Printing apparatus and printing apparatus with consumables

Abstract

To enable printing service such as a subscription to be utilized in a predetermined case even if contracted consumable supplies are not prepared.SOLUTION: A complex machine 200 which can operate in a subscription mode corresponding to contents of conclusions of a subscription contract and in a retail mode not corresponding to the contents of conclusions of the subscription contract, executes: Step S17 of identifying whether either of information stored in a cartridge memory 55 which is a subscription flag showing that an ink cartridge 50 is a subscription type corresponding to the subscription mode and a retail flag showing that the ink cartridge is a retail type corresponding to the retail mode, is tuned on; and Step S40 of rewriting only the subscription flag for dealing with the ink cartridge 50 as a subscription cartridge 50S into an on-state, when it is identified that the retain flag is in the on-state and the complex machine has to be operated 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 Patent Document 1 for example, a subscription contract is concluded between a user and a printing service provider, and printing within an upper limit value of the printing amount within a predetermined period is made 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] 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 often delivered by a printing service provider.

[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 any of the above cases, even though a printing service contract such as a subscription has already been concluded, as mentioned above, the user may not be able to immediately receive the desired printing service, or may be temporarily unable to receive it, because the contracted consumables are not installed.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a printing device and a printing device with consumables that allow users to utilize printing services such as subscriptions in certain cases, even if contracted consumables are not available. [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 stores consumable information stored in a consumable storage unit provided in the consumables attached to the mounting unit, which indicates that the consumables are of a first type corresponding to the contract mode, and the uncontracted mode The system performs the following steps: a consumable information acquisition process that attempts to acquire consumable information including any of the second type information indicating that the consumable is of the second type, which corresponds to the first type; a type identification process that identifies whether the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable contains the first type information or the second type information, based on the acquisition result of the consumable information acquisition process; and an information writing process that, if the type identification process identifies that the consumable information in the consumable storage unit contains the second type information and it becomes necessary to operate in the contract mode, writes predetermined information to the consumable storage unit for treating the consumable as the first type.

[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] Consumables that can be attached to the attachment part include a first type corresponding to the above-mentioned contract mode and a second type corresponding to the above-mentioned non-contract mode. Consumables have a consumable storage unit that stores consumable information. The consumable information stored in the consumable storage unit of a first-type consumable includes first-type information indicating that it is a first-type consumable. The consumable information stored in the consumable storage unit of a second-type consumable includes second-type information indicating that it is a second-type consumable. The consumable information is acquired in the consumable information acquisition process executed by the control unit, and whether it contains either first-type information or second-type information is identified in the type identification process.

[0011] Ideally, when the printing device is operating in contract mode, it should be equipped with Type 1 consumables, and when the printing device is operating in non-contract mode, it should be equipped with Type 2 consumables.

[0012] In the present invention, a second-type consumable is installed even though the printing device needs to operate in contract mode for some reason. In such cases, the control unit performs an information writing process. During the information writing process, the second-type information stored in the consumable storage unit of the second-type consumable is written to the consumable storage unit to determine if the consumable is a first-type consumable. As a result, the printing device can then treat the consumable as a first-type consumable, enabling it to smoothly perform operations equivalent to those of a contract mode using a first-type consumable.

[0013] According to the present invention, even if contracted consumables are not available, printing services such as subscriptions can be used in certain cases.

