Printing apparatus and printing apparatus with consumables

Abstract

To suppress disadvantages that may be given to a user regardless a printing service contract such as a subscription.SOLUTION: A complex machine 200 comprises: cartridge holders 51 to which a plurality of ink cartridges 50 to be used in printing are respectively attached; a printing part 290 that prints an image on paper using the ink cartridges 50 attached to the cartridge holders 51; and a processor 210, and can operate in a subscription mode corresponding to contents of conclusions of a subscription contract with a counterparty concerning consumable supplies to be used in printing and a retail mode not corresponding to the contents of conclusions of the subscription contract. The processor 210 executes Step S30 of performing profit-retuning corresponding to the contents of conclusions of the subscription contract when the ink cartridges 50 attached to the cartridge holders 51 are retail-types corresponding to the retail mode and when the complex machine 200 operates in the subscription mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints an image on a printing medium using a consumable, and a printing apparatus with a consumable.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, a method is known in which a subscription contract is concluded between a user and a printing service provider, and printing within the upper limit of the printing volume within a predetermined period is possible only with a fixed burden of the user. In this prior art, both the above-described subscription business mode and the retail business mode in which a user mounts and uses a commercially available consumable purchased by the user on a printing apparatus are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=�4]] In the above prior art, after the conclusion of the subscription contract, a specific consumable corresponding to the subscription contract (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "contract consumable"), which is different from the commercially available consumable used in the above-described retail business mode, is used. This contract consumable is provided at the expense of the printing service provider and is not a billing target for the user who owns the printing apparatus.

[0005] Now, let's consider a scenario where a user initially purchased a printer themselves and used the consumables included with the printer or commercially available consumables to perform printing (hereinafter referred to as "retail use"), but later entered into a new subscription agreement. In this case, for example, until the aforementioned contracted consumables delivered from a designated distributor arrive at the user's location, the aforementioned fixed-rate printing operation using the contracted consumables will not be performed, and instead, normal printing operations using commercially available consumables will be performed. Furthermore, if, for example, multiple consumables are delivered based on a subscription agreement, even after one consumable has arrived, the aforementioned fixed-rate printing operation may not occur until the other consumables arrive and all of the aforementioned consumables are available. Instead, normal printing operations using commercially available consumables may be performed. Furthermore, for example, even if the above-mentioned contract consumables were installed based on a subscription agreement and printing operations were performed at the aforementioned fixed cost, there may be cases where the contract consumables are used up faster than expected, forcing the user to install commercially available consumables and print, or where the user's location is not suitable for efficient delivery and it is more appropriate to install commercially available consumables and print.

[0006] In all of the above cases, even though a printing service contract such as a subscription that does not incur the financial burden of consumables has already been concluded, as mentioned above, normal printing operations are performed using commercially available consumables that the user purchased at their own expense, resulting in a disadvantage for the user. Furthermore, once the newly delivered contracted consumables arrive and the commercially available consumables are removed and replaced with the contracted consumables, the removed commercially available consumables are no longer used, resulting in the disadvantage of the user's initial purchase costs being wasted.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus with consumables that can suppress disadvantages that may occur to the user despite being under a printing service contract such as a subscription. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the printing apparatus of the present invention comprises a mounting unit on which consumables used for printing can be attached, a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, and a control unit, and is capable of operating in a contract mode corresponding to the content of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and an uncontracted mode not corresponding to the content of the contract, wherein the control unit performs a profit sharing process that provides profit sharing corresponding to the content of the contract when the consumables attached to the mounting unit are of a type corresponding to the uncontracted mode and the printing apparatus is operating in the contract mode.

[0009] The printing apparatus of the present invention can operate in two modes: a contract mode and an uncontracted mode. The contract mode corresponds to the terms of the contract with the supplier regarding the consumables used for printing. For example, it corresponds to a subscription contract, allowing printing within a predetermined period up to a certain limit for a fixed monthly fee. The uncontracted mode corresponds to retail use and is the operating mode when the user installs commercially available consumables purchased by the user into the mounting section of the printing apparatus.

[0010] The consumables that can be installed in the mounting section include Type 1, which corresponds to the contract mode described above, and Type 2, which corresponds to the non-contract mode described above. Ideally, when the printing device is operating in contract mode, Type 1 consumables are installed, and when the printing device is operating in non-contract mode, Type 2 consumables are installed.

[0011] The present invention addresses the case where a second type of consumable is installed even though the printing device is operating in contract mode for some reason, and in such cases, the control unit performs a profit-sharing process. According to the present invention, by reducing the double financial burden on the user through the execution of profit-sharing, it is possible to suppress any disadvantages that may occur to the user even though a contract has been concluded.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the printing apparatus with consumables of the present invention comprises consumables used for printing, a mounting unit to which the consumables can be attached, a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, and a control unit, and is capable of operating in a contract mode corresponding to the content of a contract concluded with a contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of the contract, wherein each of the plurality of consumables is of either a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type corresponding to the uncontracted mode, and the control unit performs a profit sharing process that provides profit sharing corresponding to the content of the contract when the consumables attached to the mounting unit are of the second type and the printing apparatus is operating in the contract mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress disadvantages that may occur to users even in the case of a printing service contract such as a subscription. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of a printing processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing the general configuration of retail cartridges and subscription cartridges. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the differences in distribution methods between retail cartridges and subscription cartridges. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a comparative example where printing is unavailable during a subscription contract. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the method for switching operating modes in the case of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure in the multifunction printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the printing process for each mode. [Figure 8]It is a diagram for explaining a method of switching an operation mode in the case of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining a method of managing an ink cartridge in the case of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the divided allocation of the number of deposit prints.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] <First Embodiment> A printing processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, as an example of a printing service contract, an operation based on a subscription contract that enables printing within the upper limit of the printing volume within a predetermined period between a user and a printing service provider with only a fixed burden of the user is possible. This is an embodiment of the printing processing system 1. In this embodiment, a case where the execution of the subscription contract is started at the timing when a subscription-exclusive ink cartridge described later is actually installed in the multifunction machine will be described.

[0016] <Outline of the Printing Processing System> In FIG. 1, this printing processing system 1 includes an information management server 100, a multifunction machine 200, and a delivery management server 400. These information management server 100, multifunction machine 200, and delivery management server 400 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other. Note that the multifunction machine 200 is an example of a printing device.

[0017] <Information Management Server> The information management server 100 is a server installed and managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the multifunction printer 200, and has a processor 110, a storage device 115, and an interface 190. These processor 110, storage device 115, and interface 190 are connected to each other via a bus 105.

[0018] 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 temporarily stores various types of data. 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, a cartridge database 132, a user database 133, and a data storage area (not shown).

[0019] The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 110 executes various processes, including data communication to the multifunction printer 200 and the delivery management server 400 connected to the network NT, by executing a program stored in the program storage area 131.

[0020] Interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or wireless interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the NT network.

[0021] <Delivery Management Server> The delivery management server 400 is installed, for example, in a company that provides delivery services for various goods, and has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0022] <Multifunction device> The multifunction printer 200 is owned, for example, by a business operator providing the above-mentioned printing service. However, this multifunction printer 200 may also be the personal property of the user. The multifunction printer 200 includes an interface 270, a processor 210, a printing unit 290, a scanner unit 280, a communication unit 52, a cartridge holder 51, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, and an operation unit 250. These components—the interface 270, processor 210, printing unit 290, scanner unit 280, communication unit 52, storage device 215, display unit 240, and operation unit 250—are connected to each other via a bus 205.

[0023] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, DRAM and temporarily stores various types of data. The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, flash memory. The non-volatile storage device 230 includes an operation parameter storage area 231, a contract content data storage area 232, a processed ID list storage area 233, and a program storage area 234. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 234, and these programs include processing programs related to the execution of flowcharts such as those shown in Figures 6 and 7, which will be described later. These processing programs are, for example, pre-stored in the program storage area 234 as firmware. The operation parameters 231, contract content data 232, and processed ID list 233 will be described later.

[0024] The processor 210 is a device that performs various processing tasks, such as a CPU. The processor 210 is an example of a control unit. The processor 210 executes the processing program stored in the program storage area 234.

[0025] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives user input. By operating the operation unit 250, the user can input various instructions to the multifunction device 200. The interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communication with other devices and is connected to network NT. Note that this interface 270 is an example of a communication interface.

[0026] The scanner unit 280 generates scan data representing the scanned image by optically reading the original document, which is the object to be read, using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS.

[0027] The printing unit 290 uses a transport mechanism (not shown) to remove and transport paper from the paper tray, and prints an image on the transported paper in a predetermined manner. The following explanation will use the case where printing is performed using an inkjet method as an example. That is, the printing unit 290 uses the ink from the ink cartridges 50, which are detachably mounted in the cartridge holder 51, to form an image on the paper. In detail, the ink cartridges 50 include yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), cyan ink (C), and black ink (K), but for convenience, unless otherwise specified, they will not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as "ink cartridges 50" in the following explanation. The multifunction printer 200 equipped with ink cartridges 50 is an example of a printing device with consumables.

[0028] The communication unit 52 is, for example, a terminal, and is electrically connected to the cartridge memory (described later) of the ink cartridge 50 mounted in the cartridge holder 51, and performs reading and writing of its recorded contents.

[0029] <Regarding operating methods and ink cartridge types> In addition to the retail operation model that has been commonly used to date, the printing processing system 1 of this embodiment can also support a subscription operation model based on a subscription agreement concluded between the user and the printing service provider, as described above (hereinafter, "subscription" will be abbreviated as "sub" as appropriate).

[0030] Here, the retail mode is an operating method in which the user replenishes the multifunction printer 200 with commercially available consumables that they have purchased individually at stores or other locations and then prints. In contrast, the subscription mode is an operating method in which a fixed fee is charged for unlimited use of specific contract consumables within a predetermined number of prints during a predetermined period. When these specific consumables run out, the printing service provider is responsible for providing the replenishment, and the user is not charged for it. Examples of specific consumables that can be used in this subscription contract include paper, ink, a waste ink tank for storing used ink, an ink head that sprays ink onto the paper when printing, and a cutter for cutting paper. In this embodiment, however, we will explain in particular the case where an ink cartridge 50 filled with ink is contracted as a consumable under a subscription contract. In this case, the ink cartridge 50 is an example of a consumable, the cartridge holder 51 is an example of a mounting part, the paper is an example of a printing medium, the subscription mode is an example of a contract mode, the retail mode is an example of an uncontracted mode, the ink is an example of a printing agent, the ink level is an example of a consumption status amount representing the remaining amount or consumption amount, and the subscription contract is an example of a fixed-rate contract.

[0031] The product lineup for the 200 multifunction printer includes a retail-only model, a subscription-only model, and a hybrid model that can switch between retail and subscription operations. This embodiment describes the case where the hybrid model is used. When the hybrid multifunction printer 200 is initially installed, the above-mentioned operational parameters are set to retail mode by default, and each of the four cartridge holders 51 is fitted with the retail cartridges described later, resulting in a retail operation state. After retail operation begins, the user can switch from retail operation to subscription operation by, for example, operating the control panel 250 of the multifunction printer 200 at any time and performing the procedure for concluding a subscription contract via the network NT to the information management server 100. At this time, specific contract details such as the period of the subscription contract and the maximum number of prints are stored in the contract details data storage area 232.

[0032] Regarding the 50 ink cartridges, basically, different types of 50R and 50S ink cartridges are used depending on whether it is for retail or subscription use. Figure 2(a) shows a schematic diagram of the retail-only 50R retail cartridge, and Figure 2(b) shows a schematic diagram of the subscription-only 50S subscription cartridge. While the mechanical configuration (hardware configuration) of the cartridge itself is the same for both the 50R retail cartridge and the 50S subscription cartridge, the ink itself that is filled inside may have slightly different chemical compositions.

[0033] The ink cartridges 50R and 50S are equipped with a cartridge memory 55 and an ink tank 56. The cartridge memory 55 is, for example, flash memory, and various data can be read and written via the communication unit 52 of the multifunction printer 200. The cartridge memory 55 records a type flag indicating whether the ink cartridge 50R or 50S is retail or subscription, a manufacturing ID that identifies the individual ink cartridge 50R or 50S, manufacturer information (in the illustrated example, "Brother Industries"), and various other information at the time of factory manufacture. The ink tank 56 is filled with ink with chemical components corresponding to the type and color of the ink cartridge 50R or 50S, and the ink level is managed by the multifunction printer 200. As an example, the multifunction printer 200 manages the ink level by counting the cumulative ink usage from when it was new, dot by dot. In the following diagrams, the ink of the retail cartridge 50R is shown in black, and the ink of the subscription cartridge 50S is shown in shaded areas for easy visual distinction. When printing with the multifunction printer 200, different printing controls are performed according to the different ink components. The cartridge memory 55 is an example of a consumable storage unit, and the type flag, manufacturing ID, and manufacturer information recorded in this cartridge memory 55 are examples of consumable information, with the subscription type of the type flag being an example of the first type, the retail type being an example of the second type, and the type flag information being examples of the first type information and the second type information.

[0034] Regarding issues with subscription contracts arising from differences in distribution methods between ink types: The retail cartridge 50R and the subscription cartridge 50S differ significantly in their distribution methods to users. For example, as shown in Figure 3, in the case of the retail cartridge 50R, a large number of retail cartridges 50R are stocked in advance at nearby stores such as numerous electronics retailers throughout Japan. Users can purchase them directly at these stores or order them online, and receive a single retail cartridge 50R immediately. In contrast, the subscription cartridge 50S is delivered to distribution centers via the delivery management server 400 from the information management server 100. The number of distribution centers is smaller than that of electronics retailers, and due to cost considerations, some shipments are transported together with other items, which takes a considerable amount of time. As a result, it takes longer to obtain a subscription cartridge 50S compared to a retail cartridge 50R.

[0035] Therefore, when a new subscription contract is concluded while the hybrid multifunction printer 200 is in retail operation, there will be a period during which printing is unavailable on the printer 200, as shown in the comparative example in Figure 4. In other words, when a hybrid multifunction printer 200 is newly introduced, as mentioned above, the YMCK 4-color retail cartridge 50R is installed by default and it is initially operated in retail mode. At this time, printing is possible on the hybrid multifunction printer 200 because the type of ink cartridge 50 installed and the type of operation mode at this point match, both being retail mode. And while operating in retail mode, even if the retail cartridge 50R of each color is used up and the ink level becomes low, the user can immediately obtain a new retail cartridge 50R at a nearby store and continue printing.

[0036] However, if a user signs up for a new subscription while the printer is operating in retail mode, all 50S subscription cartridges will be ordered simultaneously. However, printing will be impossible during the delivery period until these cartridges arrive and are installed in the hybrid multifunction printer 200. This is because switching the operating parameters of the hybrid multifunction printer 200 to subscription mode at the time of the subscription contract disables the retail 50R cartridges that are currently installed. Subscription mode only begins and the print count starts increasing when all the ordered 50S subscription cartridges arrive and are installed in the hybrid multifunction printer 200 simultaneously. However, the user incurs a disadvantage because the subscription fee, which is based on a time contract, is wasted for the delivery period (the period during which printing is impossible). In addition, the retail 50R cartridges that were replaced during use will no longer be used, resulting in a disadvantage for the user due to the remaining amount of ink.

[0037] <Regarding the operation mode switching method in this embodiment> In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, even if a new subscription contract is made during retail operation, retail operation using retail cartridge 50R will continue, and subscription cartridges 50S corresponding to the color whose ink level is automatically determined to be low will be ordered sequentially. The timing of this ordering is preferably such that the subscription cartridge 50S of the corresponding color can arrive before the ink level of the retail cartridge 50R of that color in the multifunction printer 200 runs out, taking into account the delivery period. This makes it possible to quickly replace and install the subscription cartridge 50S of the corresponding color after the ink level of each retail cartridge 50R has completely run out. In other words, even if a predetermined shelf life is set for the subscription cartridge 50S from the time of manufacture until it is actually installed and used, it is possible to install it within that period.

[0038] In this embodiment, the operational parameters are switched to subscription mode only when the first subscription cartridge 50S arrives and replaces the retail cartridge 50R, and at that time, the type flags of all ink cartridges 50 that are installed are simultaneously rewritten to subscription. In other words, when the first subscription cartridge 50S is replaced, the other three retail cartridges 50R are mixed in as pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' to enable operation in subscription mode.

[0039] Furthermore, the rewriting of the type flag of the ink cartridge 50 is performed on the condition that the ink cartridge 50 is a genuine manufacturer's product, which is a prerequisite for providing the subscription service, after obtaining the manufacturer information recorded in the same cartridge memory 55. When the type flag is rewritten and the subscription mode is started, that point in time is set as the starting point of the subscription contract cycle. Note that the condition of being a genuine manufacturer's product is just one example of a predetermined condition.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the start of the initial subscription mode, the remaining ink levels of all retail cartridges 50R are detected, and the deposit print count set based on those ink levels is recorded in the contract data. This deposit print count is, for example, the number of additional prints that can be applied free of charge if the user prints more than the maximum number of prints set in the subscription contract period. In other words, since the remaining ink levels of all pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' (original retail cartridges 50R) at the start of the subscription mode can be considered as the user's financial burden, the printing processing system 1 can return a benefit to the user by applying it in the form of a deposit print count. Here, since the deposit print count corresponds to the amount of ink remaining in the retail cartridges 50R that is printed in subscription mode, the system may be controlled to gradually increase the deposit print count each time printing is performed in subscription mode. Alternatively, if a subscription cartridge 50S is replaced while there is still ink remaining in the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' (originally retail cartridge 50R), the number of deposit prints may be reduced according to the remaining ink level. Note that the number of deposit prints is an example of a predetermined allowable amount.

[0041] Then, for all retail cartridges 50R (pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S'), the type flag is rewritten to "retail" just before they are sequentially replaced and installed in the subscription cartridges 50S. For example, this happens when it is detected that the ink level is empty. As a result, all the replacement retail cartridges 50R are empty with no ink remaining, and the content of the type flag is the correct retail type, so appropriate reuse or recycling according to the type can be performed. Here, the type flag of the pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' may remain "retail" even in subscription mode. In that case, the multifunction printer 200 stores the manufacturing ID of the cartridge designated as pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' in the non-volatile memory device 230 of the multifunction printer 200, so that it can continue to be treated as pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' even when used after the power has been turned off. Alternatively, when the contract is terminated, the type flag may be rewritten to "retail" for all retail cartridges 50R (pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S').

[0042] <Control Procedure> To realize the above method in this embodiment, an example of a control procedure executed by the processor 210 of the multifunction printer 200 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 6 and 7. First, when the main power is turned on to the multifunction printer 200, the procedure shown in Figure 6 is initiated. As mentioned above, when the hybrid multifunction printer 200 is first installed, each of the cartridge holders 51 for all colors is fitted with a fully filled retail cartridge 50R, and the operating parameters are set to retail mode by default.

[0043] First, in S5, the system determines whether it is in retail mode by referring to its operational parameters. If it is in subscription mode, the system determines NO and proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if it is in retail mode, the system determines YES and proceeds to S10.

[0044] In S10, it is determined whether or not a user has entered into a subscription contract using the multifunction printer 200. For example, the multifunction printer 200 makes this determination when it receives notification from the information management server 100 that a new subscription contract has been entered into. If no new subscription contract has been entered into, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if a new subscription contract has been entered into, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S15.

[0045] In S15, contract details data, which shows specific contract terms such as the subscription period and fixed fee, is obtained from the information management server 100 and recorded. The storage area 232 for this contract details data is an example of the third storage unit.

[0046] In the next step, S17, it is determined whether or not a new subscription cartridge 50S has been installed in the cartridge holder 51. At this time, manufacturer information is also obtained from each installed ink cartridge 50, and it is determined whether or not the manufacturer is the same as the manufacturer of the multifunction printer 200 (abbreviated as "Company B" in the diagram), in other words, whether or not the ink cartridge 50 is a genuine product from the manufacturer of the multifunction printer 200. If a new subscription cartridge 50S has not been installed in the cartridge holder 51, or if at least one of the installed ink cartridges 50 is not a genuine product from the manufacturer, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if a new subscription cartridge 50S has been installed and all of the installed ink cartridges 50 are genuine products from the manufacturer, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S20.

[0047] In S20, the remaining ink levels of all ink cartridges 50 of each color currently installed in the cartridge holder 51 are obtained, and in the next S25, the delivery of the subscription cartridge 50S of the color with the lowest remaining ink level is arranged. Then, in S30, the number of deposit prints is set based on the detected ink levels of each color and recorded as contract details data.

[0048] In S40, regardless of the original cartridge type, the type flag of each ink cartridge 50 currently installed in the cartridge holder 51 is simultaneously rewritten to the subscription flag, and in the next step, S45, the operation parameters of the multifunction printer 200 are also switched to subscription mode. As a result, operation in subscription mode begins from this point onward.

[0049] In the next step, S50, it is determined whether or not a print command has been received from the user, for example, through an operation on the control unit 250. If no print command has been received, the result is NO, and the process returns to S5. On the other hand, if a print command has been received, the result is YES, and the mode-specific print processing in S100 is executed. After that, in S55, it is determined whether or not an operation to terminate has been performed by the user. If no operation termination command has been given, the result is NO, and the process returns to S5. If an operation termination command has been given, the result is YES, and this flow ends.

[0050] Figure 7 shows the control procedure for the mode-specific printing process S100 executed by the processor 210 of the multifunction printer 200. First, in S105, it is determined whether or not the printer is in subscription mode by referring to the operational parameters. If it is in retail mode, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S110 to perform the printing operation in retail mode. After that, in S112, the ink levels of each retail cartridge 50R are obtained, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is in subscription mode, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S115.

[0051] In S115, after performing a print operation in subscription mode, the process proceeds to S120, where the cumulative number of printed pages during the current subscription period is counted up. Then, in the next step, S125, it is determined whether the counted cumulative number of printed pages is within the contracted number of pages for the subscription. If it is within the contracted number, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S145. On the other hand, if it exceeds the contracted number, the result is NO, and in the next step, S130, it is further determined whether the excess number of pages is within the pre-set deposit print limit. If the excess number of pages is within the deposit print limit, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S145. On the other hand, if the excess number of pages exceeds the deposit print limit, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S135. Note that the counted cumulative number of printed pages is an example of the print volume, and the contracted number of pages is an example of the upper limit.

[0052] In S135, the display unit 240 displays a message to the user indicating that the cumulative number of printed pages during the contract period has exceeded the contracted number of pages and the deposit print limit, resulting in an overage error and requiring additional payment. Then, in the next step, S140, the system waits in a loop until the error is resolved, such as when the user completes the procedure for a new subscription contract. Once the loop is resolved, the system proceeds to S150. In S145, the ink levels of each cartridge 50 are obtained. Here, the ink levels of the subscription cartridge 50S or the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' described above are obtained.

[0053] In S150, it is determined whether there are any ink cartridges 50 with low ink levels at that time. The criteria for this determination are based on the estimated amount of ink that will be depleted after the delivery period from the distribution center to the user, taking into account the user's usage rate up to that point. If any of the ink cartridges 50 have an ink level higher than this standard, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to S160. On the other hand, if even one of the ink cartridges 50 has an ink level lower than this standard, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S155 to order that ink cartridge 50, and then to S160. To improve delivery efficiency, if there are other ink cartridges 50 with similar ink levels, they may be ordered at the same time.

[0054] In S160, it is determined whether or not there is an ink cartridge 50 that is almost completely depleted of ink at that point. If any of the ink cartridges 50 still have some ink remaining, the result is NO, and this flow ends. On the other hand, if even one of the ink cartridges 50 is completely depleted of ink, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S165.

[0055] In S165, the type flag of the ink cartridge 50 with insufficient ink is rewritten to the retail flag, and in the next S170, the display unit 240 is displayed to inform the user that the ink cartridge 50 needs to be replaced. Then, in the next S175, the system waits in a loop until the user replaces and installs a new subscription cartridge 50S, and this flow ends when the loop is released.

[0056] The procedure in S17 is an example of consumable information acquisition processing and type identification processing, the procedures in S40 and S45 are an example of handling processing, and the procedure in S30 is an example of profit distribution processing.

[0057] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, this embodiment can operate in two operating modes: subscription mode and retail mode. Subscription mode corresponds to the terms of the contract with the supplier regarding the ink cartridges 50 used for printing. For example, it is an operating mode that corresponds to a subscription contract, allowing printing within a predetermined period up to a maximum limit for the user to pay a fixed fee. Retail mode is for retail use and is an operating mode when the user installs commercially available ink cartridges 50 that they have purchased themselves into the cartridge holder 51 of the hybrid multifunction printer 200.

[0058] The ink cartridges 50 that can be installed in the cartridge holder 51 include the type of subscription cartridge 50S, which corresponds to the subscription mode described above, and the type of retail cartridge 50R, which corresponds to the retail mode described above. Ideally, when the multifunction printer 200 is operating in subscription mode, a subscription cartridge 50S is installed, and when the multifunction printer 200 is operating in retail mode, a retail cartridge 50R is installed.

[0059] In this embodiment, a case is addressed where the retail cartridge 50R is installed even though the multifunction printer 200 is operating in subscription mode for some reason. In such a case, the processor 210 performs the procedure in S30. According to this embodiment, it is possible to mitigate the double financial burden on the user by implementing profit sharing, thereby suppressing potential disadvantages that may occur to the user even though a contract has been concluded.

[0060] In this embodiment, the processor 210 provided in the multifunction printer 200 executes the procedures S17, S40, and S45 to determine which of the above operating modes to operate in. In the procedure S17, the contents of the cartridge memory 55 related to the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 of the multifunction printer 200 are obtained, for example, via communication by the communication unit 52. Depending on the result of obtaining the stored information from the cartridge memory 55, the procedure S17 is performed to identify whether the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 is of the subscription type or the retail type.

[0061] If the ink cartridge 50 is identified as a retail type, and provided that the information stored in the cartridge memory 55 satisfies predetermined conditions, the retail type ink cartridge 50 will be treated as a subscription type according to the procedures in S40 and S45 when operation in subscription mode begins. Predetermined conditions may include, for example, that the acquired cartridge memory information indicates that the ink cartridge 50 is a genuine product from an authorized manufacturer. If the predetermined conditions are met according to the procedures in S40 and S45, even if the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 is a retail type corresponding to retail use, it will be treated as a subscription type corresponding to the terms of the subscription contract.

[0062] In this embodiment, even if a retail-type ink cartridge 50 corresponding to retail use is installed in the cartridge holder 51, if the cartridge memory storage information of the ink cartridge 50 satisfies predetermined conditions, it will be treated as a subscription-type cartridge when operation in subscription mode begins, and the multifunction printer 200 will operate in subscription mode. For example, if multiple subscription-type ink cartridges 50 are delivered based on a subscription contract, even if one ink cartridge 50 has arrived but the other ink cartridges 50 have not yet arrived and multiple ink cartridges 50 are not yet available, the aforementioned fixed-rate printing operation can be performed.

[0063] According to this embodiment, it is possible to mitigate the disadvantages to the user when a new subscription contract is concluded while the multifunction printer 200 is being used under retail conditions.

[0064] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the retail-type ink cartridges 50 were purchased by the user themselves in order to be used in retail settings, so the user has already incurred the cost of purchase in the past. When the user entered into the subscription contract, they also made a fixed payment corresponding to the specified period of the subscription contract, resulting in a double financial burden.

[0065] In this embodiment, the procedure in S30 described above is followed by a profit sharing service corresponding to the terms of the subscription contract, based on the handling of the change in type from retail to subscription in the procedures in S40 and S45. According to this embodiment, the double financial burden on the user can be reduced by implementing the profit sharing service. The form of profit sharing to the user is not limited to the addition of the deposit print count described above. For example, based on the ink remaining amount of all retail cartridges 50R at the time the subscription mode is first started, a corresponding free charge period may be set and the cumulative print count counting up may be stopped only during that period, or the profit sharing may be simply reduced by an amount equivalent to the ink remaining amount from the next monthly fee.

[0066] In this embodiment, the example described is for an inkjet-type multifunction printer 200 that performs printing and for which ink cartridges 50 are used as consumables. However, in other cases, for example, in the case of a laser printer, toners of each color of YMCK can be used as retail or subscription consumables.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment in particular, when the subscription-type ink cartridge 50S, which was delivered after the subscription contract was concluded, arrives and is installed in the cartridge holder 51, the other retail-type ink cartridges 50R installed in the cartridge holder 51 can be treated as subscription-type, and printing operation in subscription mode can be started.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, during the S17 procedure executed by the processor 210, information stored in the cartridge memory 55 of the ink cartridge 50 is acquired, and during the S17 procedure, the subscription type or retail type information contained in the cartridge memory storage information is identified. If the retail type is identified, during the S40 and S45 procedures, the retail type information contained in the cartridge memory storage information in the cartridge memory 55 is rewritten to the subscription type information.

[0069] According to this embodiment, when a retail-type ink cartridge 50R, which is compatible with retail use, is installed in the cartridge holder 51, the retail-type information is rewritten to subscription-type information, thereby treating the ink cartridge 50 as a subscription-type cartridge and enabling the multifunction printer 200 to operate in subscription mode.

[0070] Furthermore, the above-described method can be performed not only when linked with the information management server 100 via an online connection through Network NT, but also when the multifunction printer 200 is used offline, such as in a school print service, and the multifunction printer 200 can perform the operation independently.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if at least one retail-type ink cartridge 50R is installed when starting operation in subscription mode, the retail-type information of all of those retail-type ink cartridges 50R can be rewritten to subscription-type information, thereby treating them as subscription-type cartridges and enabling the start of printing operation in subscription mode.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, in step S30, a profit share is provided according to the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 50. According to this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 50 is changed from a retail type to a subscription type in steps S40 and S45, a profit share of appropriate content can be provided according to the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 50 at that time.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contract entered into by the user is a fixed-rate contract, a so-called subscription contract, that specifies an upper limit on the amount of printing within a predetermined period in exchange for the payment of a predetermined amount. In this subscription contract, for example, if the cumulative number of pages printed by the printing unit 290 within the predetermined period reaches the above upper limit, the user will be required to make an additional payment for any printing thereafter. In this embodiment, as a mode of the procedure in S30, the user is allowed to print more than the upper limit without being required to make an additional payment at the time when an additional payment should be requested as described above, and the benefits are returned in the form of a so-called deposit number of printed pages. As a result, according to this embodiment, the user can receive a return on investment by printing the portion of the amount of printing that would normally be charged for free.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a storage area 232 for contract details data is provided so that profit sharing can be performed by the multifunction printer 200 independently, without relying on the information management server 100 or the like. In this embodiment, when a user concludes a rated contract, its contents are stored in the contract details data storage area 232 of the multifunction printer 200. In the procedure of S30, printing exceeding the aforementioned upper limit of the contracted number of pages is permitted according to the remaining ink level of the target ink cartridge 50 and the contents of the fixed-rate contract stored in the contract details data storage area 232. According to this embodiment, profit sharing that allows printing exceeding the upper limit of the contracted number of pages without requiring additional payment can be performed by the multifunction printer 200 based on the contents of the fixed-rate contract.

[0075] Furthermore, regarding the profit sharing through deposits and other means mentioned above, it is advisable to use various checking methods, as described below, to ensure that profit sharing is not duplicated.

[0076] (1) When the multifunction printer itself prevents duplication by verifying processed IDs. For example, although not specifically illustrated, when profit sharing is performed by changing the type of retail ink cartridge 50R, in order to prevent duplication of profit sharing, a storage area 233 for a processed ID list may be provided in the multifunction printer 200, and the processor 210 may perform the following processed ID storage processing and processed determination processing.

[0077] In the processed ID storage process, when the ink cartridge 50 is changed from retail type to subscription type and the profit distribution procedure of S30 is performed, the manufacturing ID related to the corresponding ink cartridge 50 is stored in the processed ID list 233 as a processed ID. Each time the procedure of S30 is performed on multiple ink cartridges 50 as described above, the corresponding manufacturing IDs are sequentially accumulated and stored in the processed ID list 233 as processed IDs.

[0078] When a change in type from retail to subscription is made for an ink cartridge 50 in the processed ID list, a processed ID determination process (not shown) is executed to determine whether the manufacturing ID for that ink cartridge 50 corresponds to a processed ID already stored in the processed ID list. In this example, if the processed ID determination process determines that the manufacturing ID corresponds to a processed ID, the procedure for profit sharing in S30 is not executed (not shown) to prevent duplicate profit sharing for the ink cartridge 50 that has already received profit sharing once in the past.

[0079] According to this, by preventing duplication of profit sharing when the type of retail ink cartridge 50 is changed, it is possible to suppress losses incurred by the printing service provider. In the above, the storage area 233 of the processed ID list is an example of the first storage unit, the processed ID storage process is an example of the first storage process, the processed determination process is an example of the first determination process, the manufacturing ID is an example of identification information, and the processed ID is an example of processed identification information. Furthermore, the fact that the manufacturing ID does not correspond to the processed ID in the processed determination process is also an example of a predetermined condition.

[0080] (2) When the multifunction printer works in conjunction with the information management server to prevent duplicate profit sharing. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 200 may send and receive information with the information management server 100 to prevent duplication of profit sharing due to changes in the type of retail ink cartridge 50R. In this case, although not specifically shown in the diagram, the processor 210 of the multifunction printer 200 performs the following cartridge storage processing and cartridge determination processing.

[0081] In the cartridge storage process, when an ink cartridge 50 is changed from a retail type to a subscription type and the S30 profit distribution procedure is performed, the identification information related to the corresponding ink cartridge 50 is stored as processed identification information in the cartridge database 132 of the information management server 100. The identification information may include, for example, the manufacturing ID of the ink cartridge 50, the identification information of the cartridge memory 55 provided in the ink cartridge 50, etc. In the cartridge database 132 of the information management server 100, each time the S30 profit distribution procedure is performed on multiple ink cartridges 50 as described above, the corresponding manufacturing IDs are sequentially accumulated and stored as processed identification information.

[0082] When a change in the type of a retail ink cartridge 50R to a subscription type is made in the cartridge database 132, the manufacturing ID related to the ink cartridge 50 is queried from the information management server 100, and a cartridge determination process is performed according to the query result. In this cartridge determination process, it is determined whether the manufacturing ID related to the ink cartridge 50 corresponds to processed identification information already stored in the cartridge database 132. In this example, if the cartridge determination process determines that the manufacturing ID corresponds to processed identification information, the procedure in S30 is not executed for the ink cartridge 50 that has already received a profit share once in the past, in order to prevent duplicate profit sharing.

[0083] Based on the above, by preventing duplication of profit sharing when the retail type of ink cartridge 50R is changed, it is possible to suppress losses incurred by printing service providers. In the above, the cartridge database 132 of the information management server 100 is an example of the second storage unit, the cartridge storage processing is an example of the second storage processing, the cartridge determination processing is an example of the second determination processing, and the manufacturing ID of the ink cartridge 50 is an example of processed identification information. In the cartridge determination processing, the fact that the manufacturing ID does not correspond to processed identification information is also an example of a predetermined condition.

[0084] In the cartridge determination process described above, it is preferable to determine whether to execute the profit sharing procedure in S30 only if the manufacturing ID is "not corresponding to processed identification information" and "has been manufactured as a retail cartridge". Even if the manufacturing ID is "not corresponding to processed identification information", if it is a manufacturing ID that has been manufactured as a subscription cartridge or a manufacturing ID of unknown origin (a manufacturing ID arbitrarily assigned by a third party), the procedure in S30 should not be executed. A manufacturing ID that is "not corresponding to processed identification information" and "has been manufactured as a retail cartridge" is an example of the prescribed conditions.

[0085] (3) In the case of refurbished cartridges, even if they have been processed, profits will be returned. Furthermore, against the backdrop of recent ecological efforts to promote recycling, the ink cartridges for the 200 series multifunction printers are sometimes reused and refurbished, and refurbished ink cartridges are becoming available on the market.

[0086] In this example, corresponding to the above, even if the cartridge determination process determines that the ink cartridge 50 corresponds to processed identification information based on the query result to the aforementioned information management server 100, if the ink cartridge 50 is a remanufactured ink cartridge, the profit sharing procedure in S30 is executed. This prevents the user from mistakenly not receiving profit sharing for remanufactured reused products they have purchased.

[0087] (4) When performing account verification in conjunction with the information management server Furthermore, whether the above-mentioned profit sharing is carried out appropriately may be determined by account verification performed by the multifunction printer 200 in cooperation with the information management server 100. In this case, although not specifically shown in the diagram, the processor 210 performs the following profit sharing information acquisition process.

[0088] In this case, when a user enters into a subscription contract, contract identification information, which is identification information for the said subscription contract, is assigned to it, and profit sharing information, which represents the details of the profit sharing, is stored in the user database 133 of the information management server 100 in association with that contract identification information. Examples of contract identification information include the contract ID assigned to the contract itself and the user ID assigned to the user who is a party to the contract. Examples of profit sharing information include the number of prints guaranteed as a deposit. In the profit sharing information acquisition process, which is not specifically illustrated, performed by the multifunction printer 200, the above profit sharing information stored in the information management server 100 is acquired.

[0089] In procedure S30, printing exceeding the aforementioned upper limit is permitted depending on the remaining ink level of the target ink cartridge 50 and the profit sharing information related to the said ink cartridge 50 obtained in the profit sharing information acquisition process described above.

[0090] In this example, a form of profit sharing that allows printing exceeding the upper limit without requiring additional payment can be implemented in cooperation with the information management server 100, based on the contents stored in the information management server 100 at the time of contract signing.

[0091] <Second Embodiment> A printing processing system 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, the case in which the execution of the subscription contract starts immediately from the time the user completes the subscription contract procedure will be described. Regarding the configuration and processing of each device and part in the printing processing system 1A of this embodiment, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for parts that are equivalent to the printing processing system 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0092] Figure 8 shows the operation mode switching method in this second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in Figure 5 is that, first, when the user completes the subscription contract procedure, the type flag of all retail cartridges 50R installed in the multifunction printer 200 at that time is rewritten to the subscription type, and the operation in subscription mode is started immediately. For this reason, in the example of this embodiment, when the subscription contract procedure is completed, the ink levels of all ink cartridges 50 are detected, and the deposit print count set based on those ink levels is recorded in the contract details data.

[0093] In this embodiment as well, for all pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' (original retail cartridge 50R), the type flag is rewritten to return to retail just before sequentially replacing and installing each of the separately ordered and arrived subscription cartridges 50S. Other processing and steps are the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0094] Furthermore, an example of the control procedure applied in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of Figure 9. In Figure 9, the difference from the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in Figure 6 is that, firstly, in the determination at S10, if the user does not wish to proceed with the subscription contract procedure, the process proceeds to S50.

[0095] Furthermore, in the procedure S27, which is performed between S25 and S30 and instead of S17 is omitted, only the determination of whether all ink cartridges 50 of all colors installed at that time are genuine products, or in other words, whether the manufacturer information of any of them is the same as the manufacturer of the multifunction printer 200, is made. If even one of them is not a genuine product from the manufacturer, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if all are genuine subscription cartridges 50S from the manufacturer, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S30. The other procedures and mode-specific printing process S100 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0096] As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained with the multifunction printer 200 in this embodiment. In other words, the multifunction printer 200 of this embodiment can operate in two operating modes: subscription mode and retail mode. The processor 210 executes the procedure in S27 and the procedures in S40 and S45 to determine which of the above operating modes to operate in.

[0097] In step S27, cartridge memory information regarding the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 of the multifunction printer 200 is acquired, for example, through communication between the ink cartridge 50 and the communication unit 52. Depending on whether or not the cartridge memory information was acquired, and if so, the acquired information, the steps in S40 and S45 are performed. In S27, the installation of a genuine retail cartridge is one example of a predetermined condition.

[0098] In the S40 and S45 procedures, when a subscription contract is concluded, the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 is treated as the above-mentioned subscription type, and the multifunction printer 200 performs the above-mentioned operation in subscription mode. According to the S40 and S45 procedures, the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 is treated as a subscription type not only when it is an ink cartridge 50S of the subscription type corresponding to the content of the subscription contract, but also when it is an ink cartridge 50R of the retail type corresponding to retail use.

[0099] In this embodiment, even if a retail-type ink cartridge 50R corresponding to retail use is installed in the cartridge holder 51, if the cartridge memory storage information of the ink cartridge 50 satisfies predetermined conditions, after the subscription contract is concluded, it will be treated as a subscription type and the multifunction printer 200 will operate in subscription mode. For example, even if the subscription-type ink cartridge 50 delivered from the distribution center has not yet arrived at the user's location, the aforementioned fixed-rate printing operation can be performed.

[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to mitigate the disadvantages to the user when a new subscription contract is concluded while the multifunction printer 200 is being used under retail conditions.

[0101] In this embodiment as well, in the procedure S30 executed by the processor 210, profit sharing corresponding to the content of the subscription contract is performed based on the handling of the change in type from retail type to subscription type in the procedures S40 and S45. According to this embodiment, the double financial burden on the user can be reduced by performing profit sharing.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multifunction printer 200 is connected to the information management server 100 via the interface 270 in a communicative manner. According to this embodiment, even when a retail-type ink cartridge 50R is installed in the cartridge holder 51, it can be treated as a subscription-type cartridge according to the communication result with the information management server 100, and operation in subscription mode can be performed.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, during the S27 procedure executed by the processor 210, the cartridge memory information stored in the cartridge memory 55 of the ink cartridge 50 is acquired. If the cartridge memory information includes retail type information, during the S40 and S45 procedures, the retail type information contained in the cartridge memory information in the cartridge memory 55 is rewritten with subscription type information.

[0104] According to this embodiment, when a retail-type ink cartridge 50R, which is compatible with retail use, is installed in the cartridge holder 51, the retail-type information is rewritten to subscription-type information, thereby treating the ink cartridge 50 as a subscription-type cartridge and enabling the multifunction printer 200 to operate in subscription mode.

[0105] <Third Embodiment> A printing processing system 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the user purchases a retail cartridge 50R while in subscription mode and uses it as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. Regarding the configuration and processing of each device and part in the printing processing system 1B of this embodiment, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for parts that are equivalent to the printing processing systems 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above.

[0106] Figure 10 illustrates the management method for the ink cartridge 50 in this third embodiment. In Figure 10, it is assumed that in this embodiment, the user has already signed up for a subscription contract, or the multifunction printer 200 itself is a subscription-only machine, and is already operating in subscription mode. Even while operating in such subscription mode, there may be cases where the user is forced to purchase a retail cartridge 50R from a nearby store to print, for example, because the subscription cartridge 50S is used up faster than expected. There may also be cases where the user's location is not suitable for efficient delivery, and it is more appropriate to purchase a retail cartridge 50R from a nearby store and print.

[0107] Even when using the multifunction printer 200 in subscription mode by replacing it with a new retail cartridge 50R, the type flag is rewritten to subscription and used as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. The amount of ink used by this pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' must be considered as a financial burden on the user and returned to them as a benefit. For this reason, in the example illustrated in this embodiment, when replacing with a purchased retail cartridge 50R, a deposit print count equivalent to the total amount of ink in the new cartridge is set and recorded in the contract details data.

[0108] In this way, when replacing and installing a new retail cartridge 50R, you can set a deposit print count that is equivalent to the total amount of ink in that cartridge, thereby pre-setting a deposit print count that assumes the ink in the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' will be used up.

[0109] An example of the control procedure applied in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of Figure 11. In Figure 11, the process is based on the premise that the user has already signed up for a subscription contract, or that the multifunction printer 200 itself is a subscription-only machine, and is therefore already operating in subscription mode.

[0110] First, in S205, the operational parameters are referenced to determine whether or not the system is in subscription mode. If it is in retail mode, the result is NO, and this flow ends. On the other hand, if it is in subscription mode, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S210.

[0111] In S210, it is determined whether a genuine retail cartridge 50R has been newly installed in the cartridge holder 51. If the ink cartridge 50 newly installed in the cartridge holder 51 is a subscription cartridge 50S, or not a genuine product from the manufacturer, the result is NO, and this flow ends. On the other hand, if a genuine retail cartridge 50R has been newly installed, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S215.

[0112] In S215, it is determined whether the newly installed retail cartridge 50R is new or not. If the installed retail cartridge 50R is not new but used, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S220, where an error message indicating that the retail cartridge 50 cannot be used is displayed on the display unit 240, etc., and then this flow ends. On the other hand, if the installed retail cartridge 50R is new, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S225.

[0113] In the S225, the number of deposit prints is set based on the remaining ink level of a newly installed retail cartridge 50R, and this is recorded as contract data.

[0114] Next, in S230, the type flag of the newly installed retail cartridge 50R is rewritten to the subscription flag to become a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S', and the operation in subscription mode is resumed, ending this flow.

[0115] The procedure in S210 is an example of consumable information acquisition processing and type identification processing, the procedure in S230 is an example of handling processing, and the procedure in S225 is an example of profit distribution processing.

[0116] The same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained in the multifunction printer 200 in this embodiment as described above. In other words, in the multifunction printer 200 of this embodiment, the procedure in S210 is performed to determine which of the above operating modes the processor 210 of the multifunction printer 200 will operate in. In the procedure in S210, the contents of the cartridge memory 55 related to the ink cartridges 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 of the multifunction printer 200 are obtained, for example, via the communication unit 52. Depending on the result of obtaining the stored information from the cartridge memory 55, the procedure in S210 is performed to identify whether the ink cartridges 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51 are of the subscription type or the retail type. If at least one ink cartridge 50 is identified as a retail type while operating in subscription mode, profit sharing is performed in the procedure in S225.

[0117] In this embodiment, when operating in subscription mode, it is possible to identify that a retail cartridge 50R is installed based on the stored information in the acquired cartridge memory 55 and perform profit sharing processing, thereby suppressing potential disadvantages that may occur to the user despite a subscription contract being in place.

[0118] <Other variations> Furthermore, as mentioned above, when using a retail cartridge 50 as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S', it is possible that the cartridge may be replaced with a genuine subscription cartridge 50S while the ink level is still partially low. In this case, the deposit print count set as a benefit to the user should be set to an amount equivalent to the amount of ink actually used by the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. For this reason, instead of setting the deposit print count based solely on the total amount of new ink when replacing the retail cartridge 50R, as mentioned above, the actual ink usage may be calculated by determining the difference between the total amount of new ink and the remaining ink level when the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' is replaced midway, and the deposit print count may be set based on that.

[0119] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, the system may be set to initially apply a predetermined amount of unit deposit print volume when the retail cartridge 50R is replaced and installed, and then set the deposit print volume in multiples of that unit deposit print volume as the ink level decreases. In this case, the number of deposit prints will be divided and allowed across multiple allowable volume portions, and the procedure in S30 is an example of sequentially allowing multiple allowable volume portions in stages according to the fluctuations in the ink level.

[0120] Thus, in the S30 procedure, the number of deposit prints exceeding the upper limit is not allowed all at once, but rather multiple tolerance levels are allowed sequentially in stages. This minimizes losses for the manufacturer, for example, even if the ink cartridge 50 is removed by the user before it is completely used up after the benefits have been distributed to the user.

[0121] Furthermore, the printing service contract may be a contract for a printing service that charges on a per-page basis, in addition to the subscription contract described above, or a contract for a flat-rate printing service with no upper limit on the amount of printing over a specified period. It may also be a case where the type of printing service contract changes. In this case, from the perspective of one type of printing service contract, the other type of printing service contract will be treated as not being contracted.

[0122] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, and 11, etc., do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the flowcharts above, and procedures may be added, deleted, or their order changed.

[0123] In addition to what has already been described above, the methods described in the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be used in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 1.1A Printing Processing System 50 Ink Cartridges (An example of a consumable item) 50R Retail Cartridge 50S Subscription Cartridge 50s' Pseudo-Subscription Cartridge 51 Cartridge holder (example of mounting part) 55. Cartridge memory (an example of a consumable storage unit) 56 Ink Tanks 57. Ink level sensor 100 Information Management Server 132 Cartridge Database (An example of the second memory unit) 133 User Database 200 Multifunction printer (an example of a printing device) 210 Processor (Example of a control unit) 231 Operational parameter storage area 232 Contract details data storage area (example of the third storage unit) 233 Processed ID list storage area (an example of the first storage unit) 234 Program memory area 290 Printing Department 400 Delivery Management Server

Claims

1. A mounting section into which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, If the consumables installed in the mounting section are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a benefit sharing process is performed at the start of operation in contract mode to mitigate the disadvantage of double financial burden resulting from the financial burden under the contract and the financial burden from the user's purchase. A printing device that performs this task.

2. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables installed in the mounting section are of the type for the uncontracted mode, and the printing device operates in the contracted mode, a benefit rebate process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage of double financial burden resulting from the financial burden under the contract and the financial burden on the user from the purchase, when new consumables for the uncontracted mode are installed in the mounting section. A printing device that performs this task.

3. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in the contract mode, a profit sharing process is performed to reduce the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, Based on the acquisition results of the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable is a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type which is a type for the non-contract mode. Execute, If the consumables newly attached to the attachment part during operation in the contract mode are identified as belonging to the second type in the type identification process, the profit distribution process shall be performed. The aforementioned consumable information is, The consumables attached to the mounting portion are stored in a consumables storage unit and include either first type information indicating that they are of the first type or second type information indicating that they are of the second type. The control unit, In the consumables information acquisition process, the consumables information stored in the consumables storage unit is acquired, A printing apparatus that, if the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable attached to the mounting unit includes the second type information, overwrites the second type information in the consumable storage unit with the first type information to treat the consumable as the first type.

4. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a profit-sharing process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the user: the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase. Execute, The aforementioned mounting section is configured to accommodate multiple consumables, The control unit further, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, Based on the results obtained from the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable is a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type which is for the non-contract mode. If, in the type identification process, at least one of the consumables is identified as being of the second type, and the consumable information of that consumable satisfies predetermined conditions, then, at the start of operation in the contract mode, a handling process is performed to treat the consumable being of the second type as being of the first type, Execute, In the aforementioned profit distribution process, A printing apparatus that, when a consumable that was previously of the second type is treated as the first type in the aforementioned handling process, performs the aforementioned profit distribution based on the handling of the change in type.

5. When operation starts under the aforementioned contract mode, The timing is when the first type of consumable delivered to the printing apparatus after the aforementioned contract has been concluded arrives and is installed in the mounting section. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in the contract mode, a profit sharing process is performed to reduce the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, If the acquisition result of the consumable information acquisition process satisfies predetermined conditions, when starting operation in contract mode, the second type of consumable, which is the type for the non-contract mode and is installed in the mounting part, is treated as the first type corresponding to the contract mode, and the operation in contract mode is executed, and Execute, In the aforementioned profit distribution process, A printing apparatus that, when a consumable that was previously of the second type is treated as the first type in the aforementioned handling process, performs the aforementioned profit distribution based on the handling of the change in type.

7. It further has a communication interface that allows communication with the server via a network, The control unit, in the handling process, The consumables attached to the mounting portion are treated as a first type according to the communication result with the server via the communication I / F, which is included in the predetermined conditions, and the operation according to the contract mode is performed. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned consumable information is, The consumables attached to the mounting portion are stored in a consumables storage unit and include either first type information indicating that they are of the first type or second type information indicating that they are of the second type. The control unit, In the consumables information acquisition process, the consumables information stored in the consumables storage unit is acquired, In the type identification process described above, the first type information or the second type information included in the consumable information is identified, The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, in the handling process, when the second type information contained in the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable attached to the mounting unit is identified, the second type information in the consumable storage unit is rewritten to the first type information, thereby treating the consumable as the first type.

9. The aforementioned consumable information is, The consumables attached to the mounting portion are stored in a consumables storage unit and include either first type information indicating that they are of the first type or second type information indicating that they are of the second type. The control unit, In the consumables information acquisition process, the consumables information stored in the consumables storage unit is acquired, The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in the handling process, if the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable attached to the mounting unit includes the second type information, the second type information in the consumable storage unit is rewritten to the first type information, thereby treating the consumable as the first type.

10. The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the second type information is identified in the type identification process for at least one of the consumables attached to the mounting part, the second type information corresponding to all of those consumables is rewritten to the first type information in the handling process, thereby treating all of the consumables attached to the mounting part as the first type.

11. The control unit, in the profit distribution process, In accordance with the remaining amount or consumption amount of the printing agent in the aforementioned consumables, the aforementioned profit sharing will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a profit-sharing process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the user: the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase. Execute, The aforementioned mounting section is configured to accommodate multiple consumables, The control unit further, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, Based on the results obtained from the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable is a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type which is for the non-contract mode. If, in the type identification process, at least one of the consumables is identified as being of the second type, and the consumable information of that consumable satisfies predetermined conditions, then, at the start of operation in the contract mode, a handling process is performed to treat the consumable being of the second type as being of the first type, Execute, In the aforementioned profit distribution process, When a consumable that was previously classified as the second type is treated as the first type in the aforementioned handling process, the aforementioned profit sharing will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract, based on the handling of the change in type, according to the amount of consumption, which represents the remaining amount or amount of printing agent consumed in the consumable. Furthermore, the printing apparatus It further has a first memory unit, The control unit further, When the profit sharing process is performed, a first storage process is performed in which the identification information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part is stored in the first storage unit as processed identification information, When the consumable is newly handled as the first type in the handling process, a first determination process is performed to determine whether the identification information relating to the consumable corresponds to the processed identification information stored in the first storage unit, Execute, A printing apparatus that, at least, if it is determined in the first determination process that the information corresponds to the processed identification information, does not perform the profit sharing process with respect to the corresponding consumables.

13. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a profit-sharing process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the user: the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase. Execute, The aforementioned mounting section is configured to accommodate multiple consumables, The control unit further, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, Based on the results obtained from the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable is a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type which is for the non-contract mode. If, in the type identification process, at least one of the consumables is identified as being of the second type, and the consumable information of that consumable satisfies predetermined conditions, then, at the start of operation in the contract mode, a handling process is performed to treat the consumable being of the second type as being of the first type, Execute, In the aforementioned profit distribution process, When a consumable that was previously classified as the second type is treated as the first type in the aforementioned handling process, the aforementioned profit sharing will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract, based on the handling of the change in type, according to the amount of consumption, which represents the remaining amount or amount of printing agent consumed in the consumable. Furthermore, the printing apparatus It further has a communication interface that allows communication with the server via a network, The control unit further, When the aforementioned profit distribution process is performed, a second storage process is performed in which the identification information relating to the corresponding consumable is stored as processed identification information in the second storage unit of the server, When the consumable is newly handled as the first type in the handling process, a second determination process is performed to query the server for identification information related to the consumable and to determine whether or not it corresponds to the processed identification information stored in the second storage unit. Execute, A printing apparatus that, at least, if it is determined in the second determination process that the information corresponds to the processed identification information, does not perform the profit sharing process with respect to the corresponding consumables.

14. The control unit, If, as a result of the query to the server, the consumables newly treated as the first type are refurbished consumables, the profit sharing process will be executed even if it is determined in the second determination process that they correspond to the processed identification information. The printing apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned contract is, This is a contract that specifies the upper limit on the amount of printing performed by the printing department within a specified period in exchange for the payment of a predetermined amount. The control unit, in the profit distribution process, The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the amount of printing performed by the printing unit within the predetermined period reaches the upper limit, the printing unit is permitted to print beyond the upper limit by a predetermined allowable amount as a profit sharing, without requiring additional payment.

16. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a profit-sharing process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the user: the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase. Execute, The aforementioned contract is, This is a contract that specifies the upper limit on the amount of printing performed by the printing department within a specified period in exchange for the payment of a predetermined amount. The control unit, in the profit distribution process, In accordance with the remaining amount or consumption amount of the printing agent in the aforementioned consumables, the aforementioned profit sharing shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract, and when the amount of printing performed by the printing department within the predetermined period reaches the aforementioned upper limit, as profit sharing, the printing department shall be permitted to print beyond the said upper limit by a predetermined allowable amount without requiring additional payment. The predetermined allowable amount is divided into multiple allowable amount parts and is permitted accordingly. Furthermore, the control unit, in the profit distribution process, A printing apparatus that sequentially allows the multiple allowable portions in stages according to the fluctuations in the amount of consumption.

17. The said contract is, This is a contract that specifies the upper limit on the amount of printing performed by the printing department within a specified period in exchange for the payment of a predetermined amount. The control unit, in the profit distribution process, In accordance with the consumption status of the printing agent in the aforementioned consumables, and according to the terms of the contract, when the amount of printing performed by the printing department within the predetermined period reaches the upper limit, as a profit sharing, the printing department will be allowed to print beyond the said upper limit by a predetermined allowable amount without requiring additional payment. Furthermore, the printing device has a communication interface that can communicate with the server via a network. The control unit further, Profit sharing information acquisition process: The server acquires profit sharing information from the server that represents the content of the profit sharing, which is associated with the contract identification information assigned to the contract at the time the contract was concluded. Execute, In the profit distribution process, printing exceeding the upper limit is permitted in accordance with the amount of consumption of the consumables treated as the first type in the handling process and the profit distribution information obtained in the profit distribution information acquisition process. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

18. A mounting section on which consumables used for printing can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. The control unit, When the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the type for the non-contract mode, and the printing device operates in contract mode, a profit-sharing process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage caused by the double financial burden of the user: the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden of the user's purchase. Execute, The aforementioned contract is, This is a contract that specifies the upper limit on the amount of printing performed by the printing department within a specified period in exchange for the payment of a predetermined amount. The aforementioned mounting section is configured to accommodate multiple consumables, The control unit further, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information relating to the consumable attached to the mounting part, Based on the results obtained from the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable is a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type which is for the non-contract mode. If, in the type identification process, at least one of the consumables is identified as being of the second type, and the consumable information of that consumable satisfies predetermined conditions, then, at the start of operation in the contract mode, a handling process is performed to treat the consumable being of the second type as being of the first type, Execute, In the aforementioned profit distribution process, When a consumable that was previously classified as the second type is treated as the first type in the aforementioned handling process, the aforementioned profit sharing shall be carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract, based on the handling of the change in type, according to the amount of consumption, which represents the remaining amount or amount of printing agent consumed in the consumable, and when the amount of printing performed by the printing department within the predetermined period reaches the upper limit, as profit sharing, the printing department shall be allowed to print beyond the upper limit by a predetermined allowable amount without requiring additional payment. Furthermore, the printing apparatus It further has a third memory unit that stores the contents of the aforementioned contract, The control unit, in the profit distribution process, A printing apparatus that, based on the contents of the contract stored in the third storage unit, allows printing exceeding the upper limit value according to the amount of consumption of the consumables treated as the first type in the handling process.

19. Several consumables used for printing, A mounting section on which the aforementioned consumables can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus with consumables having, The device can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables provided by the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden under the contract are used, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of the contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are installed in the mounting part at the user's financial expense through purchase. Each of the aforementioned consumables is, It is either a first type corresponding to the aforementioned contract mode, or a second type for the aforementioned non-contract mode, The control unit, If the consumables attached to the mounting part are of the second type, and the printing device operates in the contract mode, a benefit sharing process is performed at the start of operation in the contract mode to mitigate the disadvantage of double financial burden resulting from the financial burden based on the contract and the financial burden from the user's purchase. A printing device with consumables that performs the following actions.

20. Multiple consumables used for printing, A mounting section on which the aforementioned consumables can be attached, A printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium using the consumables attached to the mounting unit, Control unit and A printing apparatus with consumables having, The system can operate in a contract mode that corresponds to the content of a contract with the contracting party regarding the consumables used for printing, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are provided at the expense of the contracting party in accordance with the financial burden based on the contract, and an uncontracted mode that does not correspond to the content of a contract, and is an operating mode in which the consumables are used at the financial expense of the user through purchase. Each of the aforementioned consumables is, It is either a first type corresponding to the aforementioned contract mode, or a second type corresponding to the aforementioned non-contract mode, The control unit, When the consumables installed in the mounting section are of the second type, and the printing device operates in the contract mode, a benefit rebate process is performed to mitigate the disadvantage of double financial burden resulting from the financial burden under the contract and the financial burden on the user due to the purchase, when new consumables for the non-contract mode are installed in the mounting section. A printing device with consumables that performs the following actions.

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