JP7852364B2 - Computer program, control device, and control method for a control device that controls a printing apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a control device for controlling a printing apparatus.

Patent Document 1 discloses an automated ordering and delivery system for consumables. This system displays a screen prompting the user to sign a contract for the delivery of consumables. Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus capable of setting a Nin1 (e.g., 2in1) mode. Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus equipped with a cutting unit for cutting cut paper.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-072660 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-111023 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-1358

If users are unaware of the methods or functions described above, these methods or functions may not be utilized. However, frequently informing users about these methods or functions may cause them discomfort. This specification provides techniques for informing users about specific methods or functions at appropriate times.

This specification discloses a computer program for a control device that controls a printing apparatus. The computer program causes the computer of the control device to function as a display control unit that displays a screen on a display unit. The display control unit, at a first timing, displays a first screen on the display unit that guides the user of the printing apparatus to a specific method for acquiring the consumables when the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of the consumables for the printing apparatus meet a first condition. The display control unit, at a second timing, displays a second screen on the display unit that guides the user to a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used, when the conditions obtained using the usage information meet a second condition different from the first condition.

According to the above configuration, a first screen guiding the user through a specific method is displayed based on the usage status at a first timing. Furthermore, a second screen guiding the user through a specific function is displayed based on the usage status at a second timing. This allows the user to be guided through a specific method or function at the appropriate time.

The control device itself, the control method for implementing the control device, and the computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program are all novel and useful.

This shows the configuration of the communication system. A flowchart illustrating the guidance process is shown. A flowchart of the usage level processing in the first embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the decision-making process in the first embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the usage level processing in the second embodiment is shown. A flowchart of the decision-making process in the second embodiment is shown.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of communication system 2; Figures 1 and 2)
The communication system 2 comprises a terminal device 10, two multifunction devices (hereinafter referred to as "MFPs") 100 and 200, a dispatch server 300, and an EC (Electronic Commerce) server 400. The MFPs 100 and 200 are multifunction devices with functions such as printing, scanning, and faxing. The terminal device 10 is a terminal device such as a notebook PC, laptop PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone. The terminal device 10 and the MFPs 100 and 200 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 4 and can communicate with each other. The LAN 4 is either wired or wireless.

LAN4 is connected to the Internet 6. The shipping server 300 and the e-commerce server 400 are connected to the Internet 6. The shipping server 300 is a server that provides a shipping service for automatically shipping ink cartridges for an MFP (e.g., 100). The e-commerce server 400 is a server that provides an e-commerce site for purchasing ink cartridges. The shipping server 300 and the e-commerce server 400 may be installed by the MFP vendor or by a different business operator.

The shipping server 300 periodically receives the remaining ink levels of the ink cartridges currently installed in the MFP (e.g., 100) from the MFP. When the history of remaining ink levels received from the MFP meets predetermined conditions, the shipping server 300 executes a process (e.g., notifying a worker) to ship a new ink cartridge to the MFP user. Here, the predetermined conditions include, for example, that the most recent remaining ink level in the history is below a predetermined threshold, or that the change in remaining ink level indicated by the history is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The shipping server 300 stores identification information (e.g., serial number) that identifies the MFP and user information (e.g., username and user address) that identifies the MFP user, associating them together.

(Configuration of terminal device 10; Figure 1)
The terminal device 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a LAN interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereafter, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I/F".

The control unit 12 has one or more buttons. The control unit 12 can receive various instructions from the user. The display unit 14 is a display for showing various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a touch panel (i.e., control unit) for receiving instructions from the user. LANI/F 20 is an interface for performing communication via LAN4 and is connected to LAN4.

The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to programs 40 and 42 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

The OS (Operating System) program 40 is a program for controlling the basic operation of the terminal device 10. The application program 42 (hereinafter referred to as "app 42") is a program for controlling the MFP (e.g., 100). App 42 may be installed on the terminal device 10 from, for example, an internet server (not shown) provided by the MFP 100 vendor, or from media shipped with the MFP 100.

(Configuration of MFP100; Figure 1)
The MFP 100 comprises a LANI/F 120, a print execution unit 122, a cutting unit 124, and a control unit 130. The LANI/F 120 is connected to LAN 4. The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to the program 140 stored in the memory 134.

