JP2005169939A - Printer, computer having printer connected thereto and controlling the printer to carry out printing, and program for use therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the frequency in use of a printer by the user, and to achieve sales promotion of an image forming medium. <P>SOLUTION: The printer has a printing execution section 210 for executing printing, an ink cartridge control section 220 for controlling a remaining quantity of an ink cartridge, and a virtual tank control section 230 for controlling a virtual remaining quantity of a virtual tank. The virtual tank control section 230 stores the virtual remaining quantity therein, and subtracts an ink consumption quantity due to printing from the virtual remaining quantity to calculate a new value of the virtual remaining quantity and update the same, followed by transmitting the resultant value to a computer 30. Then a virtual tank monitor section 314 sets the virtual remaining quantity to the current value, and displays the value on a display device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for supporting sales promotion of an image recording medium in a printer.

  There is a technology that enables a user to easily purchase consumables, particularly ink cartridges, in a printing apparatus such as a printer. That is, in Patent Document 1, when the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge falls below a predetermined first threshold, a screen prompting the purchase of the ink cartridge is displayed, and a web page where the ink cartridge can be purchased can be accessed from this screen. It is described to do so.

  When the user does not replace the ink cartridge, for example, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, a Web that can purchase the ink cartridge again. It is described that a screen prompting the purchase of an ink cartridge that can access the page is displayed.

JP 2002-123384 A

  By the way, image forming media such as ink and toner are essential consumables for using the printer. These are sold as image forming medium containers such as ink cartridges and toner cassettes housed in corresponding cartridges and cassette cases. In order to improve the sales of this type of product, that is, the image forming medium container, it is necessary to increase the frequency of use of the printer by the user. That is, it is important to promote use.

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 described above can teach a user when to order an ink cartridge and can easily place an order via the Web. However, it does not cause the user to increase the amount of ink used. On the other hand, users who frequently print are large-volume users of ink. For this type of user, there is a need for a technique that expresses gratitude rather than motivation for printing and provides motivation for continued use.

  There is a need for a technique that motivates users to perform more printing, in other words, a technique that supports the promotion of sales of an image forming medium or an image forming medium container.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for supporting sales promotion of an image forming medium used for image formation.

According to the present invention, in a printer that mounts an image forming medium container in which a container is filled with an image forming medium for forming an image on a printing medium, and prints print data sent from a printer host.
A print execution unit that executes printing for print data sent from the printer host;
An image forming medium remaining amount management unit for managing the remaining amount of the image forming medium;
A virtual tank management unit that manages the virtual remaining amount of the image forming medium that is virtually accommodated in the virtual tank that is virtually constructed,
The virtual tank management unit
Storage means for storing the virtual remaining amount in a memory;
The CPU executes the program, calculates the consumption amount of the image forming medium that is consumed when the printing is executed, and subtracts the consumption amount from the stored current virtual remaining amount to create a new virtual Means for determining the remaining amount and updating the stored current virtual remaining amount to a new virtual remaining amount;
Means for transmitting the stored virtual remaining amount to the printer host in accordance with a request from the printer host;
There is provided a printer comprising: means for setting the stored virtual remaining amount to an initial value based on an instruction from a printer host.

Further, according to the present invention, in the computer that is connected to the above-described printer and functions as a printer host for sending print data and performing printing, and connected to a display device and an input device,
A print data generation unit that generates print data and sends it to a printer;
A printing condition setting management unit for setting and managing printing conditions by displaying a setting screen on the display device and accepting settings via the input device;
An ink monitor unit for monitoring the remaining amount of ink in printing and displaying it on the screen of the display device;
A virtual tank monitor unit that acquires a virtual capacity and a virtual remaining amount related to the virtual tank from the printer, and graphically displays the virtual remaining amount in the virtual tank on the screen of the display device;
The virtual tank monitor unit determines whether or not there is the acquired virtual remaining amount, and when it is determined that there is no virtual remaining amount, sales promotion of a website that provides a sales promotion service established by a predetermined Web server is established. There is provided a computer functioning as a print host, characterized in that information for displaying an application screen for receiving a service is acquired from a Web site, displayed on the display device, and an application is received.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a program that is connected to a printer and functions as a printer host that sends print data to perform printing, and is read by a computer that functions by being connected to a display device and an input device,
The computer
A print data generation unit that generates print data and sends it to a printer;
A printing condition setting management unit for setting and managing printing conditions by displaying a setting screen on the display device and accepting settings via the input device;
An ink monitor unit for monitoring the remaining amount of ink in printing and displaying it on the screen of the display device;
Obtain a virtual capacity and a virtual remaining amount related to the virtual tank from the printer, and function as a virtual tank monitor unit that graphically displays the virtual remaining amount in the virtual tank on the screen of the display device,
The virtual tank monitor unit determines whether or not there is the acquired virtual remaining amount, and when it is determined that there is no virtual remaining amount, sales promotion of a website that provides a sales promotion service established by a predetermined Web server is established. Information for displaying an application screen for receiving a service is acquired from a Web site, displayed on the display device, and an application is received.

  By each of these aspects, use of the image forming medium used for image formation is promoted by the virtual remaining amount of the virtual tank, and as a result, sales promotion can be supported.

  Here, the storage means may be configured to store the virtual capacity of the virtual tank and the virtual remaining amount in a memory. In addition, a capacity larger than the total amount of the image forming medium capacities of a plurality of mounted image forming medium containers can be set as the virtual capacity.

  According to the present invention, sales promotion of an image forming medium used for image formation can be supported.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention assumes a virtual tank that virtually stores an image forming medium when printing on an image medium such as paper on an image forming medium such as ink or toner, and virtually stores the image in the virtual tank. Used to manage the virtual remaining amount (or virtual consumption) of the stored image forming medium and provide a sales promotion service when the virtual consumption of the image forming medium exceeds a predetermined condition. Technology.

