JP2002326426A - Printer and method for managing expendables - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a method for managing expendables in which the information of expendables, e.g. the quantity of used expendables or the number of spare expendables, can be grasped without visiting a user and the work for supplementing the expendables can be carried out efficiently. SOLUTION: When a request from a client computer is a browsing request of the information of expendables being used in a printer 7 and stored in data storage means 19 and 32m, e.g. the quantity of used expendables or the number of spare expendables, an information of expendables screen file based on that information of expendables is transmitted to the client computer so that the information of expendables being used in the printer 7, e.g. the quantity of used expendables or the number of spare expendables, can be grasped on the client computer side. Consequently, the information of expendables, e.g. the quantity of used expendables or the number of spare expendables, can be grasped on the side of an expendables shop without visiting a user and the work for supplementing the expendables can be carried out efficiently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer such as a label printer which can be connected to a network, and a method for managing consumables used in the printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, orders for consumables such as label paper and ink ribbons used in a label printer are left to the user. And ordering such consumables
This is done by writing the model number of the consumable item on the order form by hand and sending the order form to the store by fax or the like.

[0003]

However, when ordering consumables used in a label printer, the user manually fills out the order form as described above, so that there is a problem that entry errors in the order form frequently occur. is there.

[0004] In particular, for a user who uses a plurality of label printers of different models, the consumables (label paper, ink ribbon, etc.) to be used may be different for each label printer. In many cases, the last digit of each model number is different depending on the type, so that the possibility of entry error in the order form is very high.

[0005] Furthermore, even with the same type of label printer, there are a wide variety of label paper types (for shelf labels, rating nameplates, etc.), and the types of ink ribbons are also standard, heat resistant and chemical resistant. Due to the division, there is a possibility that a mistake is made in filling out the order form.

There is also a service in which a consumables retailer regularly goes to the user and checks the consumption status of the consumables to replenish the consumables. Labor is required and efficiency is low.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to be able to grasp consumables information such as the amount of consumables used and the number of spares without going to the user, and to efficiently perform replenishment of consumables. An object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a consumable supply management method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a consumable supply management method capable of ordering and replenishing consumable supplies at an optimal timing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a method of managing consumables, which can eliminate entry errors such as description of consumables which do not conform to the printer and incorrect description of consumables, and prevent ordering errors. To provide.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer comprising: a data storage unit for storing and holding various data; and the various data stored in the data storage unit in response to a request from a client computer. WEB server function means for transmitting, consumables information storage means for storing consumables information such as used amount and spare number of consumables used in the printer in the data storage means, and a request from the client computer for the data When the request is for browsing the consumables information stored in the storage unit,
Consumables information screen transmitting means for transmitting a consumables information screen file based on the consumables information to the client computer by the web server function means.

Therefore, a printer consumables store or a printer user can access the printer via the client computer and monitor consumables information such as the amount of used consumables and the spare number of the printer. become. As a result, for example, the consumables dealer can grasp the consumables information such as the amount of consumables used and the number of spares without going to the user. It becomes possible to do it. Also,
The user of the printer can order and replenish consumables at an optimal timing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer comprising: a data storage unit for storing and holding various data; and a WEB server function unit for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage unit in response to a request from a client computer. And consumables information storage means for storing consumables information on consumables that can be used in the printer in the data storage means, and when the request from the client computer is an order request for the consumables, An order reception screen transmitting means for transmitting an order reception screen file based on the consumables information stored in the data storage means to the client computer by the web server function means, and a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file The order information of the consumables input by the user is input by the web server function means. Comprising a order information transmitting means for signal, a.

