Printing device, print processing program, and print processing system

Abstract

To properly transmit what a user wants to know on the basis of a consumption state of a consumable when a delivery contract is concluded.SOLUTION: A complex machine 200 includes a cartridge holder 51 to which an ink cartridge 50 used for printing is attached, a print unit 290 that prints an image on a sheet by using the ink cartridge 50, a touch panel 240 that displays information on the ink cartridge 50, and a processor 210. The complex machine 200 can operate based on a conclusion content of a contract with a contract source regarding the ink cartridge 50 used for printing. The processor 210 executes processing of determining whether or not an ink residual amount of the ink cartridge 50 attached to the cartridge holder 51 is a first threshold value or less, and processing of causing a touch panel 240 to display consumable-related information on the concluded contract content by using as a trigger a determination that the ink residual amount is the first threshold value or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a print processing program, and a print processing system that display information about consumables used in printing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, there is known a technology for automatically ordering and delivering consumables from a specified supplier in order to simplify the work required of users in purchasing consumables such as cartridges used in printers. In this conventional technology, a service is provided in which the consumables are automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below a specified threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-86805 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when a printer runs out of consumables, it notifies the user that the consumables will soon need to be replaced. In this case, not only is it possible to inform the user that the time to replace the consumables is approaching, but it is also possible to motivate a user who does not have any stock to purchase new consumables.

[0005] On the other hand, when receiving the service of the automatic ordering and delivery system of consumables such as the conventional technology, it is usually necessary to conclude a delivery contract with a service provider. Therefore, if the user is notified of the conclusion of the delivery contract at the timing when the remaining amount of the consumables is low, it is very convenient for the user who wants to receive the service. However, if the conclusion of the delivery contract is uniformly notified at the above timing, it will be unnecessary and troublesome information for some users who have already concluded a delivery contract. Rather, the information that is necessary for users who have already concluded a delivery contract at the above timing is information such as whether a new replacement consumable has already been shipped or not, whether it is okay to replace the new consumables when they arrive and use them immediately, etc.

[0006] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, no particular consideration is given to appropriately conveying what the user wants to know in the case where a delivery contract has been concluded as described above.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device, a print processing program, and a print processing system that can appropriately communicate what a user wants to know based on the consumption status of consumables when a delivery contract has been concluded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a printing device comprising an attachment unit into which consumables used for printing are attached, a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium using the consumables, a display unit that displays information about the consumables, and a control unit, and which is operable based on the contents of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, wherein the control unit executes a state quantity determination process that determines whether the consumption state amount of the consumables attached to the attachment unit has reached a first threshold value, and a display process that, when it is determined in the state quantity determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, causes the display unit to display consumable-related information related to the contents of the concluded contract.

[0009] In the printing device of the present invention, a state amount determination process executed by a control unit determines whether a consumable has been consumed in response to user use and the consumed state amount has reached a first threshold value. When it is determined that the consumed state amount has reached the first threshold value, a display process is executed in response to the determination, and consumable-related information is displayed on the display unit on the premise that a delivery contract for the consumable has been concluded. Examples of consumable-related information include caution information for use when using the consumable, delivery information regarding the delivery of new consumables, etc.

[0010] This makes it possible to avoid providing meaningless and unnecessary information to a user who has already signed a delivery contract, as would be the case if the user was uniformly informed of the conclusion of a delivery contract regardless of whether or not the user has signed a delivery contract, and to appropriately convey what the user wants to know based on the consumption status of the consumables. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when a delivery contract has been concluded, it is possible to appropriately convey to a user what he or she wishes to know based on the consumption state of a consumable item. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 13 is a sequence flow showing a contract conclusion process executed by an information terminal, a multifunction device, an information management server, and a delivery server. [Diagram 3] 13 is a sequence flow showing processes during a contract executed by an information terminal, a multifunction device, an information management server, and a delivery server. [Figure 4] 13 is a sequence flow showing a contract cancellation process executed by an information terminal, a multifunction device, an information management server, and a delivery server. [Diagram 5] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how a regular cartridge model number and a contract cartridge model number are displayed on a multifunction device. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a warning screen display process in the multifunction peripheral. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing operations and screen transitions of each warning screen on the multifunction peripheral. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of a remaining amount display screen and a fastening guide information display screen of the multifunction peripheral. [Figure 9] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of an information display screen of a contract cartridge model number to be replaced in a multifunction device; FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing details of a warning screen display in the multifunction peripheral when a second threshold value is set. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed when the remaining amount of ink in the multifunction peripheral is equal to or less than a second threshold value. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a sequence flow showing a contract process executed by an information terminal, a multifunction device, an information management server, and a delivery server when displaying a shipping status. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a warning screen display process in the multifunction peripheral when a shipping status is displayed. [Figure 14] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the multifunction peripheral when a shipping status is displayed. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a sequence flow showing processes during a contract executed by an information terminal, a multifunction device, an information management server, and a delivery server when an arbitrary shipping request is received. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing details of a warning screen display process in the multifunction peripheral when an arbitrary shipping request is accepted. [Figure 17] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the multifunction peripheral when an optional shipping request is accepted; FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of an operation confirmation screen in the multifunction peripheral when an arbitrary shipping request is accepted. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. This embodiment is an embodiment of a print processing system 1 that can provide a delivery service based on a delivery contract in which replacement consumables are automatically delivered when consumables used in a multifunction device 200 have been consumed to a certain extent. The print processing system 1 can also provide a print service based on a printing contract in which a fee is charged according to the number of prints made in a specific period.

[0014] <Outline of the printing processing system> 1, the print processing system 1 includes an information management server 100, a multifunction device 200, a mobile terminal 300, and a delivery management server 400. The information management server 100, the multifunction device 200, the mobile terminal 300, and the delivery management server 400 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other. The multifunction device 200 is an example of a printing device.

[0015] <Information management server> The information management server 100 is a server installed and managed by, for example, a manufacturer of the multifunction device 200, and includes a processor 110, a storage device 115, and an interface 190. The processor 110, the storage device 115, and the interface 190 are connected to each other via a bus 105.

[0016] The memory device 115 includes a volatile memory device 120 and a non-volatile memory device 130 . The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and has a user ID storage area 121. The volatile storage device 120 stores a contract page count value received from the multifunction device 200. The non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and has a program storage area 131 and a fee table storage area 132.

[0017] The fee table storage area 132 stores predetermined correlations for calculating the fees charged to the user for printing and delivery of ink cartridges. For example, the correlations correspond to the fee per number of printed pages depending on the coverage, paper size, color or monochrome, etc., and the fee per number of ink cartridges depending on the model number of the delivered ink cartridges, etc.

[0018] The processor 110 is a device for performing data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 110 executes a program stored in the program storage area 131 to perform various processes shown in Figs. 2 to 4, 12, 15, etc., which will be described later, including data communication with the mobile terminal 300, the multifunction device 200, and the delivery management server 400 connected to the network NT.

[0019] The interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to a network NT.

[0020] <Delivery management server> The delivery management server 400 is installed, for example, in a company that provides delivery services for various items, and has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0021] <Multifunction device> The multifunction device 200 is owned, for example, by a business entity that provides the printing service. The multifunction device 200 may be owned by a user who uses the multifunction device. The multifunction device 200 has a scanner unit 280, a printing unit 290, a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a page counter 260, a communication unit 285, and a communication interface 270. The scanner unit 280, the printing unit 290, the processor 210, the storage device 215, the display unit 240, the operation unit 250, the page counter 260, the communication unit 285, and the communication interface 270 are connected to one another via a bus 205.

[0022] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM. The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory. The non-volatile storage device 230 includes a cartridge model number storage area 231 as an example of a storage area for consumables-related information related to the content of a contract concluded, which will be described later, a program storage area 232, and a contract storage area for storing the content of a contract concluded by a user with a contracting party. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 232, and the various programs include operation programs of the multifunction device, including the print processing program of this embodiment, which is related to the execution of sequence flows such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, and 16, which will be described later. This print processing program is, for example, stored in advance in the program storage area 232 as firmware. Information regarding a print operation based on the content of a contract, which will be described later, is also stored as a part of the print processing program. The cartridge model number storage area 231 will be described later.

[0023] The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, and is, for example, a CPU. The processor 210 is an example of a control unit. The processor 210 executes the print processing program stored in the program storage area 232, and cooperates with the processor 110 to execute the printing method and the display method by the print processing system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0024] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 250 is a device that accepts operations by a user. The user can input various instructions to the multifunction device 200 by operating the operation unit 250. The communication interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0025] Scanner unit 280 optically reads an original, which is an object to be read, using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a CMOS, and generates scan data representing the read image.

[0026] The printing unit 290 prints an image on the transported paper in a predetermined manner while taking out the paper from the paper feed tray and transporting it by a transport mechanism (not shown). The following description will be given taking an example of printing by the inkjet method. That is, the printing unit 290 forms an image on the paper using ink from the ink cartridge 50 that is detachably mounted in the cartridge holder 51. Note that the paper is an example of a print medium, the ink cartridge 50 is an example of a consumable, the cartridge holder 51 is an example of a mounting portion, and the ink is an example of a printing agent. Note that, in detail, the ink cartridges 50 include cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, but for convenience, they will not be distinguished from each other and will be simply referred to as "ink cartridge 50" unless otherwise specified.

[0027] The communication unit 285 is, for example, a terminal, and is electrically connected to the cartridge memory (IC chip) of the ink cartridge 50 mounted in the cartridge holder 51. That is, as described above, the multifunction device 200 of this embodiment is a model that can be used in a delivery service based on a specific delivery contract, and is also a model that can be used in a print service based on a different specific print contract. The ink cartridge 50 used based on such a contract (hereinafter simply referred to as a "contract cartridge 50") has specifications different from those of a normal ink cartridge 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "normal cartridge 50") that is purchased and used by the owner of the multifunction device 200 himself. In response to this, the ink cartridges 50 are each provided with a cartridge memory (not shown), and cartridge information is stored in this cartridge memory. This cartridge information includes cartridge type information indicating whether the ink cartridge 50 is a contract cartridge 50 or a normal cartridge 50. The processor 210 acquires the cartridge information from the cartridge memory of each ink cartridge 50 connected by the communication unit 285. This allows the processor 210 to identify whether the ink cartridge 50 attached to the cartridge holder 51 is a contract cartridge 50 or a normal cartridge 50 based on the acquired result.

[0028] At this time, in the multifunction device 200, the identification information of the ink cartridge 50 that has a low ink level and needs to be replaced, which is the model number in this embodiment, can be displayed on the display unit 240 based on an appropriate operation on the operation unit 250 by the processing of the processor 210. This makes it convenient for the user to replace the ink cartridge 50. Note that the display on the display unit 240 is initially set at the time of manufacturing and shipping the multifunction device 200 so that the model number of the normal cartridge 50 corresponding to the multifunction device 200 is displayed in a form suited to general users. For this purpose, the cartridge model number storage area 231 stores in advance the model numbers of the normal cartridge 50 and the contract cartridge 50 that are compatible with the multifunction device 200 and that can perform image formation by the printing unit 290 when mounted in the cartridge holder 51. Note that the model numbers of the normal cartridge 50 and the contract cartridge 50 may be stored in the non-volatile storage device 130 of the information management server 100 or in the storage device of the information terminal 300 described later, and may be read out and acquired by the multifunction device 200. The display of the model numbers of the ink cartridges 50 on the display unit 240 in this embodiment will be described in detail later.

[0029] The page counter 260 has a function of counting up, i.e., adding up, the cumulative number of prints when printing is performed by the printing unit 290 under the control of the processor 210. The number of prints is, in detail, the number of printed pages, and for example, when single-sided printing is performed on one sheet of paper, it is counted as one page, and when double-sided printing is performed on that sheet, it is counted as two pages. The page count value at this time is reset to zero, for example, when the multifunction device 200 is manufactured and shipped, and is counted up without exception every time printing is performed thereafter. The processor 210 causes the page counter 260 to execute the above-mentioned count up and acquires the page count value, thereby enabling various processes described below to be performed.

[0030] <Mobile devices> The mobile terminal 300 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. The mobile terminal 300 has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown). Various programs are stored in a program storage area provided in the storage device, and these various programs include processing programs related to the execution of sequence flows such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4, 12, and 15, which will be described later. Note that instead of the mobile terminal 300, other information terminals such as personal computers and tablet computers may be used. Hereinafter, these information terminals will be collectively referred to simply as "information terminals 300" as appropriate.

[0031] <Features of the embodiment> In the print processing system 1 having the above configuration, the feature of this embodiment is the content of the warning screen displayed when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 50 described above becomes low.

[0032] That is, when the cartridge 50 is low on remaining charge, a warning screen is displayed to inform the user that replacement will be required soon. If a delivery contract has not yet been concluded at that time, the user is guided to conclude the delivery contract, which is very convenient for users who wish to receive the service. However, if the warning screen is displayed to uniformly guide the user to conclude the delivery contract, it will provide unnecessary and bothersome information to some users who have already concluded a delivery contract. Rather, the information required by users who have already concluded a delivery contract in the warning screen is information related to the contents of the delivery contract, such as whether it is okay to replace the new consumables when they arrive and use them immediately. Thus, there is a demand for a process that switches the display contents of the warning screen depending on the state of the delivery contract concluded by the user.

[0033] <Processing flow> In order to deal with the above, in this embodiment, the control procedure showing the processing executed by the processor 210 of the multifunction device 200, the processor 110 of the information management server 100, the processor of the delivery management server 400, and the processor of the information terminal 300 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in Figs. 2 to 4. In particular, the display processing of the warning screen executed by the processor 210 of the multifunction device 200 will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 6. Of Figs. 2 to 4, Fig. 2 shows the processing when concluding a delivery contract and a printing contract, Fig. 3 shows the processing within both contracts, and Fig. 4 shows the processing when canceling both contracts, and the following will be described in detail starting from Fig. 2. In the following description of Figs. 2 to 4, etc., the description of each processor will be omitted, and "in the processor of the multifunction device 200", "by the processor of the multifunction device 200", etc. will be simply described as "in the multifunction device 200", "by the multifunction device 200", etc.

[0034] 2, first, in the multifunction device 200, the user performs an appropriate operation via the operation unit 250, and the model number of the normal cartridge 50 compatible with the multifunction device 200 is displayed on the display unit 240 based on the contents stored in the cartridge model number storage area 231 described above (S1). At this point, a printing contract, which will be described later, has not been concluded, and either a normal cartridge 50 is attached to the cartridge holder 51, or no cartridge 50 is attached at all. An example of the display content on the display unit 240 at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] <Example of normal cartridge model number display on multifunction printer> In Fig. 5, the display unit 240 is configured as a touch panel that also serves as the operation unit 250. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the "touch panel 240" as appropriate. On an initial screen 240A displayed on the touch panel 240, icons representing each operation menu such as "Fax", "Copy", "Scan", etc. are displayed as shown in Fig. 5(a). When the user operates the "Ink" icon among them, a various setting screen 240B shown in Fig. 5(b) is displayed.

[0036] In the various settings screen 240B, the buttons "Ink Volume", "Ink Cartridge", and "Improve Print Quality" are displayed as buttons representing the items that can be set. When the user operates the "Ink Cartridge" button among them, if a printing contract has not been concluded, the model number display screen 240C for when a printing contract has not been concluded, as shown in FIG. 5(c), is displayed.

[0037] In the model number display screen 240C for when a printing contract has not been concluded, the item description of "Ink Cartridge Model" and the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that is compatible with this multifunction device 200 are displayed. In this embodiment, the model numbers of the black ink, "LC401BKS", the cyan ink, "LC401CS", the magenta ink, and "LC401MS", and the yellow ink are displayed for each ink color. In this example, the "S" written at the end of the model number of the cartridge 50 of each ink color indicates the symbol corresponding to the normal cartridge 50. At the bottom of the model number display screen 240C, a "Print" button and a "Back" button are also displayed. At this time, when the user operates the "Print" button, the model number display content of the normal cartridge 50 on the model number display screen 240C is printed on the paper by the printing unit 290 based on the control of the processor 210 (not shown). Also, when the user operates the "Back" button, the screen returns to the various setting screen 240B shown in FIG. 5(b). The model number display screen 240D shown in FIG. 5(d) will be described later.

[0038] <Display of normal cartridge model number on information terminal> Returning to FIG. 2, on the information terminal 300, when the user performs an appropriate operation via the operation unit 250, the model numbers (not shown) of the black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink obtained from the multifunction device 200 as described above are displayed in conjunction with the processing of S1 (S3).

[0039] When the model number is displayed, the information terminal 300 displays the information in a file format for inclusion in a Web page accessed by a specific URL, that is, a file format for a so-called EWS (Embedded Web Server). That is, in S3, the URL is accessed by an appropriate operation of the user on the information terminal 300, and the display data in the EWS file format is output from the multifunction device 200 to the browser of the information terminal 300. As a result, a Web page is displayed on which various information including the model number of the normal cartridge 50 is described.

[0040] The display of the model number of the normal cartridge 50 on the information terminal 300 is not limited to a web page in a file format for EWS as described above. That is, based on user-specific information previously stored in the information management server 100 corresponding to each user, a personal page may be displayed by accessing the information terminal 300, and similar information may be displayed on the personal page for each user (not shown).

[0041] <Establishment of delivery contract and printing contract> Returning to Figure 2, after the above steps S1 and S3 have been performed, when the user performs appropriate operations on the information terminal 300 with the intention of using the multifunction device 200 based on the above-mentioned delivery contract and printing contract, a delivery contract and printing contract request is sent from the information terminal 300 to the information management server 100 and is received by the information management server 100 (S5).

[0042] In response to this, the information management server 100 prepares a contract print count counter function based on the page count value by the page counter 260 (S7). This contract print count counter function is a function that counts only the number of printed pages that have been properly printed in accordance with the printing contract, among the page count values ​​counted by the page counter 260 during a specific period after the printing contract described below is established. In this embodiment, the specific period is "one month," and the number of printed pages per month (hereinafter simply referred to as "contract print count") is counted as an example of the number of prints during the specific period. This contract print count counter function is provided in the information management server 100 in a state linked to the user ID corresponding to the information terminal 300.

[0043] Thereafter, the information management server 100 transmits contract start information, i.e., an activation instruction, and the MFP 200 receives it (S9). As a result, both the delivery contract and the printing contract are established. The MFP 200 writes, based on the reception of the activation instruction, that the MFP 200 itself has transitioned to a contract start state, by flagging the contract storage area. By performing activation, the MFP 200 is capable of performing a printing operation based on the contract details described below. Note that the information such as the flag stored in the contract storage area at this time is an example of information corresponding to the "contract details" in the present invention, and the printing operation of the MFP based on the presence or absence of the flag is an example of an "operation based on the contract details". The processor 210 of the MFP 200 can access the consumables-related information stored in the storage device 215 according to the presence or absence of the flag, and perform a process such as displaying the information on the display unit 240, as the "operation based on the contract details". Note that, as another embodiment, the information corresponding to the "contract details" may be stored as information on the contract details themselves.

[0044] <Display of contract cartridge model number on multifunction printer> Thereafter, in the multifunction device 200, in response to the establishment of the printing contract, under the control of the processor 210, the display of the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that started in S10 is stopped. In other words, it is not displayed (S10). Then, based on the contents stored in the above-mentioned cartridge model number storage area 231, the model number of the contract cartridge 50 that is compatible with the multifunction device 200 is newly displayed on the touch panel 240 (S11).

[0045] <Example of contract cartridge model number displayed on multifunction device> Specifically, the flow of display in S11 is as follows, for example. The flow of display on the touch panel 240 of the multifunction device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 described above. As shown in FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b), and FIG. 5(d), if a printing contract has been concluded after operating the "Ink" icon on the initial screen 240A and then operating the "Ink Cartridge" button on the various settings screen 240B, a model number display screen 240D for a printing contract already concluded as shown in FIG. 5(d) is displayed. At this time, unlike the model number display screen 240C in FIG. 5(c), the model number of the contract cartridge 50 that is compatible with this multifunction device 200 is displayed. In this embodiment, the model numbers of the black ink, "LC401BKR", the cyan ink, "LC401CR", the magenta ink, and the yellow ink are displayed for each ink color. In this example, the letter "R" at the end of the model number of the cartridge 50 for each ink color indicates a symbol corresponding to the contract cartridge 50.

[0046] <Display of contract cartridge model number on information terminal> Returning to FIG. 2, in the information terminal 300, in response to the establishment of the contract and in coordination with the processing of S11, the display of the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that began in S3 is stopped and discontinued. In other words, it is not displayed (S12). Then, as in the above, the model number of the contract cartridge 50 that is compatible with the multifunction device 200 is newly displayed (S13).

[0047] Thereafter, the multifunction device 200 transmits a contract approval notice, i.e., an activation notice (S15), which is received by the information management server 100 (S17). Note that the information management server 100 may make an inquiry, and the multifunction device 200 may transmit an activation notice as a response to the inquiry. This allows the information management server 100 to recognize that the above-mentioned printing contract has been concluded. Thereafter, the multifunction device 200 communicates with the information management server 100 periodically to exchange information about the contract. In this embodiment, regular communication is performed every 12 hours to exchange information, and information required for the service is managed by the information management server 100. Thereafter, delivery registration information for delivering the contract cartridge 50 to the user is transmitted from the information management server 100 to the delivery management server 400 (S19). This completes the registration arrangement for the delivery of the contract cartridge 50 from the company providing the delivery service to the user.

[0048] Next, the flow of processing during the conclusion of the delivery contract and printing contract will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, when the user mounts the contract cartridge 50 delivered as described above into the cartridge holder 51 of the multifunction device 200 while checking the display on the touch panel 240 from S11 above (S21), cartridge information for each ink is acquired by the communication unit 285. The acquired cartridge information is transmitted from the multifunction device 200 and received by the information management server 100 (S23).

[0049] Thereafter, in the multifunction device 200, counting by the contract counter function is started based on the page count value by the page counter 260 (S25). This contract counter function is a function that counts only the number of printed pages that were printed correctly in accordance with the printing contract, among the page count values ​​counted by the page counter 260 after the aforementioned printing contract is established. Therefore, for example, the number of printed pages is excluded when so-called test printing is performed, when only one side is printed despite the contract for double-sided printing, when printing is poor due to reasons attributable to the multifunction device 200, such as paper transport problems, etc. The number of printed pages counted by this contract counter function is hereinafter referred to as the "contract page count value" as appropriate.

[0050] When the printing process is executed by the printing unit 290 in the multifunction device 200 (S27) and the page count value is incremented by the page counter 260, the contract page count value is also incremented as printing conforming to the printing contract is performed correctly. Various information including the contract page count value is transmitted from the multifunction device 200 to the information management server 100 (S29).

[0051] In the information management server 100, the contracted number of printed sheets is counted based on the contracted page count value received from the multifunction device 200 by the contracted print count counter function prepared in S7 (S31). The counting of the contracted number of printed sheets will be described in detail below. As described above, the information management server 100 performs regular communication with the multifunction device 200 to exchange information every 12 hours, which is a regular cycle. The information management server 100 stores the contracted page count value received from the multifunction device 200 in the regular communication in the volatile storage device 120. Here, the information management server 100 updates the count of the contracted number of printed sheets every specific period, that is, every month. That is, the contracted number of printed sheets is reset to zero every month. The information management server 100 compares the contracted page count value received from the multifunction device 200 in regular communication after the reset with the contracted page count value received from the multifunction device 200 before the reset, and stores the difference as the contracted number of printed sheets. The information management server 100 repeats this process until the specific period of one month ends. This allows the user to know the latest contracted print count, which is updated every 12 hours, which is regular communication. In other words, the contracted print count is the number of prints used in that month. In this embodiment, the specific period is set to one month to display the monthly print count, but it may be two months or one week. The period can be changed as appropriate to suit the type of each service. Also, the contracted print count is updated every 12 hours, which is regular communication, but this is not limited to this. For example, regular communication may be performed on a cycle such as every other day, or communication may be performed at irregular times, such as after printing, to update the contracted page count value.

[0052] Thereafter, the information management server 100 transmits the contract print quantity count value counted in S31 to the multifunction device 200 (S33), and the multifunction device 200 receives and acquires the transmitted contract print quantity count value (S35). The information management server 100 also transmits the contract print quantity count value counted in S31 to the information terminal 300 (S33), and the information terminal 300 receives and acquires the transmitted contract print quantity count value (S39). The information terminal 300 displays the acquired contract print quantity count value (S41).

[0053] During the printing process in S27 using the contract cartridge 50 based on the printing contract, the multifunction device 200 detects the remaining amount of ink consumed in the contract cartridge 50 using a known method. At this time, when the remaining amount of ink falls below a predetermined amount at the timing of the regular communication described above, the multifunction device 200 transmits the reduced state to the information management server 100, and the information management server 100, upon receiving the information, grasps the reduction in the remaining amount of ink. In response to the reduction in the remaining amount of ink, the information management server 100 transmits shipping instruction information to the delivery management server 400 to deliver an additional contract cartridge 50 to the user (S42). Note that the information management server 100 may transmit the shipping instruction information based on a composite judgment such as receiving the remaining amount of ink successively through regular communication and estimating the reduced state of the remaining amount of ink from the consumption pace, in addition to directly grasping the reduced state of the remaining amount of ink from the multifunction device 200 as described above. This allows the user to use the multifunction device 200 without worrying about managing the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 50 himself. The remaining amount of ink is an example of the amount of consumption of a consumable item.

[0054] On the other hand, when the multifunction device 200 detects that the remaining ink level has fallen below a predetermined level, it displays a warning screen on the touch panel 240 to warn the user that the remaining ink level has dropped and to replace the contract cartridge 50 with the low ink level (S43). Note that the series of processes related to the display of the warning screen by the multifunction device 200 to warn of the low ink level will be particularly referred to as warning screen display processing below. The warning screen display processing in this embodiment will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6. During the delivery contract and printing contract, the multifunction device 200 performs a loop process that repeats the above S27 and S43 and the above periodic communication, and executes the above S25 every month to reset the contracted print count to zero.

[0055] Next, the flow of the process for canceling the delivery contract and printing contract will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, when a user who has completed the desired printing performs an appropriate operation on the information terminal 300 with the intention of canceling the above-mentioned delivery contract and printing contract, a withdrawal request is sent from the information terminal 300 to the information management server 100 (S61), and is received by the information management server 100 (S62). In response to this, the information management server 100 ends the counting of the contracted number of printed sheets using the contracted number of printed sheets counter function that was started in S31, and notifies the multifunction device 200 of this fact (S63). In response to this, the multifunction device 200 ends the counting of the contracted page count value using the contract counter function that was started in S25 (S64).

[0056] Thereafter, the information management server 100 transmits contract termination information, i.e., an inactivation instruction, which is received by the multifunction device 200 (S65). This results in the aforementioned delivery contract and printing contract being cancelled. In response to this, the multifunction device 200 stops displaying the model number of the contracted cartridge 50, which had been displayed in S11 (S66), and resumes displaying the model number of the normal cartridge 50, which had been stopped in S10 (S67). Thereafter, this sequence ends.

[0057] <Details of warning screen display process on multifunction devices> As described above, when the warning screen is displayed on the touch panel 240 of the multifunction device 200, the warning screen is displayed with display contents corresponding to the contract status of the user at that time. The control procedure of the warning screen display process executed by the processor 210 of the multifunction device 200 to realize such a method will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. Note that this flow starts to be executed periodically during the loop processing of the above-mentioned contract processing, or after the printing process S27.

[0058] In FIG. 6, first, in S100, it is determined whether the ink remaining amount of any one of the attached contract cartridges 50 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. In this embodiment, the first threshold value is set as a threshold value corresponding to an ink remaining amount that is slightly greater than the ink remaining amount low state described below, which requires the contract cartridge 50 to be replaced immediately. If the ink remaining amount of each contract cartridge 50 is still greater than the first threshold value at this point, the result is NO, and this flow ends. If the ink remaining amount of any contract cartridge 50 is already equal to or less than the first threshold value at this point, the result is YES, and the flow moves to S110. Note that S100 is an example of a state amount determination process and a state amount determination step. Also, as explained in S65 of FIG. 4, if a contract that has been concluded is terminated, the result is NO.

[0059] In S110, it is determined whether the model of the multifunction device 200 is compatible with the above-mentioned delivery contract and printing contract. When the multifunction device 200 is sold in a lineup of various models with different specifications, some of the models are compatible with the contract services of the delivery contract and printing contract, while others are not. In the case of a multifunction device 200 of such a contract-incompatible model, when the contract start information is transmitted from the information management server 100 in S9, the multifunction device 200 receives the information without rejection, but does not execute the processes of S10, S11, S15, etc., and therefore the contracts are not established, and the processes of S23, S25, S29, etc., are not executed.

[0060] The determination as to whether the multifunction device 200 is a contract-compliant model or a contract-incompatible model is made by, for example, referring to destination information stored in the non-volatile storage device 230 and indicating the destination region to which the multifunction device 200 of the model is shipped and used. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on dedicated model information that directly indicates whether the multifunction device 200 is contract-compliant or not, or based on whether specific information can be sent or received with the information management server 100. If the multifunction device 200 is a contract-incompatible model, a NO determination is made and the process proceeds to S120. If the multifunction device 200 is a contract-compliant model, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to S130, which will be described later. Note that S110 is an example of a model determination process.

[0061] In S120, a warning screen for a contract-incompatible model is displayed on the touch panel 240 (see FIG. 7(b) described later). When S120 is completed, the process returns to S110 described above, and the same procedure is repeated.

[0062] In S130, it is determined whether the delivery contract and printing contract have been concluded, in other words, whether the multifunction device 200 is in the contracted mode or the uncontracted mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined whether there is a contracted flag in the contract storage area. If the delivery contract and printing contract have already been concluded at this point, the determination is Yes, that is, the device is in the contracted mode, and the process proceeds to S150. If the delivery contract and printing contract have not yet been concluded at this point, the determination is No, that is, the device is in the uncontracted mode, and the process proceeds to S160, which will be described later. In addition, in S130, the determination is No if the concluded contract is cancelled, as described in S65 of FIG. 4.

[0063] In S150, if the contract-compatible model is in the contract-completed mode, a warning screen prompting the user to use up the cartridge 50 is displayed on the touch panel 240 (see FIG. 7(d) described later). When S150 is completed, the process returns to the above-mentioned S110, and the same procedure is repeated.

[0064] In S160, a warning screen including conclusion guidance information recommending the conclusion of a contract when the contract is not yet concluded and the contract is compatible with the contract model is displayed on the touch panel 240 (see FIG. 7(c) described later). After S150 is completed, the process returns to the above-mentioned S110, and the same procedure is repeated.

[0065] The above steps S130, S150, and S160 are an example of a display process and a display switching step, and the above steps S150 and S160 are an example of a first warning display process.

[0066] <Example of warning screen for contract-compatible models> An example of each warning screen whose display content is switched according to the above flow chart is shown in FIG. 7, which corresponds to the above-mentioned FIG. 5. If it is determined in S100 above that the remaining ink level is lower than the first threshold level, an "Ink Low" icon display indicating a low ink level is added to the top of the initial screen 240A, as shown in FIG. 7(a). This allows the user to visually confirm that the ink level of any of the contract cartridges 50 is low. If the user operates the "Ink Low" icon at this time, one of the three warning screens 240E, 240F, 240G shown in FIGS. 7(b) to (d) is immediately displayed.

[0067] The warning screen 240E in Fig. 7(b) is a warning screen 240E for a contract-incompatible model that is displayed in S120 when the multifunction device 200 is determined to be a contract-incompatible model in S110. The warning screen 240E for a contract-incompatible model displays the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that is low on ink ("LC401YS" in the illustrated example), and displays the above-mentioned "Print" button and "Back" button as operation buttons. This makes it possible to display and print only the minimum necessary information, that is, the model number of the normal cartridge 50 to be replaced, for a user of a non-compatible model who cannot enter into a contract, without displaying any information related to the contract.

[0068] The warning screen 240F in FIG. 7(c) is the warning screen 240F displayed in S160 when the multifunction device 200 is determined to be a contract-compatible model in S110 and is determined to be in the non-contract mode in S130. In this case, the warning screen 240F displays the URL of the service site that describes the service contents and contract procedures of the delivery contract and print contract in a two-dimensional code format such as a QR code (registered trademark) as contract guide information for encouraging non-contract users to conclude a contract. In addition, the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that is in a low ink level state ("LC401YS" in the illustrated example) and the description "Replace soon" corresponding to the low ink level state are displayed. In addition, an "Estimated Ink Volume" button and an "Info" button are displayed as operation buttons. When the "Estimated Ink Volume" button is operated, a remaining ink display screen 240H that shows the remaining ink levels of each ink is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(a). Furthermore, when the "Info" button is operated, as shown in FIG. 8(b), an information display screen 240I is displayed showing the URL of the above-mentioned service site in text format as further contract guidance information, along with the model number of the normal cartridge 50 that is low on ink ("LC401YS" in the illustrated example). This information display screen 240I also shows the above-mentioned "Print" button and "Back" button as operation buttons. This makes it possible to display contract guidance information encouraging a user who has a compatible model but has not yet concluded a delivery contract or printing contract to conclude a contract, along with the model number of the normal cartridge 50 to be replaced. Note that in addition to the above-mentioned URL, other guidance information such as a service logo mark may also be displayed as the contract guidance information. Note that in the warning screen 240F The operation of the "Info" button is an example of a second predetermined operation.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 7, the warning screen 240G in FIG. 7(d) is the warning screen 240G displayed in S150 when the MFP 200 is determined to be a contract-compatible model in S110 and is determined to be in the contracted mode in S130. In this case, the warning screen 240G displays the model number of the contracted cartridge 50 corresponding to the color with low ink remaining ("LC401YR" in the illustrated example) and a statement encouraging the contracted user to install a new contracted cartridge 50 that has been delivered after the ink in the contracted cartridge 50 to be replaced that is currently installed in the cartridge holder 51 is used up, as usage caution information for the contracted user. In addition, an "Estimated Ink Volume" button and an "Info" button are displayed as operation buttons. When the "Estimated Ink Volume" button is operated, the remaining ink display screen 240H shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed. Furthermore, when the "Info" button is operated, as shown in Fig. 9, an information display screen 240J is displayed that displays the above-mentioned "Print" button and "Back" button as operation buttons, along with the model number of the contracted cartridge 50 to be replaced that is low on ink ("LC401YR" in the illustrated example). Note that, although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a case where the ink level of the contracted cartridge 50 is low, this is not limiting. In other words, even when the ink level of a commercially available cartridge is low, the model number of the contracted cartridge that corresponds to the color of the low ink level may be displayed in the same manner as above.

[0070] As a result, for a user who has a compatible model and has already concluded a delivery contract and a printing contract, only the minimum necessary information, such as the usage precautions information required only by the user and the model number of the contracted cartridge 50 to be replaced, can be displayed and printed without displaying any of the above-mentioned conclusion guide information. Note that the operation of the "Estimated Ink Volume" button on both of the warning screens 240F and 240G is an example of a first predetermined operation, the remaining ink volume display screen 240H is an example of a consumption state volume display screen, and the warning screens 240E, 240F, and 240G with "Ink Low" displayed at the top are examples of first warning screens. In addition, in this embodiment, the consumption state is detected based on the remaining ink volume, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the consumption state may be detected based on the amount of ink consumed since the start of installation, and a consumption display screen (not shown) may be displayed instead of the remaining ink volume display screen 240H.

[0071] The usage caution information displayed on the warning screen 240G as an example above, i.e., the statement "Please insert the contract cartridge you received after using up all the ink," is intended to provide the user with a clear indication of caution regarding the replacement of the contract cartridge 50. Depending on the user's printing style, a new contract cartridge 50 may arrive before the ink in the contract cartridge 50 to be replaced that is currently attached to the cartridge holder 51 is used up. In such a case, the user can be prompted to use up the ink so that the user does not replace the contract cartridge 50 before the ink runs out due to a misunderstanding about the contents of the delivery contract. This usage caution information is an example of consumables-related information.

[0072] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, in S100 executed by processor 210, it is determined whether ink cartridge 50, which is a consumable item, has been consumed in response to user use and the remaining ink level has fallen below a first threshold. When it is determined that the remaining ink level has fallen below the first threshold, this triggers execution of S13, and warning screen 240G is displayed on touch panel 240, which includes usage precautions information that are premised on the conclusion of a delivery contract for ink cartridge 50.

[0073] This makes it possible to avoid providing meaningless and unnecessary information to users who have already signed a delivery contract, as would be the case if a uniform guide to entering into a delivery contract were given to all users regardless of whether they have signed a delivery contract or not, and instead makes it possible to appropriately convey what the user wants to know based on the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 50.

[0074] In particular, in this embodiment, for users who have already concluded a delivery contract, usage caution information can be displayed in the contracted mode to convey what the users want to know, and for users who have not concluded a delivery contract, conclusion guidance information can be displayed in the non-contracted mode to guide them to conclude a contract.

[0075] In particular, in this embodiment, when the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 50 falls below a first threshold level, a warning screen 240E, 240F, 240G is displayed on the touch panel 240 to notify the user that the ink level has fallen below the first threshold level. This allows the user to recognize that the ink cartridge 50 will soon run low.

[0076] Furthermore, particularly in this embodiment, when the user operates the "Estimated Ink Volume" button on the operation unit 250 in response to the display of the warning screens 240F and 240G, the remaining ink volume display screen 240H is displayed on the touch panel 240, and the remaining ink volume is displayed as the consumed ink volume. This allows the user to know the current specific remaining ink volume.

[0077] In particular, in this embodiment, when the user operates the "Info" button on the operation unit 250 in response to the display of the warning screen 240F in the non-contract mode, an information display screen 240I including new conclusion guidance information is displayed on the touch panel 240. This makes it possible to guide a user who has not yet concluded a delivery contract to conclude a delivery contract.

[0078] In this embodiment, particularly in the contracted mode, usage caution information is displayed as consumables-related information within the warning screen 240G, allowing the user to know the contents of the usage caution information at the same time that the user knows that the remaining ink level has fallen below the first threshold value.

[0079] In this embodiment, the consumables-related information includes caution information for using consumables, so that users who have already signed a contract can properly know how to continue using the ink cartridge 50 they are currently using, whether they can immediately replace the ink cartridge 50 with a new one when it arrives, and so on.

[0080] In particular, in this embodiment, the displayed usage caution information urges the user to use up the installed ink cartridge 50. This allows the user to recognize that the currently used ink cartridge 50, whose remaining ink amount is below the first threshold value, should not be immediately replaced, but should be used until the ink is completely used up before being replaced.

[0081] In particular, in this embodiment, the multifunction device 200 in this example can use a printing contract for a printing service in addition to the delivery service. In this manner, when a plurality of services are prepared in advance for the multifunction device 200, the display mode when the touch panel 240 displays the consumables-related information changes depending on which of those services the multifunction device 200 is receiving. Specifically, when the printing contract in this example has been concluded and when it has not been concluded, the display contents of the model numbers of the ink cartridges 50 displayed on the information display screen 240I and the information display screen 240J displayed by operating the "Info" button change between the model number of the normal cartridge 50 and the model number of the contract cartridge 50. This allows the consumables-related information to be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner with appropriate content according to the service content being received by the user.

[0082] In particular, in this embodiment, in S110 executed by the processor 210, it is determined whether the multifunction device 200 is a model that supports a delivery contract. Then, only if the model supports the delivery contract, the above-mentioned S130 is executed, and if a delivery contract for the ink cartridge 50 has been concluded, the above-mentioned consumable-related information is displayed on the assumption that a delivery contract has been concluded. This determination in S110 allows a common processing program to be used for models that support the delivery contract and models that do not. In other words, there is no need to prepare separate processing programs for models that support the delivery contract and for models that do not support the delivery contract.

[0083] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and technical concept of the present invention. Such modifications will be described below in order.

[0084] (1) When setting the second threshold lower than the first threshold In the above embodiment, only a first threshold value corresponding to an amount of remaining ink that is slightly greater than the amount of remaining ink that would cause an ink cartridge 50 to be immediately replaced was set as the threshold value to be compared with the amount of remaining ink. In this modified example, a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value corresponding to an ink low state is also set, and a corresponding warning screen is displayed.

[0085] The process executed by the multifunction device 200 in this modified example is shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10 corresponding to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 10, in this modified example, after the contracted mode is determined in S130 in Fig. 6, the determination in S140 is executed, and the display of the warning screen in the contracted mode is switched according to this determination. That is, when the contracted mode is determined as YES in S130, the process proceeds to S140.

[0086] In S140, it is determined whether the remaining ink amount in any one of the installed contract cartridges 50 is below the second threshold. In this modified example, this second threshold is set to a value lower than the first threshold, and as a threshold corresponding to an ink depletion state in which the contract cartridge 50 in question needs to be replaced immediately. If the remaining ink amount in each contract cartridge 50 is still greater than the second threshold at this point, the result is NO, and the process moves to S150 described above. If the remaining ink amount in any contract cartridge 50 is already below the second threshold at this point, the result is YES, and the process moves to S170.

[0087] In S170, a warning screen 240K is displayed on the touch panel 240, urging the user to replace the contract cartridge 50 that is attached to the cartridge holder 51 and that is the target of replacement. Once S170 is complete, the process returns to the above-mentioned S110, and the same procedure is repeated. Other than this, the process is the same as in FIG. 6, and a description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, this warning screen 240K displays the model number of the contract cartridge 50 that is low on ink ("LC401YR" in the illustrated example) along with the message "There is no ink remaining. Please immediately insert the contract cartridge that you have received." as usage caution information. In addition, 240KIn the warning screen 240K, the "Ink Low" message at the top, which indicates a low ink level, is changed to "Ink Empty" which indicates a low ink level. In addition, an "Estimated Ink Volume" button and an "Info" button are displayed as operation buttons. The warning screen 240K with "Ink Empty" displayed at the top is an example of a second warning screen.

[0088] The above steps S130, S150, S160, and S170 are examples of display processing and display switching steps, the above steps S150 and S160 are examples of a first warning display processing, and the above step S170 is an example of a second warning display processing.

[0089] According to this modified example, the displayed usage caution information urges the user to replace the ink cartridge 50 when the remaining ink amount reaches a second threshold value different from the first threshold value. This allows the user to recognize that the ink cartridge 50 currently in use and whose remaining ink amount has reached the first threshold value should not be replaced immediately, but should be used until the remaining ink amount reaches the second threshold value before being replaced.

[0090] Also, the warning screen 240F displayed in the non-contract mode in the low ink state shown in Fig. 7(c) above displays the message "Replace soon" corresponding to the low ink state, but instead of this, information urging the user to replace the contract cartridge 50 mounted in the cartridge holder 51 may be displayed. In other words, the message "Please insert the contract cartridge immediately" that should normally be displayed in the low ink state may be displayed on the warning screen 240F in Fig. 7(c) (not shown). Note that the above S160 that displays the warning screen 240F in this case is an example of the first warning display process.

[0091] According to this modified example, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge 50 at an appropriate timing according to the mode. That is, in the contracted mode, the contracted cartridge 50 is delivered without the user having to go and purchase it, so it is possible to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge 50 when the contracted cartridge 50 reaches the second threshold, for example, when the ink level is low and this is also preferable from the viewpoint of the economy of using the contracted cartridge 50. In contrast, in the uncontracted mode, the user must obtain the normal cartridge 50 himself, so it is too late to warn the user when the normal cartridge 50 is empty, and it is preferable to warn the user before the cartridge actually needs to be replaced. By changing the timing according to the difference in the mode as in the present invention, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge appropriately.

[0092] (2) When displaying the shipping status on the warning screen in contract mode In the above embodiment, only the usage caution information was displayed on the warning screen 240G in the contracted mode. In this modified example, the warning screen 240G displays not only the usage caution information but also the shipping status of the ink cartridge 50 at the delivery service company at that time.

[0093] In this modification, the process executed by the multifunction device 200, the information management server 100, the delivery management server 400, and the information terminal 300 during the delivery contract is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 12, which corresponds to FIG.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 12, in this modified example, when the warning screen display process executed by the multifunction device 200 detects that the remaining ink level has fallen below the first threshold, it transmits inquiry information to the information management server 100 inquiring about the shipping status of the contracted cartridge 50 to be replaced at the delivery service company at that time (S44). The information management server 100, having received this, returns shipping status information indicating the shipping status of the contracted cartridge 50 to be replaced to the multifunction device 200 (S45). After that, the multifunction device 200 displays a warning screen together with the received shipping status information (S46). The rest is the same as in FIG. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted. The above S45 is an example of a response transmission process. Also, the information management server 100 is an example of a server connected to the printing device so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0095] The warning screen display process executed by the multifunction device 200 in this modified example is shown in the flowchart of Fig. 13 corresponding to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 13, in this modified example, if the determination in S130 in Fig. 6 is YES and the contracted mode is entered, the process proceeds to S180.

[0096] In S180, inquiry information inquiring about the shipping status of the contract cartridge 50 to be replaced is transmitted to the information management server 100. S180 is an example of an inquiry transmission process.

[0097] Next, the process proceeds to S190, where the shipping status information is received from the information management server 100. This S190 is an example of a response acquisition process.

[0098] Next, the process proceeds to S200, where a warning screen 240L showing the received shipping status information together with the usage caution information is displayed on the touch panel 240. When S200 is completed, the process returns to the above-mentioned S110, and the same procedure is repeated. The rest of the process is the same as in FIG. 6, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The above steps S130, S160, and S200 are an example of a display process and a display switching step, and the above steps S160 and S200 are an example of a first warning display process.

[0100] 14, for example, this warning screen 240L displays the model number of the contracted cartridge 50 with low ink ("LC401YR" in the illustrated example) and the usage caution information on the warning screen 240G in the contracted mode, as well as the shipping status information in this example, "Shipping Status: Shipped." As described above, the information management server 100 recognizes the ink remaining amount in the multifunction device 200 through regular communication from the multifunction device 200, and when it recognizes the low ink remaining amount in S42, it instructs the delivery service company to deliver the contracted cartridge 50. For this reason, depending on the sequence of the execution of S44 (S180) and the regular communication described above, the content of the shipping status information may be "not shipped." Note that this shipping status information is an example of delivery information related to the delivery of consumables.

[0101] According to this modified example, the consumables-related information includes shipping status information for the ink cartridge 50. This allows a user who has already concluded a contract to properly know whether a new ink cartridge 50 has already been shipped to replace an ink cartridge 50 currently in use whose remaining ink level has fallen below the first threshold value, or whether a new ink cartridge 50 has yet to be shipped.

[0102] Furthermore, particularly in this modified example, when the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 50 falls below the first threshold value due to use by the user, the processor 210 performs a process of sending inquiry information in S180, and an inquiry is made to, for example, the information management server 100 about the shipping status of the new replacement ink cartridge 50. If, for example, the information management server 100 responds to the inquiry as shipping status information, the answer is acquired in S190. Then, in the above-mentioned S200, shipping status information corresponding to the acquired information is displayed on the touch panel 240, allowing the user to know the latest shipping status.

[0103] (3) When accepting an optional shipping request on the warning screen in contracted mode In the second modified example, the warning screen 240L in the contracted mode only displays the shipping status information together with the usage caution information. In this modified example, the warning screen 240GL accepts an optional request from the user to ship the ink cartridge 50, separate from the regular communication.

[0104] In this modification, the process executed by the multifunction device 200, the information management server 100, the delivery management server 400, and the information terminal 300 during the delivery contract is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 15 corresponding to FIG.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 15, in this modified example, in the warning screen display process executed by the multifunction device 200, after displaying the warning screen in S46, if there is any request operation from the user, or if, for example, shipping request information has not been sent, shipping request information is sent again to the information management server 100 (S47). The information management server 100 that receives this sends shipping instruction information to the delivery service company separately from S42 above, instructing the shipping of the ink cartridge 50 (S48). The rest is the same as Fig. 12, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The warning screen display process executed by the multifunction device 200 in this modification is shown in the flowchart of Fig. 16 corresponding to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 16, in this modification, a warning screen including a shipping request button is displayed in S200 in Fig. 6. 240M (See FIG. 17 described later) is displayed, and then the process proceeds to S210.

[0107] In S210, it is determined whether or not the shipping request button has been operated on the displayed warning screen 240M, in other words, whether or not the user has arbitrarily performed a shipping request operation. If there has been no shipping request operation, the result is NO, and the process returns to the above-mentioned S110, and the same procedure is repeated. If there has been a shipping request operation, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S220. This S210 is an example of a shipping request reception process.

[0108] In S220, shipping request information requesting that the ink cartridge 50 to be replaced be delivered by a delivery service company is transmitted to the information management server 100. S220 is an example of a shipping request transmission process.

[0109] The warning screen 240M displays a "Request Shipping" button instead of the "Estimated Ink Volume" button, as shown in Fig. 17, which corresponds to Fig. 14. If the shipping status at that time is "yet to be shipped" as shown in the figure, and the user actively wants to obtain a new ink cartridge 50, the user can send shipping request information to the information management server 100 by operating this "Request Shipping" button.

[0110] The contents of this shipping request information may be only information equivalent to a normal regular communication including remaining ink amount information, or may additionally include separate information (not shown) indicating that the user has actively requested shipping. Also, instead of sending the shipping request information immediately after the "Request Shipping" button is operated, for example, an operation confirmation screen 240N as shown in Fig. 18 may be displayed once, and the shipping request information may be sent only when the shipping request operation (operation of the "Yes" button) is performed again.

[0111] Furthermore, particularly in this modified example, when the user performs a predetermined shipping request operation in response to the shipping status information displayed on the touch panel 240 in the contracted mode, the operation is accepted in S210 executed by the processor 210. Then, in S220, shipping request information for a new ink cartridge 50 is transmitted, for example, to the information management server 100. This makes it possible to transmit a shipping request based on a manual operation when the user actively wishes to have a new replacement ink cartridge 50 shipped.

[0112] (4)Other In the above embodiment and each modified example, a case where a user has concluded two contracts, a delivery contract and a printing contract, with the service provider company that is the contracting party, has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this. In the present invention, it is sufficient to be able to conclude at least a delivery contract regarding the delivery of ink cartridges 50 as consumables, and the possibility of concluding the above-mentioned printing contract and other contracts not specifically described and the contents of the contract may be applied individually or in conjunction with each other as appropriate. Furthermore, the combinations of displays in the contracted mode and the non-contracted mode described in each of the above embodiments are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments.

[0113] Furthermore, the sequences and flows shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, etc. do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above flows, and procedures may be added or deleted, or the order may be changed, etc.

[0114] In addition to the above, the methods according to the above embodiments and their modifications may be used in appropriate combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 50 Ink cartridges (an example of a consumable item) 51 Cartridge holder (an example of a mounting part) 100 Information management server (example of server) 200 Multifunction printer (example of printing device) 210 Processor (an example of a control unit) 240 Touch panel, display unit 290 Printing Department

Claims

1. a mounting section in which consumables used for printing are mounted; a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium using the consumables; A display unit that displays information about the consumables; A control unit; A storage unit; A printing device that is operable based on the contents of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding consumables used for the printing, The control unit is execute a contract start information acquisition process for acquiring contract start information based on the conclusion of the contract and storing information corresponding to the content of the contract in the storage unit; When the contract start information has not been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a non-contract mode in which the contract has not been concluded can be executed, and when the contract start information has been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a contracted mode in which the contract has been concluded can be executed. and, The control unit is a state amount determination process for determining whether or not a consumption state amount of the consumable item attached to the attachment portion has reached a first threshold value; a display process in which, when it is determined in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, in the uncontracted mode, conclusion guide information that prompts conclusion of the contract is displayed on the display unit, and in the contracted mode, consumable-related information related to the concluded contract content based on the stored content of the storage unit is displayed on the display unit. Run The consumables-related information includes: Contains precautions for using the consumables A printing device comprising:

2. The warning information is: and information prompting the user to replace the consumable item attached to the attachment portion when the state amount of consumption reaches a second threshold value different from the first threshold value in the state amount determination process.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The warning information is:

2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising information prompting the user to use up the consumables attached to the attachment section.

4. The control unit further when it is determined in the non-contract mode that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value in the state amount determination process, displaying information on the display unit that prompts the user to replace the consumable item attached to the attachment unit in a first warning screen that notifies the user that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value; When the contract mode is in effect and the state amount determination process determines that the consumed state amount has reached a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, information urging the user to replace the consumable item attached to the attachment unit is displayed on the display unit as the consumable item-related information in a second warning screen that notifies the user that the consumed state amount has reached the second threshold value.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. a mounting section in which consumables used for printing are mounted; a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium using the consumables; A display unit that displays information about the consumables; A control unit; A storage unit; An operation unit; A printing device that is operable based on the contents of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding consumables used for the printing, The control unit is execute a contract start information acquisition process for acquiring contract start information based on the conclusion of the contract and storing information corresponding to the content of the contract in the storage unit; When the contract start information has not been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a non-contract mode in which the contract has not been concluded can be executed, and when the contract start information has been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a contracted mode in which the contract has been concluded can be executed. and, The control unit is a state amount determination process for determining whether or not a consumption state amount of the consumable item attached to the attachment portion has reached a first threshold value; a display process in which, when it is determined in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, in the uncontracted mode, conclusion guide information that prompts conclusion of the contract is displayed on the display unit, and in the contracted mode, consumable-related information related to the concluded contract content based on the stored content of the storage unit is displayed on the display unit; a first warning display process for displaying a first warning screen on the display unit when it is determined in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value; and Run The control unit further includes: displaying, on the display unit, a consumption state amount display screen showing a remaining amount or a consumed amount of printing agent as the consumption state amount based on a first predetermined operation of the operation unit corresponding to the first warning screen; In the non-contract mode, the display process causes the fastening guidance information to be displayed on the display unit based on a second predetermined operation of the operation unit corresponding to the first warning screen. A printing device comprising:

6. The control unit is In the contracted mode, the display process displays the consumables-related information on the first warning screen.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. a mounting section in which consumables used for printing are mounted; a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium using the consumables; A display unit that displays information about the consumables; A control unit; A storage unit; A printing device that is operable based on the contents of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding consumables used for the printing, The control unit is execute a contract start information acquisition process for acquiring contract start information based on the conclusion of the contract and storing information corresponding to the content of the contract in the storage unit; When the contract start information has not been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a non-contract mode in which the contract has not been concluded can be executed, and when the contract start information has been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a contracted mode in which the contract has been concluded can be executed. and, The control unit is a state amount determination process for determining whether or not a consumption state amount of the consumable item attached to the attachment portion has reached a first threshold value; a display process in which, when it is determined in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, in the uncontracted mode, conclusion guide information that prompts conclusion of the contract is displayed on the display unit, and in the contracted mode, consumable-related information related to the concluded contract content based on the stored content of the storage unit is displayed on the display unit. Run The consumables-related information includes: including delivery information regarding delivery of said consumable; The control unit, in the contracted mode, further an inquiry transmission process for transmitting a new inquiry about a delivery status of the consumable in response to a determination that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value in the state amount determination process; A response acquisition process for acquiring a response corresponding to the shipping status inquiry; Run In the display process, the delivery information is displayed on the display unit based on the answer acquired in the answer acquisition process. A printing device comprising:

8. The control unit, in the contracted mode, further a shipping request receiving process for receiving a predetermined shipping request operation corresponding to the display of the delivery information; a shipping request sending process for sending a shipping request for the new consumable in response to the shipping request operation accepted in the shipping request accepting process; 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the printing apparatus executes the steps of:

9. The control unit, in the contracted mode, The display mode of the consumables-related information on the display unit is changed depending on which of a plurality of services is being provided to the printing device.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

10. The control unit further includes: A model determination process for determining whether the printing device is a model that complies with the contract Run When the model determination process determines that the model is compatible with the contract, the display process is executed.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

11. A printing process program for causing the processor of a printing device to execute the program, the printing device comprising: an attachment unit in which consumables used for printing are attached; a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium using the consumables; a display unit that displays information about the consumables; a processor; and a storage unit, the printing device being operable based on the details of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding the consumables used for the printing, the program comprising: The processor, executing a contract start information acquisition step of acquiring contract start information based on the conclusion of the contract and storing information corresponding to the content of the contract in the storage unit; When the contract start information has not been acquired and stored in the contract start information acquisition step, an operation corresponding to a non-contract mode in which the contract has not been concluded is made executable, and when the contract start information has been acquired and stored in the contract start information acquisition step, an operation corresponding to a contracted mode in which the contract has been concluded is made executable; and for said processor: a state amount determination step of determining whether or not a consumption state amount of the consumable item attached to the attachment portion has reached a first threshold value; a display switching step of, when it is determined in the state amount determination step that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, displaying on the display unit, in the uncontracted mode, conclusion guide information that prompts conclusion of the contract, and displaying on the display unit, consumable-related information related to the concluded contract content based on the stored content of the storage unit, in the contracted mode; Run the command, The consumable product-related information includes caution information for using the consumable product. A print processing program comprising:

12. A print processing system having a printing device and a server communicatively connected to the printing device, The printing device includes: The printing device includes an installation unit in which consumables used for printing are installed, a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium using the consumables, a display unit that displays information about the consumables, a control unit, and a storage unit, and is operable based on the contents of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding the consumables used for the printing, The control unit is execute a contract start information acquisition process for acquiring contract start information based on the conclusion of the contract and storing information corresponding to the content of the contract in the storage unit; When the contract start information has not been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a non-contract mode in which the contract has not been concluded can be executed, and when the contract start information has been acquired and stored by the contract start information acquisition process, an operation corresponding to a contracted mode in which the contract has been concluded can be executed. and, The control unit is a state amount determination process for determining whether or not a consumption state amount of the consumable item attached to the attachment portion has reached a first threshold value; a display process in which, when it is determined in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value, in the uncontracted mode, conclusion guide information that prompts conclusion of the contract is displayed on the display unit, and in the contracted mode, consumable-related information related to the concluded contract content based on the stored content of the storage unit is displayed on the display unit. Run The consumables-related information includes: including delivery information regarding delivery of said consumable; The control unit, in the contracted mode, further an inquiry transmission process for transmitting a new inquiry about the delivery status of the consumable to the server in response to the determination in the state amount determination process that the consumption state amount has reached the first threshold value; Run The server, execute a response transmission process for transmitting a response corresponding to the inquiry transmitted in the inquiry transmission process to the printing device; The control unit of the printing device further executes an answer acquisition process for acquiring the answer transmitted in the answer transmission process; In the display process, the delivery information is displayed on the display unit based on the answer acquired in the answer acquisition process. A print processing system comprising:

Images