Systems, servers, and computer programs

Abstract

To provide a user of a device with information at an appropriate time even if a communication failure has occurred between a server and the device.SOLUTION: A system includes a device which consumes a consumable product, a terminal device which is used by a user of the device, and a server which can communicate with the device and the terminal device. The server receives remaining amount information on a remaining amount of the consumable product from the device, and determines whether or not the remaining amount of the consumable product of the device is equal to or smaller than a reference value by using the remaining amount information. When the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or smaller than the reference value, the server transmits consumable product information on the consumable product to at least one of the terminal device and the device, decides, before the remaining amount of the consumable product of the device falls below the reference value, a transmission time on the basis of a time at which the remaining amount of the consumable product estimated by using the remaining amount information falls below the reference value, and transmits, when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time comes, specific information to the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a system, a server, and a computer program for transmitting specific information to a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a computer acquires the toner status from a multifunction peripheral at a set monitoring cycle. When the acquired toner status changes from a normal state to a low toner level state, the computer sends a low toner level notification email. When the acquired toner status changes from a low toner level state to a toner replacement required state, the computer sends a replacement required notification email. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-185456 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above technology does not take into consideration the case where a communication failure occurs between the computer and the multifunction device, and therefore, when a communication failure occurs between the computer and the multifunction device, the above technology may not be able to obtain the toner status and may not be able to send a notification email at an appropriate time.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can provide information to a device user at an appropriate time even when communication between a server and the device is poor. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] [Application Example 1] A system comprising a device that consumes consumables, a terminal device used by a user of the device, and a server capable of communicating with the device and the terminal device, wherein the server receives remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of the consumable from the device, uses the remaining amount information to determine whether the remaining amount of the consumable in the device is below a standard level, and if the remaining amount of the consumable is below the standard, sends consumable information regarding the consumable to at least one of the terminal device and the device, determines a time to send specific information based on the time when the remaining amount of the consumable will fall below the standard, as estimated using the remaining amount information, before the remaining amount of the consumable in the device falls below the standard, and sends the specific information to the terminal device when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time has arrived.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the remaining amount of a consumable is below a reference level, information about the consumable is transmitted to at least one of the terminal device and the device, so that the information about the consumable can be transmitted to the terminal device or the device at an appropriate time. Furthermore, when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time determined based on the time when the consumable will fall below the reference level as estimated using the remaining amount information is reached, specific information is transmitted to the terminal device. As a result, even when a communication failure occurs between the server and the device, i.e., when remaining amount information cannot be received from the device, the specific information can be transmitted to the terminal device when the transmission time is reached. Therefore, even when a communication failure occurs between the server and the device, information can be provided to the user at an appropriate time.

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

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a remaining ink amount management table. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of ink-related processing. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a printer management process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of an application-related process. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a code reading process. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the system under normal conditions. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a first sequence diagram showing the operation of the system when a communication failure occurs. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a second sequence diagram showing the operation of the system when a communication failure occurs. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a third sequence diagram showing the operation of the system when a communication failure occurs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A. First Example A-1. Configuration of System 1000 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. The system 1000 includes a printer 100, a terminal device 200 owned by a user of the printer 100, a device management server 300, and a relay server 400.

[0012] Printer 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller for printer 100, a volatile storage device 120 such as DRAM, and a non-volatile storage device 130 such as a hard disk or flash memory. Printer 100 also includes a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images, an operation unit 150 such as buttons or a touch panel for acquiring user operations, a printing mechanism 170, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

[0013] The communication IF 180 is an interface for connecting to the Internet IT or the like, such as a wired interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface conforming to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0014] The CPU 110 is a computing device (processor) that processes data. The volatile storage device 120 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 110 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 130 stores a computer program PG1 for controlling the printer 100 and an information database IB that records various information such as remaining ink amount information, which will be described later.

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

[0016] CPU 110 executes computer program PG1 to control printer 100. For example, CPU 110 controls print mechanism 170 to execute printing. As will be described later, CPU 110 also executes ink-related processes such as periodically transmitting remaining ink level information to relay server 400 and processing related to coupon information.

[0017] The printing mechanism 170 performs printing under the control of the CPU 110. The printing mechanism 170 of this embodiment is an inkjet printing mechanism that prints an image on a recording medium using multiple types of ink (for example, four types of ink: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as color materials. Ink cartridges IC for CMYK are detachably attached to the printing mechanism 170, and ink is supplied to the printing mechanism 170 from the ink cartridge IC. Ink is replenished by the user replacing the ink cartridge IC. Alternatively, the printing mechanism 170 may be an electrophotographic printing mechanism that prints an image on a recording medium using toner contained in a detachable toner cartridge as color material.

[0018] The terminal device 200 is a computer, for example, a smartphone, or, in a modified example, the terminal device 200 may be a personal computer or a tablet computer.

[0019] The terminal device 200 includes a CPU 210 as a controller, a volatile storage device 220 such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile storage device 230 such as a hard disk or flash memory. The terminal device 200 also includes a display unit 240 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images, an operation unit 250 such as buttons or a touch panel for acquiring user operations, and a communication IF 280. The communication IF is a wireless communication interface that complies with, for example, the Wi-Fi standard or a mobile communication standard (for example, the LTE standard).

[0020] The volatile storage device 220 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 210 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 230 stores an application program AP.

[0021] As will be described later, the application program AP causes the CPU 210 of the terminal device 200 to perform app-related processing such as processing related to coupon notifications and processing related to communication-free notifications. For example, the application program AP is provided by a printing service provider (e.g., a business that manufactures and sells the printer 100). The application program AP is provided, for example, in a form that is downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT. Alternatively, the application program AP may be provided in a form that is pre-installed in the terminal device 200. Hereinafter, the function that the CPU 210 of the terminal device 200 realizes by executing the application program AP is also referred to as a "terminal application."

[0022] The device management server 300 and the relay server 400 are, for example, computers operated by the business that manufactures the printer 100, such as cloud servers.

[0023] The device management server 300 includes a CPU 310 as a controller, a volatile storage device 320 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 330 such as a hard disk or flash memory, and a communication interface (IF) 380. The communication IF 380 is, for example, a wired interface that complies with Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0024] The CPU 310 is a computing device (processor) that processes data. The volatile storage device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 330 stores the computer program PGa and a remaining ink level management table TB, which will be described later.

[0025] Similar to the device management server 300, the relay server 400 includes a CPU 410 as a controller, a volatile storage device 420, and a communication IF 480. The volatile storage device 420 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 410 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 430 stores a computer program PGb.

[0026] The computer programs PGa and PGb for these servers are provided, for example, in the form of being uploaded by a business operator that operates a printing service. The CPUs of the servers 300 and 400 execute the computer programs PGa and PGb, respectively, to perform processes related to management of the printer 100. For example, the device management server 300 executes printer management processes such as managing the remaining ink level of the printer 100 and sending notifications to the terminal device 200, which will be described later. The relay server 400 communicates with the terminal device 200 (terminal application) and executes processes such as sending information received from the terminal device 200 to the device management server 300.

[0027] These servers 300 and 400 are connected to each other via the Internet IT so that they can communicate with each other. It can also be said that the servers 300 and 400 as a whole are one server for managing the printer 100.

[0028] These servers 300 and 400 can communicate with the printer 100 and the terminal device 200 via the Internet IT. The printer 100 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with each other via wireless communication. For example, the terminal device 200 and the printer 100 can communicate with each other without using the Internet IT. For example, the terminal device 200 and the printer 100 can communicate with each other via a local area network or direct communication such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Therefore, even if the printer 100 is unable to communicate with the device management servers 300 and 400 due to a communication failure such as a connection failure to the Internet IT, the printer 100 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 can connect to the Internet IT via communication in accordance with mobile communication standards. Therefore, even if the printer 100 is unable to communicate with the device management servers 300 and 400 due to a communication failure such as a connection failure to the Internet IT, the terminal device 200 can communicate with the device management servers 300 and 400.

[0029] 1 shows one printer 100 and the terminal device 200 of the user of the printer 100, the device management server 300 manages a large number of printers. Below, various processes for one printer 100 and its user's terminal device 200 will be explained, but these processes are executed independently for each printer under management and for each user's terminal device.

[0030] Figure 2 shows an example of a remaining ink level management table TB. The remaining ink level management table TB is a table that records remaining ink level information. The remaining ink level management table TB is recorded in association with the device ID of the printer to be managed (for example, printer 100 in Figure 1). In other words, the device management server 300 holds a remaining ink level management table TB for each printer to be managed, and Figure 2 shows one remaining ink level management table TB associated with printer 100.

[0031] The remaining ink level management table TB records multiple pieces of remaining ink level information for the printer 100. Each piece of remaining ink level information is recorded in association with the date and time of acquisition. Note that remaining ink level information is recorded for each of the CMYK inks, but Figure 1 shows only one color of ink. The following explanation will be given for one color of ink, but the same applies to each color of ink.

[0032] As will be described later, one piece of remaining ink level information is periodically sent from the printer 100 to the device management server 300 via the relay server 400. The acquisition date and time is the date and time when the device management server 300 received the remaining ink level information.

[0033] Each piece of ink level information includes a replacement flag, the remaining ink level, and a low level flag. The replacement flag takes on a value of either true or false. True indicates that the ink cartridge IC was replaced between the previous transmission of the ink level information and the current transmission of the ink level information. False indicates that the ink cartridge IC has not been replaced between the previous transmission of the ink level information and the current transmission of the ink level information. The remaining ink level is the amount of ink contained in the ink cartridge IC. In this embodiment, the remaining ink level is expressed as a percentage of the initial amount of ink in the ink cartridge IC, with 100% being the initial amount. The low level flag takes on a value of either true or false. True indicates that the remaining ink level is below a standard level, in this embodiment, 10% or less. False indicates that the remaining ink level is below a standard level, in this embodiment, greater than 10%.

[0034] A-2. Printer 100 processing The printer 100 (CPU 110) records and manages the above-mentioned remaining ink information indicating the remaining amount of each CMYK ink in an information database IB. That is, the printer 100 calculates the amount of ink consumed each time printing is performed and updates the remaining ink amount recorded in the information database IB. When the printer 100 detects the replacement of an ink cartridge IC, it sets the replacement flag for that specific ink to true and sets the remaining amount of that ink to 100%. When the remaining amount of ink is 10% or less, the printer 100 sets the low remaining flag to true, and when the remaining amount of ink is more than 10%, it sets the low remaining flag to false. When the replacement flag for an ink is true, the printer 100 sends the remaining ink amount information for that ink to the relay server 400 as described below, and then resets the replacement flag for that ink to false.

[0035] The printer 100 also executes ink-related processing, which is processing related to ink management. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the ink-related processing. The ink-related processing is executed continuously while the printer 100 is powered on.

[0036] In S102, printer 100 determines whether it is time to send remaining ink level information. The time to send remaining ink level information is set, for example, to a regular interval, such as once a day, at a specified time. If it is time to send remaining ink level information (S102: YES), printer 100 sends remaining ink level information (replacement flag, remaining ink level, low level flag) to relay server 400 in S104. Upon receiving the remaining ink level information, relay server 400 sends the remaining ink level information to device management server 300.

[0037] In S106, printer 100 determines whether the transmission of the remaining ink level information was successful. For example, when the remaining ink level information is received by relay server 400, relay server 400 transmits a response to printer 100 indicating that the remaining ink level information has been received. If printer 100 receives this response, it determines that the transmission of the remaining ink level information was successful, and if it does not receive this response within a predetermined period of time, it determines that the transmission of the remaining ink level information failed. If the transmission of the remaining ink level information fails, it is likely that some kind of communication failure has occurred between printer 100 and relay server 400. For this reason, it can be said that determining whether the transmission of the remaining ink level information was successful is a determination of whether such a communication failure has occurred.

[0038] If the transmission of the remaining ink level information was successful, i.e., if a communication failure did not occur (S106: YES), the printer 100 returns to S102. If the transmission of the remaining ink level information failed, i.e., if a communication failure occurred (S106: NO), the printer 100 determines in S116 whether coupon information is stored in the non-volatile storage device 130. Coupon information may be transmitted from the terminal device 200 in the application-related processing described below. If the printer 100 receives coupon information from the terminal device 200, the coupon information is stored in the non-volatile storage device 130 in S110 described below. Coupon information will be described later.

[0039] If coupon information is stored (S116: YES), the printer 100 proceeds to S118 to determine whether the remaining ink level is below a certain level. For example, if the remaining ink level is 10% or less, it is determined that the remaining ink level is below a certain level. Whether the remaining ink level is below a certain level is determined based on the remaining ink level recorded in the information database IB or the low ink level flag.

[0040] If the remaining ink level is below the reference level (S118: YES), the printer 100 displays a QR code (registered trademark) on the display unit 140 of the printer 100 in S120. Although not shown in the drawings, the QR code (registered trademark) indicates, for example, an ID that identifies coupon information and an instruction to display the coupon information. As will be described later, the QR code (registered trademark) is read using the reading function of the terminal device 200, and the information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark) is used by the terminal device 200 to display the coupon information. For example, after the QR code (registered trademark) is read, the QR code (registered trademark) is displayed until the user inputs an instruction to delete it into the printer 100. When the display of the QR code (registered trademark) is finished, the printer 100 deletes the coupon information from the non-volatile storage device 130 in S122. Once the coupon information has been deleted, the printer 100 returns to S102.

[0041] If the coupon information is not stored (S116: NO) or if the remaining amount of ink is greater than the reference amount (S118: NO), the printer 100 returns to S102.

[0042] If the time to send remaining ink level information has not yet arrived (S102: NO), the printer 100 determines in S108 whether coupon information has been received from the terminal device 200. If coupon information has been received from the terminal device 200 (S108: YES), the printer 100 stores the coupon information in the non-volatile storage device 130 in S110. If coupon information has not been received from the terminal device 200 (S108: NO), the printer 100 skips S110.

[0043] In S112, the printer 100 determines whether or not a delete instruction for coupon information has been received from the terminal device 200. The delete instruction for coupon information may be transmitted from the terminal device 200 in the application-related processing described below when coupon information is stored in the nonvolatile storage device 130. If the delete instruction has been received from the terminal device 200 (S112: YES), the printer 100 deletes the saved coupon information from the nonvolatile storage device 130 in S114 and returns to S102. If the delete instruction has not been received from the terminal device 200 (S112: NO), the printer 100 skips S114 and returns to S102.

[0044] A-3. Processing of the device management server 300 The device management server 300 (CPU 310) executes printer management processes for each managed printer, such as managing the remaining ink level of the printer 100 and sending notifications to the terminal device 200. The printer management process for the printer 100 will be described below.

[0045] 4 is a flowchart of the printer management process, which is executed continuously for each printer to be managed.

[0046] In S302, the device management server 300 determines whether remaining ink level information has been received from the relay server 400. When the remaining ink level information is sent from the printer 100 to the relay server 400, it is then sent from the relay server 400 to the server 300.

[0047] If remaining ink level information is received (S302: YES), then in S304 the device management server 300 associates the received remaining ink level information with the current date and time as the acquisition date and time, and records the information in the remaining ink level management table TB (Figure 2).

[0048] In S306, the device management server 300 determines whether the remaining ink level indicated by the received remaining ink level information has fallen below a reference level. For example, if the low level flag included in the previously received remaining ink level information is false, and the low level flag included in the currently received remaining ink level information is true, it is determined that the remaining ink level has fallen below a reference level.

[0049] If it is determined that the remaining ink level has transitioned to or below the reference level (S306: YES), the device management server 300 transmits a coupon notification to the terminal device 200 in S310. The coupon notification is transmitted to the terminal device 200 using a known push notification service such as FCM (short for Firebase Cloud Messaging). For example, the terminal device 200 may have previously obtained a notification token from a server that provides a push notification service by making a request to the server, and then transmitted the notification token to the device management server 300. The device management server 300 then transmits the push notification using the notification token. The coupon notification, which will be described in detail later, is a notification that includes the coupon information described above.

[0050] The coupon information is information indicating an electronic coupon for encouraging users to purchase ink cartridge ICs. When a user of the terminal device 200 purchases an ink cartridge IC using the electronic coupon indicated by the coupon information, the user can receive benefits such as a discount on the price. By transmitting the coupon information to the terminal device 200 when the remaining ink level falls below a certain level, the user of the terminal device 200 can be effectively encouraged to purchase a replacement ink cartridge IC for the printer 100.

[0051] In S311, the device management server 300 calculates the most recent average value of the ink consumption period. The ink consumption period is the period from when the ink cartridge IC is replaced until the remaining ink level in that ink cartridge IC falls below a reference level. Specifically, the remaining ink level management table TB is referenced to calculate the period from the date and time the replacement flag becomes true until the low ink level flag becomes true. For example, in Figure 2, the right side of the remaining ink level management table TB shows the most recent three ink consumption periods Ta to Tc. The device management server 300 calculates the average value of the most recent three ink consumption periods Ta to Tc as the most recent average value. The calculated most recent average value is saved in the non-volatile storage device 330.

[0052] If it is determined that the remaining amount of ink has not fallen below the reference level (S306: NO), S310 and S311 are skipped.

[0053] In S312, the device management server 300 determines whether the transmission time for the communication failure notification has been set. The transmission time for the communication failure notification is set in S322, which will be described later. As will be described later, the communication failure notification is a notification to inform the user of the terminal device 200 that a communication failure has occurred between the printer 100 and the relay server 400. If the transmission time for the communication failure notification has been set (S312: YES), the device management server 300 cancels the transmission time for the communication failure notification in S314 and returns to S302. This is because it can be determined that the communication failure has been resolved once the remaining ink level information is received (S302: YES). If the transmission time for the communication failure notification has not been set (S312: NO), the device management server 300 skips S314 and returns to S302.

[0054] If the remaining ink level information has not been received (S302: NO), then in S316 the device management server 300 determines whether the time to send a communication failure notification has been set, as in S312. If the time to send a communication failure notification has not been set (S316: NO), then in S318 the device management server 300 determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed since the previous reception of remaining ink level information. The predetermined period is, for example, several to several tens of times the interval between transmissions of remaining ink level information when there is no communication failure (one day in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the predetermined period is one week.

[0055] If a predetermined period of time has passed since the previous reception of remaining ink level information (S318: YES), it is assumed that a communication failure has occurred between printer 100 and relay server 400. This communication failure may occur, for example, when some kind of communication failure has occurred between printer 100 and relay server 400, or when printer 100 is not powered on. In this case, in S320, device management server 300 estimates when the remaining ink level will fall below the reference level.

[0056] Specifically, the device management server 300 predicts the ink consumption period Te until the remaining ink level falls below a certain level based on the period from the most recent ink cartridge IC replacement to the receipt of the previous ink level information and the remaining ink level indicated in the previous ink level information. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the most recent ink cartridge IC replacement was on August 1, 2021, as can be seen from the replacement flag. The previous ink level information was received on August 15, 2021, and the previous ink level information indicates that the remaining ink level is 70%. Therefore, since 30% of the ink has been consumed over 15 days, it can be seen that the ink consumption period required for the remaining ink level to fall below the certain level (10% or less) is 45 days. The device management server 300 estimates the current ink consumption period as the shorter of this ink consumption period Te or the most recent average value of the current ink consumption periods calculated in S311. The device management server 300 estimates the time when the remaining ink level will fall below the standard level as the time when the estimated ink consumption period has elapsed since the most recent ink cartridge IC replacement. The shorter of the ink consumption period Te and the most recent average ink consumption period calculated in S311 is used here to prevent delays in sending the communication failure notification from the time when the remaining ink level will actually fall below the standard level.

[0057] In S322, the device management server 300 sets the time when the estimated remaining ink level will fall below the standard as the time to send a communication failure notification, and returns to S302. If the specified period has not passed since the previous receipt of remaining ink level information (S318: NO), the device management server 300 skips S320 and S322 and returns to S302.

[0058] If the time to send the communication failure notification has been set (S316: YES), the device management server 300 determines in S324 whether the time to send the communication failure notification has arrived. If the time to send the communication failure notification has arrived (S324: YES), the device management server 300 sends the communication failure notification to the terminal device 200 in S326. The communication failure notification to the terminal device 200 is sent as a push notification, similar to a coupon notification. The communication failure notification includes coupon information in addition to a message indicating that a communication failure has occurred, as will be described in detail below.

[0059] In S328, the device management server 300 cancels the setting of the communication failure notification and returns the process to S302. If the time to send the communication failure notification has not yet arrived (S324: NO), the device management server 300 skips S326 and S328 and returns the process to S302.

[0060] A-4. Processing of the terminal device 200 The terminal device 200 (CPU 210) executes application-related processing such as displaying a coupon notification or a communication failure notification. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the application-related processing. In S202, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not a coupon notification has been received from the device management server 300. If a coupon notification has been received from the device management server 300 (S202: YES), in S204, the terminal device 200 displays a coupon notification screen W1 on the display unit 240.

[0061] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of display screens in this embodiment. The coupon notification screen W1 in Fig. 6A includes a pop-up screen PU1 that includes a message MS1 indicating that an electronic coupon for purchasing an ink cartridge IC has arrived, and an application launch button BT1.

[0062] In S205, the terminal device 200 starts a terminal application in response to a user operation, and then displays the coupon information. Specifically, when the user presses the application start button BT1 on the pop-up screen PU1, the terminal device 200 starts the terminal application by executing the application program AP. The terminal device 200 (terminal application) displays a display screen W2 for the coupon information on the display unit 240.

[0063] 6(B) includes a message MS2 indicating the specific details of the electronic coupon for purchasing an ink cartridge IC, and a purchase button BT2. When the user presses the purchase button BT2, for example, a purchase screen (not shown) for purchasing an ink cartridge IC using the electronic coupon is displayed on the display unit 240, and the user can carry out the purchase procedure for the ink cartridge IC.

[0064] In S206, the terminal device 200 determines whether there is any undisplayed coupon information that was received before the displayed coupon information. Coupon information included in a communication failure notification, which will be described later, may have been sent to the printer 100 but not yet displayed. If there is any undisplayed coupon information (S206: YES), the terminal device 200 sends a coupon information deletion instruction to the printer 100 in S207 and returns the process to S202. This is because once new coupon information has already been displayed, there is no need to display coupon information that was received earlier. If there is no undisplayed coupon information (S206: NO), the terminal device 200 skips S207 and returns the process to S202.

[0065] If a coupon notification has not been received from the device management server 300 (S202: NO), in S208, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not a communication failure notification has been received from the device management server 300. If a communication failure notification has been received from the device management server 300 (S208: YES), in S210, the terminal device 200 displays a communication failure notification screen W3 on the display unit 240.

[0066] The communication failure notification screen W3 in Figure 6 (C) includes a pop-up screen PU3 that includes a message MS3 indicating that a communication failure has occurred between the printer 100 and the relay server 400, prompting the user to check the status of the communication failure, and an app launch button BT3.

[0067] In S212, the terminal device 200 launches a terminal application in response to a user operation, and then acquires remaining ink level information from the printer 100. Specifically, when the user presses the application launch button BT3 on the pop-up screen PU3, the terminal device 200 executes the application program AP to launch the terminal application. The terminal device 200 (terminal application) sends a request for remaining ink level information to the printer 100, and receives the remaining ink level information in response to the request. For example, even if a communication failure occurs in the communication path used by the printer 100 to connect to the Internet IT, the terminal device 200 and the printer 100 can communicate via direct communication such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), and therefore the remaining ink level information can be acquired from the printer 100.

[0068] In S213, the terminal device 200 transmits the remaining ink level information received from the printer 100 to the relay server 400. Even if a communication failure occurs in the communication path used by the printer 100 to connect to the Internet IT, the terminal device 200 can still connect to the Internet IT through communication that complies with mobile communication standards, and so can transmit the remaining ink level information to the relay server 400.

[0069] In S214, the terminal device 200 determines whether the remaining amount of ink indicated by the received remaining ink amount information is below a reference level. For example, if the low remaining amount flag included in the received remaining ink amount information is false, it is determined that the remaining amount of ink is below a reference level.

[0070] If the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the reference amount (S214: YES), in S216, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon information included in the communication failure notification on the display unit 240. Specifically, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon information display screen W2 of FIG. 6(B) on the display unit 240.

[0071] If the remaining amount of ink is greater than the reference amount (S214: NO), the terminal device 200 sends the coupon information included in the communication failure notification to the printer 100 in S218. The coupon information sent to the printer 100 is used in the ink-related processing (FIG. 3) of the printer 100, as described above. After S216 and S218, the terminal device 200 returns the processing to S202.

[0072] Next, we will explain the code reading process of the terminal device 200. The code reading process is executed when a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the display unit 140 of the printer 100 in S120 of the ink-related process in Fig. 3, and the user inputs a reading instruction into the terminal device 200 while pointing the camera (not shown) of the terminal device 200 at the QR code (registered trademark).

[0073] 7 is a flowchart of the code reading process. In S222, the terminal device 200 reads the QR code (registered trademark) using a camera and obtains information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark) (for example, an ID that identifies coupon information and an instruction to display the coupon information).

[0074] In S224, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon information based on the information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark) on the display unit 240. Specifically, the terminal device 200 starts a terminal application and displays the coupon information display screen W2 of FIG. 6(B) on the display unit 240.

[0075] A-5. Example of System 1000 Operation An example of the operation of the system 1000 realized by the processes of the printer 100, the terminal device 200, and the device management server 300 described above will now be described.

[0076] A-5-1. Processing under normal circumstances (when no communication problems occur) 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of system 1000 under normal conditions. Under normal conditions, as shown in S1 and S4, printer 100 periodically transmits remaining ink level information to relay server 400 (S104 in FIG. 3). As shown in S2 and S5, relay server 400 transmits the remaining ink level information received from printer 100 to device management server 300.

[0077] In S3 and S6, the device management server 300, having received the remaining ink amount information, determines whether the remaining ink amount indicated in the remaining ink amount information has fallen below a reference level (S306 in FIG. 4). In the example of FIG. 8, in S3 it is determined that the remaining ink amount is greater than the reference level, and in S6 it is determined that the remaining ink amount has fallen below the reference level.

[0078] In S6, it is determined that the remaining ink level has fallen below the reference level, and therefore in S7, the device management server 300 sends a coupon notification including coupon information to the terminal device 200 (S310 in FIG. 4). Upon receiving the coupon notification, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon notification on the display unit 240 in S8 (S204 in FIG. 5), launches a terminal application in S9, and displays the coupon information in S10 (S205 in FIG. 5). As a result, under normal circumstances, coupon information can be displayed on the user's terminal device 200 at the appropriate time when the remaining ink level in the printer 100 falls below the reference level, the ink cartridge IC is nearing the time to replace it, and the user is thinking about purchasing an ink cartridge IC. This can promote sales of ink cartridge ICs and encourage continued use of the printer 100.

[0079] A-5-2. What to do when communication is poor 9 is a first sequence diagram showing the operation of system 1000 when a communication failure occurs between printer 100 and relay server 400. When a communication failure occurs, as shown in S11, printer 100 does not send remaining ink level information to relay server 400. As a result, device management server 300 is unable to receive printer 100's remaining ink level information from relay server 400. If the communication failure continues for a predetermined period of time, device management server 300 detects the communication failure by determining in S12 that remaining ink level information has not been received for the predetermined period of time (S318 in FIG. 4). In this case, in S13, device management server 300 sets the timing for sending a communication failure notification (S320, S322 in FIG. 4).

[0080] If the time to send a communication failure notification arrives without communication recovery, the device management server 300 determines in S14 that the time to send a communication failure notification has arrived (YES in S324 of FIG. 4). In this case, the device management server 300 transmits a communication-no-longer-needed notification including coupon information to the terminal device 200 in S15 (S326 of FIG. 4).

[0081] Although not shown, if the communication failure is resolved and communication is restored after the time to send the communication failure notification has been set, the device management server 300 will receive remaining ink level information from the terminal device 200 via the relay server 400 (YES in S302 of FIG. 4), and the setting for the time to send the communication failure notification will be canceled (S314 of FIG. 4). In this case, the system will return to the normal operation state of FIG. 8.

[0082] When the terminal device 200 receives the communication failure notification (YES in S208 of FIG. 5), it displays the communication failure notification in S16. The terminal device 200 then launches a terminal application in S18, and sends a request for remaining ink level information to the printer 100 in S19, thereby receiving the remaining ink level information from the printer 100 in S20 (S212 of FIG. 5). The terminal device 200 then sends the remaining ink level information to the device management server 300 in S21 (S213 of FIG. 5). This allows the remaining ink level information of the printer 100 to be obtained via the terminal device 200, even when the remaining ink level information cannot be obtained from the printer 100 due to a communication failure. As a result, the remaining ink level of the printer 100 can be accurately managed by the device management server 300, even when a communication failure occurs.

[0083] When the terminal device 200 receives the remaining ink level information from the printer 100, it determines whether the remaining ink level indicated by the remaining ink level information is below a standard level (S214 in FIG. 5). In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that the remaining ink level is below a standard level at the time the communication failure notification is sent to the terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 determines in S22 that the remaining ink level is below the standard level (YES in S214 in FIG. 5). In S23, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon information included in the communication failure notification on the display unit 240 (S216 in FIG. 5).

[0084] FIG. 10 is a second sequence diagram showing the operation of system 1000 when a communication failure occurs between printer 100 and relay server 400. In the example of FIG. 10, the process up to S21 is the same as in FIG. 9, so S19 to S21 are shown in FIG. 10, but the process before that is omitted. In the example of FIG. 10, it is assumed that the remaining ink level is greater than the reference level at the time the communication failure notification is sent to terminal device 200. In this case, S22B to S30B in FIG. 10 are executed instead of S22 and S23 in FIG. 9. Note that in the example of FIG. 10, a certain period of time (e.g., several days or several weeks) may pass between the start of S22B and the completion of S30B, but it is assumed that the communication failure will not be resolved and communication will not be restored during this period.

[0085] In this case, the terminal device 200 determines in S22B that the remaining amount of ink is greater than the reference amount (NO in S214 of FIG. 5). In S23B, the terminal device 200 transmits the coupon information included in the communication failure notification to the printer 100 without immediately displaying it (S218 of FIG. 5).

[0086] When the printer 100 receives the coupon information from the terminal device 200, the printer 100 stores the coupon information in the nonvolatile storage device 130 in S24B (S110 in FIG. 3). If the coupon information is stored in the nonvolatile storage device 130 (YES in S116 in FIG. 3), the terminal device 200 monitors whether the remaining ink level is below the reference level (S118 in FIG. 3), as shown in S24B and S25B. In S24B, it is determined that the remaining ink level is greater than the reference level (NO in S118 in FIG. 3). Thereafter, it is assumed that the printer 100 executes printing, consuming ink, and in S25B it is determined that the remaining ink level is below the reference level (YES in S118 in FIG. 3). In this case, the printer 100 displays a QR code (registered trademark) on the display unit 240 in S27B (S120 in FIG. 3).

[0087] In S28B, the terminal device 200 reads the QR code (registered trademark) in response to a user instruction, thereby obtaining an instruction to display the coupon information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). In S29B, the terminal device 200 starts a terminal application, and in S30B, the terminal device 200 displays a display screen W2 of the coupon information on the display unit 240.

[0088] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, even when a communication failure occurs, coupon information can be displayed on the user's terminal device 200 at the appropriate time when the ink cartridge IC is nearing replacement time and the user is thinking about purchasing a new ink cartridge IC.

[0089] Figure 11 is a third sequence diagram showing the operation of system 1000 when a communication failure occurs between printer 100 and relay server 400. In the example of Figure 11, steps up to S25B are the same as the example of Figure 10, so Figure 11 illustrates steps S23B to S25B, but omits the illustration of the processing prior to that. In the example of Figure 11, it is assumed that after S25B, the communication failure is resolved and communication is restored before the remaining ink level falls below the reference level. In this case, steps S26C to S34C of Figure 11 are executed instead of steps S26B to S23B of Figure 10.

[0090] When communication is restored, normal operation returns, so similar to S1 and S4 in Figure 8, in S26C and S29C, printer 100 periodically transmits remaining ink level information to relay server 400 (S104 in Figure 3). In S27C and S30C, relay server 400 transmits the remaining ink level information received from printer 100 to device management server 300.

[0091] In S28C and S31C, the device management server 300, having received the remaining ink level information, determines whether the remaining ink level indicated in the remaining ink level information has fallen below a reference level (S306 in FIG. 4). In the example of FIG. 11, in S28C it is determined that the remaining ink level is greater than the reference level, and in S31C it is determined that the remaining ink level has fallen below the reference level.

[0092] In S31C, it is determined that the remaining ink level has transitioned to below the reference level, so in S32C the device management server 300 sends a coupon notification including coupon information to the terminal device 200 (S310 in FIG. 4). Upon receiving the coupon notification, the terminal device 200 displays the coupon notification on the display unit 240 in S33C (S204 in FIG. 5), launches a terminal application in S34C, and displays the coupon information in S35C (S205 in FIG. 5).

[0093] At this point, the coupon information included in the communication failure notification received in S15 of FIG. 9 has been sent to printer 100 in S23B of FIG. 10 and has not yet been displayed (YES in S206 of FIG. 5). For this reason, in S36C, terminal device 200 sends a delete instruction to printer 100 to delete the coupon information (S207 of FIG. 5). Upon receiving the delete instruction, printer 100 deletes the coupon information from non-volatile memory device 130 in S37C. This prevents the coupon information from being displayed multiple times in duplicate when the remaining ink level falls below a certain level.

[0094] According to the embodiment described above, in system 1000 including printer 100, a device that consumes ink as a consumable item, terminal device 200 used by a user of printer 100, and servers 300 and 400 that can communicate with printer 100 and terminal device 200, device management server 300 receives remaining ink level information from terminal device 200 via relay server 400 (S302 in FIG. 4; S1, S2, S4, and S5 in FIG. 8), and uses the remaining ink level information to determine whether the remaining ink level in terminal device 200 is below a reference level (S306 in FIG. 4). If the remaining ink level is below the reference level (YES in S306 in FIG. 4), device management server 300 transmits coupon information, which is information related to ink, to terminal device 200 (S310 in FIG. 4; S7 in FIG. 8). Before the remaining ink level falls below a reference level, device management server 300 determines the timing for sending a communication failure notification based on the time when the consumables estimated using the remaining ink level information will fall below the reference level (S320 and S322 in FIG. 4, S13 in FIG. 9). When device management server 300 detects a communication failure between relay server 400 and printer 100 (YES in S318 in FIG. 4, S12 in FIG. 9) and the transmission time has arrived (YES in S324 in FIG. 4, S14 in FIG. 9), device management server 300 sends a communication failure notification to terminal device 200 (S326 in FIG. 4, S15 in FIG. 9).

[0095] As a result, when the remaining ink level is below a certain level, coupon information is sent to the terminal device 200, allowing the coupon information to be sent to the terminal device at an appropriate time. Furthermore, when a communication failure between the relay server 400 and the printer 100 is detected and the transmission time, which is determined based on the time when the ink level estimated using the remaining ink level information will be below a certain level, is reached, a communication failure notification is sent to the terminal device 200. As a result, even when a communication failure occurs, that is, when the remaining ink level information cannot be received from the printer 100, specific information (in this embodiment, a communication failure notification and coupon information included in the communication failure notification) can be sent to the terminal device 200 when the transmission time arrives. Therefore, even when a communication failure occurs between the relay server 400 and the printer 100, specific information can be provided to the user at an appropriate time.

[0096] For example, according to this embodiment, the specific information includes a communication failure notification. Therefore, when a communication failure is detected, the notification can be sent at a transmission time determined based on when the remaining ink level falls below a certain level. As a result, the communication failure between the relay server 400 and the printer 100 can be notified at an appropriate time. Therefore, since the communication failure is likely to be resolved appropriately, ink-related information can be sent at an appropriate time. For example, if a communication failure notification is sent to the terminal device 200 every time a communication failure is detected, the communication failure notification may be sent excessively frequently. For example, a communication failure between the printer 100 and the relay server 400 may be detected even when the printer 100 is not powered on. For example, if a user who uses the printer 100 infrequently and whose printer 100 is not powered on for a relatively long period of time receives multiple communication failure notifications, the user may find the communication failure notifications annoying. In this case, the user may begin to ignore the communication failure notifications, which could result in the terminal application not launching even when the communication failure notification is sent. Furthermore, when the printer 100 has sufficient ink remaining, there is little need to accurately manage the remaining ink level, and there is also little need to immediately resolve the communication failure. In light of these factors, in this embodiment, the communication failure notification is sent at a transmission time determined based on when the ink level estimated using the remaining ink level information will fall below a certain level. This prevents the user from feeling bothered by the notification, and increases the likelihood that the communication failure will be resolved and communication will be restored when there is a high need to accurately manage the remaining ink level. Furthermore, even if the communication failure is not resolved, the user can launch a terminal application, which increases the likelihood that the device management server 300 will be able to obtain the remaining ink level information via the terminal application.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the specific information includes coupon information, which is information related to ink. As a result, if a communication failure is detected, the coupon information is transmitted to the terminal device 200 at a transmission time determined based on when the remaining ink level will fall below a certain level. As a result, even if a communication failure occurs, information about consumables can be provided to the user at an appropriate time. For example, as described above, the coupon information can be delivered to the user's terminal device 200 at the appropriate time when the ink cartridge IC is nearing replacement time and the user is thinking about purchasing a new ink cartridge IC.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the terminal device 200 receives coupon information included in the communication failure notification, it receives ink level information from the printer 100 (S20 in FIG. 9 ). Using the ink level information, it determines whether the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is below a certain level. If the remaining ink level is below a certain level (S22 in FIG. 9 ), the terminal device 200 displays the coupon information display screen W2 (FIG. 6B) on the terminal device 200 (S23 in FIG. 9 ). As a result, even in a communication failure state, a screen based on the coupon information can be displayed on the terminal device 200 at an appropriate time. For example, since the communication failure notification is sent only when it is estimated that the remaining ink level is below a certain level, the actual remaining ink level may be greater than the certain level at the time the communication failure notification is received. In this embodiment, the coupon information display screen W2 is displayed after it is confirmed using the ink level information that the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is below a certain level, preventing the coupon information from being displayed too early.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the terminal device 200 receives remaining ink level information from the printer 100 and finds that the remaining ink level is greater than a reference level (S22B in FIG. 10), it transmits coupon information to the printer 100 (S23B in FIG. 10). As a result, the printer 100 can determine when to display the coupon information display screen W2. In this embodiment, the display screen W2 is displayed when the remaining ink level falls below a reference level. Because ink is consumed by the printer 100, if the display time is determined by the printer 100, the display time can be determined without delay and reliably. In contrast, the terminal application is not always running and cannot determine the display time when it is not running. Furthermore, the terminal application must obtain remaining ink level information from the printer 100 to determine the display time. For this reason, if the printer 100 is turned off while the terminal application is running, the terminal application cannot obtain remaining ink level information and cannot determine the display time. For this reason, it is preferable for the printer 100 to determine the display time.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printer 100 receives coupon information from the terminal device 200 (S32B in FIG. 10) and determines whether the remaining ink level is below a certain level (S24B, S25B in FIG. 10). If the remaining ink level is below a certain level (S25B in FIG. 10), the printer 100 causes the terminal device 200 to acquire information (a display instruction in this embodiment) for displaying a coupon information display screen W2 on the terminal device 200 (S28B in FIG. 10). As a result, based on the determination of the printer 100, the terminal device 200 can be made to display a screen based on the coupon information.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 100 displays a QR code (registered trademark) on the display unit 140 and has the terminal device 200 read the QR code (registered trademark), thereby causing the terminal device 200 to acquire information for displaying the display screen W2. As a result, the display screen W2 can be displayed on the terminal device 200 at a more appropriate timing. For example, the timing when the remaining amount of ink falls below the reference level is the timing when printing is performed by the printer 100, so there is a high probability that the QR code (registered trademark) will be seen by the user when the user collects the printed paper.

[0102] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after the terminal device 200 transmits coupon information to the printer 100 (S23B in FIG. 11), if the terminal device 200 displays the display screen W2 based on the coupon information received from the device management server 300 (S32C in FIG. 11) on the terminal device 200 (S35C in FIG. 11), the terminal device 200 executes processing to prevent the printer 100 from using the coupon information. Specifically, the terminal device 200 transmits an instruction to the printer 100 to delete the coupon information (S36C in FIG. 11). As a result, it is possible to prevent the same coupon information from being provided to the user multiple times when the remaining ink level falls below a certain level.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printer 100 calculates the past ink consumption period Ta to Tc based on the remaining ink amount information recorded in the remaining ink amount management table TB (S311 in FIG. 4), and estimates when the ink will fall below a reference level based on this ink consumption period Ta to Tc (S320 in FIG. 4). As a result, it is possible to appropriately estimate when the ink will fall below a reference level based on the past ink consumption period Ta to Tc. Specifically, it estimates when the ink will fall below a reference level using the average value of multiple past ink consumption periods Ta to Tc. As a result, it is possible to more accurately estimate when the ink will fall below a reference level.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the device management server 300 does not receive remaining ink level information from the printer 100 for a predetermined period of time, it determines that a communication failure has occurred (S318 in FIG. 4). As a result, it is possible to appropriately detect a communication failure between the printer 100 and the relay server 400.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the consumables information included in the communication-free notification and coupon notification includes an electronic coupon that can be used when the user purchases ink, which can encourage users to purchase ink cartridges ICs.

[0106] As can be seen from the above explanation, the entire servers 300 and 400 in this embodiment are examples of servers. The coupon notification and the coupon information included in the coupon notification are examples of consumable information. The communication failure notification in this embodiment and the coupon information included in the communication failure notification are examples of specific information.

[0107] B. Variations (1) In the above embodiment, the coupon notification sent from the device management server 300 under normal circumstances is sent to the terminal device 200, but it may also be sent to the printer 100. In this case, the coupon notification screen W1 and the coupon information display screen W2 may be displayed on the display unit 140 of the printer 100. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may obtain the coupon notification from the printer 100 by data communication or via a QR code (registered trademark), and display the coupon notification screen W1 and the display screen W2 on the display unit 240 of the terminal device 200.

[0108] (2) In the above embodiment, when a communication failure occurs, the specific information transmitted from the device management server 300 to the terminal device 200 is a communication failure notification including coupon information. Alternatively, the specific information may be a coupon notification including coupon information, or a communication failure notification without coupon information.

[0109] (3) In the above embodiment, the consumables information is coupon information. Alternatively, the consumables information may be other information related to consumables, such as a notification that it is time to order an ink cartridge IC or a uniform resource locator (URL) for an ink cartridge IC ordering site.

[0110] (4) In the above embodiment, when the terminal device 200 receives a communication failure notification, it determines whether the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is below a certain level, and if the remaining ink level is below the certain level, it displays the coupon information display screen W2. Alternatively, when the terminal device 200 receives a communication failure notification, it may immediately display the coupon information display screen W2 without determining whether the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is below the certain level.

[0111] (5) In the above embodiment, when the terminal device 200 receives a communication failure notification, it determines whether the remaining ink level in the printer 100 is below a reference level, and if the remaining ink level is greater than the reference level, it sends coupon information to the printer 100. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 does not have to send coupon information to the printer 100 even if the remaining ink level is greater than the reference level. In this case, the terminal device 200 may periodically obtain remaining ink level information from the printer 100, and display the coupon information display screen W2 when the remaining ink level in the printer 100 falls below the reference level.

[0112] (6) In the above embodiment, after receiving coupon information from the terminal device 200, if the remaining ink level falls below a certain level, the printer 100 displays a QR code (registered trademark) on the display unit 140 to cause the terminal device 200 to display the coupon information display screen W2. Alternatively, the printer 100 may display other types of two-dimensional codes, one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, on the display unit 140. Furthermore, if the remaining ink level falls below a certain level, the printer 100 may display the coupon information display screen W2 on its own display unit 240, or may send an instruction to display the display screen W2 to the terminal device 200 via a predetermined communication means such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0113] (7) In the above embodiment, when the terminal device 200 displays the display screen W2 of the coupon information received from the device management server 300 after transmitting the coupon information to the printer 100, the terminal device 200 transmits an instruction to delete the coupon information to the printer 100. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may transmit a notification to the printer 100 to prohibit display of the coupon information. Furthermore, even when the terminal device 200 displays the display screen W2 of the coupon information received from the device management server 300 after transmitting the coupon information to the printer 100, the terminal device 200 does not need to transmit anything to the printer 100.

[0114] (8) In the above embodiment, the method of estimating when the remaining ink level will fall below a certain level in S320 of Figure 4 is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, a function (e.g., a linear or quadratic function) that indicates the relationship between the remaining ink level and the date and time may be determined using a predetermined approximation method based on multiple pieces of remaining ink level information and the dates and times at which they were obtained, and the approximation function may then be used to estimate when the remaining ink level will fall below a certain level.

[0115] (9) In the above embodiment, the method by which the device management server 300 detects a communication failure between the relay server 400 and the printer 100 is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, the printer 100 may periodically (e.g., once every few minutes) send presence confirmation information that does not include remaining ink level information to the device management server 300, and the device management server 300 may detect a communication failure based on whether or not the presence confirmation information is received.

[0116] (10) In the above embodiment, the two servers 300 and 400 cooperate to communicate with the terminal device 200 and the printer 100. Alternatively, the processes executed by the two servers 300 and 400 may be executed by one server or by three or more servers.

[0117] (12) In the above embodiments, some of the configurations realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, some or all of the configurations realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

[0118] The present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications, but the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1000...system, 100...printer, 110...CPU, 120...volatile storage device, 130...nonvolatile storage device, 140...display unit, 150...operation unit, 170...printing mechanism, 180...communication IF, 200...terminal device, 210...CPU, 220...volatile storage device, 230...nonvolatile storage device, 240...display unit, 250...operation unit, 280...communication IF, 300...device management server, 310...CPU, 320...volatile storage device, 330...nonvolatile storage device, 380...communication IF, 400...relay server, 410...CPU, 420...volatile storage device, 430...nonvolatile storage device, 480...communication IF, AP...application program, IB...information database, IC...ink cartridge, PG1, PGa, PGb...computer program, TB...ink remaining amount management table

Claims

1. A system including a device that consumes a consumable item, a terminal device used by a user of the device, and a server that can communicate with the device and the terminal device, The server receiving remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of the consumable from the device; Using the remaining amount information, determine whether the remaining amount of the consumable in the device is equal to or less than a reference amount; When the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than the reference amount, consumable information regarding the consumable is transmitted to at least one of the terminal device and the device; determining a timing for transmitting specific information based on a time when the remaining amount of the consumable item estimated using the remaining amount information will become equal to or less than the reference amount before the remaining amount of the consumable item of the device becomes equal to or less than the reference amount; A system that transmits the specific information to the terminal device when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time has arrived.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, The system, wherein the specific information includes a notification of the communication failure.

3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, The system, wherein the specific information includes the consumable product information.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, The terminal device When the consumable product information is received, the remaining amount information is received from the device; Using the remaining amount information, determine whether the remaining amount of the consumable in the device is equal to or less than a reference amount; When the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than the standard, a screen based on the consumable information is displayed on the terminal device.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, The terminal device The system transmits the consumable information to the device when the remaining amount of the consumable is greater than the reference amount.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, The device comprises: receiving the consumable product information from the terminal device; determining whether the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than a standard; The system causes the terminal device to acquire information for displaying a screen based on the consumable item information when the remaining amount of the consumable item is equal to or less than the standard.

7. 7. The system of claim 5 or 6, A system in which, when the terminal device displays a screen based on the consumable information received from the server after sending the consumable information to the device, the terminal device executes processing to prevent the device from using the consumable information.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The server Calculating a past consumption period of the consumables based on the remaining amount information; estimating a time when the consumable will fall below the standard based on a plurality of past periods during which the consumable will be consumed; The consumable consumption period is the period from when the consumable is replenished until when the consumable falls below the standard.

9. 9. The system of claim 8, The system further comprises a server that estimates when the consumable will fall below the standard level using an average value of a plurality of past periods during which the consumable is consumed.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The system, wherein the server determines that the communication failure has occurred when the remaining amount information is not received from the device for a predetermined period of time.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The consumable product information includes an electronic coupon that can be used when a user purchases the consumable product.

12. A server capable of communicating with a device that consumes a consumable item and a terminal device used by a user of the device, receiving remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of the consumable from the device; Using the remaining amount information, determine whether the remaining amount of the consumable in the device is equal to or less than a reference amount; When the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than the reference amount, consumable information regarding the consumable is transmitted to at least one of the terminal device and the device; determining a timing for transmitting specific information based on a time when the remaining amount of the consumable item in the device will fall below the reference level, the time being estimated using the remaining amount information; a server that transmits the specific information to the terminal device when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time arrives;

13. A computer program for a server that can communicate with a device that consumes a consumable item and a terminal device used by a user of the device, the computer program comprising: receiving remaining amount information from the device regarding a remaining amount of the consumable; Using the remaining amount information, determine whether the remaining amount of the consumable item in the device is equal to or less than a reference amount; When the remaining amount of the consumable is equal to or less than the reference amount, transmitting consumable information regarding the consumable to at least one of the terminal device and the device; determining a timing for transmitting specific information based on a timing when the remaining amount of the consumable item estimated using the remaining amount information will become equal to or less than the reference amount before the remaining amount of the consumable item of the device becomes equal to or less than the reference amount; transmitting the specific information to the terminal device when a communication failure between the server and the device is detected and the transmission time has arrived; A computer program that makes a computer realize the above.

Images