The printing execution unit 122 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet or laser printing system. The cutting unit 124 is a mechanism for cutting cut paper. "Cut paper" refers to paper cut to predetermined sizes, such as A4, A5, letter, or postcard size. When cut paper contained in the tray of the MFP 100 (not shown) is transported to the cutting unit 124, the cutting blade of the cutting unit 124 divides the cut paper into an upstream and downstream portion in the transport direction. For example, an A4-sized cut paper is divided into two A5-sized cut papers.

In the following, the function of dividing and printing on cut paper will be referred to as "cut printing." With cut printing, for example, when printing a two-page A4 image is instructed, each A4-sized image is reduced to an A5-sized image. The first page's reduced image is printed on the upstream portion of the cut paper before division (i.e., the A4-sized cut paper), and the second page's reduced image is printed on the downstream portion of the cut paper before division. Then, the cut paper is divided by the cutting blade of the cutting unit 124. By reducing the A4-sized image to an A5-sized image, the amount of ink used in the ink cartridge currently installed in the MFP 100 can be reduced compared to printing an A4-sized image. Furthermore, because it is divided into two A5-sized cut papers, it can also be used as a booklet.

The size of cut paper suitable for cut printing (i.e., cut paper before cutting, usable for cut printing) is predetermined. In this embodiment, the sizes of cut paper suitable for cut printing are A4 and letter size; other sizes (e.g., A3) are not suitable. Note that the above A4 and letter size are merely examples of suitable cut paper sizes for cut printing.

Memory 134 also stores the cut-print setting 142. The cut-print setting 142 indicates either "ON," which allows the use of cut-print, or "OFF," which disallows the use of cut-print. The cut-print setting 142 is entered by the user.

(Guidance process; Figure 2)
Referring to Figure 2, the guidance processing performed by the CPU 32 of the terminal device 10 according to the application 42 will be described. The guidance processing is the process of displaying various guidance screens. In the following, the terminal device 10 communicates with other devices (e.g., MFP 100) via LANI/F 20. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the explanations of "via LANI/F 20,""via LAN 4," and "via the Internet 6" will be omitted. In the following processing, the CPU 32 displays various screens (e.g., the first guidance screen SC1) on the display unit 14 according to the application 42. Specifically, the application 42 supplies instructions to the OS program 40 to display the screen on the display unit 14. The OS program 40 then displays the screen on the display unit 14 according to these instructions.

When the CPU 32 receives a command from the operation unit 12 to launch application 42, it launches application 42 and displays menu screen SC0 on the display unit 14. Menu screen SC0 includes a device icon B1, a print icon B2, and a scan icon B3. If device icon B1 is selected, the CPU 32 displays a list (not shown) of multiple devices connected to LAN 4. The user then selects one device (for example, MFP 100) from this list.

Furthermore, the print icon B2 is an icon for initiating printing on the device selected by the device icon B1 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected device"). The scan icon B3 is an icon for initiating scanning on the selected device. For example, when the print icon B2 is selected, the CPU 32 displays a screen on the display unit 14 for receiving instructions for the file to be printed, print settings (e.g., number of colors, paper size, etc.), and the print execution command. When the CPU 32 receives instructions for the file to be printed, print settings, and print execution, it sends the print data to the selected device. Note that the menu screen SC0 may also include icons for using other functions of the selected device (e.g., fax function) in addition to icons B2 and B3.

The process shown in Figure 2 is triggered when an event occurs in which one device is selected on the device icon B1 of the menu screen SC0.

In S10, the CPU 32 performs the usage level processing described later (see Figure 3). This usage level processing determines the usage level of the ink cartridge currently installed in the selected device (hereinafter referred to as "the current ink cartridge"). In this embodiment, the usage level is determined to be one of four levels, from "0" to "3". A higher number indicates a greater amount of ink usage in the current ink cartridge. In other words, a higher number indicates a lower amount of ink remaining in the current ink cartridge.

In S12, the CPU 32 determines whether the usage level determined in S10 is "0". If the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is "0" (YES in S12), it skips the processing from S14 onwards, described later, and terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is not "0" (NO in S12), it proceeds to S14. In S14, the CPU 32 determines whether the usage level determined in S10 is either "1" or "2". If the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is either "1" or "2" (YES in S14), it proceeds to S16.

In S16, the CPU 32 determines whether the selected device is suitable for the shipping service provided by the shipping server 300. Specifically, in the usage level processing of S10, capability information is received from the selected device (see S50 in Figure 3). The CPU 32 determines that the selected device is suitable for the shipping service if the received capability information indicates that the selected device has the functionality to use the shipping service (for example, the functionality to communicate with the shipping server 300).

If the CPU 32 determines that the selected device is suitable for the shipping service (YES in S16), it proceeds to S18. In S18, the CPU 32 determines whether or not service information (i.e., identification information and user information) for using the shipping service on the selected device is registered in the shipping server 300. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines that the service information is registered in the shipping server 300 if the capability information received in the usage level processing of S10 indicates that the service information is registered in the shipping server 300. On the other hand, the CPU 32 determines that the service information is not registered in the shipping server 300 if the capability information indicates that the service information is not registered in the shipping server 300. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may query the shipping server 300 to determine whether or not the service information is registered in the shipping server 300.

If the CPU 32 determines that the service information corresponding to the selected device is not registered in the dispatch server 300 (NO in S18), it proceeds to S20. In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether the usage level determined in S10 is "1". If the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is "1" (YES in S20), it proceeds to S22.

In S22, the CPU 32 displays the first guidance screen SC1 on the display unit 14. The first guidance screen SC1 includes a registration URL (abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator) for registering service information for using the shipping service with the shipping server 300. The registration URL, for example, indicates the location of the shipping server 300.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is "2" (NO in S20), it proceeds to S24. In S24, the CPU 32 displays the second guidance screen SC2 on the display unit 14. The second guidance screen SC2 includes an access URL for accessing the EC site provided by the EC server 400. Additionally, the second guidance screen SC2, displayed when NO is determined in S20, also includes the same registration URL as the first guidance screen SC1. Once processing in S22 or S24 is complete, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that service information corresponding to the selected device is registered in the dispatch server 300 (YES in S18), it proceeds to S26. In S26, the CPU 32 determines whether the usage level is "2". If the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is "2" (YES in S26), it proceeds to S24. Note that the second guidance screen SC2, displayed when YES is determined in S26, includes the access URL but does not include the registration URL.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the usage level is "3" (NO in S14), it proceeds to S30. In S30, the CPU 32 determines whether the selected device has a cut print. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines that the selected device has a cut print if the capability information received in the usage level processing in S10 indicates that the selected device has a cut print. If the CPU 32 determines that the selected device has a cut print (YES in S30), it proceeds to S32.

In S32, the CPU 32 executes the decision process described later (see Figure 4). Upon completion of S32, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2 if it determines that the selected device is not suitable for the shipping service (NO in S16), if it determines that the usage level is "1" (NO in S26), or if it determines that the selected device does not have a cut print function (NO in S30).

(Usage level processing; Figure 3)
In S50, the CPU 32 receives from the selected device the current amount of ink remaining in the current ink cartridge and capability information indicating the capabilities of the selected device.

In S52, the CPU 32 determines whether the current remaining capacity received in S50 is less than the first threshold (for example, 20%). If the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining capacity is less than the first threshold (YES in S52), it proceeds to S54. In S54, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "3".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining capacity is greater than or equal to the first threshold (NO in S52), it proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 32 determines whether the current remaining capacity is less than a second threshold (e.g., 30%) which is greater than the first threshold. If the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining capacity is less than the second threshold (YES in S56), it proceeds to S58. In S58, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "2".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining capacity is above the second threshold (NO in S56), it proceeds to S60. In S60, the CPU 32 determines whether the current remaining capacity is below the third threshold (e.g., 50%), which is greater than the second threshold. If the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining capacity is below the third threshold (YES in S60), it proceeds to S62. In S62, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "1".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current remaining amount is above the third threshold (NO in S60), it proceeds to S64. In S64, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "0". Once any of S54, S58, S62, or S64 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

(Decision-making process; Figure 4)
In S100, the CPU 32 determines whether the cut print setting 142 indicates "ON". The cut print setting 142 is included, for example, in the capability information received from the device selected in S50 of Figure 3. If the CPU 32 determines that the cut print setting 142 indicates "ON" (YES in S100), it skips the processing from S102 onwards, which will be described later, and terminates the processing in Figure 4.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the cut print setting 142 indicates "OFF" (NO in S100), it proceeds to S102. In S102, the CPU 32 determines whether or not cut print has been used in the past on the selected device. For example, information indicating whether cut print has been used in the past is included in the capability information received from the selected device in S50 of Figure 3. If the CPU 32 determines that cut print has been used in the past on the selected device (YES in S102), it skips the processing from S104 onwards, described later, and terminates the processing shown in Figure 4.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that cut printing has not been used in the past on the selected device (NO in S102), it proceeds to S104. In S104, the CPU 32 determines whether the size of the cut paper in the tray specified by default on the selected device (hereinafter referred to as "specified tray size") is a size suitable for cut printing (e.g., A4). For example, information indicating the size of the specified tray is included in the capacity information received from the selected device in S50 of Figure 3. If the CPU 32 determines that the size of the specified tray is not a size suitable for cut printing (N0 in S104), it skips the process in S108 and terminates the process in Figure 4.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the size of the specified tray is suitable for cut printing (YES in S104), it proceeds to S108. In S108, the CPU 32 displays the third guidance screen SC3 on the display unit 14. The third guidance screen SC3 includes a message guiding the user through cut printing and a setting icon for changing the cut printing setting 142 from "OFF" to "ON". By selecting the setting icon in the third guidance screen SC3, the cut printing setting 142 of the selected device is changed from "OFF" to "ON", and the user can use the cut printing function of the selected device. When S108 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

The cut print setting 142 indicates "ON," or the selected device has a history of using cut print in the past, making it possible to infer that the user has used cut print before (i.e., the user is aware of the existence of cut print). According to the above configuration, if it is inferred that the user is aware of the existence of cut print (YES in S100 or YES in S102), the third guidance screen SC3 that guides the user to cut print will not be displayed. This prevents the user from being guided to cut print even if they are aware of its existence.

(Effects of this embodiment)
For example, consider a specific case where the MFP 100 is compatible with the shipping service, but the service information corresponding to the MFP 100 is not registered in the shipping server 300. In this case, the cut print setting 142 is set to "OFF," and cut printing has never been used on the MFP 100 in the past. Also, the tray specified by default for the MFP 100 contains A4-sized cut paper (i.e., cut paper before it is cut and ready for cut printing).

For example, if the MFP 100 is selected at the first timing in the device icon B1 of the menu screen SC0, the remaining capacity of "40%" at the first timing is received from the MFP 100 (S50 in Figure 3). In this case, the usage level is determined to be "1" (S62), and the first guidance screen SC1 is displayed on the terminal device 10 (YES at S14, YES at S16, NO at S18, YES at S20, S22 in Figure 2).

Furthermore, for example, if the MFP 100 is selected at a second timing point, after the first timing point, in the device icon B1 of the menu screen SC0, the remaining capacity of "15%" at the second timing point is received from the MFP 100 (S50 in Figure 3). In this case, the usage level is determined to be "3" (S54), and the third guidance screen SC3 is displayed on the terminal device 10 (NO at S14 in Figure 2, YES at S30, NO at S100 in Figure 4, NO at S102, YES at S104, S108 in Figure 4).

According to the configuration of this embodiment, at the first timing when the remaining ink level is "40%", the first guidance screen SC1 guides the user to the shipping service. Furthermore, at the second timing when the remaining ink level is "15%", the third guidance screen SC3 guides the user to the cut print service. For example, a comparative example could be envisioned where the shipping service or cut print service is frequently guided to the user regardless of the ink usage status indicated by the remaining ink level. In this comparative example, the user may find it unpleasant. In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the shipping service or cut print service can be guided to the user at an appropriate timing based on the ink usage status indicated by the current remaining ink level. In particular, in situations where the remaining ink level is relatively low (i.e., the amount of ink used is relatively high), by guiding the user to the cut print service, which reduces ink usage, instead of the shipping service, the user can be guided to a method for continuing printing even with low ink levels. This improves user convenience.

Furthermore, for example, if MFP 100 is selected at the third timing in the device icon B1 of the menu screen SC0, the remaining ink level of "25%" at the third timing is received from MFP 100 (S50 in Figure 3). In this case, the usage level is determined to be "2" (S58), and the second guidance screen SC2 is displayed on the terminal device 10 (YES at S14, YES at S16, NO at S18, NO at S20, S24 in Figure 2). Even if the conditions for shipping a new ink cartridge in the shipping service are not currently met, the user can receive a new ink cartridge from the EC site guided by the second guidance screen SC2. By displaying the second guidance screen SC2 at a remaining ink level of "25%", which is lower than the remaining ink level of "40%" at the first timing, the user can quickly learn how to receive a new ink cartridge.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, if the selected device does not have a cut print (NO in S30 of Figure 2), the determination process in S32 is skipped, and the third guidance screen SC3 is not displayed. This prevents the display of a cut print even when the selected device does not have one. Also, even if the selected device does not have a cut print, the third guidance screen SC3 is not displayed, but the first guidance screen SC1, which guides users through the shipping service, is displayed (S22). This allows the user to be informed of the existence of the shipping service even when the selected device does not have a cut print.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, if service information corresponding to the selected device is registered in the shipping server 300 (S18 YES), the process in S22 is skipped, and the first guidance screen SC1 is not displayed. The registration of service information corresponding to the selected device in the shipping server 300 means that the user has already used the shipping service on the selected device. This prevents the user from being notified of the shipping service even if they have already used it on the selected device. Also, if service information corresponding to the selected device is registered in the shipping server 300, although the first guidance screen SC1 is not displayed, the third guidance screen SC3, which guides the user to the cut print service, is displayed (S32, S108 in Figure 4). Even if the user has already used the shipping service on the selected device, the existence of the cut print service can be notified to the user.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, if the selected device is not suitable for the shipping service (NO in S16), the first guidance screen SC1 will not be displayed. This prevents the shipping service from being offered even if the selected device is not suitable for the shipping service.

(Correspondence)
The MFP 100 and terminal device 10 are examples of a "printing device" and a "control device," respectively. The application 42, CPU 32, and display unit 14 are examples of a "computer program," a "computer," and a "display unit," respectively. The control unit 30 that executes the processing in Figure 2 is an example of a "display control unit." The ink cartridge is an example of a "consumable." The remaining amount is an example of "usage status information." The conditions for the usage level to show "1" and the conditions for the usage level to show "3" are examples of the "first condition" and the "second condition," respectively. The condition for the usage level to show "2" is an example of the "third condition (and fourth condition)." The first guidance screen SC1 and the third guidance screen SC3 are examples of the "first screen" and the "second screen," respectively. The second guidance screen SC2 is an example of the "third screen (and fourth screen)." The shipping service is an example of a "specific method." Purchasing cartridges through an e-commerce site is an example of another method. Cut printing is an example of a "specific function." The information used to determine the cut print setting 142, which indicates "ON," and S102 in Figure 4 is an example of "usage information."

(Second Example)
This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the trigger for the process in Figure 2 is different, the content of the usage level processing in S10 is different, and the content of the decision processing in S32 is different.

In this embodiment, the process shown in Figure 2 is triggered when an event occurs that prompts the user to print, after the print icon B2 on the menu screen SC0 has been selected. In this embodiment, the user has specified the file to be printed and the print settings before this event occurs.

(Usage level processing; Figure 5)
S200 is the same as S50 in Figure 3, except that it receives a history of the remaining ink level, including the current remaining level. In S202, the CPU 32 obtains the number of pages in the file to be printed as instructed by the user. Furthermore, the CPU 32 calculates the ratio of white to other colors in all pages (i.e., all images) of the file to be printed as instructed by the user. A large number of pages means that a large amount of ink is used per print. Similarly, a small ratio of white also means that a large amount of ink is used per print. The terminal device 10 stores not only the number of pages and the ratio of white obtained in the current process, but also the number of pages and the ratio of white obtained in past processes. That is, the terminal device 10 stores a history of the number of pages and the ratio of white.

In S204, the CPU 32 calculates the change in ink level per unit time from the ink level history received in S200. The CPU 32 then substitutes the latest ink level, the change in ink level, the page count history, and the white ink ratio history into a predetermined calculation formula to calculate a point indicating the predicted ink level after a predetermined time (e.g., one day) has elapsed from the current time. In this embodiment, the point represents a value between 1 and 10, with a larger value indicating a lower predicted ink level. The value range "1 to 10" used for the point is merely an example. In other modifications, a smaller point value may indicate a lower predicted ink level. Furthermore, in other modifications, the number of pages in the file to be printed may be used instead of the page count history, and the white ink ratio across all pages of the file to be printed may be used instead of the white ink ratio history.

In S212, the CPU 32 determines whether the points calculated in S204 (hereinafter referred to as "calculated points") are greater than the fourth threshold (for example, 8). If the CPU 32 determines that the calculated points are greater than the fourth threshold (YES in S212), it proceeds to S214. In S214, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "3".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the calculation point is less than or equal to the fourth threshold (NO in S212), it proceeds to S216. In S216, the CPU 32 determines whether the calculation point is greater than a fifth threshold (for example, 7) that is smaller than the fourth threshold. If the CPU 32 determines that the calculation point is greater than the fifth threshold (YES in S216), it proceeds to S218. In S218, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "2".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the calculation point is less than or equal to the fifth threshold (NO in S216), it proceeds to S220. In S220, the CPU 32 determines whether the calculation point is greater than a sixth threshold (for example, 6) that is smaller than the fifth threshold. If the CPU 32 determines that the calculation point is greater than the sixth threshold (YES in S220), it proceeds to S222. In S222, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "1".

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the calculation point is below the sixth threshold (NO in S220), it proceeds to S224. In S224, the CPU 32 determines the usage level to "0". When any of S214, S218, S222, or S224 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.
(Decision-making process: Figure 6)
Steps S300 and S302 are the same as steps S100 and S102 in Figure 4. In step S304, the CPU 32 determines whether the size of the cut paper in the tray (hereinafter referred to as "instruction tray size"), as instructed by the user in the print settings, is a size suitable for cut printing (for example, A4). If the CPU 32 determines that the size of the cut paper in the instruction tray is not suitable for cut printing (NO in S304), it skips the processes from S306 onwards, which will be described later, and terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the size of the cut paper in the instruction tray is suitable for cut printing (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306. Note that in the modified example, S304 may be the same as S104 in Figure 4, and the default tray may be used.

In S306, the CPU 32 determines whether the cut paper size instructed by the user in the print settings is the size of cut paper suitable for cut printing (i.e., the size before cutting (e.g., A4)). If the CPU 32 determines that the cut paper size instructed by the user is not the size before cutting (NO in S306), it skips the process in S308 described later and terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the size of the cut paper instructed by the user is the same as the size before cutting (YES in S306), it proceeds to S308. S308 is the same as S108 in Figure 4. Once S308 is complete, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

In this embodiment, too, the user can be guided to a shipping service or cut print at an appropriate time based on the ink usage status indicated by the predicted remaining ink level. In particular, a situation is anticipated where the remaining ink level is expected to be relatively low after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. In this situation, by guiding the user to a cut print instead of a shipping service, the user can be guided to a method for continuing printing even when a low ink level is predicted. This improves user convenience.

The above describes specific examples of the present invention in detail, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

(Variation 1) The "printing device" is not limited to the MFP100; for example, it could be a printer, fax machine, etc.

(Modification 2) The processing shown in Figures 2 to 6 may be performed by the control unit 130 of the MFP 100. In this modification, the print execution unit 122 and the control unit 130 are examples of a "printing device" and a "control device," respectively, and the "display unit" may be the display unit of the MFP 100.

(Variation 3) "Consumables" are not limited to ink cartridges; they may also include printing media such as cut sheets of paper.

(Variation 4) The "specific method" is not limited to a shipping service; for example, it could be a subscription service that allows the use of the MFP100 for a fixed monthly fee. In a subscription service, for example, cartridges may be shipped on a fixed date each month.

(Variation 5) The "specific function" is not limited to cut printing; for example, it could be a Nin1 (e.g., 2in1) function, an ink-saving mode that reduces the amount of ink used per print compared to normal usage, etc.

(Modification 6) Whether or not to display any of the guidance screens SC1 to SC3 may be determined not only by the usage level, but also, for example, based on the current cartridge usage time. Generally speaking, the "second condition" only needs to be different from the "first condition."

(Modification 7) The process in S24 of Figure 2 does not need to be executed. In this modification, the "third screen (and fourth screen)" can be omitted.

(Variation 6) "Other methods" are not limited to purchasing cartridges from e-commerce sites; for example, they could also include using ink-saving mode.

(Modification 7) In Figure 2, if NO is determined in S30, a different guidance screen (for example, the first guidance screen SC1) may be displayed. Furthermore, in another modification, if YES is determined in S18 of Figure 2, a different guidance screen (for example, the third guidance screen SC3) may be displayed. Also, in another modification, at least one of the processes in S16, S18, and S30 of Figure 2 may be omitted.

(Modification 8) At least one of the processes S100 and S102 in Figure 3 may be omitted. Furthermore, in other modifications, both processes S100 and S102 in Figure 3 may be omitted. In these other modifications, the "usage information" can be omitted.

(Modification 9) In S204 of Figure 5, at least one of the following may not be used: the latest remaining amount, the change in remaining amount, the number of pages, and the percentage of white space. In this modification, the "usage information" only needs to include at least one of the following: "remaining amount," "change in amount," "number of pages," and "percentage of white space."

(Modification 10) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 2 to 6 are implemented by software (e.g., application 42), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.
The following are the features of the technology disclosed herein.
(Item 1)
A computer program for a control device that controls a printing device,
The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the control device,
It functions as a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit.
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used.
Computer program.
(Item 2)
The computer program described in item 1, wherein the usage conditions indicated by the second condition are such that the amount of consumables used is greater than that indicated by the first condition.
(Item 3)
The display control unit, at a third timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a third condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, causes the display unit to display a third screen on the display unit that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The computer program described in item 2, wherein the usage conditions indicated by the third condition are such that the amount of consumables used is greater than that indicated by the first condition, and the amount of consumables used is less than that indicated by the second condition.
(Item 4)
The usage situation indicated by the first condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is the first remaining amount,
The computer program described in item 1, wherein the usage condition indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is a second amount, which is less than the first remaining amount.
(Item 5)
At a fourth timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a fourth condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a fourth screen that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The computer program described in item 4, wherein the usage conditions indicated by the fourth condition are such that the current remaining amount of the consumable is less than the first remaining amount in the first condition, and the current remaining amount of the consumable is greater than the second remaining amount in the second condition.
(Item 6)
The aforementioned specific method is a method of registering for a service that ships the consumables,
The other method is a method of purchasing the consumables, as described in item 3 or 5 of the computer program.
(Item 7)
The display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit when the printing device has the specific function.
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the display control unit, when the printing device does not have the specific function, prevents the second screen from being displayed on the display unit and displays the first screen on the display unit.
(Item 8)
The display control unit causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit if no information for using the specific method is registered.
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the display control unit, when the information for using the specific method is registered, does not display the first screen on the display unit and displays the second screen on the display unit.
(Item 9)
The display control unit displays the second screen on the display unit when the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the second condition, and when no usage information that suggests the specific function has been used in the past is stored in the memory of the control unit.
A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the second condition, and the usage information is stored in the memory, the second screen is not displayed on the display unit.
(Item 10)
The display control unit causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit when the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the first conditions and the printing device conforms to the specific method.
A computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first screen is not displayed on the display unit when the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the first conditions and the printing device does not conform to the specific method.
(Item 11)
The aforementioned usage information is,
The current remaining amount of the aforementioned consumables,
The amount of change in the remaining amount of the aforementioned consumables,
The number of pages to be printed,
The proportion of white in the image to be printed,
A computer program described in any one of items 1 to 5, which includes at least one of the following:
(Item 12)
The aforementioned specific function is the function of cutting cut paper, as described in any one of items 1 to 5.
(Item 13)
A control device for controlling a printing device,
It includes a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit,
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used.
Control device.
(Item 14)
At a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, a first screen is displayed that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
At a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, a step is to display a second screen different from the first screen that guides the user to a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used.
A control method comprising:

2: Communication System 4: LAN
6: Internet 10: Terminal device 12: Operation unit 14: Display unit 20: LANI/F
30: Control Unit 32: CPU
34: Memory 40: OS Program 42: Application 100: MFP
120:LANI/F
122: Print execution unit 124: Cutting unit 130: Control unit 132: CPU
134: Memory 140: Program 142: Cut Print Settings 200: MFP
300: Shipping Server 400: EC Server SC0: Menu Screen B1: Device Icon B2: Print Icon B3: Scan Icon SC1: First Guidance Screen SC2: Second Guidance Screen SC3: Third Guidance Screen

Claims (13)