[0014] 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 on which the consumables can be mounted, a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium using the consumables mounted on 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 a contract, wherein the consumables are of either a first type corresponding to the contract mode or a second type corresponding to the uncontracted mode, and the control unit is capable of operating in a consumables storage unit provided in the consumables mounted on the mounting unit, and The system performs the following: a consumable information acquisition process that attempts to acquire consumable information including either first type information indicating that the consumable is of the first type, or second type information indicating that the consumable is of the second type; a type identification process that identifies whether the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable contains the first type information or the second type information, based on the acquisition result of the consumable information acquisition process; and an information writing process that, if the type identification process identifies that the consumable information in the consumable storage unit contains the second type information and it becomes necessary to operate in the contract mode, writes predetermined information to the consumable storage unit for treating the consumable as the first type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, even if contracted consumables are not available, printing services such as subscriptions can be used in certain cases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [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 is a diagram for explaining a comparative example in which a period during which printing is not possible occurs at the time of a subscription contract. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining a method of switching an operation mode in the case of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing a procedure for print processing according to each mode. [Figure 8] This is a diagram for explaining a method of switching an operation mode in the case of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining a method of managing an ink cartridge in the case of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram for explaining the divided allocation of deposit print numbers. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining a method of managing an ink cartridge in the case of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure in a multifunction machine in the case of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a retail cartridge provided with a pseudo-subscription flag. [Figure 16] This is a diagram for explaining a case where changes in type flags in a time series are recorded with a plurality of bit strings.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows a printing processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an example of a printing service contract, and is a print processing system 1 that can operate based on a subscription contract between the user and the printing service provider, which allows printing within a predetermined period up to an upper limit of the amount of printing, with only a fixed fee borne by the user. In this embodiment, the case in which the execution of the subscription contract starts at the time when the subscription-specific ink cartridge, which will be described later, is actually installed in the multifunction printer will be explained.

[0018] <Overview of the Printing System> In Figure 1, this printing system 1 includes an information management server 100, a multifunction printer 200, and a delivery management server 400. These information management server 100, multifunction printer 200, and delivery management server 400 are connected to network NT and can communicate with each other. The multifunction printer 200 is an example of a printing device.

[0019] <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.

[0020] 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).

[0021] 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.

[0022] Interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or wireless interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the NT network.

[0023] <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).

[0024] <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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] <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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In this example, there are two types of type flags: a retail flag and a subscription flag (hereinafter referred to as the subscription flag). One of the two flags is always switched to the "on" state, which means true, and the other is always switched to the "off" state, which means false. As a result, the type of the ink cartridge 50 is represented by whichever of the two flags is "on".

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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').

[0045] <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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 following S45, the operation parameters of the multifunction printer 200 are also switched to subscription mode. As a result, operation in subscription mode begins thereafter. Note that the subscription flag in this case is an example of predetermined information.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 contract 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 contract. 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 number of printed pages. If the excess number of pages is within the deposit number of printed pages, the result is YES and the process proceeds to S145. On the other hand, if the excess number of pages exceeds the deposit number of printed pages, the result is NO and the process proceeds to S135. Note that the counted cumulative number of printed pages is an example of the amount of print, and the contracted number of pages is an example of the upper limit.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The procedure in S17 is an example of the consumable information acquisition process and type identification process, and if a YES determination is made in S17, it is an example of a case where it becomes necessary to operate in contract mode, and the procedure in S40 is an example of the information writing process.

[0060] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, this embodiment can operate in two modes: subscription mode and retail mode. Subscription mode corresponds to the terms of a subscription contract with the supplier regarding the ink cartridges 50 used for printing. For example, it is an operating mode in which printing up to the upper limit of the amount of printing within a predetermined period is possible for the user only at a fixed cost, in accordance with a subscription contract. Retail mode corresponds to 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 multifunction printer 200.

[0061] The ink cartridges 50 that can be installed in the cartridge holder 51 include the type of subscription cartridge 50S corresponding to the subscription mode and the type of retail cartridge 50R corresponding to the retail mode. The ink cartridge 50 has a cartridge memory 55 that stores information about the ink cartridge 50. The information stored in the cartridge memory 55 of the subscription cartridge 50S includes type flag information of the subscription flag, which indicates that it is a subscription type. The information stored in the cartridge memory 55 of the retail cartridge 50R includes a retail flag, which indicates that it is a retail type. The information stored in the cartridge memory 55 is acquired in the procedure S17 executed by the processor 210, and in the procedure S17, it is identified whether it contains either subscription type information or retail type information.

[0062] Normally, when the 200 multifunction printer operates in subscription mode, it is equipped with the 50S subscription cartridge, and when the 200 multifunction printer operates in retail mode, it is equipped with the 50R retail cartridge.

[0063] In this embodiment, for example, a case is addressed where a 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 S40. In the procedure in S40, the retail flag information stored in the cartridge memory 55 of the retail cartridge 50R is rewritten to information content for treating the ink cartridge 50 as a retail cartridge 50R, i.e., a subscription flag. That is, a subscription flag as predetermined information is written. Therefore, the multifunction printer 200 can then treat the retail cartridge 50R as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S', and smoothly perform operations equivalent to those of operating in subscription mode using a subscription cartridge 50S.

[0064] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress any disadvantages that may occur to the user even after a contract has been concluded.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the subscription flag and the retail flag are information in which one is recorded as true and in the ON state, and the other is recorded as false and in the OFF state. In step S40, the processor 210 rewrites the subscription flag as predetermined information, changing the state from one where only the retail flag is ON to one where only the subscription flag is ON. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish whether the ink cartridge 50 is a subscription type or a retail type based on whether the subscription flag or the retail flag is true. In step S40, by rewriting from one where only the retail flag is ON to one where only the subscription flag is ON, the ink cartridge 50 can be treated as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. Therefore, it becomes possible to smoothly perform operations equivalent to those of operation in subscription mode using a subscription cartridge 50S.

[0081] <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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In step S27, cartridge memory storage 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 storage information was acquired, and if so, the contents of the acquired information, the steps in S40 and S45 described above are performed. In S27, the installation of a genuine retail cartridge is one example of a predetermined condition. Also, in S27, the installation of a genuine retail cartridge is one example of a situation where it becomes necessary to operate in contract mode.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] <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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 an example of information writing processing, and the procedure in S225 is an example of profit sharing processing. Furthermore, if it is determined in S210 that a genuine retail cartridge 50R has been newly installed in the cartridge holder 51, and it is determined in S215 that the newly installed retail cartridge 50R is new, this is an example of a situation where it becomes necessary to operate in contract mode.

[0106] The same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained with the multifunction printer 200 in this embodiment as described above.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] <Fourth Embodiment> A printing processing system 1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, the case in which the subscription contract is terminated while in subscription mode will be described. In particular, the benefit return to the user will be described in the case in which the subscription contract is terminated immediately after the subscription contract is made, while the retail cartridge 50R is being used as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' and there is still ink remaining. Note that the configuration and processing of each device and part in the printing processing system 1C of this embodiment will be omitted as appropriate if it is the same as the printing processing systems 1, 1A, and 1B of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0113] Figure 13 illustrates the management method for the ink cartridges 50 in this fourth embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 13, as in the second embodiment, at the moment the user completes the subscription contract procedure, the type flag of all retail cartridges 50R installed in the multifunction printer 200 is rewritten to the subscription type to become pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S', and the operation in subscription mode is started immediately. In this embodiment, the remaining ink levels of all ink cartridges 50 are detected at the time the subscription contract procedure is completed, and the deposit print count set based on those remaining ink levels is recorded in the contract details data.

[0114] Subsequently, the ordered Subscription Cartridge 50S cartridges are sequentially replaced as the ink in each color's pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' runs out. However, it is possible that the user may cancel their subscription contract before all of the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' ink is used up. In this case, the subscription flag is turned off and the retail flag is turned on for all pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. In this case, the deposit print count is also updated. Specifically, for example, the deposit print count corresponding to the remaining ink in the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' is reduced. As for the form of profit sharing in this case, since the subscription mode has already ended, the profit sharing may be based on the deposit print count for the next subscription contract, or it may be shared in the form of various service points, etc.

[0115] When a subscription is canceled in this manner, as described above, the type flag of all installed pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' is rewritten to revert to retail, so subsequent printing can function as the original retail cartridge 50R. Furthermore, printing using subscription cartridge 50S is not possible before the subscription contract is concluded or after the subscription contract is canceled, thus preventing misuse.

[0116] An example of the control procedure applied in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of Figure 14. In Figure 14, the process assumes that, for example, the user has already signed up for a subscription and is therefore already in subscription mode.

[0117] First, in S305, 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 moves to S310.

[0118] In S310, it is determined whether the user has initiated the process of canceling their subscription. If the user has not initiated the cancellation process, the result is NO, and this flow ends. On the other hand, if the user has actually initiated the cancellation process, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S315.

[0119] S315 detects whether a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' is currently in use.

[0120] Then, if pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' exist, in S325, the type flag of all pseudo-subscription cartridges 50S' is rewritten to the retail flag. The process in S325 is an example of a disabling process.

[0121] Then, in S330, the number of deposit prints is updated based on the ink level of each cartridge. For example, the number of deposit prints corresponding to the ink level of the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' is reduced. This allows for adjustment of the number of deposit prints when the subscription contract is terminated.

[0122] In the multifunction printer 200 of this embodiment, the number of prints for which a deposit is granted at the start of the subscription mode is adjusted when the contract is terminated, thereby preventing the user from receiving excessive benefits.

[0123] Furthermore, the profit sharing for the amount of ink used in the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' consumed from the start to the end of the subscription mode may be set in stages in multiples of a predetermined unit. In this case, there is no need to revert to retail cartridges when canceling the subscription.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the subscription mode is canceled in step S325, the subscription flag for treating the ink cartridge 50 as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' is disabled. This ensures that it can be reliably returned to the original retail cartridge 50R. In addition to the retail flag and subscription flag, a disable flag specifically for canceling such subscription contracts may be provided and written to the ON state when the contract is canceled.

[0125] <Other variations> In the embodiments described above, the type of ink cartridge 50 was represented in the cartridge memory 55 by switching between two flags, a retail flag and a subscription flag, by setting one to the ON state and the other to the OFF state. However, there may be other forms of information to represent the retail and subscription types. For example, as shown in Figure 15, in addition to the retail flag and subscription flag, a pseudo-subscription flag may be provided as a type flag. In this case, the settings of the retail flag and subscription flag of the ink cartridge 150 at the time of factory shipment are permanently fixed and cannot be rewritten, and the multifunction printer 200 is only allowed to switch the pseudo-subscription flag on and off. In other words, the retail flag, subscription flag, and pseudo-subscription flag are treated as follows: when they are ON, OFF, OFF, the cartridge is considered a retail cartridge 50R; when they are OFF, ON, OFF, the cartridge is considered a subscription cartridge 50S; and when they are ON, OFF, ON, the cartridge is considered a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'. This allows the original retail and subscription type information from the time of manufacture to be maintained, while enabling the use of the retail cartridge 50R and the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' to be switched depending on the situation by changing the pseudo-subscription flag. In this case, there is no need to revert to retail when canceling the subscription. The pseudo-subscription flag is an example of predetermined information that indicates that the retail cartridge 50R is being used in subscription mode.

[0126] This allows the ink cartridge 50 to maintain its original subscription type and retail type information from the time of manufacture, while simultaneously representing it as a pseudo-subscription type corresponding to the actual subscription type, and treating it as a pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S' depending on the situation.

[0127] Although not specifically illustrated, in addition to the multiple flags mentioned above, the type information can also be represented using a single bit of information that represents two values, such as on or off, to indicate whether it is retail or subscription. Furthermore, multiple bit sequences can be used to record the switching between retail and subscription over time. For example, as shown in Figure 16, assuming that a new retail cartridge 50R is used up to 0% ink level, the time-series switching between retail and subscription can be recorded using 10-bit data, with one bit corresponding to every 10% of ink usage. In this case, the 10-bit data is an example of predetermined information to enable the ink cartridge 50 to operate in subscription mode over multiple periods. In this case, each time it is rewritten to 1-bit subscription, the user is given a deposit print count corresponding to 10% of the ink amount. By using such time-series bit sequence data, it is possible to set up a profit distribution that appropriately corresponds to the amount of ink used while using the pseudo-subscription cartridge 50S'.

[0128] Alternatively, the switching can be represented by overwriting code information corresponding to retail and subscription (or pseudo-subscription) in designated items in a table (not specifically illustrated). Or, it can be represented in other distinguishable forms of information.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the flowcharts above, and procedures may be added, deleted, or their order changed.

[0131] 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]

[0132] 1,1A, Printing Processing System 1B, 1C 50 Ink Cartridges (An example of a consumable item) 50R, 150R Retail Cartridges 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 two modes: a subscription mode corresponding to a contract with a supplier regarding consumables used for printing, where the contract is for a subscription service that allows unlimited use of consumables for a fixed fee within a specified number of prints during a specified period, and where the printing service provider is responsible for replenishing the consumables when they run out; and a retail mode in which the user replenishes the printing device with consumables that they have purchased individually at a store and then prints. The control unit, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information stored in a consumable storage unit provided in the consumable attached to the mounting unit, which includes either first type information indicating that the consumable is a first type corresponding to the subscription mode, or second type information indicating that the consumable is a second type corresponding to the retail mode. Based on the acquisition result of the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable contains the first type information or the second type information, If the consumable information in the consumable storage unit is identified in the type identification process as containing the second type information and it becomes necessary to operate in the subscription mode, then an information writing process is performed to write predetermined information for treating the consumable as the first type to the consumable storage unit. A printing device that performs this task.

2. The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a consumable newly attached to the attachment unit during operation in the subscription mode is identified in the type identification process as containing the second type information in the consumable information in the consumable storage unit, the information writing process is executed.

3. The aforementioned mounting section is configured to accommodate multiple consumables, The control unit, If, in the type identification process, it is identified that the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of at least one of the consumables contains the second type information, and the consumable information of that consumable satisfies predetermined conditions, then the information writing process is executed when the operation in subscription mode starts. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When operation starts using the aforementioned subscription mode, The timing is when the consumables of the first type, delivered to the printing device after the subscription agreement has been concluded, arrive and are installed in the mounting section. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, The printing device according to claim 1, wherein if the identification result of the type identification process satisfies predetermined conditions, the printing device executes the information writing process when it receives notification from a server connected to the printing device that the subscription contract has been concluded.

6. The control unit, When the subscription mode is canceled, a deactivation process is performed to deactivate the predetermined information for treating the consumables as the first type. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 3, 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 information writing process is performed on the consumable storage unit corresponding to all of those consumables, thereby treating all of the consumables attached to the mounting part as the first type.

8. The aforementioned first type information and the aforementioned second type information are, This is information where one is recorded as true and the other as false. The control unit, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the information writing process, the first type information is rewritten as the predetermined information, and the second type information is rewritten as the first type information.

9. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined information is information indicating that the second type of consumable is being used in the subscription mode.

10. The control unit, The predetermined information is information that enables the consumables to operate in the subscription mode over multiple periods. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. 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 two modes: a subscription mode corresponding to a contract with a supplier regarding consumables used for printing, where the contract is for a subscription service that allows unlimited use of consumables for a fixed fee within a specified number of prints during a specified period, and where the printing service provider is responsible for replenishing the consumables when they run out; and a retail mode in which the user replenishes the printing device with consumables that they have purchased individually at a store and then prints. The aforementioned consumables are It is either a first type corresponding to the subscription mode, or a second type corresponding to the retail mode, The control unit, A consumable information acquisition process that aims to acquire consumable information stored in a consumable storage unit provided in the consumable attached to the mounting unit, which includes either first type information indicating that the consumable is of the first type, or second type information indicating that it is of the second type; Based on the acquisition result of the consumable information acquisition process, a type identification process is performed to identify whether the consumable information in the consumable storage unit of the consumable contains the first type information or the second type information, If the consumable information in the consumable storage unit is identified in the type identification process as containing the second type information and it becomes necessary to operate in the subscription mode, then an information writing process is performed to write predetermined information for treating the consumable as the first type to the consumable storage unit. A printing device with consumables that performs the following actions.

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