed ink CTG is the ED for that color.

[0057] On the other hand, in Case B, the user has one Y ink CTG in stock (stock CTG in Figure 4). Therefore, Server 10 further calculates the ED of the stock CTG (S12). In this case, the ED of the stock CTG is the ED of Y.

[0058] Subsequently, the process is the same as in Case A until the CTG model numbers identifying CTG "K1" and "C1" are added to the shipping information. However, in Case B, the CTG model number identifying CTG "Y1" is not added to the shipping information because the ED of the stock CTG (i.e., the ED of Y) is after the threshold TH2. Therefore, in Case B, Server 10 supplies the shipping server with shipping information including the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" and the CTG model number identifying CTG "C1" (S30). In particular, this shipping information includes information indicating that two ink CTGs with the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" should be shipped. As a result, a total of three ink CTGs are shipped to the user.

[0059] (Case C; Figure 5) Next, we will explain a specific case C with reference to Figure 5. In case C, the contract termination date (EC) for the subscription service differs from that in case A. It is the same as case A until the CTG model numbers identifying CTG "K1" and "C1" are added to the shipping information.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, in Case C, the end-of-cycle (EC) is a date and time before the threshold TH2. In particular, the end-of-cycle (EC) is a date and time between date and time D3 and date and time D4. That is, date and time D4, which is the ED of Y, is a date and time after the end-of-cycle (EC). Similarly, date and time TH2, which is the ED of the new ink CTG that is a replacement for CTG "K1", is also a date and time after the end-of-cycle (EC). For this reason, in this case, server 10 does not add the CTG model number that identifies CTG "Y1" to the shipping information. Also, server 10 does not change the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped that have the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" to 2. That is, server 10 supplies the shipping server with shipping information that includes the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" and the CTG model number that identifies CTG "C1". As a result, a total of 2 ink CTGs are shipped to the user.

[0061] Thus, for colors where the End Date (ED) is after the End EC (Essential Contraction), new ink CTGs will not be shipped to the user. This is because the user can still perform printing within the contract period even without new ink CTGs being shipped. This prevents unnecessary ink CTGs from being shipped to the user.

[0062] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the above configuration, server 10 identifies two or more ink CTGs when the earliest ED is within 10 days (YES in S14). For example, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the ED for K is within 10 days. In this case, server 10 identifies the color with the highest ink consumption per unit period (i.e., K) and calculates the ED for that color (S20). Then, server 10 adds the CTG model number that identifies the ink CTG of the color with an ED prior to the said ED to the shipping information (S24). In this way, server 10 can ship two or more ink CTGs together to the shipping server. This reduces shipping costs. In particular, server 10 can ship new ink CTGs to the shipping server even if the ED is not within 10 days. Also, the number of times the user receives ink CTGs is reduced, improving user convenience.

[0063] (Correspondence) Server 10 is an example of a "control device" and a "server". Printer 100A is an example of a "printer". Ink level information is an example of "ink level related information". ED is an example of a "replacement timing". CTG "K1" is an example of a "first colorant cartridge". "10 days" is an example of a "first predetermined period". That is, ED being within 10 days from the present is an example of "satisfying the first predetermined condition". A new ink CTG that replaces CTG "K1" is an example of a "second colorant cartridge". An ink CTG of a color whose ED is before the threshold TH2 is an example of "one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies the second predetermined condition". In Case A, a total of four ink CTGs—two new ink CTGs that replace CTG "K1", a new ink CTG that replaces CTG "C1", and a new ink CTG that replaces CTG "Y1"—are examples of "two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped". The threshold TH2 is an example of the "timing for replacing the second colorant cartridge." The process of supplying shipping information to the shipping server is an example of "related processing."

[0064] The process in S10 of Figure 2 is an example of the process performed by the "acquisition unit" and the "receiving unit". The process in S12 is an example of the process performed by the "prediction unit". The processes in S16, S22, and S24 are examples of the process performed by the "specification unit". The process in S30 is an example of the process performed by the "related processing execution unit". The process in which the printer 100A sends remaining data information to the server 10 is an example of the process performed by the "transmission unit".

[0065] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the method for identifying ED, which is identified in S20, differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0066] (Processing by Server 10; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the process realized by the CPU 32 of server 10 executing program 36 will be explained. A detailed explanation of the process similar to that in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment as well, the same process as in S10 to S18 is executed first.

