JP7743773B2 - Computer program for a control device, a method executed by the control device, and the control device - Google Patents

Description

This specification relates to a control device that executes processes related to an image forming device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for estimating the period until a printer becomes unable to print. Specifically, the printer repeatedly sends ink information to an information management server at preset times. The information management server calculates the period during which printing is possible using a straight line that passes through a point indicating the remaining ink amount according to the reference ink information and a point indicating the latest remaining ink amount.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-047537

This specification provides technology that can more accurately calculate the predicted timing when the remaining amount of colorant in a colorant cartridge will fall below a predetermined threshold.

This specification discloses a computer program for a control device. The computer program controls the computer of the control device to include the following components: an acquisition component that acquires remaining amount-related information related to the remaining amount of colorant in a colorant cartridge installed in an image forming device at each of a plurality of timings; a first calculation component that calculates a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a predetermined threshold using M timings (M is an integer of 2 or greater) among the plurality of timings and the M pieces of remaining amount-related information acquired at the M timings; and a second calculation component that calculates a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a predetermined threshold using N timings (N is an integer of 2 or greater) among the plurality of timings and the N timings. and the N remaining amount relationship information acquired in the above step 10, the second calculation unit calculates a second predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, where the oldest of the N timings is newer than the oldest of the M timings; a third calculation unit calculates a third predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, using the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing; and an output control unit executes output processing using the third predicted timing.

With the above configuration, the control device uses M timings from the multiple timings and the M pieces of remaining amount-related information acquired at those M timings to calculate a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a threshold. The control device also uses N timings from the multiple timings and the N pieces of remaining amount-related information acquired at those N timings to calculate a second predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a threshold. The oldest timing from the N timings is newer than the oldest timing from the M timings. The control device then uses the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing to calculate a third predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a threshold. In this way, the control device calculates two predicted timings and uses them to calculate the third predicted timing, thereby more appropriately calculating the predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will fall below a predetermined threshold.

A control device implemented by the above computer program and a computer-readable recording medium storing the above computer program are also novel and useful. Furthermore, a method executed by the above control device is also novel and useful.

1 shows the configuration of a communication system. 1 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a management server. 10 shows a flowchart of a second estimated date calculation process. A graph for explaining specific case A is shown below. A graph for explaining a specific case B is shown.

(Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1)
1, the communication system 2 includes a management server 10, a printer 100, and a service server 500. The devices 10, 100, and 500 can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

(Configuration of printer 100)
The printer 100 is a peripheral device (e.g., a peripheral device of a terminal device, not shown) capable of performing a printing function. In a modified example, the printer 100 may be a multi-function device capable of performing a scanning function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to a printing function. The printer 100 performs printing using color materials (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) stored in a color material cartridge (not shown) that is detachable from the main body of the printer 100. The following describes an example in which the printer 100 has an inkjet printing mechanism. In a modified example, the printer 100 may have a laser printing mechanism. In addition, the cartridge will be referred to as "CTG" below. The printer 100 is assigned a serial number SN1. The serial number SN1 is a unique character string assigned by the printer 100 vendor when multiple printers having the same model name MN1 as the printer 100 are manufactured.

The printer 100 stores in memory (not shown) the current remaining amount R, which indicates the current amount of ink remaining in the ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100. When a new ink CTG is installed, the printer 100 updates the current remaining amount R in memory to 100%. The printer 100 then updates the current remaining amount R each time printing is performed. Specifically, when the printer 100 acquires image data representing the image to be printed, it uses the image data to estimate the amount of ink required to print the image. When the image is printed, the printer 100 then updates the current remaining amount R by subtracting the estimated amount of ink used from the current remaining amount R. In a variant, the printer 100 may be equipped with a sensor that measures the amount of ink remaining in the ink CTG, and the current remaining amount R may be updated each time the sensor measures the amount of ink remaining.

(Configuration of management server 10)
The management server 10 is a server for managing multiple printers, including the printer 100. The management server 10 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 100. In a modified example, the management server 10 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business entity other than the vendor. In another modified example, the vendor of the printer 100 may not prepare the hardware for the management server 10 on its own, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor of the printer 100 may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the management server 10 and implement the program in the above-described environment to realize the management server 10.

