Printing device and printing system

Abstract

To reduce the time lag from the conclusion of a contract until the start of printing based on contract terms.SOLUTION: A controller (80) of a printer (1) executes mode enabling processing of enabling a contract mode of the printer (1) with an enabling instruction from a server (9) as a trigger, and when a cartridge packed together is mounted on a main body housing in the mode enabling processing, subsequent to the mode enabling processing, executes state change processing of changing the printer (1) to a contract printing state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, flat-rate printing services have been widely provided to users of printing devices, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. A flat-rate printing service is a service that can be subscribed to for each printing device, and is also called a subscription service. For example, a flat-rate printing service is a service that allows printing up to a preset number of pages for a predetermined period of time for a fixed usage fee. An excess fee may be charged for usage that exceeds the amount specified in the contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-193592 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user applies for a flat-rate printing service, various information is sent and received between the service provider's server and the user's printing device. This is to allow the server to identify the printing device that is the subject of the contract, and also to allow the user's printing device to perform various settings related to the provision of the flat-rate printing service.

[0005] In conventional flat-rate printing services, after the server recognizes the printing device as a machine covered by the contract, the server provides the user with consumables dedicated to flat-rate printing as a flat-rate printing starter kit. However, in this case, there is a problem that there is a time lag between when the user concludes the contract and when the starter kit arrives at the user's hand and flat-rate printing becomes possible. This problem can occur not only for flat-rate printing, but also for printing based on contract conditions. Furthermore, regardless of the provision of a starter kit, if dedicated consumables are set for printing based on the contract, there can be a time lag between when the user concludes the contract and when they obtain the dedicated consumables.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the time lag between the conclusion of a contract and the start of printing based on the contract conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printing device of a first aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device capable of operating in a contract mode in which the printing device is recognized as a contract-target machine that is qualified to perform contract printing based on the terms of a contract with a business, and a normal mode in which the contract printing is not performed, the printing device comprising a main body housing, a communications interface for communicating with a server, and a controller, the main body housing being capable of mounting one or more consumables that are dedicated to the contract printing in the contract mode and are selected from a first type consumable and a second type consumable that is a consumable that can be used in both the contract mode and the normal mode of printing, the controller executes a mode activation process that activates the contract mode of the printing device in response to an activation instruction from the server, and if the second type consumable is mounted in the main body housing during the mode activation process, further executes a state change process following the mode activation process that changes the state of the printing device to a contract printing state in which the contract printing is possible.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a printing system of a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing system including a printing device of any one of the fifth to ninth aspects and the server, wherein the controller of the printing device sends the provision request to the server including type information indicating the type of consumable installed in the printing device, and the server includes a server control unit, and the server control unit executes an instruction sending process to send the activation instruction to the printing device, a request receiving process to receive the provision request from the printing device, and a consumable determination process to determine whether the second type consumable is installed in the printing device based on the type information, and if the second type consumable is not installed in the printing device, executes a provision instruction process to instruct the user of the printing device to provide the first type consumable, and if the second type consumable is installed in the printing device, does not execute the provision instruction process. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the printing device of the first aspect, by installing in the printing device a consumable item that can be used regardless of the mode of the printing device, the printing device can be set to a state in which contract printing is possible, along with activating the contract mode.

[0010] In other words, by installing the second type consumables in the printing device, the user can start contract printing without waiting for the first type consumables to arrive, thereby reducing the time lag between the conclusion of the contract and the start of contract printing based on the contract conditions.

[0011] According to the printing system of the tenth aspect, even if a request for supply is received, if a second type consumable is installed in the printing device, a replacement first type consumable is not sent to the user. This makes it possible to avoid providing an extra consumable when the user already has the consumable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of cartridge information. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow from contract conclusion to delivery of an initial contract cartridge in the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a mode status setting process in a printing device. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of shipping determination in the server. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow after the printing device 1 activates a contract mode in the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a consumable item determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [Embodiment 1] <Printing system overview> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a printing system 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the printing system 100 according to this embodiment includes a printing device 1, an ink cartridge 4, a server 9, and a user terminal 2. Note that the user terminal 2 is not an essential component of the printing system 100. Furthermore, the devices constituting the printing system 100 can communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0014] The printing device 1 is a printing device that can perform contract printing, which is printing based on the terms of a contract when a contract is concluded with a business operator. The server 9 is an external device that communicates with the printing device 1 via a network, and is an example of a management device that manages the printing device 1. In this embodiment, the server 9 is a server managed by the business operator.

[0015] In this disclosure, a contract is a contract concluded between a user of a printing device 1 and a business operator, whereby the business operator provides a specific service via a printing device 1 designated by the user. In other words, it can be said that the user concludes a contract for a certain printing device 1. It can also be said that the printing device 1 is the device that is the subject of the contract. Hereinafter, the printing device 1 designated by the user that is the subject of the contract will be referred to as the "contract subject machine."

[0016] When the contract is concluded, specific conditions (contract conditions) such as the service usage period, usage fee, and the maximum number of pages that can be printed using the service are decided upon. Note that these contract conditions may be changeable later. Also, the user may be able to register or change the printing device 1 as a machine covered by the contract at any time. "Registration" here may refer to either a new registration or the re-registration of a printing device 1 that was previously registered and for which the contract was cancelled.

[0017] In this embodiment, the service is, as an example, a flat-rate printing service. The flat-rate printing service is a service that allows "flat-rate printing," an example of contract printing, to be performed for a fixed usage fee specified in the contract conditions, as long as the usage period and maximum number of pages are within the range specified in the contract conditions. The details of the flat-rate printing service may be determined as appropriate, but for example, the flat-rate printing service may provide the user with consumables and / or replacements used in the flat-rate printing at a fixed price, as long as the usage period and maximum number of pages are not exceeded.

[0018] In addition, in flat-rate printing services, the timing of (1) and (2) below may be different.

[0019] (1) Timing at which the server 9 recognizes the printing device 1 as a machine covered by the contract (2) The timing at which the server 9 determines that the flat-rate printing service has started on the printing device 1 That is, in a flat-rate printing service, the server 9 may recognize the printing device 1 as "a machine covered by a contract, but the flat-rate printing service has not yet been used." Note that "use of the flat-rate printing service has begun" in (2) simply means "use of the service has begun," and is not related to whether flat-rate printing has actually been performed or not.

[0020] Furthermore, if the flat-rate printing service is a paid service, the timing of (2) may be considered to be synonymous with "the timing at which charging for the flat-rate printing service related to the printing device 1 begins." In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the flat-rate printing service is considered to be a paid service. Therefore, the timing of (2) is considered to be the timing at which charging begins.

[0021] The printing device 1 is not particularly limited in its specific type, so long as it is a device that can accommodate consumables such as ink cartridges or toner cartridges and has a function for executing printing using the consumables and a communication function. For example, the printing device 1 may be an inkjet printer or a laser printer. Alternatively, the printing device 1 may be an MFP (Multi Function Printer) that also has other functions such as a scanner or a facsimile.

[0022] In this embodiment, as an example, the printing device 1 is an inkjet printer that prints data on printing paper by ejecting ink. One or more ink cartridges are attached to the main body of the printing device 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the printing device 1 is equipped with ink cartridges of four colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK). Although not shown, the printing device 1 may be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or lamp, and an input unit such as buttons. The liquid crystal display may be configured to function as an input unit by being integrated with a touch panel.

[0023] The server 9 is a management device that manages one or more printing devices 1. In the example of Fig. 2, the server 9 is connected to only one printing device 1, but the server 9 may be connected to multiple printing devices 1 for communication.

[0024] The server 9 used by the business communicates with the printing device 1 via a communication network and cooperates with the printing device 1 to complete a series of information processing steps related to the contract procedure. Hereinafter, the series of information processing steps related to the contract procedure will be referred to as contract-related processing. This allows the server 9 to recognize the printing device 1 as a machine covered by the contract, and ultimately, the printing device 1 is recognized as a machine covered by the contract on the printing system 100.

[0025] In this embodiment, as an example, the server 9, upon recognizing the printing device 1 as a machine covered by the contract, decides to provide the user with contract-specific consumables designated by the business. The method of providing the consumables from the business to the user is not particularly limited. For example, the business may send the user consumables dedicated to fixed-rate printing by mail. The user installs the provided consumables dedicated to fixed-rate printing in the printing device 1. This enables the printing device 1 to execute fixed-rate printing.

[0026] <Internal structure> (ink cartridge 4) The ink cartridge 4 has a cartridge memory 42. The cartridge memory 42 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The cartridge memory 42 is, for example, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0027] The cartridge memory 42 has a first area 421, a second area 422, and a third area 423 to store information related to the ink cartridge 4. The first area 421 stores a cartridge ID. The second area 422 stores a cartridge type. The third area 423 stores the remaining ink amount. The third area may be rewritable data. Note that the areas for storing the cartridge ID and the remaining ink amount may be omitted as appropriate in this disclosure.

[0028] The cartridge ID is, for example, a unique serial number for identifying each individual ink cartridge 4. The cartridge ID may include information indicating the color of ink, the model number, the manufacturer, and the production lot of the ink cartridge.

[0029] The cartridge type is information that indicates the type of the ink cartridge 4. In this embodiment, at least three types of types of ink cartridge 4 can be set: "contract", "packaged", and "commercially available".

[0030] An ink cartridge for which the type "contract" is stored in the second area 422 is an ink cartridge dedicated to fixed-rate printing. In the following, this type of ink cartridge is referred to as a contract cartridge (first type consumable). In this embodiment, the contract cartridge is shipped to the user by the fixed-rate printing service provider. Also, in this embodiment, the initial shipment of the contract cartridge may be triggered by the printing device 1 entering contract mode after the contract has been concluded.

[0031] An ink cartridge with the type "bundled" stored in the second area 422 is an ink cartridge that is delivered with a new printing device 1 when the printing device 1 is delivered, such as after being purchased by a user. Hereinafter, this type of ink cartridge will be referred to as a bundled cartridge (second type consumable). A bundled cartridge is a consumable that can be used for both normal printing and fixed-rate printing. A bundled cartridge may also be an ink cartridge 4 that is used when filling the printing device 1 with ink for the first time (initial filling) when preparing the printing device 1 for use (for example, the initial operation until a new printing device 1 is ready to print).

[0032] It should be noted that the bundled cartridges do not have to be physically packaged with the printing device 1, so long as they are available to the user at the time of purchasing the printing device 1. Additionally, the bundled cartridges may contain less ink than contract and / or commercially available cartridges.

[0033] More specifically, the bundled cartridge is a cartridge that can activate the contract mode of the printing device 1, just like a commercially available cartridge, when it is installed in the printing device 1 in the normal mode. Also, the bundled cartridge is a consumable item that allows contract printing, just like a contract cartridge, when it is installed in the printing device 1 in the contract mode.

[0034] Ink cartridges for which the type "commercially available" is stored in the second area 422 are commercially available ink cartridges that can be purchased from electronics retailers or mail-order sites. Hereinafter, this type of ink cartridge will be referred to as a commercially available cartridge (third-class consumables). A commercially available cartridge may be a so-called genuine product manufactured by the manufacturer of the printing device 1, or a so-called compatible consumable product manufactured by a third party other than the manufacturer.

[0035] The printing device 1 can perform fixed-price printing when the contract mode (described later) of the printing device 1 is enabled and the cartridge installed in the printing device 1 is a contract cartridge or a bundled cartridge. In other words, the printing device 1 cannot perform contract printing when a commercially available cartridge is installed. Contract cartridges are provided by businesses to users who have concluded a contract for the printing device 1. There are no particular limitations on the method of providing contract cartridges to users. As an example, in this embodiment, the shipping server that receives instructions from server 9 will ship the contract cartridge to the user's address that has been registered in advance.

[0036] In this embodiment, a set of contract cartridges to be used by a printing device 1 that has become a newly contracted machine is referred to as an “initial contract cartridge.” In other words, an initial contract cartridge is a contract cartridge to be used initially for fixed-price printing.

[0037] The remaining ink amount is information that indicates the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 4. As an example, the remaining ink amount is made up of values ​​corresponding to a number of stages from full to empty, and these values ​​are stored in the third area 423. Based on the aforementioned values, each stage of the remaining ink amount may be notified to the user in words such as "FULL" to "EMPTY", or may be notified to the user as a numerical value such as "100%" to "0%", or may be notified to the user by a combination of these expressions.

[0038] The main body housing of the printing device 1 has a connector 101. When the ink cartridge 4 is attached to the main body housing of the printing device 1, the connector 101 is electrically connected to the cartridge memory 42. This enables the controller 80 of the printing device 1 to communicate with the cartridge memory 42 of the ink cartridge 4.

[0039] (Printing device 1) The printing device 1 has a controller 80, a communication interface 81, and a main body memory 82. The controller 80 has, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 80 is electrically connected to the main body memory 82 and the communication interface 81, which are provided in the main body housing of the printing device 1. The controller 80 executes various operations to cause the printing device 1 to perform various processes related to printing.

[0040] The controller 80 may also execute a communication monitoring process to monitor the communication state between the printing device 1 and the server 9. This communication monitoring process may be executed periodically while the printing device 1 is powered on, regardless of other processes in the printing device 1.

[0041] The controller 80 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this case, a control program for implementing a control method for the printing device may be stored in the main body memory 82, and the controller 80 may cause the printing device 1 to perform various processes by the processor operating according to the control program.

[0042] The controller 80 may also include a computer-readable recording medium such as a main memory 82 that stores a control program. As the recording medium, a non-transitory tangible medium such as a ROM, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, etc. may be used. A random access memory (RAM) for expanding the control program may also be used. The control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the control program. Note that one aspect of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the control program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0043] When the ink cartridge 4 is installed in the printing device 1, the ink cartridge 4 is electrically connected to the controller 80, as shown in Fig. 1. This enables the controller 80 to execute a process of reading information from the cartridge memory 42 and a process of writing information to the cartridge memory 42 (including a rewriting process).

[0044] The main memory 82 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The main memory 82 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark). The main memory 82 has, for example, seven areas from area 821 to area 827, and specifically, the following various types of information are stored in each area.

[0045] Cartridge information is stored in area 821. The cartridge information is information relating to the ink cartridges 4 of each color that are installed in the printing device 1. Specifically, the cartridge information includes information that associates, for each ink cartridge 4, the cartridge ID, cartridge type, and remaining amount of ink that are read from each cartridge memory 42.

[0046] 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of cartridge information stored in area 821. As an example, the cartridge information has a column of cartridge ID, a column of cartridge type, and a column of remaining ink amount for each row of ink cartridges 4 of each color.

[0047] The controller 80 can read the cartridge information from the area 821 and grasp the installation status of the ink cartridge 4 in the printing device 1. Then, in the above-mentioned determination process, the controller 80 can determine whether or not to activate the contract mode based on the grasped installation status.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the value "No Cartridge" is stored in each column of the cyan row. This allows the controller 80 to determine that the cyan ink cartridge 4 is not installed in the printing device 1. In the illustrated example, the cartridge type columns store the values ​​"bundled", "commercially available", and "contracted" for black, magenta, and yellow, respectively, in that order. This allows the controller 80 to determine that the black ink cartridge 4 currently installed in the printing device 1 is a bundled cartridge, the magenta ink cartridge 4 is a commercially available cartridge, and the yellow ink cartridge 4 is a contracted cartridge. The controller 80 can also determine the remaining ink level of the ink cartridges 4 of each color based on the remaining ink level column.

[0049] In this embodiment, the controller 80 references the cartridge information to determine whether or not to activate the contract mode, depending on the installation status of the ink cartridge 4 in the printing device 1. The contract mode will be described in detail later.

[0050] A specific example of the cartridge information to which the controller 80 refers will be described in detail later with reference to a separate drawing.

[0051] The device ID is stored in area 822. The device ID is identification information for identifying the printing device 1. The device ID is, for example, the serial number of the printing device.

[0052] Area 823 stores mode information. The mode information is information that indicates the operation mode of the printing device 1. In this embodiment, as an example, two types of modes are defined: a "contract mode" and a "normal mode" that means that the printing device 1 operates as a normal printing device, not as a contracted machine.

[0053] (Mode Information) "Contract mode" is one of the operating modes of the printing device 1, and is an operating mode in which the printing device 1 is recognized by the server 9 as a contract machine that is qualified to perform contract printing based on a contract. "Normal mode" is one of the operating modes of the printing device 1, and is an operating mode in which contract printing is not performed. Note that when the printing device 1 is in normal mode, the printing device 1 is not recognized by the server 9 as a contract machine. The printing device 1 of this embodiment can operate in either contract mode or normal mode, and operates in either one of the modes.

[0054] In normal mode, the printing device 1 executes normal printing, not contract printing. Normal printing is printing that uses commercially available cartridges, and when ink runs out due to printing, the user purchases a new commercially available cartridge to replenish the ink. In other words, normal printing is printing in which the purchase cost of commercially available cartridges is incurred depending on the amount of printing. In this embodiment, "normal printing" is also simply referred to as "printing."

[0055] When the printing device 1 is shipped, a value corresponding to the normal mode is stored in the area 823 by default. The server 9 transmits an activation instruction to the printing device 1 specified by the user when the contract was concluded, instructing the activation of the contract mode. The activation instruction from the server 9 triggers the controller 80 to set the value of the area 823 to a value corresponding to the contract mode. In this embodiment, "activating the contract mode of the printing device 1" means that the controller 80 sets the value of the area 823 to a value corresponding to the contract mode.

[0056] The controller 80 may cancel the activation of the contract mode when a certain condition is satisfied. That is, the controller 80 may return the mode information to a value corresponding to the normal mode. For example, when the controller 80 receives an instruction to end the contract mode from the server 9, the controller 80 may return the mode of the printing device 1 to the normal mode.

[0057] (Status Information) Status information is stored in area 824. Status information is information indicating whether or not a contract is applied to the printing device 1. In this embodiment, two types of status information are defined: "before charging", which is a state in which application of the contract has not started, and "after charging", which is a state in which application of the contract has started. When the printing device 1 is shipped, a value corresponding to "before charging" is stored as an initial value in area 824. The controller 80 can rewrite the value of the status information in area 824. In this embodiment, "changing the status of the printing device 1" means that the controller 80 changes the value in area 824.

[0058] (Mode information and status information and the state of printer 1) The state of the printing device 1 is defined by a combination of mode information and status information. When the mode information indicates "normal mode," the printing device 1 is not recognized as a machine covered by the contract, regardless of the status information, and fixed-rate printing is not possible.

[0059] Also, when the mode information is "contract mode" and the status information is "pre-billing", the printing device 1 is recognized as a machine subject to a contract, but billing has not yet started. In this embodiment, if only a commercially available cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 at the time when the server 9 instructs the printing device 1 to activate the contract mode, the printing device 1 is in the "contract mode" and "pre-billing". In other words, the state in which the printing device 1 is in the "contract mode" and "pre-billing" can be said to be a state in which the printing device 1 is waiting for the commercially available cartridge installed in the main body housing to be replaced with at least one of the contract cartridge and the bundled cartridge. Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the printing device 1 is in the "contract mode" and "pre-billing" is also referred to as a "replacement standby state".

[0060] Furthermore, when the mode information is "contract mode" and the status information is "after billing," the printing device 1 is a contract machine and billing has begun. In other words, this state can be said to be a state in which the printing device 1 is capable of contract printing. In this embodiment, the state in which the printing device 1 is in "contract mode" and "after billing" is also referred to as the "contract printing state."

[0061] Note that the printing device 1 may be capable of performing printing other than contract printing even when in the contract printing state. For example, when the printing device 1 is in the contract printing state, the bundled cartridge or contract cartridge installed in the printing device 1 is removed and a commercially available cartridge is installed. In this case, the printing device 1 may perform normal printing that can be performed using a commercially available cartridge while remaining in a state recognized by the server 9 as a contracted machine (i.e., in the contract printing state). Also, the printing device 1 may be capable of performing printing other than contract printing when in a replacement standby state. For example, when the printing device 1 is in a replacement standby state, the printing device 1 may perform normal printing that can be performed using a commercially available cartridge installed in the printing device 1.

[0062] The communication status is stored in the area 825. The communication status is information indicating the communication state between the printing device 1 and the server 9. The communication status may be information indicating whether the printing device 1 is online or offline. When the communication interface 81 is connected to a communication network and can communicate with an external device, a value indicating that the printing device 1 is online is stored in the area 825 as the communication status. On the other hand, when the communication interface 81 is not connected to a communication network and cannot communicate with an external device, a value indicating that the printing device 1 is offline is stored in the area 825 as the communication status. In another example, the controller 80 may monitor the communication status with the server 9 via the communication interface 81 according to a known communication protocol. In this case, the controller 80 may distinguish a state in which the printing device 1 cannot communicate with the server 9 due to a problem on the server 9 side from the above-mentioned online and offline, and store another value indicating the relevant state in the area 825.

[0063] A first number counter is stored in the area 826. The first number counter is the cumulative total of the number of printed sheets printed by the printing device 1. That is, the value of the first number counter is the cumulative total of the number of printed sheets printed by normal printing and the number of printed sheets printed by fixed-rate printing. A second number counter is stored in the area 827. The second number counter indicates the number of printed sheets printed by fixed-rate printing by the printing device 1. The second number counter may be reset to 0 each time the printing device 1 activates the contract mode from the non-contract mode, or may be the cumulative total of the number of printed sheets printed by fixed-rate printing by the printing device 1 up to now. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the value of the second number counter is the cumulative total of the number of printed sheets printed by fixed-rate printing up to now.

[0064] The main body memory 82 may have an area for storing, in addition to the information described above, for example, the total number of pages printed by the printing device 1.

[0065] The communication interface 81 communicates between the printing device 1 and the server 9 via a communication network (not shown), such as the Internet. The communication interface 81 outputs a request received from the server 9 to the controller 80. Here, the "request" refers to various requests, instructions, inquiries, etc. transmitted from the server 9 in contract-related processing. The communication interface 81 returns the result of the calculation and output by the controller 80 in response to the request to the server 9 as a "response." In this embodiment, the response returned by the communication interface 81 may be omitted. For example, if the request is an instruction to change various settings in the printing device 1, the controller 80 changes various settings in the printing device 1 according to the instruction. However, the return of a notification that the settings have been changed to the server 9 via the communication interface 81 may be omitted.

[0066] (Server 9) The server 9 includes a server communication unit 91, a server memory 92, and a server control unit 93. The server communication unit 91 is a communication interface that communicates between the server 9 and the printing device 1. The server communication unit 91 transmits a request input from the server control unit 93 to the printing device 1. The server communication unit 91 receives a response sent from the printing device 1 in response to the transmitted request, and outputs the response to the server control unit 93.

[0067] The server communication unit 91 also communicates with a user terminal 2 operated by a user of the printing device 1, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 2. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 91 exchanges various information required for concluding a contract with the user terminal 2. Specifically, the server communication unit 91 may receive a contract request message requesting the conclusion of a contract from the user terminal 2. This contract request message may include a device ID that identifies the printing device 1. After the server control unit 93 executes contract-related processing in response to this contract request message, the server communication unit 91 may transmit a notification to the user terminal 2 that the printing device 1 has been recognized as a machine subject to the contract.

[0068] The server memory 92 is a storage device that stores data necessary for the operation of the server 9. The server memory 92 has an area 921 that stores device information for each printing device 1. The device information is data that compiles various information related to the printing device 1. The device information is created for each printing device 1. The device information may include, for example, a device ID, a contract flag, a start flag, a contract upper limit number of sheets, a second number counter, and a fixed-rate printing number of sheets. The device information may also include, for example, the model number of the printing device 1, the manufacturing date, etc.

[0069] The device ID is identification information that allows the server 9 to uniquely identify the printing device 1. The contract flag is information that indicates whether the printing device 1 has enabled the contract mode, that is, whether the printing device 1 has been recognized as a contract machine.

[0070] The start flag is information that indicates whether or not the flat-rate printing service has been started on the printing device 1. In this embodiment, the start flag is also information that indicates whether or not charging for the printing device 1 has been started. The initial value of the start flag is set to a value that means "not yet." The start flag "not yet" means that the flat-rate printing service has not yet been started on the printing device 1.

[0071] When the server control unit 93 of the server 9 is notified by the controller 80 of the printing device 1 that the flat-rate printing service has started on the printing device 1, it sets the start flag from "Not yet" to a value indicating "Completed." The "Completed" start flag means that the flat-rate printing service has started on the printing device 1.

[0072] The contract upper limit number of sheets is the upper limit number of sheets that the printing device 1 can print for the fixed-rate printing during a specified period of time as determined by the contract. The second number counter is information that is synonymous with the second number counter in the printing device 1. The fixed-rate printing number is information that indicates the number of printed sheets that have been printed using the fixed-rate printing service since the printing device 1 started the fixed-rate printing service. Note that if a user cancels a contract with the printing device 1 and then re-contracts, the fixed-rate printing number indicates the number of printed sheets that have been printed using the fixed-rate printing service since the start of the fixed-rate printing service under the latest contract. In response to a notification from the controller 80 of the printing device 1, the server control unit 93 of the server 9 updates the values ​​of the second number counter and the fixed-rate printing number in the device information stored in the area 921 of the server memory 92.

[0073] The server control unit 93 is a CPU that performs overall control of the server 9. The server control unit 93 creates a request to the printing device 1 at a predetermined timing, and outputs the created request to the server communication unit 91. In this embodiment, the request includes, for example, an instruction to activate the contract mode of the printing device 1. Hereinafter, the "instruction to activate the contract mode of the printing device 1" will also be simply referred to as an "activation instruction." The server control unit 93 is triggered by receiving a contract request message sent from the user terminal, and controls the server communication unit 91 to send the aforementioned activation instruction to the printing device 1 desired by the user.

[0074] In addition, the server control unit 93 stores new device information in the area 921 of the server memory 92 based on a response received from the printing device 1 via the server communication unit 91, or updates the device information already stored. More specifically, for example, when the server communication unit 91 receives a contract request message from a user terminal regarding the printing device 1 with which a new contract is desired to be concluded, the server control unit 93 newly registers the device information of the printing device 1 in the area 921. At this time, the server control unit 93 sets the initial value of the contract flag to a value that means "not yet". The contract flag "not yet" means that a contract has been concluded between the user and the event party, but the server 9 itself has not yet confirmed that the printing device 1 that is scheduled to perform fixed-rate printing has enabled the contract mode. Then, when the server control unit 93 confirms through communication with the printing device 1 that the printing device 1 has enabled the contract mode, it updates the contract flag of the printing device 1 to a value that means "completed". Based on this process, the printing device 1 is recognized as a contract target machine on the printing system 100 including the server 9.

[0075] The user terminal 2 is a terminal device for a user to execute various input operations for entering into a contract. The user terminal 2 transmits a contract request message including various information related to the contract entry, which is input by the user, to the server 9. As the user terminal 2, for example, an information processing terminal equipped with a standard communication function, such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, can be adopted.

[0076] <Processing flow from contract conclusion to delivery of the first contract cartridge> FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow from contract conclusion to delivery of an initial contract cartridge in the printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] In step S1, the user terminal 2 sends a contract request message to the server 9 in accordance with an input operation by the user. The contract request message includes the device ID of the printing device 1 on which the user wants to execute fixed-rate printing. The server communication unit 91 of the server 9 receives the contract request message.

[0078] In step S2, in response to the server communication unit 91 receiving the contract request message, the server control unit 93 of the server 9 transmits a request to the printing device 1. This request includes an activation instruction (instruction transmission process).

[0079] Meanwhile, in the printing device 1, the processes of steps S3 and S4 are executed at predetermined timings that are not directly related to steps S1 and S2.

[0080] In step S3, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detects that the ink cartridge 4 has been attached to the main body of the printing device 1.

[0081] In step S4, the controller 80 reads the cartridge information of each ink cartridge 4 by referencing the cartridge memory 42 of each detected ink cartridge 4. Note that if it is detected that no ink cartridges 4 are attached to the printing device 1 at the time step S3 is executed, the controller 80 does not need to execute the process of step S4. When the server 9 sends an activation instruction in step S3, the controller 80 executes the process of step S5.

[0082] In step S5, the controller 80 receives the activation instruction transmitted from the server 9 via the communication interface 81. The controller 80 then executes the process of step S6.

[0083] In the printing device 1, the processing of steps S3 to S4 and the processing of step S5 may be performed in any order, and the processing of steps S3 to S4 and the processing of step S5 may be performed at independent times. The processing of steps S3 and S4 may be performed periodically. The processing of steps S3 and S4 may be performed by detecting, by a sensor or the like, that the ink cartridge 4 has been installed in the printing device 1, and may be triggered by the detection of the installation.

[0084] In step S6, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 executes a mode / status setting process, triggered by receiving the activation instruction. The mode / status setting process is a process that determines whether various states of the printing device 1 are suitable for activating the contract mode, and sets the mode and / or status of the printing device 1 (i.e., the state of the printing device 1) according to the determination result. The mode / status setting process will be described in detail later.

[0085] In step S7, the controller 80 determines whether or not the controller 80 has enabled the contract mode of the printing device 1 as a result of the mode / status setting process in step S6. If the controller 80 has enabled the contract mode of the printing device 1 in the mode / status setting process (YES in step S7), the controller 80 executes the process of step S8. If the controller 80 has not enabled the contract mode (NO in step S7), the printing device 1 and server 9 do not execute the processes described in the subsequent steps.

[0086] In step S8, the controller 80 transmits a notification (activation completion notification) to the server 9 that activation of the contract mode has been completed (request transmission process). The activation completion notification includes at least information indicating the cartridge type (type information) from among the cartridge information of each ink cartridge 4 read by the printing device 1. Note that the activation completion notification may also include the remaining ink amount of each ink cartridge 4 from among the cartridge information detected by the printing device 1.

[0087] The server 9 uses this activation completion notification as a trigger to determine whether or not the initial contract cartridge needs to be shipped, and if it determines that shipping is necessary, issues an instruction to ship the initial contract cartridge. Therefore, the activation completion notification can be said to be, in other words, a request to the server 9 to provide the contract cartridge.

[0088] In step S9, the server 9 receives the activation completion notification (request reception process). In response to the activation completion notification, the server 9 executes the process of step S10.

[0089] In step S10, the server control unit 93 recognizes the printing device 1 as a machine covered by the contract.

[0090] In step S11, the server control unit 93 executes a shipping determination. The shipping determination is a process for determining whether or not the initial contract cartridge needs to be shipped.

[0091] In step S12, the server control unit 93 determines whether or not the shipping determination has determined that the initial contract cartridges need to be shipped. Note that "determined that shipping is necessary" here may include not only a case where it is determined that the initial contract cartridges of all colors that can be installed in the printing device 1 need to be shipped, but also a case where it is determined that only initial contract cartridges of some colors need to be shipped. If it is determined that the initial contract cartridges need to be shipped (YES in step S12), the server control unit 93 executes step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial contract cartridges do not need to be shipped (NO in step S12), the server control unit 93 ends the process without executing step S13.

[0092] In step S13, the server control unit 93 instructs the delivery of the initial contract cartridge to the user of the printing device 1 (provision instruction process). The destination of the delivery instruction is not particularly limited. For example, the server control unit 93 may instruct a delivery management server that manages the delivery of contract cartridges to deliver the initial contract cartridge to the user of the printing device 1.

[0093] For example, in the printing system 100, the server 9 may be composed of an information management server having a function of managing customer information related to users and the printing device 1, and a shipping management server having a function of managing the shipping of contract cartridges based on the customer information. In this case, after the information management server recognizes the printing device 1 as a contract target machine in S8, the information management server instructs the shipping management server to ship the initial contract cartridges to the address of the user of the printing device 1. In accordance with this instruction, the shipping management server proceeds with the procedure for shipping the initial contract cartridges, and finally, the complete set of initial contract cartridges is delivered to the user.

[0094] 3, when the printing device 1 activates the contract mode, it can request the server 9 to provide the contract cartridge by notifying the activation completion. Therefore, the printing device 1 can request the server 9 to provide the contract cartridge without delay after activating the contract mode of the printing device 1.

[0095] <Mode / status setting process> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the mode / status setting process in the printing device 1.

[0096] In step S61, the controller 80 determines whether the operating state of the printing device 1 is suitable for activating the contract mode (operating state determination process). The operating state of the printing device 1 that is determined to be "suitable for activation" may be determined as appropriate depending on the type, use, and contract conditions of the printing device 1.

[0097] In this way, by determining whether or not to enable the contract mode of the printing device 1 based on the operating state of the printing device 1, it is possible to prevent processing related to enabling the contract mode from starting when the operating state of the printing device 1 is inappropriate for enabling the contract mode. This makes it possible to avoid the inconvenience of processing related to enabling the contract mode being interrupted before being completed.

[0098] For example, in step S61, the controller 80 may determine that activation is inappropriate if the error occurring in the printing device 1 matches a predetermined condition. More specifically, the controller 80 may determine that activation is inappropriate if a specific type of error occurs in the printing device 1. Examples of "specific types of errors" include errors that involve a power-off operation, errors that can force the operation of the controller 80 to terminate, and errors that physically or software-wise make it impossible to execute fixed-rate printing. The controller 80 may constantly or periodically monitor whether or not such errors have occurred in the printing device 1.

[0099] This allows the controller 80 to prevent the contract mode from being enabled even if an enable instruction is received from the server 9 when a specific error has occurred in the printing device 1. This makes it possible to prevent processing related to enabling the contract mode from being executed in a printing device 1 in which an error that is not suitable for enabling the contract mode has occurred.

[0100] If it is determined that the operating state of the printer 1 is not suitable for activation (NO in step S61), the controller 80 does not execute the subsequent processes of steps S62 to S65 and ends the mode status setting process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operating state of the printer 1 is suitable for activation (YES in step S61), the controller 80 executes step S62.

[0101] In step S62, the controller 80 determines whether or not a contract cartridge is installed in the printing device 1. If even one contract cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 (YES in step S62), the controller 80 does not execute the subsequent processes of steps S62 to S65, and ends the mode / status setting process. In other words, the controller 80 does not enable the contract mode of the printing device 1, and leaves it in the normal mode. On the other hand, if no contract cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 (NO in step S62), the printing device 1 executes step S63.

[0102] The determination process in step S62 is not essential, but adding such a determination process makes it possible to activate the contract mode of the printing device 1 only when at least one of the bundled cartridge and the commercially available cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 and the contract cartridge is not installed.

[0103] Therefore, according to the judgment process of step S62, in the event that an unexpected situation occurs in which a contract cartridge that would normally be available after the printing device 1 activates the contract mode is installed when the printing device 1 is in normal mode, it is possible to prevent the contract mode of the printing device 1 from being activated.

[0104] In step S63, the controller 80 determines whether one or more of the installed ink cartridges 4 are bundled cartridges by referencing the cartridge type in the cartridge information in the main body memory 82 of the printing device 1. If one or more bundled cartridges are installed (YES in step S63), the controller 80 executes step S64. On the other hand, if no bundled cartridges are installed (NO in step S63), the controller 80 executes step S65.

[0105] In step S64, the controller 80 activates the contract mode of the printing device 1 (mode activation process). Then, the controller 80 changes the status of the printing device 1 to post-billing. That is, the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to a contract printing state (state change process).

[0106] In step S65, the controller 80 activates the contract mode of the printing device 1 (mode activation process). Then, the controller 80 changes the status of the printing device 1 to pre-billing. That is, the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to a replacement standby state (standby state change process).

[0107] Furthermore, after step S64 or step S65, i.e., when the contract mode of the printing device 1 is activated, the controller 80 may execute a remaining amount detection process to detect the remaining amount of each ink cartridge 4 attached to the main body housing. When executing the remaining amount detection process, the controller 80 may transmit to the server 9, together with information indicating the remaining amount of each ink cartridge 4 detected in the remaining amount detection process (remaining amount information), the information including the remaining amount of each ink cartridge 4 detected in the remaining amount detection process, in the activation completion notification transmitted in step S8 described below.

[0108] By having the controller 80 execute the remaining amount detection process and send remaining amount information to the server 9, the printing device 1 can also notify the server 9 of the remaining ink amount when sending a request to provide a contract cartridge to the server. This makes it possible for the server 9 to determine whether or not to provide a contract cartridge and / or the timing of providing it, based on the remaining ink amount in each ink cartridge 4.

[0109] According to the mode / status setting process described above, when one or more bundled cartridges are installed in the printing device 1 (YES in step S63), the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to a contract printing state. Therefore, according to the mode / status setting process, the user can load a bundled cartridge into the printing device 1 after concluding a contract, thereby putting the printing device 1 into a state where it is ready for contract printing without waiting for the provider to provide the contract cartridge. Therefore, the printing system 100 of this embodiment can reduce the time lag between concluding a contract and starting contract printing based on the contract conditions.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the mode / status setting process, when neither the contract cartridge nor the bundled cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 (NO in S62 and NO in S63), the controller 80 changes the printing device 1 to a replacement standby state, and is able to not perform contract printing until the contract cartridge or the bundled cartridge is installed.

[0111] <Shipping Determination> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of determining delivery in the server 9. The flow in Fig. 5 corresponds to the process at the time of S7 in the sequence diagram in Fig. 3. In other words, it is assumed that the server 9 has received an activation completion notification from the printing device 1.

[0112] In step S111, the server control unit 93 references the cartridge information included in the activation completion notification, and determines whether or not at least one bundled cartridge is included among the ink cartridges 4 installed in the printing device 1. If one or more bundled cartridges are included (YES in step S111), the server control unit 93 executes the process of step S112. On the other hand, if no bundled cartridges are included, the server control unit 93 executes the process of step S115.

[0113] In step S112, the server control unit 93 determines that it is not necessary to ship the initial contract cartridge. When step S112 is executed, the server control unit 93 executes the determination of step S113.

[0114] In step S113, the server control unit 93 determines whether an ink cartridge 4 that is a bundled cartridge and has an ink level below a predetermined threshold is installed in the printing device 1 by referring to the cartridge information included in the activation completion notification.

[0115] If an ink cartridge 4 that is a bundled cartridge and has a remaining ink amount below a predetermined threshold is installed in the printing device 1 (YES in step S113), the server control unit 93 determines that a contract cartridge of the same color as the ink cartridge 4 that satisfies the YES condition in step S113 needs to be shipped as an initial contract cartridge.

[0116] If the ink cartridge 4 that is a bundled cartridge and has an ink remaining amount below the predetermined threshold is not installed in the printing device 1 (NO in step S113), the server control unit 93 maintains the decision of step S112. In other words, the server control unit 93 maintains the decision that the initial contract cartridge does not need to be shipped.

[0117] According to the processing of steps S113 and S114, if the amount of remaining consumables is low even though it is a bundled cartridge, a replacement contract cartridge is shipped to the user as an initial contract cartridge. As described above, the bundled cartridge is an ink cartridge 4 that can also be used for normal printing. Therefore, normal printing may be performed using the bundled cartridge before the contract mode of the printing device 1 is enabled. According to the processing of steps S113 and S114, if the remaining amount of the consumables is already low at the time the controller 80 enables the contract mode, a replacement first-class consumable can be shipped before the remaining amount of the consumables runs out.

[0118] On the other hand, in step S111, if no bundled cartridge is included (NO in step S111), the server control unit 93 executes the process of step S115. In step S115, the server control unit 93 determines that an initial contract cartridge needs to be shipped.

[0119] <Overall flow> Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow after the printing device 1 activates the contract mode in the printing system 100. Fig. 6 shows, as an example, the process flow of the printing device 1 and the server 9 after the same process flow as Fig. 3 in the printing system 100. In other words, it is assumed that the printing device 1 activates the contract mode at the start of Fig. 6.

[0120] In step S20, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detects when any cartridge is installed in the printing device 1. For example, after step S13 in Fig. 2, an initial contract cartridge is shipped to the user. When the user installs this initial contract cartridge in the printing device 1, the controller 80 of the printing device 1 detects the installation.

[0121] How the controller 80 detects that a cartridge has been mounted in the printing device 1 may be determined as appropriate, taking into consideration the specifications of the hardware or software of the printing device 1. For example, the printing device 1 may be equipped with a main body housing having an opening for mounting a cartridge. The controller 80 may then detect that a cartridge has been mounted in the main body housing of the printing device 1 (detection process). This allows the printing device 1, when a cartridge is mounted, to determine without delay whether the mounted cartridge is appropriate for fixed-rate printing.

[0122] For example, when the controller 80 detects that the cartridge has come into contact with the main body housing, the controller 80 may determine that the cartridge has been attached to the main body housing. For example, the controller 80 may detect the contact of the cartridge with the main body housing based on a sensor or a mechanical mechanism.

[0123] Furthermore, the controller 80 may determine that "a cartridge has been installed in the main body housing" when it detects a user operation related to the installation of a cartridge in the main body housing. For example, when the printing device 1 is provided with a cover for opening and closing the opening of the main body housing, the controller 80 may detect that the cover has been closed based on a sensor or a mechanical mechanism (detection process). Then, when the controller 80 detects that the cover has been closed, it may determine that a consumable has been installed in the main body housing. This allows the printing device 1 to determine whether the cartridge is a specific type of consumable at the timing when the user installs the cartridge in the main body housing and closes the main body housing. This allows it to determine without delay whether a consumable appropriate for fixed-rate printing has been installed.

[0124] In step S21, the controller 80 executes a consumables determination process. The consumables determination process is a process for determining whether or not one or more cartridges installed in the printing device 1 includes a specific type of cartridge that meets the conditions for changing to a contract printing state in which fixed-rate printing is possible. In this embodiment, the "specific type of cartridge" refers to a contract cartridge.

[0125] <Consumables Judgment Process> 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the consumables determination process. As described above, the controller 80 according to this embodiment is assumed to periodically execute the communication monitoring process.

[0126] In step S211, the controller 80 determines whether the printing device 1 is in a state where it can communicate with the server 9. For example, the controller 80 can identify the communication state between the printing device 1 and the server 9 by referring to communication status information in the main body memory 82. If the printing device 1 and the server 9 are in a state where they can communicate with each other (YES in step S211), the controller 80 executes step S212.

[0127] The determination process in step S211 is not essential. However, by performing the determination process in step S211, the printing device 1 can execute contract printing when the printing device 1 and the server 9 can communicate various information related to the contract printing.

[0128] In step S212, the controller 80 determines whether or not one or more contract cartridges are attached to the printing device 1. If one or more contract cartridges are attached to the printing device 1 (YES in step S212), the controller 80 executes step S213.

[0129] In step S213, the controller 80 determines that the printing device 1 meets the conditions for changing to the contract printing state.

[0130] On the other hand, if the printing device 1 and server 9 are unable to communicate (NO in step S211), or if no contract cartridges are attached to the printing device 1 (NO in step S212), the controller 80 executes step S214.

[0131] In step S214, the controller 80 determines that the printing device 1 does not meet the conditions for changing to the contract printing state.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 7 for further explanation, in step S22, the controller 80 executes processing according to the results of the above-mentioned consumables determination processing. That is, if the printing device 1 meets the conditions for changing to the contract printing state (YES in step S22), the controller 80 executes processing in step S23. On the other hand, if the printing device 1 does not meet the conditions for changing to the contract printing state (NO in step S22), the controller 80 waits until it executes the processing in step S20 again.

[0133] In step S23, the controller 80 changes the status of the printing device 1 to "after billing", thereby changing the printing device 1 to a contract printing state. The controller 80 then notifies the server 9 that the printing device 1 has been changed to a contract printing state. This allows the printing device 1 to notify the server 9 that it has begun using the flat-rate printing service. The controller 80 may also notify the server 9 of the value of the second page count counter along with the state change.

[0134] Furthermore, the timing of sending the above-mentioned notification is not particularly limited as long as it is before the fixed-rate printing in step S26. For example, if the controller 80 is configured to periodically communicate with the server 9, the controller 80 may send the above-mentioned notification to the server 9 at the communication timing immediately after executing the process of step S22.

[0135] In step S24, the server 9 starts charging for the printing device 1. Specifically, when the server control unit 93 of the server 9 receives the above-mentioned notification, it updates the device information for the printing device 1. Specifically, the server control unit 93 of the server 9 changes the start flag included in the device information of the printing device 1 that received the notification, among the device information stored in the server memory 92, to "Completed." The server 9 then executes step S25.

[0136] In step S25, the server control unit 93 of the server 9 stores the number of printed sheets at the start of charging. Specifically, the server control unit 93 stores the value of the second number counter included in the notification from the controller 80 as the value of the second number counter in the device information of the printer 1 that sent the notification. As a result, the value of the second number counter when the flat-rate printing service is started in the printer 1, i.e., when charging starts, is stored in the server 9. After sending the notification, the server 9 executes step S26.

[0137] In step S26, the printer 1 executes fixed-rate printing. For example, after step S23 and sending a notification to the server 9, the printer 1 executes fixed-rate printing in accordance with a user's input operation or a print instruction from a device connected to the printer 1 by wire or wirelessly, such as a personal computer. After executing fixed-rate printing, the controller 80 updates the value of the second number counter in area 827 of the main body memory 82, and notifies the server 9 of the updated value of the second number counter. The server 9 receives the value of the second number counter.

[0138] In step S27, the server control unit 93 of the server 9 stores as the fixed-rate print quantity a value obtained by subtracting the value of the second number counter stored in the device information in the area 921 from the received value of the second number counter. The server control unit 93 also updates the value of the second number counter in the device information with the received value of the second number counter.

[0139] Thereafter, the value of the second number counter is transmitted from the printer 1 to the server 9 at a predetermined timing. Every time the server control unit 93 of the server 9 receives a value of the second number counter, it stores in the device information as the fixed-rate printing quantity the difference between the previously received value of the second number counter, i.e., the value of the second number counter stored in the device information, and the most recently received value of the second number counter. This allows the server 9 to know the number of printed sheets printed by the printer 1 using the flat-rate printing service.

[0140] According to the above process, the printing device 1 enables fixed-rate printing when the printing device 1 and the server 9 can communicate with each other and one or more contract cartridges are installed. As a result, fixed-rate printing can be performed when the printing device 1 and the server 9 can communicate various information related to fixed-rate printing. In other words, the countdown of the "fixed price" period for fixed-rate printing begins. Therefore, the printing device 1 can start the flat-rate printing service at the appropriate time.

[0141] Furthermore, according to the above process, after the process of step S23, the printing device 1 notifies the server 9 that the printing device 1 has been changed to the contract printing state. This allows the printing device 1 to notify the server 9 that the printing device 1 will start using the flat-rate printing service. Furthermore, the server 9 can appropriately determine the start timing of billing for flat-rate printing based on the notification from the controller 80.

[0142] [Variation 1] In the above description, the printing device 1 is an inkjet printer. However, the printing device 1 may be a printer capable of mounting a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, or a composite cartridge in which a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are integrated. When the printing device 1 is a printer capable of mounting a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, information similar to the ink cartridge 4 described in the first embodiment is stored in the toner cartridge and / or the drum cartridge. The controller 80 of the printing device 1 may then read the cartridge information from the toner cartridge and / or the drum cartridge and store it in an area 821 of the main body memory 82. The subsequent handling of the cartridge information is similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0143] [Modification 2] In the above description, the printing device 1 has two modes, a contract mode and a normal mode. However, the number and types of the modes of the printing device 1 are not limited to the example described in the first embodiment. For example, assume that two types of contracts are possible for the printing device 1. In this case, the printing device 1 may have three modes: a normal mode in which no mode related to any contract is enabled, a first contract mode in which contract printing related to the first contract is possible, and a second contract mode in which contract printing related to the second contract is possible. Similarly, if the number of types of contracts increases, the number of types of contract modes may increase accordingly. In addition, the printing device 1 may have other modes that are different from the normal mode and are not related to the conclusion of a contract.

[0144] Furthermore, the type of contract printing is not limited to fixed-price printing. For example, when the mode is the first contract mode and the status is after charging, fixed-price printing may be possible, and when the mode is the second contract mode and the status is after charging, fixed-quantity printing may be possible, which allows printing up to a certain amount of printing. In this way, when there are multiple types of contract printing, it is desirable for the controller 80 to enable the type of contract printing according to the activated contract mode. Note that, regardless of which type of contract printing is enabled, normal printing may be possible each time only when commercially available cartridges are installed in the printing device 1.

[0145] [Software implementation example] The control blocks of the printer 1 and the server 9 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0146] In the latter case, the printing device 1 and the server 9 are provided with a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer is provided with, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by the processor reading the program from the recording medium and executing it in the computer. The processor can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium can be a "non-transient tangible medium", such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, etc. Also, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, etc. may be further provided. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0147] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Printing device 2. User terminal 4 Ink cartridges 9 Server 42 Cartridge Memory 80 Controller 81 Communication Interface 82 Main memory 91 Server Communication Department 92 Server Memory 93 Server control section 100 Printing System 101 Connector

Claims

1. A printing device capable of operating in a contract mode in which the printing device is recognized as a contract target device that is qualified to perform contract printing based on the terms of a contract with a business operator, and in a normal mode in which the printing device does not perform the contract printing, The printing device includes a main body, a communication interface for communicating with a server, and a controller. the main body housing is capable of mounting one or more consumables selected from a first type consumable that is a consumable dedicated to the contract printing in the contract mode and a second type consumable that is a consumable usable in both the contract mode and the normal mode, The controller: executing a mode activation process for activating the contract mode of the printing device using an activation instruction from the server as a trigger; If the second type consumable is attached to the main body housing at the time of the mode activation process, the printing device further executes a state change process following the mode activation process, which changes the state of the printing device to a contract printing state in which the contract printing is possible.

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first type of consumable is a consumable provided to the user by a business operator based on a contract, and the second type of consumable is a consumable included with the printing device when the printing device is purchased.

3. a third type of consumable that can be used for printing other than the contract printing can be attached to the main body housing, The controller: A printing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the mode activation process, when at least one of the second type consumable and the third type consumable is installed in the printing device and the first type consumable is not installed, the contract mode of the printing device is activated.

4. A printing device as described in claim 3, wherein if the third type consumable is attached during the mode activation process, a standby state change process is executed to change the third type consumable to a replacement standby state in which the third type consumable is waiting to be replaced with at least one of the first type consumable and the second type consumable.

5. The controller:

5. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a request transmission process for transmitting a request for providing the first type consumable to the server when the contract mode of the printing device is enabled.

6. The controller: When the contract mode of the printing device is enabled, a remaining amount detection process is executed to detect a remaining amount of the consumables attached to the main body housing; The printing device according to claim 5 , wherein, during the request transmission process, the provision request is transmitted to the server, including remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable detected in the remaining amount detection process.

7. The controller: executes an operation status determination process in response to the activation instruction to determine whether an operation status of the printing device is suitable for activating the contract mode; 7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the operational state determination process determines that the operational state of the printing device is suitable for enabling the contract mode, the mode enabling process is executed.

8. The controller: The printing device according to claim 7 , wherein, in the operational state determination process, if an error occurring in the printing device matches a predetermined condition, it is determined that the printing device is unsuitable for enabling the contract mode.

9. The controller: a communication monitoring process for monitoring a communication state between the printing device and the server; A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the printing device is changed to the contract printing state when the contract mode of the printing device is enabled, the communication state is a state in which the printing device and the server can communicate, and the first type consumable or the second type consumable is attached to the main body housing.

10. A printing system including the printing device according to claim 5 or 6 and the server, The controller of the printing device sending the request to the server including type information indicating the type of the consumable installed in the printing device; The server includes a server control unit, an instruction transmission process for transmitting the activation instruction to the printing device; a request receiving process for receiving the provision request from the printing device; execute a consumables determination process for determining whether or not the second type consumables are attached to the printing device based on the type information; If the second type consumable is not installed in the printing device, a provision instruction process is executed to instruct a user of the printing device to provide the first type consumable; The printing system does not execute the provision instruction process when the second type consumable is attached to the printing device.

11. A printing system including: a printing device capable of operating in a contract mode in which the printing device is recognized as a contract target machine that is qualified to perform contract printing based on the terms of a contract with a business operator; and a normal mode in which the printing device does not perform the contract printing; and a server, The printing device includes a main body housing, a communication interface for communicating with the server, and a controller; the main body housing is capable of mounting one or more consumables selected from a first type consumable that is a consumable dedicated to the contract printing in the contract mode and a second type consumable that is a consumable usable in both the contract mode and the normal mode, The controller: executing a mode activation process for activating the contract mode of the printing device using an activation instruction from the server as a trigger; if the second type consumable is attached to the main body housing at the time of the mode enabling process, a state change process is further executed following the mode enabling process to change the state of the printing device to a contract printing state in which the contract printing is possible; and, The controller: a request transmission process for transmitting a request for providing the first type consumable to the server when the contract mode of the printing device is enabled; a remaining amount detection process for detecting a remaining amount of the consumables attached to the main body housing when the contract mode of the printing device is enabled; Run during the request transmission process, the provision request is transmitted to the server together with type information indicating the type of the consumable installed in the printing device and remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable detected in the remaining amount detection process; The server includes a server control unit, The server control unit an instruction transmission process for transmitting the activation instruction to the printing device; a request receiving process for receiving the provision request from the printing device; execute a consumables determination process for determining whether or not the second type consumables are attached to the printing device based on the type information; If the second type consumable is not installed in the printing device, a provision instruction process is executed to instruct a user of the printing device to provide the first type consumable; If the second type consumable is attached to the printing device, the provision instruction process is not executed, And the server control unit: In the request receiving process, the remaining amount information is received from the printing device; For a consumable whose remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the provision instruction process is executed even if the consumable is a second type consumable.

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