[0067] In S20, CPU32 identifies the color with the latest ED among all colors other than the color of the earliest installed CTG. That is, CPU32 identifies the ED with the largest difference from the current date and time among all colors other than the earliest color calculated in S12. Hereafter, the ED identified here will be referred to as the "latest ED". The processing from S22 onward is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the latest ED is used instead of the minimum slope ED.

[0068] (Specific case; Figure 6) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a specific case of the second embodiment will be explained. The process is the same as in Case A of the first embodiment until the ED of the new ink CTG, which is a replacement for CTG "K1", is calculated.

[0069] Server 10 identifies the color with the slowest ED among all colors except K (i.e., C, M, and Y) (S20). In this case, the color with the slowest ED is M. Hereafter, the ED of the identified CTG "M1" will be referred to as threshold TH3.

[0070] Next, server 10 determines whether there are any colors that have an ED prior to threshold TH3 and an ED prior to the contract end date and time (EC) for the flat-rate service (S22). In this case, the ED of CTG "C1" is date and time D3, the ED of the new K ink CTG is date and time D5, and the ED of CTG "Y1" is date and time D4. These dates and times D3 to D5 are prior to threshold TH3 and prior to the end date and time (EC). Also, the ED of CTG "M1" is date and time TH3, and date and time TH3 is prior to the end date and time (EC). Therefore, server 10 adds the CTG model numbers that identify CTG "C1", "M1", and "Y1" to the shipping information (S24). Furthermore, since the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" is already stored in the shipping information, server 10 changes the information indicating the number of ink CTGs with that CTG model number to be shipped to 2 (S24).

[0071] Furthermore, server 10 calculates the ED for each new ink CTG that is a replacement for CTG "C1", "M1", and "Y1", and for the new ink CTG that is a second replacement for CTG "K1" (i.e., new CTG2 in Figure 6) (S26). The ED for each color is the ED calculated here. All of the EDs calculated here are after the threshold TH3 (NO in S22). For this reason, server 10 does not change the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped included in the shipping information at this time.

[0072] Next, server 10 supplies shipping information to the shipping server, which includes a CTG model number identifying CTG "K1", a CTG model number identifying CTG "C1", a CTG model number identifying CTG "M1", and a CTG model number identifying CTG "Y1" (S30). In particular, the shipping information includes information indicating that two ink CTGs with the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" should be shipped. As a result, a total of five ink CTGs are shipped to the user. In particular, according to the configuration of this embodiment, at least one ink CTG of each color can be shipped to the user. In this embodiment, CTG "M1" is an example of a "second colorant cartridge". An example of "one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition" is an ink CTG of a color whose ED is before the threshold TH3.

[0073] (Third embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) Next, a third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 of the third embodiment comprises a server 10 and printers 100A and 100B. Each device 10, 100A, and 100B can communicate with each other via the internet 6. Printers 100A and 100B are owned by the same person. For example, printers 100A and 100B are installed within the same company.

[0074] (Configuration of Printer 100B) Printer 100B is configured similarly to printer 100A, except that it is a printer with the model name MN2 and is assigned the serial number SN2. The ink CTGs installed in printer 100B are referred to as CTG "K2", "C2", "M2", and "Y2", respectively, for ink CTGs corresponding to K, C, M, and Y.

[0075] Furthermore, the account information A1 stored in the memory 34 of the server 10 in the third embodiment includes two pieces of printer information PI1 and PI2 relating to two printers 100A and 100B. Printer information PI2 is information relating to printer 100B, identified by serial number SN2. Printer information PI2 includes the serial number SN2 of printer 100B, history information HI2, and stock information SI2. History information HI2 shows the history of the remaining ink levels of each ink CTG currently installed in printer 100B. Stock information SI2 shows the number of ink CTGs that are not installed in printer 100B among the dedicated CTGs for printer 100B owned by the user.

[0076] (Server processing; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the process realized by the CPU 32 of the server 10 executing program 36 will be explained. A detailed explanation of the process similar to that in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment as well, the same process as in S10 is executed first.

[0077] In S12, the CPU 32 calculates the ED (Emission Day) of each ink color available to the target printer. In this third embodiment, the CPU 32 calculates the ED for each color available to other printers owned by the user of the target printer, not just the target printer. Specifically, first, the CPU 32 identifies the serial number included in the target ink level information. Next, the CPU 32 identifies account information containing the identified serial number. Then, the CPU 32 uses the printer information included in the identified account information to calculate the ED for each color.

