Control device and computer program

Abstract

To appropriately control the order placement of consumables of a printer.SOLUTION: A computer program according to the present invention causes a computer to: determine whether or not a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied which represents that a remaining amount of consumables of a print executing unit is equal to or smaller than a first threshold; when the first condition is satisfied which includes that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, transmit a first notification to a terminal device; and receive a process request from the terminal device that receives the first notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a technique for controlling the ordering of printer consumables. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques have been proposed for ordering printer consumables (e.g., toner, ink, paper, etc.) when the remaining amount is low. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique: When the toner near empty detection unit 30 detects a toner near empty state, the notification unit 31 notifies a service technician of the detection information by email. The email client unit 32 receives the URL of order content 505a corresponding to the notification via the NIC 18. In response to an instruction from the operation panel 15, the web browser unit 33 assigns a user ID to the URL and accesses it. The web browser unit 33 receives the web page corresponding to the user ID via the NIC 18 and displays the content on the touch panel 20. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-055357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Properly controlling the ordering of printer consumables has not been easy, as the same consumable may be ordered multiple times.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for appropriately controlling the ordering of printer consumables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The techniques disclosed in this specification can be implemented in the following application examples.

[0007] [Application Example 1] A control device includes a first determination unit that determines whether a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of a consumable in a print execution unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value; a first transmission unit that transmits a first notification to a terminal device indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition including the first determination unit determining that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied; a reception unit that receives a processing request from the terminal device that has received the first notification, the processing request being a request for processing to order the consumable; and a reception unit that determines whether a second low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than a second threshold value, in response to the processing request. a second judgment unit and a second transmission unit that uses the result of the judgment by the second judgment unit to transmit data for displaying a screen to the terminal device, wherein when a second condition is satisfied, including the second judgment unit judging that the second low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the second transmission unit transmits data to the terminal device for displaying a first type screen, which is a screen for inputting an order request for the consumables, and when the second condition is not satisfied, the second transmission unit transmits data to the terminal device for displaying a second type screen, which is different from the first type screen and on which an order request for the consumables cannot be input.

[0008] According to this configuration, whether the remaining amount is equal to or less than the second threshold is determined in response to a processing request from the terminal device, so that ordering of consumables for the printer can be appropriately controlled.

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a control method and a control device, a computer program for realizing the functions of the method or device, a recording medium (e.g., a non-temporary recording medium) on which the computer program is recorded, and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 5] (A) to (D) show examples of images displayed on the display unit 240. [Figure 6] (A) and (B) show examples of images displayed on the display unit 240. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 9] (A) shows an example of an application screen, and (B) shows a third notification screen 980. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a low remaining amount notification transmission process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another embodiment of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another embodiment of a process for ordering ink. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are flowcharts illustrating an embodiment of a process for controlling the transmission of low-level notification data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A. First Example: A1.Device configuration: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system according to this embodiment. The system 1000 includes a printer 100, terminal devices 200A and 200B, a service server 500, and a distributor server 600. In this embodiment, the service server 500 and the distributor server 600 are provided by a print service provider. The print service provider provides the printer 100 to a user who has applied for a print service. The service server 500 assigns a printable amount (e.g., the number of printable pages) to the printer 100. The printer 100 allows the user to print within the printable amount. The user can purchase the printable amount. When the printable amount is purchased, the service server 500 assigns the printable amount updated by the purchase to the printer 100.

[0012] The service server 500 also processes requests for ordering consumables used by the printer 100. The printer 100 includes a print execution unit 160. The print execution unit 160 is a device that prints images using a printing material (e.g., toner or ink) on a sheet of paper (an example of a print medium) using a predetermined method (e.g., laser or inkjet). In this embodiment, the print execution unit 160 is an inkjet printing device that uses four types of ink: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The print execution unit 160 includes ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK, each containing CMYK ink. When ink levels are low, the administrator of the printer 100 can use a terminal device to request an ink order. The service server 500 and the distributor's server 600 then execute a process to ship the ink in response to the request (details will be described later).

[0013] The administrator of the printer 100 may be various people. If the printer 100 is used at home, the administrator may be a family member (e.g., father, mother, etc.). If the printer 100 is used in a company, the administrator may be a person selected from among the employees. A single printer 100 may be associated with multiple administrators. The terminal devices 200A and 200B are terminal devices for different administrators.

[0014] These devices 100, 200A, 200B, 500, 600 are connected to a network NT, which may include the so-called Internet, or may include a so-called local network.

[0015] The printer 100 has a processor 110, a storage device 115, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a print execution unit 160, and a communication interface 180. These elements are connected to one another via a bus. The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130. The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0016] The display unit 140 is a device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. The operation unit 150 is a device that receives user operations, such as a button, a lever, or a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 140. The communication interface 180 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, the communication interface 180 includes one or more of a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, and an IEEE802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 180 is connected to a network NT.

[0017] The nonvolatile storage device 130 stores a program PG1 and control data 131. The program PG1 is stored in advance in the nonvolatile storage device 130 as firmware by the manufacturer of the printer 100. The processor 110 executes the program PG1 to perform various processes, which will be described later. The control data 131 will be described in detail later.

[0018] The terminal devices 200A and 200B have the same hardware configuration. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal devices 200A and 200B, the alphabetical letter at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be simply referred to as the terminal device 200.

[0019] The terminal device 200 is a computer such as a smartphone. The terminal device 200 has a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, and a communication interface 280. These elements are connected to each other via a bus. The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0020] The display unit 240 is a device that displays images, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives user operations, such as a button, a lever, or a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 240. The communication interface 280 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, the communication interface 280 includes one or more of a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, and an IEEE802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 280 is connected to a network NT.

[0021] The non-volatile storage device 230 stores a program PG2 and account data 231. Although not shown, an operating system (e.g., ANDROID (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), etc.) runs on the terminal device 200. Various applications can run on the operating system. The program PG2 is an application program for ordering ink (also called an order application). The program PG2 may be an application program that runs on the operating system. Alternatively, the program PG2 may be an application program that runs on another application (such a program is also called a mini-program). The program PG2 is downloaded to the terminal device 200 from a server (not shown). Alternatively, the program PG2 may be provided in a state stored in a portable storage device (e.g., a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, etc.). The processor 210 executes the program PG2 to perform various processes, which will be described later. Details of the account data 231 will be described later.

[0022] The servers 500 and 600 each include a processor 510 and 610, a storage device 515 and 615, and a communication interface 580 and 680. In each server 500 and 600, these elements are connected to one another via a bus. The storage device 515 and 615 include a volatile storage device 520 and 620, and a nonvolatile storage device 530 and 630, respectively. The processor 510 and 610 are devices that perform data processing, such as a CPU. The volatile storage devices 520 and 620 are, for example, DRAM, and the nonvolatile storage devices 530 and 630 are, for example, flash memory. The communication interfaces 580 and 680 are interfaces for communicating with other devices (for example, each of the communication interfaces 580 and 680 includes one or more of a USB interface, a wired LAN interface, and an IEEE 802.11 wireless interface). In this embodiment, the communication interfaces 580 and 680 are each connected to a network NT.

[0023] The nonvolatile storage devices 530 and 630 previously store programs PG5 and PG6 for the operation of the corresponding servers 500 and 600. The processors 510 and 610 execute various processes, which will be described later, in accordance with the programs PG5 and PG6.

[0024] The nonvolatile storage device 530 of the service server 500 further stores cumulative supply amount data 531, first management data 532, and first status data 533. The nonvolatile storage device 630 of the distributor server 600 further stores second status data 631. Details of these data will be described later.

[0025] Although not shown, a server operating system runs on the servers 500 and 600. The programs PG5 and PG6 may be application programs that run on the operating system. Alternatively, the programs PG5 and PG6 may be programs embedded in the operating system.

[0026] A2. Ordering process (total number of terminal devices = 1): 2-4 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the process for ordering ink. The process progresses in the order shown in FIGS. 2-4. As will be described later, the process branches depending on various conditions, such as the status of the printer 100 and instructions from the administrator. FIGS. 2-4 show multiple processes after branching. FIGS. 2-4 show the processes of the devices 100, 200A, 500, and 600, respectively. The processors 110, 210, 510, and 610 of the devices 100, 200A, 500, and 600 execute the corresponding programs PG1, PG2, PG5, and PG6 to perform the processes of the corresponding devices 100, 200A, 500, and 600.

[0027] In S110 (FIG. 2), the processor 110 of the printer 100 transmits remaining amount-related data to the service server 500. In S115, the processor 510 of the service server 500 acquires the remaining amount-related data. The remaining amount-related data may indicate various information related to the remaining amounts of consumables. In this embodiment, the print execution unit 160 prints an image by forming dots of each of the CMYK inks on a sheet. During printing, the processor 110 of the printer 100 counts the cumulative number of dots formed by printing and stores control data 131 indicating the cumulative dot number in the non-volatile storage device 130. The control data 131 indicates the cumulative number of dots for each color component. The value obtained by multiplying the cumulative dot number by the amount of ink per dot indicates the cumulative amount of ink used. The remainder obtained by subtracting the cumulative amount of ink used from the cumulative amount of ink supplied to the printer 100 (also referred to as the cumulative ink supply amount) indicates the remaining ink. In this way, the cumulative dot number is an example of information related to the remaining amount of ink. The processor 110 transmits remaining amount-related data indicating the cumulative dot numbers for each of CMYK to the service server 500. In this embodiment, the remaining amount-related data further includes data indicating the identifier of the printer 100.

[0028] In S120, the processor 110 of the printer 100 determines whether the transmission conditions for remaining amount-related data are met. If the transmission conditions are not met (S120: No), the processor 110 waits until the transmission conditions are met. During this time, the cumulative dot count may change as the printer 100 prints. If the transmission conditions are met (S120: Yes), the processor 110 proceeds to S110 and transmits the latest remaining amount-related data to the service server 500.

[0029] The transmission condition may be various conditions that can reduce delays in transmission of remaining amount-related data that is updated by printing. For example, the transmission condition may be that the time elapsed since the last transmission of remaining amount-related data is equal to or greater than a predetermined time threshold (e.g., 10 minutes). In this case, the processor 110 periodically transmits remaining amount-related data to the service server 500. The transmission condition may also be that printing has been performed after the last transmission of remaining amount-related data. In this case, the processor 110 promptly transmits the latest remaining amount-related data to the service server 500 in response to the execution of printing.

[0030] Thereafter, the processor 110 repeatedly executes S110 and S120, thereby enabling the processor 110 to transmit the latest remaining amount-related data to the service server 500.

[0031] In response to the acquisition of the remaining amount-related data (S115), the processor 510 of the service server 500 refers to the remaining amount-related data and calculates the remaining amount Ri for each color component at S130 (i indicates the type of ink. In this embodiment, i is selected from C, M, Y, and K. The same applies to thresholds T1i and T2i, which will be described later). In this embodiment, as will be described later, the processor 510 calculates the cumulative ink supply amount in response to the shipment of ink, and updates the cumulative supply amount data 531 (FIG. 1) to data indicating the calculated cumulative ink supply amount. The cumulative ink supply amount is the sum of the amount of ink already filled in the print execution unit 160 at the time of shipment of the printer 100 and the amount of ink that was shipped. The cumulative supply amount data 531 indicates the cumulative ink supply amount for each color component. In S130, the processor 510 refers to the remaining amount-related data and calculates the cumulative ink usage amount for each color component. The processor 510 calculates the remaining amount Ri for each color component by subtracting the cumulative ink usage amount from the cumulative ink supply amount.

[0032] In S140, the processor 510 determines whether the first condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the first condition is configured using a first low remaining amount condition. The first low remaining amount condition indicates that the remaining amount Ri of ink is equal to or less than a first threshold value T1i. Here, it is assumed that the number of ink types is L (in this embodiment, L=4). In this embodiment, the first condition is that M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of ink (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to L) are satisfied.

[0033] The processor 510 determines, for each color component, whether the remaining amount Ri is equal to or less than a first threshold value T1i. The first threshold value T1i is determined in advance for each color component. The first threshold value T1i may be the same for multiple color components. The first threshold value T1i may differ for each color component. For example, the three first threshold values ​​T1i for CMY may be the same, and the first threshold value T1K for black K may differ from the first threshold values ​​T1i for CMY. In S140, the processor 510 determines whether each of the four first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the four types of ink is satisfied.

[0034] If all of the first low remaining amount conditions are not satisfied, the first condition is not satisfied (S140: No). In this case, processor 510 repeats S115, S130, and S140 until one or more first low remaining amount conditions are satisfied. One or more first low remaining amount conditions may be satisfied by the new remaining amount-related data.

[0035] If one or more first low remaining amount conditions are met, the first condition is met (S140: Yes). In this case, in S150, processor 510 transmits low remaining amount notification data to the terminal device associated with printer 100. The low remaining amount notification data includes data of a message indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is met and data indicating the identifier of printer 100.

[0036] Any method may be used to identify the terminal device associated with the printer 100. In this embodiment, the processor 510 identifies the terminal device associated with the printer 100 by using the first management data 532 (FIG. 1). The first management data 532 indicates the correspondence between the printer identifier and the administrator identifier. The print service provider registers the correspondence between the printer identifier and the administrator identifier in the first management data 532 in advance. The administrator identifier and the printer identifier are also registered in advance in the administrator's terminal device. The account data 231 of the terminal device 200 (FIG. 1) indicates the administrator identifier and the printer identifier. When the terminal device 200 is in a state where it can communicate with the service server 500, the service server 500 acquires the administrator identifier and the terminal device identifier (e.g., IP address) from the terminal device 200. The processor 510 of the service server 500 identifies the terminal device associated with the printer 100 by referring to the first management data 532 and the correspondence between the administrator identifier and the terminal device identifier.

[0037] Hereinafter, it is assumed that an administrator identifier associated with the printer 100 is registered in the first terminal device 200A. Furthermore, it is assumed that the first terminal device 200A and the service server 500 are in a state where they can communicate with each other. For example, the service server 500 may establish a constant connection with the first terminal device 200A. Alternatively, a connection server (not shown) different from the service server 500 may establish a constant connection with the first terminal device 200A. Furthermore, a constant connection need not be established. For example, an order application may be running on the first terminal device 200A. Furthermore, the order application may establish a communication session with the service server 500.

[0038] In S170, in response to receiving the low remaining amount notification data, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A displays a low remaining amount notification image on the display unit 240. FIGS. 5(A)-5(D), 6(A), and 6(B) show examples of images displayed on the display unit 240. FIG. 5(A) shows a pop-up window 901, which is an example of a low remaining amount notification image. The pop-up window 901 includes a message indicated by the low remaining amount notification data. The processor 210 displays the pop-up window 901 using a notification function of the operating system running on the terminal device 200A. Alternatively, the processor 210 may display the pop-up window 901 by executing the order application program PG2.

[0039] In S180 (FIG. 2), the administrator having the terminal device 200A operates the operation unit 250 to input a progress instruction for the process for ordering ink. The progress instruction may be input by any method. In this embodiment, the operation unit 250 includes a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 240. The user inputs the progress instruction by tapping on a portion of the touch panel that overlaps the pop-up window 901 (FIG. 5(A)).

[0040] In S190, the processor 210 starts the order application in accordance with the program PG2 in response to the input of the proceed instruction. Then, the processor 210 executes various processes, which will be described later, as the order application. In S190, the processor 210 transmits processing request data indicating a processing request for placing an order to the service server 500. The service server 500 receives the processing request data. The processing request data includes data indicating an administrator identifier and a printer identifier.

[0041] Processor 510 of service server 500 proceeds with the ordering process in response to the processing request data from terminal device 200A. In S195, processor 510 refers to the remaining amount-related data from printer 100 and calculates the remaining amount Ri for each color component. The process of S195 is the same as the process of S130. As described above, processor 110 of printer 100 repeatedly executes S110 and S120. Therefore, after S140, service server 500 can acquire updated remaining amount-related data before receiving processing request data (S115x). In S195, processor 510 refers to the latest remaining amount-related data.

[0042] After determining Yes in S140, the printer 100 may be refilled with ink. For example, someone other than the administrator may refill the ink. When ink is refilled, the latest remaining amount-related data may indicate a remaining amount Ri that is greater than the remaining amount Ri obtained in S130. Furthermore, after determining Yes in S140, the amount of ink in the printer 100 may be reduced by printing. When the ink is reduced, the latest remaining amount-related data may indicate a remaining amount Ri that is less than the remaining amount Ri obtained in S130.

[0043] In S200, the processor 510 determines whether the second condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the second condition is configured using a second low level condition. The second low level condition indicates that the remaining ink level Ri is equal to or less than a second threshold T2i. In this embodiment, the second condition is that N second low level conditions corresponding to N types of ink (N is an integer between 1 and L) are satisfied (L is the number of types of ink; in this embodiment, L=4).

[0044] The processor 510 determines, for each color component, whether the remaining amount Ri is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2i. The only difference from the processing of S140 is that the second threshold value T2i is used instead of the first threshold value T1i. The second threshold value T2i is predetermined for each color component. In this embodiment, the second threshold value T2i is the same as the first threshold value T1i for each of CMYK. However, the second threshold value T2i may differ from the first threshold value T1i for one or more inks. In S200, the processor 510 determines whether each of four second low remaining amount conditions corresponding to four types of ink is satisfied.

[0045] If all of the second low remaining amount conditions are not met, the second condition is not met (S200: No). In this case, in S210, the processor 510 sends display data to the terminal device associated with the printer 100 (here, terminal device 200A). The display data includes data indicating that the remaining amounts Ri of all inks are greater than the second threshold value T2i. After sending the display data, the processor 510 ends the process. Thereafter, if the printer 100 sends remaining amount-related data to the service server 500, the processor 510 of the service server 500 proceeds to S115.

[0046] In S220, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A displays a first image indicating the status of the printer 100 on the display unit 240 in accordance with the display data. Fig. 5(B) shows a status screen 910, which is an example of the first image.

[0047] The status screen 910 is an operation screen displayed by the order application (a screen displayed by an application is also called an application window). The status screen 910 has a status area 911, four ink areas 912-915 corresponding to the four types of ink (CMYK), a delivery destination area 916, an attachment area 917, a button area 918, and a remarks area 919. The status area 911 indicates the status of the ink order request. In FIG. 5(B), the status area 911 indicates that there is sufficient ink remaining. Each of the ink areas 912-915 includes a message indicating whether or not an order request is possible, and a check box for placing an order. In this embodiment, an order request is possible when the remaining amount Ri is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2i. In FIG. 5(B), order requests for all CMYK inks are not possible. The delivery destination area 916 is an area for inputting the ink delivery destination. The attachment area 917 is an area for selecting attached image data, which is image data to be attached to the order request. Photographed image data of the exterior of the ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK of the printer 100 is attached to the ink order request. The ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK are made of a light-transmitting material. The photographed image shows the ink liquid level inside each of the CMYK ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK. By observing the photographed image, it is possible to confirm whether the remaining ink is actually low. The button area 918 indicates buttons for inputting the ink order request. In FIG. 5(B), the button area 918 is displayed in a light color, indicating that the order request cannot be input. The remarks area 919 is an area for displaying various messages. In FIG. 5(B), the remarks area 919 is blank.

[0048] The administrator using the terminal device 200A can confirm that an ink order application is not necessary by observing the status screen 910. The administrator may then exit the order application, which causes the processor 210 to end the process.

[0049] If one or more second low remaining amount conditions are met, the second condition is met (S200: Yes). In this case, in S230 (FIG. 3), processor 510 of service server 500 transmits application data to terminal device 200A. The application data includes data indicating the ink color that meets the second low remaining amount condition.

[0050] In S235, the processor 510 starts transmitting operation notification data indicating the operation status of the other terminal device to the first terminal device 200A. As will be described later, the order application transmits terminal operation data indicating the operation status of the screen to the service server 500. The processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits operation notification data indicating the operation status to the other terminal device on which the order application is running. As will be described later, such data communication causes the operation status of the order application screen of the other terminal device to be displayed on the order application screen. The operation status may indicate any status related to the screen. For example, the operation status may indicate whether the order application screen is displayed or not. The operation status may indicate more specific information, for example, whether information is being entered in an area such as the delivery destination area 916 (FIG. 5(B)). Although not shown, the processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits operation notification data indicating the latest operation status to the other terminal device in response to a change in the operation status indicated by the terminal operation data. Note that FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate the process when only the terminal device 200A executes the order application. The process when each of the multiple terminal devices executes an order application will be described later.

[0051] In response to receiving the application data (S230), the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A displays an application screen on the display unit 240 in S240. FIG. 5(C) shows an example of the application screen. The application screen 930 has the same nine areas 911-919 as the status screen 910 (FIG. 5(B)). Here, it is assumed that the application data indicates that cyan C and magenta M satisfy the second low remaining level condition. The status area 911 indicates that an ink order application is possible. The cyan C and magenta M ink areas 912 and 913 indicate that an order application is possible, while the yellow Y and black K ink areas 914 and 915 indicate that an order application is not possible.

[0052] In S250 (FIG. 3), the processor 210 starts transmitting terminal operation data indicating the operation status of the screen to the service server 500. In this embodiment, in S250, the processor 210 transmits terminal operation data indicating the start of display of the application screen to the service server 500. In response to the terminal operation data from the terminal device 200A, the processor 510 of the service server 500 starts transmitting operation notification data indicating the operation status of the screen of the terminal device 200A to other terminal devices in S260. Although not shown in the figure, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A transmits terminal operation data indicating the latest operation status to the service server 500 in response to a change in the operation status of the application screen. In response to the terminal operation data from the terminal device, the processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits operation notification data indicating the operation status to other terminal devices that are executing an order application.

[0053] In S265, the administrator who owns the terminal device 200A operates the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200A to input information into the application screen. In the example of FIG. 5(C), the check boxes for the cyan C and magenta M ink areas 912 and 913 are checked. An address is entered in the delivery destination area 916. The attachment area 917 indicates the selected attached image data. If the terminal device 200A has a digital camera, the administrator may select image data generated by photographing the printer 100 with the digital camera of the terminal device 200A. The administrator may also copy image data generated by photographing the printer 100 with another digital camera (not shown) to the terminal device 200A. The administrator may then select the copied image data. The button area 918 indicates buttons for inputting the order application. In FIG. 5(C), the remarks area 919 is blank.

[0054] In S270 (FIG. 3), the administrator inputs an order request by tapping a portion of the operation unit 250 that overlaps with the button area 918. The processor 210 transmits the order request data to the distributor server 600 in accordance with the information input through the request screen 930. In this manner, the processor 210 issues an order request in accordance with the administrator's instructions. The order request data includes data indicating the information input on the request screen 930 (FIG. 5(C)). The order request data includes, for example, data indicating the color of the ordered ink that is the checked ink in the CMYK ink areas 912-915, and the attached image data selected in the attached file area 917. The order request data also includes data indicating an administrator identifier and a printer identifier.

[0055] In S280, the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 acquires the order request data from the terminal device 200A and transmits the request notification data to the service server 500. The request notification data indicates that the processing status for the order is "application for order." The processor 610 may notify the terminal device 200A that the order request data has been received. In response to receiving this notification, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A may display on the display unit 240 a second image indicating that the order request data has been received. FIG. 5(D) shows a first notification screen 940, which is an example of the second image. The first notification screen 940 has a message 941 indicating that the order request will be reviewed and a button 942 for closing the first notification screen 940.

[0056] In S290 (FIG. 3), processor 510 of service server 500 acquires application notification data from distributor server 600 and updates first status data 533 (FIG. 1) in accordance with the acquired application notification data. First status data 533 indicates the processing status of each printer, i.e., the status of the order. Since the application notification data in S290 indicates that the processing status is that an order is being applied for, processor 510 updates first status data 533 to data indicating that the order is being applied for.

[0057] If multiple terminal devices issue order requests, there is a possibility that duplicate orders for the same ink will occur. In this embodiment, the processor 510 prohibits the progress of processing based on a new order request while processing based on an order request is in progress in order to reduce the possibility of duplicate orders. In this embodiment, the processor 510 transmits lock notification data indicating an exclusive lock on the order request to the distributor server 600 in S295. The lock notification data includes data indicating a printer identifier. After receiving the lock notification data, the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 prohibits the acceptance of new order requests for the printer 100 until it receives unlock notification data, which will be described later. In response to receiving the lock notification data, the processor 610 updates the second status data 631 to data indicating that the order request is exclusively locked. The second status data 631 indicates the status of the order request for each printer. As will be described later, in response to receiving the unlock notification data, the processor 610 updates the second status data 631 to data indicating that the order request is exclusively unlocked. 2 to 4 show the process when no other order requests are issued during the exclusive lock. The process when another order request is issued during the exclusive lock will be described later.

[0058] In response to the acquisition of the order application data (S280), the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 executes an order review process in S300. The order review process is a process for determining whether or not to permit an order for ink based on the order application. The permission conditions for permitting an order may be various conditions. In this embodiment, the permission condition is that both of the following two conditions are satisfied: (Remaining amount permission condition) The remaining amount of ordered ink indicated by the attached image data is below a predetermined permission threshold. (Exclusive permission condition) The purchase order application to be reviewed is not exclusively locked by another purchase order application.

[0059] The processor 610 refers to the second state data 631 to determine whether the exclusive permission condition is met.

[0060] The calculation of the remaining amount Ri described in S130 may contain a large error. Even if the second low remaining amount condition is met in S200, the actual remaining amount may be greater than the permission threshold. Also, after S200 in FIG. 2, ink may be replenished in the printer 100 (for example, someone other than the administrator may replenish the ink). In these cases, shipping of ink based on the order request is not necessary. The remaining amount permission condition can reduce the possibility of unnecessary shipping.

[0061] The processor 610 may obtain the remaining amount of the ordered ink by analyzing the attached image data. For example, the processor 610 may perform pattern matching between the attached image data and multiple reference captured image data representing different remaining amounts, thereby selecting reference captured image data representing an image similar to the attached image data. The processor 610 then uses the remaining amount of the ordered ink associated with the selected reference captured image data to determine whether the remaining amount permission condition is met. The reference captured image data may be actual captured image data of the ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK containing the corresponding remaining amount of ink. Alternatively, the worker may visually observe the image of the attached image data to confirm the remaining amount of the ordered ink. The processor 610 may then use the remaining amount of the ordered ink entered by the worker into the distributor server 600 to determine whether the remaining amount permission condition is met.

[0062] In S310 (FIG. 3), processor 610 refers to the result of S300 and branches the process. If the permission condition is not met (S310: No), in S320, processor 610 transmits examination result data indicating the rejection of the order application to service server 500.

[0063] In S330, processor 510 of service server 500 acquires the examination result data, and updates first status data 533 (FIG. 1) to data indicating rejection in accordance with the acquired examination result data.

[0064] In S340, the processor 510 sends unlock notification data indicating that the order request is exclusively unlocked to the distributor's server 600. The unlock notification data includes data indicating the printer identifier. In response to receiving the unlock notification data, the processor 610 of the distributor's server 600 updates the second status data 631 to data indicating that the order request is not exclusively locked. Thereafter, the processor 610 of the distributor's server 600 determines that the order request is not currently exclusively locked until it receives new lock notification data. In this way, if the order request is not permitted (S310: No), the processor 510 of the service server 500 locks the order request and prohibits processing based on the new order request from proceeding for the first period Pa from when it receives a notification indicating the issuance of the order request in S290 until it receives a notification indicating the rejection of the order request in S330.

[0065] In S345, processor 510 transmits rejection notification data indicating the result of the rejection examination to terminal device 200A. The rejection notification data may include data indicating the reason why the permission condition is not satisfied. For example, the rejection notification data may include data indicating which of the exclusive permission condition and the remaining amount permission condition is not satisfied.

[0066] In S350, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A acquires the rejection notification data and displays on the display unit 240 an image indicating that the order application is not permitted. Although not shown, the displayed image may include a message indicating the reason why the permission conditions are not met. In S353, the administrator who owns the terminal device 200A operates the operation unit 250 to input an instruction to terminate the order application. In response to the termination instruction, the processor 210 transmits application termination notification data to the service server 500. Then, the processor 210 terminates the order application.

[0067] In S356, processor 510 of service server 500 acquires the end notification data and ends transmission of the operation notification data indicating the operation state of the screen of terminal device 200A to the other terminal devices. Then, processor 510 ends the process.

[0068] If the permission conditions are met (S310: Yes), the processor 610 of the distributor's server 600 requests the shipment of the ordered ink in S360 (FIG. 4). Any method may be used to request the shipment. In this embodiment, the processor 610 sends the shipment request data to a shipping reception server (not shown). The shipping request data includes data indicating the correspondence between the color and quantity of the ordered ink and the delivery destination. The quantity of each ordered ink is set to 1. The shipping reception server determines a shipping number to be associated with the shipping request. The shipping reception server then notifies the distributor's server 600 of the shipping number. In S370, the processor 610 of the distributor's server 600 stores data indicating the shipping number in the storage device 615 (e.g., the non-volatile storage device 630).

[0069] In S380, processor 610 transmits shipping notification data to service server 500 indicating that the ordered ink is being shipped. The shipping notification data includes data indicating a shipping number. In S390, processor 510 of service server 500 acquires the shipping notification data and updates first status data 533 (FIG. 1) to data indicating that the ink is being shipped. Processor 510 also updates the data for the ordered ink in cumulative supply amount data 531 (FIG. 1) to data indicating the cumulative ink supply amount, which is the sum of the amount of ink that has been shipped.

[0070] In S400, the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 transmits shipping notification data indicating that the ordered ink is being shipped to the terminal device 200A. This shipping notification data is the same as the shipping notification data of S380. In S410, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200A acquires the shipping notification data and displays a third image indicating that the ordered ink is being shipped on the display unit 240. FIG. 6(A) shows a second notification screen 950, which is an example of the third image. The second notification screen 950 has a message 951 indicating that the ordered ink is being shipped and a button 952 for closing the second notification screen 950.

[0071] In S420 (FIG. 4), the administrator having terminal device 200A inputs an instruction to terminate the order application by operating operation unit 250. In response to the termination instruction, processor 210 transmits application termination notification data to service server 500. Then, processor 210 terminates the order application.

[0072] In S430, processor 510 of service server 500 acquires the end notification data and ends transmission of the operation notification data indicating the operation state of the screen of terminal device 200A to the other terminal devices. Then, processor 510 ends the process.

[0073] The shipped ordered ink is delivered to the address entered in the delivery destination area 916 (FIG. 5(C)). The administrator replenishes the print execution unit 160 of the printer 100 with the ordered ink. For example, the ordered ink may be shipped in a bottle. In this case, the administrator may inject ink from the bottle into the corresponding ink tank among the ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK of the print execution unit 160. Furthermore, the ink tanks TC, TM, TY, and TK of the print execution unit 160 may be replaceable cartridges. The ordered ink may be shipped in a cartridge. In this case, the administrator may replace the cartridge in the print execution unit 160 with the delivered cartridge.

[0074] After refilling the ink, the administrator operates the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200A to start the ordering application and cause the ordering application to display a screen for receipt confirmation. FIG. 6(B) shows a confirmation screen 960, which is an example of the screen for receipt confirmation. The confirmation screen 960 has a message 961 and a done button 962. The message 961 indicates that the done button 962 should be operated upon completion of ink refilling.

[0075] In S440 (FIG. 4), the administrator inputs an instruction to confirm receipt of the ink by tapping a portion of operation unit 250 that overlaps with completion button 962. In response to the receipt confirmation instruction, processor 210 transmits receipt confirmation data to service server 500 in S450. In this way, processor 210 issues a receipt confirmation in response to the administrator's instruction.

[0076] In S460, the processor 510 of the service server 500 acquires the receipt confirmation data and updates the first status data 533 (FIG. 1) to data indicating completion. In S470, the processor 510 sends unlock notification data indicating that the order request is exclusively unlocked to the distributor's server 600. The unlock notification data includes data indicating the printer identifier. In response to receiving the unlock notification data, the processor 610 updates the second status data 631 to data indicating that the order request is not exclusively locked. This completes the process for ordering ink. Thereafter, the processor 610 of the distributor's server 600 determines that the order request is not currently exclusively locked until it receives new lock notification data.

[0077] In this way, if the order request is permitted (S310: Yes), processor 510 of service server 500 locks the order request and prohibits the progress of processing based on a new order request for a second period Pb from when it receives a notification indicating the issuance of the order request in S290 (FIG. 3) until it receives a notification indicating the issuance of a receipt confirmation for the ordered ink in S460 (FIG. 4). Note that the entire process of S290, S295, S300, S310, and S360-S460 performed during second period Pb is an example of preparation processing, which is processing for preparing one or more types of ink and is executed based on an order request (also referred to as preparation processing S990). Second period Pb is an example of a preparation processing period during which preparation processing is ongoing (also referred to as preparation processing period Pb).

[0078] A3. Ordering process (total number of terminal devices = 2): 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams showing another example of the process for ordering ink. Unlike the process shown in FIGS. 2-4, in FIGS. 7 and 8, two terminal devices 200A and 200B are associated with the printer 100. The process for each of the terminal devices 200A and 200B proceeds according to the procedures described in FIGS. 2-4. The steps in FIGS. 7 and 8 are given the same reference numerals as the corresponding steps in FIGS. 2-4. To distinguish between the steps for the first terminal device 200A and the steps for the second terminal device 200B, the steps for the second terminal device 200B are given reference numerals obtained by adding the letter "B" to the end. For example, the process of S170B indicates the process of S170 (FIG. 2) for the second terminal device 200B.

[0079] 7 and 8 show the processing when the first condition is met (S140: Yes) in S140 (FIG. 2). In S150, the processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits low remaining amount notification data to the first terminal device 200A and the second terminal device 200B associated with the printer 100.

[0080] The processor 210 of the first terminal device 200A executes S910 for displaying the application screen, and the service server 500 510 executes S920 for displaying the application screen in response to a request from the first terminal device 200A. S910 includes S170, S180, S190, S240, and S250. S920 includes S195, S200, S230, S235, and S260. Here, it is assumed that the second condition is satisfied in S200 (S200: Yes). In S240, the processor 210 of the first terminal device 200A displays the application screen 930 (FIG. 5(C)) on the display unit 240 of the first terminal device 200A.

[0081] While the first terminal device 200A is displaying the application screen 930, the processor 210 of the second terminal device 200B executes S930 for displaying the application screen. 510 of the service server 500 executes S940 for displaying the application screen in response to a request from the second terminal device 200B. S930 includes S170B, S180B, S190B, S240B, and S250B. S940 includes S195B, S200B, S230B, S235B, and S260B. Here, it is assumed that the second condition is satisfied in S200B (S200B: Yes).

[0082] FIG. 9A shows an example of the application screen displayed in S240B. This application screen 970 has the same nine areas 911-919 as the application screen 930 of FIG. 5C. The only difference from the application screen 930 of FIG. 5C is that a message 971 indicating that another administrator is also operating the application screen is displayed in the remarks area 919. As described in S235, S250, and S260 (FIG. 3), the processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits operation notification data indicating the operation status of the other terminal device to the terminal device. For example, the processor 510 transmits operation notification data indicating the operation status of the first terminal device 200A to the second terminal device 200B. This operation notification data indicates that the application screen 930 is being displayed on the first terminal device 200A. Therefore, the processor 210 of the second terminal device 200B displays information indicating that the application screen is being displayed by another terminal device in the remarks area 919. An administrator viewing the remarks area 919 can interrupt the process for placing an order without entering an order request to avoid overlapping orders placed by other administrators.

[0083] After the second terminal apparatus 200B displays the application screen 970, the first terminal apparatus 200A also displays an application screen (for example, the application screen 970) showing the message 971.

[0084] Here, it is assumed that the administrator of the first terminal device 200A inputs information for placing an order (FIG. 8: S265) and completes input of the order application (S270). The processes of S270, S280, S290, S295, S300, and S310 proceed in the same manner as the processes of S270, S280, S290, S295, S300, and S310 in FIG. 3. Depending on the acquisition of the application notification data (S290), the first period Pa or the second period Pb begins. The determination result of S310 is Yes or No.

[0085] During the exclusive lock caused by the order request from the first terminal device 200A, the administrator of the second terminal device 200B inputs information for placing an order (FIG. 8: S265B) and completes the input of the order request (S270B). S270B and S280B following S265B proceed in the same manner as S270 and S280 described above. At the time of execution of S280B, the first status data 533 (FIG. 1) indicates that the order is pending, and the exclusive lock is currently in effect, so the processor 510 of the service server 500 omits S290 and S295 following S280B.

[0086] In S300B, processor 610 of distributor server 600 executes order review processing. Because the order is currently under exclusive lock due to another order request, the exclusive permission condition is not met, and the permission condition is not met (S310B: No). The following S320B, S345B, and S350B are the same as S320, S345, and S350 in Figure 3, respectively. At the time of execution of S310B, first status data 533 (Figure 1) indicates that the order is being applied for and the order is currently under exclusive lock, so processor 510 of service server 500 omits S330 and S340 following S320B.

[0087] 9(B) shows a third notification screen 980, which is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 240 in S350B. The third notification screen 980 has a message 981 indicating the reason why the order application is not approved, and a button 982 for closing the third notification screen 980. The message 981 indicates that the processing status is that the order application is being requested.

[0088] Thereafter, the devices 200A, 200B, 500, and 600 proceed with the processing in accordance with the procedures described in Figures 2 to 4. Similarly, when three or more terminal devices are associated with the printer 100, the processor 510 of the service server 500 performs exclusive control of order applications.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 510 of the service server 500 executes the following process. In S140 (FIG. 2), the processor 510 determines whether a first low level condition is met. The first low level condition indicates that the remaining ink level Ri is equal to or less than a first threshold value T1i. If the first condition is met, including the determination that the first low level condition is met (S140: Yes), in S150 the processor 510 transmits a first notification to the terminal device 200A indicating that the first low level condition is met. The low level notification data is an example of the first notification. In S190, the processor 510 receives a processing request from the terminal device 200A that received the low level notification, which is a request for processing to order ink. In S200, the processor 510 determines whether a second low level condition is met in response to the processing request. The second low level condition indicates that the remaining ink level Ri is equal to or less than a second threshold value T2i. In S210 (FIG. 2) or S230 (FIG. 3), the processor 510 uses the result of the determination in S200 to transmit data for displaying a screen to the terminal device 200A. If the second condition is satisfied, including the determination that the second low-level condition is satisfied (S200: Yes), the processor 510 transmits application data for displaying a first-type screen, which is a screen for inputting an ink order request, to the terminal device 200A in S230 (FIG. 3). The application screen 930 (FIG. 5(C)) is an example of the first-type screen. If the second condition is not satisfied (FIG. 2: S200: No), the processor 510 transmits display data for displaying a second-type screen, which is different from the first-type screen and does not allow input of an ink order request, to the terminal device 200A in S210. The status screen 910 (FIG. 5(B)) is an example of the second-type screen.

[0090] In this way, if the first condition is met (S140: Yes), the processor 510 transmits low-level notification data to the terminal device 200A (S150). Therefore, if the remaining ink level Ri is greater than the first threshold T1i (i.e., if the first low-level condition is not met), the likelihood that the terminal device 200A will proceed with the process to order ink can be reduced. Furthermore, the processor 510 determines whether the second low-level condition is met in response to a processing request from the terminal device 200A (S200). If the second condition is met, including the determination that the second low-level condition is met (S200: Yes), the processor 510 transmits application data to the terminal device 200A for displaying the application screen 930 (S230). Therefore, if the remaining ink level Ri is equal to or less than the second threshold T2i, the terminal device 200A can proceed with the process to order ink. If the second condition is not met (S200: No), the processor 510 transmits display data for displaying the status screen 910 to the terminal device 200A (S210). As described in FIG. 5B, the button area 918 for ordering on the status screen 910 cannot be operated. That is, the administrator cannot input an ink ordering request on the status screen 910. Therefore, when the remaining ink Ri is greater than the second threshold T2i, the likelihood of the terminal device 200A proceeding with the ink ordering process can be reduced. Furthermore, the processor 510 determines whether the remaining ink Ri is low in two stages, S140 and S200. Therefore, when ink is replenished after the low-level notification data is transmitted (S150), the likelihood of an unnecessary order request being issued can be reduced. In this manner, in this embodiment, the processor 510 can appropriately control ink ordering.

[0091] 7, two terminal devices 200A and 200B may be associated with the printer 100. In this case, if the first condition is met (S140: Yes), the processor 510 transmits low-level notification data to the first terminal device 200A and the second terminal device 200B at S150. At S220B in FIG. 7, the processor 510 transmits application data for displaying the application screen 930 to the second terminal device 200B while the first terminal device 200A is displaying the application screen 930. In this case, at S235B, the processor 510 starts transmitting operation notification data indicating the operation status of the first terminal device 200A to the second terminal device 200B. The processor 210 of the second terminal device 200B references the operation notification data and displays information (message 971 in this embodiment) indicating that the application screen is being displayed by another terminal device in the remarks area 919 of the application screen 930 (FIG. 9A). The operation notification data transmitted to the second terminal device 200B is an example of data for displaying an order screen 970 including information such as a message 971. The order screen 970 can make the administrator who owns the second terminal device 200B aware that an order request may be issued by another terminal device. This reduces the possibility that an order request will be entered into both the first terminal device 200A and the second terminal device 200B.

[0092] In this embodiment, the printer 100 has L types of ink (specifically, four types of ink: CMYK). In S140 (FIG. 2), the processor 510 determines whether each of the L first low level conditions corresponding to the L types of ink is satisfied. Each of the L first low level conditions indicates that the remaining level Ri of a first target ink, which is the ink corresponding to the first low level condition, is equal to or less than the first threshold value T1i corresponding to the first target ink. In this manner, the first threshold value T1i is determined for each type of ink. The first condition in S140 is that M first low level conditions corresponding to M types of ink (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to L) are satisfied. The processing request in S190 (FIG. 2) is a processing request for ordering one or more types of ink. In S200, the processor 510 determines whether each of the L second low level conditions corresponding to the L types of ink are satisfied. Each of the L second low level conditions indicates that the remaining level Ri of the second ink of interest, which is the ink corresponding to the second low level condition, is equal to or less than the second threshold value T2i corresponding to the second ink of interest. In this way, the second threshold value T2i is determined for each type of ink. The second condition of S200 is that N second low level conditions corresponding to N types of ink (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to L) are determined to be satisfied. Furthermore, as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a preparation process S990 is executed based on an order application. The preparation process S990 is a process for preparing one or more types of ink.

[0093] The processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits lock notification data to the distributor's server 600 at the start of the preparation process S990 (FIG. 3: S295). Furthermore, the processor 510 transmits unlock notification data to the distributor's server 600 at the end of the preparation process S990 (FIG. 4: S470). As a result, during the preparation process period Pb, during which the preparation process S990 is in progress, new order requests are not permitted at S300 and S310 of FIG. 3 (S300B and S310B of FIG. 8). In this way, the processor 510 prohibits the preparation process S990 based on a new order request during the preparation process period Pb. In this way, the processor 510 controls orders by executing S295 and S470. As a result, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility that two preparation processes S990 will be performed simultaneously based on two order requests. In this way, the processor 510 can appropriately control ink orders.

[0094] The processor 510 also acquires request notification data in S290 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the request notification data is an example of first data indicating the issuance of an order request. The processor 510 acquires receipt confirmation data in S460 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the receipt confirmation data is an example of second data indicating the issuance of a receipt confirmation for ink shipped based on the order request. The preparation processing period Pb is the period from the acquisition of the first data (S290) to the acquisition of the second data (S460). The processor 510 prohibits the preparation processing S990 based on a new order request during this preparation processing period Pb. Therefore, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility of duplicate ink shipments. In this way, the processor 510 can control the ordering of printer ink using an appropriate preparation processing period Pb.

[0095] In addition, in S115 and S115x (FIG. 2), processor 510 acquires ink level-related data, which is data related to the remaining ink level, from printer 100. In S140, processor 510 uses the ink level-related data acquired in S115 (referred to as first ink level-related data) to determine whether a first low ink level condition is met. In S200, processor 510 uses the ink level-related data acquired in S115x (referred to as second ink level-related data) to determine whether a second low ink level condition is met. Processor 510 can make appropriate decisions using the corresponding ink level-related data in S140 and S200. In this way, processor 510 can control the ordering of ink for the printer using the ink level-related data acquired from printer 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the second ink level-related data is acquired after the first ink level-related data is acquired. In S200, the processor 510 can make an appropriate decision using more recent remaining amount-related data.

[0096] B. Second Example: 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a low ink level notification transmission process. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, if the condition of S140 is satisfied, the processor 510 of the service server 500 immediately transmits low ink level notification data to the multiple terminal devices 200A and 200B in S150. In this embodiment, the processor 510 transmits the low ink level notification data to each terminal device 200 at a time, with a time interval between transmissions. Except for this point, the process for ordering ink is the same as the process in FIGS. 2-4 and 7-8.

[0097] If the determination result in S140 (FIG. 2) is Yes, the processor 510 transmits low remaining amount notification data according to the processing in FIG. 10. In S610, the processor 510 initializes the target terminal number Nt to 1. In this embodiment, a transmission order is assigned to the multiple terminal devices 200 associated with the printer 100. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the first terminal device 200A has the first transmission order, and the second terminal device 200B has the second transmission order.

[0098] The method for determining the transmission order may be any method. For example, the transmission order may be determined in advance to be the same as the registration order. Alternatively, the processor 510 may dynamically determine the transmission order at the start of the processing of FIG. 10. For example, the processor 510 may randomly determine the transmission order. The transmission order may also be determined in the order of the most recent order requests. A terminal device 200 that has issued many order requests is expected to issue a new order request quickly. The transmission order may also be determined in the order of the shortest elapsed time since the last communication date and time with the service server 500. A terminal device 200 that has recently communicated with the service server 500 is expected to issue a new order request quickly.

[0099] In S620, the processor 510 transmits low remaining amount notification data to the Nt-th terminal device 200 (for example, the first terminal device 200A). Following the transmission of the low remaining amount notification data, S170 and the processing following S170 described with reference to FIGS. 2-4 are executed. When an administrator who owns the Nt-th terminal device 200 inputs an order application (FIG. 3: S270), the service server 500 acquires the application notification data in S290. When an order application is not input, the service server 500 does not acquire the application notification data.

[0100] In S630 (FIG. 10), processor 510 determines whether an order application has been issued within the waiting time after transmitting the low remaining amount notification data. When processor 510 acquires the application notification data (FIG. 3: S290), it determines that an order application has been issued.

[0101] The waiting time may be determined in advance. The waiting time may be, for example, 5 minutes or more and 20 hours or less. Furthermore, the processor 510 may determine the waiting time using parameters related to the printer 100. For example, in S110 (FIG. 2), the processor 110 of the printer 100 may transmit print history data indicating a history of the print volume (e.g., number of sheets of paper, amount of ink, etc.) to the service server 500 in addition to the remaining amount-related data. The processor 510 of the service server 500 may refer to the print history data to calculate the print volume per day (e.g., number of sheets printed per day, amount of ink used per day, etc.). The processor 510 may then determine a shorter waiting time as the print volume per day increases. In either case, it is preferable to determine the waiting time so that ink is replenished before it runs out and printing becomes impossible.

[0102] If an order application is issued within the waiting time (S630: Yes), the processor 510 ends the processing in FIG. 10. If an order application is not issued within the waiting time (S630: No), the processor 510 adds 1 to the target terminal number Nt in S640. The processor 510 then proceeds to S620 and executes processing for the terminal device 200 (e.g., the second terminal device 200B) with the updated target terminal number Nt. Note that when low remaining amount notification data has been sent to all terminal devices 200 associated with the printer 100, the processor 510 ends the processing in FIG. 10.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the processor 510 transmits low remaining amount notification data to the first terminal device 200A in S620. After this transmission, if an order request is not issued from the first terminal device 200A within the waiting time, the processor 510 transmits the low remaining amount notification data to the second terminal device 200B. Therefore, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility that an order request will be input to both the first terminal device 200A and the second terminal device 200B.

[0104] C. Third Example: Figures 11 and 12 are sequence diagrams showing another embodiment of the process for ordering ink. The difference from the embodiments in Figures 2-4, 7, and 8 is that processor 510 of service server 500 performs exclusive control of order requests not for each printer, but for each ink type (here, ink color). The other parts of the process for ordering ink are the same as the corresponding parts in Figures 2-4. In this embodiment, first status data 533 (Figure 1) and second status data 631 indicate the status for each printer and for each ink type (here, ink color).

[0105] FIG. 11 shows the process following FIG. 7 instead of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 shows a continuation of FIG. 11. S265, S270, S280, S290, S295, S300, and S310 in FIG. 11 are the same as S265, S270, S280, S290, S295, S300, and S310 in FIG. 8, respectively, except that the ordered ink is magenta M only. The application notification data in S280 includes data indicating that the ordered ink is magenta M. In S290, the processor 510 updates the data for magenta M in the first status data 533 to data indicating that an application is pending. Also in S290, the first period Pa(M) or the second period Pb(M) for magenta M begins. The lock notification data in S295 indicates an exclusive lock for magenta M. The processor 610 of the distributor server 600 updates the data for magenta M in the second status data 631 to data indicating that a new order request for magenta M is exclusively locked. The exclusive permission condition used in S300 is determined for each type of ink. Specifically, the exclusive permission condition is that "the order request for the ordered ink (here, magenta M) being reviewed is not exclusively locked by another order request for the same ink."

[0106] S265B, S270B, S280B, S290B, S295B, S300B, and S310B in FIG. 11 are the same as the processes obtained by replacing magenta M with cyan C in S265, S270, S280, S290, S295, S300, and S310 in FIG. 11. In S290B, the first period Pa(C) or the second period Pb(C) for cyan C begins. The exclusive permission condition used in S300B is the same as the exclusive permission condition used in S300 (FIG. 11). Specifically, the exclusive permission condition is that "the order request for the ink being reviewed (here, cyan C) is not exclusively locked by another order request for the same ink." Due to this condition, the determination result in S310B can be either Yes or No, unlike S310B in FIG. 8.

[0107] FIG. 12 shows an example of processing when the determination result of S310 in FIG. 11 is No and the determination result of S310B is Yes. In response to the determination result of S310 regarding magenta M (here, No), S320, S330, S340, S345, S350, S353, and S356 are executed. These steps are identical to S320, S330, S340, S345, S350, S353, and S356 in FIG. 3, respectively, except that magenta M is the only ink ordered. The examination result data of S320 indicates that the order request for magenta M is not permitted. In S330, the data for magenta M in the first status data 533 is updated to data indicating rejection. In S330, the first period Pa(M) for magenta M ends. The unlock notification data of S340 indicates that magenta M is exclusively unlocked. The processor 610 of the distributor server 600 updates the data for Magenta M in the second status data 631 to data indicating that the new order request for Magenta M is not exclusively locked. The rejection notification data of S345 indicates that the order request for Magenta M is not permitted.

[0108] Depending on the determination result of S310B regarding cyan C (here, Yes), S360B, S370B, S380B, S390B, S400B, S410B, S420B, S430B, S440B, S450B, S460B, and S470B are executed. These steps are the same as S360, S370, S380, S390, S400, S410, S420, S430, S440, S450, S460, and S470 in Fig. 4, respectively, except that only cyan C is ordered ink and that second terminal 200B is used instead of first terminal 200A. The shipping notification data of S380B indicates that cyan C ink is being shipped. In S390B, processor 510 updates the data for cyan C in first status data 533 to data indicating that it is being shipped. The receipt confirmation data in S450B indicates that the cyan C ink has been received. In S460B, processor 510 updates the data for cyan C in first status data 533 to data indicating that it has been completed. In S460B, the second period Pb(C) for cyan C ends. The unlock notification data in S470B indicates that cyan C is exclusively unlocked. Processor 610 of distributor server 600 updates the data for cyan C in second status data 631 to data indicating that a new order request for cyan C is not exclusively locked. The entire process S290B, S295B, S300B, S310B, S360B-S460B performed during the second period Pb(C) is an example of a preparatory process, which is a process for preparing one or more types of ink and is executed based on an order application (also referred to as the preparatory process S990x).

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, the judgment condition of S140 (FIG. 2), the processing requests of S190 and S190B (FIGS. 2 and 7), and the judgment conditions of S200 and S200B (FIGS. 2 and 7) are the same as the corresponding elements in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, 7, and 8. Then, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the preparation process S990x is executed based on an order application. At the start of the preparation process S990x, the processor 510 of the service server 500 transmits lock notification data to the distributor's server 600 (FIG. 11: S295B). At the end of the preparation process S990x, the processor 510 transmits unlock notification data to the distributor's server 600 (FIG. 12: S470B). As a result, during the preparation process period Pb(C), during which the preparation process S990x is in progress, no new order application for cyan C is permitted at S300 and S310 (FIG. 3). That is, the processor 510 prohibits preparation processing based on a new order request for cyan C. In this way, the processor 510 controls ordering by executing S295B and S470B. As a result, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility that preparation processing for two batches of cyan C ink will be performed simultaneously based on order requests for two batches of cyan C ink. In this way, the processor 510 can appropriately control ink ordering.

[0110] Generally, order requests for U types of ink (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than 4) may be issued. During a preparation processing period in which preparation processing based on such an order request is in progress, the processor 510 prohibits preparation processing based on a new order request for ink included in the U types of ink, and allows preparation processing based on a new order request for ink not included in the U types of ink. For example, assume that an order request for cyan C and yellow Y has been issued and preparation processing for cyan C and yellow Y is in progress. In this case, during preparation processing period Pb based on that order request, the processor 510 prohibits preparation processing based on a new order request for cyan C ink and preparation processing based on a new order request for yellow Y ink. This prohibition of preparation processing is performed in the same way as the prohibition of preparation processing based on an order request from the second terminal device 200B in FIG. 8. The processor 510 also allows preparation processing based on a new order request for magenta M ink and preparation processing based on a new order request for black K ink.

[0111] D. Example of a process for controlling the sending of low balance notification data: 13(A) and 13(B) are flowcharts showing examples of processes for controlling the transmission of low-level notification data. First, the example of FIG. 13(A) will be described. The process of FIG. 13(A) is inserted between S140 (FIG. 2) and S150 in each of the above examples.

[0112] If the determination result in S140 is Yes, in S710, the processor 510 determines whether the order request is exclusively locked. As described in Figures 3, 4, and 8, if the current time is within the first period Pa, the order request is exclusively locked. If the current time is within the preparation processing period Pb, the order request is exclusively locked.

[0113] If the order request is not exclusively locked (S710: No), the processor 510 proceeds to S150 and transmits low remaining amount notification data to the terminal device. If the order request is exclusively locked (S710: Yes), the processor 510 waits for the order request to be unlocked in S730. In response to the order request being unlocked, the processor 510 proceeds to S150 and transmits low remaining amount notification data to the terminal device.

[0114] As described above, in the example of FIG. 13(A), the first condition for transmitting a low remaining amount notification to a terminal device is that both of the following two conditions are met. (Condition for sending remaining amount: S140: Yes) M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of ink (M is an integer between 1 and L) are met. (Exclusive transmission condition: S710: No) The purchase order request is not exclusively locked by another purchase order request.

[0115] The exclusive transmission condition includes that the current time is not within the preparation processing period Pb. Therefore, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility of receiving a processing request for a new order submission within the preparation processing period Pb.

[0116] Next, an embodiment of FIG. 13(B) will be described. The processing of FIG. 13(B) is executed in place of the portion of the processing of the service server 500 of FIG. 2 from S140 onward. The difference from the embodiment of FIG. 2 is that S710 is inserted between S115 and S130. After obtaining the remaining amount-related data (S115), in S710 the processor 510 of the service server 500 determines whether the order application is exclusively locked. The processing of S710 is the same as the processing of S710 of FIG. 13(A).

[0117] If the order request is not exclusively locked (S710: No), the processor 510 proceeds to S130 and calculates the remaining amount Ri for each color component. Then, in S140, the processor 510 determines whether the first condition is satisfied. If the order request is exclusively locked (S710: Yes), the processor 510 repeats S115 and S710 until the order request is exclusively unlocked.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first condition for transmitting a low-remaining-amount notification to a terminal device is the same as the first condition in the embodiment of FIG. 13(A). The exclusive transmission condition includes the current time not being within the preparation processing period Pb. Therefore, the processor 510 can reduce the possibility of receiving a processing request for a new order application within the preparation processing period Pb. Also, in this embodiment, if the exclusive transmission condition is not satisfied (S710: Yes), the processing of S130 is not executed. Therefore, the burden on the processor 510 is reduced.

[0119] 11 and 12, the exclusive transmission condition may be determined regardless of the ink type. For example, if a cyan C order request is exclusively locked and a magenta M order request is not exclusively locked, and magenta M newly satisfies the first low remaining amount condition in S140, the determination result in S710 may be Yes. Alternatively, the exclusive transmission condition may be determined for each ink type (here, ink color). For example, if a cyan C order request is exclusively locked and a magenta M order request is not exclusively locked, and magenta M newly satisfies the first low remaining amount condition in S140, the determination result in S710 may be No.

[0120] D. Variations: (1) The first condition for transmitting the first notification indicating that the low ink level condition is satisfied to the terminal device is not limited to the conditions described in S140 (FIG. 2), FIGS. 13A, and 13B, and may be various conditions including the satisfaction of the first low ink level condition. For example, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may adjust the first threshold value T1i. As described above, the processor 510 may calculate the amount of printing per day by referring to the printing history data from the printer 100. The processor 510 may then set the first threshold value T1i to a larger value as the amount of printing per day increases. This reduces the possibility of the ink running out and printing becoming impossible. The adjustment of the first threshold value T1i may be performed when determining whether the first condition is satisfied or at another timing. The first condition may also include the ability of one or more terminal devices associated with the printer to communicate with the service server 500.

[0121] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the processor 510 of the service server 500 determines the data to be sent to the terminal device for displaying the screen, depending on the determination result of the second condition (S200 (FIG. 2, etc.)). The data to be transmitted is selected from data for displaying a first type of screen (for example, application screen 930 (FIG. 5C)) and data for displaying a second type of screen (for example, status screen 910 (FIG. 5B)). Here, the second condition may be various conditions including a second low remaining amount condition being satisfied. For example, processor 510 of service server 500 may adjust second threshold value T2i. Processor 510 may refer to print history data from printer 100 to calculate the amount of printing per day. Processor 510 may then determine second threshold value T2i to be a larger value as the amount of printing per day increases. This reduces the possibility of the printer running out of ink and becoming unable to print. Adjustment of second threshold value T2i may be performed when determining whether or not the second condition is satisfied, or at another timing. Furthermore, the second condition may include a condition that the terminal device that sent the processing request (S190) is able to communicate with service server 500.

[0122] The process of determining whether the second condition is met and the process when the second condition is not met (e.g., S200, S210, and S220 in FIG. 2) may be omitted. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may proceed to S230 (FIG. 3) when it receives a processing request (S190).

[0123] In this way, when the process for determining whether the second condition is met and the process for when the second condition is not met are omitted, it is preferable that the processor 510 performs exclusive control of the ordering process. The service server 500, or more generally, the control device, may be configured as follows to control the ordering of L types of consumables (L is an integer greater than or equal to 1) for the print execution unit 160. [Configuration 1] The control device a first determination unit that determines whether a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, which indicates that the remaining amount of the consumable in the printing unit is equal to or less than a first threshold; a first transmission unit that transmits a first notification indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied to the terminal device when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition including a determination by the first determination unit that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied; a receiving unit that receives a processing request from a terminal device, the processing request being a processing request for ordering consumables; a second transmission unit that transmits, in response to a processing request, data for displaying a first type screen, which is a screen for inputting an order application for consumables, to the terminal device; Equipped with. Here, the first determination unit determines whether or not each of the L first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied. Each of the L first low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a first target consumable, which is the consumable corresponding to the first low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a first threshold value corresponding to the first target consumable. The first condition includes a determination by the first determination unit that M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of consumables (M is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied. The control device is equipped with an order control unit that prohibits preparation processing based on a new order application during a preparation processing period, which is a period during which preparation processing, which is processing for preparing one or more types of consumables and is executed based on an order application, is in progress.

[0124] [Configuration 2] The control device a first determination unit that determines whether a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, which indicates that the remaining amount of the consumable in the printing unit is equal to or less than a first threshold; a first transmission unit that transmits a first notification indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied to the terminal device when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition including a determination by the first determination unit that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied; a receiving unit that receives a processing request from a terminal device, the processing request being a processing request for ordering consumables; a second transmission unit that transmits, in response to a processing request, data for displaying a first type screen, which is a screen for inputting an order application for consumables, to the terminal device; Equipped with. Here, the first determination unit determines whether or not each of the L first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied. Each of the L first low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a first target consumable, which is the consumable corresponding to the first low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a first threshold value corresponding to the first target consumable. The first condition includes a determination by the first determination unit that M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of consumables (M is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied. The control device is equipped with an order control unit that prohibits preparation processing based on a new order request for consumables included in the U types of consumables during a preparation processing period, which is a period during which preparation processing is in progress, the preparation processing being a process for preparing U types of consumables (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than L) and being executed based on an order request, and allows preparation processing based on a new order request for consumables not included in the U types of consumables.

[0125] Any configuration described in this specification (for example, any configuration included in the examples or modified examples) may be applied to the above configurations 1 and 2.

[0126] (3) The exclusive control process for order requests is not limited to the process of the above embodiment, and may be various processes. For example, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may transmit unlock notification data to the distributor server 600 in response to the acquisition of data indicating the shipment of the ordered ink (e.g., the shipping notification data of S390 in FIG. 4). In this way, the preparation process period Pb may be the period from the acquisition of data indicating the issuance of the order request (e.g., S290 (FIG. 3)) to the acquisition of data indicating the shipment of the consumables (e.g., S390 (FIG. 4)). Note that the exclusive control of order requests may be omitted. For example, the exclusive permission condition of S300 (FIG. 3, etc.) may be omitted.

[0127] 8, if another order request is issued while the current order is in an exclusive lock state, the transmission of the request notification data from the distributor server 600 to the service server 500 in S280B may be omitted. Furthermore, S320B and S345B (FIG. 8) may be omitted, and the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 may send rejection notification data directly to the second terminal device 200B. In this way, the processor 610 of the distributor server 600 may reject the order request without notifying the service server 500.

[0128] Furthermore, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may transmit data indicating the exclusive status of the order request to the terminal device 200. Then, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 may prohibit the administrator from inputting an order request while the order request is locked, and may allow the administrator to input an order request while the order request is unlocked. For example, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may transmit lock notification data and unlock notification data to the terminal device 200. Then, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 may disable the button area 918 (FIG. 5(B)) for inputting the order request while the order request is locked. The processor 210 may enable the button area 918 (FIG. 5(C)) while the order request is unlocked.

[0129] (4) The process for ordering consumables is not limited to the above process, and may be various other processes. For example, the application screen 930 (FIG. 5(C)) displayed on the terminal device may omit displaying information indicating that the application screen is being displayed by another terminal device (e.g., message 971 (FIG. 9(A))). In this case, steps S235, S250, and S260 in FIG. 3 may be omitted. Also, the attachment area 917 may be omitted. That is, the image data attached to the order application may be omitted. In this case, the remaining amount permission condition in S300 (FIG. 3, etc.) may be omitted. Also, the screening of the order application (S300) may be omitted.

[0130] The low level notification data in S150 of Fig. 2 may indicate the type of ink that satisfies the first low level condition, and the image displayed in S170 may indicate the type of ink that satisfies the first low level condition.

[0131] The display data in S210 of FIG. 2 may include data indicating the remaining amount Ri of each ink. The image displayed in S220 (e.g., the status screen 910 (FIG. 5(B))) may indicate the remaining amount of each ink. The status screen 910 may also include elements (also referred to as screen display elements) for displaying the request screen 930. For example, in response to a tap on an area indicating the remaining amount of each ink, the processor 210 of the terminal device 200 may display the request screen 930 on the display unit 240. The screen display elements are not limited to areas indicating the remaining amount, and may be any type of element, such as a button. In either case, if the status screen does not have an element for inputting a consumables order request (e.g., an application button), the administrator cannot input a consumables order request on the status screen, even if the status screen includes an element for displaying the request screen 930. Therefore, such a status screen is also an example of a second-type screen, which is a screen on which a consumables order request cannot be input.

[0132] When a terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device 200A) issues an order request for U types of ink (U is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than L) out of L types of ink, the processor 510 of the service server 500 may send low level notification data for a type of ink different from the U types of ink to another terminal device 200B.

[0133] When multiple order requests for the same type of consumables for the same printer are issued within a predetermined time span (e.g., a time span of 5 minutes or more and 20 hours or less), the processor 510 may treat the multiple order requests as a single order request. For example, the processor 510 may send an instruction to the distributor server 600 to treat such multiple order requests as a single order request.

[0134] If the remaining amount of a second consumable of a different type becomes low before the ordered first consumable is shipped, the processor 510 may execute a process for shipping the second consumable in addition to the first consumable. For example, if the remaining amount of the second consumable falls below a second threshold before the ordered first consumable is shipped, the processor 510 may instruct the distributor server 600 to ship the second consumable.

[0135] (5) The consumables to be processed for ordering are not limited to ink, and may be any consumables. For example, the print execution unit 160 may be a laser print execution unit. In this case, the service server 500 may process orders for multiple types of consumables, including toner and photosensitive drums. In either case, the number of types of consumables to be processed for ordering may be any number greater than or equal to one.

[0136] (6) The print execution unit 160 may be equipped with a remaining amount sensor that measures the remaining amount of consumables such as ink and toner. Then, in S110 (FIG. 2), the processor 110 of the printer 100 may detect the remaining amount using a signal from the remaining amount sensor and send remaining amount-related data indicating the detected remaining amount to the service server 500. The processor 510 of the service server 500 may proceed with processing using the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount-related data.

[0137] (7) The configuration of the device that executes the processing for placing an order may be various other configurations instead of the configuration of the above-described service server 500. For example, the distributor server 600 may be omitted, and the service server 500 may execute the functions of the distributor server 600. Also, a connection server (not shown) may establish a constant connection with the terminal device 200. The service server 500 may then transmit data to the terminal device via the connection server. Also, communication between the service server 500 and the terminal device may be relayed by various relay devices, not limited to the connection server.

[0138] Furthermore, instead of the service server 500, a control device (e.g., processor 110) of the printer 100 may execute the processing for placing an order. In this way, the control device that executes the processing for placing an order may be a part of the printer. The control device that executes the processing for placing an order may be various devices, such as a server device or a control device that controls the print execution unit 160. Furthermore, multiple devices (e.g., computers) that can communicate with each other via a network may each share some of the processing functions of the control device and collectively provide the control processing functions (a system including these devices corresponds to the control device).

[0139] In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, the function of S130 in Fig. 2 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0140] Furthermore, when some or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by a computer program, the program can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium). The program can be used while stored on the same or a different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) from when it was provided. The "computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but can 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.

[0141] 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 of the invention, and equivalents thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100...printer, 110...processor, 115...storage device, 120...volatile storage device, 130...nonvolatile storage device, 131...control data, 140...display unit, 150...operation unit, 160...print execution unit, 180...communication interface, 200...terminal device, 200A...first terminal device, 200B...second terminal device, 210...processor, 215...storage device, 220...volatile storage device, 230...nonvolatile storage device, 231...account data, 240...display unit, 250...operation unit, 280...communication communication interface, 500...service server, 510...processor, 515...storage device, 520...volatile storage device, 530...nonvolatile storage device, 531...accumulated supply amount data, 532...first management data, 533...first status data, 580...communication interface, 600...distributor server, 610...processor, 615...storage device, 620...volatile storage device, 630...nonvolatile storage device, 631...second status data, 680...communication interface, 1000...system, NT...network

Claims

1. A control device, a first determination unit that determines whether a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, which indicates that the remaining amount of the consumable in the printing unit is equal to or less than a first threshold; a first transmission unit that transmits, when a first condition is satisfied, a first notification indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, to the terminal device, the first notification indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the first condition including the first determination unit determining that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied; a receiving unit that receives a processing request, which is a processing request for ordering the consumable product, from the terminal device that has received the first notification; a second determination unit that determines whether a second low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than a second threshold is satisfied in response to the processing request; a second transmission unit that uses a result of the determination by the second determination unit to transmit data for displaying on a screen to the terminal device; Equipped with The second transmission unit When a second condition is satisfied, including the second determination unit determining that the second low remaining amount condition is satisfied, data for displaying a first type screen, which is a screen for inputting an order application for the consumables, is transmitted to the terminal device; If the second condition is not satisfied, data for displaying a second type screen that is different from the first type screen and on which the order application for the consumables cannot be input is transmitted to the terminal device. Control device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, the first transmission unit transmits the first notification to a first terminal device and a second terminal device when the first condition is satisfied; when transmitting data for displaying the first-type screen to the second terminal device while the first terminal device is displaying the first-type screen, the second transmission unit transmits data for displaying the first-type screen, including information indicating that the first-type screen is being displayed by another terminal device, to the second terminal device; Control device.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The first transmission unit Sending the first notification to a first terminal device; if the order application is not issued from the first terminal device within a waiting time after the first notification is sent to the first terminal device, the first notification is sent to a second terminal device; Control device.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 1, the print execution unit has L types of consumables (L is an integer of 1 or more), the first determination unit determines whether or not each of L first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied; Each of the L first low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a first target consumable, which is a consumable corresponding to the first low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a first threshold value corresponding to the first target consumable, the first condition includes a determination by the first determination unit that M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of consumables (M is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied; the processing request is a processing request for ordering one or more types of consumables; the second determination unit determines whether or not each of L second low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied; Each of the L second low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a second target consumable, which is a consumable corresponding to the second low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a second threshold value corresponding to the second target consumable, the second condition includes a determination by the second determination unit that N second low level conditions corresponding to N types of consumables (N is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied; The control device further an order control unit that prohibits a preparation process based on a new order application during a preparation processing period during which a preparation process for preparing one or more types of consumables is in progress, the preparation processing being a process executed based on the order application; Control device.

5. 4. The control device according to claim 1, the print execution unit has L types of consumables (L is an integer of 2 or more), the first determination unit determines whether or not each of L first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied; Each of the L first low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a first target consumable, which is a consumable corresponding to the first low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a first threshold value corresponding to the first target consumable, the first condition includes a determination by the first determination unit that M first low remaining amount conditions corresponding to M types of consumables (M is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied; the processing request is a processing request for ordering one or more types of consumables; the second determination unit determines whether or not each of L second low remaining amount conditions corresponding to the L types of consumables is satisfied; Each of the L second low remaining amount conditions indicates that the remaining amount of a second target consumable, which is a consumable corresponding to the second low remaining amount condition, is equal to or less than a second threshold value corresponding to the second target consumable, the second condition includes a determination by the second determination unit that N second low level conditions corresponding to N types of consumables (N is an integer of 1 or more and L or less) are satisfied; The control device further an order control unit that prohibits preparation processing based on a new order application for a consumable that is included in the U types of consumables (U is an integer of 1 or more and less than L) during a preparation processing period during which the preparation processing is in progress and is a processing that is executed based on the order application for preparing U types of consumables, and allows preparation processing based on a new order application for a consumable that is not included in the U types of consumables; Control device.

6. The control device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires first data indicating the issuance of the order application; a second acquisition unit that acquires second data indicating the issuance of a receipt confirmation for the consumables shipped based on the order application; and the preparation processing period is a period from acquisition of the first data to acquisition of the second data; Control device.

7. 7. The control device according to claim 4, The first condition further includes that the current time is not within the preparation processing period. Control device.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a third acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount-related data, which is data related to the remaining amount of the consumable, from the print execution unit; the first determination unit determines whether the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied by using the first remaining amount-related data acquired by the third acquisition unit; the second determination unit determines whether the second low remaining amount condition is satisfied by using the second remaining amount-related data acquired by the third acquisition unit; Control device.

9. A computer program comprising: a first determination function that determines whether a first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, which indicates that the remaining amount of the consumable in the printing unit is equal to or less than a first threshold; a first transmission function that transmits a first notification to a terminal device indicating that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied when a first condition is satisfied, the first condition including the first determination function determining that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied; a receiving function for receiving a processing request, which is a processing request for ordering the consumables, from the terminal device that has received the first notification; a second determination function that determines whether a second low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than a second threshold is satisfied in response to the processing request; a second transmission function that uses a result of the determination by the second determination function to transmit data for display on a screen to the terminal device; This is realized by a computer, The second transmission function When a second condition is satisfied, including the second determination function determining that the second low remaining amount condition is satisfied, data for displaying a first type screen, which is a screen for inputting an order application for the consumables, is transmitted to the terminal device; If the second condition is not satisfied, data for displaying a second type screen that is different from the first type screen and on which the order application for the consumables cannot be input is transmitted to the terminal device. Computer program.

Images