Computer program, management device, and management method

Abstract

To improve convenience for a user of a display screen that displays index values regarding residues of printing materials.SOLUTION: First information regarding residues of first printing materials of a first cartridge is obtained and second information regarding residues of second printing materials of a second cartridge is obtained to create display screen data indicating a display screen which includes a first display image including a first object for displaying first values to be determined using the first information and a second display image including a second object for displaying second values to be determined using the second information. A range of the first values includes a value corresponding to a first state where the first materials remain in the first cartridge and the first printing materials remain in a tank and a value corresponding to a second state where the first materials do not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing materials remain in the tank. The first display image includes a specific image showing that the first object corresponds to a first supply part having the tank, and the second display image does not include the specific image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a display screen related to a cartridge that supplies printing material to a print execution unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that displays a display screen including a gauge showing the remaining amount of toner in a small-capacity cartridge and a gauge showing the remaining amount of toner in a large-capacity cartridge. In this image forming device, the position on the gauge that shows that the small-capacity cartridge is empty is aligned with the position on the gauge that shows that the large-capacity cartridge is empty. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-83846 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above technology does not take into consideration the structure in which the cartridge is installed and supplies printing material (e.g., ink or toner) to the print execution unit. For example, the timing of ordering or replacing cartridges when printing material runs low may differ depending on the structure of supplying printing material. For this reason, when managing multiple print execution units including models with different structures for supplying printing material, it may be difficult to grasp the timing of ordering or replacing cartridges on the display screen, which may reduce the convenience of the display screen for users.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for improving the convenience for a user of a display screen that displays index values ​​relating to the remaining amounts of printing material for a plurality of printing execution units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following application examples.

[0007] [Application Example 1] A computer program comprising: a first acquisition function for acquiring first information on a remaining amount of a first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first print execution unit, the first supply unit having a tank that contains the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first print execution unit; a second acquisition function for acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies a second printing material to a second print execution unit, the second supply unit not having the tank; a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a generating function that generates display screen data showing a display screen including: a first value that is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material; and a second value that is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material, wherein the first value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material, and an output function that outputs the display screen data, wherein possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, wherein the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state, and the second display image does not include the specific image.

[0008] Even if the first cartridge mounted on the first supply unit having a tank has no first printing material remaining, the first printing unit can continue printing as long as the first printing material remains in the tank. If the second cartridge mounted on the second supply unit having a tank has no second printing material remaining, the second printing unit cannot continue printing. Due to this, the preferred timing for replenishing the first printing material (for example, the preferred timing for ordering the first cartridge) is different from the preferred timing for replenishing the second printing material. According to the above configuration, when the first display image shows a first value corresponding to the second state, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first supply unit of the first printing unit has a tank. As a result, the convenience for the user of the display screen that displays the index value regarding the remaining amount of printing material for a plurality of printing units can be improved. For example, when the first object shows a first value corresponding to the second state, the specific image is displayed, so that the user can easily recognize that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having a tank. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the timing for replenishing the first printing material has arrived. [Application example 2] The computer program according to Application Example 1, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; The specific image is an image showing a boundary between the first sub-object and the second sub-object. [Application example 3] The computer program according to Application Example 2, the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value; When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object is displayed divided into a first variable region having a size that varies according to the first value and a remaining region; the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value; When the second sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state, the second sub-object is displayed divided into a second variable region having a size that varies according to the first value and a remaining region; A computer program product, wherein the image indicating the boundary is an image indicating at least one edge of the first sub-object and the second sub-object. [Application example 4] The computer program according to Application Example 2, the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value; the first sub-object, when exhibiting the first value corresponding to the first state, has a color that varies according to the first value; the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value; the second sub-object, when exhibiting the first value corresponding to the second state, has a color that varies in accordance with the first value; A computer program product, wherein the image indicating the boundary is an image indicating at least one edge of the first sub-object and the second sub-object. [Application example 5] The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; The specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a different color from the second object. [Application Example 6] The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A computer program, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object. [Application Example 7] The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, The specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image, and has a color different from that of the background of the second object in the first display image. [Application Example 8] The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7, the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image.

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a management device for the print execution unit, a terminal device, a management method for the print execution unit, a computer program for realizing the functions of these devices and methods, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a print execution unit 160 and an ink supply unit 170A. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a print execution unit 160 and an ink supply unit 170C. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a management database PD according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a screen data generation process. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display image. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen DW. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display area CL3x of a management screen in a comparative example. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL32 to CL34 of the management screen in the second to fourth embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL35 to CL37 of the management screen in the fifth to seventh embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A. Working Example A-1. Configuration of System 1000 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. The system 1000 includes printers 100A to 100D and a management device 300 of this embodiment. The printers 100A to 100D and the management device 300 are connected to a local area network NT and can communicate with each other via the local area network NT.

[0012] Printer 100A includes a CPU 110 as a controller for printer 100A, a volatile memory device 120 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile memory device 130 such as a hard disk or flash memory, a display unit 140 such as an LCD display for displaying images, an operation unit 150 such as buttons or a touch panel for acquiring user operations, a print execution unit 160, an ink supply unit 170A, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

[0013] The communication IF 180 is an interface for connecting to the local area network NT. Specifically, the communication IF 180 is a wired interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface conforming to the Wi-Fi standard (IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard or a standard equivalent thereto (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.)).

[0014] The CPU 110 is a calculation device (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 120 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 110 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 130 stores a computer program PG1 for controlling the printer and an information database IB, which will be described later.

[0015] In this embodiment, the computer program PG1 may be provided by being stored in advance in the non-volatile storage device 130 when the printer 100A is manufactured. Alternatively, the computer program PG1 may be provided, for example, in a form downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT, or in a form recorded on a CD-ROM or the like.

[0016] By executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 controls the print execution unit 160 and executes a print process that causes the print execution unit 160 to print an image. In addition, by executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 transmits various printer information about the printer 100A stored in the information database IB to the management device 300 in response to a request from the management device 300.

[0017] The print execution unit 160 executes printing under the control of the CPU 110. The ink supply unit 170A supplies ink Ik as a printing material to the print execution unit 160. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the print execution unit 160 and the ink supply unit 170A.

[0018] The print execution unit 160 is an inkjet printing mechanism that uses ink Ik supplied from the ink cartridge 200A as a printing material to print an image on paper as a print medium. Specifically, the print execution unit 160 forms an image on paper by ejecting ink Ik from nozzles of a print head (not shown) to form dots on the paper. In this embodiment, the print execution unit 160 is a monochrome printing mechanism that uses one color of ink Ik (for example, black (K)).

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ink supply section 170A includes a mounting section 172A into which the ink cartridge 200A is mounted, an ink supply port 174A, an intermediate tank 175A, and an ink flow path section 177A.

[0020] The ink cartridge 200A is formed with a main storage chamber 210A that stores the ink Ik, a communication port 220A, and an ink outlet 230A. The communication port 220A is an opening that communicates the main storage chamber 210A with the outside air. The ink outlet 230A is an opening for supplying the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A to the ink supply unit 170A. The ink outlet 230A is provided near the lower end of the main storage chamber 210A in the vertical direction so that all of the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A can be supplied to the ink supply unit 170A.

[0021] An IC chip 250A is attached to the outer surface of the ink cartridge 200A. Various information related to the ink cartridge 200A is stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A. In this embodiment, the information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A includes the total number of printable sheets TN and identification information (e.g., a serial number) for identifying the ink cartridge 200A. The total number of printable sheets TN is the number of printed sheets that can be printed using the amount (initial amount) of ink Ik contained in a new ink cartridge 200A. The total number of printable sheets TN can also be said to be a value that indicates the initial amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A in units of the number of printed sheets. The total number of printable sheets TN is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the initial amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A by the amount of ink used per average printed sheet.

[0022] The mounting section 172A is, for example, a holder in which the ink cartridge 200A can be detachably mounted. The ink supply port 174A is connected to the ink outlet 230A of the ink cartridge 200A mounted in the mounting section 172A. The ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A is supplied to the ink supply section 170A from the ink supply port 174A. The mounting section 172A has a contact CM that contacts an electrode of the IC chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A mounted in the mounting section 172A. Through the contact CM, the printer 100A (CPU 110) can read information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A and write information to the memory.