[0078] For example, consider a case where, in S10, remaining battery information including the serial number SN1 of printer 100A is received. In this case, the CPU 32 first identifies the serial number SN1 from the remaining battery information and then identifies account information A1 which includes the serial number SN1. The CPU 32 identifies the history information HI1 and HI2 contained in the two printer information PI1 and PI2 included in account information A1. Therefore, in this example, the CPU 32 calculates the ED for each color usable by printer 100A (i.e., K, C, M, Y) and each color usable by printer 100B (i.e., K, C, M, Y). In other words, the CPU 32 calculates the ED for eight colors. The method for calculating the ED for each color is the same as in the first embodiment. In this way, the CPU 32 can calculate the ED for each color usable by one or more printers owned by the user of the target printer. Furthermore, the processing in S14 to S30 thereafter is the same as the processing in S14 to S30 of the first embodiment.

[0079] (Specific case; Figure 7) Next, with reference to Figure 7, a specific case of the third embodiment will be explained. In Figure 7, "K2" is the prediction line for the CTG "K2" of printer 100B. In Figure 7, the prediction lines for the CTGs "C2", "M2", and "Y2" of printer 100B are omitted from the illustration. Also, in this case, the users of printers 100A and 100B do not stock ink CTGs.

[0080] Server 10 obtains remaining ink information from printer 100A at date and time D1 (YES in S10 of Figure 2). In this case, Server 10 calculates the ED for each color (S12). Specifically, Server 10 calculates the predicted line and ED for each of the four ink CTGs currently installed in printer 100A. Similarly, Server 10 calculates the predicted line and ED for each of the four ink CTGs currently installed in printer 100B. In other words, Server 10 calculates the ED for each of the eight ink CTGs. In this case, since the user does not stock ink CTGs, the ED of each installed ink CTG is the ED for each color.

[0081] Server 10 determines whether the earliest ED among the calculated EDs for each color is within 10 days (S14). First, in this case, the color with the earliest ED (i.e., the earliest color) is K, which is used in printer 100A. The ED for CTG "K1" is date and time D2, which is before threshold TH1 (YES in S14). In this case, Server 10 adds the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" (i.e., the CTG model number that identifies the earliest new CTG) to the shipping information (S16), and calculates the ED of the new ink CTG that is a replacement for CTG "K1" (i.e., the earliest new CTG) (S18). Also in this embodiment, the ED of K used in printer 100A (i.e., threshold TH2) is identified as the minimum slope ED (S20).

[0082] Next, server 10 determines whether there are any colors that have an ED before threshold TH2 and an ED before the contract end date (EC) for the flat-rate service (S22). In this case, in addition to dates and times D3, D4 and TH2, date and time D6, which is the ED for CTG "K2", is also determined to be before threshold TH2 and before the contract end date (YES in S22). Therefore, server 10 adds the CTG model numbers that identify CTG "C1" and "Y1", and the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K2", to the shipping information (S24). Also, server 10 changes the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped that have the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" to 2 (S24).

[0083] Furthermore, server 10 calculates the ED for the new ink CTGs that are replacements for CTGs "C1", "Y1", and "K2", and for the new ink CTG that is a second replacement for CTG "K1" (i.e., new CTG2 in Figure 7) (S26). All of the EDs calculated here are below the threshold TH2 (NO in S22). Therefore, server 10 does not change the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped included in the shipping information.

[0084] Next, server 10 supplies shipping information to the shipping server, which includes the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1", the CTG model number identifying CTG "C1", the CTG model number identifying CTG "Y1", and the CTG model number identifying CTG "K2" (S30). In particular, the shipping information includes information indicating that two ink CTGs with the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" should be shipped. As a result, a total of five ink CTGs are shipped to the user. Thus, according to the configuration of this embodiment, server 10 can collectively determine whether or not to ship ink CTGs for two or more printers owned by the same user. Printers 100A and 100B are examples of "printers" and "two or more printers". An ink CTG of a color whose ED is before the threshold TH2 is an example of "one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies the second predetermined condition".

[0085] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a new ink CTG of a color with an ED earlier than the end of the contract for the subscription service, and with a difference of 10 days or less from the end of the contract, is also shipped.

[0086] (Processing by Server 10; Figure 8) Referring to Figure 8, the process realized by the CPU 32 of the server 10 executing program 36 will be explained. In Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for processes that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their detailed explanation will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the same processes as in S10 to S26 are executed first.