Therefore, when ordering consumables, the user of the printer accesses the printer via the client computer, and supplies consumables information relating to consumables usable for the printer to the order reception screen file at the client computer. It is possible to confirm through the screen corresponding to the order information of the consumables input from the screen corresponding to the order reception screen file to the client computer provided at the store, for example, from the printer. It becomes possible to send. This eliminates entry errors such as describing consumables that are not compatible with the printer and incorrectly listing the model numbers of consumables, thereby preventing ordering errors.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data storage means for storing and holding various data; a web server function means for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer; A method for managing consumables used in a printer including:
Consumable information such as the amount of used consumables and the number of spares used in the printer is stored in the data storage means, and a request from the client computer is a browsing request for the consumable information stored in the data storage means. In this case, the consumable information screen file based on the consumable information is transmitted to the client computer by the web server function means, so that the client computer uses the consumables used by the printer and the spare number. Information on consumables such as

Therefore, a printer consumables store or a printer user can access the printer via the client computer and monitor consumables information such as the amount of used consumables of the printer and the number of spares. become. As a result, for example, the consumables dealer can grasp the consumables information such as the amount of consumables used and the number of spares without going to the user. It becomes possible to do it. Also,
The user of the printer can order and replenish consumables at an optimal timing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data storage means for storing and holding various data; a web server function means for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer; A method for managing consumables used in a printer including:
Consumable information relating to consumables that can be used for the printer is stored in the data storage means, and when the request from the client computer is an order request for the consumables, the information is stored in the data storage means. The web server function means transmits an order reception screen file based on the consumable information to the client computer, and transmits the order information of the consumables input through a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file to the web server. The transmission by the functional means enables the client computer to order consumables used for the printer.

Therefore, when ordering consumables, the user of the printer accesses the printer via the client computer, and supplies consumables information relating to consumables that can be used in the printer to the order reception screen file at the client computer. It is possible to confirm through the screen corresponding to the order information of the consumables input from the screen corresponding to the order reception screen file to the client computer provided at the store, for example, from the printer. It becomes possible to send. This eliminates entry errors such as describing consumables that are not compatible with the printer and incorrectly listing the model numbers of consumables, thereby preventing ordering errors.

[0018]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given with reference to FIG. The consumables management system according to the present embodiment is applied to a consumables management system for remotely monitoring the use status and the spare stock status of consumables (label paper, ink ribbon, etc.) used in a label printer. Things.

FIG. 1 shows a consumable goods management system 100.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of the system. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a consumable supply management system 100 includes a store system 101 provided in a store of a consumable supply which is an order destination.
And a user destination system 102 provided at a user destination such as a supermarket.

First, a description will be given of a store system 101 provided in a store of consumables to be ordered. The store system 101 includes a client computer (hereinafter, referred to as a client) 1 and a server computer (hereinafter, referred to as a server) 2. Server 2
Are CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Rea
dOnly Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.
It is possible to connect to the Internet 3. The client 1 is not different from a conventional computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and has a browsing function capable of browsing the Web via the Internet 3.

Next, a user destination system 102 provided at a user destination such as a supermarket will be described.
The user destination system 102 has a server computer (hereinafter, referred to as a server) 9 functioning as a firewall.
The server 9 has a LAN (Local
A plurality of client computers (hereinafter, referred to as clients) 5 and 6 and a plurality of label printers 7 and 8 as printers are connected via an area network 4. In the present embodiment, the label printer 7 and the label printer 8 are different models. The server 9 is not different from a conventional computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and can be connected to the Internet 3. Also, the clients 5 and 6 are not different from conventional computers having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and have a browsing function capable of browsing the Web via the Internet 3.

Next, the label printers 7 and 8 provided in the user system 102 will be described in detail. Here, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically showing the structure of the label printers 7 and 8, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part of the label printers 7 and 8. As shown in FIG.
In the label printers 7 and 8, a platen 43 that pulls out and transports the label paper 42 wound in a roll shape in the transport direction A from the roll state, and is disposed to face the platen 43 and pulled out from the roll state. Label paper 4
For example, a thermal head 14 or the like, which is a print head for printing predetermined items via the ink ribbon 41, is disposed for the print head 2 via the ink ribbon 41.

