JP7388479B2 - computer program for terminal equipment - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a computer program for causing a printer to print a greeting card image.

Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a program that instructs a printer to print an image of a New Year's card, a summer greeting card, etc., and causes the printer to create a New Year's card, etc.

JP 2016-81303 Publication

When having a printer create greeting cards such as New Year's cards and summer greeting cards, there is a user's desire to know in advance the amount of consumables consumed by the printer.

This specification provides a technique for predicting the consumption amount of consumables in a printer and notifying the user in a computer program that causes the printer to print an image of a greeting card.

A computer program for a terminal device disclosed in this specification causes a computer of the terminal device to perform a first program that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year. a print processing unit; and a first amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes printing of the first type sending image during the first period within the first year. A first actual amount storage unit that stores an actual amount in a memory of the terminal device, wherein the amount of the consumables is stored in the first actual amount storage unit that includes the number of print media; an inquiry screen control unit that displays an inquiry screen on the display unit of the terminal device for inquiring the user whether or not to send the second type document to the document sender; a second information storage unit that stores predetermined information in the memory when the user selects to send the second type of document to the sender of the document; In a case where the first actual amount is not stored in the memory, when a predetermined instruction is received from the user during the first period within the second year following the first year, the first actual amount in the memory The printer prints the first type sent image during the first period within the second year by using the amount obtained by subtracting the number of type 1 documents received within the second year from a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is executed, and the predetermined information is stored in the memory; When receiving the predetermined instruction from the user during the first period within the second year, the number of documents of the first type received within the second year is not used. the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption information using the actual amount of the first consumption amount, and the first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information; function as
Another computer program for a terminal device disclosed by this specification causes the computer of the terminal device to cause a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year. 1, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes the printing of the first type sending image during the first period within the first year; a first actual amount storage section for storing one actual amount in the memory of the terminal device, wherein the amount of the consumables is stored in the first actual amount storage section including the number of print media; an address number storage unit that stores in the memory an actual number of addresses, which is the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory, when the first period within the first year ends; When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user during the first period within the second year of a first prediction for predicting first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print the first type of sending image in the first period within a fiscal year; the first prediction unit, wherein the number of differences is calculated by subtracting the actual number of addresses in the memory from the number of pieces of address information currently stored in the memory; and a first notification unit that notifies the user of the first consumption amount information of.
Another computer program for a terminal device disclosed by this specification causes the computer of the terminal device to cause a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year. 1, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes the printing of the first type sending image during the first period within the first year; a first actual amount storage unit that stores one actual amount in the memory of the terminal device; and a second type of sending image that is different from the first type of sending image in a second period within the first year. a third print processing unit that causes the printer to print the second type of sending image; and an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer causes the printer to print the second type of sending image during the second period. a second actual amount storage unit that stores a second actual amount in the memory, and causes the printer to print the first type sending image during the first period within the first year. In this case, when receiving a predetermined instruction from a user during the first period within the second year following the first year, the first actual amount in the memory is used to Predicting first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print the first type sending image in the first period within a second year. 1, wherein the prediction unit does not cause the printer to print the first type of sending image in the first period within the first year, and prints the second type of sending image in the second period. In the case where the printer executes printing of the sent image, when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user during the first period within the second year, using the second actual amount, The device functions as the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption information, and the first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information.
Another computer program for a terminal device disclosed by the present specification causes the computer of the terminal device to perform a third type of document creation for creating a third type of document in a first period within a first year. a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image that is an image; and a first print processing unit that causes the printer to print the first type sending image during the first period within the first year. a first actual amount storage unit that stores in the memory of the terminal device a first actual amount that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when printing the third type of image; a third information storage unit that stores in the memory third type printing information indicating that the printer is caused to print the third type image; When receiving a receipt instruction from a user indicating that the document of the third type has been received within the second year of a fourth information storage unit that stores in the memory third type receipt information indicating that the third type document has been received in association with address information of the sender of the document; In the first period, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to obtain the first type in the first period within the second fiscal year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the sent image; and the predicted first consumption information. a first notification unit that notifies the user of the second type of printing information within the second fiscal year after the first period within the second fiscal year in a state where the third type printing information is not stored in the memory; In a third period, when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user, a fourth type document is created using the number of one or more pieces of the third type receipt information stored in the memory. a second prediction unit that predicts second consumption amount information indicating an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes printing of a fourth type image for printing, and the third type printing a second notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted second consumption amount information when the information is not stored in the memory, the third type printing information being stored in the memory; In the case where the second consumption amount information is not notified to the user, the second notification unit functions as the second notification unit.
Another computer program for a terminal device disclosed by the present specification is to cause the computer of the terminal device to perform a fifth type of document for creating a fifth type of document in a first period within a first year. a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image that is an image; and a first print processing unit that causes the printer to print the first type sending image during the first period within the first year. a first actual amount storage unit that stores in the memory of the terminal device a first actual amount that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user during the first period within the fiscal year, the first actual amount in the memory is used to obtain the first type during the first period within the second fiscal year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the sent image; and the predicted first consumption amount. a first notification unit that notifies the user of information; and a sixth type of document that is to be sent to the address information selected by the user from among the plurality of address information stored in the memory. a second print processing unit that causes the printer to print a sixth type of image for the selected address information, and a second print processing unit that causes the printer to print the sixth type of image. a fifth information storage unit that associates and stores type 6 printing information in the memory; and a case where a receiving instruction indicating that the type 5 document has been received within the second fiscal year is received from the user. Then, among the plurality of pieces of address information, type 5 receipt information indicating that the type 5 document has been received is associated with the address information of the sender of the type 5 document that has already been received. A sixth information storage unit stored in a memory is associated with the fifth type receipt information and is not associated with the sixth type print information from among the plurality of address information. a specifying unit that specifies address information of one or more pieces of address information; Consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints a seventh type image for creating a seventh type document using the number of the one or more identified address information items. and a third notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted third consumption information.
Another computer program for a terminal device disclosed by this specification causes the computer of the terminal device to cause a printer to print a first type of greeting card image in a first period within a first year. the amount of consumables consumed by the first print processing unit and the printer when the printer prints the first type greeting card image during the first period within the first year; A first actual amount storage unit that stores a certain first actual amount in the memory of the terminal device, and a predetermined instruction from a user in the first period within the second year following the first year. If the printer accepts the first type of greeting card image in the first period within the second fiscal year by using the first actual amount in the memory; a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer; a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information; It may also function as

According to the above configuration, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user in the first period within the second year, the terminal device uses the first actual amount in the first year, which is the last year, to Predicting first consumption information and notifying a user of the first consumption information. Thereby, the terminal device can predict the consumption amount of consumables in the printer and notify the user.

The method of controlling a terminal device realized by the above computer program is also new and useful. Further, a terminal device including the above-mentioned parts is also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. A specific case of printing and scanning is shown. A flowchart of counting processing is shown. A flowchart of menu display processing is shown. A flowchart of New Year's card number prediction processing is shown. A flowchart of notification processing is shown. The flowchart of the cold weather number prediction process is shown. A specific example of the predicted number of New Year's cards and the predicted number of winter cards will be shown.

(Communication system 2; Figure 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a terminal device 10 and a multi-function device 100. The terminal device 10 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, a notebook PC (abbreviation for Personal Computer), or a tablet PC, and is capable of communicating with the multi-function device 100 using a wireless LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network). be. Note that in a modification, the terminal device 10 may be a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC, and in this case, it may be able to communicate with the multi-function device 100 using a wired LAN. The multi-function device 100 can perform multiple functions including a print function and a scan function.

(Configuration of terminal device 10)
The terminal device 10 includes a display section 12, a wireless LAN interface 14, and a control section 20. Each part 12 to 20 is connected to a bus line (numerals omitted). Note that, below, the interface will be referred to as "I/F".

The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 may also function as an operation unit (so-called touch panel) for receiving user instructions. The wireless LAN I/F 14 is an I/F for connecting to a wireless LAN and performing wireless communication with an external device such as the multi-function device 100.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to programs 26 and 28 stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 includes an OS (Operating System) program 26, a postcard application program 28 (hereinafter referred to as "postcard application 28") for causing the multi-function device 100 to print on a postcard-sized print medium, and Remember. The postcard application 28 is provided by the vendor of the multi-function device 100, and may be installed on the terminal device 10 from a server on the Internet (not shown) provided by the vendor, for example, or may be shipped together with the multi-function device 100. It may also be installed on the terminal device 10 from media.

The postcard application 28 secures a storage area in the memory 24, and stores the address table 30 and mourning setting flag 40 in the storage area. The address table 30 includes address information indicating names, addresses, etc., a New Year's card printing flag 31a, a New Year's card receiving flag 31b, a mourning printing flag 32a, a mourning receiving flag 32b, a cold printing flag 33a, a hot summer printing flag 34a, and , are stored in association with each other. Note that in a modified example, a list of address information may be stored in the memory 24 before the postcard application 28 is installed on the terminal device 10. The address table 30 may store each flag 31a and the like in association with the address information in the list.

The New Year's card printing flag 31a is set to either "ON" indicating that a New Year's card to be sent to the corresponding address has been printed, or "OFF" indicating that the New Year's card has not been printed. . The New Year's card reception flag 31b is set to either "ON" indicating that a New Year's card sent from the corresponding address has been received, or "OFF" indicating that the New Year's card has not been received.

The mourning printing flag 32a and the mourning reception flag 32b are similar to the New Year's card printing flag 31a and the New Year's card receiving flag 31b, respectively, except that the target postcard is a mourning postcard rather than a New Year's card. Furthermore, the cold weather printing flag 33a and the hot summer printing flag 34a are similar to the New Year's printing flag 31a, except that the target postcards are not New Year's cards but winter greetings postcards and hot summer greetings postcards, respectively.

The mourning setting flag 40 is set to either "ON" indicating that a New Year's card will be sent to the sender of the mourning postcard, or "OFF" indicating that the New Year's card will not be sent. In the initial state, each flag 31a, etc. and the mourning setting flag 40 in the address table 30 are all set to "OFF".

(Specific case of printing and scanning; Figure 2)
With reference to FIG. 2, a specific case of printing and scanning realized by each of the devices 10 and 100 will be described. Note that, in the following, from the viewpoint of ease of understanding, the processing executed by the CPU 22 of the terminal device 10 will be described with the terminal device 10 as the main body instead of the CPU 22 as the main body.

The terminal device 10 displays a startup icon for starting the postcard application 28 on the display unit 12 according to the OS program 26. When the terminal device 10 receives the selection of the activation icon from the user, the terminal device 10 activates the postcard application 28 at T100 (that is, makes it possible to accept an operation for using the postcard application 28).

When the postcard application 28 is activated, the terminal device 10 displays the menu screen MS on the display unit 12 in accordance with the postcard application 28 at T102. The menu screen MS includes a New Year's card icon A1, a mourning icon A2, a winter icon A3, a hot summer icon A4, and a scan icon A5. The New Year's card icon A1, the mourning icon A2, the winter icon A3, and the hot summer icon A4 are icons for causing the multi-function device 100 to print a New Year's card image, a mourning image, a winter greeting image, and a summer greeting image, respectively. The New Year's card image, the mourning image, the winter greeting image, and the summer greeting image are images for creating a New Year's card, a mourning postcard, a winter greeting postcard, and a summer greeting postcard, respectively. The scan icon A5 is an icon for causing the multi-function device 100 to scan a received postcard. In addition to the icons A1 to A5, the menu screen MS also displays an image for causing the multi-function device 100 to print images for creating other types of greeting cards (for example, greeting cards for moving). May also include an icon.

(Case C1)
A case C1 in which one of the icons A1 to A4 in the menu screen MS is selected by the user will be described. When the terminal device 10 receives a selection from the user of any of the icons A1 to A4 on the menu screen MS, at T110, the terminal device 10 displays an image selection screen on the display unit 12 for selecting a target image from a plurality of images. to be displayed. For example, when New Year's card icon A1 is selected, the image selection screen includes a plurality of New Year's cards. At T112, the terminal device 10 receives selection of a target image from a plurality of images from the user.

At T114, the terminal device 10 displays on the display unit 12 an address selection screen for selecting target address information from a plurality of pieces of address information. The address selection screen includes a plurality of pieces of address information in the address table 30. At T116, the terminal device 10 accepts selection of address information AI1 from a plurality of pieces of address information from the user. Then, when the terminal device 10 receives a print instruction from the user at T118, at T120, the terminal device 10 receives image information representing the target image (for example, a New Year's card image) selected at T112, and address information AI1 selected at T116. A print request containing the information is sent to the multi-function device 100. Thereby, in T122, the multi-function device 100 prints the target image represented by the image information on the back side of the postcard, and prints the address information AI1 on the front side of the postcard. As a result, a greeting card (for example, a New Year's card) is created.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 changes the address table 30 (see FIG. 1) at T124. For example, when the New Year's card icon A1 in the menu screen MS displayed at T102 is selected, the terminal device 10 prints the New Year's card printing flag 31a (see FIG. 1) associated with the address information AI1 selected at T116. ) from "OFF" to "ON". Similarly, when the mourning icon A2, the cold summer icon A3, or the hot summer icon A4 is selected, the mourning printing flag 32a, the cold printing flag 33a, or the hot summer printing flag 34a ( (see FIG. 1) is changed from "OFF" to "ON".

(Case C2)
A case C2 in which the scan icon A5 in the menu screen MS is selected by the user will be described. In this case, a situation is assumed in which the user receives a New Year's card or a mourning postcard from the person corresponding to the address information AI2. In this case, the terminal device 10 accepts the selection of the scan icon A5 in the menu screen MS from the user. Then, after the user sets the New Year's card or mourning postcard in the multi-function device 100 so that the multi-function device 100 can scan the front and back sides of the New Year's card or mourning postcard, on which the address information AI2 is written, The terminal device 10 transmits a scan request to the multi-function device 100 at T150.

Upon receiving the scan request at T150, the multi-function device 100 scans the New Year's card or mourning postcard in accordance with the received scan request at T152, and acquires scan image information representing the scan image. Then, at T154, the multi-function device 100 transmits the acquired scan image information to the terminal device 10.

Upon receiving the scan image information at T154, the terminal device 10 performs OCR (abbreviation for Optical Character Recognition) on the scan image represented by the received scan image information at T156 to obtain address information AI2. do.

At T158, the terminal device 10 displays a confirmation screen SC1 on the display unit 12 for the user to confirm whether the scanned postcard is a New Year's card or a mourning postcard. The confirmation screen SC1 includes a radio button "New Year's card" for selecting a New Year's card, and a radio button "Mourning postcard" for selecting a mourning postcard.

At T160, when the radio button "New Year's card" is selected, the terminal device 10 changes the New Year's card reception flag 31b (see FIG. 1) associated with the address information AI2 acquired at T156 from "OFF" to " "ON". Similarly, when the radio button "Mourning postcard" is selected, the mourning reception flag 32b (see FIG. 1) is changed from "OFF" to "ON".

(Counting process; Figure 3)
With reference to FIG. 3, the content of the counting process executed by the CPU 22 of the terminal device 10 according to the postcard application 28 will be explained. In the process of FIG. 3, even if the user does not give an instruction to start the postcard application 28, the OS program 26 starts the postcard application 28 due to the arrival of a predetermined time (for example, 12:00 am). It is started using this as a trigger.

In S10, the CPU 22 determines whether or not today's date is August 7th. August 7th is the day after the end of the period (for example, July 7th to August 6th) during which summer greeting postcards are exchanged. If the CPU 22 determines that today's date is August 7th (YES in S10), it proceeds to S12, and if it determines that today's date is not August 7th (NO in S10), it proceeds to S20. move on.

In S12, the CPU 22 counts the number of summer printing flags 34a set to "ON" from the address table 30. Then, the CPU 22 stores the counted number in the memory 24 as the number of summer greeting postcards created this year (hereinafter referred to as the "summer printing number"). The number of summer prints stored here is the number of postcard-sized print media consumed by the multi-function device 100 in the current fiscal year to create summer greetings postcards. In addition, in this example, "year" means one year from April 1st to March 31st of the following year, but in a modified example, it can mean one year from a date different from April 1st. You can.

In S16, the CPU 22 counts the number of all pieces of address information in the address table 30. Then, the CPU 22 stores the counted number in the memory 24 as the number of addresses in August. Note that if the number of addresses as of August of the previous year is stored in the memory 24, the CPU 22 stores the number of addresses as of August of the current year instead of the number of addresses as of August of the last year. It is stored in the memory 24. When S16 ends, the process of FIG. 3 ends.

Further, if the CPU 22 determines that today's date is not August 7th (NO in S10), it determines in S20 whether or not today's date is February 1st. February 1st is the day after the end of the period (for example, December 1st to January 31st) during which New Year's cards, mourning postcards, and midsummer greeting postcards are exchanged. If the CPU 22 determines that today's date is February 1st (YES in S20), the process proceeds to S22, and if it determines that today's date is not February 1st (NO in S20), the process proceeds to S22. Terminates the process.

In S22, the CPU 22 counts the number of New Year's card printing flags 31a set to "ON" and the number of mourning printing flags 32a set to "ON" from the address table 30. Then, the CPU 22 calculates the two types of numbers that have already been counted: the number of New Year's cards created this year (hereinafter referred to as the "number of printed New Year's cards") and the number of mourning postcards created this year (hereinafter referred to as the "number of printed New Year's cards"). '') is stored in the memory 24. The number of New Year's cards printed and the number of printed pages during mourning stored here are the number of postcard-sized print media consumed in the current year by the multi-function device 100 to create New Year's cards and mourning postcards, respectively.

In S24, the CPU 22 resets all the flags 31a and the like associated with all the address information in the address table 30 to "OFF".

In S26, the CPU 22 counts the number of pieces of address information in the address table 30. Then, the CPU 22 stores the counted number in the memory 24 as the number of addresses in February. Note that if the number of addresses as of February of the previous year is stored in the memory 24, the CPU 22 stores the number of addresses as of February of the current year instead of the number of addresses as of February of the last year. It is stored in the memory 24. When S26 ends, the process of FIG. 3 ends.

(Menu display processing; Figure 4)
The contents of the menu display process executed by the CPU 22 of the terminal device 10 according to the postcard application 28 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. The process shown in FIG. 4 is started when the postcard application 28 is started in response to an instruction from the user to start the postcard application 28 (see T100 in FIG. 2).

In S40, the CPU 22 determines whether or not today's date falls within the period from December 1st to January 6th (ie, within the period during which New Year's cards are exchanged). If the CPU 22 determines that today's date falls within the relevant period (YES in S10), the process proceeds to S42.

In S42, the CPU 22 determines whether any New Year's card printing flag 31a in the address table 30 (see FIG. 1) is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that any New Year's card printing flag 31a is "ON" (YES in S42), that is, if at least one New Year's card has been created this year, the CPU 22 executes the processing in S44 and S46. Skip and proceed to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that all New Year's card printing flags 31a are "OFF" (NO in S42), that is, if not a single New Year's card has been created this year, the process proceeds to S44.

In S44, the CPU 22 determines whether any mourning printing flag 32a in the address table 30 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that one of the mourning print flags 32a is "ON" (YES in S44), that is, if at least one mourning postcard has been created this year (in other words, if the user is in mourning) (if there is one), skip S46 and proceed to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that all mourning print flags 32a are "OFF" (NO in S44), that is, if not a single mourning postcard has been created in this year, in S46, The process of predicting and notifying the number of New Year's cards to be created (see FIG. 5) is executed. When S46 ends, the process advances to S60.

Further, if the CPU 22 determines that today's date is not within the period from December 1st to January 6th (NO in S40), in S50, the CPU 22 determines that today's date is not within the period from January 7th to January 31st. It is determined whether or not it is within the period (that is, within the period during which greeting postcards are exchanged). If the CPU 22 determines that today's date is within the relevant period (YES in S50), it proceeds to S52, and if it determines that today's date is not within the relevant period (NO in S50), it proceeds to S52 and S54. Skip and proceed to S60.

In S52, the CPU 22 determines whether any winter printing flag 33a in the address table 30 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that any of the winter printing flags 33a is "ON" (YES in S52), that is, if at least one winter greeting postcard has been created this year, it skips S54. Then, proceed to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that all the winter printing flags 33a are "OFF" (NO in S52), that is, if not a single winter greeting postcard has been created this year, the CPU 22 determines in S54 that the present Executes a process (see Figure 7) that predicts and notifies the number of winter greeting postcards that should be created in the fiscal year. When S54 ends, the process advances to S60.

In S60, the CPU 22 causes the display unit 12 to display the menu screen MS (see T102 in FIG. 2). S70 is similar to the processing from T110 to T160 in FIG. When the process of S70 ends, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

For example, a comparative example is assumed in which the process of S44 is omitted and S46 is executed if NO in S42. In the comparative example, even if the user is in mourning, the CPU 22 executes the process of S46 to notify the user of the number of New Year's cards to be created this year. In this case, the user who is in mourning and is unlikely to send a New Year's card may feel uncomfortable. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the user is in mourning (YES in S44), the process in S46 is not executed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable. Note that, in a modified example, the configuration of the above-mentioned comparative example may be adopted.

(New Year's card number prediction process; Figure 5)
With reference to FIG. 5, the New Year's card number prediction process in S46 of FIG. 4 will be described. In S100, the CPU 22 determines whether the number of printed New Year's cards stored in the memory 24 (see S22 in FIG. 3) is one or more. If the CPU 22 determines that the number of New Year's cards printed is one or more (YES in S100), in S102, the CPU 22 determines the number of New Year's cards printed (that is, the number of New Year's cards created in the previous year) as the provisional number of New Year's cards. The provisional number of New Year's cards is the number used to predict the number of New Year's cards to be created this year. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the number of New Year's cards printed is 0 (NO in S100), the process proceeds to S110.

In S110, the CPU 22 determines whether the number of printed pages during mourning (see S22 in FIG. 3) stored in the memory 24 is one or more. If the CPU 22 determines that the number of mourning pages is one or more (YES in S110), in S112, the CPU 22 determines the number of mourning pages (that is, the number of mourning postcards created in the previous year) as the provisional number of New Year's cards. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the number of pages printed during mourning is 0 (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S120.

In S120, the CPU 22 determines whether the number of copies to be printed during the summer (see S12 in FIG. 3) stored in the memory 24 is one or more. If the CPU 22 determines that the number of summer prints is one or more (YES in S120), in S122, the CPU 22 determines the number of summer prints (i.e., the number of summer greeting postcards created this year) as the provisional number of New Year's cards. . When any one of S102, S112, and S122 is completed, the CPU 22 executes a notification process (see FIG. 6) in S130 to notify the number of New Year's cards to be created this year. When S130 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the number of sheets printed during the hot summer is 0 (NO in S120), the process proceeds to S140.

In S140, the CPU 22 counts the number of pieces of address information in the address table 30. In S142, the CPU 22 determines the number of address information that has already been counted as the number of New Year's cards to be created this year (hereinafter referred to as the "predicted number of New Year's cards"), and displays a notification screen SC2 containing the determined predicted number of New Year's cards. Displayed on the display section 12. In other words, if no greeting cards have been created, such as last year's New Year's card, last year's mourning postcard, and this year's Summer Greeting postcard, the number of all address information in the address table 30 is used as the predicted number of New Year's cards by the user. will be notified. This allows the user to know the predicted number of New Year's cards.

In S144, the CPU 22 displays an inquiry screen SC3 on the display unit 12 for inquiring the user whether or not to send a New Year's card to the sender of the mourning postcard. The inquiry screen SC3 includes a radio button "Yes" indicating that a New Year's card will be sent to the sender of the mourning postcard, and a radio button "No" indicating that the New Year's card will not be sent.

In S146, the CPU 22 determines whether the radio button "Yes" has been selected by the user. When the CPU 22 determines that the user has selected the radio button "Yes" (YES in S146), the CPU 22 changes the mourning setting flag 40 from "OFF" to "ON". When S148 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that the radio button "No" has been selected by the user (NO in S146), the CPU 22 skips S148 and ends the process of FIG. 5.

(Notification processing; Figure 6)
The notification process in S130 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In S160, the CPU 22 determines whether any mourning reception flag 32b in the address table 30 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that one of the mourning reception flags 32b is "ON" (YES in S160), the CPU 22 counts the number of mourning reception flags 32b set to "ON" in S162. Then, the CPU 22 determines the counted number as the number of mourning postcards received this year (hereinafter referred to as the "number of mourning postcards received"). On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that all mourning reception flags 32b are "OFF" (NO in S160), the process proceeds to S164.

In S164, the CPU 22 determines whether the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON" (YES in S164), the CPU 22 skips S166 and proceeds to S170. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF" (NO in S164), a confirmation screen SC4 is displayed on the display unit 12 in S166 to confirm with the user the number of mourning postcards received this year. indicate. The confirmation screen SC4 includes an input field for inputting the number of mourning postcards that have been received. The CPU 22 determines the number of coins entered in the input field on the confirmation screen SC4 as the number of coins to be received during mourning. When S166 ends, the process advances to S170.

In S170, the CPU 22 displays an address input screen SC5 on the display unit 12 for newly inputting address information. Address input screen SC5 includes an input field for inputting address information. The CPU 22 stores the input address information in the address table 30 when the user inputs address information in the input field and selects the icon "Yes" in the address input screen SC5. Further, when address information is input by the user in the input field and the icon "Next" in the address input screen SC5 is selected by the user, the CPU 22 stores the input address information in the address table 30, and The address input screen SC5 including an input field for inputting the next address information is displayed again. This allows the user to input multiple pieces of address information. Further, when the user selects the icon "No" on the address input screen SC5, the CPU 22 ends the display of the address input screen SC5 and proceeds to S172. In addition, in a modified example, the CPU 22 may display not only the address input screen SC5 but also a deletion screen for accepting an operation for deleting address information from the address table 30. Furthermore, in a modified example, the CPU 22 does not need to execute the process of S170.

In S172, the CPU 22 calculates the increase or decrease in the number of pieces of address information in the address table 30. Specifically, in S102 or S112 of FIG. 5, when the CPU 22 determines the number of New Year's cards printed or the number of printed New Year's cards as the provisional number of New Year's cards, the CPU 22 determines the number of pieces of all address information currently stored in the address table 30 ( The number of increases and decreases is calculated by subtracting the number of addresses as of February (see S26 in FIG. 3) stored in the memory 24 from the number of addresses (hereinafter referred to as the "current number of addresses"). That is, the number of increases and decreases in this case indicates the number of pieces of address information that has increased or decreased from February 1 of the last year to today.

In addition, in S122 of FIG. 5, when the CPU 22 determines the number of copies to be printed during the summer as the temporary number of New Year's cards, the CPU 22 determines the number of addresses in August stored in the memory 24 from the current number of addresses (see S16 in FIG. 3). Calculate the number of increases and decreases by subtracting . That is, the number of increases and decreases in this case indicates the number of pieces of address information that have increased or decreased from August 7th of this year to today.

In S174, the CPU 22 determines whether the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON" (YES in S174), the CPU 22 calculates the number of New Year's cards to be created this year (i.e., the predicted number of New Year's cards) by adding the increase/decrease number to the provisional number of New Year's cards in S176. Calculate the number of New Year's cards). If the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON", it means that the user will send a New Year's card to the sender of the mourning postcard, so the number of mourning postcards received, which is the number of mourning postcards received, is predicted without being subtracted. The number of New Year's cards is calculated. As a result, it is possible to notify the appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards to the user who sends the New Year's cards to the sender of the mourning postcard.

On the other hand, when the CPU 22 determines that the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF" (NO in S174), in S178, the CPU 22 calculates a subtraction value by subtracting the number of mourning receipts from the number of temporary New Year's cards, and converts it into a subtraction value. The predicted number of New Year's cards is calculated by adding up the number of increases and decreases. If the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF", it means that the user will not send a New Year's card to the sender of the mourning postcard, so the prediction is made by subtracting the number of mourning postcards received, which is the number of mourning postcards received. The number of New Year's cards is calculated. As a result, users who do not send New Year's cards to the sender of mourning postcards can be notified of an appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards.

In S190, the CPU 22 displays a notification screen SC6 including the predicted number of New Year's cards calculated in S176 or S178 on the display unit 12. This allows the user to know the predicted number of New Year's cards. When S190 ends, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

(Cold weather number prediction process; Figure 7)
Referring to FIG. 7, the cold weather number prediction process in S54 of FIG. 4 will be described. In S200, the CPU 22 determines whether any mourning printing flag 32a in the address table 30 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that any of the mourning print flags 32a is "ON" (YES in S200), that is, if the user is in mourning, the process proceeds to S202.

In S202, the CPU 22 selects both the mourning print flag 32a set to "OFF" and the New Year's card reception flag 31b set to "ON" from among all the address information in the address table 30. Identify the associated address information. The existence of the address information means that the user has received a New Year's card from a person to whom he has not sent a mourning postcard, that is, the user should send a winter greetings postcard to the person.

In S204, the CPU 22 determines whether one or more pieces of address information were specified in S202. If the CPU 22 determines that one or more pieces of address information have been specified (YES in S204), that is, if the user receives a New Year's card from a person to whom the user has not sent a mourning postcard, the CPU 22 determines that one or more pieces of address information have been specified in S210. The number of address information mentioned above is determined as the number of winter greeting postcards to be created this year (hereinafter referred to as "predicted number of winter greeting cards"), and a notification screen SC7 including the predicted number of winter greeting cards is displayed on the display unit 12. The notification screen SC7 further includes a message indicating that a New Year's card has been received from the person to whom the mourning postcard has not been sent. Thereby, the user can know the predicted number of winter sheets. When S210 ends, the process of FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that not a single piece of address information has been specified (NO in S204), the CPU 22 skips S210 and ends the process of FIG.

Further, when the CPU 22 determines that all mourning printing flags 32a are "OFF" (NO at S200), that is, when the user is not mourning, the process proceeds to S220. In S220, the CPU 22 determines whether all New Year's card printing flags 31a in the address table 30 are "OFF". If the CPU 22 determines that all New Year's card printing flags 31a are "OFF" (YES in S220), that is, if not a single New Year's card has been created this year, the process proceeds to S222. On the other hand, if the CPU 22 determines that any New Year's card printing flag 31a is "ON" (NO in S220), that is, if one or more New Year's cards have been created this year, the CPU 22 performs the processing from S222 onwards. is skipped, and the process in FIG. 7 ends.

In S222, the CPU 22 determines whether any New Year's card reception flag 31b in the address table 30 is "ON". If the CPU 22 determines that any New Year's card reception flag 31b is "ON" (YES in S222), the process proceeds to S224. Here, the fact that any of the New Year's card reception flags 31b is "ON" means that the user has received a New Year's card from a person to whom the user has not sent a New Year's card, that is, the user should send a winter greeting postcard to that person. means.

In S224, the CPU 22 counts the number of New Year's card reception flags 31b set to "ON". Then, the CPU 22 determines the counted number as the number of New Year's cards received this year (hereinafter referred to as the "number of New Year's cards received").

In S230, the CPU 22 determines the number of New Year's cards received determined in S224 as the predicted number of New Year's cards, and displays a notification screen SC8 including the predicted number of New Year's cards on the display unit 12. The notification screen SC8 further includes a message indicating that the New Year's card has been received. Thereby, the user can know the predicted number of winter sheets. When S230 ends, the process of FIG. 7 ends.

Further, when the CPU 22 determines that all New Year's card reception flags 31b are "OFF" (NO in S222), the CPU 22 skips S224 and S230 and ends the process of FIG. 7.

(Specific example of predicted number of New Year's cards; Figure 8)
With reference to FIG. 8, a specific example of the predicted number of New Year's cards predicted by the predicted number of New Year's cards processing of FIG. 5 will be described.

(Pattern P1-1)
Pattern P1-1 assumes the following situation. Because 40 New Year's cards were created last year, the number of New Year's cards printed "40" is stored in the memory 24 (S22 in FIG. 3). The mourning setting flag 40 is set to "ON" (S148 in FIG. 5). Due to the scanning of the two mourning postcards received by the user (T150 to T160 in FIG. 2), two mourning reception flags corresponding to the two pieces of address information are set to "ON". (In other words, the number of coins received during mourning is “2”). Additionally, the current number of addresses has increased by five from the number of addresses as of February last year. Therefore, the increase/decrease number is "+5" (S172 in FIG. 6).

The terminal device 10 receives an instruction to start the postcard application 28 from the user from December 1st to January 6th of this fiscal year (T100 in FIG. 2). Since the number of printed New Year's cards is one or more (YES in S100 of FIG. 5), the terminal device 10 determines the number of printed New Year's cards "40" as the provisional number of New Year's cards "40" (S102). Since the two mourning receipt flags 32b indicate "ON" (YES in S160 of FIG. 6), the terminal device 10 determines the number of mourning receipts "2" (S162). The terminal device 10 calculates the increase/decrease number "+5" (S172). Then, since the mourning setting flag 40 is "ON" (YES in S174), the terminal device 10 adds the increase/decrease number "+5" to the temporary number of New Year's cards "40" without using the number "2" of the number received during mourning. Then, the predicted number of New Year's cards "45" is calculated (S176). As a result, the terminal device 10 displays a notification screen including the predicted number of New Year's cards "45" (S190).

(Pattern P1-2)
Pattern P1-2 is similar to pattern P1-1 except that the mourning setting flag 40 is set to "OFF". In this case, since the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF" (NO in S174 of FIG. 6), the terminal device 10 calculates the subtraction value by subtracting the number of mourning cards received "2" from the temporary number of New Year's cards "40". Then, the predicted number of New Year's cards "43" is calculated by adding the increase/decrease number "+5" to the subtracted value (S178). As a result, the terminal device 10 displays a notification screen including the predicted number of New Year's cards "43" (S190).

As shown in the above patterns P1-1 and P1-2, when the terminal device 10 receives an instruction to start the postcard application 28 from the user from December 1st to January 6th of this fiscal year, The predicted number of New Year's cards printed "45" (or 43) is predicted using the number of New Year's cards printed last year "40", and the user is notified of the predicted number of New Year's cards "45 (or 43)". Thereby, the terminal device 10 can predict and notify the user of the number of New Year's cards that will be consumed by the printer.

Further, the terminal device 10 calculates the predicted number of New Year's cards "45 (or 43)" using the number of New Year's cards added to the provisional number of New Year's cards "40" and the increase/decrease number "+5". As a result, when new address information is stored in the address table 30 after the period during which New Year's cards of the previous year were exchanged (i.e., from December 1st to January 6th), the terminal device 10 stores the new address information. The user can be informed of the appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards, taking into account the creation of New Year's cards with address information as the destination.

Further, the terminal device 10 calculates the predicted number of New Year's cards "43" using the number of New Year's cards printed "40" minus the number of New Year's cards received during mourning "2" (pattern P1-2). Thereby, the terminal device 10 can notify a user who does not send a New Year's card to the sender of a mourning postcard of an appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards excluding the number of received New Year's cards "2" during the mourning period.

Also, whether the terminal device 10 calculates the predicted number of New Year's cards "43" using the number of New Year's cards received during mourning "2" (pattern P1-2), depending on whether the mourning flag is "ON" or "OFF", Change whether to calculate the predicted number of New Year's cards "45" without using the number "2" (pattern P1-1). Thereby, the terminal device 10 can notify the user of an appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards according to the user's intention.

(Pattern P2)
Pattern P2 assumes the following situation. Because 40 mourning postcards were created without a single New Year's card being created last year, the memory 24 stores the number of New Year's cards printed as "0" and the number of mourning cards as "40" ( S22 in FIG. 3). The mourning setting flag 40 is set to "OFF" (S148 in FIG. 5). Also, like the patterns P1-1 and P1-2 above, the number of increases and decreases is "+5". Since the number of New Year's cards printed is 0 and the number of printed New Year's cards is 1 or more (NO in S100 in FIG. 5, YES in S110), the terminal device 10 sets the number of printed New Year's cards "40" to the provisional number of New Year's cards "40". 40'' (S112). Since the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF" (NO in S174), the terminal device 10 calculates a subtraction value by subtracting the number of New Year's cards received during mourning "2" from the provisional number of New Year's cards "40", and further calculates the subtraction value. The predicted number of New Year's cards "43" is calculated by adding the increase/decrease number "+5" to the number (S178). As a result, the terminal device 10 displays a notification screen including the predicted number of New Year's cards "43" (S190).

As shown in pattern P2 above, when no New Year's cards were created last year and mourning postcards were created, the terminal device 10 uses the number of mourning postcards "40" from the previous year to predict New Year's cards. The number of New Year's cards is predicted to be 43, and the user is notified of the predicted number of New Year's cards. Thereby, the user can know the appropriate predicted number of New Year's cards based on the past year's track record of creating mourning postcards.

(Pattern P3)
In pattern P3, since neither a single New Year's card nor a single mourning postcard was created in the last year, the memory 24 stores the number of printed New Year's cards "0" and the number of printed pages during mourning "0". (S22 in FIG. 3). However, because 40 summer greeting postcards have been created this year, the number of summer greeting cards "40" is stored in the memory 24 (S12 in FIG. 3). Additionally, the current number of addresses has increased by four from the number of addresses as of August of this year. The other situations are similar to the above pattern P2. In the terminal device 10, the number of New Year's cards printed and the number of printed pages during mourning is 0, and the number of printed pages during the summer is 1 or more (NO in S100 in FIG. 5, NO in S110, and YES in S120), so the number of printed pages during the summer is "40" is determined as the provisional number of New Year's cards "40" (S122). Since the mourning setting flag 40 is "OFF" (NO in S174), the terminal device 10 calculates a subtraction value by subtracting the number of New Year's cards received during mourning "2" from the provisional number of New Year's cards "40", and further calculates the subtraction value. The predicted number of New Year's cards "42" is calculated by adding the increase/decrease number "+4" to the number (S178). As a result, the terminal device 10 displays a notification screen including the predicted number of New Year's cards "42" (S190).

As shown in pattern P3 above, if no New Year's cards or mourning postcards were created last year, and if summer greeting postcards were created this year, the terminal device 10 determines the number of summer greeting postcards for this year. The predicted number of New Year's cards "42" is predicted using "40" and the predicted number of New Year's cards "42" is notified to the user. Thereby, the user can know the appropriate predicted number of New Year's postcards based on the record of creating summer greeting postcards this year.

(Specific example of predicted number of winter sheets)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a pattern P4 and a pattern P5 showing specific examples of the predicted number of winter sheets predicted by the predicted winter sheet number process of FIG. 7 will be described. In these patterns, the address table 30 stores ten pieces of address information AI1 to AI10.

(Pattern P4)
In pattern P4, due to the fact that eight mourning postcards were created this year to which eight address information AI3 to AI10 were sent (T120 in Figure 2), eight address information AI3 to AI10 were sent. The eight corresponding mourning print flags 32a are set to "ON" (T124). On the other hand, the two mourning printing flags 32a corresponding to the two pieces of address information AI1 and AI2 are set to "OFF". Furthermore, due to the scanning of the two New Year's cards received by the user, two New Year's card reception flags 31b corresponding to the two pieces of address information AI1 and AI2 that are the senders of the two New Year's cards are is set to "ON" (T150 to T160 in FIG. 2).

The terminal device 10 receives an instruction to start the postcard application 28 from the user from January 7th to January 31st of this year (T100 in FIG. 2). Since the eight mourning printing flags 32a are set to "ON" (YES in S200 in FIG. 7), the terminal device 10 selects the mourning printing flags 32a set to "OFF" from address information AI1 to AI10. Two pieces of address information AI1 and AI2 that are associated with both the flag 32a and the New Year's card reception flag 31b that is set to "ON" are identified (S202). The terminal device 10 determines the number "2" of the identified address information AI1 and AI2 as the predicted number of winter tickets "2", and displays a notification screen including the predicted number of winter tickets "2" (S210).

As shown in pattern P4 above, when the terminal device 10 receives a New Year's card from a person to whom no mourning postcard has been sent, that is, when a winter greetings postcard should be sent to the person concerned, the terminal device 10 provides address information of the person concerned. The number "2" of AI1 and AI2 is determined as the predicted number of winter sheets "2", and a notification screen including the predicted number of winter sheets "2" is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to notify the user of an appropriate predicted number of winter sheets.

(Pattern P5)
In this pattern, neither a single New Year's card nor a single mourning postcard has been created this year. Therefore, 10 New Year's card printing flags 31a and mourning printing flags 32a corresponding to 10 pieces of address information AI1 to AI10 are set to "OFF". Also, due to the scanning of the eight New Year's cards received by the user, eight New Year's card reception flags 31b corresponding to the eight pieces of address information AI1 to AI8 from which the eight New Year's cards were sent are displayed. is set to "ON" (T150 to T160 in FIG. 2).

Since all the New Year's card printing flags 31a in the address table 30 are "OFF" and the eight New Year's card receiving flags 31b are "ON" (YES in S220 and YES in S222 in FIG. 7), the terminal device 10 ), the number of received New Year's cards "8" is determined (S224), the number of New Year's cards received "8" is determined as the predicted number of winter cards "8", and a notification screen including the predicted number of winter cards "8" is displayed (S230).

As shown in pattern P5 above, when the user receives a New Year's card from a person to whom the user has not sent a New Year's card, in other words, when a winter greeting postcard should be sent to the person, the terminal device 10 determines the address of the person. The number of New Year's cards to be received, "8", which is the number of pieces of information, is determined as the predicted number of New Year's cards "8", and a notification screen including the predicted number of New Year's cards, "8", is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to notify the user of an appropriate predicted number of winter sheets.

(correspondence)
Multi-function device 100 is an example of a "printer". A New Year's card image and a mourning image are examples of a "first type of greeting card image" and a "second type of greeting card image," respectively. In FIG. 1, the New Year's card printing flag 31a indicating "ON", the mourning printing flag 32a indicating "ON", and the New Year's card receiving flag 31b indicating "ON" are respectively "New Year's card printing information", "Mourning printing information", and "New Year's card printing information". This is an example of "receipt information". Selection of the activation icon at T100 in FIG. 2 is an example of a "predetermined instruction." Selecting the scan icon A5 on the menu screen MS in FIG. 2 is an example of a "receipt instruction". December 1st to January 6th in S40 and January 7th to January 31st in S50 in FIG. 4 are examples of the "first period" and the "third period", respectively. The mourning setting flag 40 indicating "ON" and the inquiry screen SC3 in FIG. 5 are examples of "predetermined information" and "inquiry screen", respectively. The number of addresses as of February and the increase/decrease number in S172 of FIG. 6 are examples of the "actual number of addresses" and "number of differences," respectively. The number of printed New Year's cards "40" in pattern P1-1 in FIG. 8 and the number of printed pages during mourning "40" in pattern P2 in FIG. 8 are examples of the "first actual amount" and the "second actual amount", respectively. The predicted New Year's card number "45" in pattern P1-1 in FIG. 8 is an example of "first consumption information." The last year in FIG. 8 and the current year in FIG. 8 are examples of a "first year" and a "second year," respectively. The period during which mourning postcards were created last year is an example of the "second period." The predicted number of winter sheets "8" in pattern P5 in FIG. These are examples of "information" and "one or more address information."

T120 in FIG. 2 is an example of a process realized by the "first (or second, or third) print processing section." T124 and T160 in FIG. 2 are examples of processes realized by the "first (or third, fifth) information storage section" and "fourth (or sixth) information storage section", respectively. S22 in FIG. 3, and S12 or S22 in FIG. 3 are examples of processing realized by the "first actual amount storage section" and the "second actual amount storage section", respectively. S26 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process realized by the "address number storage section". S144 in FIG. 5 and S148 in FIG. 5 are examples of processes realized by the "inquiry screen control section" and the "second information storage section." S176 or S178 in FIG. 6 and S190 in FIG. 6 are examples of processing realized by the "first prediction unit" and the "first notification unit", respectively. S224 in FIG. 7 and S230 in FIG. 7 are examples of processing realized by the "second prediction unit" and the "second notification unit", respectively. S202 in FIG. 7 is an example of a process implemented by the "identification unit." S210 in FIG. 7 is an example of a process realized by the "third prediction unit" and the "third notification unit".

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 executes the process of predicting the number of New Year's cards during the period when New Year's cards are exchanged (from December 1st to January 6th) (S46 in FIG. 4). In place of this, the terminal device 10 calculates the number of other greeting cards to be created this year during the period in which greeting cards other than New Year's cards, such as summer greeting cards and Christmas cards, are exchanged. You may perform a process of predicting and notifying. In this modification, an image for creating a summer greeting postcard, a Christmas card, etc. is an example of a "first type greeting card image."

(Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 notifies the predicted number of New Year's cards (S190 in FIG. 6). Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may notify the predicted amount of ink that will be consumed by the multi-function device 100 when creating New Year's cards this year. In this case, when the terminal device 10 causes the multi-function device 100 to print a New Year's card image in the previous year (see T120 in FIG. 2), the terminal device 10 analyzes the image data representing the New Year's card image and prints the New Year's card image. It is also possible to estimate and store the amount of ink consumed. Note that the terminal device 10 may acquire and store the amount of ink consumed in printing the New Year's card image from the multi-function device 100. After calculating the predicted number of New Year's cards in S176 or S178 of FIG. 6, the terminal device 10 calculates the predicted amount of ink by multiplying the calculated predicted number of New Year's cards by the stored ink consumption amount. You may notify. In this modification, the stored ink consumption amount and predicted ink amount are examples of "first actual amount" and "first consumption amount information," respectively.

(Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 sets the New Year's card reception flag 31b to "ON" by causing the multi-function device 100 to scan the New Year's card received by the user (T160 in FIG. 2). ). Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may display, for each piece of address information in the address table 30, a check screen including a box for checking that a New Year's card has been received from the person with the address information. . Then, when a box on the check screen is selected by the user, the terminal device 10 may set the New Year's card reception flag 31b corresponding to the address information of the selected box to "ON". In this modification, selecting a box on the check screen is an example of a "receipt instruction".

(Modification 4) The terminal device 10 does not need to store the mourning printing flag 32a, and does not need to execute the process of S44 in FIG. 4. In this modification, the "first information storage section" can be omitted.

(Variation 5) The terminal device 10 may execute S176 after S172 without executing the processes of S160 to S166 and the processes of S174 and S178 in FIG. In this modification, S176 is an example of a process realized by the "first prediction unit".

(Variation 6) The memory 24 does not need to store the mourning setting flag 40, and the terminal device 10 does not execute the processes of S144 to S148 in FIG. 5 and S174 of FIG. 6, and executes S178 after S172. May be executed. In this modification, the "inquiry screen control section" and the "second information storage section" can be omitted.

(Modification 7) The address table 30 does not need to store the mourning printing flag 32a and the summer printing flag 34a. The terminal device 10 may execute only the process of setting the New Year's card printing flag 31a to "ON" at T124 in FIG. Then, the terminal device 10 does not have to execute the processes of S110 to S122 in FIG. In this modification, the "second actual amount storage section" can be omitted.

(Modification 8) The terminal device 10 does not have to execute the processes of S140 and S142 in FIG. In this modification, the "first prediction unit" does not need to use the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory.

(Modification 9) The terminal device 10 does not need to execute the process of S26 in FIG. 3 and the process of S172 in FIG. 6. In this modification, the "address number storage section" can be omitted.

(Modification 10) The terminal device 10 does not need to execute the processes of S220 to S230 in FIG. 7. In this modification, the "second prediction unit" and the "second notification unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 11) The terminal device 10 does not need to execute the processes of S200 to S210 in FIG. 7. In this modification, the "specification section", "third prediction section", and "third notification section" can be omitted.

(Modification 12) In each of the above-described embodiments, the CPU 22 of the terminal device 10 executes the programs 26 and 28 (ie, software), thereby realizing the processes shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Further, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. Furthermore, the techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.
The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.
(Item 1)
A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of greeting card image in a first period within a first year;
The first actual amount is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type greeting card image in the first period within the first year. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the terminal device;
In the first period within the second year following the first year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to calculate the amount within the second year. a first prediction for predicting first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print the first type greeting card image in the first period; Department and
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A computer program that functions as
(Item 2)
The computer program according to item 1, wherein the first consumption amount information is different from the first actual amount.
(Item 3)
The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the amount of consumables includes the number of print media.
(Item 4)
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first type of greeting card image is a New Year's card image for creating a New Year's card.
(Item 5)
The computer program further causes the computer to
a second print processing unit that causes the printer to print a mourning image for creating a mourning postcard;
a first information storage unit that stores, in the memory, mourning print information indicating that the printer is caused to print the mourning image when the printer is caused to print the mourning image;
function as
In the first period within the second year, when the predetermined instruction is received from the user and the mourning print information is not stored in the memory,
The first prediction unit predicts the first consumption information,
The first notification unit notifies the user of the first consumption information,
The first notification unit receives the predetermined instruction from the user during the first period within the second year, and when the mourning print information is stored in the memory, the first notification unit The computer program according to item 4, wherein the computer program does not notify the user of the consumption information of item 1.
(Item 6)
The amount of consumables includes the number of print media,
Item 4, wherein the first prediction unit predicts the first consumption amount information using an amount obtained by subtracting the number of mourning postcards received within the second fiscal year from the first actual amount. Or the computer program according to 5.
(Item 7)
The computer program further causes the computer to
an inquiry screen control unit that displays an inquiry screen on the display unit of the terminal device that asks the user whether or not to send a New Year's card to the sender of the mourning postcard;
a second information storage unit that stores predetermined information in the memory when the user selects on the inquiry screen to send the New Year's card to the sender of the mourning postcard;
function as
The first prediction unit includes:
When the predetermined information is not stored in the memory, the number of mourning postcards received within the second fiscal year is subtracted from the first actual amount to obtain the first Predict consumption information,
When the predetermined information is stored in the memory, the number of mourning postcards received within the second year is not used, but the first actual amount is used to obtain the first The computer program according to item 6, which predicts consumption information.
(Item 8)
The computer program further causes the computer to
third printing that causes the printer to print a second type of greeting card image different from the first type of greeting card image in a second period before the first period within the second year; a processing section;
a second actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the second type of greeting card image in the second period, in the memory; an actual amount storage unit,
function as
The first prediction unit includes:
In the first period within the first year, when the printer is caused to print the first type greeting card image, the first consumption amount is calculated using the first actual amount. predict information,
In the first period within the first year, the printer is not allowed to print the first type of greeting card image, and in the second period, the printer is not allowed to print the second type of greeting card image. 8. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 7, which, when executed by a printer, predicts the first consumption amount information using the second actual amount.
(Item 9)
The first prediction unit may print any of the greeting card images among the plurality of types of greeting card images including the first type greeting card image before the first period within the second year. The computer according to any one of items 1 to 8, which predicts the first consumption amount information by using the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory when the printer is not executed. program.
(Item 10)
The amount of consumables includes the number of print media,
The computer program further includes:
functioning as an address number storage unit that stores in the memory the actual number of addresses, which is the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory, when the first period within the first year ends;
The first prediction unit includes:
calculating a difference number by subtracting the actual number of addresses in the memory from the number of address information currently stored in the memory;
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 9, which predicts the first consumption amount information using an amount obtained by adding the difference number to the first actual amount.
(Item 11)
The first type of greeting card image is a New Year's card image for creating a New Year's card,
The computer program further causes the computer to
a third information storage unit that stores, in the memory, New Year's card printing information indicating that the printer is caused to print the New Year's card image when the printer prints the New Year's card image;
When receiving a receipt instruction from the user indicating that a New Year's card has been received within the second fiscal year, among the plurality of pieces of address information stored in the memory, address information of the sender of the received New Year's card; a fourth information storage unit that stores New Year's card reception information indicating that the New Year's card has been received in the memory in association with the New Year's card;
receiving the predetermined instruction from the user in a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year in a state where the New Year's card printing information is not stored in the memory; In this case, consumption by the printer when causing the printer to print a winter greeting image for creating a winter greeting postcard using the number of one or more pieces of the New Year's greeting information stored in the memory. a second prediction unit that predicts second consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables to be consumed;
a second notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted second consumption amount information;
function as
The computer according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the second notification unit does not notify the user of the second consumption amount information when the New Year's print information is stored in the memory. program.
(Item 12)
The first type of greeting card image is a New Year's card image for creating a New Year's card,
The computer program further causes the computer to
a second printing process that causes the printer to print a mourning image for creating a mourning postcard to be sent to the address information selected by the user from among the plurality of pieces of address information stored in the memory; Department and
a fifth information storage unit that stores in the memory the selected address information and mourning print information indicating that the printer has been caused to print the mourning image in association with each other;
When receiving a receipt instruction indicating that a New Year's card has been received from the user within the second fiscal year, among the plurality of pieces of address information, the said a sixth information storage unit that stores New Year's card reception information indicating that the New Year's card has been received in the memory;
a specifying unit that identifies one or more pieces of address information that are associated with the New Year's card receipt information and are not associated with the mourning printing information from among the plurality of pieces of address information;
In a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year, when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user, the number of pieces of the one or more pieces of address information that have been identified; A third method for predicting third consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print a midsummer greeting image for creating a midsummer greeting postcard using the following. A prediction section,
a third notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted third consumption amount information;
11. The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 10, which functions as a computer program.
(Item 13)
A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of greeting card image in a first period within a first year;
The first actual amount is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type greeting card image in the first period within the first year. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the terminal device;
In the first period within the second year following the first year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to calculate the amount within the second year. a first prediction for predicting first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print the first type greeting card image in the first period; Department and
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A terminal device comprising:

1: Terminal device, 2: Communication system, 10: Terminal device, 12: Display section, 14: Wireless LAN I/F, 20: Control section, 22: CPU, 24: Memory, 26: OS program, 28: Postcard application, 30: Address table, 31a: New Year's card printing flag, 31b: New Year's card receiving flag, 32a: Mourning printing flag, 32b: Mourning receiving flag, 33a: Winter printing flag, 34a: Hot summer printing flag, 40: Mourning setting flag, 100: Multi Functional device, A1: New Year's card icon, A2: Mourning icon, A3: Winter icon, A4: Hot summer icon, A5: Scan icon, AI1, AI2, AI3: Address information, MS: Menu screen, SC1: Confirmation screen, SC2: Notification Screen, SC3: Inquiry screen, SC4: Confirmation screen, SC5: Address input screen, SC6: Notification screen, SC7: Notification screen, SC8: Notification screen

Claims (13)

A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage section stored in a memory of the apparatus, wherein the amount of the consumable supplies includes the number of print media;
an inquiry screen control unit that displays an inquiry screen on the display unit of the terminal device that asks the user whether or not to send the first type of document to the sender of the second type of document;
second information for storing predetermined information in the memory when the user selects on the inquiry screen to send the first type document to the sender of the second type document; storage section and
In the case where the predetermined information is not stored in the memory and when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user during the first period within the second year following the first year, Send the first type in the first period within the second year by using the amount obtained by subtracting the number of type 2 documents received within the second year from the first actual amount. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print an image, the predetermined information being stored in the memory; In the case where the predetermined instruction is received from the user during the first period within the second year, the number of documents of the second type received within the second year is used. the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption amount information using the first actual amount without
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A computer program that functions as A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage section stored in a memory of the apparatus, wherein the amount of the consumable supplies includes the number of print media;
an address number storage unit that stores in the memory an actual number of addresses, which is the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory, when the first period within the first year ends;
When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user during the first period within the second year following the first year, the amount obtained by adding the difference number to the first actual amount in the memory is used. and first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print the first type sending image in the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts the number of addresses, wherein the number of differences is calculated by subtracting the actual number of addresses in the memory from the number of address information currently stored in the memory; a prediction unit,
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A computer program that functions as A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
a third print processing unit that causes the printer to print a second type of sending image different from the first type of sending image in a second period within the first year;
a second actual amount, which is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes printing of the second type of sending image in the second period, in the memory; an actual amount storage unit;
In the case where the printer is caused to print the first type sending image during the first period within the first year, the first period within the second year following the first year. When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to print the first type of sending image in the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to perform the operation, In the case where the printer is not caused to print the first type sending image and the printer is made to print the second type sending image during the second period, the second type sending image within the second year is the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption amount information using the second actual amount when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user in a period of 1;
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A computer program that functions as The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first type of sending image is a specific image for creating a specific postcard. A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image, which is a third type image for creating a third type document, in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
Third information for storing third type printing information in the memory indicating that the printer is caused to print the third type image when the printer is caused to print the third type image. storage section and
When receiving a receipt instruction from a user indicating that the third type of document has been received within the second year following the first year, among the plurality of pieces of address information stored in the memory, a fourth information storage unit that stores third type receipt information indicating that the third type document has been received in the memory in association with address information of the sender of the third type document that has already been received; ,
In the first period within the second year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to determine the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print the first type of sending image;
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
The predetermined instruction is received from the user in a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year in a state where the third type printing information is not stored in the memory. When accepting a document, the number of one or more pieces of the third type receipt information stored in the memory is used to cause the printer to print a fourth type image for creating a fourth type document. a second prediction unit that predicts second consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables consumed by the printer during execution;
a second notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted second consumption amount information when the third type print information is not stored in the memory; the second notification unit, wherein the second consumption amount information is not notified to the user when stored in a memory;
A computer program that functions as A computer program for a terminal device,
The computer of the terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image, which is a fifth type image for creating a fifth type document, in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
In the first period within the second year following the first year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to calculate the amount within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print the first type of sending image in the first period of and,
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
causing the printer to print a sixth type of image for creating a sixth type of document to be sent to the address information selected by the user among the plurality of address information stored in the memory; a second print processing unit that causes
a fifth information storage unit that stores in the memory the selected address information and sixth type printing information indicating that the printer has caused the printer to print the sixth type image;
When receiving a receipt instruction from the user indicating that the fifth type document has been received within the second year, the sender of the received fifth type document among the plurality of address information; a sixth information storage unit that stores in the memory fifth type receipt information indicating that the fifth type document has been received in association with address information;
a specifying unit that identifies one or more pieces of address information that are associated with the fifth type receipt information and are not associated with the sixth type print information from among the plurality of address information;
In a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year, when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user, the number of pieces of the one or more pieces of address information that have been identified; is used to predict third consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print a seventh type image for creating a seventh type document. a third prediction unit that performs
a third notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted third consumption amount information;
A computer program that functions as The computer program product according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the amount of consumables includes the number of print media. The computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first consumption amount information is different from the first actual amount. A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage section stored in a memory of the apparatus, wherein the amount of the consumable supplies includes the number of print media;
an inquiry screen control unit that displays an inquiry screen on the display unit of the terminal device that asks the user whether or not to send the first type of document to the sender of the second type of document;
second information for storing predetermined information in the memory when the user selects on the inquiry screen to send the first type document to the sender of the second type document; storage section and
In the case where the predetermined information is not stored in the memory and when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user during the first period within the second year following the first year, Send the first type in the first period within the second year by using the amount obtained by subtracting the number of type 2 documents received within the second year from the first actual amount. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print an image, the predetermined information being stored in the memory; In the case where the predetermined instruction is received from the user during the first period within the second year, the number of documents of the second type received within the second year is used. the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption amount information using the first actual amount without
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage section stored in a memory of the apparatus, wherein the amount of the consumable supplies includes the number of print media;
an address number storage unit that stores in the memory an actual number of addresses, which is the number of pieces of address information stored in the memory, when the first period within the first year ends;
When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user during the first period within the second year following the first year, the amount obtained by adding the difference number to the first actual amount in the memory is used. and first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print the first type sending image in the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts the number of addresses, wherein the number of differences is calculated by subtracting the actual number of addresses in the memory from the number of address information currently stored in the memory; a prediction unit,
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type of sending image in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
a third print processing unit that causes the printer to print a second type of sending image different from the first type of sending image in a second period within the first year;
a second actual amount, which is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer executes printing of the second type of sending image in the second period, in the memory; an actual amount storage unit;
In the case where the printer is caused to print the first type sending image during the first period within the first year, the first period within the second year following the first year. When receiving a predetermined instruction from a user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to print the first type of sending image in the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is an amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to perform the operation, In the case where the printer is not caused to print the first type sending image and the printer is made to print the second type sending image during the second period, the second type sending image within the second year is the first prediction unit that predicts the first consumption amount information using the second actual amount when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user in a period of 1;
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image, which is a third type image for creating a third type document, in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
Third information for storing third type printing information in the memory indicating that the printer is caused to print the third type image when the printer is caused to print the third type image. storage section and
When receiving a receipt instruction from a user indicating that the third type of document has been received within the second year following the first year, among the plurality of pieces of address information stored in the memory, a fourth information storage unit that stores third type receipt information indicating that the third type document has been received in the memory in association with address information of the sender of the third type document that has already been received; ,
In the first period within the second year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to determine the first period within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print the first type of sending image;
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
The predetermined instruction is received from the user in a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year in a state where the third type printing information is not stored in the memory. When accepting a document, the number of one or more pieces of the third type receipt information stored in the memory is used to cause the printer to print a fourth type image for creating a fourth type document. a second prediction unit that predicts second consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables consumed by the printer during execution;
a second notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted second consumption amount information when the third type print information is not stored in the memory; the second notification unit, wherein the second consumption amount information is not notified to the user when stored in a memory;
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device,
a first print processing unit that causes a printer to print a first type sending image, which is a fifth type image for creating a fifth type document, in a first period within a first year;
A first actual amount, which is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer prints the first type of sending image during the first period within the first year, is determined by the terminal. a first actual amount storage unit stored in the memory of the device;
In the first period within the second year following the first year, when receiving a predetermined instruction from the user, the first actual amount in the memory is used to calculate the amount within the second year. a first prediction unit that predicts first consumption amount information that is the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when the printer is caused to print the first type of sending image in the first period of and,
a first notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted first consumption information;
causing the printer to print a sixth type of image for creating a sixth type of document to be sent to the address information selected by the user among the plurality of address information stored in the memory; a second print processing unit that causes
a fifth information storage unit that stores in the memory the selected address information and sixth type printing information indicating that the printer has caused the printer to print the sixth type image;
When receiving a receipt instruction from the user indicating that the fifth type document has been received within the second year, the sender of the received fifth type document among the plurality of address information; a sixth information storage unit that stores in the memory fifth type receipt information indicating that the fifth type document has been received in association with address information;
a specifying unit that identifies one or more pieces of address information that are associated with the fifth type receipt information and are not associated with the sixth type printing information from among the plurality of address information;
In a third period within the second year after the first period within the second year, when receiving the predetermined instruction from the user, the number of pieces of the one or more pieces of address information that have been identified; is used to predict third consumption amount information indicating the amount of consumables consumed by the printer when causing the printer to print a seventh type image for creating a seventh type document. a third prediction unit that performs
a third notification unit that notifies the user of the predicted third consumption amount information;
A terminal device comprising: