Printing apparatus, method for controlling the printing apparatus, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To suitably detect that an ink residual amount in an ink bottle becomes small.SOLUTION: A printer which has a tank that stores a consumable material supplied from a consumable material replenishing container and records an image by discharging the consumable material from the tank comprises: first acquisition means which acquires a use amount of a consumable material from a time point at which it is detected that a residual amount of the consumable material of the consumable material replenishing container is smaller than a prescribed value; second acquisition means which acquires a residual amount of the tank; first determination means which determines the state of the residual amount of the consumable material of the consumable material replenishing container by comparing the use amount acquired by the first acquisition means and the residual amount of the tank acquired by the second acquisition means with a threshold set to each of them; and detection means which detects that the residual amount of the consumable material of the consumable material replenishing container is smaller than the prescribed value in a case where the state determined by the first determination means is the small residual amount state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for managing the remaining amount of a consumable material.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, printers having a liquid tank into which ink of a liquid bottle can be injected have appeared. In Patent Document 1, a method of detecting the remaining amount of ink in an ink bottle by arranging a pair of electrodes in the ink bottle and using the resistance value between the pair of electrodes has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a technique for suitably detecting the remaining amount of ink without using a special mechanism such as that of Patent Document 1.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suitably detect that the remaining amount of ink has decreased.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure has a tank for storing a consumable material injected from a consumable replenishment container, and from the tank supply A printing apparatus that discharges a consumable material to record an image, A determination means for determining whether the remaining amount of consumables stored in a tank is below a first threshold; a first acquisition means for acquiring the amount of consumables used from the time the determination means determined that the remaining amount of consumables stored in the tank is below the first threshold; and a first notification means for notifying a server of first information regarding a consumable replenishment container based on whether the determination result by the determination means and the amount of consumables used acquired by the first acquisition means meet predetermined conditions. having The predetermined conditions are that the remaining amount of consumables stored in the tank is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the amount of consumables used is greater than or equal to a second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold. characterized by.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suitably detect that the remaining amount of ink has decreased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the printer hardware configuration. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a printer. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing how to inject ink into a printer. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the overall system configuration. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the ink supply mechanism of a printer. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram representing the appearance of an ink bottle. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the ink bottle information in the printer's non-volatile memory. [Figure 8] This is a state transition diagram showing the remaining ink level in the ink bottles. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart for detecting low bottle volume. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart for determining when the low bottle level warning is released. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart for the process of adding ink usage when using ink. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a printer display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the consumable material will be described as ink.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of printer 100. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of printer 100.

[0011] Printer 100 has a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and an EEPROM 104. The printer 100 also has a network connection unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a scanner unit 108, and a printer unit 109.

[0012] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit for controlling each part within the printer 100. Various program codes are stored in the ROM 102. Image data and the like are temporarily stored or buffered in the RAM 103 during the execution of each service. Non-volatile information is stored in the EEPROM 104. The non-volatile information is, for example, the shipping destination information of the printer 100 or the setting of the language to be displayed on the display unit 106. In the present embodiment, in particular, the ink bottle information shown in FIG. 7 is stored. Details will be described later using FIG. 7.

[0013] The network connection unit 105 connects to an external device via USB or a network. That is, the network connection unit 105 connects to USB or a network to communicate with an external device. Image data and the like received by the network connection unit 105 are also stored in the RAM 103.

[0014] The display unit 106 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display and can display characters, graphics, indicators, and the like. The display unit 106 is not limited to a liquid crystal display and can also be constituted using an LED or other displays. Information displayed by the display unit 106 includes, for example, setting information for the printer 100 or information regarding the ink contained in each ink tank. Further, information regarding the ink includes, for example, the remaining amount information of the ink contained in the ink tank or the ink injection instruction information. Note that the display content of the display unit 106 is controlled by the CPU 101. The operation unit 107 is a switch, a hard key, or the like for the user to perform various input operations. It is also possible to adopt a form in which the display unit 106 functions as an operation unit for performing input operations and the like, such as a touch panel.

