Server and Program

Abstract

To provide a server that predicts a replacement day of a toner cartridge with high precision.SOLUTION: A server comprises a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives, from an image formation device, first information associated with a first number of days obtained by predicting the number of days before the toner remaining amount of a toner cartridge reaches a reference value or less on the basis of the driving time of a toner supply motor and the amount of toner used for printing, and second information associated with the amount of toner used for control over picture quality stabilization. The processor calculates, based upon the first information and the second information, a second number of days obtained by predicting the number of days before the toner remaining amount of the toner cartridge reaches the reference value or less, and outputs third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a server and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus placed in a workplace and a management program for the image forming apparatus are provided with, for example, a function for predicting the replacement date of a toner cartridge. The replacement date prediction function estimates the remaining toner amount from, for example, the operating time of a motor that supplies toner from a toner cartridge to a developing unit or a sub hopper. However, predicting the replacement date based only on the operating time of the motor may result in a large detection error.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides a server and a program that accurately predict the replacement date of a toner cartridge.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The server according to the embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives, from an image forming apparatus, a first number of days predicted until the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge becomes less than or equal to a reference value based on the driving time of a toner supply motor, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for controlling image quality stabilization. The processor calculates a second number of days predicted until the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge becomes less than or equal to the reference value based on the first information and the second information, and outputs either third information based on the first number of days or fourth information based on the second number of days to a terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the server configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the printing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of the technical concept. The embodiments do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc., of the components. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments.

[0008] <Structure> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. The printing system 1 is a system that performs printing and notifies the user when the toner cartridge is nearing the time to replace it. The printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, a server 3, and a terminal 4. The network 5 to which the image forming apparatus 2, server 3, and terminal 4 are connected is not included in the printing system 1.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 2 is, for example, a device equipped with printing capabilities, such as an MFP (multifunction peripheral), a copier, or a printer. In this embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 2 is an MFP will be described as an example. The image forming apparatus 2 is connected to a network 5 and communicates with a server 3 via the network 5. The image forming apparatus 2 transmits information about its own status to the server 3. Details of the information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 2 are described below.

[0010] Server 3 is connected to network 5 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 and terminal 4 via network 5. Server 3 stores information received from the image forming apparatus. Server 3 performs calculations using the stored information and sends commands to terminal 4 based on the calculation results.

[0011] Terminal 4 is connected to network 5 and communicates with server 3 via network 5. Based on commands received from server 3, terminal 4 informs its user of information. The user of terminal 4 is, for example, a service technician for image forming apparatus 2.

[0012] Network 5 is a communication path composed of a single or combination of communication methods, including wired, wireless, LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, telephone networks, and other proprietary communication networks.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a processor 21, ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, storage 24, communication interface 25, toner cartridge 26, toner replenishment unit 27, image forming unit 28, and a system bus 29. The system bus 29 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The system bus 29 interconnects the processor 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage 24, communication interface 25, toner cartridge 26, toner replenishment unit 27, and image forming unit 28. The computer of the image forming apparatus 2 is configured by connecting the processor 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and storage 24 via the system bus 29.

[0014] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 21 controls each part in order to realize various functions of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] ROM22 is a non-volatile memory device. ROM22 stores pre-configured operating systems or application programs, control data, and other similar information.

[0016] RAM23 is a volatile memory device. RAM23 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 21. RAM23 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0017] Storage 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. Storage 24 stores data used by the processor 21 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, and the like. Storage 24 may also store the above application programs. Storage 24 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0018] The communication interface 25 communicates with the outside of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0019] The toner cartridge 26 houses toner. The toner cartridge 26 includes an IC chip 261. The IC chip 261 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The IC chip 261 stores information regarding the toner cartridge 26. The information stored in the IC chip 261 is, for example, the type of toner housed, the amount of toner housed at the time of shipment, information regarding the usage status of the toner cartridge 26, and the like.

[0020] The toner supply unit 27 conveys the toner housed in the toner cartridge 26 to the image forming unit 28. The toner supply unit 27 includes a toner supply motor 271. The toner supply motor 271 is driven when the toner supply unit 27 conveys toner from the toner cartridge 26 to the image forming unit 28.

[0021] The image forming unit 28 forms an image on a sheet using toner.

[0022] The data stored in the storage 24 includes various parameters indicating the operating status of the image forming apparatus 2. An example of these various parameters will be described.

[0023] The print coverage rate is the percentage of the print surface that has been covered by the image forming apparatus. The cumulative average print coverage rate is the average print coverage rate of all prints performed by the image forming apparatus 2 to date. In other words, the cumulative average print coverage rate is the average value calculated using the operating period of the image forming apparatus 2. The cartridge average print coverage rate is the average print coverage rate of prints performed from the time the current toner cartridge 26 was installed until now. In other words, the cartridge average print coverage rate is the average value calculated using the usage period of the current toner cartridge 26. The average number of prints per day is the average number of prints per day calculated from all prints performed by the image forming apparatus 2 to date. The average number of control operations per day is the average number of control operations per day calculated from all image quality stabilization controls performed by the image forming apparatus 2 to date. The toner supply motor drive time is the cumulative value of the time the toner supply motor 271 has been driven from the time the current toner cartridge 26 was installed until now. The "Day 1" indicates the estimated remaining usable days of the toner cartridge 26, based on the operating time of the toner supply motor. In other words, it is estimated from the operating time of the toner supply motor that the toner level in the toner cartridge 26 will be near empty after Day 1 from the present. Note that "near empty" means that the toner level in the toner cartridge 26 is below the standard value, and is different from being completely empty. The "Continuous Use Status" indicates whether the current toner cartridge 26 has been continuously used without being removed since it was installed in an unused state. The "Cartridge Type" indicates the type of toner cartridge 26 currently installed. Specifically, this could be, for example, long, short, etc.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the server configuration according to the embodiment. Server 3 includes a processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage 34, communication interface 35, and system bus 36. The system bus 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The system bus 36 interconnects the processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage 34, and communication interface 35. The computer of server 3 is configured by connecting the processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and storage 34 via the system bus 36.

[0025] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 31 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a server 3 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0026] ROM32 is a non-volatile memory device. ROM32 stores pre-configured operating systems or application programs, control data, and other similar information.

[0027] RAM33 is a volatile memory device. RAM33 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 31. RAM33 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0028] Storage 34 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. Storage 34 stores data used by the processor 31 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 31, etc. Storage 34 may also store the application programs described above. Storage 34 can be, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, SSD, etc.

[0029] The application programs stored in ROM 32 or storage 34 include processing programs that describe information processing performed on server 3. The method of installing the processing programs in ROM 32 or storage 34 is not particularly limited. The processing programs can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication and then installed in ROM 32 or storage 34. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can record programs and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0030] The communication interface 35 communicates with the outside world of the server 3.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal according to the embodiment. Terminal 4 includes a processor 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, storage 44, communication interface 45, user interface 46, and a system bus 47. The system bus 47 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The system bus 47 interconnects the processor 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, storage 44, communication interface 45, and user interface 46. The computer of terminal 4 is configured by connecting the processor 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and storage 44 via the system bus 47.

[0032] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 41 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a terminal 4 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

[0033] ROM42 is a non-volatile memory device. ROM42 stores pre-configured operating systems or application programs, as well as control data, etc.

[0034] RAM43 is a volatile memory device. RAM43 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 41. RAM43 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0035] Storage 44 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. Storage 44 stores data used by the processor 41 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 41, etc. Storage 44 may also store the application programs described above. Storage 44 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, SSD, etc.

[0036] The communication interface 45 communicates with the outside world of terminal 4.

[0037] The user interface 46 is, for example, a touch panel. The user interface 46 informs the user of various information and accepts input from the user.

[0038] <Operation> The operation of each part of the printing system 1 according to the embodiment will now be described. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the printing system according to the embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 2 performs operations such as printing or control, it updates various parameters stored in the storage 24 (ACT1). At this time, the first day is also calculated and updated. Then, the image forming apparatus 2 periodically sends the updated parameters to the server 3 (ACT2).

[0039] Server 3 performs replacement date prediction processing (ACT3). Specifically, Server 3 uses the received parameters to predict the replacement date of the toner cartridge and outputs the result to Terminal 4. The frequency at which Server 3 performs replacement date prediction is lower than the frequency at which the image forming apparatus 2 calculates the first day.

[0040] Terminal 4 notifies the user (ACT4). Specifically, Terminal 4 notifies the user of the results of the exchange date prediction process output by Server 3 via the user interface 46.

[0041] The details of the replacement date prediction process will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the server operation according to the embodiment. The toner cartridge replacement date prediction process of server 3 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0042] When various parameters are transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 (start), the server 3 receives the various parameters (ACT10). The processor 31 of the server 3 stores the received parameters in, for example, the storage 34.

[0043] The processor 31 determines whether the toner supply motor's operating time exceeds a first threshold (ACT11). This first threshold corresponds, for example, to the time at which near-empty status is detected based on the toner supply motor's operating time. If the operating time does not exceed the first threshold (ACT11, No), it is expected that there is still plenty of toner remaining, and the series of processes shown in Figures 6 and 7 are terminated (Termination).

[0044] If the operating time exceeds the first threshold (ACT11, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether there is error data (ACT12). If the various parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34 contain error data, the prediction of the replacement date may also be incorrect. Therefore, the processor 31 switches processing depending on whether or not there is an error. If there is error data (ACT12, Yes), the processor 31 executes the process of ACT24 described later.

[0045] If there is no error data (ACT12, No), the processor 31 determines whether the toner cartridge is still being used (ACT13). Many of the parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34 are used on the premise that the toner cartridge has been continuously used in the same image forming apparatus 2 since it was installed in an unused state. Therefore, the processor 31 switches processing depending on whether the toner cartridge is still being used or not. If the toner cartridge is not still being used (ACT13, No), the processor 31 executes the process of ACT24, which will be described later.

[0046] If the toner cartridge is being used continuously (ACT13, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether the difference between the cumulative average print yield and the cartridge average print yield is less than or equal to the second threshold (ACT14). If the difference is less than or equal to the second threshold (ACT14, Yes), the processor 31 uses the cumulative average print yield for subsequent calculations (ACT15). If the difference is greater than the second threshold (ACT14, No), the processor 31 uses the cartridge average print yield for subsequent calculations (ACT16).

[0047] Once processing ACT15 or ACT16 is complete, the processor 31 calculates the daily toner usage (ACT17). Specifically, the processor 31 calculates the daily toner usage by determining the daily toner usage from printing and the daily toner usage from control, and then adding them together. The daily toner usage from printing can be calculated by multiplying the cumulative average print rate or cartridge average print rate by the average number of pages printed per day. The daily toner usage from control can be calculated by multiplying the toner usage per control, which is a known constant, by the average number of control cycles per day.

[0048] After calculating the daily toner usage, the processor 31 checks the type of toner cartridge (ACT18). Specifically, the processor 31 checks the cartridge type, which is one of the various parameters received from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in the storage 34, and confirms the amount of toner (initial amount) contained in the new toner cartridge 26.

[0049] Upon checking the type of toner cartridge, the processor 31 calculates the second day count (ACT19). The second day count is the estimated remaining number of usable days for the toner cartridge 26 based on the daily toner usage. Specifically, the processor 31 calculates the current toner level by subtracting the product of the daily toner usage and the number of days since the toner cartridge 26 was installed from the initial amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 26. Then, the processor 31 calculates the second day count by dividing the current toner level by the daily toner usage.

[0050] After calculating the second number of days, the processor 31 determines whether the second number of days is less than the third threshold (ACT20). If the second number of days is not less than the third threshold (ACT20, No), it is expected that there will be several more days before the toner in the toner cartridge 26 becomes empty, and the series of processes shown in Figures 6 and 7 are terminated (Termination).

[0051] If the second day is less than the third threshold (ACT20, Yes), the processor 31 determines whether the difference between the first day and the second day is greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21). If the difference is greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21, Yes), the processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output the second day to the terminal (ACT22).

[0052] If the difference is not greater than the fourth threshold (ACT21, No), if there is error data in ACT12 (ACT12, No), or if the toner cartridge is not being used continuously in ACT13 (ACT13, No), the processor 31 controls the communication interface 35 to output near empty to the terminal (ACT23).

[0053] Once ACT22 or ACT23 is completed, the series of processes shown in Figures 6 and 7 will terminate (end).

[0054] <Effects> In this embodiment, information regarding the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 is transmitted from the printing system 1 to the server 3. When the toner level of the image forming apparatus 2 becomes low, the server 3 calculates the number of days remaining until the toner runs out based on the information. Based on the calculation result, the server 3 outputs the status of the image forming apparatus 2 to the user's terminal 4. Therefore, the user can arrange for a replacement toner cartridge at an appropriate time before the toner of the image forming apparatus 2 runs out.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the server 3 calculates the second number of days remaining until the toner runs out, based on information regarding the operation of the image forming apparatus 2, specifically the print density, the number of printed pages, and the number of image quality stabilization control cycles. The server 3 can calculate toner consumption with high accuracy by performing calculations for printing and image quality stabilization control, which are operations that consume toner in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the server 3 outputs information to the terminal 4 when the calculated second number of days is less than the third threshold. This suppresses the notification of toner cartridges 26 that will take several days to become empty, which the user does not yet need to be aware of.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the toner cartridge is not being used continuously, the server 3 outputs "near empty" to the terminal 4 instead of "second day." This prevents the server 3 from calculating an inaccurate number of days for toner that has not been used continuously.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, if the difference between the cumulative average print rate and the cartridge average print rate is greater than the second threshold, the server 3 uses the cartridge average print rate to calculate the second number of days. This allows the server 3 to calculate toner consumption with high accuracy even if the trend in print rate changes during the period in which the current toner cartridge is being used.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the server 3 does not calculate the second number of days if the operating time of the toner supply motor does not exceed the first threshold. As a result, the calculation of the second number of days is suppressed as long as it is assumed that there is sufficient toner remaining, thereby reducing the load on the server 3.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if there is error data, the server 3 outputs "near empty" to the terminal 4 instead of the second day count. This prevents the server 3 from calculating an inaccurate number of days based on the error data.

[0061] <Other variations, etc.> In the above embodiment, the case described is one in which the image forming apparatus 2 stores the cumulative average print rate, the average print rate per cartridge, the average number of prints per day, and the average number of control operations per day in the storage 24. These average values ​​may be calculated by the server 3. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 2 may transmit information such as the print rate, number of prints, and number of control operations to the server 3, and the server 3 may obtain the average values ​​by aggregating this information.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when calculating the second day, the example given was to multiply the cumulative average print rate or the cartridge average print rate by the average number of pages printed per day when calculating the amount of toner used per day by printing. When calculating the amount of toner used per day by printing, a correction may be made, for example, according to the value of the print rate.

[0063] Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments and modifications may also be described as follows, but are not limited to these. [Note 1] A communication interface that receives, from the image forming apparatus, the first number of days predicted based on the driving time of the toner supply motor until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below a standard value, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control, A processor that calculates a second number of days based on the first and second information, predicting the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below the standard value, and outputs either a third number of days based on the first number of days or a fourth number of days based on the second number of days to the terminal. A server equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The first piece of information includes the print density and the number of printed pages. The second piece of information includes the number of times image quality stabilization is controlled. The server listed in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The server described in Appendix 2 calculates the second number of days based on either the average print rate calculated using the operating period of the image forming apparatus or the average print rate calculated using the usage period of the toner cartridge. [Note 4] The server described in Appendix 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal when the toner cartridge is not continuously used in the image forming apparatus. [Note 5] The server described in Appendix 1 outputs the fourth information based on the second number of days to the terminal when the second number of days is less than the first threshold and the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is greater than the second threshold. [Note 6] The server described in Appendix 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal when the second number of days is equal to or greater than the first threshold, or when the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is equal to or less than the second threshold. [Note 7] The communication interface further receives the operating time of the toner supply motor, The server is the server described in Appendix 1, which outputs either the third information or the fourth information to the terminal when the operating time is longer than the third threshold. [Note 8] The third piece of information includes that the toner cartridge is nearly empty. The fourth piece of information includes the number of days on which the remaining toner in the toner cartridge is expected to fall below the specified threshold. The server listed in Appendix 1. [Note 9] The server described in Appendix 1 outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal if either the first information or the second information received from the image forming apparatus contains error data. [Note 10] In the processor, The communication interface is controlled to receive from the image forming apparatus the following: a first number of days, which is the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below a certain value based on the driving time of the toner supply motor; first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing; and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control. A program that, based on the first and second pieces of information, calculates a second number of days, which is the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below the standard value, and outputs either a third piece of information based on the first piece of information or a fourth piece of information based on the second piece of information to the terminal. [Note 11] In the processor, The communication interface is controlled to receive from the image forming apparatus the following: a first number of days, which is the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below a certain value based on the driving time of the toner supply motor; first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing; and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that, based on the first and second pieces of information, calculates a second number of days, which is the number of days until the remaining toner in the toner cartridge falls below the standard value, and outputs either the third piece of information based on the first piece of information or the fourth piece of information based on the second piece of information to the terminal.

[0064] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Printing system, 2…Image forming apparatus, 3…Server, 4…Terminal, 5…Network, 21,31,41…Processor, 22,32,42…ROM, 23,33,43…RAM, 24,34,44…Storage, 25,35,45…Communication interface, 26…Toner cartridge, 261…IC chip, 27…Toner supply unit, 271…Toner supply motor, 28…Image forming unit, 29,36,47…System bus, 46…User interface.

Claims

1. A communication interface that receives, from the image forming apparatus, the first number of days predicted based on the driving time of the toner supply motor until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below a standard value, first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing, and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control, A processor that calculates a second number of days based on the first and second information, predicting the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below the standard value, and outputs either a third number of days based on the first number of days or a fourth number of days based on the second number of days to the terminal. A server equipped with the following features.

2. The first piece of information includes the print density and the number of printed pages. The second information includes the number of image quality stabilization controls, The server according to claim 1.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein in calculating the second number of days, the server calculates the second number of days based on either the average print rate calculated using the operating period of the image forming apparatus or the average print rate calculated using the usage period of the toner cartridge.

4. The server according to claim 1, wherein if the toner cartridge is not continuously used in the image forming apparatus, the server outputs the third information based on the first number of days to the terminal.

5. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server outputs the fourth information based on the second number of days to the terminal when the second number of days is less than the first threshold and the difference between the second number of days and the first number of days is greater than the second threshold.

6. In the processor, The communication interface is controlled to receive from the image forming apparatus the following: a first number of days, which is the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below a certain value based on the driving time of the toner supply motor; first information regarding the amount of toner used for printing; and second information regarding the amount of toner used for image quality stabilization control. A program that, based on the first and second pieces of information, calculates a second number of days, which is the number of days until the toner level in the toner cartridge falls below the standard value, and outputs either a third piece of information based on the first piece of information or a fourth piece of information based on the second piece of information to the terminal.

Images