Printing consumables management system and printing device

Abstract

To surely deliver the next storage body to a user before a printing consumable material runs out even when a sensor for measuring a residual amount of the printing consumable material is not provided in a tank.SOLUTION: A printing processing system 1 comprises: a tank 32 which stores ink inside from a bottle that stores the ink and is configured such that the internal residual amount cannot be measured; a carriage 2 and an ink jet head 3 which use the ink in the tank 32 to form an image on a sheet P for storage; a cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600 which acquires a cumulative consumption amount of the ink; a bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 which acquires a prescribed capacity of the bottle; an order placement frequency acquisition unit 630 which acquires the past order placement frequency of the bottles; a correction value acquisition unit 620 which acquires a consumption error coefficient for correcting individual variations related to consumption characteristics of the ink in printing; and a determination unit 650 which determines the propriety of the new order placement of the bottles on the basis of the acquired cumulative printing amount information, prescribed capacity, order placement frequency and consumption error coefficient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system for printing consumables having a tank configured so that the remaining amount of the printing consumables inside cannot be detected. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, when replacing an ink cartridge installed in a printer, a configuration is known in which the sum of the remaining ink amount in the subtank and the capacity of the cartridge is counted as the new remaining ink amount and a count is performed to newly order the next cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-117614 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, a new cartridge is ordered when the remaining amount of ink, a printing consumable material in the tank, drops to a predetermined value, so that the next cartridge can be delivered to the user reliably before the ink that can be used for printing runs out. Also, a sensor that measures the remaining amount of ink is provided in the subtank, so even if an error occurs in the count, the count can be automatically reset based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0005] On the other hand, in some relatively low-cost printers, printing consumables are supplied to a tank in predetermined volume units from a reservoir, such as a bottle, which may not be equipped with a sensor for measuring the remaining amount of printing consumables, as in the prior art.

[0006] Furthermore, in reality, the rate at which the consumption of printing consumables increases with an increase in printing volume varies depending on the individual printer, printing environment, printing mode, etc., even for the same model of printer, so the result of estimating the remaining amount of printing consumables always contains a certain amount of error, reducing the accuracy of estimating the remaining amount in the tank. As a result, it is not possible to accurately determine the timing to order the next supply of printing consumables, and it is sometimes difficult to ensure that the next supply of printing consumables is delivered to the user before it runs out.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a printing consumables management system and a printing device that can reliably deliver the next reservoir of printing consumables to the user before they run out, even if the tank is not equipped with a sensor that actually measures the remaining amount of printing consumables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises a tank that stores printing consumables from a storage body that stores the printing consumables in predetermined volume units, the tank being configured so that the internal remaining amount of the printing consumables cannot be actually measured; a printing unit that forms an image on a printing medium using the printing consumables in the tank; a printing volume acquisition unit that acquires cumulative printing volume information of the printing consumables through image formation by the printing unit; a capacity acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined capacity of the storage body; a count acquisition unit that acquires the number of times the storage body has been ordered in the past; a correction value acquisition unit that acquires a consumption error correction value to correct individual variations related to the consumption characteristics of the printing consumables in the printing unit; and a determination unit that determines whether or not to place a new order for the storage body based on the cumulative printing volume information acquired by the printing volume acquisition unit, the predetermined capacity acquired by the capacity acquisition unit, the number of orders acquired by the count acquisition unit, and the consumption error correction value acquired by the correction value acquisition unit.

[0009] In the present invention, printing consumables used in image formation in the printing unit are stored in a tank, and the consumables are supplied to the tank from a storage body. The storage body has a predetermined capacity and can supply the printing consumables to the tank. When supplying the printing consumables, the storage body filled with the printing consumables is handled so that the predetermined capacity of the printing consumables is supplied all at once or in multiple batches to the tank. The storage body is ordered each time and delivered to the user of the printing unit.

[0010] The printing consumables are consumed during image formation, and the remaining amount of the printing consumables in the tank gradually decreases, but in the present invention, the remaining amount of the printing consumables in the tank cannot be actually measured. In order to estimate the remaining amount of the printing consumables in the tank, which cannot be actually measured, the printing amount acquisition unit, capacity acquisition unit, and count acquisition unit are provided in the printing consumables management system of the present invention. The print amount acquisition unit acquires information on the cumulative print amount resulting from image formation in the printing unit. The capacity acquisition unit acquires the predetermined capacity of the reservoir. The number acquisition unit acquires the number of times the reservoir has been ordered in the past. In the present invention, a consumption error correction value is used to correct for individual variations related to consumption characteristics of printing consumables in the printing unit. The consumption error correction value is acquired by a correction value acquisition unit.

[0011] In the printing consumables management system of the present invention, a determination unit determines whether a new order for a storage unit can be placed based on the cumulative print volume information obtained by the print volume acquisition unit, the predetermined volume obtained by the capacity acquisition unit, and the number of orders obtained by the number acquisition unit, as well as the consumption error correction value obtained by the correction value acquisition unit.

[0012] In the present invention, the rate of increase in the consumption of printing consumables due to an increase in the amount of printing is different for each individual printing unit depending on the consumption characteristics of the printing unit, and a consumption error correction value for correcting this individual variation can be used to estimate the remaining amount of printing consumables in the tank so as not to cause the printing consumables to run out.The printing consumables management system of the present invention can determine the timing to order a new supply of printing consumables based on the estimated result of the remaining amount in the tank so as not to cause the printing consumables to run out, so that the next supply of printing consumables can be reliably delivered to the user before they run out. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, even if a sensor for measuring the remaining amount of printing consumables is not provided in the tank, the next reservoir of printing consumables can be reliably delivered to the user before the printing consumables run out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer provided in a print processing system. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the time behavior when the remaining amount of ink in a tank decreases and the next bottle is ordered, and explanatory diagrams illustrating the basic concept of a method for calculating the estimated remaining amount in a tank. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating that the actual ink consumption amount varies from printer to printer, and an explanatory diagram illustrating the variation in the estimated remaining amount. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a software block configuration diagram relating to various processes according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a processor of the information management server. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of calculating an estimated remaining amount without using a consumption error coefficient. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of calculating an estimated remaining amount without using a consumption error coefficient. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of calculating an estimated remaining amount using a consumption error coefficient according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of calculating an estimated remaining amount using a consumption error coefficient according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the behavior of the estimated remaining amount and the physical remaining amount in a modified example (1) that deals with ink spillage when the ink is inserted. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a software block diagram relating to various processes according to the modified example (1). [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a remaining amount correction unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a software block diagram relating to various processes according to a modified example (2) in which the estimated remaining amount is replaced with a value designated by the user. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior of the estimated remaining amount in the modified example (2). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior of the estimated remaining amount in the modified example (2). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a software block diagram relating to various processes according to a modification (3) in which the number of orders is reset. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior of the estimated remaining amount in a modified example (3). [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior of the estimated remaining amount in a modified example (3). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a print processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an embodiment of a print processing system 1 that can provide a delivery service in which replacement printing consumables are delivered manually when printing consumables (described in detail later) used in a printer 200 have worn out to a certain extent. The print processing system 1 may also be capable of providing a printing service based on a printing contract in which a fee is charged according to the number of prints made by the printer 200. The print processing system 1 is an example of a management system for printing consumables.

[0017] <Outline of the printing processing system> 1, the print processing system 1 includes an information management server 100, at least one printer 200, a mobile terminal 300, and a delivery management server 400. The information management server 100, the printer 200, the mobile terminal 300, and the delivery management server 400 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other. The printer 200 is an example of a printing device.

[0018] <Printer configuration> The printer 200 provided in the print processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 200 comprises a carriage 2, an inkjet head 3, a platen 4, and transport rollers 5 and 6. The side of the printer 200 where the transport roller 6 is located is the front side of the printer 200, and the side where the transport roller 5 is located is the rear side of the printer 200. The direction from the rear side to the front side is the transport direction, and the left-right direction is the main scanning direction. The carriage 2 and inkjet head 3 are an example of a printing unit.