[0015] The scanner unit 108 realizes the scanner function in the printer 100. The printer unit 109 realizes the printing function. Ink is stored in the ink tank unit 110. The ink tank unit 110 has an ink inlet 302 and can inject ink from an ink bottle 303. The ink bottle is also referred to as a consumable replenishment container. The printer unit 109 has an inkjet head, and ink is supplied from the ink tank unit 110 to the inkjet head via a tube. Further, the printer unit 109 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by an inkjet method based on image data received from the outside, image data read from the scanner unit 108, etc. Furthermore, the printer unit 109 also manages ink information of the ink tank including ink remaining amount information, or paper information including the number of sheets of loaded paper. The scanner unit 108 optically reads a document set on the document table 201, converts it into electronic data, and further converts the image data into a specified file format and transmits it to an external device via a network or stores it in a storage area such as an HDD. Also, the copy function is realized by transferring the image data generated by reading the document placed on the document table 201 by the scanner unit 108 to the printer unit 109, and the printer unit 109 recording the image on a recording medium based on the image data.

[0016] The above-described units are interconnected by a bus 111 and can transmit and receive data to and from each other. In addition, in this embodiment, as an example of an ink ejection device, the printer 100 which is a multifunction device is taken as an example for explanation, but the ink ejection device to which this embodiment is applicable is not limited to a printer. As the ink ejection device, a copying machine, a facsimile, etc. may be used, or a printer not equipped with a scanner function may also be used.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the printer 100 described in FIG. 1. The printer 100 with a box-shaped housing is provided with a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, an ink tank unit 110, and a document table 201, respectively.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the method of injecting ink into the printer 100. Opening the ink tank cover 301 of the printer 100 allows access to the ink tank section 110. Ink is supplied to the ink tank section 110 from the ink bottle 303 by opening the cap on the ink inlet 302 after opening the ink tank cover 301.

[0019] In this embodiment, the printer 100 is a color printer that records a color image on a recording medium by ejecting multiple types of ink of different colors. For this reason, four types of ink tanks are provided to store yellow, cyan, magenta, and black inks. In the following description, for simplicity, the four colors will be denoted by letters: C for cyan, M for magenta, Y for yellow, and Bk for black. That is, the ink tank section 110 in Figure 3 houses four types of ink tanks: ink tank 110C, ink tank 110M, ink tank Y, and ink tank 110Bk. In this embodiment, ink bottle 303 refers to four types of ink bottles: ink bottle 303C, ink bottle 303M, ink bottle 303Y, and ink bottle 303Bk. The basic configuration of each ink tank in this embodiment is substantially the same. In the following description, when each ink tank is described comprehensively, the ink tank section will be denoted by reference numeral 110. Furthermore, when describing each ink bottle comprehensively, the ink bottle portion shall be denoted by reference numeral 303.

[0020] Figure 4 is a system diagram showing the relationships between the devices related to this embodiment. As explained in Figure 3, the printer 100 uses an ink bottle 303 to inject ink. The ink inlet 302 has a different shape for each color, preventing the injection of ink bottles of different colors. The printer 100 detects when the ink level in the ink bottle 303 is low based on the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 110 and the amount of ink used by the printer 100. Information regarding the low ink level in the detected ink bottle is sent to the server 401 via a transmission means. The transmission means can take various forms, such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, public internet connection, infrared communication, or wired USB. Based on the low ink level information of the ink bottle 303 notified by the printer 100, the server 401 provides services such as delivery of the ink bottle 303.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the recording head and ink tank configuration of printer 100. For simplicity, this explanation assumes a configuration with only one ink color, but it is not limited to a single-color configuration.

[0022] The printer 100 includes a recording head 501, a carriage 502, a guide shaft 503, a carriage motor 504, a belt 505, a cap unit 506, and an ink tank 507. The printer 100 also includes a supply tube 511, a choke valve 512, a discharge tube 513, a waste ink absorber 514, and a suction pump 515.

[0023] The recording head 501 is an inkjet type recording head. The carriage 502 drives the recording head 501. The guide shaft 503 is a shaft that supports the carriage 502. The carriage motor 504 is a motor that drives the carriage, and by driving the carriage motor 504, the belt 505 rotates, and the carriage 502 connected to it can move from side to side. The cap unit 506 adheres tightly to the ejection surface of the recording head 501, preventing the ejection surface of the recording head 501 from drying out and preventing mis-ejection. The cap unit 506 also has recovery functions such as dry ejection or suction recovery for the nozzle row of the recording head 501.

[0024] The ink tank 507 is an ink tank of one of the ink colors present in the ink tank section 110 shown in Figure 3. Ink 508 is stored in the ink tank 507. Inside the ink tank 507, a pair of electrodes 509 and 510 are provided in a manner that allows them to contact the ink 508. The ink 508 is supplied to the recording head 501 through the supply tube 511 and then ejected. Electrodes 509 and 510 obtain voltage, which is the potential difference between when voltage is applied to the electrodes and when the application ends, and determine whether there is any remaining ink in the ink tank 507 by comparing this electrical information with a threshold value.

[0025] The choke valve 512 is located in the middle of the supply tube 511 and, during suction recovery that occurs when supplying ink 508 to the recording head 501, controls the internal pressure of the supply tube 511, thereby removing unwanted bubbles and foreign matter from within the supply tube 511. The supply tube 511 is a tube for supplying ink from the ink tank 507 to the recording head 501. The discharge tube 513 is a tube for discharging ink to the waste ink absorber 514.

[0026] The suction pump 515 can suction and discharge the recording head 501 and the supply tube 511 by pressing the discharge surface of the recording head 501 against the cap unit 506 and reducing the pressure of the cap unit 506. In other words, the suction pump 515 can supply ink to the recording head 501 and the supply tube 511. It can also perform a suction recovery operation to discharge air bubbles in the recording head 501 and the supply tube 511 along with the ink. The waste ink absorber 514 stores the ink that has been suctioned and discharged through the discharge tube 513.

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an ink bottle 303. In this figure, an ink bottle containing cyan ink, ink bottle 303C, is shown as an example. Ink bottle 303C has an outlet 601, a small window 602, and a scale 603. Ink bottle 303C contains ink 508, and in the example shown, slightly more than half the amount remains. Ink injection begins when the tip of the outlet 601 is combined with the ink injection port 302. The shape differs for each color to prevent the wrong color from being injected. Not only for each color, but also for inks with different compositions that would change color if mixed, the shape is modified to ensure image quality. The small window 602 is provided to visually check the remaining amount of ink. The small window 602 is made of a transparent material and, when used in conjunction with the scale 603, the remaining amount of ink 508 can be determined. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the optical changes of the ink, the material of the entire ink bottle 303 is not completely transparent to light, and the remaining amount is checked through the small window 602. However, if the ink is made of a material that does not easily change optically, the entire bottle may be transparent.

[0028] Figure 7 shows the non-volatile information about the ink bottles 303 stored in the printer 100. The non-volatile information about the ink bottles 303 is stored in the EEPROM 104. The non-volatile information includes the ink bottle information for each ink bottle. "Ink Bottle Information 1" 701 holds information related to bottle level determination. Specifically, it holds the ink bottle size 702, the date and time of low bottle level detection 703, the amount of ink used after low bottle level detection 704, the ink usage threshold (detection) 705, the ink usage threshold (release) 706, and the ink level threshold in the tank 707. Furthermore, ink bottle information exists for each ink bottle, such as "Ink Bottle Information 1" 701, "Ink Bottle Information 2" 708, "Ink Bottle Information 3" 709, etc. And each ink bottle information holds information related to bottle level determination.

[0029] The ink bottle size 702 holds information about the size of the ink bottle 303 being used. The low bottle level detection date and time 703 holds information about the date and time when low bottle level was detected. The method for determining low bottle level will be described later using Figure 9. The ink usage after low bottle level detection 704 holds the amount of ink of the corresponding color used in the printer 100 since low bottle level was detected. The amount of ink held is, for example, the dot count value of the ink ejected from the recording head 501. The method for adding ink usage will be described later using Figure 11. The ink usage threshold (detection) 705 is the ink usage threshold used for determining low bottle level detection. The ink usage threshold (release) 706 is the ink usage threshold used for determining when low bottle level is released. The method for determining when low bottle level is released will be described later using Figure 10. The ink level threshold in the tank 707 is the ink level threshold in the tank used for determining low bottle level detection.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a state transition diagram of the remaining ink levels of ink bottles 303 managed by printer 100. The black circles in the figure represent the state where the remaining ink level is not yet determined immediately after the printer starts up. In this case, the state transitions to the diamond-shaped area in the figure, and a low-level detection check is performed. Based on this check, the state transitions to either the "low-level detection in progress" state or the "low-level not detected" state. After that, checks are made according to each state, and the state transitions back and forth between the "low-level detection in progress" state and the "low-level not detected" state. In response to inquiries from server 401, printer 100 transmits the remaining ink level status of each ink bottle.

[0031] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the low ink level detection process performed in the printer 100. In order to detect when the remaining amount of ink in the ink bottle 303 is less than a predetermined value, it is necessary to estimate the remaining amount in the ink bottle based on the measurement results of the amount of ink used by the printer 100. However, measurement errors occur in measuring the amount of ink used by the printer 100, so it may be possible to detect that the ink level is low even though there is still ink remaining in the ink bottle 303. Or, it may be possible to determine that there is still ink remaining even though there is no ink left in the ink bottle 303. In this embodiment, a method for detecting that the ink level in the ink bottle 303 is low will be described without attaching any special mechanism such as electrodes to the ink bottle 303.

[0032] Each process in Figure 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 101 shown in Figure 1 reading a program stored in ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executing it. This process is performed for each ink bottle, for example, when the printer 100 is started up, when it recovers from power-saving mode, when a connection with the server 401 is established, or when the printer 100 uses ink. Although this process should ideally be performed for each ink color contained in the ink bottle 303, in this embodiment, for the sake of clarity, only one color will be considered. In the following descriptions of each process, the symbol "S" indicates a step in the flowchart.

[0033] Furthermore, the low-ink-remaining-bottle detection process in Figure 9 has steps that differ between the first time and subsequent times. The first time the process is performed is from S901 to S914 in Figure 9. The low-ink-remaining-bottle detection date and time 703 and the ink usage amount after low-ink-remaining-bottle detection 704, as described in Figure 7, are information that is stored and updated in the EEPROM 104 during the execution of this process, and are not yet stored in the EEPROM 104 during the first time the process is performed. Therefore, for steps where the process differs between the first time and subsequent times, explanations for both the first time and subsequent times will be provided as appropriate.

[0034] When the low ink level detection process is initiated, in S901, the printer 100 obtains the low ink level detection date and time 703 for the relevant ink bottle from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104.

[0035] In S902, the printer 100 determines whether it was able to obtain the low bottle level detection date and time 703 from the EEPROM 104. The low bottle level detection date and time 703 is information that is normally set in S912, as described later, and cannot be obtained in the first process because it has not yet been stored in the EEPROM 104. In such cases, the process proceeds to S907. If this is the second or later process and the low bottle level detection date and time 703 is stored in the EEPROM 104, it is obtained and the process proceeds to S903. In other words, the processes from S903 to S906 are the second or later processes.

[0036] In S903, the printer 100 obtains the ink usage amount 704 after low bottle level detection from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. The ink usage amount 704 after low bottle level detection is information stored in the EEPROM 104 during the previous low bottle level detection determination process. After obtaining the ink usage amount 704 after low bottle level detection, the printer 100 obtains the ink usage threshold (detection) 705 in S904 from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104.

[0037] In S905, the printer 100 compares the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels in the bottle with the ink usage threshold (detection) 705. In S906, the printer 100 branches the process according to the comparison result in S905. Specifically, if the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels is equal to or greater than the ink usage threshold (detection) 705, it is considered that there is little ink remaining in the ink bottle 303, and the process proceeds to S907, where the printer checks the ink level in the ink tank 507. On the other hand, if the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels is less than the ink usage threshold (detection) 705, it is considered that there is still plenty of ink remaining in the ink bottle 303, and the printer 100 terminates this process, indicating that low ink levels were not detected.

[0038] In S907, the printer 100 obtains the remaining ink level in the ink tank 507. In S908, after obtaining the remaining ink level in the ink tank 507, the printer 100 obtains the tank ink level threshold 707 from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. In S909, the printer 100 compares the remaining ink level in the ink tank 507 with the tank ink level threshold 707. In S910, the printer 100 branches the process according to the comparison result from S909. Specifically, if the remaining ink level in the ink tank 507 is less than or equal to the tank ink level threshold 707, the process proceeds to S911. On the other hand, if the remaining ink level in the ink tank 507 exceeds the tank ink level threshold 707, the printer 100 terminates the determination without detecting low ink levels in the bottle.

[0039] In S911, the printer 100 detects that the ink bottle is low. The ink bottle status also changes to "Low Ink Bottle Detection State". Upon detecting low ink bottle level, in S912, the printer 100 updates the low ink bottle detection date and time 703 in the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104 to the current date and time. In S913, after updating the low ink bottle detection date and time 703, the printer 100 resets the ink usage amount 704 after low ink bottle detection in the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. In S914, the printer 100 notifies the server 401 that low ink bottle level has been detected. After that, this process ends.

[0040] By implementing the above flow, the printer 100 can detect low ink levels in the ink bottle 303 and notify the server 401 without requiring a mechanism to measure the remaining ink level in the ink bottle 303.

[0041] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the low-bottle-level-of-ink detection process performed in the printer 100 in this embodiment. This process is achieved, for example, by the CPU 101 shown in Figure 1 reading a program stored in ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executing it. Although this process should ideally be performed for each ink color contained in the ink bottles 303, in this embodiment, for the sake of clarity, only one color will be considered in the explanation. This process is performed, for example, when the printer 100 uses ink. Furthermore, as explained in Figure 8, this process is performed in the "low-bottle-level-of-ink-ink-detection state".

[0042] When the low ink level detection is initiated, in S1001, the printer 100 obtains the low ink level detection date and time 703 for the relevant ink bottle from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. In S1002, the printer 100 determines whether it was able to obtain the low ink level detection date and time from the EEPROM 104. If it was, the process proceeds to S1003. If it was not, the process ends.

[0043] In S1003, the printer 100 obtains the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink level in the bottle from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. Also in S1004, the printer 100 obtains the ink usage threshold (release) 706 from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104.

[0044] In S1005, the printer 100 compares the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels in the bottle with the ink usage threshold (release) 706. In S1006, the printer 100 branches the process according to the comparison result in S1005. Specifically, if the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels in the bottle is greater than or equal to the ink usage threshold (release) 706, it is assumed that the user has refilled the ink tank 507 with ink from a new ink bottle, and the process proceeds to S1007. On the other hand, if the ink usage amount 704 after detecting low ink levels in the bottle is less than the ink usage threshold (release) 705, the printer 100 terminates this process.

[0045] In S1007, printer 100 cancels the low ink bottle warning. At this point, the ink bottle status transitions from "low ink bottle detected" to "low ink bottle not detected." In S1008, printer 100 notifies server 401 that the low ink bottle warning has been canceled. After that, this process terminates.

[0046] By implementing the above flow, it becomes possible to release the "low ink level detected" state of the ink bottle 303 at a certain time and notify the server 401, without requiring a special mechanism for measuring the remaining ink level in the ink bottle 303 from the printer 100.

[0047] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the ink usage addition process performed in the printer 100 in this embodiment after detecting low ink level in the ink bottle. Each process in Figure 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU 101 shown in Figure 1 reading a program stored in ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executing it. Although this process should ideally be performed for each ink color contained in the ink bottle 303, in this embodiment, for the sake of clarity, only one color is focused on in the explanation. This process is performed when ink is used by the printer 100.

[0048] When ink is used by the printer 100, in S1101 the printer 100 obtains the low ink level detection date and time 703 for the corresponding ink bottle from the non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. In S1102 the printer 100 determines whether it was able to obtain the low ink level detection date and time 703 in S1101. If the low ink level detection date and time 703 is not stored and could not be obtained, the printer 100 terminates the process of adding ink usage after low ink level detection, as this is unnecessary. If the low ink level detection date and time 703 is stored, the printer 100 proceeds to S1103.

[0049] In step S1003, the printer 100 adds the amount of ink used since the last ink usage addition to the amount of ink used since the last low-bottle detection, which is stored in the EEPROM 104, to the amount of ink used since the last low-bottle detection, 704. The printer 100 also updates the value calculated by this addition to the value of the amount of ink used since the last low-bottle detection, 704, and stores it in the EEPROM 104. This process makes the amount of ink used since the last low-bottle detection the most recent ink usage. Subsequent low-bottle detection or low-bottle release determinations will use the ink usage calculated by this process. Therefore, this process must be performed before either the low-bottle detection or low-bottle release determination process.

[0050] In S1104, the printer 100 checks whether the remaining ink level of the relevant ink bottle 303 is in the "low ink level detected" or "low ink level not detected" state. In S1105, the printer 100 branches the process based on the state confirmed in S1004. Specifically, if the remaining ink level of the relevant ink bottle 303 is in the "low ink level detected" state, the process proceeds to S1106, where the low ink level release determination shown in Figure 10 is performed. On the other hand, if the remaining ink level of the relevant ink bottle 303 is in the "low ink level not detected" state, the printer 100 performs the low ink level detection determination shown in Figure 9. After that, the process ends.

[0051] By implementing the above flow, when ink is used by printer 100, it is possible to perform a low-bottle detection check and a clearing of the low-bottle warning based on the amount of ink used after detecting low bottle level.

[0052] Here, the state transition of the remaining ink volume in the ink bottle 303 shown in Figure 8 will be explained using the specific steps in Figures 9, 10, and 11. As an example, the ink bottle size is 170.0 ml, the ink usage threshold (detection) is 127.5 ml, the ink usage threshold (release) is 85.0 ml, and the ink remaining level threshold in the tank is 45.0 ml.

[0053] Let's begin the explanation assuming that the ink level in ink bottle 303 is in a "bottle low level not detected" state. In S902, we have information on the date and time when the bottle low level was detected, and in S903, we obtain that the amount of ink used after the bottle low level detection is 90.0 ml. In this case, in S906, since the amount of ink used is less than the ink usage threshold (detection) 705, which is 127.5 ml, the printer 100 terminates processing with the "bottle low level not detected" status. Subsequently, if the amount of ink used increases to 127.5 ml or more, the process proceeds to S907. Based on the determination in S910, even if the total amount of ink used exceeds 127.5 ml, processing terminates with the "bottle low level not detected" status until the ink tank level is 45.0 ml or less. Here, for example, if the ink tank level falls below 50.0 ml, a screen display prompts the user to pour the ink from ink bottle 303 into the ink tank. This prevents the ink tank level from falling below the threshold while there is still ink remaining in ink bottle 303. In other words, this prevents ordering a new ink bottle 303 while there is still ink remaining in the current ink bottle 303.

[0054] After the user has injected all the ink from ink bottle 303 into the ink tank, if the ink tank's remaining ink level falls below 45.0 ml, the printer 100 detects that the bottle is low, and the ink bottle level status changes to "Low Bottle Level Detected." The printer 100 then proceeds with the following processes.

[0055] As shown in the state transition diagram in Figure 8 and in Figure 11, in the "Low Bottle Level Detection State," the low bottle level state release determination in Figure 10 is executed. Assume that a new ink bottle 303 is delivered to the user as a result of the S914 process, and the ink tank is refilled to its capacity. Assume that the ink usage amount 704 obtained in the release determination process S1103 after low bottle level detection is 30.0 ml. Since the ink usage threshold (release) 706 is 85.0 ml, if the amount of ink used after injecting it into the ink tank in S1006 reaches 55.0 ml or more, the printer 100 releases the "Low Bottle Level Detection State" and notifies the server. As a result, the ink bottle level state transitions to the "Low Bottle Level Not Detected State." Therefore, the next time ink is used, the low bottle level detection determination in Figure 9 will be performed. Note that the ink usage amount obtained in S903 is the total since the ink usage amount was reset in the previous low bottle level detection determination process, so it will be at least 85.0 ml.

[0056] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the printer 100 when changing settings related to non-volatile information stored in the EEPROM 104. In this embodiment, it is used when changing the non-volatile information related to the ink bottles 303 stored in the EEPROM 104 according to the ink bottle size used, the printer's installation environment, or the usage conditions.

[0057] Display (a) is an example of the operation screen when changing ink bottle size 702. The user selects the ink size to use from the displayed buttons 1201, 1202, and 1203.

[0058] Display (b) is an example of the operation screen when changing the ink level threshold 707 in the tank. Depending on the time required from when the server is notified of "low ink bottle level" until a new ink bottle 303 arrives from the server, the timing for detecting "low ink bottle level" is selected from buttons 1204, 1205, and 1206.

[0059] Display (c) is an example of the operation screen when changing the ink usage threshold (detection) 705. The ink usage threshold (detection) 705 corresponding to the ink amount estimation error selected from buttons 1207, 1208, and 1209 is stored in the EEPROM 104.

[0060] Display (d) is an example of the operation screen when changing the ink usage threshold (release) 706. Depending on the time required from when the server is notified of low ink bottle level until the server completes the delivery arrangement for a new ink bottle 303, the timing for releasing the "low ink bottle level" message is selected from buttons 1210, 1211, and 1212. In this embodiment, three buttons are provided for each display, but this is not limited to this, and for example, there may be a selection of five levels. Alternatively, it may be possible to input an arbitrary value. Furthermore, the content of the display for each button is not limited to what is described in this embodiment.

[0061] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to suitably detect when the amount of ink remaining in the ink bottle 303 is low. Specifically, it is possible to detect low ink levels in the ink bottle 303 from the ink usage and ink tank levels in the printer 100 and notify the server 401 without providing a mechanism to measure the amount of ink remaining in the ink bottle 303. Similarly, the determination of whether the ink bottle low state has been resolved can also be performed without providing a mechanism to measure the amount of ink remaining in the ink bottle 303.

[0062] Furthermore, as explained above, the process for determining low ink levels in this embodiment uses both the amount of ink used and the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank. This allows for the detection of low ink levels in the ink bottle even when measurement errors in the amount of ink used occur.

[0063] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Printers 303 Ink Bottle 401 Server 507 Ink Tank 701 Ink Bottle Information 1

Claims

1. A printing apparatus having a tank for storing consumables injected from a consumables replenishment container, and discharging the consumables supplied from the tank to record an image, A determination means for determining whether the remaining amount of the consumable stored in the tank is below a first threshold, A first acquisition means for acquiring the amount of the consumables used from the point in time when the determination means determines that the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the tank is below the first threshold, Based on the result of the determination by the determination means and the amount of consumables used obtained by the first acquisition means that satisfies predetermined conditions, a first notification means notifies the server of first information regarding the consumables replenishment container, It has, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the predetermined conditions are that the remaining amount of the consumable stored in the tank is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the amount of the consumable used is greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first information includes information regarding the remaining amount of the consumable in the consumable replenishment container.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first information includes information indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable in the consumable replenishment container is low.

4. The invention further comprises a second acquisition means for acquiring date and time information that is held based on the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that if the date and time information is not acquired by the second acquisition means, and the amount of consumables used by the first acquisition means is notified to the server by the determination means if the remaining amount of consumables stored in the tank is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first information is notified to the server.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the date and time information is updated when the date and time information is held by the printing apparatus and the predetermined conditions are met.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the amount of consumable material used obtained by the first acquisition means is reset based on the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions.

7. After the predetermined conditions are met, the system further comprises a second notification means that notifies a server of second information regarding the remaining amount of the consumable in the consumable replenishment container, based on the fact that the amount of the consumable acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than a third threshold, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the third threshold is greater than the first threshold.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the second information includes information indicating that the state in which the remaining amount of the consumable in the consumable replenishment container is low has been released.

9. The server is used to provide a delivery service for the consumable replenishment containers. Of the first consumable replenishment container and the second consumable replenishment container, which is a new consumable replenishment container delivered by the delivery service, The first notification means notifies the server of information regarding the consumables in the first consumable replenishment container, The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second notification means notifies the server of information regarding the consumables in the second consumable replenishment container.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first notification means is performed for a number of colors of the consumables provided by the printing apparatus.

11. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the consumable material is ink.

12. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a first display control means for controlling the display of a screen for changing the first threshold.

13. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a second display control means for controlling the display of a screen for changing the second threshold.

14. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a third display control means for controlling the display of a screen for changing the third threshold.

15. A control method for a printing apparatus that has a tank for storing consumables injected from a consumables replenishment container, and for discharging the consumables supplied from the tank to record an image, A determination step of determining whether the remaining amount of the consumable stored in the tank is below a first threshold, A first acquisition step is to acquire the amount of the consumables used from the point in time when it is determined by the determination step that the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the tank is less than or equal to the first threshold, A first notification step in which, based on the result of the determination step and the amount of consumables used obtained in the first acquisition step that satisfies predetermined conditions, first information regarding the consumable replenishment container is notified to the server, It has, A method for controlling a printing apparatus, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are that the remaining amount of the consumable stored in the tank is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the amount of the consumable used is greater than or equal to a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold.

16. A program characterized by causing a computer to function as one of the means of a printing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program characterized by causing the computer to function as one of the means of a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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