The management server 10 includes a network interface 12 and a control unit 20. Each unit 12, 20 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I/F." The network I/F 12 is connected to the Internet 6.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes in accordance with a program 26 stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

In addition to the above program 26, the memory 24 stores multiple pieces of registration information RI1 to RI3. When the CPU 22 receives a registration instruction from the printer 100, including the serial number SN1 of the printer 100, it registers the serial number SN1 in the memory 24. The CPU 22 then associates the registration information RI1 with the serial number SN1 and stores it in the memory 24. The registration information RI1 includes address information AI1 indicating the address of the user of the printer 100, and history information HI1 indicating the history of the remaining ink level. When the CPU 22 receives a registration instruction from a printer (not shown) other than the printer 100, it stores the registration information RI2, RI3, etc. in the memory 24, just as it did for the printer 100.

When the user inputs address information AI1 into printer 100 after serial number SN1 has been registered in memory 24, CPU 22 acquires address information AI1 from printer 100 and registers the address information AI1 in memory 24 in association with serial number SN1. In a variant, CPU 22 may accept access from a terminal device of the user of printer 100 and acquire address information AI1 from the terminal device.

The CPU 22 repeatedly acquires remaining amount information from the printer 100 at a predetermined cycle (every 12 hours in this embodiment). Specifically, for example, the CPU of the printer 100 transmits (i.e., uploads) the remaining amount information to the management server 100 at the predetermined cycle. The CPU 22 of the management server 100 then acquires the remaining amount information by receiving the remaining amount information transmitted from the printer 100 at the predetermined cycle. The remaining amount information includes the serial number SN1, model name MN1, and current remaining amount R. Each time the CPU 22 receives remaining amount information from the printer 100, it associates the date and time the remaining amount information was acquired with the remaining amount R included in the remaining amount information and adds them to the history information HI1. As a result, history information HI1 containing multiple remaining amounts at multiple dates and times is stored in the memory 24.

The CPU 22 can also obtain remaining amount information from the printer 100 at a predetermined timing different from the above-mentioned predetermined cycle. Examples of predetermined timing include when the printer 100 is turned on, or when the cover of the printer 100's housing is opened and then closed to install or remove an ink CTG installed in the printer 100. For example, the CPU of the printer 100 transmits (i.e., uploads) the remaining amount information to the management server 10 at the above-mentioned predetermined timing. The CPU 22 of the management server 10 then receives the remaining amount information transmitted from the printer 100 at the predetermined timing, thereby obtaining the remaining amount information.

The CPU 22 deletes the current history information HI1 each time an ink CTG is replaced in the printer 100. Specifically, for example, when the CPU 22 acquires remaining amount information, it compares the current remaining amount R contained in the remaining amount information with the most recent remaining amount contained in the history information HI1. If the current remaining amount R is greater than the most recent remaining amount contained in the history information HI1, the CPU 22 determines that an ink CTG has been replaced in the printer 100 and deletes the history information HI1. The CPU 22 then stores new history information HI1 that includes the date and time the remaining amount information was acquired and the current remaining amount R contained in the remaining amount information. In other words, the history information HI1 does not include remaining amount information for ink CTGs that were previously installed in the printer 100, but does include remaining amount information for ink CTGs currently installed in the printer 100.

(Configuration of service server 500)
The service server 500 is a server that provides a shipping service for ink CTGs. The service server 500 may be installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the management server 10, or may be installed by a business other than the vendor. In a modified example, the vendor of the printer 100 may not prepare the hardware for the service server 500 itself, but may instead use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor of the printer 100 may prepare a program (i.e., software) for the service server 500 and implement the service server 500 by installing it in the above-mentioned environment. Upon receiving order information from the management server 10, the service server 500 ships the ink CTG to the address indicated by the address information included in the order information.

(Processing of the management server 10; FIGS. 2 and 3)
Next, the process executed by the CPU 22 of the management server 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The process of Figure 2 is executed while the power of the management server 10 is ON.

In S10, the CPU 22 monitors whether remaining amount information is being acquired from a printer (e.g., printer 100) via the network I/F 12. The remaining amount information is acquired from the printer every 12 hours or at a predetermined timing other than every 12 hours. When the CPU 22 acquires remaining amount information from the printer (YES in S10), it identifies the registration information (e.g., RI1) associated with the serial number (e.g., SN1) included in the remaining amount information and proceeds to S12. The following explanation will continue using the example of identifying registration information RI1 corresponding to printer 100.

In S12, the CPU 22 identifies the date and time when the remaining amount information was acquired in S10 and the current remaining amount R included in the acquired remaining amount information, associates these, and adds them to the history information HI1 included in the registration information RI1. Hereinafter, the date and time when the remaining amount information was acquired in S10 will be referred to as the "latest date and time," and the current remaining amount R included in the acquired remaining amount information will be referred to as the "latest remaining amount R."