[0019] The carriage 2 is connected to a carriage motor 56 (see FIG. 1) via a belt or the like (not shown), and is driven by the carriage motor 56 to move along the guide rails 11 and 12 in the main scanning direction.

[0020] The inkjet head 3 is connected to four tubes 31. The four tubes 31 are respectively connected to four tanks 32 arranged in the main scanning direction at the front right end of the printer 200. Black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks stored in the four tanks 32 are supplied to the inkjet head 3 via the tubes 31.

[0021] The printer 200 of this embodiment is, for example, a relatively low-cost model, and is used by dispensing ink into each tank 32 from a corresponding bottle (not shown). That is, each tank 32 is provided with a cap 32a, and ink is filled into the tank 32 by manually dispensing ink from the bottle with the cap 32a removed. The capacity of the bottle is, for example, a fixed value, i.e., a predetermined volume. As long as ink is not accidentally spilled during dispensing, as described below, or the ink is not replenished at a time when all the ink is insufficient, ink is generally supplied to the tank 32 in the predetermined volume unit with a single dispensing operation. Ink is an example of a printing consumable, and the bottle is an example of a reservoir. Furthermore, in the printer 200 of this embodiment, in keeping with its low-cost nature, no sensor or the like is provided to actually measure the amount of ink remaining in the tank 32.

[0022] The inkjet head 3 is mounted on a carriage 2, and the carriage 2 moves the inkjet head 3 in the main scanning direction while the inkjet head 3 ejects ink, thereby forming an image, i.e., printing. The inkjet head 3 has a flow path unit 13 and an actuator 14.

[0023] The flow path unit 13 has four nozzle rows 9 arranged in the main scanning direction, each row including a plurality of nozzles 10. As an example, the nozzles 10 eject black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks in this order from right to left. The nozzles 10 included in one nozzle row are supplied with ink of a corresponding color via the common tube 31 and a common ink flow path. That is, ink from one tank 32 is supplied via the tube 31 → ink flow path of the flow path unit 13 → each nozzle 10.

[0024] The platen 4 is located below the inkjet head 3 and faces the nozzle surface 13a during printing. The platen 4 extends across the entire width of the recording paper P in the main scanning direction and supports the recording paper P from below. The recording paper P is an example of a print medium. The transport rollers 5 and 6 are located upstream and downstream of the platen 4 in the transport direction, respectively. The transport rollers 5 and 6 are connected to a transport motor 57 (see FIG. 1) via gears and the like (not shown), and rotate when driven by the transport motor 57 to transport the recording paper P in the transport direction.

[0025] With the above configuration, the printer 200 prints on the recording paper P by ejecting ink from the multiple nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 3 while moving the carriage 2 in the main scanning direction each time the recording paper P is transported a predetermined distance by the transport rollers 5 and 6.

[0026] <Electrical configuration of the print processing system> Returning to FIG. 1, the electrical configuration of the print processing system 1 will be described.

[0027] <Information management server> The information management server 100 is a server installed and managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the printer 200, and includes a processor 110, a storage device 115, and an interface 190. The processor 110, the storage device 115, and the interface 190 are connected to one another via a bus 105.

[0028] The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130 . The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and has a user ID storage area 121, a device number storage area 122, and a service information storage area 123 that stores service information, which will be described later. The non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and has a program storage area 131 and a fee table storage area 132. The fee table storage area 132 stores predetermined correlations for calculating fees to be charged to users for printing or bottle delivery, for example.

[0029] The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 110 executes programs stored in the program storage area 131 to perform various processes shown in Figures 7 and 14, which will be described later, including data communication with the mobile terminal 300, printer 200, and delivery management server 400 connected to the network NT.

[0030] The interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0031] <Delivery management server> The delivery management server 400 is installed in, for example, a delivery service company that provides delivery services for various items, and has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0032] <Mobile device> The mobile terminal 300 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. The mobile terminal 300 has a processor, a storage device, an interface for connecting to the network NT, and an appropriate display unit 301 (see FIG. 6 described later). Various programs are stored in a program storage area provided in the storage device, and these various programs include various processing programs. Note that other information terminals, such as a personal computer or tablet computer, may be used instead of the mobile terminal 300. Hereinafter, these information terminals will be collectively referred to simply as "information terminal 300" as appropriate.

[0033] <Printer> The printer 200 is provided with a control device 50 for controlling the operation of the printer 200 . The control device 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, an EEPROM 54, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 55, an interface 90, etc. By including these components, the control device 50 controls a carriage motor 56, a conveyance motor 57, etc.

[0034] The interface 90 is a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0035] 1 illustrates only one CPU 51, the control device 50 may include multiple CPUs 51, and the multiple CPUs 51 may share and perform the processing. Also, while FIG. 1 illustrates only one ASIC 55, the control device 50 may include multiple ASICs 55, and the multiple ASICs 55 may share and perform the processing.

[0036] <Background of this embodiment> In the printer 200, for example, if the aforementioned bottle is ordered when the remaining amount of ink in the tank 32 drops to a predetermined value, the next bottle can be reliably delivered to the user before the ink available for printing runs out completely. A newly ordered bottle stores a predetermined fixed volume of ink, and ink is supplied from that bottle to the tank in units of that fixed volume for use. A fixed volume is an example of a predetermined volume. While the fixed volume value is a value uniquely determined for one bottle of a certain type, the printer 200 may use multiple types of bottles, in which case multiple fixed volume values ​​will exist. Furthermore, a bottle may be switched to a different type of bottle while the printer 200 is in operation. For example, an example of the behavior over time when a new bottle is ordered when the remaining amount of ink in the tank 32 reaches 20% of the fixed capacity will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).

[0037] In FIG. 3(a), the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of ink remaining in the tank 32 (hereinafter simply referred to as "remaining amount in the tank"). In the illustrated example, the fixed volume of ink is initially poured from the bottle into the empty tank 32, and the user begins use at time t0 when the remaining amount in the tank is 100%, which is the same as the fixed volume. As the number of pages printed increases with user use, the remaining amount in the tank gradually decreases, and when it falls below 20% of the fixed volume (hereinafter simply referred to as "20% volume"), the first bottle is ordered (time tr1). After the order is placed, there is a slight time lag before the new bottle is actually delivered and arrives, and as a result, by the time the bottle arrives at the user's location, the remaining amount in the tank has decreased to approximately 10% volume (time t1).

[0038] When the fixed amount of ink is added again from the arriving bottle, the amount remaining in the tank increases to approximately 110% capacity (time t1). As above, the amount remaining in the tank decreases again due to an increase in the number of pages printed, and when it falls below 20% capacity, a second bottle order is placed. In this example, the second order is placed a little later, at approximately 12% capacity (time tr2), and by the time the bottle arrives at the user's location, the amount remaining in the tank has fallen to approximately 3% capacity (time t2).

[0039] The fixed volume of ink is again poured from the bottle that has arrived, and the remaining amount in the tank increases to approximately 103% capacity (time t2). After that, as with the above, the remaining amount in the tank decreases again due to an increase in the number of printed sheets.