A computer program for a control device that controls a printing device,
The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the control device,
It functions as a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit.
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used .
The display control unit, at a third timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a third condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, causes the display unit to display a third screen on the display unit that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the amount of consumables used is greater than the usage situation indicated by the first condition.
The usage situation described by the third condition is one in which the amount of consumables used is greater than that described by the first condition, and less than that described by the second condition.
Computer program. A computer program for a control device that controls a printing device,
The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the control device,
It functions as a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit.
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used .
At a fourth timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a fourth condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a fourth screen that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The usage situation indicated by the first condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is the first remaining amount,
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is a second amount, which is less than the first remaining amount.
The usage situation indicated by the fourth condition is one in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is less than the first remaining amount in the first condition, and the current remaining amount of the consumable is more than the second remaining amount in the second condition.
Computer program. The aforementioned specific method is a method of registering for a service that ships the consumables,
The computer program according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the other method is a method for purchasing the consumables. The display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit when the printing device has the specific function.
The computer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit, when the printing device does not have the specific function, does not display the second screen on the display unit, but displays the first screen on the display unit. The display control unit causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit if no information for using the specific method is registered.
The computer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit, when the information for using the specific method is registered, does not display the first screen on the display unit and displays the second screen on the display unit. The display control unit causes the second screen to be displayed on the display unit if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the second condition, and if no usage information that suggests the specific function has been used in the past is stored in the memory of the control device.
The computer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the second condition, and the usage information is stored in the memory, the second screen is not displayed on the display unit. The display control unit causes the first screen to be displayed on the display unit when the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the first conditions and the printing device conforms to the specific method.
The computer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate the first conditions, and the printing device does not conform to the specific method, the first screen is not displayed on the display unit. The aforementioned usage information is,
The current remaining amount of the aforementioned consumables,
The amount of change in the remaining amount of the aforementioned consumables,
The number of pages to be printed,
The proportion of white in the image to be printed,
A computer program according to claim 1 or 2 , comprising at least one of the following. The computer program according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the aforementioned specific function is a function for cutting cut paper. A control device for controlling a printing device,
It includes a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit,
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used .
The display control unit, at a third timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a third condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, causes the display unit to display a third screen on the display unit that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the amount of consumables used is greater than the usage situation indicated by the first condition.
The usage situation described by the third condition is one in which the amount of consumables used is greater than that described by the first condition, and less than that described by the second condition.
Control device. A control device for controlling a printing device,
It includes a display control unit that displays the screen on the display unit,
The display control unit, at a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, causes the display unit to display a first screen that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The display control unit, at a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen, which provides guidance on a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used .
At a fourth timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a fourth condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a fourth screen that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
The usage situation indicated by the first condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is the first remaining amount,
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is a second amount, which is less than the first remaining amount.
The usage situation indicated by the fourth condition is one in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is less than the first remaining amount in the first condition, and the current remaining amount of the consumable is more than the second remaining amount in the second condition.
Control device. At a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, a first screen is displayed that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
At a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, a step is to display a second screen different from the first screen that guides the user to a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used.
At a third timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a third condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, a third screen is displayed that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
Equipped with,
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the amount of consumables used is greater than the usage situation indicated by the first condition.
A control method in which the usage conditions indicated by the third condition are such that the amount of consumables used is greater than that indicated by the first condition, and the amount of consumables used is less than that indicated by the second condition . At a first timing, if the conditions obtained using usage information indicating the usage status of consumables for the printing device indicate a first condition, a first screen is displayed that guides the user of the printing device on a specific method for obtaining the consumables.
At a second timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a second condition different from the first condition, a step is to display a second screen different from the first screen that guides the user to a specific function for reducing the amount of consumables used.
At a fourth timing, if the conditions obtained using the usage information indicate a fourth condition that is different from both the first and second conditions, a fourth screen is displayed that guides the user to another method other than the specific method for obtaining the consumables.
Equipped with,
The usage situation indicated by the first condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is the first remaining amount,
The usage situation indicated by the second condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is a second amount, which is less than the first remaining amount.
A control method in which the usage situation indicated by the fourth condition is a situation in which the current remaining amount of the consumable is less than the first remaining amount in the first condition, and the current remaining amount of the consumable is more than the second remaining amount in the second condition .