[0087] In S128, CPU32 determines whether there is an ED color that satisfies predetermined conditions. In this case, the "predetermined conditions" include that the ED is earlier than the end date for the subscription service contract, and the difference between the ED and the end date is 10 days or less. Note that "10 days" used here is just an example; a value less than 10 days or a value greater than 10 days may be used. For each ED color that was determined to be NO in S22, CPU32 determines whether it satisfies the predetermined conditions. If there is an ED color that satisfies the predetermined conditions (YES in S128), CPU32 proceeds to S129. On the other hand, if there is no ED color that satisfies the predetermined conditions (NO in S129), CPU32 proceeds to S30.

[0088] In S129, CPU32 adds information indicating a new ink CTG of the color determined to be YES in S128 to the shipping information. That is, in S129, CPU32 adds the CTG model number identifying the new ink CTG to the shipping information. If the shipping information already includes the CTG model number identifying the new ink CTG, server10 increments the information indicating the number of ink CTGs with that CTG model number to be shipped by 1.

[0089] (Specific case; Figure 9) Next, with reference to Figure 9, a specific case of the fourth embodiment will be described. Up to the point where the server 10 adds the CTG model numbers that identify CTG "C1" and "Y1" to the shipping information, and changes the information indicating the number of ink CTGs to be shipped that have the CTG model number that identifies CTG "K1" to 2, the process is the same as in Case A of the first embodiment.

[0090] Server 10 determines whether there is a color whose ED is earlier than the end EC for the subscription service contract, and whether the difference between the ED and the end EC is within 10 days (S128 in Figure 8). In this case, the date and time D7, which is the ED for CTG "M1", is earlier than the end EC, and the difference between the ED and the end EC is within 10 days. Therefore, Server 10 adds the CTG model number identifying CTG "M1" to the shipping information (S129). As a result, Server 10 supplies shipping information to the shipping server that includes the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1", the CTG model number identifying CTG "C1", the CTG model number identifying CTG "M1", and the CTG model number identifying CTG "Y1" (S30). In particular, this shipping information includes information indicating that two ink CTGs with the CTG model number identifying CTG "K1" should be shipped. As a result, a total of five ink CTGs are shipped to the user.

[0091] Server 10 can have the ED send an ink CTG of a color close to the contract end date EC to the shipping server as an ink CTG that meets predetermined conditions. According to this embodiment, a reduction in shipping costs and an improvement in user convenience are achieved more effectively. The ED meeting predetermined conditions is an example of "the timing of replacing the colorant cartridge meeting the third predetermined condition." A new ink CTG that is a replacement for CTG "M1" is an example of a "new third colorant cartridge." 10 days is an example of a "third predetermined period."

[0092] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0093] (Modification 1) In the third embodiment described above, when the server 10 receives remaining ink information from the printer 100A, it calculates not only the ED of each ink color usable by the printer 100A, but also the ED of each ink color usable by the printer 100B. In the modification, when the server 10 receives remaining ink information from the printer 100A, it does not need to calculate the ED of each ink color usable by the printer 100B.

[0094] (Modification 2) In the third embodiment, the printer 100A may be a so-called monochrome printer that can only be equipped with, for example, a K ink CTG. In this case, the server 10 may calculate five EDs in S12 of Figure 2: the ED for the K ink usable by the printer 100A, and the EDs for the four colors of ink usable by the printer 100B. In this modification, five ink CTGs are an example of "multiple colorant cartridges". Also, one ink CTG installed in the printer 100A and four ink CTGs installed in the printer 100B are examples of "one or more colorant cartridges".

[0095] (Modification 3) The printer 100A, etc., may store the amount of ink used instead of the remaining amount. The printer 100A, etc., may also send usage information indicating the amount of ink used to the server 10 instead of the remaining amount information. The server 10 may calculate the ED based on the history of ink usage indicated by the usage information. In this modification, the usage information is an example of "remaining amount related information".

[0096] (Modification 4) In each of the above embodiments, the threshold TH1 is the current date and time D1 + 10 days, and is set in common for each ink CTG. In the modification, the threshold may be set to a different value for each ink CTG.

[0097] (Modification 5) Server 10 does not need to determine in S22 of Figure 2 whether there are any colors that have an ED earlier than the ED specified in S20 (i.e., the minimum slope ED or the slowest ED). For example, Server 10 may calculate a value by adding or subtracting a predetermined number of days (e.g., 5 days) to the ED specified in S20. Then, Server 10 may determine whether there are any colors that have an ED earlier than that value. In this modification, having an ED earlier than that value is an example of "satisfying the second predetermined condition".