  In the following embodiments, a case where the present invention is applied to sales promotion support for ink that is a consumable part of an ink jet printer that uses ink as an image forming medium will be described as an example. In this case, as various quantities related to the ink amount of the virtual tank, a virtual capacity indicating the capacity of the virtual tank, a virtual remaining amount indicating the remaining amount of ink in the virtual tank, and a virtual indicating the ink consumption amount in the virtual tank Information about ink is expressed using consumption. Of course, it is not limited to this expression. The virtual capacity can be represented, for example, by the amount of ink filled in each of the cartridges that are mounted in plural, that is, the amount corresponding to the total of the filling capacity. The virtual remaining amount can be expressed, for example, by an amount corresponding to the total amount of ink remaining in each of the mounted cartridges. Further, the virtual consumption amount can be represented by, for example, an amount corresponding to the total amount of ink consumption of each of the mounted cartridges. Of course, it is not limited to this. Further, it can be expressed by the amount of ink for a specific color by paying attention to the specific color. For example, the virtual capacity and the virtual remaining amount (or virtual consumption amount) can be expressed based on the amount of black ink. Furthermore, a virtual tank may be provided for each color, and the virtual capacity and the virtual remaining amount (or virtual consumption) may be expressed for each color.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the present invention. A printing system 1 including a computer 30 and a printer 10 is connected to a computer network, for example, the Internet 70, and uses various services provided on the Internet 70, for example, browsing of Web pages, electronic information Can be transmitted and received. In addition, Web servers 60A and 60B are connected to the Internet 70 and open Web sites, respectively.

  The web site established by the web server 60A provides a service for accepting an online application for purchasing consumables of the printer 10, such as ink cartridges. The printing system 1 holds URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of Web pages for consumable purchase purchase applications. For example, when the remaining amount of the ink cartridge is reduced, the printing system 1 displays a screen for accessing this Web page and prompts the user to make a purchase application.

  On the other hand, the Web site established by the Web server 60B provides various services for sales promotion of consumables. The printing system 1 holds a URL of a Web page for applying for receiving various services performed for sales promotion of consumables. In this case, for example, when the user consumes a predetermined amount (virtual capacity) of ink, the printing system 1 performs an application reception process for receiving the sales promotion service. On the Web site of the Web server 60B, for example, discount sales of new ink cartridges, free provision, etc. are prepared as various services for sales promotion. Various services here are appropriately determined on the Web site. In addition to deciding whether to conduct discount sales, free provision, etc., for example, the discount rate in discount sales varies depending on the time, cumulative usage for each user, etc. Services such as changing the discount rate according to the amount used and free of charge to the winners by lottery are conceivable. In addition, as a sales promotion service when the demand for consumables declines, if the total usage of the virtual tank of the user who applied for a certain period exceeds the predetermined target value, the application was made during that period For example, the user may be provided with further sales promotion services such as free provision of ink cartridges.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of the printing system 1 configured by including the computer 30 and the printer 10.

  The computer 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32 that is a memory that temporarily stores data and programs, and various data for controlling the computer 30. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 33 that is a memory in which a startup program and the like are stored in advance in a nonvolatile manner, and an interface 34 that controls transmission and reception of data with peripheral devices such as the connected printer 10 are provided. . In this embodiment, the computer 30 functions as a printer host.

  The computer 30 includes a display device 21 such as a color display, an input device 22 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a media reading device 23 that reads data from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 24, And the communication control apparatus 25 for connecting to the internet 70 is connected. However, the configuration of the computer 30 is not limited to this.

  The printer 10 is, for example, an ink jet color printer. Inkjet color printers are equipped with a plurality of ink cartridges each filled with ink of different color tones in order to support color printing. The ink supplied from these ink cartridges is selectively ejected by a print head in accordance with an image to be printed, and sprayed onto a print medium such as a recording sheet for printing.

  The printer 10 includes an interface 11 that controls communication with the computer 30 such as data reception, a CPU 12 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores print data and the like, and a printer 10 that controls the printer 10. ROM 14 in which various data, various programs and the like are stored in advance in a nonvolatile manner, a print head for ejecting ink, a carriage drive mechanism for driving a carriage on which the print head is mounted, a paper feed mechanism, and a print medium supply / discharge The printer includes a print engine 15 including a paper supply / discharge mechanism that performs processing, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM) 16. However, the configuration of the printer 10 is not limited to this.

  Here, the rewritable nonvolatile memory 16 includes an identifier for identifying the virtual tank, the above-described virtual capacity (indicated by the initial value of the ink that is virtually filled in the virtual tank), the above-described virtual remaining amount (the relevant Etc.), which are indicated by a value indicating the virtual ink amount currently remaining in the virtual tank. The initial value can be a predetermined ink amount corresponding to a larger amount than the capacity of the ink cartridge actually mounted, for example, a plurality of ink cartridges, such as two ink cartridges or three ink cartridges. Of course, it is not limited to integer multiples. For example, the amount can be 1.5 times. Further, the capacity may be determined without being related to the number. This determination of the virtual capacity can be configured to automatically calculate by reflecting management indexes such as the sales amount, inventory amount, and profit rate of the ink cartridge, for example. Further, the virtual capacity, the virtual remaining amount, and the like can be represented by, for example, values obtained by converting the amount of ink ejected by inkjet into the number of dots. Of course, it is not limited to this. Any amount can be used as long as the virtual capacity and the virtual remaining amount can be calculated and the remaining amount or consumption amount of ink can be expressed visually.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the print engine 15. As shown in the figure, the print engine 15 supports a carriage 101 for mounting a plurality of ink cartridges 107 (107a to 107g), an ink jet print head 110 supported by the carriage 101, and the carriage 101. A carriage mechanism 120 that reciprocates in the line direction and a paper feed mechanism 130 that feeds the paper P are provided.

  The carriage mechanism 120 includes a timing belt 121 connected to the carriage 101 and a carriage motor 123 that reciprocates the timing belt 121. The carriage motor 123 reciprocates the carriage 101 in the paper width direction of the recording paper P while being guided by the guide member 104 via the timing belt 121.

  An ink jet print head 110 is attached to the carriage 101 on the surface facing the recording paper P, and in the example shown in the drawing, the lower surface. The print head 110 is held on the carriage 101. The print head 110 is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 107, ejects ink droplets onto the recording paper P in accordance with the movement of the carriage 101, forms dots, and prints images, characters, and the like on the recording paper P.

  The ink cartridges 107a to 107g are independent of each other, and an ink storage chamber formed in each ink cartridge is filled with black (K) or color ink. The color ink can be, for example, cyan (C), light cyan (LC), magenta (M), light magenta (LM), yellow (Y), or dark yellow (DY).

  In the present embodiment, seven ink cartridges 107 can be mounted on the carriage 101. A black (K) or color ink cartridge 107 can be mounted at each mounting position.

  The mounting position of each ink cartridge 107 is determined in advance. For example, six of the seven mounting positions are in the order of yellow (Y), light magenta (LM), magenta (M), light cyan (LC), cyan (C), and black (K). It is stipulated to be worn. The remaining one mounting position is determined so that either black (K) or dark yellow (DY) ink cartridges are mounted. This is dark yellow (DY), which is a color ink for improving the quality of printing, and is not always necessary depending on the purpose of printing, the type of printing medium, and the like, and is frequently used at the discretion of the user. This is to enable selective mounting with black (K).

  In the print head 110, nozzle openings (not shown) corresponding to seven ink cartridges are arranged for each column.

  Each ink cartridge 107 includes a storage element. In this storage element, information indicating the color of ink filled in the ink cartridge 107 and information indicating the remaining amount of ink are stored. Further, information regarding the type, version, manufacturer, manufacturing time, etc. of the ink cartridge may be further stored.

  The storage element has a connection terminal exposed, and is electrically connected to an electrode provided on the carriage 101 when the ink cartridge 107 is mounted on the printer 10. Thus, information such as ink color and ink remaining amount can be exchanged between each ink cartridge 107 and the printer 10. The storage element can be configured by, for example, a rewritable memory including a memory cell, a read / write controller, an address counter, and the like, for example, an EEPROM.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration constructed on the printing system 1. In this figure, on the computer 30, a print control unit 310 that controls printing processing in the printing system 1 and a Web browser unit 320 that performs processing for accessing a Web page are constructed. On the printer 10, an ink functioning as a print execution unit 210 that executes printing of print data sent from the computer 30 and an image forming medium remaining amount management unit that manages the remaining amount of image forming medium for printing. A cartridge management unit 220 and a virtual tank management unit 230 that manages a virtual ink remaining amount (virtual remaining amount) of a virtual tank that is virtually constructed are constructed.

  The print control unit 310 includes a print data generation unit 311 that generates print data for a document to be printed, and an ink monitor unit that presents information to the user based on the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 107 mounted on the printer 10. 312, a communication unit 313 that communicates with the printer 10, a virtual tank monitor unit 314 that presents information about the virtual tank to the user, and a print condition setting management unit 315 that manages various settings when performing printing. Configured.

  The print data generation unit 311 generates print data by performing rasterization processing, color conversion processing, and the like for the document to be printed.

  The ink monitor unit 312 acquires the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 107 attached to the printer 10 when printing is performed. If the remaining amount of ink is below a threshold value (hereinafter referred to as “target threshold value”) determined by a predetermined rule, it indicates that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge has become equal to or less than the reference value. An ink monitor screen prompting the user to purchase a cartridge is displayed on the display device 21 (see FIG. 5).

  The virtual tank monitor unit 314 displays the remaining amount of ink in the virtual tank managed by the virtual tank management 230, which will be described later, as the virtual tank form (651) and the amount of ink filled in the virtual tank (652). Display data to be displayed schematically is generated and displayed on the display device 21 (see FIG. 8). As will be described later, this display is a basic screen at the time of print setting (see FIG. 8), a screen showing the progress of printing at the time of printing (see FIG. 9), and an application for receiving a sales promotion support service. Each is displayed on the screen (see FIG. 10).

  The print condition setting management unit 315 receives various condition settings related to printing, holds the set conditions, and manages to perform printing based on the set conditions when executing printing. The print condition setting management unit 315 generates a print property screen and causes the display device 21 to display the print property screen. At this time, referring to the information regarding the ink in the ink monitor unit 312 and the virtual tank monitor unit 314, the remaining ink amount display and the virtual tank display on the basic setting screen are displayed together with other displays on the basic setting screen 601 (see FIG. 8). Do.

  FIG. 8 shows a basic setting screen at the time of print setting in the printer property screen 600. 8, the basic setting screen 601 includes a paper type setting area 610 for setting the paper type, an ink setting area 620 for setting ink, a mode setting area 630 for setting the print mode, and printing. In addition to a printing condition display area 640 indicating conditions, a structure for displaying an ink remaining amount display area 660 indicating the remaining ink amount of each mounted ink cartridge, and a virtual tank display area 650 for performing display relating to the virtual tank, It has become. This screen is displayed by the print condition setting management unit 315. At that time, information about the remaining amount of ink is referred to from the ink monitor unit 312 and virtual tank information indicating the state of the virtual tank is referred to from the virtual tank monitor unit 314. As shown in FIG. The display in 660 and the virtual tank display area 650 is made.