In addition, the label printers 7 and 8 are provided with a ribbon end detection sensor 17a for detecting the ribbon end of the ink ribbon 41 and a paper end detection sensor 17b for detecting the paper end of the label paper 42. .

Then, such label printers 7, 8
As shown in FIG. 3, a CP for centrally controlling each unit is provided.
U11 is provided, and a system bus 11a from the CPU 11 has an RO
M12 is connected. The ROM 12 stores various firmware for operating the label printers 7 and 8. In addition, a system bus 11a from the CPU 11 has an R functioning as various work areas for expanding firmware stored in the ROM 12.
AM 13, thermal head 14, stepping motor 15 for transporting ink ribbon 41 and label paper 42
And various sensors 17 such as a DC motor 16, a ribbon end detection sensor 17a and a paper end detection sensor 17b, and a PCMCIA (Persona1 Compu) which is a card interface.
ter Memory Card internationalAssociation) 18 is connected. A memory card 19 and a LAN card 20 functioning as data storage means are connected to the PCMCIA 18, and the memory card 19 has an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) as a display file.
e) The file is stored and the LAN card 20 stores the LAN
4 are connected. The RAM 13 has a status memory 32m that functions as a data storage unit that stores the status of the label printers 7, 8.

Next, functions realized by the CPU 11 mounted on the label printers 7 and 8 based on software will be described by taking the label printer 7 as an example. Here, FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a function realized by the CPU 11 by software mounted on the label printer 7. As shown in FIG. 4, received data transmitted from a predetermined client and received via the LAN card 20 is transmitted to the web server function means 31. This web
A file system 33 is connected to the server function means 31. The file system 33 updates and reads an HTML file stored in the memory card 19. That is, the web server function means 31
Outputs an HTML file read / write request to the file system 33 when detecting an HTML file read / write request in the received data.
Then, the file system 33 stores the target HTML.
File update or read processing is performed on the memory card 19
Do for

When the WEB server function means 31 detects data requesting the status of the label printer 7 in the received data, it outputs a status request to the status monitoring means 32. The status monitoring unit 32 monitors the status of the label printer 7 (for example, the status of an error or busy state, the status of the transport distance of the label paper 42 or the transport distance of the ink ribbon 41) and monitors the status memory 32m. I remember. Here, the function of the consumables information storage means is executed.

Here, the transport distance data of the label paper 42 and the transport distance data of the ink ribbon 41 are stored in the status memory 32m. The transport distance data of the label paper 42 is stored in the paper end detection sensor 17b. Is detected, and the transport distance data of the ink ribbon 41 is stored in the ribbon end detection sensor 17.
Reset when the ribbon end is detected by a. Therefore, what is stored in the status memory 32m is the transport distance data of the label paper 42 and the transport distance data of the ink ribbon 41 after replacement with a new label paper 42 or ink ribbon 41.

Upon receiving the status request, the status monitoring means 32 calls the status of the label printer 7 stored in the status memory 32m and transmits the status to the file system 33 via the web server function means 31. The file system 33 updates and reads the HTML file corresponding to the status, and transmits the HTML file to the Web server function means 31. The web server function means 31 transmits the HTML file to the client that transmitted the status request.

By the way, the web server function means 31
It has a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) function. CG
I invokes an external program (hereinafter referred to as a CGI program) according to data received from the client, and executes various calculations and file operations. If the request from the client is simply a request to view the HTML file in the memory card 19, the CGI does not operate.
In the case of updating an HTML file in the memory card 19 in response to a request from a client, the processing is performed by the CGI program.

In the present embodiment, the model number of the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 currently used and the label paper 4 currently used are stored in the memory card 19.
2 and the spare number of the ink ribbon 41 are stored. Such currently used label paper 42 and ink ribbon 4
The spare number of 1 is updated (added) each time these consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) are replenished. This updating operation is executed using the browser in the client 1 of the store other than the clients 5 and 6 at the user destination. Here, the function of the consumables information storage means is executed.

Each time the ribbon end detection sensor 17a detects the ribbon end, the memory card 1
9 is subtracted from the spare number of the ink ribbon 41 stored in the memory card 9, and each time the paper end detection sensor 17b detects the paper end, the memory card 19
"1" from the spare number of label sheets 42 stored in
By subtracting, the number of spare label papers 42 and ink ribbons 41 can be grasped.

Therefore, for example, when the client 1 requests the label printer 7 to display the consumables information, the WEB server function means 31 receives and detects the consumables information display request data. A status request is issued to the status memory 32, and the transport distance data of the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 as consumables stored in the status memory 32m is received. This data is, as described above, the label paper 42 after replacement with a new label paper 42 or ink ribbon 41.
And the transport distance data of the ink ribbon 41. In addition, the web server function means 31 also acquires the model numbers of the currently used label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41 stored in the memory card 19.

Here, since the length of the new label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 is constant for each model number, the usage of the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 is calculated as follows: Label paper usage (%) = new Transfer distance of label paper after replacement / Length of new label paper ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ (1) Convenient amount of ink ribbon (%) = Transfer distance of ink ribbon after replacement with new / Ink ribbon of new product The length can be calculated by the following equations.

The label paper 42 thus calculated
The usage amount of the ink ribbon 41 and the spare number of the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 are determined by the web server function means 31 via the file system 33 along with the HT.
It is written in the memory card 19 as an ML file. Then, the WEB server function means 31 reads out the HTML file (consumables information screen file) and transmits the HTML file (consumables information screen file) to the client 1 which is the request destination. Here, the function of the consumables information screen transmission unit is executed. As a result, a consumption information display screen for the consumables as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the client 1.

Here, the client computers 1,
The requests from the printers 5 and 6 are stored in the status memory 32m and used by the label printers 7 and 8 used in the label printers 42 and the ink ribbons 41 and stored in the memory card 19. If the request is for browsing consumables information such as the number of spare label papers 42 and ink ribbons 41, a consumables information screen file based on the consumables information is transmitted to the client computers 1, 5, and 6, Client computers 1, 5, 6
On the side, consumables information such as the amount of consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) used and the number of spares used in the label printers 7 and 8 can be grasped. This allows
The store of the consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) of the label printers 7 and 8 and the users of the label printers 7 and 8 access the label printers 7 and 8 via the client computers 1, 5 and 6, respectively. Consumables for label printers 7 and 8 (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41)
It is possible to monitor consumables information such as the amount of used consumables and the number of spares. For example, the store of consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) can monitor consumables (label paper 42) without going to the user. Consumables information such as the amount of used ink ribbon 41) and the number of spares
Replenishment work of consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) can be performed efficiently. In addition, the user of the label printers 7 and 8 can order and replenish consumables (the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41) at an optimal timing.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those described in the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The consumables management system according to the present embodiment automatically orders consumables (label paper, ink ribbon, and the like) used by a label printer when the necessity arises to replenish them. This is applied to a consumables management system for the purpose.

In the present embodiment, the memory card 1
9 stores all model numbers of consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) that can be mounted on the label printer 7 (label printer 8). These consumables (label paper 4
2 and the ink ribbon 41) may be stored by the manufacturer when the label printer 7 (label printer 8) is shipped. As described in the first embodiment, since the label printer 7 and the label printer 8 are different models, the consumables (the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 4) stored in the memory card 19 are stored.
The model numbers of 1) are different from each other. Here, the function of the consumables information storage means is executed.

For example, when ordering the consumables of the label printer 7 from the client 5 at the user's site, the web server function means 31 receives and detects the request data for ordering the consumables via the LAN card 20. Reference numeral 31 reads an HTML file for displaying an order form for consumables from the memory card 19 via the file system 33 and transmits the HTML file to the client 5. As a result, the client 5 displays a consumable supply order screen as shown in FIG. Here, the function of the order reception screen transmission means is executed. As shown in FIG. 6, the consumables order screen displays a list of consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) that can be mounted on the label printer 7.
Here, when the required number is input in the form and the “order button” in FIG. 6 is operated, an order for consumables is requested to the label printer 7.

When the web server function means 31 of the label printer 7 receives the order request for the consumables, the consumables (the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41) in the memory card 19 are received.
Of the requested consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) from the model number data of the requested item, and uses the mail function to send the model number and the ordered quantity to the client 1 of the store. Place an order for a product. Here, the function of the order information transmitting means is executed.

Here, the client computers 5, 6
Is a request for an order for consumables such as the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41 used for the label printers 7 and 8, the consumables used for the label printers 7 and 8 stored in the memory card 19 ( The order reception screen file based on the consumable information such as the model number of the label paper 42 and the ink ribbon 41) is transmitted to the client computers 5 and 6 to display the consumables order screen, and the consumables input via the consumables order screen are displayed. By transmitting order information of the products (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) to the client computers 5 and 6, the consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) used in the label printers 7 and 8 on the client computers 5 and 6 side. 41) can now be ordered. Thereby, when ordering consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41), the label printers 7, 8
User accesses the label printers 7 and 8 via the client computers 5 and 6, and supplies consumables such as model numbers related to consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon 41) that can be used for the label printers 7 and 8. Information can be confirmed on the screens of the client computers 5 and 6 via the screens. For example, the consumables (label paper 42 and ink ribbon) input via the screens to the client computer 1 provided at the store Since the order information of 41) can be transmitted from the label printers 7 and 8,
It is possible to eliminate entry errors such as describing consumables that do not conform to the label printers 7 and 8 or entering the wrong model number of consumables, thereby preventing ordering errors.

[0041]

According to the printer of the first aspect of the present invention, data storage means for storing and holding various data, and the various data stored in the data storage means are transmitted in response to a request from a client computer. A web server function unit, a consumable information storage unit for storing consumable information such as a used amount and a spare number of consumables used in the printer in the data storage unit, and a request from the client computer receiving the data storage unit Consumables information screen transmitting means for transmitting a consumables information screen file based on the consumables information to the client computer by the WEB server function means when the request is for browsing the consumables information stored in By providing, printer consumables retailers and printer users can
Since a printer can be accessed via a client computer and consumable information such as the amount of consumables used and the spare number of the printer can be monitored, for example, at a consumables dealer side, without going to the user Consumables information such as the amount of consumables used and the number of spares can be grasped, and consumables replenishment work and the like can be performed efficiently.
Further, the user of the printer can order and replenish consumables at an optimal timing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer comprising: a data storage unit for storing and holding various data; and a web server function unit for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage unit in response to a request from a client computer. And consumables information storage means for storing consumables information on consumables that can be used in the printer in the data storage means, and when the request from the client computer is an order request for the consumables, An order reception screen transmitting means for transmitting an order reception screen file based on the consumables information stored in the data storage means to the client computer by the web server function means, and a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file The order information of the consumables input by the user is input by the web server function means. And an order information transmitting unit for transmitting the consumables. When ordering the consumables, the user of the printer accesses the printer via the client computer and transmits the consumables information relating to the consumables usable for the printer to the client. Consumables that can be confirmed by a computer via a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file, and for example, input to a client computer provided at the store via a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file Can be transmitted from the printer, it is possible to eliminate entry mistakes such as describing consumables that are not compatible with the printer and erroneously listing the model numbers of consumables, thereby preventing ordering errors.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, data storage means for storing and holding various data, and WEB server function means for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer A method for managing consumables used in a printer comprising: storing consumables information such as a used amount and a spare number of consumables used in the printer in the data storage unit; Is a request for browsing the consumables information stored in the data storage means, by transmitting a consumables information screen file based on the consumables information to the client computer by the WEB server function means, On the client computer side, the amount of consumables used for the printer The consumables information of the printer can be grasped, so that the printer consumables dealer and the printer user can access the printer via the client computer and use the consumables of the printer, such as the amount of consumables used and the spare number. Since the consumable information can be monitored, for example, the consumables dealer can grasp the consumable information such as the amount of consumables used and the number of spares without going to the user, and replenish the consumables. Work and the like can be performed efficiently. Further, the user of the printer can order and replenish consumables at an optimal timing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, data storage means for storing and holding various data, and WEB server function means for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer A method for managing consumables used in a printer comprising: storing consumables information on consumables usable in the printer in the data storage means; In the case of an order request for an article, an order reception screen file based on the consumable information stored in the data storage means is transmitted to the client computer by the web server function means, and an order reception screen file corresponding to the order reception screen file is transmitted. The order information of the consumables input through the screen is displayed on the WE
By transmitting by the B server function means, the consumables used for the printer can be ordered on the client computer side. When ordering the consumables, the user of the printer can use the client computer via the client computer. It is possible to access the printer and check the consumables information on the consumables that can be used for the printer via the screen corresponding to the order reception screen file on the client computer. Since the printer can send the order information of consumables input to the client computer via the screen corresponding to the order reception screen file, the consumables that do not match the printer and the model number of the consumables are incorrect. It is possible to eliminate entry errors such as entry and prevent ordering errors.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a consumable supply management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view schematically showing the structure of the label printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part of the label printer.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing software C installed in the label printer.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions realized by a PU.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a consumption information display screen of consumables.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a consumable supply order screen in a consumable supply management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,5,6 Client computer 7,8 Printer 19,32m Data storage means 31 Web server function means 41,42 Consumables

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 318 G06F 17/60 318G F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP10 AQ04 AS08 HJ08 HK23 HQ12 HV13 HV14 HX10 5B021 AA01 AA02 BB10 CC05 EE02 KK07 5B089 GA13 GA21 GB02 HA10 JB16 JB22 KA12 KA13

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A data storage means for storing and holding various data, and a WE for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer
B server function means; consumables information storage means for storing in the data storage means consumables information such as the amount of consumables used and the spare number used in the printer; and a request from the client computer for the data storage means. Consumables information screen transmitting means for transmitting a consumables information screen file based on the consumables information to the client computer by the WEB server function means when the request is for browsing the consumables information stored in A printer comprising: 2. A data storage means for storing and holding various data, and a WE for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage means in response to a request from a client computer.
B server function means, consumables information storage means for storing consumables information relating to consumables usable for the printer in the data storage means, wherein the request from the client computer is an ordering request for the consumables. An order receiving screen transmitting means for transmitting an order receiving screen file based on the consumables information stored in the data storage means to the client computer by the web server function means; And an order information transmitting means for transmitting the order information of the consumables input through the screen displayed by the web server function means. 3. A printer comprising: a data storage unit for storing and holding various data; and a web server function unit for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage unit in response to a request from a client computer. A method for managing consumables, comprising storing consumables information such as a used amount and a spare number of consumables used in the printer in the data storage unit, wherein a request from the client computer is stored in the data storage unit. If the request is a request for browsing the consumables information, the web server function means transmits the consumables information screen file to the client computer by the web server function means, so that the client computer uses the printer for the printer. Information on consumables, such as used consumables and spares A consumables management method characterized by doing so. 4. A printer comprising: a data storage unit for storing and holding various data; and a web server function unit for transmitting the various data stored in the data storage unit in response to a request from a client computer. A method for managing consumables, comprising: storing consumables information relating to consumables that can be used in the printer in the data storage unit; and when the request from the client computer is an ordering request for the consumables. Transmitting an order reception screen file based on the consumables information stored in the data storage means to the client computer by the web server function means, and inputting the information via a screen corresponding to the order reception screen file; By transmitting the order information of consumables by the WEB server function means, Consumables management method being characterized in that to be able to order a consumable used in the printer at the client computer.