[0098] (Modification 6) Server 10 does not need to determine in S22 of Figure 2 whether or not there is an ED prior to the contract end date. That is, Server 10 may determine in S22 whether or not there is a color that has an ED prior to the ED specified in S20. In this case, regardless of whether or not the ED of a certain color is prior to the contract end date, Server 10 may add a CTG model number that identifies a new ink CTG corresponding to that color to the shipping information if the ED of that color is prior to the ED specified in S20.

[0099] (Modification 7) In S128 of Figure 8, the server 10 may identify, for example, a color contained in an ink CTG whose predicted ink level at time TH2 is below a predetermined threshold as a color that satisfies the predetermined conditions of ED. In this modification, the fact that the ink level at time TH2 is below a predetermined threshold is an example of "the replacement timing satisfies the third predetermined condition".

[0100] (Modification 8) Instead of processing S12 in Figure 2, the server 10 may predict, for example, the date and time when the ink level of each color will reach a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10%). In this case, the server 10 may determine in S14, etc., whether the date and time when the ink level of the color expected to reach the predetermined threshold first is within 10 days. In another modification, the server 10 may omit processing S12. In this case, the server 10 may determine in S14, etc., whether there is a color whose ink level is below a predetermined threshold.

[0101] (Modification 9) In the above embodiment, the server 10 calculated the prediction line and ED using the oldest date and time and the oldest remaining amount, and the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount. In the modification, the prediction line and ED may be calculated by a different method. For example, the server 10 may identify all combinations of date and time and remaining amount from the history information. The server 10 may then calculate the prediction line using all or some of the above combinations. For example, if the history information contains N combinations of date and time and remaining amount, the server 10 may calculate (L-1) slopes using two adjacent date and time combinations. The server 10 may then calculate the prediction line as a line that has, for example, the average value of the (L-1) slopes as the slope, and passes through the point indicating the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount. In another modification, the server 10 may calculate the prediction line as a line that has, for example, the smallest slope among the (L-1) slopes as the slope, and passes through the point indicating the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount. Thus, the method for calculating the prediction line is not limited to the form of the above embodiment.

[0102] (Modification 10) In each of the above embodiments, the processes in Figure 2 or Figure 8 were executed by the server 10. In this modification, the processes in Figure 2 or Figure 8 may be executed by, for example, the printer 100A. For example, the printer 100A may execute the process in Figure 2 or Figure 8 at the timing when it should transmit the remaining amount information in the above embodiments. In this modification, the printer 100A is an example of a "control device". In another modification, the processes in Figure 2 or Figure 8 may be executed by, for example, a terminal device (not shown) different from the server 10 and printers 100A and 100B. In this modification, the terminal device is an example of a "control device".

[0103] (Modification 11) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 2 and 8 is implemented by software (e.g., program 36), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0104] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0105] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A computer program for a control device, The computer of the aforementioned control device comprises the following parts, namely: For each of the multiple colorant cartridges owned by the printer user, an acquisition unit acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in the said colorant cartridge, For each of the aforementioned plurality of colorant cartridges, a prediction unit predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge. When the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition, the identification unit identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, The two or more colorant cartridges subject to shipment are: A new first colorant cartridge, which is a replacement for the first colorant cartridge described above, Includes one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, The second colorant cartridge is a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge, and the specific part, A related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 2) The computer program described in item 1, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the first predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs within the first predetermined period from the present. (Item 3) The computer program described in item 1 or 2, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the second predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs before the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge. (Item 4) The replacement timing that satisfies the second set of conditions is a replacement timing that occurs before the end of the contract for the automatic delivery of colorant cartridges, as described in any one of items 1 to 3 of the computer program. (Item 5) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the second colorant cartridge is the colorant cartridge that consumes the most colorant per unit period among the multiple colorant cartridges excluding the first colorant cartridge and the new first colorant cartridge. (Item 6) The computer program described in any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the second colorant cartridge is the colorant cartridge that has the latest replacement timing among the multiple colorant cartridges, excluding the first colorant cartridge. (Item 7) The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the related processing execution unit executes the related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped and a new third colorant cartridge that is a replacement for a colorant cartridge having a replacement timing that satisfies the third predetermined condition, when the replacement timing of a colorant cartridge having a replacement timing that does not satisfy the second predetermined condition satisfies the third predetermined condition. (Item 8) The computer program described in item 7, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the third predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs before the end of the contract for automatic delivery of colorant cartridges, and the period until the end is within the third predetermined period. (Item 9) The acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount information of each of the multiple colorant cartridges owned by the user of two or more printers. Each of the two or more printers is fitted with two or more colorant cartridges, and the computer program is as described in any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) The prediction unit is a computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9, which predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant in the colorant cartridge becomes depleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Server, 16: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 100A, 100B: Printer