In S14, the CPU 22 determines whether the latest remaining amount R is 50% or less. In a modified example, a threshold other than 50% may be used. If the latest remaining amount R is greater than 50% (NO in S14), the CPU 22 ends the processing of FIG. 2 without executing the processing from S16 onwards. On the other hand, if the latest remaining amount R is 50% or less (YES in S14), the CPU 22 proceeds to S16.

In S16, the CPU 22 identifies the date and time when the ink CTG was replaced and the remaining amount from the history information HI1. Specifically, from the history information HI1, the CPU 22 identifies the oldest date and time and the remaining amount associated with that oldest date and time (hereinafter referred to as the "oldest remaining amount"). As described above, in this embodiment, each time an ink CTG is replaced in the printer 100, old history information is deleted and new history information is stored. Therefore, the oldest date and time included in the history information HI1 represents the date and time when the ink CTG was replaced in the printer 100.

In S20, the CPU 22 calculates a first predicted line using the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R identified in S12 and the oldest date and time and oldest remaining amount identified in S16. The first predicted line is, for example, a line in which the date and time and the remaining amount are represented on the horizontal and vertical axes, respectively. First, the CPU 22 calculates the difference between the latest date and time and the oldest date and time. Next, the CPU 22 calculates the difference between the latest remaining amount R and the oldest remaining amount. The CPU 22 then calculates the slope by dividing the latter by the former. Next, the CPU 22 calculates, as the first predicted line, a line that passes through the points indicating the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R (or the oldest date and time and oldest remaining amount) and has the calculated slope. In other words, the first predicted line is a line that passes through two points: the point indicating the oldest date and time and oldest remaining amount, and the point indicating the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R. As described above, the first predicted line is calculated based on the oldest remaining amount and the latest remaining amount R, so it can be said that the first predicted line reflects the long-term trend in ink usage.

In S22, the CPU 22 calculates the first predicted date Xall. Specifically, the CPU 22 calculates the date corresponding to 0% remaining on the first predicted line calculated in S20 as the first predicted date Xall. In other words, the first predicted date Xall is the date when ink will run out predicted based on long-term trends in ink usage. Note that in a modified example, instead of 0%, a small value such as 1% or 2% may be used as the remaining amount corresponding to the first predicted date Xall. In other words, the first predicted date Xall may be any date on which it is predicted that the printer 100 will effectively be unable to perform printing.

In S30, the CPU 22 executes a second predicted date calculation process. As will be described in more detail below, the second predicted date Xrec calculated by the second predicted date calculation process is the ink depletion date predicted based on short-term ink usage trends.

In S40, the CPU 22 calculates the predicted date X. Specifically, the predicted date X is calculated by calculating a weighted average of the first predicted date Xall calculated in S22 and the second predicted date Xrec calculated in S30. In this embodiment, the weight coefficient of the weighted average is calculated based on the latest remaining amount R. Specifically, the CPU 22 first determines the value obtained by dividing the latest remaining amount R by 50 (i.e., R/50) as the weight coefficient of the first predicted date Xall. Next, the CPU 22 determines the value obtained by subtracting the latest remaining amount R from 50 and dividing the result by 50 (i.e., (50-R)/50) as the weight coefficient of the second predicted date Xrec. In other words, the predicted date X is calculated using the formula "X = (R/50)Xall + ((50-R)/50)Xrec". In this way, in this embodiment, each weighting coefficient is determined linearly based on the latest remaining amount R.

In this way, the predicted date X is calculated by calculating the weighted average of the two predicted dates Xall and Xrec. In particular, in the above formula, the larger the latest remaining amount R, the larger the weighting coefficient for Xall, and the smaller the latest remaining amount R, the larger the weighting coefficient for Xrec. Typically, the larger the latest remaining amount R, the more reliable the first predicted date Xall, which is based on long-term trends in ink usage, and the smaller the latest remaining amount R, the more reliable the second predicted date Xrec, which is based on short-term trends in ink usage. Therefore, by calculating the weighted average of the two predicted dates Xall and Xrec, the management server 10 can calculate an appropriate predicted date X according to the latest remaining amount R.

In S42, the CPU 22 determines whether the period from today to the predicted date X is within 20 days. In a modified example, a period other than 20 days may be used. If the CPU 22 determines that the period from today to the predicted date X is within 20 days (YES in S42), it proceeds to S44. If the period from today to the predicted date X is greater than 20 days (NO in S42), it terminates the processing of FIG. 2 without executing the processing of S44.

In S44, the CPU 22 supplies order information to the service server 500. The order information includes address information AI1 and CTG information contained in the registration information RI1. The CTG information is information (e.g., CTG model number) indicating the type of ink CTG compatible with the printer 100 model indicated by the model name contained in the remaining amount information acquired in S10. The service server 500 then dispatches the ink CTG indicated by the CTG information to the user's address indicated by the address information AI1. When the processing of S44 ends, the processing of FIG. 2 ends.

(Second predicted date Xrec calculation process; FIG. 3)
Next, the second predicted date Xrec calculation process of S30 in Fig. 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In S50, the CPU 22 sets the value of n to 1.

In S52, the CPU 22 identifies the nth date and time before the most recent date and time and the remaining amount associated with that date and time from the history information HI1.

In S54, the CPU 22 determines whether the difference between the latest date and time and the date and time identified in S52 is 12 hours or more. If the difference is 12 hours or more, the CPU 22 determines YES in S54 and proceeds to S60. On the other hand, if the difference is less than 12 hours, the CPU 22 determines NO in S54 and proceeds to S56.

In S56, the CPU 22 increments the value of n by 1. The CPU 22 then uses the incremented value of n to execute the processes of S52 and S54 again.

In S60, the CPU 22 calculates a second predicted line using the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R identified in S12 of FIG. 2 and the date and time and remaining amount identified in S52 (hereinafter referred to as the "specific date and time" and "specific remaining amount"). The second predicted line is, for example, a line in which the date and time and the remaining amount are represented on the horizontal and vertical axes, respectively. First, the CPU 22 calculates the difference between the latest date and time and the specific date and time. Next, the CPU 22 calculates the difference between the latest remaining amount R and the specific remaining amount. The CPU 22 then calculates the slope by dividing the latter by the former. Next, the CPU 22 calculates, as the second predicted line, a line that passes through the points indicating the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R (or the specific date and time and specific remaining amount) and has the calculated slope. In other words, the second predicted line is a line that passes through two points: the point indicating the specific date and time and specific remaining amount, and the point indicating the latest date and time and latest remaining amount R. Furthermore, the specific date and time is newer than the oldest date and time (i.e., the date and time when the CTG was replaced). As described above, the second predicted line is calculated based on the specific remaining amount and the latest remaining amount R, so it can be said that the second predicted line reflects the short-term trend in ink usage.

In S62, the CPU 22 calculates the second predicted date Xrec. Specifically, the CPU 22 calculates the date corresponding to 0% remaining ink on the second predicted line calculated in S60 as the second predicted date Xrec. In other words, the second predicted date Xrec is the date when ink will run out, predicted based on short-term ink usage trends. In a modified example, instead of 0%, a small value such as 1% or 2% may be used as the remaining ink corresponding to the second predicted date Xrec. In other words, the second predicted date Xrec may be any date on which it is predicted that the printer 100 will effectively be unable to perform printing. When the processing of S62 ends, the processing of FIG. 3 ends.

(Case A; Figure 4)
Next, a specific case A will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the graph shown in Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents date and time, and the vertical axis represents the remaining ink amount. Each point in the graph represents the remaining amount at each date and time included in the history information HI1. This is the same for Figure 5 below. In case A, the management server 10 obtains remaining amount information from the printer 100 only at a predetermined interval. In other words, the period between adjacent dates and times (for example, the period between date and time D3 and date and time D4) is 12 hours.

In this case, the management server 10 obtains the latest remaining amount information from the printer 100 at the latest date and time D4 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2). In this case, the management server 10 identifies the latest date and time D4 and the latest remaining amount R4 (i.e., the current remaining amount R included in the remaining amount information) (S12). In this case, the latest remaining amount R4 is 50% or less (YES in S14). In this case, the management server 10 first identifies the oldest date and time D1 and the oldest remaining amount R1 from the history information HI1 (S16). Then, the management server 10 calculates the first predicted line L1 using the latest date and time D4 and the latest remaining amount R4, as well as the oldest date and time D1 and the oldest remaining amount R1 (S20). Furthermore, the management server 10 calculates the day on the first predicted line L1 corresponding to 0% remaining amount, i.e., the day on which the first predicted line L1 intersects with the horizontal axis, as the first predicted day Xall (S22).

Furthermore, the management server 10 identifies the date and time D3 immediately before the most recent date and time and the remaining amount R3 at that date and time D3 from the history information HI1 (S50, S52 in Figure 3). In this case, since the difference between the most recent date and time D4 and date and time D3 is 12 hours (YES in S54), the management server 10 calculates a second forecast line L2 using the most recent date and time D4 and the most recent remaining amount R4, as well as the date and time D3 and the remaining amount R3 (S60). Furthermore, the management server 10 calculates the day on the second forecast line L2 corresponding to a remaining amount of 0%, i.e., the day on which the second forecast line L2 intersects with the horizontal axis, as the second forecast day Xrec (S62).

Next, the management server 10 calculates the expected date X using the formula "X = (R/50)Xall + ((50 - R)/50)Xrec" (see Figure 2) (S40 in Figure 2). The management server 10 then calculates the period Y from today to the expected date X. If the period Y is 20 days or less, the management server 10 supplies the order information to the service server 500 (YES in S42, S44), and if the period Y is longer than 20 days, the management server 10 does not supply the order information to the service server 500 (NO in S42, return).

(Case B; Figure 5)
Next, case B will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In case B, the management server 10 also obtains remaining amount information from the printer 100 at a predetermined timing that differs from the predetermined cycle. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the management server 10 obtains remaining amount information from the printer 100, for example, when the printer 100 is turned on at date and time D3 between date and time D2 and date and time D4, which is the predetermined cycle.

The calculation method for the first predicted line L1 is the same as in Case A. From the history information HI1, the management server 10 identifies the date and time D3 immediately before the most recent date and time D4 and the remaining amount R3 associated with that date and time D3 (S50, S52 in FIG. 3). In this case, since the difference between the most recent date and time D4 and date and time D3 is three hours (NO in S54), the management server 10 then identifies from the history information HI1 the date and time D2 immediately before date and time D3 (i.e., the date and time two days before the most recent date and time D4) and the remaining amount R2 associated with date and time D2 (S52). Then, since the difference between the most recent date and time D4 and date and time D2 is 12 hours (YES in S54), the management server 10 calculates the second predicted line L2 using the most recent date and time D4 and the most recent remaining amount R4, as well as the date and time D2 and the remaining amount R2 (S60). The subsequent processing is the same as in Case A, except that the latest date and time D4, latest remaining amount R4, date and time D2, and remaining amount R2 are used.

If the second predicted line L2 were calculated using the most recent date and time and the date and time immediately preceding it, where the difference from the most recent date and time is less than 12 hours, there is a risk that an inappropriate second predicted line L2 would be calculated due to the relatively short difference. For example, if a large amount of ink is used in an extremely short period of time, the slope of the second predicted line L2 would be extremely steep. As a result, there is a risk that the second predicted date Xrec could not be calculated appropriately. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the management server 10 calculates the second predicted line L2 using the most recent date and time that is 12 hours or more away from the most recent date and time. As a result, the second predicted date Xrec can be calculated appropriately.

(Effects of this embodiment)
According to the above configuration, the management server 10 calculates a first predicted date Xall using the latest date and time, the oldest date and time, and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information acquired at each of these dates and times (S22 in FIG. 2). The management server 10 also calculates a second predicted date Xrec using the latest date and time, the date and time one date and time before (or two dates and times before), and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information acquired at each of these dates and times (S62 in FIG. 3). The date and time one date and time before (or two dates and times before) is newer than the earliest date and time. The management server 10 then calculates a predicted date X using the first predicted date Xall and the second predicted date Xrec (S40 in FIG. 2). In this way, by calculating two predicted dates Xall and Xrec and using them to calculate the predicted date X, the predicted date on which the remaining ink in the ink CTG will reach 0% can be more accurately calculated.

In addition, the management server 10 uses the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount when calculating both the first predicted date Xall and the second predicted date Xrec. This allows for more appropriate calculation of each predicted date Xall and Xrec, and therefore more appropriate calculation of the predicted date X.

Also consider a comparative example in which the management server 10 calculates only one of the first predicted date Xall and the second predicted date Xrec. In this comparative example, a decision is made based on either of these predicted dates to supply order information to the service server 500 (see S42 in Figure 2). As described above, the first predicted date Xall is the ink depletion date predicted based on the long-term trend of ink usage, and the second predicted date Xrec is the ink depletion date predicted based on the short-term trend of ink usage. In a comparative example that uses only one of these predicted dates, the predicted ink depletion date may be inappropriate if the long-term trend of ink usage differs from the short-term trend of ink usage. For example, in a situation where ink is consumed slowly over the long term and rapidly over the short term, using only the predicted date based on the long-term trend of ink usage may result in the ink remaining in the ink CTG being depleted before the predicted date. In other words, a situation may arise where the ink in the ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100 runs out, but a new ink CTG has not yet been ordered. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the predicted date X is calculated using both the long-term trend of ink usage and the short-term trend of ink usage, making it possible to calculate the predicted date more appropriately.

(Correspondence)
The management server 10 and the printer 100 are examples of a "control device" (and a "server") and an "image forming device," respectively. The ink CTG is an example of a "colorant cartridge." Dates and times D1 to D4 are examples of "multiple timings." The earliest date and time D1 and the latest date and time D4 are examples of "M timings." That is, in this embodiment, "2" is an example of "M." The earliest date and time D1 is an example of "the oldest timing of M timings." The latest date and time D4 is an example of "the latest timing of multiple timings,""the latest timing of M timings,""the latest timing of N timings," and "the first timing." Dates and times D3 and D2 are examples of "the second timing" and "the third timing," respectively. In Case A, date and time D3, the latest date and time D4, and date and time D3 are examples of "N timings" and "the oldest timing of N timings," respectively. In case B, date and time D2, latest date and time D4, and date and time D2 are examples of "N timings" and "the oldest timing of the N timings," respectively. That is, in this embodiment, "2" is an example of "N." Remaining amounts R1 to R4 are an example of "remaining amount related information." The latest remaining amount R (i.e., R4) is an example of "latest remaining amount." 0%, 50%, and 12 hours are examples of "predetermined threshold,""predetermined remaining amount," and "predetermined value," respectively. The first predicted date Xall, the second predicted date Xrec, and the predicted date X are examples of "first predicted timing,""second predicted timing," and "third predicted timing," respectively.

The processes of S10, S12, S22, S40, and S44 in FIG. 2 are examples of processes executed by an "acquisition unit," "first identification unit," "first calculation unit," "third calculation unit," and "output control unit," respectively. The process of S52 in FIG. 3 is an example of processes executed by a "second (and third) identification unit." The processes of S60 and S62 are examples of processes executed by a "determination unit" and "second calculation unit," respectively. Furthermore, the processes of S10, S22, S40, and S44 in FIG. 2 are examples of an "acquisition step," "first calculation step," "third calculation step," and "output control step," respectively. The process of S62 in FIG. 3 is an example of a "second calculation step."

(Second embodiment; Figure 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method for calculating the predicted date X (S40 in FIG. 2). The management server 10 of the second embodiment stores a table 30 in the memory 24 in advance.

As shown in FIG. 2, table 30 stores, for each remaining amount, a weighting coefficient for the first predicted date Xall and a weighting coefficient for the second predicted date Xrec used when calculating the predicted date X. For example, FIG. 2 shows weighting coefficients for each remaining ink amount from 50% to 46% in 1% increments. Among these, the weighting coefficients corresponding to remaining amounts other than 48% are the same as those in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the weighting coefficients corresponding to remaining amounts of 48% are different from those in the first embodiment. In this way, in the second embodiment, the weighting coefficients for the first predicted date Xall and the weighting coefficients for the second predicted date Xrec used when calculating the predicted date X are determined nonlinearly. This nonlinear weighting coefficient determination configuration allows the management server 10 to determine weighting coefficients that take into account factors other than the remaining ink amount. This allows for more appropriate calculation of the predicted date X.

Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above examples are listed below.

(Variant 1) The remaining amount information acquired from the printer 100 may include the amount of ink used since the ink CTG was replaced, instead of the current remaining amount R. In this case, the history information HI1 may store the date and time in association with the amount used. The management server 10 may also calculate the first estimated date Xall, the second estimated date Xrec, etc. based on these amounts used. In this variant, the amount used is an example of "remaining amount-related information."

(Variant 2) In the above example, the first predicted date Xall was calculated using two dates and times (i.e., the earliest date and time D1 and the latest date and time D4) and two remaining amounts at those two dates and times (i.e., remaining amounts R1 and R4). In a variant, the first predicted date Xall may be calculated using three or more dates and times and three or more remaining amounts at those three or more dates and times. When three or more dates and three or more remaining amounts are used, the straight line closest to the three points (a so-called regression line) may be calculated as the first predicted line. In this variant, an integer greater than or equal to three is an example of "M". Similarly, the second predicted date Xrec may be calculated using three or more dates and times and three or more remaining amounts at those three or more dates and times. In this variant, an integer greater than or equal to three is an example of "N".

(Variant 3) In the above embodiment, the management server 10 calculated the first predicted date Xall using the date and time (i.e., the earliest date and time) and remaining amount (i.e., the earliest date and time) of ink CTG replacement, the latest date and time, and the latest remaining amount. In a variant example, instead of this, the first predicted date Xall may be calculated, for example, using the date and time one date and time newer than the earliest date and time and the remaining amount associated with that date and time, and the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount. In this case, the management server 10 may calculate the second Xrec, for example, using the latest date and time and the latest remaining amount, and the date and time one date and time before the latest date and time and the remaining amount associated with that date and time. Here, the date and time one date and time before the latest date and time is newer than the date and time one date and time newer than the earliest date and time. In this variant example, the date and time one date and time newer than the earliest date and time is an example of the "earliest timing of M timings," and the date and time one date and time before the latest date and time is an example of the "earliest timing of N timings." Generally speaking, the "oldest timing out of N timings" should be newer than the "oldest timing out of M timings."

(Variation 4) In S44 of FIG. 2, the management server 10 may supply warning information to the printer 100 instead of supplying order information to the service server 500. The warning information is information that warns that the ink in the ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100 will soon run out. When the printer 100 obtains the warning information from the management server 10, the printer 100 may display the warning information on a panel (not shown) of the printer 100. As a result, the user is notified that the ink in the ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100 will soon run out. This allows the user to know that they should order a new ink CTG. In this variation, the supply of warning information is an example of an "output process." In another variation, the management server 10 may send an email containing the above warning information in S44 to the email address of the user of the printer 100 that has been registered in advance with the management server 10. In this variation, the sending of the email containing the warning information is an example of an "output process."

(Variation 5) The management server 10 may execute the following process instead of S44 without executing the process of S42 in FIG. 2. That is, in response to calculating the estimated date X (S40), the management server 10 may supply replacement information including the estimated date X to the printer 100. When the printer 100 acquires the replacement information from the management server 10, the printer 100 may display the replacement information on a panel (not shown) of the printer 100. As a result, the user can know the estimated date on which the ink in the ink CTG currently installed in the printer 100 will run out. Therefore, for example, if the estimated date is approaching, the user can know that they should order a new ink CTG. In this variation, the supply of replacement information is an example of an "output process." In another variation, the management server 10 may send an email containing the above replacement information in S44 to the email address of the user of the printer 100, which has been registered in advance with the management server 10. In this variation, the sending of the email containing the replacement information is an example of an "output process."

(Variant 6) The management server 10 may not use the latest date and time D4 and the latest remaining amount R4 when calculating the first estimated date Xall and/or the second estimated date Xrec. For example, the management server 10 may calculate the first estimated date Xall based on the earliest date and time D1 and remaining amount R1, and the date and time D3 and remaining amount R3. In this case, the management server 10 may also calculate the second estimated date Xrec based on the date and time D2 and remaining amount R2, and the date and time D3 and remaining amount R3, or may calculate the second estimated date Xrec based on the date and time D3 and remaining amount R3, and the latest date and time D4 and latest remaining amount R4. Generally speaking, the "latest timing of the N timings" may or may not match the "latest timing of the M timings." Similarly, the "latest timing of the N timings" may or may not match the "latest timing of the multiple timings."

(Variant 7) The management server 10 may use a method other than weighted averaging (for example, arithmetic averaging) to calculate the predicted date X using the first predicted date Xall and the second predicted date Xrec.

(Variant 8) In the first embodiment described above, the management server 10 calculated the predicted date X using the formula "X = (R/50)Xall + ((50 - R)/50)Xrec." In a variant, the weighting coefficients for each predicted date Xall and Xrec may be values different from those used in the first embodiment (i.e., "(R/50)" and "((50 - R)/50)").

(Variant 9) The management server 10 may omit the processes of S50, S54, and S56 in FIG. 3. In this case, instead of the process of S52, the management server 10 may identify the immediately previous date and time and the remaining amount associated with that date and time. Then, in S60, the management server 10 may calculate a second forecast line using the latest date and time, the latest remaining amount R, and the immediately previous date and time and the remaining amount associated with that date and time. That is, regardless of whether the difference between the latest date and time and the immediately previous date and time is 12 hours or more, the management server 10 may calculate a second forecast line and calculate the second forecast date Xrec using these two dates and times and the remaining amounts associated with those two dates and times. That is, it may be predetermined that the latest date and time and the immediately previous date and time are used as the "N timings." In this variant, the "first identification unit," "second identification unit," "determination unit," and "third identification unit" may be omitted.

(Variant 10) In the above embodiment, the processes in Figures 2 and 3 were executed by the management server 10. In a variant, the processes in Figures 2 and 3 may be executed by a control unit (not shown) of the printer 100. In this variant, the control unit of the printer 100 is an example of a "control device."

(Variation 11) In the above embodiment, the processes in Figures 2 and 3 are implemented by software (e.g., program 26), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

The technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations set forth in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving any one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Management server, 12: Network I/F, 20: Control unit, 22: CPU, 24: Memory, 26: Program, 30: Table, 100: Printer, 500: Service server

Claims (10)

A computer program for a control device, comprising:
The computer of the control device is composed of the following parts:
an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of color material in a color material cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus at each of a plurality of timings;
a first calculation unit that calculates a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of color material in the color material cartridge will be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, using M timings (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) among the plurality of timings and the M remaining amount related information acquired at the M timings;
a second calculation unit that calculates a second predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value by using N timings (N is an integer of 2 or more) among the plurality of timings and the N pieces of remaining amount related information acquired at the N timings, wherein the oldest timing among the N timings is newer than the oldest timing among the M timings;
a third calculation unit that uses the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing to calculate a third predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will become equal to or less than the predetermined threshold;
an output control unit that executes an output process using the third predicted timing;
A computer program that functions as a The computer program of claim 1, wherein the most recent timing of the N timings matches the most recent timing of the M timings and also matches the most recent timing of the plurality of timings. The computer program of claim 1 or 2, wherein the third calculation unit calculates the third predicted timing by calculating a weighted average of the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing. the latest timing among the N timings coincides with the latest timing among the M timings and also coincides with the latest timing among the plurality of timings;
4. The computer program product according to claim 3, wherein the third calculation unit linearly determines the weighting coefficient of the first predicted timing and the weighting coefficient of the second predicted timing based on the latest remaining amount, which is the remaining amount in the color material cartridge indicated by the remaining amount relationship information acquired at the latest timing. The third calculation unit
determining a value obtained by dividing the latest remaining amount by a predetermined remaining amount as a weighting coefficient for the first predicted timing;
5. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein a value obtained by subtracting the latest remaining amount from the predetermined remaining amount and dividing the result by the predetermined remaining amount is determined as the weighting coefficient for the second predicted timing. the latest timing among the N timings coincides with the latest timing among the M timings and also coincides with the latest timing among the plurality of timings;
4. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein the third calculation unit nonlinearly determines the weighting coefficient of the first predicted timing and the weighting coefficient of the second predicted timing based on the latest remaining amount, which is the remaining amount in the color material cartridge indicated by the remaining amount relationship information acquired at the latest timing. The computer program further causes the computer to:
a first specifying unit that specifies a first timing among the plurality of timings;
a second specifying unit that specifies a second timing among the plurality of timings, the second timing being immediately before the first timing;
a determination unit that determines the first timing and the second timing as the N timings when a difference between the first timing and the second timing is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
a third specifying unit that specifies a third timing among the plurality of timings, the third timing being immediately before the second timing, when a difference between the first timing and the second timing is less than the predetermined value;
It functions as
The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit, when the third timing is identified, determines the first timing and the third timing as the N timings. the control device is a server configured separately from the image forming device,
The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount-related information from the image forming apparatus at each of the plurality of timings. A method performed by a controller, comprising:
an acquiring step of acquiring remaining amount related information relating to the remaining amount of color material in the color material cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus at each of a plurality of timings;
a first calculation step of calculating a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of color material in the color material cartridge will be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, using M timings (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) among the plurality of timings and the M remaining amount related information acquired at the M timings;
a second calculation step of calculating a second predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, using N timings (N is an integer of 2 or more) among the plurality of timings and the N pieces of remaining amount related information acquired at the N timings, wherein the oldest timing among the N timings is newer than the oldest timing among the M timings;
a third calculation step of calculating a third predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will become equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, using the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing;
an output control step of executing an output process using the third predicted timing;
A method comprising: A control device,
an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of color material in a color material cartridge installed in the image forming apparatus at each of a plurality of timings;
a first calculation unit that calculates a first predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, using M timings (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) among the plurality of timings and the M remaining amount related information acquired at the M timings;
a second calculation unit that calculates a second predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value by using N timings (N is an integer of 2 or more) among the plurality of timings and the N pieces of remaining amount related information acquired at the N timings, wherein the oldest timing among the N timings is newer than the oldest timing among the M timings;
a third calculation unit that uses the first predicted timing and the second predicted timing to calculate a third predicted timing at which the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge will become equal to or less than the predetermined threshold;
an output control unit that executes an output process using the third predicted timing;
A control device comprising: