Printers, methods, and programs

Abstract

This prevents printers that are eligible for a service that extends the warranty period for their functionality from becoming ineligible for that service. [Solution] The printer is equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring target information regarding the scope of a service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period of the printer from a management server operated by the printer's manufacturer, and an output means for outputting a notification to recommend that the user of the printer purchase a new consumable corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period when it is within a predetermined period since the printer was purchased, the printer is eligible for the service, and the remaining amount of recording material contained in the consumable installed in the printer is below a predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] To promote replacement of the recording agent of a printer such as ink or toner, a technology exists that notifies a user of information prompting replacement of the recording agent according to the remaining amount of the recording agent. Patent Document 1 discloses displaying a screen indicating that ink is low on a display at an appropriate timing when a user is using an automatic cartridge delivery service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The recording agents for printers include recording agents provided by the printer manufacturer and recording agents provided by manufacturers different from the printer manufacturer. Here, when a recording agent provided by the printer manufacturer is used, a service that extends the warranty period for the functions of this printer may be applied to the printer. However, in a printer that is eligible for the service with the extended warranty period, if a recording agent provided by a manufacturer different from the printer manufacturer is used, there is a risk that the printer will no longer be eligible for the service with the extended warranty period. The present invention aims to prevent a printer that is eligible for a service extending the warranty period for the printer's functions from becoming ineligible for the service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printer equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring target information regarding the scope of a service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period of the printer from a management server operated by the printer's manufacturer; and an output means for outputting a notification to the printer user recommending the purchase of a new consumable corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period when a predetermined period has passed since the printer was purchased, the printer is eligible for the service, and the remaining amount of recording material contained in the consumable equipped with the printer is below a predetermined threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent printers that are eligible for a service that extends the warranty period for printer functions from becoming ineligible for the service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram of the management system. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the printer. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the contract management server and the consumables management server. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the structure of contract information. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a consumables management table. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the acquisition process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the transmission process. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of notifying the remaining battery level. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the target screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the provisional target screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the exchange promotion screen. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the process for processing notifications of ineligibility. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing the notification screen for items that are not eligible. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the management system 100. The management system 100 is a system that manages information related to printers. The management system 100 comprises a printer 200, a contract management server 300 operated by the manufacturer of the printer 200, and a consumables management server 310. The printer 200, the contract management server 300, and the consumables management server 310 are all connected via a network 101.

[0009] The printer 200 has functions such as printing. Here, the printer 200 is equipped with consumables including a recording medium, and the recording medium is supplied from these consumables for printing. The printer 200 in this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints by consuming ink, which is an example of a recording medium supplied from an ink tank, which is a consumable. However, the printer 200 may also be an electrophotographic (laser beam) printer. If the printer 200 is an electrophotographic printer, the printer 200 achieves printing by consuming toner, which is an example of a recording medium supplied from a toner bottle, which is a consumable.

[0010] The contract management server 300 is a server that manages the contract for printer 200. The contract management server 300 stores information indicating the contract for printer 200. Furthermore, when the contract for printer 200 is renewed, the contract management server 300 updates the stored information to manage the contract for printer 200. In addition, the contract management server 300 sends information regarding the contract for printer 200 to printer 200 in response to a request from printer 200.

[0011] The consumable management server 310 is a server that manages consumables provided by the manufacturer of the printer 200. Note that the consumables provided by the manufacturer of the printer 200 may be hereinafter referred to as genuine products. In addition, consumables provided by other manufacturers different from the manufacturer of the printer 200, in other words, consumables different from genuine products, may be hereinafter referred to as non-genuine products. The consumable management server 310 stores information for identifying genuine products for each genuine product.

[0012] The type of the network 101 is not particularly limited as long as data transmission and reception are possible. Examples of the network 101 include the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), telephone lines, dedicated digital lines, ATM and frame relay lines, cable television lines, wireless lines for data broadcasting, and the like. In addition, the communication line used for data transmission and reception may be wired or wireless. Note that the number of printers 200 provided in the management system 100 may be any number. Further, the contract management server 300 and the consumable management server 310 may be provided in the management system 100 as a single server.

[0013] In the present embodiment, a predetermined period from the date when the printer 200 is purchased from the manufacturer of the printer 200 is defined as a period for guaranteeing the functions of the printer 200. The predetermined period from the date when the printer 200 is purchased from the manufacturer of the printer 200, which serves as the period for guaranteeing the functions of the printer 200, may be hereinafter referred to as the manufacturer warranty period. The manufacturer warranty period may be any period, but in the present embodiment, it is assumed to be one year.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there exists a service that extends the period for guaranteeing the functions of the printer 200 beyond the manufacturer warranty period. Hereinafter, the service that extends the period for guaranteeing the functions of the printer 200 beyond the manufacturer warranty period may be referred to as a period extension service. In addition, the guarantee period for the functions of the printer 200 extended by the period extension service may hereinafter be referred to as a guarantee extension period. The period extension service is applied only to the printer 200 in which genuine products are used. In the present embodiment, the use of genuine products in the printer 200 is one of the conditions for the period extension service to be applied to the printer 200. In other words, when a non-genuine product is used in the printer 200, the period extension service is no longer applied to the printer 200. The management system 100 manages the printers 200 that are eligible for the period extension service of the manufacturer warranty period. In addition, the management system 100 notifies the user of the printer 200 that is eligible for the period extension service to recommend the purchase of genuine products, thereby preventing the user from unintentionally purchasing consumables that would make the printer 200 ineligible for the period extension service.