[0040] <Calculating the estimated remaining amount> As described above, when an order is placed based on the remaining amount in the tank reaching a predetermined value, such as 20%, the predetermined value cannot be accurately measured because, as mentioned above, the tank 32 of the printer 200 is not equipped with a sensor or the like for measuring the remaining amount of ink. Therefore, a method is used in which the cumulative ink consumption is calculated by adding up the cumulative consumption of consumables in the printer 200's dot count value for each print, and the cumulative consumption is then subtracted from the product obtained by multiplying the fixed capacity value by the number of times the bottle has been ordered in the past, thereby estimating the remaining amount of ink in the tank 32. Figure 3(b) shows the progress of the estimated value of the remaining amount in the tank using this method (hereinafter simply referred to as the "estimated remaining amount") In Figure 3(b), the cumulative consumption is expressed using a cumulative consumption index corresponding to the actual ink consumption value expressed in picoliters, for example. The cumulative consumption index is in one-to-one correspondence with the cumulative number of on dots included in the image data during printing, i.e., the dot count value, and in this example, is an indexed value where the value corresponding to the 100% capacity is 5 and the value corresponding to the 20% capacity is 1. The estimated remaining amount is expressed as a value where the fixed capacity mentioned above is 100%. The estimated remaining amount is an example of an estimated remaining amount value.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3(b), at time t0 before the user begins using the printer, the cumulative consumption index is 0, and the number of bottle orders at this time is 0. Therefore, the estimated remaining amount calculated as described above is 100% capacity. As the number of pages printed increases with user use, the remaining amount in the tank gradually decreases. For example, when 20% of the ink in tank 32 is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 1, and the estimated remaining amount becomes 80%. When 40% of the ink in tank 32 is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 2, and the estimated remaining amount becomes 60%. After that, when 80% of the ink in tank 32 is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 4, and the estimated remaining amount becomes 20%. At this point, a new bottle is ordered. When the ordered bottle arrives and 100% of the tank 32 is filled, the cumulative consumption index remains 4, the number of orders becomes 1, and the estimated remaining amount becomes 120% (see bold box).

[0042] After that, as above, when 20% of the ink capacity is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 5 and the estimated remaining amount decreases by 20% from 120% to 100%; when 40% of the ink capacity is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 6 and the estimated remaining amount becomes 80%. This continues in the same manner.

[0043] <Consumption error> However, in reality, the rate at which the ink consumption in the tank 32 increases with the number of pages printed by the inkjet head 3 varies between individual printers 200, even for the same model. As a result, the estimation result of the remaining ink in the tank always contains a certain amount of error, making it difficult to estimate with high accuracy.

[0044] For example, Figure 4(a) shows the behavior when there is a ±5% variation in the actual ink consumption amount between individual printers in response to an increase in the number of printed sheets (=consumption error). As shown in the figure, if the cumulative consumption index above fluctuates as 1, 2, 3... due to an increase in the number of printed pages associated with user use as described above, then for example, if the consumption error above is -5%, meaning that the actual amount of ink consumed by an individual is 5% less, the actual cumulative consumption index will behave as the above value minus 0.05, i.e., 0.95, 1.9, 2.85.... Also, if the consumption error above is +5%, meaning that the actual amount of ink consumed by an individual is 5% more, the actual cumulative consumption index will behave as the above value plus 0.05, i.e., 1.05, 2.1, 3.15.... In either case, the deviation of the cumulative consumption index with no consumption error, which fluctuates as 1, 2, 3..., from the standard value increases in proportion to the increase in the cumulative consumption index, fluctuating as ±0.05, ±0.1, ±0.15....

[0045] Figure 4(b) shows this behavior using the estimated remaining capacity mentioned above. In the figure, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. as mentioned above, the standard value of the estimated remaining capacity when there is no consumption error changes from 100% capacity, 80% capacity, 60% capacity, etc. as mentioned above. In contrast, if we consider an individual in which the consumption error is -5%, the actual amount of ink consumed will be 5% less, so the estimated remaining amount will fluctuate as follows: 100% capacity, 81% capacity, 62% capacity, ..., and the estimated remaining amount in the tank will be greater than in the case of the standard value. If we consider an individual with a consumption error of +5%, the actual amount of ink consumed will be 5% more, so the estimated remaining amount will fluctuate between 100% capacity, 79% capacity, 58% capacity, and so on, resulting in a lower estimated remaining amount in the tank than in the case of the standard value.

[0046] <Use of consumption error coefficient> Therefore, using the above method, it is difficult to accurately determine the timing to order the next new bottle, and it is difficult to ensure that the next bottle is delivered to the user before the ink in the tank 32 runs out.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, to ensure that ink never runs out until the bottle arrives, the estimated remaining amount is calculated more safely and reliably by assuming that there is always a consumption error of +5%. To do this, the estimated remaining amount calculated as described above is multiplied by a consumption error coefficient of 1.05 to obtain the estimated remaining amount taking the consumption error into account. The consumption error coefficient is an example of a consumption error correction value.

[0048] <Software block configuration> FIG. 5 shows a software block configuration related to the processing executed as described above in this embodiment.

[0049] <Service processing section of the management server> 5, the information management server 100 includes a service processing unit 530. As an example, the service processing unit 530 is configured by the processor 110 and the corresponding parts of the program 131 described above.

[0050] <Printer print control unit> The printer 200 includes a print control unit 540. As an example, the print control unit 540 is configured from the processor 210 of the control device 50 described above and a part corresponding to the program.

[0051] The service processing unit 530 of the information management server 100 accepts applications for the above-mentioned delivery services and printing services from users via the information terminal 300, and executes appropriate processing required to provide each service while referring to the latest service information. The complimentary information is information stored in the complimentary information storage area 123 in the volatile storage device 120 of the information management server 100 shown in Fig. 1. In this example, the complimentary information includes the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material, the capacity of the bottle (i.e., the 100% capacity value), the number of times the bottle has been ordered in the past, and the consumption error coefficient for correcting the individual variations described above. The complimentary information is backed up as needed in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device (not shown) so that it is not lost when the printer 200 is powered off.

[0052] The print control unit 540 of the printer 200 controls the printing operation of the inkjet head 3. The management service information is information stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 53 or the EEPROM 54, and includes the cumulative consumption amount of consumables. The print control unit 540 also has a function of transmitting the service status, including the content of the management service information at that time, to the information terminal 300 and presenting it to the user.

[0053] The cumulative consumption of consumables is an accumulated value of dot count values ​​indicating the amount of ink actually consumed by printing in the printer 200, and data is generated and modified by the print control unit 540. The cumulative consumption of consumables is an example of cumulative print volume information. When printing is actually performed by the inkjet head 3, the print control unit 540 updates the cumulative consumption of consumables in the management service information by counting up the cumulative consumption of consumables by the number of pages printed. The printer 200 periodically transmits the counted cumulative consumption of consumables and identification information such as the device number of the printer 200 to the information management server 100, for example, at an appropriate predetermined interval. Based on the reception result, the information management server 100 updates the content of the cumulative consumption of consumables included in the service information. The information management server 100 associates the device number of the printer 200 that transmitted the cumulative consumption of consumables with the cumulative consumption of the consumables and stores the associated cumulative consumption of the consumables in the device number storage area 122.

[0054] <Other functional parts of the management server> The information management server 100 further includes a cumulative consumption amount obtaining unit 600, a bottle capacity obtaining unit 610, a correction value obtaining unit 620, an order count obtaining unit 630, an estimated remaining amount calculating unit 640, and a determination unit 650. As an example, the cumulative consumption amount obtaining unit 600, the bottle capacity obtaining unit 610, the correction value obtaining unit 620, the order count obtaining unit 630, the estimated remaining amount calculating unit 640, and the determination unit 650 are configured by the aforementioned processor 110 and corresponding parts of the program.

[0055] The cumulative consumption acquisition unit 600 acquires the cumulative consumption of consumables corresponding to image formation, i.e., printing, by the inkjet head 3 from the aforementioned service information storage area 123. Acquisition of the cumulative consumption of consumables by the cumulative consumption acquisition unit 600 corresponds to the regular acquisition of the latest cumulative consumption of consumables from the printer 200 at predetermined intervals as described above, and is executed at these predetermined intervals, for example, every few minutes. The cumulative consumption acquisition unit 600 is an example of a print amount acquisition unit.

[0056] The bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 acquires the 100% capacity value for the bottle that is stored in advance in the complimentary information storage area 123. The bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 is an example of a capacity acquisition unit. The correction value acquisition unit 620 acquires the consumption error coefficient stored in advance in the service information storage area 123.

[0057] The order count acquiring unit 630 acquires the number of past bottle orders stored in advance in the complimentary information storage area 123. The order count acquiring unit 630 is an example of a count acquiring unit. The order count acquisition unit 630 acquires the order count, for example, when the delivery of the most recently ordered bottle to the delivery destination, i.e., the user, is completed, or when the delivery of the bottle to the delivery destination is confirmed. Information on delivery completion or delivery confirmation is acquired from the delivery management server 400 to the information management server 100 based on a report from the delivery person or delivery management information in the delivery management server 400, and the order count acquisition unit 630 acquires the order count based on this acquisition. Alternatively, after the delivery of the most recent bottle, a notification that ink supply to the tank 32 using that bottle has been completed may be sent from the information terminal 300 to the information management server 100 by an appropriate operation of the user, and the order count acquisition unit 630 may acquire the number of orders upon receiving the notification.

[0058] The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates a first integrated value by multiplying the cumulative consumption index corresponding to the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material acquired by the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600 by the consumption error coefficient acquired by the correction value acquisition unit 620. The cumulative consumption index corresponding to the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material is an example of the cumulative consumption amount of the printing consumable material. The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates a second integrated value by multiplying the cumulative consumption index corresponding to the 100% capacity acquired by the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 by the number of orders acquired by the number of orders acquisition unit 630. The cumulative consumption index corresponding to 100% capacity is an example of capacity information corresponding to a predetermined capacity. The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates the estimated remaining amount in the tank based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the first integrated value from the second integrated value. Specifically, the calculation is performed for each color of ink in the tank 32 using the following formula (1). Estimated remaining capacity = (2nd accumulated value - 1st accumulated value) / Cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity First integrated value = cumulative consumption index of cumulative consumption of consumables * consumption error coefficient Second integrated value = cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity * number of orders Formula (1)

[0059] The determination unit 650 determines whether or not a new bottle order can be placed based on the cumulative consumption of the consumable item acquired by the cumulative consumption acquisition unit 600, the 100% capacity acquired by the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610, the number of orders acquired by the order number acquisition unit 630, and the consumption error coefficient acquired by the correction value acquisition unit 620. In this example, more specifically, the determination unit 650 determines whether or not to place a new order for a bottle based on whether or not the estimated remaining amount calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 has reached a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the threshold is described using an example in which 20% capacity is used as in the previous example, but is not limited to this and other values ​​may be used.

[0060] If the determination unit 650 determines that a new bottle order is possible, a corresponding instruction signal is transmitted to the information terminal 300. In response to the instruction signal, the display unit 301 of the information terminal 300 displays a corresponding warning. The display unit 301 is an example of a display unit, and the warning display is an example of a corresponding display. An example of the warning display executed on the display unit 301 of the information terminal 300 is shown in Fig. 6. As shown in the figure, the warning screen 301A displayed on the display unit 301 includes an ink display unit 301a that displays the color of ink whose estimated remaining amount has reached the threshold, a message display unit 301b that displays the message "Ink is running low. Please order a bottle," and an "Order" button 301c. When the "Order" button 301c is operated, a corresponding order instruction signal is sent to the delivery management server 400, and a bottle is ordered.

[0061] <Control procedure> The control procedure executed by the processor 110 of the information management server 100 to realize the above method will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0062] 7, first, in S10, it is determined whether the latest cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material has been acquired by the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600 in response to acquisition from the printer 200. If the latest cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material has been acquired, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to S20. In S20, the individual printer 200 associated with the acquired cumulative consumption amount of the consumable material is identified based on the stored contents of the device number storage area 122.

[0063] In S22, the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 acquires the capacity of one bottle of one of the four ink colors described above, that is, the 100% capacity. In S24, the order count acquisition unit 630 acquires the number of past orders for bottles of the one color. In S26, the correction value acquisition unit 620 acquires a consumption error coefficient for the one color that is predetermined to be used when calculating the estimated remaining amount. In S30, the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates the estimated remaining amount for the one color using the aforementioned formula (1) based on the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable obtained in S10, the consumption error coefficient obtained in S26, the 100% capacity obtained in S22, and the number of orders obtained in S24.

[0064] In S40, the determination unit 650 determines whether the estimated remaining capacity calculated in S30 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, 20% capacity in the example described above. If the estimated remaining capacity is greater than the threshold, the determination is No, and the process proceeds to S60, which will be described later. If the estimated remaining capacity is less than or equal to the threshold, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to S50, which will be described later. In S50, the determination unit 650 transmits an instruction signal to the information terminal 300 of the user of the printer 200 identified in S20 to display the warning message described above. In S60, it is determined whether the processes in S22 to S50 above have been completed for all four colors of ink. If only three or fewer colors have been completed, the result is No, and the process returns to S22, where the same process as above is performed for another unprocessed color. If the processes in S22 to S50 above have been completed for all four colors of ink, the result is Yes, and this flow ends.

[0065] In the above description, the execution of the flow, in other words, the determination by the determination unit 650 in S40, is performed when the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600 acquires the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable product at predetermined intervals, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the determination may be performed when the delivery of the most recently ordered bottle to the delivery destination is confirmed and a notification to that effect is received from the delivery management server 400. When the above flow is executed when the delivery of the bottle is confirmed, the notification from the delivery management server 400 includes the printer number and color type information of the delivered bottle. In S20 of Fig. 7, the target printer 200 is identified by the printer number included in the notification, and the processes of S22 to S50 are performed for the ink color corresponding to the color type information included in the notification. In particular, in S24, the number of orders for that ink color, which is counted up by one when the delivery is confirmed, is obtained.

[0066] <Effects of this embodiment> In this embodiment, as described above, the estimated remaining amount is calculated based on the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable product acquired by the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600, the 100% capacity acquired by the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610, the number of orders acquired by the order count acquisition unit 630, and the consumption error coefficient acquired by the correction value acquisition unit 620. This makes it possible to accommodate the aforementioned individual variations between printers 200 and estimate the remaining amount in the tank so as not to run out of ink. The effects of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to a comparative example.

[0067] <Comparative Example> As a comparative example of this embodiment, Fig. 8 shows an example of the transition when the estimated remaining amount is calculated without using the consumption error coefficient, in other words, assuming that the consumption error is 0. In Fig. 8, similar to Figs. 3(b) and 4(b) described above, the cumulative consumption index is a value indexed such that a value equivalent to the 100% capacity is 5 and a value equivalent to 20% capacity is 1, and the estimated remaining amount is expressed as a value assuming the fixed capacity described above as 100%.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0 to 1, 2 to 3, as described above, the estimated remaining capacity calculated without using the consumption error coefficient changes from 100% capacity to 80% capacity, 60% capacity, 40% capacity, as described above. When the cumulative consumption index reaches 4 and the estimated remaining amount is 20% capacity, a new bottle is ordered. When the arrival of a bottle adds 100% capacity to the tank 32, the cumulative consumption index remains 4, the number of orders becomes 1, and the estimated remaining amount is 120% capacity, with the addition of 100% capacity from the bottle (see bold frame). Thereafter, in the same manner as above, the cumulative consumption index changes from 4 to 5 to 6, and the estimated remaining amount changes from 120% capacity to 100% capacity to 80% capacity, and the cumulative consumption index reaches 9, the estimated remaining amount is 20%, and a bottle is ordered. 100% capacity is added to tank 32, the cumulative consumption index remains at 9, the number of orders becomes 2, and 100% capacity is added to the estimated remaining amount, making it 120% capacity (see bold frame). Similarly, the number of orders increases to 3, 4, and 5, respectively, due to the addition of bottles ordered at cumulative consumption indices of 14, 19, and 24, which have an estimated remaining volume of 20% capacity, and the estimated remaining volume increases to 120% capacity by adding 100% capacity to each bottle (see bold frame).

[0069] In the method of this comparative example, the estimated remaining amount is calculated assuming that the consumption error is 0, and a bottle is ordered each time it is estimated that the remaining amount in the tank has dropped to 20% capacity or less, and ink is refilled from the delivered bottle each time. In this case, if the actual consumption error of the printer 200 is ±0, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the estimated remaining capacity will never reach 0% capacity no matter how much the cumulative consumption index increases after the user starts using the printer. Furthermore, if the actual consumption error of the printer 200 is minus 5%, the broken line behavior shown in Figure 9 will gradually move upward from the solid line behavior in the case of a consumption error of ±0 as the cumulative consumption index increases. As a result, the estimated remaining capacity will never reach 0% capacity.

[0070] However, if the consumption error of the actual printer 200 is plus 5%, the broken line behavior shown by the dashed dotted line in Figure 9 gradually deviates downward from the broken line behavior of the solid line when the consumption error is ±0 as the cumulative consumption index increases. As a result, as shown in Figures 9 and 8, when the cumulative consumption index is 24, 29, or 30, for example, the estimated remaining amount falls below 0% and becomes a negative value. In other words, in this case, it is possible that the ink in the tank 32 will run out before the next new bottle arrives at the user's home.

[0071] <Embodiment> In the method of this embodiment using the consumption error coefficient, an example of the transition when the estimated remaining capacity is calculated using a consumption error coefficient of 1.05, assuming that a consumption error of +5% occurs for the aforementioned safety reasons, is shown in Figure 9. In Figure 10, unlike the previous example, the cumulative consumption index is an indexed value where the value equivalent to the 100% capacity is 10 and the value equivalent to 5% capacity is 1. The estimated remaining capacity is expressed as a value where the fixed capacity, as described above, is 100%.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0, 1, 2, 3, etc., the estimated remaining capacity calculated using a consumption error coefficient of 1.05 will change as follows: 100% capacity, 90% capacity, 79% capacity, 69% capacity, etc., as described above. When the cumulative consumption index reaches 8 and the estimated remaining volume falls below 20% capacity to 16% capacity, a new bottle is ordered. When the arrival of a bottle adds 100% capacity to the tank 32, the cumulative consumption index remains at 8, the number of orders becomes 1, and the estimated remaining volume becomes 116% capacity with the addition of 100% capacity from the bottle (see bold frame). Thereafter, as above, the cumulative consumption index changes from 8, 9, 10, etc., while the estimated remaining amount changes from 116% capacity, 106% capacity, 95% capacity, etc., and when the cumulative consumption index reaches 18, the estimated remaining amount becomes 11% capacity and a bottle is ordered. 100% capacity is added to tank 32, the cumulative consumption index remains at 18, the number of orders becomes 2, and the estimated remaining amount becomes 111% capacity with 100% capacity added (see bold frame). Similarly, the number of orders for bottles ordered with cumulative consumption indices of 27, 37, and 46, where the estimated remaining amount was below 20% capacity, was increased to 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and the estimated remaining amount was increased by 100% capacity to 117% capacity, 112% capacity, 117% capacity, and so on (see bold frame).

[0073] In this method of the present embodiment, the estimated remaining amount is calculated assuming a consumption error of plus 5%, and a bottle is ordered each time the remaining amount in the tank is estimated to have dropped to 20% capacity or less, and ink is refilled from the delivered bottle each time. In this case, even if the actual consumption error of the printer 200 is plus 5%, as shown by the solid line in Figure 11, no matter how much the cumulative consumption index increases after the user starts using it, the estimated remaining capacity will never reach 0% capacity. Furthermore, if the actual consumption error of the printer 200 is ±0%, the broken line behavior shown by the dashed line in Figure 11 will gradually move upward from the broken line behavior of the solid line in the case of the above-mentioned consumption error of minus 5% as the cumulative consumption index increases. As a result, the estimated remaining capacity will never reach 0% capacity. Furthermore, if the actual consumption error of the printer 200 were minus 5%, the broken line behavior shown by the dashed line in Figure 9 would move further upward than the solid line behavior in the case of the above consumption error of ±0 as the cumulative consumption index increases. As a result, the estimated remaining amount would never reach 0% capacity. On the other hand, when refilling ink from a bottle that has been ordered, it may happen that not all the ink fits into the tank, but the remaining ink in the bottle can be refilled later.

[0074] As a result of the above, in this embodiment, no matter what value the cumulative consumption index takes, or what value the actual consumption error of the printer 200 takes within the range of minus 5% to plus 5%, the estimated remaining amount will never fall below 0% and become a negative value. In other words, in this case, the ink in the tank 32 will not run out before the next new bottle arrives at the user, and the next bottle can be reliably delivered to the user before the ink in the tank 32 runs out.

[0075] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the ink used for printing by the inkjet head 3 is stored in the tank 32, and ink is supplied to the tank 32 from a bottle. The bottle has a capacity equivalent to the predetermined 100% capacity described above, and is capable of supplying ink to the tank 32. When supplying ink, the bottle is filled with ink and the ink equivalent to the 100% capacity is supplied to the tank 32 in one go or in multiple gos. Bottles are ordered each time and delivered to the user of the printer 200. Ink is consumed during printing, and the amount of ink remaining in tank 32 gradually decreases. However, in this embodiment, since the amount of ink remaining inside tank 32 cannot be measured, a cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600, a bottle capacity acquisition unit 610, and an order count acquisition unit 630 are provided to estimate the amount of ink remaining in the tank, which cannot be measured.

[0076] The cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600 acquires the cumulative consumption amount of consumables due to printing by the inkjet head 3. The bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 acquires the 100% capacity of the bottle. The order count acquisition unit 630 acquires the number of past bottle orders. In this embodiment, a consumption error coefficient is used to correct individual variations related to the ink consumption characteristics of the inkjet head 3 of the printer 200. The consumption error coefficient is acquired by the correction value acquisition unit 620. In this embodiment, whether or not a new bottle order can be placed is determined by the determination unit 650. The determination unit 650 determines whether or not a new bottle order can be placed based on the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable product acquired by the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600, the 100% capacity acquired by the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610, and the number of orders acquired by the order count acquisition unit 630, as well as the consumption error coefficient acquired by the correction value acquisition unit 620.

[0077] In this embodiment, the rate at which ink consumption increases with an increase in the number of printed pages differs for each individual inkjet head 3 due to its consumption characteristics, and a consumption error coefficient is used to correct for this individual variation to estimate the amount of ink remaining in the tank so as not to run out of ink. According to this embodiment, the timing to order a new bottle can be determined based on the estimated amount of ink remaining in the tank so as not to run out of ink, ensuring that the next bottle is delivered to the user before the ink runs out.

[0078] In particular, in this embodiment, when the determining unit 650 determines that the new order of the bottle is OK, a corresponding display is displayed on the display unit 301 of the information terminal 300. According to this embodiment, a user who sees the display on the display unit 301 can operate the "Place Order" button 301c at the appropriate time to order a bottle of ink, ensuring that the next bottle is obtained before the ink runs out.

[0079] In this embodiment, the order count acquisition unit 630 acquires the order count when the bottle delivery is confirmed, when the bottle delivery is completed, or when the supply of ink using the bottle is completed. According to this embodiment, the number of orders is reliably acquired at an appropriate timing, so that the remaining amount in the tank can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0080] In this embodiment, the determining unit 650 determines whether or not to place a new order for a bottle when the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable product is acquired at each predetermined cycle or when the delivery of the bottle is confirmed. According to this embodiment, the timing to order new bottles can be determined accurately by determining whether or not to order at an appropriate timing.

[0081] In particular, in this embodiment, the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates the estimated remaining amount of ink that the determination unit 650 uses to determine whether or not a new bottle can be ordered. The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates a first integrated value of the cumulative consumption index and the consumption error coefficient corresponding to the cumulative consumption amount of the consumable product acquired by the cumulative consumption amount acquisition unit 600. The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 calculates a second integrated value of the 100% capacity acquired by the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610 and the number of orders acquired by the order number acquisition unit 630. The estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 subtracts the first integrated value from the second integrated value to obtain a subtraction value, and can calculate the estimated remaining amount based on the subtraction value. The determination unit 650 determines whether to allow or disallow a new bottle order depending on whether the calculated estimated remaining amount has reached a threshold value. According to this embodiment, the determining unit 650 can accurately determine the timing to order a new bottle based on the estimated remaining amount of ink calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculating unit 640.

[0082] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications are also included within the technical scope.

[0083] (1) To deal with ink spills when inserting the cartridge That is, when ink in the bottle is supplied to the tank 32, a manual operation error by the user may cause a failure in supply, such as spillage, and some of the ink may not be supplied to the tank 32. In this case, the amount of ink that is actually supplied to the tank 32 will be less than the amount that was originally supposed to be supplied, and therefore the actual amount of ink remaining in the tank 32 will reach the predetermined threshold value earlier than originally expected.

[0084] For example, Figure 12(a) shows an example in which 60% of the ink capacity is spilled when the ink is poured in, and only 40% of the ink capacity is actually poured into the tank 32. As described above, the cumulative consumption index is an indexed value in which the value corresponding to 100% capacity is 5 and the value corresponding to 20% capacity is 1. 12(a), even if only 40% capacity was initially loaded as described above, the cumulative consumption index is 0 and the number of bottle orders at this point is 0, so the estimated remaining amount calculated by the above-mentioned formula (1) is 100% capacity. Because 40% capacity was actually loaded into the tank 32, the actual remaining amount in the tank 32 at this point (hereinafter referred to as the "physical remaining amount") is 40% capacity.

[0085] As the number of printed pages increases with user usage, the physical remaining amount gradually decreases. For example, when 20% of the ink in tank 32 is consumed, the cumulative consumption index becomes 1, the estimated remaining amount becomes 80%, and the physical remaining amount becomes 20%. If the number of printed pages further increases and the ink in tank 32 is consumed up to 40% capacity, the cumulative consumption index will be 2, the estimated remaining amount will be 60% capacity, and the physical remaining amount will be 0% capacity. In other words, at this point, the remaining amount in the tank will be zero, and printing will no longer be possible with printer 200. However, as mentioned above, the estimated remaining amount calculated by estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 is calculated on the assumption that all of the above 100% capacity without any insertion failures has been supplied to tank 32, and the estimated remaining amount at this point has not yet reached the threshold value, which in this example is 20% capacity. As a result, new orders cannot be placed as is.

[0086] In this modification, in response to the above, a function for correcting the estimated remaining amount so that bottles can be ordered is provided in the information management server 100. The software block configuration in this modification is shown in Fig. 13, which corresponds to Fig. 5 above. 13, the information management server 100 includes a remaining amount correcting unit 660. As an example, the remaining amount correcting unit 660 is configured by the processor 110 and the corresponding parts of the program 131 described above.

[0087] If the user fails to pour ink from the bottle into the tank 32 as described above, the user will, for example, visually check how much ink has been poured into the tank 32 at that point. Then, the user contacts a specific department of the printer 200 manufacturer, such as a call center, and transmits the results of the visual check and a request to order additional bottles. For example, in the above example, since 60% of the ink has spilled and 40% has been poured, the user will inform the call center that the physical remaining amount in the tank 32 of the printer 200 is 40% immediately after pouring.

[0088] When the user requests a new bottle order, the remaining amount correction unit 660 of the information management server 100 corrects the estimated remaining amount calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640. Specifically, in the above example, the spilled 60% is compensated for by restoring the estimated remaining amount to 100% capacity. When the ordered bottle arrives and the user pours ink into the tank 32, the physical remaining amount also becomes 100% capacity. As a result, the state of the cumulative consumption index of 2, the number of orders of 0, the estimated remaining amount of 60% capacity, and the physical remaining amount of 0% capacity can be changed to the cumulative consumption index of 2, the number of orders of 1, the estimated remaining amount of 100% capacity, and the physical remaining amount of 100% capacity, as shown in the bold frame in FIG. 12(a). In this example, the cumulative consumption index for the compensated amount becomes "3," corresponding to the 60% capacity. The subsequent transitions in FIG. 12(a) are the same as those already described, and so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] As a result of the remaining amount correction unit 660 performing the above processing, the estimated remaining amount finally calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 and the remaining amount correction unit 660 is expressed by the following equation (2), which corresponds to the above-mentioned equation (1). Estimated remaining capacity = (2nd accumulated value - 1st accumulated value + cumulative consumption index of supplementary portion) / cumulative consumption index of 100% capacity First integrated value = cumulative consumption index of cumulative consumption of consumables * consumption error coefficient Second integrated value = cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity * number of orders Equation (2)

[0090] The control procedure executed by the remaining amount correction unit 660 to realize the above method is shown in Fig. 14. As shown in the figure, first, in S110, it is determined whether or not a notification has been received from the call center or the like that a new bottle has been ordered by a user. If such a notification has been received from the call center, the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to S120.

[0091] In S120, the individual printer 200 in question is identified based on the printer number of the printer 200 sent together with the notification from the call center. In S130, the estimated remaining amount calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 for the printer 200 identified in S120 as described above is corrected by compensating for the spilled amount as described above, and then this flow ends. The corrected estimated remaining amount is input to the determination unit 650, which then makes the above-mentioned determination based on the magnitude of this input estimated remaining amount and a threshold value.

[0092] In this modified example, the execution of the flow of FIG. 7, in other words, the judgment by the judgment unit 650 in S40, is performed, for example, at a predetermined timing based on a request from the user of the printer 200, for example, when the information management server 100 receives a notification from the call center of the manufacturer that has received the user request.

[0093] An example of the behavior of the estimated remaining capacity actually achieved by this modified example of the above configuration is shown in Figure 12(b). In the figure, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0, 1, 2, etc. as described above, the standard value of the estimated remaining capacity when there is no consumption error changes as described above, from 100% capacity, to 80% capacity, to 60% capacity, etc. If we consider an individual with a consumption error of -5%, the estimated remaining capacity changes as 100% capacity, to 81% capacity, to 62% capacity, etc. If we consider an individual with a consumption error of +5%, the estimated remaining capacity changes as 100% capacity, to 79% capacity, to 58% capacity, etc.

[0094] As in the example above, if only 40% of the capacity is initially input, the physical remaining amount will be 0 in cumulative consumption index 2, but the estimated remaining amount at that point will be 60% capacity for the standard value, 62% capacity for a consumption error of -5%, and 58% capacity for a consumption error of +5%, as shown above. As mentioned above, if compensation is made at this point using the above method to bring the estimated remaining amount to 100% capacity in response to an order for a new bottle, the cumulative consumption index will remain at 2, the number of orders will be 1, and the estimated remaining amount will be 100% capacity for the standard value, consumption error -5%, and consumption error +5% (see bold frame).The cumulative consumption index for the compensation amount at this time will be 3, corresponding to the above 60% capacity, for the standard value, 3.1, corresponding to the above 62% capacity, for consumption error -5%, and 2.9, corresponding to the above 58% capacity, for consumption error +5%. The subsequent transitions in FIG. 12(b) are the same as those already described, and so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] As described above, in this modified example, when a new order for a bottle is placed at the user's request in a state in which the determination unit 650 has determined that a new order is not possible due to the aforementioned insertion failure, the remaining amount correction unit 660 corrects the remaining amount estimate calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640. As a result, after this correction, according to this modified example, the excessive state of the estimated remaining amount due to the aforementioned insertion failure can be eliminated and the correct estimated remaining amount can be calculated. In this modification, the determination unit 650 determines whether or not a new bottle order can be placed at the predetermined timing based on the request from the user. This allows the determination of whether or not to place an order to be made at an appropriate timing, thereby enabling the timing of placing a new bottle order to be determined with precision.

[0096] (2) When replacing the estimated remaining amount with the user's specified value In the above embodiment, when the estimated remaining amount is calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 using the method described above and ink is managed, an accurate remaining amount value of the ink actually remaining in the tank 32 may be obtained, for example, by the user's visual inspection. In this modification, in such a case, the estimated remaining capacity is replaced with a remaining capacity value identified by the user.

[0097] The software block configuration in this modification is shown in FIG. 15, which corresponds to FIG. 5 above. 15, the information management server 100 includes an instruction value acquisition unit 670 and a remaining amount replacement unit 680. As an example, the instruction value acquisition unit 670 and the remaining amount replacement unit 680 are configured by the aforementioned processor 110 and corresponding parts of the program. The user inputs the remaining ink amount value found as described above as an instruction value from the information terminal 300, and the instruction value is acquired by the instruction value acquisition unit 670. The remaining amount substitution unit 680 can replace the estimated remaining amount calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 with the acquired instruction value.

[0098] An example of the behavior of the estimated remaining amount actually achieved by the above configuration is shown in Figures 16 and 17. In this example, the cumulative consumption index is an indexed value where the value equivalent to the 100% capacity is 5 and the value equivalent to the 20% capacity is 1. In this example, by substituting the above indicated value, it is possible to ensure to some extent that the ink will not run out until the bottle arrives, so the estimated remaining amount is calculated with a consumption error of 0.

[0099] 16 and 17, as described above, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0 to 1, 1, 2, and so on, the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 changes from 100% capacity to 80% capacity, 60% capacity, and so on. When the cumulative consumption index becomes 4, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, a new bottle is ordered, and 100% capacity is added to the tank 32. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains 4, but the number of orders becomes 1, and the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, with 100% capacity added to the 20% capacity (see the bold frame in FIG. 16). At this time, if an individual with a consumption error of -5% is assumed, the estimated remaining amount will be 124% capacity, and if an individual with a consumption error of +5% is assumed, the estimated remaining amount will be 116% capacity.

[0100] As the cumulative consumption index continues to change from 5 to 6 to 7, the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 changes from 100% capacity to 80% capacity to 60% capacity, and so on. When the cumulative consumption index reaches 9, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, and a new bottle is ordered, adding 100% capacity to tank 32. At this time, if the user determines by visual inspection or the like that the ink remaining in the tank 32 is actually 20% capacity, that indication value is received from the information terminal 300 by the information management server 100. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains at 9, the number of orders becomes 2, and the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, which is the 20% capacity plus 100% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 16). Correspondingly, the estimated remaining amount is also corrected to 120% capacity when assuming an individual with a consumption error of -5%, and the estimated remaining amount is also corrected to 120% capacity when assuming an individual with a consumption error of +5%. If the consumption error is -5%, the next bottle will be ordered before 20% of the ink remains, so the ordering should be stopped and then the order can be placed when the user visually determines that the ink remaining in the tank 32 is actually 20% of the capacity. The corrected cumulative consumption index is expressed as "9", which corresponds to the cumulative consumption index at this time.

[0101] As described above, as the cumulative consumption index continues to change from 10 to 11, 12, and so on, the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 changes from 100% capacity to 80% capacity, 60% capacity, and so on. When the cumulative consumption index reaches 14, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, a new bottle is ordered, and 100% capacity is added to the tank 32. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains at 14, the number of orders becomes 3, and the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, with 100% capacity added to the 20% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 16). At this time, if an individual with a consumption error of -5% is assumed, the estimated remaining amount will be 125% capacity, and if an individual with a consumption error of +5% is assumed, the estimated remaining amount will be 115% capacity.

[0102] As the cumulative consumption index continues to change from 15 to 16, 17, etc., the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 changes as described above, from 100% capacity to 80% capacity, 60% capacity, etc. When the cumulative consumption index reaches 19, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, a new bottle is ordered, and 100% capacity is added to tank 32. At this time, if the user again finds by visual inspection or the like that the ink remaining in the tank 32 is actually 20% capacity, that indication value is received from the information terminal 300 by the information management server 100. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains at 19, the number of orders becomes 4, and the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, which is the above 20% capacity plus 100% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 16). In response to this, the estimated remaining amount when assuming an individual with a consumption error of -5% and the estimated remaining amount when assuming an individual with a consumption error of +5% are both corrected to 120% capacity, as described above. The corrected cumulative consumption index is expressed as "19," which corresponds to the cumulative consumption index at this time. The subsequent transitions in FIGS. 16 and 17 are the same as those already described, and so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] In this modified example, as a result of the above-described processing being performed by the instruction value acquisition unit 670 and the remaining amount replacement unit 680, the estimated remaining amount finally calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 is expressed by the following equation (3), which corresponds to the above-described equation (1). Estimated remaining capacity = (2nd accumulated value - 1st accumulated value + corrected cumulative consumption index) / cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity First integrated value = (cumulative consumption index for cumulative consumption of consumables - corrected cumulative consumption index) * consumption error coefficient Second integrated value = cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity * number of orders Equation (3)

[0104] According to this modified example, the remaining amount estimated value calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 is replaced with an indicated value by the remaining amount replacement unit, so that the judgment unit 650 can accurately determine the timing of ordering bottles based on the replaced value.

[0105] (3) If you want to reset the number of orders again That is, in this modified example, when the estimated remaining amount is replaced with the remaining amount value identified by the user as in the above-mentioned modified example (2), the value of the number of orders used in the calculation is reset to 0 at an appropriate timing.

[0106] The software block configuration in this modification is shown in FIG. 18, which corresponds to FIG. 15 above. 18, the information management server 100 further includes an order count reset unit 690 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 15 above. As an example, the order count reset unit 690 is configured from the aforementioned processor 110 and a corresponding part of the program. The order count reset unit 690 is an example of a count reset unit. As described above, the user inputs the remaining ink amount known by the user from the information terminal 300, and the instruction value is acquired by the instruction value acquisition unit 670. In this modification, when an instruction value is acquired by the instruction value acquisition unit 670, the order count reset unit 690 can reset the acquired number of orders.

[0107] An example of the behavior of the estimated remaining capacity actually achieved by the above configuration is shown in Figures 19 and 20. Note that in this example, the cumulative consumption index is also an indexed value where a value equivalent to 100% capacity is 5 and a value equivalent to 20% capacity is 1, and the estimated remaining capacity is calculated with a consumption error of 0.

[0108] 19 and 20, as before, when the cumulative consumption index changes from 0, 1, 2, ···, the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 changes as follows: 100% capacity, 80% capacity, 60% capacity, ···. When the cumulative consumption index is 4 and the estimated remaining amount is 20% capacity, a new bottle with 100% capacity is added, the cumulative consumption index remains 4, the number of orders becomes 1, and the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 changes from the above 20% capacity to 120% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 19). If we consider individuals with consumption errors of -5% and +5%, the estimated remaining amounts are 124% capacity and 116% capacity, respectively.

[0109] After that, the cumulative consumption index changes to 5, 6, 7, and so on, and when it reaches 9, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, and 100% capacity of the new bottle is added. At this time, as in the case described above, if the actual remaining amount in the tank is 20% capacity, that indication value is received. However, in this modified example, the cumulative consumption index remains at 9, the number of orders is reset to 0, and the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 is added with 100% capacity, resulting in 119% capacity in this example (see the bold frame in Figure 19). Correspondingly, all estimated remaining amounts assuming individuals with consumption errors of -5% and +5% are corrected to approximately 119% capacity. The corrected cumulative consumption index is represented by "9," which corresponds to the cumulative consumption index at this time.

[0110] Then, as before, the cumulative consumption index continues to change to 10, 11, 12, etc., and when it reaches 13, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, and 100% capacity of the new bottle is added. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains at 13, but the number of orders increases to 1, and the estimated remaining amount for a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, with 100% capacity added to the above 20% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 19). Note that if we consider individuals with consumption errors of -5% and +5%, the estimated remaining amounts will be 123% capacity and 115% capacity, respectively.

[0111] After that, the cumulative consumption index continues to change to 14, 15, 16, etc., and when it reaches 18, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, and 100% capacity of the new bottle is added. As a result, the cumulative consumption index remains at 18, but the number of orders increases to 2, and the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 becomes 120% capacity, with 100% capacity added to the above 20% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 19). Note that if we consider individuals with consumption errors of -5% and +5%, the estimated remaining amounts will be 128% capacity and 110% capacity, respectively.

[0112] After that, the cumulative consumption index continues to fluctuate through 19, 20, 21, and so on, and when it reaches 22, the estimated remaining amount becomes 20% capacity, and 100% capacity of the new bottle is added. At this time, if it is again determined that the actual remaining amount in the tank is 20% capacity, that indication is received, the cumulative consumption index remains at 22, the number of orders is reset to 0 again, and the estimated remaining amount with a consumption error of 0 is added with 100% capacity as before, in this example, 118% capacity (see the bold frame in Figure 19). As before, in response to this, all estimated remaining amounts assuming individuals with consumption errors of -5% and +5% are corrected to approximately 118% capacity. The corrected cumulative consumption index is represented by "22," which corresponds to the cumulative consumption index at this time. The subsequent transitions in FIGS. 19 and 20 are the same as those already described, and so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] In this modified example, as a result of the above-described processing being performed by the instruction value acquisition unit 670 and the remaining amount replacement unit 680, the estimated remaining amount finally calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640 is expressed by the following equation (4), which corresponds to the above-described equation (3). Estimated remaining capacity = (2nd accumulated value - 1st accumulated value) / Cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity First integrated value = (cumulative consumption index for cumulative consumption of consumables - corrected cumulative consumption index) * consumption error coefficient Second integrated value = cumulative consumption index for 100% capacity * number of orders Equation (4)

[0114] According to this modified example, in addition to the same effects as the modified example (2) above, by resetting the number of orders, the influence of consumption errors can be reset back to the time when use began, so that the judgment unit 650 can determine the timing of ordering bottles with even greater accuracy.

[0115] (4) When the printer has the functions of the information management server That is, in the print processing system 1 shown in the above-described FIGS. 5, 13, 15, and 18, the functions of the functional units in the information management server 100 may all be provided on the printer 200 side. That is, in this modification, the printer 200 includes functional units such as an accumulated consumption amount acquisition unit, a bottle capacity acquisition unit, a correction value acquisition unit, an order count acquisition unit, an estimated remaining amount calculation unit, and a judgment unit, which have the same functions as the accumulated consumption amount acquisition unit 600, the bottle capacity acquisition unit 610, the correction value acquisition unit 620, the order count acquisition unit 630, the estimated remaining amount calculation unit 640, and the judgment unit 650 shown in Fig. 13. In this case, as an example, each functional unit is configured by the aforementioned processor 210 and a corresponding part of the program.

[0116] In the printer 200 of this modification, the cumulative consumption acquisition unit provided in the printer 200 acquires the cumulative consumption of the consumables due to image formation by the inkjet head 3, the bottle capacity acquisition unit acquires the 100% capacity of the bottle, the order count acquisition unit acquires the number of past bottle orders, and the correction value acquisition unit acquires the consumption error coefficient.The determination unit then determines whether or not to place a new bottle order based on the acquired cumulative consumption of the consumables, the 100% capacity, and the number of orders, as well as the acquired consumption error coefficient. According to the printer 200 of this embodiment, the remaining amount of ink in the tank is estimated using a consumption error coefficient so as not to run out of ink, without relying on a server or the like, and the timing of ordering a new bottle is adjusted so as not to run out of ink, so that the next bottle can be delivered to the user without fail before the ink runs out.

[0117] (5) Other In the above description, ink has been used as an example of a printing consumable material, but this is not limiting. For example, if a laser printer 200 is used instead of an inkjet printer, toner would be an example of a printing consumable material.

[0118] In addition, in the above, the arrows shown in each of the figures such as FIG. 5, FIG. 13, FIG. 15, and FIG. 18 indicate an example of the flow of signals, and do not limit the direction of the signal flow.

[0119] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 14 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above flows, and steps may be added or deleted or the order may be changed within the scope that does not deviate from the intent and technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0120] The components illustrated in the above embodiments and drawings can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in terms of shape, numerical value, or the structure or chronological relationship of multiple components.

[0121] In addition to the above, the methods according to the above embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

[0122] The problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above. That is, the present invention may solve problems or achieve effects not described above, or may solve only some of the problems or achieve only some of the effects described above.

[0123] Although not specifically illustrated, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Printing processing system (an example of a printing consumables management system) 2 carriages 3 Inkjet head 32 Tank 100 Information Management Server 200 Printer (an example of a printing device) 300 mobile devices 301 Display section 600 Accumulated consumption amount acquisition unit (an example of a print amount acquisition unit) 610 bottle capacity acquisition unit (an example of a capacity acquisition unit) 620 Correction value acquisition unit 630 Order count acquisition unit (an example of the count acquisition unit) 640 Estimated remaining amount calculation unit 650 Judgment section 660 Remaining amount correction section 670 Indication value acquisition unit 680 Residual amount replacement unit 690 Order count reset unit (count reset unit) P Recording paper (an example of a printing medium)

Claims

1. a tank for storing printing consumables from a reservoir that stores the printing consumables in predetermined volume units, the tank being configured so that the remaining amount of the printing consumables inside cannot be measured; a printing unit for forming an image on a print medium using the printing consumables in the tank; a print amount acquisition unit that acquires information about the accumulated print amount of the printing consumable material due to image formation by the printing unit; a capacity acquisition unit that acquires the predetermined capacity of the storage body; A number acquisition unit that acquires the number of times the storage object has been ordered in the past; a correction value acquisition unit that acquires a consumption error correction value for correcting individual variations related to consumption characteristics of the printing consumables in the printing unit; the accumulated print volume information acquired by the print volume acquisition unit, and the predetermined capacity acquired by the capacity acquisition unit; A determination unit that determines whether or not a new order for the storage body can be placed based on the number of orders acquired by the number acquisition unit and the consumption error correction value acquired by the correction value acquisition unit; A printing consumables management system having:

2. The printing consumable goods management system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays a corresponding message when the determination unit determines that a new order for the storage body is possible.

3. The acquisition of the number of orders by the number acquisition unit is A printing consumables management system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, which is executed at one of the following times: when delivery of the most recently ordered storage body to the destination is confirmed, when delivery of the most recently ordered storage body to the destination is completed, or when notification is received from the user of the printing unit that the supply of the printing consumables to the tank using the most recently ordered storage body has been completed.

4. The determination by the determination unit is A management system for printing consumables as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which is executed at at least one of the following times: when the cumulative printing volume information is acquired by the printing volume acquisition unit, which is executed at a predetermined cycle; when delivery of the most recently ordered storage body to its destination is confirmed; and at a predetermined time based on a request from a user of the printing unit.

5. The method further includes an estimated remaining amount calculation unit that calculates an estimated remaining amount of the printing consumables in the tank based on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting a second integrated value obtained by multiplying the predetermined capacity obtained by the capacity acquisition unit by the number of orders obtained by the number acquisition unit from a first integrated value obtained by multiplying the cumulative consumption amount of the printing consumables corresponding to the cumulative print amount information obtained by the print amount acquisition unit by a consumption error coefficient as the consumption error correction value, The determination unit determining whether or not to place a new order for the storage body based on whether or not the remaining amount estimated value calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculation unit has reached a predetermined threshold value; The printing consumables management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A printing consumables management system as described in claim 5, further comprising a remaining quantity correction unit that corrects the estimated remaining quantity calculated by the estimated remaining quantity calculation unit when a new order for the storage unit is placed based on a request from a user of the printing unit in a state in which the supply of the printing consumables to the tank for the specified capacity has not been achieved due to a failure to supply from the storage unit and the judgment unit has determined that a new order for the storage unit cannot be placed.

7. an instruction value acquisition unit that acquires an instruction value regarding the remaining amount of the printing consumable material in the tank by a user; a remaining amount replacing unit that, when the instruction value is acquired by the instruction value acquiring unit, replaces the remaining amount estimated value calculated by the estimated remaining amount calculating unit with the acquired instruction value; 7. The printing consumables management system according to claim 5, further comprising:

8. a number reset unit that resets the number of orders acquired by the number acquisition unit when the instruction value acquisition unit acquires the instruction value; The printing consumables management system of claim 7, further comprising:

9. A printing device provided in a management system for printing consumables described in any one of claims 1 to 8, having the tank, an attachment unit for attaching the storage body, the printing unit, the printing amount acquisition unit, the capacity acquisition unit, the number acquisition unit, the correction value acquisition unit, and the judgment unit.

Images