  In the virtual tank display area 650, a tank form display 651 indicating the form of the virtual tank is displayed. Further, in the tank form display 651, a highlighted display area 652, a non-highlighted display area 653, a scale display 654 displayed outside the tank form display 651, and display contents 655 are displayed. In the present embodiment, the tank form display 651 is represented by displaying a figure representing a square cylinder three-dimensionally and the wall surface as transparent. Thereby, the remaining amount of ink, the consumption amount, and the like can be expressed in the form of a three-dimensional band graph.

  The highlight display area 652 is highlighted by an expression form such as color or shading. What can be highlighted can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a virtual remaining amount display, that is, a virtual tank form display 651 displays a residual ink image corresponding to the highlight area 652, and a virtual consumption display, that is, a virtual tank form display. The empty image in 651 (non-filled area) is displayed in correspondence with the non-highlighted display area 653.

  In this embodiment, the virtual remaining amount is displayed as a percentage with the set virtual capacity as the denominator. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the virtual remaining amount is emphasized by displaying an image that visually indicates the virtual remaining amount of ink in the virtual tank. However, in the virtual tank, ink is displayed, and a blank portion without ink (non-emphasized region) is also displayed adjacent to the portion. This blank portion indicates the virtual consumption amount in the virtual tank. In the display of the virtual tank, instead of the virtual remaining amount, a display that emphasizes the virtual consumption amount may be used. Whether the virtual remaining amount is highlighted or the virtual consumption amount is highlighted can be changed depending on whether the percentage scale is given or which is highlighted and displayed. You may enable it to change this display mode according to a user's liking.

  The scale display 654 shows an index line 654a in 25% increments, and a numerical value 654b corresponding to each index line 654a. In the present embodiment, the index of the scale display 654 is aligned with the highlight display area 652. Of course, the memory display 654 can be aligned with the non-highlighted display area 653. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the scale display 654 can be changed by displaying 0% on the upper side and 100% on the lower side. At this time, by switching the target of the highlight area 652 and the non-highlight area 653, the target of the highlight display can also be switched.

  The display content 655 shows the content displayed in the virtual tank display area 650. Here, the fact that the virtual tank is a virtual remaining amount display is displayed in characters. That is, the target of the highlight display 652 and the target of the scale display 654 indicate the virtual remaining amount. Thereby, it is possible to assist the user who views the screen so that the user can clearly understand what the display content is. In addition, when the object is changed for both or one of the object of the highlight display 652 and the scale display 654, the display content 655 is also changed correspondingly. For example, the virtual remaining amount display can be changed to the virtual consumption amount display. This is to clearly display what is represented.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a progress display dialog displayed on the screen of the display device 21 during execution of printing and indicating the progress of printing. In FIG. 9, a progress meter display unit 710 that indicates the progress of printing, a paper display unit 720 that displays information about paper such as the type and size of paper, a print cancel button 730 that accepts a print cancel instruction, and a temporary print A temporary stop button 740 for accepting a stop, an ink remaining amount display area 760 indicating the remaining ink amount, a virtual tank display area 750, and a one-point advice button 770 for requesting one-point advice regarding displayed items are displayed. Is done. This screen is displayed by the ink monitor unit 312 in a pop-up display or the like. At that time, the virtual tank information indicating the state of the virtual tank is referred to by the ink monitor unit 312 from the virtual tank monitor unit 314, and the display in the virtual tank display area 750 is performed as shown in FIG.

  Here, the virtual tank display area 750 is basically the same as the display in the virtual tank display area 650 shown in FIG. 8 described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 8 are attached, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen for accepting an application for a sales promotion service. The screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed by the virtual tank monitor unit 314 when the virtual remaining amount in the virtual tank reaches 0% (100% in the case of virtual consumption). A window is displayed on the display screen of the display device 21. The display of this screen is performed by the virtual tank monitor unit 314.

  The screen shown in FIG. 10 includes a title part 810 indicating that it is a screen for applying for a sales promotion service, a virtual tank display area 850 indicating a virtual tank, and a message display area 880 displaying various messages related to the virtual tank. A virtual tank discount button 890 for accepting an application for receiving the sales promotion service is displayed.

  In the virtual tank display area 850, the virtual remaining amount of the virtual tank is 0%, that is, the virtual tank form display 651 is not highlighted, and all areas are not highlighted. . In addition, a message 656 indicating that a virtual tank discount can be received is also displayed in the virtual tank form display 651. In this case, the display content 654 displays a virtual tank (discounted).

  In the message display area 880, a message corresponding to the service content provided at that time is displayed. In the example of Fig. 10, "Virtual tank is empty", "Press the" Virtual tank discount "button, you can purchase a favorite ink cartridge at a discount price by connecting to the sales promotion service provision Web . "If you do not use this discount service, please click" Close ". Various messages such as “” are displayed.

  The virtual tank discount button 890 connects the computer 30 to the Web server 60 </ b> B prepared in advance via the Internet 70 when a user performs an instruction operation via the input device 22.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed screen for a sales promotion service application sent from a sales promotion service providing Web site established in the Web server 60B. As shown in FIG. 11, the sales promotion application screen 900 displays a search area 910 for searching for sales promotion products and an application reception unit 920 for the target sales promotion products.

  In the present embodiment, the application receiving unit 920 is an example of a receiving unit for applying for consumable ink cartridges. Here, a product photo portion 921 that displays a reduced picture of the product, a product name 922a and an ink color display 922b, a manufacturer 923 that indicates the manufacturer name of the product, and an application number unique to the product (may include symbols). The application number 924 for displaying the item, the standard price 925 indicating the standard price of the product, the discount price 926 indicating the discount price by the sales promotion service, and the number 927 for the user to input the order quantity are displayed in tabular form. Is done. In addition, a “Add to Cart” button 928 for instructing when the application is executed and a “Cancel input” button 929 for inputting an instruction for canceling the application are displayed. This display is displayed by the computer 30 based on the information sent from the Web server 60B.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the ink monitor screen. In this figure, an ink monitor screen 500 includes a column 501 for visually displaying the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge, a column 502 for describing the remaining amount of ink, a “purchase” button 503, and a “notify later” button. 504 and a “close” button 505.

  When the ink monitor unit 312 receives a click on the “purchase” button 503 on the ink monitor screen 500, the ink monitor unit 312 notifies the web browser unit 320 of the URL of the web page for consumable purchase purchase application. Then, the Web browser unit 320 accesses a Web page for consumables purchase application, so that the user can apply for an ink cartridge purchase online. The URL of the web page for consumable purchase purchase is previously held inside or outside the ink monitor unit 312 so that the ink monitor unit 312 can refer to it.

  When the ink monitor unit 312 receives a click on the “notify later” button 504 on the ink monitor screen 500, the ink monitor screen 500 is once closed. Then, the target threshold value is reset.

  In other words, in this embodiment, the ink monitor unit 312 can set a plurality of values as the target threshold value for the remaining amount of ink that serves as a reference for displaying the ink monitor screen 500. For example, four values of 20%, 10%, 5%, and 0% can be set as the target threshold value. The set target threshold value is stored in a nonvolatile manner in the auxiliary storage device 24 of the computer 30 or the like. However, the value and the number of values that can be set as the target threshold are not limited to these.

  For simplicity, a case where there is one ink cartridge, that is, a case where the remaining amount of ink of one color should be considered will be described as an example. When 20% is set as the target threshold value, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 107 reaches 20%, the ink monitor unit 312 displays the above-described ink monitor screen 500 and prompts the purchase of the ink cartridge. When the click of the “notify later” button 504 is received on the ink monitor screen 500, the ink monitor unit 312 closes the ink monitor screen 500 and sets 10%, which is one step lower than 20%, as the target threshold value.

  When ink is further consumed and the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 107 reaches 10%, the ink monitor screen 500 is displayed again to prompt the purchase of the ink cartridge. Thereafter, each time a “notify later” button 504 is received, the target threshold value is reset by one step until it reaches 0%.

  The setting of the target threshold value including a case where there are a plurality of ink cartridges, that is, a case where the ink remaining amount differs for each ink color will be described later.

  The ink monitor unit 312 closes the ink monitor screen 500 when the click of the “close” button 505 is accepted on the ink monitor screen 500. In this case, the target threshold is not changed. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 107 is not replaced, the ink monitor screen 500 is displayed again when the next printing is executed.

  The print control unit 310 is constructed on the computer 30 by the CPU 31 executing the printer driver program read by the RAM 32 on the operating system that controls the computer 30, and implements various functions (311 to 315). . The printer driver program for this purpose can be distributed by recording it on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The printer driver program can be installed in the computer 30 by reading the recording medium with the media reader 23. For example, it can also be installed via the Internet 70.

  The Web browser unit 320 performs processing for accessing a Web page on the Internet 70 specified by the URL. The web browser unit 320 can be constructed by executing general-purpose web browser software on the computer 30.

  The print execution unit 210 is constructed on the printer 10 when the 0 CPU 12 executes the program. The print execution unit 210 executes control to cause the print engine to perform printing based on print data sent via the interface 11 by the print data generation unit 311 of the computer 30.

  The ink cartridge management unit 220 manages ink information including ink remaining amount data of each ink cartridge 107 mounted on the printer 10. The ink cartridge management unit 220 reads information from the storage element of the ink cartridge 107 and updates the ink information. Ink information is transmitted in response to a request from the computer 30.

  The ink cartridge management unit 220 can calculate the ink discharge amount by multiplying the weight of the ink droplets discharged from the nozzles provided in the print head 110 and the number of ink droplet discharges. The remaining amount of ink is calculated by subtracting the ink consumption amount based on the ink discharge amount and the ink suction amount consumed by the cleaning of the print head 110 from the ink filling amount of the ink cartridge 107. Can do.

  The ink cartridge management unit 220 reads the remaining ink amount data stored from the storage element of the ink cartridge 107 and writes it in the RAM 13 when the printer 10 is powered on. Then, the contents of the RAM 13 are updated with the calculated latest ink remaining amount as ink remaining amount data. In the case where information regarding the type, version, manufacturer, manufacturing time, and the like of the ink cartridge 107 is recorded in the storage element of the ink cartridge 107, such information may be written into the RAM 13 when the power is turned on.

  The calculated latest ink remaining amount is written in each storage element of the ink cartridge 107 after the printer 10 is turned off. Alternatively, for example, writing may be performed every time printing is completed.

  The remaining ink amount can be expressed, for example, as a percentage based on the amount of ink filled in a new ink cartridge. In this case, the ink remaining amount in the initial state in which the ink cartridge 107 is filled with ink is 100%, and decreases to 0% as the printing process is executed. Of course, the method for expressing the remaining ink amount is not limited to a percentage.

  The virtual tank management unit 230 is constructed on the printer 10 by the CPU 12 executing a program. The virtual tank management unit 230 uses the rewritable nonvolatile memory 16 to manage various quantities related to the virtual tank such as the virtual tank identifier, the virtual capacity, and the virtual remaining amount (virtual consumption) described above. Specifically, among these various amounts, at least the virtual capacity and the virtual remaining amount are stored in the memory, and the number of dots corresponding to the ink amount consumed based on the print data is calculated. Instructed from the computer 30 side, at least a virtual remaining amount update means for updating the virtual remaining amount, an ink information transmission means for sending ink information to the computer 30 in response to status requests regarding various amounts of virtual tanks from the computer side Virtual remaining amount resetting means for updating the virtual remaining amount to an initial value based on a virtual remaining amount reset instruction.

  Next, the setting of the target threshold value performed by the ink monitor unit 312 of the print control unit 310 constructed on the computer 30 will be further described.

  The ink monitor unit 312 acquires the remaining amount of each ink cartridge 107 from the ink cartridge management unit 220 of the printer 10, and stores the remaining amount for each ink color, for example, on the RAM 32. The ink monitor unit 312 divides the ink color of the ink cartridge 107 into several groups, and sets and manages a target threshold value for each group.

  The method of grouping is arbitrary, but here, when all the ink colors are handled as one group (first example), and when the ink colors are divided into black ink and color ink other than black (second case) Example). In the first example, the ink monitor unit 312 sets one target threshold value to manage the remaining amount of ink. In the second example, the ink monitor unit 312 sets a target threshold value for black ink and a target threshold value for color ink. The remaining amount of ink is managed. For example, the set target threshold value is stored in the auxiliary storage device 24 in a nonvolatile manner.

  FIG. 6 shows the remaining amount of each ink color managed by the ink monitor unit 312 and the target threshold value.

  FIG. 6A shows the target threshold value of the first example. In the first example, since all ink colors are handled as one group, the target threshold value to be managed is one. At this time, as shown in parentheses, the same target threshold value may be set for each ink color, and may be changed in conjunction. FIG. 6B shows the target threshold value of the second example. In the second example, since the groups are divided into black ink and color ink, the target threshold is managed for each group. At this time, as shown in parentheses, the same target threshold value may be set for each color ink, and may be changed in conjunction.

  FIG. 6C shows the remaining amount of each ink color. The ink monitor unit 312 manages the remaining amount of ink for each of the seven ink colors as a percentage.

  As described above, for example, when the printer 10 is used with six colors of ink when black (K) ink is attached instead of dark yellow (DY) ink, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the total value of the remaining ink amounts of the two black (K) inks may be handled as the remaining amount of black (K) ink.

  Next, processing of the ink monitor unit 312 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed when the computer 30 acquires the status of the printer 10. The timing at which the computer 30 acquires the status of the printer 10 can be, for example, when printing starts based on the user's print command, when the printer status acquisition command is received from the user, or the like.

  The ink monitor unit 312 acquires the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge 107 from the ink cartridge management unit 220 of the printer 10 (S101).

  Next, it is determined whether a target threshold is set (S102). The target threshold value is normally set because it is stored in a nonvolatile manner once set. However, since it is not set immediately after installing the printer driver program or the like and needs to be set anew, it is determined in step (S102) whether the target threshold has been set.

  As a result, when the target threshold is not set, the target threshold is set for each group (S103). For setting the target threshold, first, for each group, the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridges included in the group is extracted. Then, among the values that can be taken as the target threshold value, the maximum value that is less than the remaining amount is set as the target threshold value for the group.

  Assume that possible values for the target threshold are 20%, 10%, 5%, and 0% as described above. Here, in the first example, it is assumed that cyan is 18% and the minimum value in the remaining amount of ink in the seven-color ink cartridges. In this case, a value of less than 18% and a maximum value of 10% is set as the target threshold value. Further, in the second example, it is assumed that the black ink cartridge has an ink remaining amount of 80%, and magenta is 8% of the color ink remaining amount, which is the minimum value. In this case, the target threshold for black ink is set to 20%, and the target threshold for color ink is set to 5%.

  Next, the ink monitor unit 312 determines whether the ink remaining amount value is held (S104). For example, if the status has not yet been acquired from the printer 10 after the computer 30 is started, the ink remaining amount value is not recorded, so whether the ink remaining amount value is retained in the process (S104). Judging.

  As a result, when the ink remaining amount value is not held, the ink remaining amount for each color acquired in the processing (S101) is stored (S107). On the other hand, when the ink remaining amount value is held, it is determined whether there is an ink cartridge having a larger amount of remaining ink acquired in the process (S101) than the stored ink remaining amount value (S105). ).

  As a result, if there is an ink cartridge having a larger amount of remaining ink acquired in the process (S101) than the stored ink remaining value, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced and set. The target threshold is reset (S106). In the target threshold resetting process, for the group including the ink cartridge that has been determined to be replaced, the smallest remaining ink amount of the ink cartridges included in the group is extracted. Of the values that can be taken as the target threshold, the maximum value that is less than the remaining amount is set as the target threshold of the group. Thereafter, the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge determined to have been replaced is stored (S107).

  Next, the ink monitor unit 312 determines whether the ink remaining amount of any one of the ink cartridges is equal to or less than the target threshold value for each group (S108). In other words, in the first example, if the target threshold value is set to 20%, it is checked whether the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge is 20% or less. In the second example, if the target threshold value for black ink is set to 10% and the target threshold value for color ink is set to 5%, the remaining ink amount for black ink is 10% or less. As for color inks, it is checked whether the remaining amount of each color ink is 5% or less.

  As a result, if none of the ink cartridges has the ink remaining amount equal to or lower than the target threshold value, printing is executed, and the ink remaining amount value is updated based on the ink amount consumed in printing (S112). End the process. On the other hand, when there is an ink cartridge whose remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the target threshold, the ink monitor unit 312 displays the ink monitor screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 on the display device 21 (S109).

  At this time, in the column 502 for explaining the remaining ink amount, an explanation of the ink cartridge that is equal to or less than the target threshold is displayed. If there are a plurality of ink cartridges that are equal to or less than the target threshold value, an explanation of each ink cartridge is displayed.

  The column 501 for visually displaying the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge displays the ink remaining amount of each ink cartridge based on the stored ink remaining amount value. As a result, the user can grasp the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge whose remaining ink amount is equal to or more than the target threshold value.

  When the user clicks the “notify later” button 504 on the screen 500 (S110: Y), the ink monitor unit 312 changes the target threshold value in units of groups (S111).

  The change of the target threshold value is a value that is less than the remaining ink level that is less than or equal to the target threshold value among the values that can be taken as the target threshold value for the group including the ink cartridge that has the remaining ink level less than or equal to the target threshold value. Change to a value. Usually, the target threshold is changed to a value one step lower.

  In the first example, it is assumed that when the target threshold is 20%, the remaining amount of cyan ink is 20% among all the ink cartridges, and the remaining ink amount of other ink cartridges is more than 20%. At this time, the target threshold value applied to all ink cartridges is changed to 10% regardless of the remaining amount of ink in other ink cartridges. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ink monitor screen 500 from being frequently displayed.

  In the second example, when the black ink target threshold is 10% and the color ink target threshold is 20%, the remaining amount of black ink is 8%, and the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge is Suppose all were over 20%. At this time, the target threshold value for black ink is changed to 5%, and the target threshold value for color ink is not changed.

  Thereafter, printing is executed, the remaining ink value is updated based on the amount of ink consumed in printing (S112), and the process is terminated.

  If the target threshold value is already 0%, the remaining amount of ink is 0%. Therefore, for example, a process for interrupting printing can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the “Purchase” button 503 or the “Close” button 505 is instructed on the ink monitor screen 500 (S110: N), after performing each processing, printing is performed and consumed by printing. The ink remaining amount value is updated based on the ink amount thus obtained (S112), and the process ends.

  Next, processing relating to the virtual tank will be described with further reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process shown in FIG. 12 is a process on the printer side. That is, it is processing in the virtual tank management unit 230. The process shown in FIG. 13 is performed by the virtual tank monitor unit 314 in the computer 30. Note that the above-described ink remaining amount process and the process related to the virtual remaining amount of the virtual tank can be performed independently of each other. In this embodiment, the remaining ink process is preferentially performed.

  In FIG. 12, the virtual tank management unit 230 is realized by the CPU 12 executing a program. First, the virtual tank management unit 230 checks whether the current state is printing (S231). If printing is in progress, the virtual remaining amount is updated based on the count value of the number of print dots (S232). The virtual remaining amount is updated by writing the count value in the corresponding area of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 16.

  Next, when printing is not in progress and after the processing of step 232, the virtual tank management unit 230 checks whether there is a virtual remaining amount reset instruction from the virtual tank monitor unit 314 (S233). If there is an instruction, the value of the virtual remaining amount written in the corresponding area of the rewritable nonvolatile memory 16 described above is rewritten to the initial value. This initial value is written in the initial value storage area of the same rewritable nonvolatile memory 16.

  Next, after the virtual remaining amount is rewritten to the initial value or when there is no reset instruction, this process is terminated.

  With this process, the virtual remaining amount set to the initial value is sequentially reduced as the printing is executed. This value is updated as the virtual remaining amount.

  In FIG. 13, the virtual tank monitor unit 314 checks whether printing is in progress (S3141). If printing is in progress, virtual tank information is acquired from the virtual tank management unit 230 of the printer 10, and the information is passed to the ink monitor unit 312 to display the screen shown in FIG. 9, for example. This process is continued until the printing is finished (S3143).

  When printing is finished or when printing is not in progress, the virtual remaining amount is checked. This virtual remaining amount is acquired by sending a request to the printer 10 described above. The printer 10 reads the initial value and the virtual remaining amount from the rewritable nonvolatile memory 16 and sends them to the computer 30 in response to a request. In the computer 30, the virtual tank monitor unit 314 determines whether or not “virtual remaining amount = 0” (S3144).

  When the virtual remaining amount is 0%, the sales promotion service application screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed in a pop-up (S3145). When the application for the sales promotion service is received using this screen, the virtual tank monitor unit 314 connects to the Web server 60B described above using the URL prepared in advance. Thereby, for example, data for displaying a detailed screen for application for sales promotion service as shown in FIG. 11 is sent. Based on this data, the virtual tank monitor unit 314 causes the display device to display the screen shown in FIG. After that, an input from the user is received through the input device 22 and the application process is completed.

  The virtual tank monitor unit 314 checks whether the Web application is completed (S3146), and if completed, transmits data for a virtual remaining amount reset instruction to the printer body 10 (S3147). In response to this instruction, the printer 10 side rewrites the virtual remaining amount to the initial value as described above. Thereafter, and in the determination in S3144 described above, if the virtual remaining amount is not 0%, and in the determination in S3146 described above, the process is terminated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a virtual tank that is different from a physical ink cartridge mounted on the printer is assumed, and virtual various types of ink virtually stored in the virtual tank are assumed. Promote sales of consumables to users who consume a large amount of ink by managing the amount of ink, for example, the initial value (virtual capacity), the virtual remaining amount, or the virtual consumption of the stored ink in the printer. In the meantime, it is possible to realize discount sales online.
In the case of this embodiment, since the virtual amount of ink stored in the virtual tank is held on the printer side, the virtual remaining amount can be updated even when the printer is used from a different printer host. Become. Further, even when the printer driver program is reinstalled in the printer host, virtual quantities relating to the ink in the virtual tank are not lost, and therefore, sales promotion using the virtual tank can be continuously supported.