Claims

1. A computer program for a control device, The computer of the aforementioned control device comprises the following parts, namely: For each of the multiple colorant cartridges owned by the printer user, an acquisition unit acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in the said colorant cartridge, For each of the aforementioned plurality of colorant cartridges, a prediction unit predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge. When the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition, the identification unit identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped are: A new first colorant cartridge that replaces the first colorant cartridge, Includes one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, The second colorant cartridge is a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge, and the specific part, A related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, A computer program that functions as such.

2. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the first predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs within the first predetermined period from the present.

3. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the second predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs before the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge.

4. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the second predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs before the end of the contract for the automatic delivery of colorant cartridges.

5. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second colorant cartridge is the colorant cartridge that consumes the largest amount of colorant per unit period among the plurality of colorant cartridges excluding the first colorant cartridge and the new first colorant cartridge.

6. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second colorant cartridge is the colorant cartridge having the latest replacement timing among the plurality of colorant cartridges, excluding the first colorant cartridge.

7. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the related processing execution unit executes the related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped and a new third colorant cartridge that is a replacement for a colorant cartridge having an exchange timing that satisfies the third predetermined condition, when the exchange timing of a colorant cartridge having an exchange timing that does not satisfy the second predetermined condition satisfies the third predetermined condition.

8. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the replacement timing that satisfies the third predetermined condition is a replacement timing that occurs before the end of the contract for automatic delivery of colorant cartridges, and the period until the end is within the third predetermined period.

9. The acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount information of each of the multiple colorant cartridges owned by the user of two or more printers. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein each of the two or more printers is fitted with two or more colorant cartridges.

10. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the prediction unit predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant in the colorant cartridge becomes depleted.

11. A computer program for a control device, The computer of the aforementioned control device comprises the following parts, namely: An acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in each of several colorant cartridges owned by users of two or more printers, wherein each of the two or more printers is fitted with one or more colorant cartridges, and the acquisition unit For each of the aforementioned plurality of colorant cartridges, a prediction unit predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge. When the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition, the identification unit identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped are: A new first colorant cartridge that replaces the first colorant cartridge, Includes one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, The second colorant cartridge is a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge, and the specific part, A related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, A computer program that functions as such.

12. It is a communication system, Server and Equipped with a printer, The aforementioned printer is The printer includes a transmission unit that transmits information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in the colorant cartridge installed in the printer to the server. The aforementioned server, An acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in each of a plurality of colorant cartridges owned by the user of the printer, wherein the plurality of colorant cartridges include the colorant cartridge installed in the printer, For each of the aforementioned plurality of colorant cartridges, a prediction unit predicts the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge. When the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition, the identification unit identifies two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped are: A new first colorant cartridge that replaces the first colorant cartridge, Includes one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, The second colorant cartridge is a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge, and the specific part, A related processing execution unit that performs related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, A communication system equipped with these features.

13. A method performed by a control device, For each of the multiple colorant cartridges owned by the printer user, an acquisition process is performed to acquire information relating to the remaining amount of colorant contained in the said colorant cartridge. A prediction step for each of the aforementioned plurality of colorant cartridges, using the remaining amount information of the colorant cartridge, to predict the replacement timing, which is the timing at which the colorant cartridge should be replaced. In a process of identifying two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped when the replacement timing of the first colorant cartridge among the plurality of colorant cartridges satisfies a first predetermined condition, The two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped are: A new first colorant cartridge that replaces the first colorant cartridge, Includes one or more new colorant cartridges that replace one or more colorant cartridges having a replacement timing that satisfies a second predetermined condition, The second predetermined condition is a condition determined based on the replacement timing of the second colorant cartridge, The second colorant cartridge is a colorant cartridge having a later replacement timing than the first colorant cartridge, in the specific step, A related processing execution step which performs related processing related to shipping two or more colorant cartridges to be shipped, A method that includes [a certain feature].

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