[0015] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the printer 200. The printer 200 includes a CPU 201, a program memory 202, a data memory 203, a communication control unit 204, an input interface 205, an output interface 206, a display unit 207, a print engine 208, a non-volatile memory 209, and a RAM 210. The printer 200 further includes an ink tank connection unit 211 and an ink tank 400. The respective hardware components of the printer 200 described above are connected to each other via a CPU bus 220. The CPU 201 controls the entire printer 200. The program memory 202 stores control programs and embedded operating system programs executed by the CPU 201. The data memory 203 stores program control variables and the like. The data memory 203 also includes various work buffer areas used during processing by the print engine 208. The communication control unit 204 controls the transmission and reception of information to and from external devices via the communication line 230. The input interface 205 is an interface for receiving information input and operation instructions from the user. The input interface 205 can be a keyboard, buttons, touch panel, etc. The output interface 206 is an interface that controls the display unit 207 to display information and notify the status of the printer 200. The input interface 205 and the output interface 206 may be provided as an integrated unit, such as a touch panel. The display unit 207 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and displays information and notifies the status of the printer 200. Alternatively, a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numerical input keys, mode setting keys, OK keys, cancel keys, and power keys may be installed on the display unit 207 to accept user input via the display unit 207. The print engine 208 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using a recording material such as ink, based on the information stored in the data memory 203 and the received print job, and outputs the print result. The non-volatile memory 209 consists of devices such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory 209 is mainly used to store information such as printer 200 settings that need to be retained even when the printer 200 is not powered. The RAM 210 consists of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, which requires a backup power supply. The RAM 210 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 201, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from a PC, etc., and various other information.The ink tank connection unit 211 connects the printer 200 and the ink tank 400. The ink tank connection unit 211 receives a request to acquire information at any time and acquires information about the ink tank 400.

[0016] The ink tank 400 is filled with ink used as a recording medium for printing. The ink tank 400 is removable in the printer 200. The ink tank 400 also has a memory 410. The memory 410 stores identification information 411, remaining ink information 412, and capacity information 413. Identification information 411 is information that identifies the individual ink tank 400 assigned when it is manufactured, for example, a serial number. Remaining ink information 412 is information that indicates the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 400. Remaining ink information 412 may be expressed using units of volume, or it may be expressed in remaining ink levels divided by a predetermined threshold. Capacity information 413 is information that indicates the amount of ink that is filled in the ink tank 400 when it is unused (i.e., the capacity of the ink tank 400). Capacity information 413 is expressed in units of volume. The printer 200 may have one or more ink tanks 400.

[0017] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the contract management server 300 and the consumables management server 310. Note that when explaining the contract management server 300 and the consumables management server 310 without specific distinction, they may simply be referred to as "the server." The server comprises a CPU 303, ROM 304, RAM 305, external storage device 306, and communication unit 309. The CPU 303, ROM 304, RAM 305, external storage device 306, and communication unit 309 are connected to each other via an internal bus. The CPU 303 controls the entire server according to the control program stored in the ROM 304 and the contents of the RAM 305. The CPU 303 also controls the communication unit 309 to connect to networks such as the Internet and local area networks, and communicate with external devices. Furthermore, the CPU 303 reads and writes information to the external storage device 306. The external storage device 306 stores the operating system used by loading it into the RAM 305, the server control software, and information to be sent to the printer 200.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the structure of contract information 500. Contract information 500 is information related to the contract for printer 200. Contract information 500 is stored in the contract management server 300 for each printer 200. Contract information 500 includes delivery target information 501, extension target information 502, start date information 503, and end date information 504.

[0019] Delivery information 501 is information used to identify whether or not the ink tank 400 is eligible for the automatic ink delivery service. The automatic delivery service is a service in which, when the ink level in the ink tank 400 falls below a threshold, a new genuine ink tank 400 is delivered to the printer 200 user. The extension eligibility information 502 is information used to identify whether or not the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period. The start date information 503 shows the date on which the extended warranty period begins. End date information 504 shows the date on which the extended warranty period ends.

[0020] Furthermore, the contract information 500 for printer 200, which is not eligible for the extended service, does not include the start date information 503 and the end date information 504. The contract management server 300 sends contract information 500 to the printer 200 in response to a request from the printer 200. The printer 200 stores the acquired contract information 500 in the non-volatile memory 209.

[0021] Figure 5 shows the consumables management table. The consumables management table is used to manage the consumables for printer 200. A separate consumables management table is provided for each printer 200. The consumables management table is stored in the consumables management server 310. The consumables management table shows the "consumables," "identification information," "start date of use," and "genuine product" associated with each other.

[0022] Let's explain the contents of the consumables management table in detail. The name of the consumable item is indicated under "Consumables." The "Identification Information" section shows identification information 411 related to consumables (see Figure 2). The "Start Date" indicates the date on which the consumables were first used in printer 200. The date shown in "Start Date" means the date on which the consumables were first used in printer 200. A "-" in "Start Date" means that the consumables were not being used in printer 200. The "Genuine Part" section indicates whether the consumable is a genuine part or not. A "○" next to "Genuine Part" means the consumable is a genuine part. Conversely, a "×" next to "Genuine Part" means the consumable is a non-genuine part.

[0023] The CPU 201 of the printer 200 determines whether each consumable installed in the printer 200 has been used and the start date of its use at predetermined intervals. The CPU 201 then transmits information indicating the determination result, along with information indicating the name of the consumable and the identification information 411 of the consumable, to the consumable management server 310. The predetermined interval can be any time, but for example, it is one hour. The CPU 201 also compares the remaining amount information 412 and the capacity information 413 related to the consumable, and determines the start date of use for this consumable as the date to which the comparison was made when the remaining amount of the consumable first falls below the capacity of the consumable. The CPU 201 also determines that the consumable has not been used if the remaining amount of the consumable has not decreased below the capacity of the consumable.

[0024] The CPU 303 of the consumables management server 310 writes the "Consumable," "Identification Information," and "Start Date of Use" fields in the consumables management table for each consumable, based on the information received from the printer 200. Furthermore, if the CPU 303 receives information from the printer 200 indicating the latest identification results regarding the use status and start date of use for a consumable for which it has previously received information, it updates the "Start Date of Use" field in the consumables management table based on the received information. As mentioned above, the consumables management server 310 stores identification information 411 for each genuine product. The CPU 303 of the consumables management server 310 determines whether the consumable indicated in the "identification information 411" of the consumables management server 310 is a genuine product or not, and writes the result of the determination to "genuine product".

[0025] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the acquisition process. The acquisition process is the process by which the printer 200 acquires information regarding the printer 200's contract from the contract management server 300. In this embodiment, the acquisition process is started at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval can be any time, but for example, it is 1 hour. The CPU 201 of the printer 200 determines whether or not the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service (step 1001, sometimes referred to as "S" below). The CPU 201 performs the process in step 1001 by referring to the extension target information 502 contained in the contract information 500 stored in the non-volatile memory 209.

[0026] If printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service (No in S1001), the acquisition process ends. In this case, printer 200 will not acquire new contract information 500 from the contract management server 300. Furthermore, if the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service (Yes in S1001), the CPU 201 requests the latest contract information 500 from the contract management server 300 (S1002). At this time, the CPU 201 transmits information identifying the printer 200 along with the request. The request and transmission of information by the CPU 201 are performed via the communication control unit 204.

[0027] The CPU 201 determines whether or not it has obtained the contract information 500 requested from the contract management server 300 (S1003). The CPU 201 performs the processing in step 1003 depending on whether or not it has obtained the latest contract information 500 via the communication control unit 204. If CPU 201 obtains the requested contract information 500 (Yes in S1003), it updates the contents of the contract information 500 stored in non-volatile memory 209 to the latest contents based on the obtained contract information 500 (S1004). Furthermore, due to network 101 malfunctions or other issues, the latest contract information 500 may not be acquired by the printer 200 (No in S1003). In this case, the CPU 201 stores failure information indicating that it failed to acquire the latest contract information 500 in the non-volatile memory 209.

[0028] In addition, if the acquisition process ends while failure information is stored in the non-volatile memory 209, the latest contract information 500 may be acquired by the printer 200 in subsequent acquisition processes (Yes in S1003). In this case, the CPU 201 deletes the failure information stored in the non-volatile memory 209. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a non-genuine product is used in the printer 200 even once, the extended service period will no longer be applied to the printer 200. Therefore, after a negative result is obtained in step 1001 of the acquisition process (No in S1001), the CPU 201 may choose not to start the acquisition process even if the conditions for starting the acquisition process are met.

[0029] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transmission process. The transmission process is the process by which the contract management server 300 sends the latest contract information 500 to the printer 200. In this embodiment, when the contract management server 300 receives a request for the latest contract information 500 from the printer 200 (see S1002 in Figure 6), the transmission process starts. The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 identifies the printer 200 that is the source of the contract information 500 request (S2001). The CPU 303 identifies the requesting printer 200 based on the information identifying the printer 200 that was sent from the printer 200 along with the request for contract information 500. In the following, the printer 200 that is the source of the contract information 500 request may be referred to as the requesting printer 200.

[0030] The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 determines whether or not there is a history of non-genuine products being used in the requesting printer 200 (S2002). The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 requests the consumables management table for the requesting printer 200 from the consumables management server 310 and obtains the requested consumables management table. If the obtained consumables management table shows "○" for any consumable with a date indicated in "Start Date of Use", the CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 determines that there is no history of non-genuine products being used in the requesting printer 200. On the other hand, if the obtained consumables management table shows "×" for any consumable with a date indicated in "Start Date of Use", the CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 determines that there is a history of non-genuine products being used in the requesting printer 200.

[0031] If there is no history of non-genuine products being used on the requesting printer 200 (No in S2002), proceed to the next step. The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 determines whether the current time is within the manufacturer's warranty period from the date of the first print on the requesting printer 200 (S2003). The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 processes step 2003 by setting the earliest date shown in the "Start Date of Use" column of the consumables management table obtained in step 2002 as the date of the first print on the requesting printer 200.

[0032] If the current date is within the manufacturer's warranty period from the date of the first print on the requesting printer 200 (Yes in S2003), proceed to the next step. The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 determines whether the durability conditions are met (S2004). The durability conditions are defined conditions regarding the durability of the printer 200. The durability conditions are defined for the CPU 303 to determine whether the printer 200 is eligible for the extended warranty service. In this embodiment, the durability condition is defined as the cumulative number of pages printed by the printer 200 being less than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be any value, but for example, it may be defined as a threshold value that the manufacturer of the printer 200 guarantees for the durability of the printer 200 in terms of the number of pages printed. While printer 200 is within the manufacturer's warranty period, if the cumulative number of pages printed by printer 200 exceeds the threshold for guaranteed durability, the functionality of printer 200 may not be guaranteed. Therefore, in this embodiment, durability conditions are defined as the conditions under which the functionality of printer 200 is guaranteed.

[0033] In this embodiment, for example, the CPU 201 of the printer 200 transmits information indicating the cumulative number of pages printed by the printer 200 to the contract management server 300 via the communication control unit 204 at predetermined intervals. The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 performs the processing in step 2004 based on the information received from the printer 200.

[0034] If the durability conditions are met (Yes in S2004), the CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 identifies the requesting printer 200 as eligible for the extended service (S2005). Furthermore, a negative result may be obtained in any of steps 2002, 2003, or 2004 (No in S2002, No in S2003, or No in S2004). In this case, the CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 identifies that the requesting printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service (S2006).

[0035] The CPU 303 of the contract management server 300 sends the latest contract information 500 to the requesting printer 200 (S2007). The latest contract information 500 sent at this time includes extension target information 502 which shows information indicating the result identified in step 2005 or step 2006.

[0036] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining ink level notification process. The remaining ink level notification process is a process in which the printer 200 notifies the user that the remaining amount of consumables is low. In this embodiment, the remaining ink level notification process is started when the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 400 provided in the printer 200 falls below a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be any value, but for example, it is 30% of the capacity of the ink tank 400. The CPU 201 of the printer 200 determines whether the conditions for starting the remaining ink level notification process are met by comparing the remaining ink level information 412 and the capacity information 413 stored in the memory 411 of the ink tank 400.

[0037] The CPU 201 determines whether the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period (S3001). The CPU 201 performs the process in step 3001 by referring to the extension target information 502 stored in the non-volatile memory 209. If the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period (Yes in S3001), the CPU 201 determines whether the ink tank 400 is eligible for the automatic ink delivery service (S3002). The CPU 201 performs the process in step 3002 by referring to the delivery target information 501 stored in the non-volatile memory 209.

[0038] If printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service (No in S3002), CPU 201 determines whether or not it has already obtained the latest contract information 500 from the contract management server 300 (S3003). CPU 201 determines that it has not obtained the latest contract information 500 if failure information is stored in the non-volatile memory 209, and determines that it has obtained the latest contract information 500 if no failure information is stored.

[0039] If the printer 200 has already obtained the latest contract information 500 from the contract management server 300 (Yes in S3003), the process proceeds to the next step. The CPU 201 displays the target screen on the display unit 207 via the output interface 206 (S3004). As will be explained in more detail later, the target screen is a screen that prompts the user of the printer 200, which is subject to the extended service period, to replace the ink tank 400. Furthermore, if the printer 200 has not yet obtained the latest contract information 500 from the contract management server 300 (No in S3003), the CPU 201 displays the provisional target screen on the display unit 207 via the output interface 206 (S3005). As will be explained in more detail later, the provisional target screen is a screen that prompts users of printer 200, which have been provisionally determined to be eligible for the extended service period, to replace the ink tank 400.

[0040] Furthermore, if printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service period (No in S3001), or if printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period (Yes in S3002), the process proceeds to the next step. CPU 201 displays a replacement prompt screen on display unit 207 via output interface 206 (S3006). As will be explained in more detail later, the replacement prompt screen is a screen designed to encourage the user of printer 200 to replace the ink tank 400.

[0041] Note that the content of the remaining battery level notification process is not limited to the examples above. The ink level notification process may be started, for example, at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval can be any time, but for example, it may be 1 hour. Also, when the ink level notification process is started, the CPU 201 of the printer 200 may identify the remaining amount in each ink tank 400 and determine whether the identified remaining amount is less than or equal to a predetermined value. If the remaining amount in the ink tank 400 is greater than the predetermined value, the ink level notification process ends, and if the remaining amount in the ink tank 400 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the process from step 3001 may be performed.

[0042] Furthermore, the acquisition process described above (see Figure 6) may be performed during the remaining capacity notification process. More specifically, the acquisition process may be performed in step 3001 of the remaining capacity notification process. In this case, the acquisition process performed in step 3001 triggers a transmission process (see Figure 7) on the contract management server 300, and the latest contract information 500 is sent to the printer 200. The printer 200 then determines whether or not it is eligible for the extended contract service based on the acquired latest contract information 500 (S3001).

[0043] Figure 9 shows the target screen 600. The target screen 600 is displayed on the display unit 207 of the printer 200 as a result of the processing in step 3004 of the remaining battery level notification process (see Figure 8). The target screen 600 shows the remaining amount notification unit 601, the target notification unit 602, the promotion unit 603, and the period notification unit 604.

[0044] The ink level notification unit 601 notifies the user that the ink level in the ink tank 400 is low. In the illustrated example, the ink level notification unit 601 displays the text, "Ink level is low." The notification unit 602 notifies that the printer 200 is eligible for the extended warranty service. The notification unit 602 indicates that the printer 200 is eligible for the extended warranty service, along with the basis for this eligibility. In the illustrated example, the notification unit 602 displays the text, "This printer is eligible for the extended warranty service because it continues to use XXX ink." In this example, the notification unit 602 indicates that the continued use of genuine products in the printer 200 is the basis for the printer 200 being eligible for the extended warranty service.

[0045] The promotion unit 603 encourages the use of a new genuine product by replacing the ink tank 400. In the illustrated example, the promotion unit 603 displays the text, "We recommend replacing with an XXX ink cartridge." Note that "XXX" shown in the target notification unit 602 and the promotion unit 603 refers to the manufacturer name of the printer 200. The promotion unit 603 can also be interpreted as a notification recommending the purchase of genuine consumables to the user. The period notification unit 604 indicates the period of the extended service applicable to the printer 200.

[0046] Figure 10 shows the provisional target screen 610. The provisional target screen 610 is displayed on the display unit 207 of the printer 200 as a result of the processing in step 3005 of the remaining battery level notification process (see Figure 8). The provisional target screen 610 shows the remaining amount notification unit 601, the target notification unit 602, the provisional notification unit 605, the promotion unit 603, and the period notification unit 604.

[0047] The remaining amount notification unit 601, target notification unit 602, promotion unit 603, and period notification unit 604 shown on the provisional target screen 610 have the same content as the remaining amount notification unit 601, target notification unit 602, promotion unit 603, and period notification unit 604 shown on the target screen 600, respectively. The provisional notification unit 605 notifies that the content shown in the target notification unit 602 is provisional. In the illustrated example, the provisional notification unit 605 displays the text, "(Due to an unstable network, this information may not be up-to-date)."

[0048] Figure 11 shows the replacement prompt screen 620. The replacement prompt screen 620 is displayed on the display unit 207 of the printer 200 as a result of the processing in step 3006 of the remaining amount notification process (see Figure 8). The replacement prompt screen 620, the remaining amount notification unit 601, and the prompt unit 621 are shown. The remaining charge notification unit 601 shown on the replacement promotion screen 620 has the same content as the remaining charge notification unit 601 shown on the target screen 600 (see Figure 9).

[0049] The prompting unit 621 encourages the use of a new genuine product by replacing the ink tank 400. In the illustrated example, the prompting unit 621 displays the text, "Please prepare to replace the ink," and the text, "We recommend using XXX brand ink cartridges to ensure stable print quality." Furthermore, the replacement promotion screen 620 does not display any information indicating whether or not the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period, nor does it display any information indicating the conditions under which the printer 200 becomes eligible for the extended service period.

[0050] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the exclusion notification process. The exclusion notification process is the process of notifying the user that the printer 200, which was eligible for the extended service, will no longer be eligible for the extended service. In this embodiment, the exclusion notification process starts when an ink tank 400 is newly installed in the printer 200. In addition, the printer 200 is equipped with a sensor (not shown), and the exclusion notification process starts when the sensor detects the installation of the ink tank 400. The ink tank 400 that triggered the start of the exclusion notification process by being newly installed in the printer 200 may be referred to as the triggering ink tank 400 below.

[0051] The CPU 201 of the printer 200 obtains identification information 411 from the triggering ink tank 400 via the ink tank connection part 211 (step S4001). CPU 201 requests the consumables management server 310 to determine whether the trigger ink tank 400 is a genuine product (S4002). CPU 201 performs the processing in step 4002 by sending the identification information 411 of the trigger ink tank 400 to the consumables management server 310. The CPU 303 of the consumables management server 310 determines whether the ink tank 400 identified from the received identification information 411 is a genuine product and sends information indicating the result of the determination to the requesting printer 200. The information indicating the result of the determination sent from the consumables management server 310 is received by CPU 201 via the communication control unit 204.

[0052] CPU201 determines whether the ink tank 400 that triggered the process is a genuine product (S4003). If the trigger ink tank 400 is a genuine product (Yes in S4003), the exclusion notification process will end.

[0053] Furthermore, if the ink tank 400 that triggered the start is not a genuine product (No in S4003), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service (S4004). The CPU 201 performs the process in step 4004 by referring to the extension target information 502 of the contract information 500 stored in the non-volatile memory 209. If printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service period (No in S4004), the ineligibility notification process will end.

[0054] Furthermore, if printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period (Yes in S4004), CPU 201 displays an ineligibility notification screen on display unit 207 via output interface 206 (S4005). As will be explained in more detail later, the ineligibility notification screen is a screen that notifies the user that printer 200, which was previously eligible for the extended service period, is no longer eligible for the extended service period.

[0055] Figure 13 shows the exclusion notification screen 630. The exclusion notification screen 630 is displayed on the display unit 207 of the printer 200 as a result of the processing in step 4005 of the exclusion notification process (see Figure 12). The exclusion notification screen 630 shows the exclusion notification unit 631, the continuation condition notification unit 632, and the period notification unit 633.

[0056] The exclusion notification unit 631 notifies that printer 200, which was eligible for the extended warranty service, will no longer be eligible for the extended warranty service. The exclusion notification unit 631 shows information indicating that printer 200 is currently eligible for the extended warranty service, and the conditions under which printer 200 will no longer be eligible for the extended warranty service. In the illustrated example, the exclusion notification unit 631 shows the text: "This printer is eligible for the extended warranty service because it continues to use XXX ink cartridges, but using the installed ink will void the warranty."

[0057] The continuation condition notification unit 632 indicates the conditions under which the extended service will continue to apply to the printer 200. In the illustrated example, the continuation condition notification unit 632 displays the text, "If you wish to continue the service, please remove the ink cartridges immediately." The period notification section 633 shows the period of the extended service applicable to the printer 200. The period notification section 633 shown on the exclusion notification screen 630 has the same content as the period notification section 604 shown on the applicable screen 600 (see Figure 9).

[0058] Furthermore, the CPU 201 of the printer 200 may control the printer engine 208 not to operate when the non-eligible notification screen 630 is displayed on the display unit 207. In this case, it is prevented that the printer 200 will become ineligible for the extended service due to the user mistakenly instructing the printer to print and using a non-genuine ink tank 400 for printing. Also, if the non-eligible notification screen 630 is hidden by the user operating the printer 200, the CPU 201 may release the restriction on the operation of the print engine 208. In this case, if the user instructs the printer to print, the printer 200 will become ineligible for the extended service because a non-genuine ink tank 400 will be used for printing. The CPU 201 of the printer 200 then displays information on the display unit 207 indicating that the printer 200 is ineligible for the extended service.

[0059] Furthermore, non-genuine ink tanks 400 may not have identification information 411. Therefore, if the CPU 201 of the printer 200 cannot obtain identification information 411 from the ink tank 400, it may determine that the ink tank 400 that triggered the process is not a genuine product (No in S4003 in Figure 12).

[0060] Furthermore, if, during the exclusion notification process (see Figure 12), it is determined that the triggering ink tank 400 is not a genuine product (No in S4003 in Figure 12), the printer 200 may be excluded from the extended warranty service. In this case, the CPU 201 of the printer 200 may display information indicating that the printer 200 is excluded from the extended warranty service on the exclusion notification screen 630, instead of the exclusion notification unit 631, the continuation condition notification unit 632, and the period notification unit 633. The CPU 201 of the printer 200 may also indicate the reason why the printer 200 is excluded from the extended warranty service on the exclusion notification screen 630, such as "The printer is no longer eligible for the extended warranty service because a non-XXX ink cartridge has been installed."

[0061] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes that the acquisition process (see Figure 6) is performed at predetermined time intervals, it is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition process may be initiated at a specific time when the printer 200 connects to the contract management server 300 via the network 101. Alternatively, similar to the remaining ink level notification process (see Figure 8), the acquisition process may be initiated when the remaining ink level in the ink tank 400 falls below a predetermined value.

[0062] As described above, in this disclosure, the means for acquiring the printer 200 acquires information from the contract management server 300 regarding the eligibility for the extended warranty service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period for the printer 200. Examples of acquisition means include the CPU 201 and the communication control unit 204. Examples of eligibility information include contract information 500 and extension eligibility information 502. In cases where the printer 200 has been purchased within a predetermined period, the printer 200 is eligible for the extended warranty service, and the remaining amount of recording material in the consumables installed in the printer 200 is below a predetermined threshold, the output means of the printer 200 outputs a notification recommending that the user of the printer 200 purchase new consumables corresponding to the extended manufacturer's warranty period. The predetermined period is the manufacturer's warranty period. The output means include the CPU 201, output interface 206, and display unit 207. The predetermined threshold is, for example, the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 400, which is predetermined as the start condition for the remaining amount notification process (see Figure 8). New consumables corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period include genuine ink tanks 400 and genuine toner. The notification means include the target screen 600 (see Figure 9), the provisional target screen 610 (see Figure 10), and the acceleration unit 603. In this case, it is prevented that printer 200, which is eligible for the extended service, will be excluded from the extended service.

[0063] Furthermore, this disclosure explains that the target information is information indicating whether or not the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service. It also explains that an acquisition process (see Figure 6) may be performed during the notification process (see Figure 8). Specifically, the acquisition means for the printer 200 acquires the target information from the contract management server 300 when the remaining amount of recording material is below a threshold. In this case, if the remaining amount of recording material exceeds a threshold, the output of a notification based on the target information acquired by the acquisition means is suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, the printer acquisition method acquires new target information from the contract management server 300 if the remaining amount of recording material falls below a threshold after acquiring target information indicating that the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service. Conversely, if the remaining amount of recording material falls below a threshold after acquiring target information indicating that the printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service, the printer acquisition method does not acquire new target information from the contract management server 300. In this case, the processing load on the acquisition method is reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, when the printer 200 outputs a notification in the event that the target information is not acquired by the acquisition means, it also outputs information regarding the fact that the target information was not acquired. Examples of information regarding the fact that the target information was not acquired include the information shown in the provisional notification unit 605. In this case, the user will be aware that they are being recommended to purchase recording media to extend the warranty period, even though they have not obtained information regarding the scope of the extended warranty service.

[0066] Furthermore, the printer 200's output method restricts notification output if the new consumable is subject to a service where new consumables are delivered according to the remaining amount of the existing consumable. An example of such a service is an automated delivery service. In this case, it prevents users from feeling uncomfortable with being recommended to purchase recording materials that are covered by the automated delivery service.

[0067] Furthermore, when the printer 200 outputs a notification, it also outputs information indicating the extended manufacturer's warranty period. The information indicating the extended manufacturer's warranty period is shown in the period notification unit 604. In this case, the user will be aware of the extended manufacturer's warranty period that will be applied if the recommended recording medium is purchased as a result of the notification.

[0068] Furthermore, the printer 200's output means outputs information indicating that the printer 200 is no longer covered by the extended service when a consumable that is no longer covered by the extended service is installed in the printer 200. This information includes an exclusion notification screen 630. In this case, it becomes easier for the user to realize that printer 200 is no longer covered by the extended service because consumables that are no longer covered by the extended service have been installed in printer 200.

[0069] Furthermore, when the output means of the printer 200 outputs the information indicating that the printer is no longer subject to the target, it outputs information indicating the reason why the printer is no longer subject to the target. In this case, it becomes easier for users to understand why printer 200 is not eligible for the extended service.

[0070] Furthermore, the printer 200's output method may output information to the target screen 600 and the provisional target screen 610 indicating the conditions under which the printer 200 will be ineligible for the extended warranty service, such as "Using ink that is not manufactured by XXX will void your warranty." In this case, it is prevented that printer 200, which is eligible for the extended service, will be excluded from the extended service.

[0071] Furthermore, when the printer 200 outputs a notification, it also outputs information regarding the conditions under which the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service. This information regarding the conditions under which the printer 200 is eligible for the extended service includes the information shown in the notification unit 602 and the information shown in the promotion unit 603. In this case, the conditions under which printer 200 is eligible for the extended service period become easier for users to understand. Furthermore, the target screen 600 and the provisional target screen 610 may display text such as, "If you continue to use XXX ink, you will be eligible for the extended warranty service." This text can also be interpreted as information regarding the conditions under which the printer 200 is eligible for the extended warranty service.

[0072] Furthermore, when the printer 200 outputs a notification, it also outputs information regarding the basis for the printer 200 being eligible for the extended service. The information regarding the basis for the printer 200 being eligible for the extended service includes the information shown in the eligible notification unit 602. In this case, the conditions under which the extended service will continue to apply to printer 200 will be more easily understood by the user.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention also includes cases in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied directly from a recording medium or via wired / wireless communication to a system or device having a computer capable of executing the program, and the program is executed. Therefore, in order to realize the functional processing described above in relation to the present invention using a computer, the program code itself supplied to and installed on the computer also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. In this case, the form of the program is not limited as long as it has the functionality of a program, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS. As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used. Furthermore, as a method of supplying the program, a method can be considered in which a computer program forming the present invention is stored on a server on a computer network, and a connected client computer downloads the computer program and programs it. Furthermore, based on the instructions of the program code, an operating system or similar device running on the computer may perform some or all of the actual processing, thereby realizing each of the functions of the embodiment described above. In addition, the program code read from the storage medium may be written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of that program code, a CPU or similar device in that function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing. Even in this case, each of the functions of the embodiment described above will be realized.

[0074] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A printer equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, A means for obtaining information regarding the eligibility for the service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period for the printer, from a management server operated by the printer manufacturer. An output means for outputting a notification to recommend the user of the printer to purchase new consumables corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period, when the printer has been purchased within a predetermined period, the printer is covered by the service, and the remaining amount of recording material contained in the consumables installed in the printer is below a predetermined threshold, A printer equipped with [a specific feature / equipment]. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned target information is information indicating whether or not the printer is subject to the service, The acquisition means is a printer according to configuration 1, which acquires the target information from the management server when the remaining amount of the recording material is below the threshold. (Composition 3) The acquisition means is, After obtaining the target information indicating that the printer is subject to the service, if the remaining amount of the recording material falls below the threshold, the target information is newly obtained from the management server. The printer according to configuration 2, which, after obtaining the target information indicating that the printer is not covered by the service, does not obtain the target information from the management server if the remaining amount of the recording material falls below the threshold. (Composition 4) The output means is a printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the target information is not acquired by the acquisition means, the printer outputs information regarding the fact that the target information was not acquired. (Composition 5) The printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the output means restricts the output of the notification if the new consumable is subject to a service in which the new consumable is delivered according to the remaining amount of the consumable. (Composition 6) The output means is a printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, which, when outputting the notification, also outputs information indicating the extended manufacturer's warranty period. (Composition 7) The printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the output means outputs information indicating that the printer is no longer covered by the service when a consumable that is no longer covered by the service for which the manufacturer's warranty period is extended is installed in the printer. (Composition 8) The printer according to configuration 7, wherein the output means outputs information indicating the reason why the printer was excluded from the target when outputting the information indicating that the printer was excluded from the target. (Composition 9) The output means is a printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, which outputs information indicating the conditions under which the printer is excluded from the service. (Composition 10) The output means is a printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, which, when outputting the notification, also outputs information regarding the conditions under which the printer is subject to the service. (Composition 11) The output means is a printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, which, when outputting the notification, also outputs information relating to the basis on which the printer is subject to the service. (Composition 12) A method for controlling a printer equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, The process of obtaining information regarding the eligibility for the service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period for the printer from a management server operated by the printer manufacturer, The process of outputting a notification to the user of the printer recommending the purchase of new consumables corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period, provided that the printer has been purchased within a predetermined period, the printer is covered by the service, and the remaining amount of recording material in the consumables installed in the printer is below a predetermined threshold, A printer control method having the following features. (Composition 13) A program to cause a computer to function as a printer as described in any of configurations 1 through 11.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100...Management system, 102...Printer, 103...Information terminal

Claims

1. A printer equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, A means for obtaining information regarding the eligibility for the service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period for the printer, from a management server operated by the printer manufacturer. An output means for outputting a notification to recommend the user of the printer to purchase new consumables corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period, when the printer has been purchased within a predetermined period, the printer is covered by the service, and the remaining amount of recording material contained in the consumables installed in the printer is below a predetermined threshold, A printer equipped with [a specific feature / equipment].

2. The aforementioned target information is information indicating whether or not the printer is subject to the service, The printer according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the target information from the management server when the remaining amount of the recording material is below the threshold.

3. The acquisition means is, After obtaining the target information indicating that the printer is subject to the service, if the remaining amount of the recording material falls below the threshold, the target information is newly obtained from the management server. The printer according to claim 2, wherein, after obtaining the target information indicating that the printer is not covered by the service, if the remaining amount of the recording material falls below the threshold, the printer does not obtain the target information from the management server.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the output means outputs the notification in the event that the target information is not acquired by the acquisition means, it also outputs information regarding the fact that the target information was not acquired.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means restricts the output of the notification if the new consumable is subject to a service in which the new consumable is delivered according to the remaining amount of the consumable.

6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means also outputs information indicating the extended manufacturer's warranty period when outputting the notification.

7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs information indicating that the printer is no longer covered by the service when a consumable that is no longer covered by the service for which the manufacturer's warranty period is extended is installed in the printer.

8. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the output means outputs information indicating the reason why the printer was excluded from the target when outputting the information indicating that the printer was excluded from the target.

9. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs information indicating the conditions under which the printer is excluded from the service.

10. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means also outputs information regarding the conditions under which the printer is subject to the service when outputting the notification.

11. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output means also outputs information relating to the basis for which the printer is subject to the service when outputting the notification.

12. A method for controlling a printer equipped with a consumable that supplies recording material for printing, The process of obtaining information regarding the eligibility for the service that extends the manufacturer's warranty period for the printer from a management server operated by the printer manufacturer, The process of outputting a notification to the user of the printer recommending the purchase of new consumables corresponding to the extension of the manufacturer's warranty period, provided that the printer has been purchased within a predetermined period, the printer is covered by the service, and the remaining amount of recording material in the consumables installed in the printer is below a predetermined threshold, A printer control method having the following features.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as a printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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