[0023] The intermediate tank 175A is formed with a sub-storage chamber 179A that stores the ink Ik, and a communication port 178A. The communication port 178A is an opening that communicates the sub-storage chamber 179A with the outside air. The sub-storage chamber 179A communicates with the ink supply port 174A, and stores the ink Ik that is supplied from the ink cartridge 200A via the ink supply port 174A.

[0024] The upstream end of the ink flow path section 177A is connected to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the sub-storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A and is in communication with the sub-storage chamber 179A. The downstream end of the ink flow path section 177A is connected to a print head (not shown) of the print execution unit 160. As a result, the ink Ik contained in the sub-storage chamber 179A is supplied to the print execution unit 160 via the ink flow path section 177A.

[0025] As can be seen from the above description, the intermediate tank 175A is disposed in the flow path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge 200A mounted in the mounting portion 172A to the print execution portion 160.

[0026] Here, the ink Ik supply system of the type that has an intermediate tank on the path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge to the printing mechanism, such as the ink supply unit 170A of the printer 100A, is also called a two-chamber supply system. Fig. 2(A) shows the ink supply unit 170A in a first storage state S1 in which the ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A (in the main storage chamber 210A) and in the intermediate tank 175A (in the sub storage chamber 179A). Fig. 2(B) shows the ink supply unit 170A in a second storage state S2 in which no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A (in the main storage chamber 210A) and the ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175A (in the sub storage chamber 179A).

[0027] The main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A communicates with the outside through a communication port 220A, and the sub storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A communicates with the outside through a communication port 178A. The sub storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A includes a portion located vertically below (lower side in FIG. 2) the lower end (hereinafter simply referred to as the lower end) of the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A in the vertical direction, and a portion located vertically above the lower end of the main storage chamber 210A in the vertical direction. For this reason, when a new ink cartridge 200A is installed, a part of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A moves from the ink supply port 174A into the sub storage chamber 179A. Then, the height of the liquid surface ISm of the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A and the liquid surface ISs of the ink Ik in the sub storage chamber 179A become the same (FIG. 2(A)).

[0028] When the print execution unit 160 prints and the ink Ik is consumed, the liquid levels ISm and ISs drop while maintaining the same state. Then, when the liquid levels ISm and ISs reach the lower end position EL (also called the empty level EL) of the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A, the ink Ik no longer remains in the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A, and the storage state of the ink Ik transitions from the first storage state S1 (FIG. 2(A)) to the second storage state S2 (FIG. 2(B)). Here, the state in which the ink Ik no longer remains in the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A means a state in which the ink Ik does not move from the main storage chamber 210A to the sub storage chamber 179A, and includes a state in which some ink Ik is attached to the inner wall of the main storage chamber 210A.

[0029] Even after transitioning to the second storage state S2, as long as ink Ik remains in the sub storage chamber 179A, the print execution unit 160 can continue printing. If the ink cartridge 200A is replaced after transitioning to the second storage state S2, the ink cartridge 200A can be replaced with no ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A, so no ink Ik is wasted. The advantage of the dual-chamber supply system is that the ink cartridge 200A can be replaced without wasting ink Ik while still allowing printing to continue.

[0030] In the two-chamber supply method, for example, the intermediate tank 175A is provided with a liquid level sensor (not shown) that detects whether the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub-storage chamber 179A has reached the empty level EL. This makes it possible to detect whether the ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. For example, the liquid level sensor may include a float having a smaller specific gravity than the ink Ik. In this configuration, when the liquid level ISs reaches the empty level EL, the position of the float moves vertically downward, and by detecting the movement of the float, it is detected whether the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik has reached the empty level EL. In other words, the liquid level sensor is a sensor that detects whether the ink storage state is the first storage state S1 or the second storage state S2. The liquid level sensor may be of another known type, for example, a type that measures the electrical resistance of the ink Ik. In the dual-chamber supply system, there is no need to provide a liquid level sensor in the ink cartridge 200A, which has the advantage that the structure of the ink cartridge 200A can be simplified.

[0031] Here, the ink amount corresponding to the boundary between the first storage state S1 and the second storage state S2 is also called the boundary ink amount. The boundary ink amount in this embodiment can be said to be the ink amount in the sub storage chamber 179A when the liquid level IS is located at the empty level EL in the sub storage chamber 179A. The boundary ink amount can also be said to be the maximum ink amount in the second storage state S2. The boundary ink amount is equal to the volume of the portion of the sub storage chamber 179A that is located vertically below the vertically lower end of the main storage chamber 210A. The number of printable sheets that can be printed using the ink Ik of the boundary ink amount, that is, the number of printable sheets that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the intermediate tank 175A after transition to the second storage state S2, is the tank printable sheet number SN. The tank printable sheet number SN can also be said to be a value that indicates the boundary ink amount in units of the number of prints. The boundary ink amount and the tank printable sheet number SN are values ​​that depend on the structure and size of the intermediate tank 175A and are values ​​that are unique to each printer model.

[0032] The information database IB is a database that stores printer information related to the printer 100A. The printer information includes, for example, information indicating a serial number and a model name. The printer information includes, for example, ink information related to the ink Ik and history information related to the printing history. The ink information includes, for example, the total printable number TN, the tank printable number SN, and the remaining printable number RN. The total printable number TN is obtained, for example, from the memory of the IC chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A. The remaining printable number RN is the number of printed sheets that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A and the intermediate tank 175A. For example, the remaining printable number RN is the total printable number TN minus the cumulative number of printed sheets since the ink cartridge 200A was replaced (RN=TN-SN).

[0033] The printer 100A (CPU 110) updates the history information and ink information stored in the information database IB every time printing is performed, thereby keeping the printer information stored in the information database IB up to date. For example, the remaining printable number RN stored in the information database IB is updated by the printer 100A every time printing is performed in the printer 100A.

[0034] Printer 100B is provided with an ink supply unit 170B (FIG. 1) that is different from ink supply unit 170A of printer 100A. Other configurations of printer 100B are the same as those of printer 100A. Like ink supply unit 170A in FIG. 2, ink supply unit 170B employs a two-chamber supply system that includes an intermediate tank in the path of ink Ik from the ink cartridge to the printing mechanism (not shown). However, in ink supply unit 170B, the capacity of the intermediate tank (sub-storage chamber) is different from the capacity of intermediate tank 175A of ink supply unit 170A. For this reason, the tank printable number SN of printer 100B is different from the tank printable number SN of printer 100A.

[0035] Printer 100C is equipped with an ink supply unit 170C that is different from ink supply unit 170A of printer 100A. Other configurations of printer 100C are the same as those of printer 100A. Unlike ink supply unit 170A in FIG. 2, ink supply unit 170C employs a single-chamber supply system that does not have an intermediate tank in the path of ink Ik from ink cartridge 200C to the printing mechanism.

[0036] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the print execution unit 160 and the ink supply unit 170C. The ink supply unit 170C includes the above-mentioned inkjet print execution unit 160, a mounting unit 172C, an ink supply port 174C, and an ink flow path unit 177C.

[0037] Similar to ink cartridge 200A, ink cartridge 200C is formed with a storage chamber 210C that stores ink Ik, a communication port 220C that connects storage chamber 210C to the outside air, and an ink outlet 230C for supplying ink Ik to ink supply unit 170C. Similar to ink cartridge 200A, an IC chip 250C is attached to the outer surface of ink cartridge 200C.

[0038] The mounting section 172C is, for example, a holder in which the ink cartridge 200C can be detachably mounted. The ink supply port 174C is connected to the ink outlet 230C of the ink cartridge 200C mounted in the mounting section 172C. The upstream end of the ink flow path section 177C is connected to the ink supply port 174C, and the downstream end of the ink flow path section 177C is connected to a print head (not shown) of the print execution section 160. As a result, the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C (accommodation chamber 210C) is supplied to the print execution section 160 via the ink flow path section 177C.

[0039] In the single-chamber supply system, the ink cartridge 200C is provided with a liquid level sensor (not shown) that detects whether the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the containing chamber 210C has reached the empty level ELc.

[0040] The single-chamber supply system does not have an intermediate tank that is included in the dual-chamber supply system, and so the print execution unit 160 cannot print before the ink Ik runs out in the ink cartridge 200C. For example, when the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200C becomes low, a problem occurs in which air gets mixed into the ink Ik supplied to the print execution unit 160. For this reason, when there is more ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200C than would cause air to get mixed in, printing by the print execution unit 160 has to be stopped.

[0041] For this reason, in the single-chamber supply system, the empty level ELc (FIG. 3) is set vertically above the empty level EL (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the ink cartridge 200A. FIG. 3(B) shows a state in which the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C has reached the empty level ELc. In this state, a small amount of ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C (container chamber 210C). In the single-chamber supply system, for example, the ink cartridge 200C is replaced when the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C has reached the empty level ELc.

[0042] The configuration of the printer 100D is the same as that of the printer 100C. Therefore, the printer 100D is provided with an ink supply unit 170D (FIG. 1) having the same structure as the ink supply unit 170C of the printer 100C. That is, the printer 100D employs a single-chamber supply system (not shown) like the printer 100C.

[0043] Here, the initial amounts of ink Ik in the ink cartridges 200A to 200D (FIG. 1) installed in the ink supply units 170A to 170D are different from one another, and therefore the total printable number of sheets TN of the ink cartridges 200A to 200D are different from one another.

[0044] The management device 300 is a computer owned by an administrator of the printers 100A to 100D. The management device 300 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the management device 300, a volatile storage device 320 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 330 such as a hard disk or a flash memory, a display unit 340 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images, an operation unit 350 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a communication interface (IF) 380.

[0045] The communication IF 380 is connected to the local area network NT. Like the communication IF 180, the communication IF 380 is a wired interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface conforming to the Wi-Fi standard or a standard equivalent thereto.

[0046] The CPU 310 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 330 stores a computer program PG2 and a management database PD.

[0047] The computer program PG2 is, for example, an application program provided in a form that is downloaded from a server of a business that manages the system 1000 or a business that manufactures the printers 100A to 100D. Alternatively, the computer program PG2 may be provided in a form recorded on a CD-ROM or the like, or may be provided by being stored in advance in the non-volatile storage device 330 when the management device 300 is manufactured.

[0048] The management device 300 (CPU 310) executes the computer program PG2 to perform processes related to management of the printers 100A to 100D in the system 1000, which will be described later, such as a screen data generation process and a management screen display process, which will be described later.

[0049] The management database PD is a database in which printer information collected by the management device 300 is recorded. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the management database PD of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the management database PD includes entries EN1 to EN4 corresponding to the printers 100A to 100D to be managed.

[0050] The entry EN1 corresponding to the printer 100A includes multiple items of printer information for the printer 100A, such as a serial number, a model name, an IP address, and ink-related information for the ink Ik. The ink-related information includes, for example, information indicating the supply method of the ink Ik described above, the total printable number TN described above, the tank printable number SN described above, the remaining printable number RN described above, the cartridge remaining rate CR, and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR.

[0051] The serial number is identification information for identifying the printer 100A. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer 100A. The IP address is an IP address assigned to the printer 100A.

[0052] The cartridge remaining rate CR is the ratio (unit: %) of the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A. Here, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when ink remains in the ink cartridge 200A, the ink Ik is also present at a level higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A, but this is treated as being included in the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A. This is because it is more meaningful as a guide for replacing the ink cartridge to express the ink Ik present in the intermediate tank 175A as the amount that can be consumed after the ink Ik of the ink cartridge 200A becomes zero (in other words, after the ink cartridge 200A transitions from the first storage state S1 to the second storage state S2). Therefore, in the printer 100A with a dual-chamber supply system, the cartridge remaining rate CR is calculated according to the following formula (1) using the total printable number TN, the tank printable number SN (the number of printable pages after the ink Ik of the ink cartridge 200A becomes zero), and the remaining printable number RN. CR=100×(RN-SN) / (TN-SN) (if RN>SN) CR=0 (RN≦SN) …(1)

[0053] When RN>SN, that is, when the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the first storage state S1 described above, and ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. The numerator (RN-SN) indicates the number of pages that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A (including the ink Ik remaining at a position higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A). The denominator (TN-SN) indicates the number of pages that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A (including the ink Ik remaining at a position higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A) at the time when a new ink cartridge 200A is installed. When RN≦SN, that is, when the remaining printable number RN is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the second storage state S2 described above, and no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. For this reason, when RN≦SN, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0.

[0054] 2, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is the ratio (in %) of the ink Ik remaining in the intermediate tank 175A at a position lower than the empty level EL. The intermediate tank remaining rate SR is calculated according to the following formula (2) using the tank printable number SN and the remaining printable number RN. SR=100 (if RN>SN) SR = 100 × RN / SN (RN≦SN) … (2)

[0055] If RN>SN, that is, if the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the first storage state S1 described above, and ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. Therefore, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is set to 100%. If RN≦SN, that is, if the remaining printable number RN is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the second storage state S2 described above, and ink Ik remains only in the intermediate tank 175A.

[0056] As can be seen from the above explanation, the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR are two index values ​​that indicate the remaining rate of the ink Ik supplied to the printer 100A in which the ink cartridge 200A is installed.

[0057] Entries EN2-EN4 corresponding to printers 100B-100D each contain information indicating the same items as entry EN1 corresponding to printer 100A. However, printers 100C and 100D are single-chamber supply type printers and do not have an intermediate tank, so entries EN3 and EN4 do not include tank printable number SN and intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In single-chamber supply type printers 100C and 100D, cartridge remaining rate CR is calculated using total printable number TN and remaining printable number RN according to the following formula (3). CR=RN / TN …(3)

[0058] In this embodiment, the serial number, model name, and IP address of the printer information recorded in the management database PD are acquired by the management device 300, for example, when the operation of the system 1000 is started. In this embodiment, the management device 300 uses SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) to acquire this information. Specifically, the management device 300 broadcasts an SNMP request to search for printers in the local area network NT within the local area network NT. The printers 100A to 100D return responses including their own IP addresses in response to the SNMP request. The management device 300 uses the received IP addresses to send SNMP requests to the printers 100A to 100D, respectively, requesting transmission of the serial number and model name, and receives the serial numbers and model names of the printers 100A to 100D as responses to the SNMP request. The management device 300 records the serial numbers, model names, and IP addresses in the management database PD. As a result, the printers 100A to 100D are registered as printers to be managed.

[0059] Of the printer information recorded in the management database PD, the ink Ik supply method, the total printable number TN, the tank printable number SN, and the remaining printable number RN are acquired from the managed printers 100A-100D in the screen data generation process described below. Of the printer information recorded in the management database PD, the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR are calculated by the management device 300 in the screen data generation process.

[0060] A-2. Operation of System 1000 A-2-1. Screen data generation process The management device 300 (CPU 310) executes a screen data generation process periodically, for example, once to several times per day, more preferably once every five minutes, at a predetermined time. The screen data generation process is a process for generating screen data for displaying a management screen DW including printer information related to the printers to be managed, in this embodiment, the printers 100A to 100D. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the screen data generation process.

[0061] In S110, the management device 300 collects printer information from each of the multiple printers 100A-100D that are subject to management. In this embodiment, SNMP is used to collect the printer information. Specifically, the management device 300 transmits an SNMP request to each of the printers 100A-100D, requesting items of printer information to be collected. The management device 300 receives printer information from each of the printers 100A-100D as a response to the SNMP request. The management device 300 records the collected printer information in the management database PD. The collected printer information of each printer includes the above-mentioned ink Ik supply method, the total number of printable sheets TN, the tank printable number of sheets SN, and the remaining number of printable sheets RN.

[0062] In S115, the management device 300 selects one target printer from among the multiple managed printers 100A to 100D.

[0063] In S125, the management device 300 determines whether the supply method of the ink Ik of the target printer is the two-chamber supply method based on the information indicating the supply method of the ink Ik already acquired as the printer information. For example, if the target printer is the printer 100A or 100B, it is determined that the supply method is the two-chamber supply method. If the target printer is the printer 100C or 100D, it is determined that the supply method is not the two-chamber supply method.

[0064] If the supply method of the ink Ik is a dual-chamber supply method (S125: YES), then in S130 the management device 300 determines whether the remaining printable number RN of the target printer is equal to or less than the tank printable number SN. In other words, if the remaining printable number RN is equal to or less than the tank printable number SN, then the ink Ik storage state of the target printer, which is a dual-chamber supply method, is the second storage state S2. If the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN, then the ink Ik storage state of the target printer is the first storage state S1.

[0065] If the remaining printable number RN is equal to or less than the tank printable number SN (S130: YES), the ink Ik is in the second storage state S2, and therefore no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. Therefore, in this case, in S135, the management device 300 determines the cartridge remaining rate CR to be 0% (see formula (1)). Then, in S140, the management device 300 calculates the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (see formula (2)).

[0066] If the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN (S130: NO), the ink Ik is in the first storage state S1, and therefore ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. Therefore, in this case, in S150, the management device 300 calculates the cartridge remaining rate CR (see formula (1)). Then, in S155, the management device 300 determines the intermediate tank remaining rate SR to be 100% (see formula (2)).

[0067] If the supply method of the ink Ik is not the dual-chamber supply method (S125: NO), that is, if the supply method of the ink Ik is the single-chamber supply method, then in S160 the management device 300 calculates the cartridge remaining rate CR (see formula (3)). The single-chamber supply method printer 100C does not have an intermediate tank, so there is no concept of an intermediate tank remaining rate SR for the single-chamber supply method printer 100C. For this reason, if the printer is the single-chamber supply method, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is not calculated.

[0068] In S165, the management device 300 generates display image data showing a display image RI. The display image RI is an image for displaying the remaining rate of the ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR or intermediate tank remaining rate SR) determined using the remaining printable number RN and the like. An example of a display image RIa shown by display image data generated when the target printer is a dual-chamber supply type printer 100A is shown in Figures 6(A) and (B). Figure 6(A) shows a display image RIa when the storage state of the ink Ik in the printer 100A is the first storage state S1.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6(A), the display image RIa for the dual-chamber supply system includes an object Oa. This object Oa includes two sub-objects, namely, a cartridge object COa and a tank object TOa. The cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa are both strip-shaped objects that extend linearly in the left-right direction. The cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa are aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0070] The cartridge object COa is an object for displaying the cartridge remaining rate CR. The position of the cartridge object COa in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 6(A)) corresponds to the possible values ​​of the cartridge remaining rate CR (values ​​from 0 to 100%). For example, the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the minimum value (0%) that the cartridge remaining rate CR can take. The right end E2a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the maximum value (100%) that the cartridge remaining rate CR can take.

[0071] Here, since the cartridge remaining rate CR corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first storage state S1, it can be said that the longitudinal position of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first storage state S1. For example, the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the minimum remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first storage state S1, and the right end E2a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the maximum remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first storage state S1. The corresponding remaining amount of ink Ik decreases as the longitudinal position of the strip-shaped cartridge object COa moves from the right end to the left end. Therefore, in the strip-shaped cartridge object COa, a first position in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the rightmost position) corresponds to a first remaining amount of ink Ik (e.g., the maximum value in the first storage state S1), and a second position (e.g., the leftmost position) located to the left of the first position corresponds to a second remaining amount of ink Ik that is less than the first remaining amount (e.g., the minimum value in the first storage state S1). As a result, by using the strip-shaped cartridge object COa, a display image RIa can be realized that allows the remaining rate of ink Ik in the first storage state S1 of the printer 100A to be easily grasped.

[0072] The tank object TOa is an object for displaying the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. The position of the tank object TOa in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 6(A)) corresponds to the possible values ​​of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (values ​​from 0 to 100%). For example, the left end E3a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the minimum value (0%) that the intermediate tank remaining rate SR can take. The right end E4a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the maximum value (100%) that the intermediate tank remaining rate SR can take.

[0073] Here, since the intermediate tank remaining rate SR corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second storage state S2, it can be said that the longitudinal position of the tank object TOa corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second storage state S2. For example, the left end E3a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the minimum remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second storage state S2, and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the maximum remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second storage state S2. As with the cartridge object COa, the remaining amount of the corresponding ink Ik decreases as the longitudinal position of the strip-shaped tank object TOa moves from the right end to the left end.

[0074] The ratio of the total longitudinal length (TT+TC) of the object Oa to the longitudinal length TT of the tank object TOa is equal to the ratio of the total printable number TN to the tank printable number SN.

[0075] The cartridge object CO has a fixed size regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR. In FIG. 6(A) showing the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, the hatched area of ​​the cartridge object COa is a variable area VC whose size (specifically, the length in the longitudinal direction) varies according to the cartridge remaining rate CR, and is the part showing the remaining rate of the ink Ik. The non-hatched area of ​​the cartridge object COa is a remaining area RC, which is the remaining area of ​​the cartridge object COa excluding the variable area VC. In other words, when the cartridge object COa shows a cartridge remaining rate CR larger than 0%, that is, the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, it is displayed divided into a variable area VC and a remaining area RC. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6(A), in the first storage state S1, the boundary EC between the variable area VC and the remaining area RC is located within the cartridge object COa. The proportion of the variable region VC in the cartridge object COa, that is, the longitudinal length LC of the variable region VC relative to the longitudinal length TC of the cartridge object COa, is equal to the cartridge remaining rate CR (CR=LC / TC).

[0076] The tank object TO has a fixed size regardless of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In FIG. 6B, which shows the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, the hatched area of ​​the tank object TOa is a variable area VT whose size (specifically, the length in the longitudinal direction) varies according to the intermediate tank remaining rate SR, and is the part showing the remaining rate of the ink Ik. The non-hatched area of ​​the tank object TOa is the remaining area RT, which is the remaining area of ​​the tank object TOa excluding the variable area VT. In other words, when the tank object TOa shows an intermediate tank remaining rate SR smaller than 100%, that is, the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, it is displayed divided into a variable area VT and a remaining area RT. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the second storage state S2, the boundary ET between the variable area VT and the remaining area RT is located within the tank object TOa. The proportion of the tank object TOa that is occupied by the variable region VT, that is, the longitudinal length LT of the portion that is occupied by the variable region VT relative to the longitudinal length TT of the tank object TOa, is equal to the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (SR=LT / TT).

[0077] In the first storage state S1, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%, so in FIG. 6(A), the entire tank object TOa is the variable area VT. In the second storage state S2, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, so in FIG. 6(B), the entire cartridge object COa is the remaining area RC. Also, the sum (LT+LC) of the lengths of the variable areas VT and VC relative to the sum (TT+TC) of the longitudinal lengths of the tank object TOa and cartridge object COa is equal to the total remaining rate of the ink Ik. In other words, the total remaining rate of the ink Ik is (LT+LC) / (TT+TC).

[0078] As can be seen from the above explanation, the object Oa indicates an index value relating to the remaining amount of ink Ik supplied to the printer 100A (for example, the remaining rate of ink Ik). The left end of the object Oa (the left end E3a of the tank object TO) corresponds to the minimum value of the index value, and the right end of the object Oa (the right end E2a of the cartridge object COa) corresponds to the maximum value of the index value.

[0079] Here, the object Oa includes a boundary portion BDa. The boundary portion BDa is a small gap provided between the tank object TOa and the cartridge object COa. The boundary portion BDa clearly indicates the boundary between the tank object TOa and the cartridge object COa. The boundary portion BDa indicates a longitudinal position corresponding to the boundary between the first storage state S1 and the second storage state S2.

[0080] The timing for ordering the next cartridge (also called a replacement cartridge) to be used after the currently installed ink cartridge is called the ordering timing. The longitudinal position on the object Oa corresponding to the index value (for example, a specific remaining percentage of ink Ik) corresponding to the ordering timing is called the ordering position. In the dual-chamber supply printer 100A, the default ordering timing for a replacement cartridge is when the state transitions from the first storage state S1 to the second storage state S2, that is, when the remaining amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A becomes 0. For this reason, in the dual-chamber supply printer 100A, the ordering position RPa is the position of the boundary portion BDa described above.

[0081] An example of a display image RIc shown by display image data generated when the target printer is a single-chamber supply type printer 100C is shown in Fig. 6(C). The display image RIc includes an object Oc. Since the single-chamber supply type printer 100C does not have an intermediate tank, the object Oc is only a cartridge object and does not include a tank object. Therefore, the remaining percentage of the total ink Ik is the cartridge remaining percentage CR.

[0082] The object Oc has a fixed size regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR. In FIG. 6C, the hatched area of ​​the object Oc is a variable area VR whose size (specifically, the length in the longitudinal direction) varies according to the cartridge remaining rate CR, and is the portion showing the remaining rate of the ink Ik. The non-hatched area of ​​the object Oc is a remaining area RR, which is the remaining area of ​​the object Oc excluding the variable area VR. In other words, when the object Oc shows a cartridge remaining rate CR greater than 0%, it is displayed divided into a variable area VR and a remaining area RR. The proportion of the part of the object Oc that is occupied by the variable area VR, that is, the longitudinal length LR of the part that is occupied by the variable area VR relative to the longitudinal length TR of the object Oc, is equal to the cartridge remaining rate CR (CR=TR / LR).

[0083] As can be seen from the above explanation, the object Oc indicates an index value relating to the remaining amount of ink Ik supplied to the printer 100C (for example, the remaining rate of ink Ik). The left end E1c of the object Oc corresponds to the minimum value of the index value, and the right end E2c of the object Oc corresponds to the maximum value of the index value.

[0084] Here, in the single-chamber supply type printer 100C, the timing for ordering a replacement cartridge is when the remaining amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C reaches a reference amount. The default reference amount is determined, for example, taking into consideration the amount of printing to be performed from when a replacement cartridge is ordered until the replacement cartridge is delivered to the user. For example, the default reference amount is set to the amount of ink Ik required to print a predetermined number of sheets (100 sheets in this embodiment). In the object Oc in FIG. 6(C), the order corresponding position RPc corresponding to the default ordering timing is indicated by a dashed line.

[0085] Although detailed description is omitted, the display image RIb displayed by the display image data generated when the target printer is the printer 100B includes an object Ob consisting of a tank object and a cartridge object, similar to the display image RIa in Figures 6(A) and (B). The display image RId displayed by the display image data generated when the target printer is the printer 100D includes an object Od consisting only of a cartridge object, similar to the display image RIc in Figure 6(C).

[0086] 5, the management device 300 determines whether all the printers under management have been processed as the noted printer. If there is an unprocessed printer (S170: NO), the management device 300 returns to S115 and selects the unprocessed printer as the noted printer. If all the printers have been processed (S170: YES), the management device 300 advances the process to S175.

[0087] In S175, the management device 300 generates display screen data showing the management screen DW using display image data already generated for each of the printers 100A to 100D. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the management screen DW. The management screen DW is a list of printer information of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed. The management screen DW includes a plurality of display areas for displaying a plurality of items of printer information. FIG. 7 shows three of these display areas, CL1 to CL3. For example, the display area CL1 shows the serial numbers of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed, and the display area CL2 shows the model names of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed. The display area CL3 shows the above-mentioned display images RIa to RId as information showing the remaining rate of ink Ik of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed.

[0088] 7, of the display images RIa and RIb corresponding to the dual-chamber supply printers 100A and 100B, the display image RIa indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RIb indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. Also, of the display images RIc and RId corresponding to the single-chamber supply printers 100C and 100D, the display image RIc indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and the display image RId indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0089] When the screen data is generated in S175, the screen data generation process ends.

[0090] The management device 300 displays the management screen DW on the display unit 340 at a predetermined opportunity, using the screen data already generated by the screen data generation process. For example, the management device 300 displays the management screen DW when the computer program PG2 is started. Furthermore, when the management device 300 acquires a display request from a user via the operation unit 350, it displays the management screen DW on the display unit 340. The user of the management device 300 is, for example, the administrator of the system 1000. The administrator of the system 1000 may be the user of the printers 100A-100D, or may be a person different from the user of the printers 100A-100D, for example, the seller of the printers 100A-100D.

[0091] According to the present embodiment described above, the management device 300 acquires the remaining printable number RN, which is information related to the remaining amount of ink Ik, from the printers 100A-100D (S110 in FIG. 5). The management device 300 generates display screen data showing the management screen DW including a display image RIa including an object Oa for displaying an index value (e.g., the remaining rate of ink Ik) determined using the remaining printable number RN of the printer 100A, and a display image RIc for displaying an index value determined using the remaining printable number RN of the printer 100C (S115-S175 in FIG. 5). The management device 300 then uses the display screen data to display the management screen DW on the display unit 340. The possible values ​​of the index value for the ink Ik (remaining rate of the ink Ik) of the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system include a value corresponding to the first storage state S1 (in this embodiment, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0 to 100%) and a value corresponding to the second storage state S2 (in this embodiment, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 0 to 100%), as described above. When the object Oa indicates the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, the display image RIa corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system includes an image of a boundary portion BDa indicating that the object Oa corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system, that is, corresponds to the ink supply unit 170A (FIG. 2) having the intermediate tank 175A. In contrast, the display image RIc corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system does not include an image of the boundary portion BDa. As a result, the convenience for the user of the management screen DW that displays the index values ​​for the remaining amount of the ink Ik for a plurality of printers can be improved.

[0092] 7, as described above, the object Oa in the display image RIa indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2. Even in this case, the display image RIa includes an image of the boundary portion BDa, so the user can recognize that the object Oa corresponds to the dual-chamber supply system printer 100A. This allows the user to easily recognize, for example, that it is time to order a replacement cartridge for the printer 100A.

[0093] The dual-chamber supply system printer 100A can continue printing even in the second storage state S2 where there is no ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A, as long as there is ink Ik remaining in the intermediate tank 175A. The single-chamber supply system printer 100C cannot continue printing when there is no ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200C. Due to this, the preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200A is different from the preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200C. For example, the preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200A is when the remaining percentage of the ink Ik reaches the above-mentioned ordering position RPa (FIG. 6(A), the position of the border BDa). The preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200C is when the remaining percentage of the ink Ik reaches the above-mentioned ordering position RPc (FIG. 6(C)). For this reason, if a user does not recognize that object Oa corresponds to printer 100A with a dual-chamber supply system, when the user looks at object Oa, he or she may not know whether or not it is time to order a replacement cartridge for printer 100A.

[0094] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display area CL3x of a management screen in a comparative example. The display area CL3x includes display images RIxa-RIxd corresponding to printers 100A-100D. In the comparative example, unlike the first embodiment, objects Oxa-Oxd of display images RIxa-RIxd are not divided into a variable area and a remaining area. The length of the entire object of objects Oxa-Oxd in the comparative example varies according to the remaining rate of ink Ik. In other words, each object in the comparative example is composed only of the variable area of ​​the first embodiment.

[0095] In the example of Fig. 8, similar to the example of Fig. 7, the display image RIxa indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RIxb indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. In addition, the display image RIxc indicates a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RIxd indicates a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

[0096] When the object of the comparative example corresponding to the printer of the two-chamber supply system shows the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, it is divided into a tank object TOx and a cartridge object COx as shown in the object Oxb of FIG. 8, and therefore includes an image showing the boundary portion BDx. However, when the object of the comparative example corresponding to the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 is shown, as shown in the object Oxa of FIG. 8, the cartridge object is not displayed, and only the tank object is displayed, so there is no image showing the boundary portion. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the object Oxa corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system is the same as the object Oxc corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system. As a result, in the comparative example, a user who sees the object Oxa cannot tell whether the object Oxa corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system or not. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the object Oa corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system shows the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, but the boundary portion BDa is clearly displayed. This allows a user who sees the object Oa to easily recognize that the object Oa corresponds to a dual-chamber supply type printer, as described above.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the object Oa includes a cartridge object COa indicating the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, and a tank object TOa indicating the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 (FIG. 6(A)). The boundary portion BDa is an image indicating the boundary between the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa. In this way, by showing the boundary between the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa, the user can easily intuitively understand that the object Oa indicates a dual-chamber supply system having an intermediate tank 175A. Therefore, it is even easier to recognize that the object Oa corresponds to a printer with a dual-chamber supply system.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa each have a fixed size regardless of the remaining rate of the ink Ik, and are displayed divided into variable areas VC, VT and remaining areas RC, RT to indicate the remaining rate of the ink Ik. The boundary part BDa is an image showing the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa. That is, the existence of the boundary part BDa between the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa clearly shows the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the object Oa corresponds to a printer of a dual-chamber supply system. In a modified example, the boundary part BDa may be a line showing the boundary between the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa, instead of a space.

[0099] As can be seen from the above explanation, ink cartridge 200A is an example of a first cartridge, and ink cartridge 200C is an example of a second cartridge. The remaining printable number RN obtained from printer 100A is an example of first information, and the remaining printable number RN obtained from printer 100C is an example of second information. Object Oa is an example of a first object, and object Ob is an example of a second object. Cartridge object COa is an example of a first sub-object, and tank object TOa is an example of a second sub-object. Boundary portion BDa is an example of a specific image.

[0100] B. Second Example Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL32 to CL34 of the management screen in Examples 2 to 4. In the second example, the display area CL32 in Fig. 9(A) is displayed instead of the display area CL3 (Fig. 7) of the management screen DW in Example 1.

[0101] Display area CL32 includes display images RI2a-RI2d corresponding to printers 100A-100D. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, objects O2a-O2d of display images RI2a-RI2d are not divided into a variable area and a remaining area, as in the comparative example (FIG. 8). For objects O2a-O2d in the second embodiment, the length of the entire object varies according to the remaining rate of ink Ik, as in the comparative example.

[0102] In the example of Fig. 9(A), similar to the example of Fig. 7, the display image RI2a indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RI2b indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. In addition, the display image RI2c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and the display image RI2d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0103] In the second embodiment, in display images RI2a and RI2b corresponding to printers 100A and 100B with a two-chamber supply system, background images BGm showing the backgrounds of objects O2a and O2b have a first color (e.g., red). In display images RI2c and RI2d corresponding to printers 100C and 100D with a single-chamber supply system, background images BGn showing the backgrounds of objects O2c and O2d have a second color (e.g., blue) different from the first color.

[0104] 9A, in the second embodiment, an object O2a corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system is the same as an object O2c corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system. As a result, in the second embodiment, a user cannot know from the object O2a alone whether the object O2a corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system or not.

[0105] According to the second embodiment, the color of the background image BGm in the display image RI2a is different from the color of the background image BGn in the display image RI2c, so that the user can easily recognize that the object O2a in the display image RI2a corresponds to a printer of the dual-chamber supply type, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the second embodiment, the background image BGm is an example of a specific image.

[0106] C. Third Example In the third embodiment, instead of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment, a display area CL33 in FIG. 9(B) is displayed.

[0107] Display region CL33 includes display images RI3a to RI3d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the third embodiment, objects O3a to O3d of display images RI3a to RI3d have the same configuration as objects O2a to O2d of the second embodiment, except for their colors.

[0108] In the example of Fig. 9(B), similar to the example of Fig. 7, the display image RI3a indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RI3b indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. In addition, the display image RI3c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and the display image RI3d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0109] In the display images RI3a and RI3b corresponding to the printers 100A and 100B of the two-chamber supply system, the objects O3a and O3b are composed of a tank object and a cartridge object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, and are composed of only a tank object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2. In the example of FIG. 9(B), the object O3b is composed of a tank object TO3b and a cartridge object CO3b, and the object O3a is composed of only a tank object TO3a. In the display images RI3c and RI3d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system, the objects O3c and O3d are always composed of only cartridge objects CO3c and CO3d.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the tank object is an image having a third color (e.g., red). For example, in the example of FIG. 9(B), object O3a (tank object TO3a) and tank object TO3b of object O3b are images having the third color. And the cartridge object is an image having a fourth color (e.g., blue) different from the third color. For example, in the example of FIG. 9(B), cartridge object CO3b of object O3b and objects O3c, O3d (cartridge objects CO3c, CO3d) are images having the third color.

[0111] 9B, the shape of object O3a corresponding to printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system is the same as object O3c corresponding to printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system. As a result, in the third embodiment, the user cannot tell from the shape of object O3a alone whether object O3c corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system.

[0112] According to the second embodiment, the color of the tank object CO3a (the entire object O3a in FIG. 9(B)) in the display image RI3a is different from the color of the object O3c in the display image RI3c, so that the user can easily recognize that the object O3a in the display image RI3a corresponds to a printer with a dual-chamber supply system, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the third embodiment, the tank object CO3a having the third color is an example of a specific image.

[0113] D. Fourth Example In the fourth embodiment, a display area CL34 in FIG. 9C is displayed instead of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

[0114] Display region CL34 includes display images RI4a to RI4d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the fourth embodiment, objects O4a to O4d of display images RI4a to RI4d have the same configuration as objects O2a to O2d of the second embodiment, except for their patterns.

[0115] In the example of Fig. 9(C), similar to the example of Fig. 7, the display image RI4a indicates the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RI4b indicates the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. In addition, the display image RI4c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of the ink Ik, and the display image RI4d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of the ink Ik.

[0116] In the display images RI4a and RI4b corresponding to the printers 100A and 100B of the dual-chamber supply system, the objects O4a and O4b are composed of a tank object and a cartridge object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, and are composed of only a tank object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2. In the example of FIG. 9(C), the object O4b is composed of a tank object TO4b and a cartridge object CO4b, and the object O4a is composed of only a tank object TO4a. In the display images RI4c and RI4d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system, the objects O4c and O4d are always composed of only cartridge objects CO4c and CO4d.

[0117] In the fourth embodiment, the tank object is an image having a first pattern (e.g., a houndstooth pattern). For example, in the example of FIG. 9(C), the object O4a (tank object TO4a) and the tank object TO4b of the object O4b are images having the first pattern. And the cartridge object is an image having a second pattern (e.g., a horizontal stripe pattern) different from the first pattern. For example, in the example of FIG. 9(C), the cartridge object CO4b of the object O4b and the objects O4c and O4d (cartridge objects CO4c and CO4d) are images having the second pattern.

[0118] 9C, the shape of the object O4a corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system is the same as that of the object O4c corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system. As a result, in the fourth embodiment, the user cannot tell from the shape of the object O4a alone whether the object O4c corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system.

[0119] According to the fourth embodiment, the pattern of the tank object CO4a (the entire object O4a in FIG. 9(C)) in the display image RI4a is different from the pattern of the object O4c in the display image RI4c, so the user can easily recognize that the object O4a in the display image RI4a corresponds to a printer with a dual-chamber supply system, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the fourth embodiment, the tank object CO4a having the first pattern is an example of a specific image.

[0120] E. Fifth Example Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL35 to CL37 of the management screen in Examples 5 to 7. In Example 5, the display area CL35 in Fig. 10(A) is displayed instead of the display area CL3 (Fig. 7) of the management screen DW in Example 1.

[0121] The display region CL35 includes display images RI5a to RI5d corresponding to the printers 100A to 100D. In the fifth embodiment, the objects O5a to O5d of the display images RI5a to RI5d are the same as the objects O2a to O2d in the second embodiment.

[0122] In the example of Fig. 10(A), similar to the example of Fig. 7, the display image RI5a indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and the display image RI5b indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. In addition, the display image RI5c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and the display image RI5d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0123] In the fifth embodiment, the display images RI5a and RI5b corresponding to the printers 100A and 100B of the two-chamber supply system include an identification image MK showing an identification mark (for example, a flower mark) indicating the two-chamber supply system. In the example of FIG. 10(A), the identification image MK is displayed at a position where a cartridge object (for example, CO5b in FIG. 10(A)) is displayed when the objects O5a and O5b show the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. The identification image MK is displayed even when the objects O5a and O5b show the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, that is, when the objects O5a and O5b do not include a cartridge object. The identification image MK is not displayed in the display images RI5c and RI5d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system.

[0124] In the fifth embodiment, the configurations of the objects O5a to O5d are the same as those of the objects O2a to O2d in the second embodiment, so that the shape of the object O5a corresponding to the printer 100A of the two-chamber supply system is the same as that of the object O5c corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system, as shown in Fig. 10(A). As a result, in the fifth embodiment, the user cannot tell from only the object O5a whether the object O5c corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system or not.

[0125] According to the fifth embodiment, the display image RI5a is displayed together with the object O5a and includes an identification image MK that is not included in the display image RI5c, so that the user can easily recognize that the object O5a in the display image RI5a corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the fifth embodiment, the identification image MK is an example of a specific image. In addition, in a modified example, the display images RI5c and RI5d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system may include an image showing an identification mark (for example, a bird mark) different from the identification image MK.

[0126] F. Sixth Example In the sixth embodiment, a display area CL36 in FIG. 10(B) is displayed instead of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

[0127] Display region CL36 includes display images RI6a-RI6d corresponding to printers 100A-100D. In the example of Fig. 10(B), similar to the example of Fig. 7, display image RI6a indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and display image RI6b indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. Furthermore, display image RI6c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and display image RI6d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0128] In the display images RI6a and RI6b corresponding to the printers 100A and 100B of the dual-chamber supply system, the objects O6a and O6b are composed of a tank object and a cartridge object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, and are composed of only a tank object when showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2. In the example of FIG. 10(B), the object O6b is composed of a tank object TO6b and a cartridge object CO6b, and the object O6a is composed of only a tank object TO6a. In the display images RI6c and RI6d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system, the objects O6c and O6d are always composed of only cartridge objects CO6c and CO6d.

[0129] In the sixth embodiment, the size (longitudinal length and lateral length) of each object is fixed. For example, the size of the object O6a (tank object TO6a) and tank object TO6b in Fig. 10(B) is fixed regardless of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. The size of the cartridge object CO6b, objects O6c, and O6d (cartridge objects CO6c and CO6d) is fixed regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR.

[0130] In the sixth embodiment, each object indicates the remaining rate of the ink Ik by its color. For example, the color of a tank object (e.g., T06a) corresponding to a printer with a dual-chamber supply system (e.g., 100A) changes according to the remaining rate of the ink Ik (intermediate tank remaining rate SR) when indicating the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 (FIG. 10(A)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the tank object T06a is achromatic. The density of the tank object T06a changes according to the intermediate tank remaining rate SR so that the tank object becomes white when the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 0% and becomes black when the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%. As a result, the tank object T06a indicates the intermediate tank remaining rate SR by its density. Note that in the second storage state S2, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, so in the example of FIG. 10(A), the cartridge object is not displayed (the cartridge object is white, which can also be said to be the same color as the background).

[0131] The color of a cartridge object (e.g., CO6b) corresponding to a printer with a dual-chamber supply system (e.g., 100B) varies according to the remaining rate of the ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR) when indicating the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1 (FIG. 10(B)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the cartridge object CO6b is achromatic. The density of the cartridge object CO6b varies according to the cartridge remaining rate CRR so that it is white when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0% and black when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 100%. As a result, the cartridge object CO6b indicates the cartridge remaining rate CR according to its density. Note that in the first storage state S1, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%, so in the example of FIG. 10(B), the color of the tank object TO6b is black.

[0132] The color of a cartridge object (e.g., CO6c) corresponding to a single-chamber supply type printer (e.g., 100C) varies according to the remaining rate of ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR) (FIG. 10(B)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the cartridge object CO6c is achromatic. The density of the cartridge object CO6c varies according to the cartridge remaining rate CR, so that it is white when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0% and black when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 100%. In this way, the cartridge object CO6c indicates the cartridge remaining rate CR through its density.

[0133] In a modified example, the saturation or hue of each object may be changed in response to the cartridge remaining rate CR or the intermediate tank remaining rate SR, instead of the density of each object.

[0134] According to the sixth embodiment, even when the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 is shown in the display image RI6a, the size of the tank object TO6a is maintained. The right end of the tank objects TO6a and TO6b (FIG. 10(B)) having a fixed size constitutes a boundary portion BD6 indicating the boundary between the first storage state S1 and the second storage state S2. For this reason, in the sixth embodiment, it can be said that the display of the boundary portion BD6 is maintained even when the second storage state S2 is shown. In contrast, in the display image RI6c corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply system, the size of the object O6c (cartridge object CO6c) is maintained to be larger than the size of the tank object TO6a even when a relatively small cartridge remaining rate CR is shown. Therefore, the display image RI6c does not show a configuration similar to the boundary portion BD6 of the display image RI6a. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the object O6a of the display image RI6a corresponds to a printer of the two-chamber supply system, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the sixth embodiment, the boundary portion BD6 is an example of a specific image.

[0135] 10B, in a modified example, even if the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, the cartridge object may not be erased in the display image RI6a, and only the frame of the cartridge object CO6a may be displayed. In this case, even if the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 is displayed, the boundary BD6 is displayed more clearly.

[0136] F. Seventh Example In the seventh embodiment, a display area CL37 in FIG. 10C is displayed instead of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

[0137] Display region CL37 includes display images RI7a-RI7d corresponding to printers 100A-100D. In the example of Fig. 10(C), similar to the example of Fig. 7, display image RI7a indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, and display image RI7b indicates the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. Furthermore, display image RI7c indicates a relatively small remaining percentage of ink Ik, and display image RI7d indicates a relatively large remaining percentage of ink Ik.

[0138] In the display images RI7a to RI7d corresponding to the printers 100A to 100D, the objects O7a to O7d have a fixed size, respectively, regardless of the remaining amount of ink Ik.

[0139] Each of the objects O7a to O7d is divided into a variable area VA whose size (specifically, the length in the longitudinal direction) varies according to the remaining rate of the ink Ik (the cartridge remaining rate CR or the intermediate tank remaining rate SR), and a remaining area RA. As a result, the objects O7a to O7d indicate the remaining rate of the ink Ik by the length in the longitudinal direction of the variable area VA.

[0140] In the remaining area RA of the object O7a corresponding to the dual-chamber supply system printer 100A, the cartridge area RAc and the tank area RAt are different colors. The cartridge area RAc is an area corresponding to the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1 (0 to 100% of the cartridge remaining rate CR). The tank area RAt is an area corresponding to the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2 (0 to 100% of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR).

[0141] For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10(C), when the object O7a indicates the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, the boundary BD7 between the cartridge area RAc and the tank area RAt is clearly indicated.

[0142] In Fig. 10C, the object O7b in the display image RI7b corresponding to the dual-chamber supply printer 100B shows the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1. For this reason, in the example of Fig. 10C, the remaining area RA of the object O7b does not include the tank area RAt, and therefore the boundary portion BD7 does not appear in the remaining area RA of the object O7b.

[0143] The objects O7c, O7d of the display images RI7c, RI7d corresponding to the printers 100C, 100D of the single-chamber supply system show the cartridge remaining rate CR as a whole, so the color of the remaining area RA of the objects O7c, O7d is always the same color as the above-mentioned cartridge area RAc. Therefore, the border BD7 does not appear in the remaining area RA of the objects O7c, O7d.

[0144] According to the seventh embodiment, the boundary portion BD7 appears in the remaining area RA of the object O7a in the display image RI7a, so that the user can easily recognize that the object O7a in the display image RI7a corresponds to a printer of the dual-chamber supply type, as in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above explanation, in the seventh embodiment, the boundary portion BD7 is an example of a specific image.

[0145] G. Variations (1) In each of the above embodiments, the printer to be processed, for example, the printer 100A, is provided with a monochrome print execution unit 160 that uses one color of ink (for example, black (K)). Alternatively, the printer 100A may be provided with a print mechanism that uses multiple colors of ink Ik, for example, a print mechanism that prints color images using four colors of ink: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). In this case, four ink cartridges 200A corresponding to the four colors of ink can be mounted on the printer 100A. The printer 100A is provided with an ink supply unit 170A for each of the four colors of ink. In this case, for example, the initial amounts of all or some of the inks Ik of the four colors of ink cartridges 200A may be different from each other. For example, the initial amounts of the inks Ik may be different between the chromatic ink cartridges 200A of CMY and the achromatic ink cartridge 200A of K. Furthermore, the boundary ink amounts of the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to some or all of the four color ink cartridges 200A may be different from each other. For example, the boundary ink amounts of the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to the chromatic color ink cartridges 200A of CMY and the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to the achromatic color ink cartridges 200A of K may be different from each other.

[0146] In this modification, in the display area of ​​the management screen, the display image of one printer includes four objects corresponding to the four colors of ink. The configuration of each object in the display image may be the same as that of the first to seventh embodiments described above.

[0147] (2) The configurations of the display regions CL31 to CL37 in the first to seventh embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0148] For example, the configurations of the display regions CL31 to CL33 of the first to third embodiments may be combined. In this case, for example, in the display region CL31 of Fig. 7, the color of the background image of the display images RIa and RIb is different from the color of the background image of the display images RIc and RId. In the display region CL31 of Fig. 7, the color of the variable region of the tank object of the objects Oa and Ob is a first color, and the color of the variable region of the cartridge object of the objects Oa and Ob and the objects Oc and Od is a second color different from the first color.

[0149] For example, the identification image MK displayed in the display area CL35 of the fifth embodiment may be displayed within a display image corresponding to the dual-chamber supply printers 100A and 100B in the display areas of the other embodiments.

[0150] (3) In the first embodiment described above, in the display area CL3 of the management screen DW, display images RIa-RId showing the remaining percentage of the ink Ik are displayed as images displaying index values ​​relating to the remaining amount of the ink Ik. Alternatively, the display area may display other index values ​​relating to the remaining amount of the ink Ik. For example, as other index values, the remaining number of printable sheets RN may be displayed, or the remaining amount of the ink Ik itself may be displayed. Even with this modification, a management screen DW is provided that allows the remaining amount of the ink Ik in the printers 100A-100D to be easily ascertained.

[0151] (4) In the above embodiment and modified example, each object in the display image is a belt-like object extending in a straight line, but it may be a belt-like object extending in a curved line. For example, it may be a belt-like object extending in an arc. In this case, the position of the object in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the circumferential direction, corresponds to the possible values ​​of the index value relating to the remaining amount of ink Ik.

[0152] (5) In the above embodiment, the printer to be processed, for example, printer 100A, is provided with an inkjet type print execution unit 160. Alternatively, printer 100A may be provided with an electrophotographic (for example, laser type) printing mechanism that prints images using toner as a printing material. In this case, the printer may be provided with a supply unit to which a toner cartridge can be attached, an intermediate tank (for example, a subtank in which toner is temporarily stored) that contains the toner supplied from the toner cartridge attached to the supply unit, and a print execution unit that executes printing using the toner contained in the intermediate tank. The management screen DW of this embodiment can also be applied when a printer equipped with such a two-chamber toner supply system is used.

[0153] (6) In the above embodiment, the management device 300 acquires the total printable number TN, the remaining printable number RN, and the tank printable number SN from the printers 100A-100D, and calculates the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (S135-S160 in FIG. 5). Alternatively, each printer may calculate the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In this case, the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR are stored in the information database IB of each printer. Then, the management device 300 may acquire the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR from each printer in S110 in FIG. 5.

[0154] The management device 300 may also store in advance the tank printable number SN of each printer for each printer model. In this case, the management device 300 may acquire the pre-stored tank printable number SN by referencing the model name acquired from each printer. Similarly, the management device 300 may store in advance the total printable number TN of the ink cartridge of each printer for each ink cartridge product number. In this case, the management device 300 may acquire the pre-stored total printable number TN by referencing the ink cartridge product number acquired from each printer.

[0155] (7) The objects Oa-Od on the management screen DW in Fig. 7 are strip-shaped objects extending in the left-right direction. Alternatively, for example, these objects may be objects of other shapes. For example, the objects may be strip-shaped objects extending in the up-down direction. Also, for example, the objects may be multiple circular objects arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, the up-down direction). In this case, for example, the cartridge remaining rate CR or the intermediate tank remaining rate SR may be indicated by the number of circular objects.

[0156] (8) In the above embodiment, the management device 300 outputs the display screen data in a form in which the management screen DW (FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit 340 using the display screen data. Alternatively, for example, the management device 300 may output the display screen data in a form in which the display screen data is transmitted to a user's terminal device (for example, a smartphone or a personal computer). In this case, for example, the management screen DW (FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device.

[0157] (9) In the above embodiment, the screen data generation process of Fig. 5 is executed by the management device 300. Alternatively, each managed printer may execute the processes of S125 to S165 of Fig. 5 to generate display image data and transmit the display image data to the management device 300. The management device 300 may then generate display screen data showing the management screen DW using the display image data acquired from each printer.

[0158] (10) The management device 300 is connected to the local area network NT, but may be connected to the Internet IT. In this case, for example, the printers 100A to 100D periodically and spontaneously transmit printer information to the management device 300. The management device 300 executes the screen data generation process of FIG. 5 using the printer information. Then, as described above, the management device 300 transmits screen data showing the management screen DW to the user's terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device. In this case, for example, the management device 300 may be a so-called cloud server including a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other via a network.

[0159] (11) In each of the above embodiments, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

[0160] (12) When part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by a computer program, the program may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium). The program may be used in a state stored in the same or a different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) from when it was provided. "Computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but may also include internal storage devices within a computer, such as various ROMs, and external storage devices connected to a computer, such as a hard disk drive.

[0161] The present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications, but the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 100A to 100D... printer, 110... CPU, 120... volatile storage device, 130... non-volatile storage device, 140... display unit, 150... operation unit, 160... print execution unit, 170A, 170C... ink supply unit, 171A, 171C... printing mechanism, 172A, 172C... mounting unit, 174A, 174C... ink supply port, 175A... intermediate tank, 177A, 177C... ink flow path unit, 178A, 178C... communication port, 180... communication IF, 200A to 200C... ink cartridge, 210A... main storage chamber, 210C... storage chamber, 2 20A, 220C... communication port, 230A, 230C... ink outlet, 250A, 250C... IC chip, 300... management device, 310... CPU, 320... volatile storage device, 330... non-volatile storage device, 340... display unit, 350... operation unit, 380... communication IF, 1000... system, S1... first storage state, S2... second storage state, IB... information database, PD... management database, DW... management screen, CM... contact, NT... local area network, IT... Internet, PG1, PG2... computer program

Claims

1. A computer program comprising: a first acquisition function for acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition function for acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating function for generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output function for outputting the display screen data; This is realized on a computer. possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A computer program, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a different color from the second object.

2. A computer program comprising: a first acquisition function for acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition function for acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating function for generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output function for outputting the display screen data; This is realized on a computer. possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A computer program, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object.

3. A computer program comprising: a first acquisition function for acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition function for acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating function for generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output function for outputting the display screen data; This is realized on a computer. possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, A computer program, wherein the specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image, and has a color different from that of the background of the second object in the first display image.

4. A computer program comprising: a first acquisition function for acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition function for acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating function for generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output function for outputting the display screen data; This is realized on a computer. possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, The specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image.

5. A management device for a plurality of print execution units, a first acquisition unit that acquires first information related to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire second information regarding a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit configured to supply the second printing material to a second print execution unit, the second acquisition unit not including the tank; a generating unit that generates display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the generating unit being configured such that the first value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output unit that outputs the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; The specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a different color from the second object, a management device.

6. A management device for a plurality of print execution units, a first acquisition unit that acquires first information related to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire second information regarding a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit configured to supply the second printing material to a second print execution unit, the second acquisition unit not including the tank; a generating unit that generates display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the generating unit being configured such that the first value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output unit that outputs the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A management device, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object.

7. A management device for a plurality of print execution units, a first acquisition unit that acquires first information related to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire second information regarding a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit configured to supply the second printing material to a second print execution unit, the second acquisition unit not including the tank; a generating unit that generates display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the generating unit being configured such that the first value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output unit that outputs the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, A management device, wherein the specific image is an image showing the background of the first object in the first display image and having a color different from that of the background of the second object in the first display image.

8. A management device for a plurality of print execution units, a first acquisition unit that acquires first information related to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire second information regarding a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit configured to supply the second printing material to a second print execution unit, the second acquisition unit not including the tank; a generating unit that generates display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the generating unit being configured such that the first value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output unit that outputs the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, The specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image.

9. A method for managing a plurality of print execution units, comprising the steps of: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating step of generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output step of outputting the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A management method, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a different color from the second object.

10. A method for managing a plurality of print execution units, comprising the steps of: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating step of generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output step of outputting the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, the first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state; A management method in which the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object.

11. A method for managing a plurality of print execution units, comprising the steps of: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating step of generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output step of outputting the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, A management method, wherein the specific image is an image showing the background of the first object in the first display image and having a color different from that of the background of the second object in the first display image.

12. A method for managing a plurality of print execution units, comprising the steps of: a first acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge attached to a first supply unit that supplies a first printing material to a first printing execution unit and in a tank of the first supply unit, the tank containing the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit supplying the first printing material contained in the tank to the first printing execution unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second information on a remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge attached to a second supply unit that supplies the second printing material to a second printing execution unit, the second supply unit not including the tank; a generating step of generating display screen data showing a display screen including a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information, and a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information, the first value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value being an index value relating to a remaining amount of the second printing material; an output step of outputting the display screen data; Equipped with possible values ​​of the first value include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank, the first display image includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state; The second display image does not include the specific image, A management method, wherein the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image.

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