  In the example described above, an example in which an ink cartridge is sold at a discount has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various sales promotion support means so as to increase the amount of ink used, that is, the sales promotion of the ink cartridge and further the sales promotion of the printer itself.

  For example, instead of selling ink cartridges, it is conceivable to discount (or give free of charge) ink usage fees. This means that the ink filled in the ink cartridge can be used for 100% to several tens of percent of the filling capacity (permission of use right), and a fee or price corresponding to the amount of use is paid. This is equivalent to discounting (or making free of charge) the right of use (use fee) set for 100% to several tens of percent of the ink filled in the ink cartridge. Similarly, the present invention can be applied to a service corresponding to a discount on the printer usage fee. Of course, the image forming medium can be applied to toner as well as ink.

  In the embodiment described above, the virtual tank identifier can be used to set an initial value, a discount rate, etc. unique to the virtual tank. By doing in this way, it becomes easy to provide a service that gives individual preferential treatment to large users of consumables.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the virtual capacity is shown as an example in which a capacity larger than the actual capacity of the image forming medium is virtually set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a capacity smaller than the actual capacity may be set virtually. In such a case, it means that the usable amount of the image forming medium is limited to a value smaller than the actual capacity of the image forming medium container. Using such a function, for example, it is possible to sell the image forming medium container at a lower cost than when 100% of the image forming medium container can be used.

The block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of a print engine 15. 2 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration constructed on the printing system 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an ink monitor screen. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a remaining amount of each ink color managed by an ink monitor unit 312 and a target threshold value. Flow chart explaining processing of ink monitor unit 312 Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic setting screen displayed at the time of print setting. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen which shows a printing progress condition. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed when performing discount order by sales promotion. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen for order receipt by the site which performs sales promotion. The flowchart which shows the process procedure by the side of the printer of the sales promotion assistance in one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process sequence by the side of the computer of the sales promotion assistance in one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 printing system, 10 printer, 11 interface, 15 print engine, 21 display device, 22 input device, 23 media reading device, 24 auxiliary storage device, 25 communication control device, 30 computer, 34 interface, 60 server, 70 Internet, 101 Carriage, 104 guide member, 107 ink cartridge, 110 print head, 120 carriage mechanism, 121 timing belt, 123 carriage motor, 210 print execution unit, 220 ink cartridge management unit, 230 virtual tank management unit, 310 print control unit, 311 printing Data generation unit, 312 Ink monitor unit, 313 communication unit, 314 Virtual tank monitor unit, 315 Print condition setting management unit 320 Web browser unit

Claims (5)

In a printer that mounts an image forming medium container in which a container is filled with an image forming medium for forming an image on a print medium, and prints print data sent from a printer host.
A print execution unit that executes printing for print data sent from the printer host;
An image forming medium remaining amount management unit for managing the remaining amount of the image forming medium;
A virtual tank management unit that manages the virtual remaining amount of the image forming medium that is virtually accommodated in the virtual tank that is virtually constructed,
The virtual tank management unit
Storage means for storing the virtual remaining amount in a memory;
The CPU executes the program, calculates the consumption amount of the image forming medium that is consumed when the printing is executed, and subtracts the consumption amount from the stored current virtual remaining amount to create a new virtual Means for determining the remaining amount and updating the stored current virtual remaining amount to a new virtual remaining amount;
Means for transmitting the stored virtual remaining amount to the printer host in accordance with a request from the printer host;
And a means for setting the stored virtual remaining amount to an initial value based on an instruction from a printer host. The printer according to claim 1.
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores a virtual capacity of the virtual tank and the virtual remaining amount in a memory. The printer according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
A printer having a capacity larger than a total amount of image forming medium capacities of a plurality of mounted image forming medium containers is set as the virtual capacity. A computer connected to the printer according to claim 2 and functioning as a printer host for sending print data and performing printing, and connected to a display device and an input device to function as a computer,
A print data generation unit that generates print data and sends it to a printer;
A printing condition setting management unit configured to display and set a printing condition by displaying a setting screen on the display device and accepting the setting via the input device;
An ink monitor unit for monitoring the remaining amount of ink in printing and displaying it on the screen of the display device;
A virtual tank monitor unit that acquires a virtual capacity and a virtual remaining amount related to the virtual tank from the printer, and graphically displays the virtual remaining amount in the virtual tank on the screen of the display device;
The virtual tank monitor unit determines whether or not there is the acquired virtual remaining amount, and when it is determined that there is no virtual remaining amount, sales promotion of a website that provides a sales promotion service established by a predetermined Web server is established. A computer functioning as a print host that acquires information for displaying an application screen for receiving a service from the Web site, displays the information on the display device, and accepts the application. A printer connected to the printer according to any one of claims 2 and 3 functions as a printer host for sending print data to perform printing, and is read by a computer connected to a display device and an input device to function. A program,
The computer
A print data generation unit that generates print data and sends it to a printer;
A printing condition setting management unit for setting and managing printing conditions by displaying a setting screen on the display device and accepting settings via the input device;
An ink monitor unit for monitoring the remaining amount of ink in printing and displaying it on the screen of the display device;
Obtain a virtual capacity and a virtual remaining amount related to the virtual tank from the printer, and function as a virtual tank monitor unit that graphically displays the virtual remaining amount in the virtual tank on the screen of the display device,
The virtual tank monitor unit determines whether or not there is the acquired virtual remaining amount, and when it is determined that there is no virtual remaining amount, sales promotion of a website that provides a sales promotion service established by a predetermined Web server is established. A program for acquiring information for displaying an application screen for receiving a service from a Web site, displaying the information on the display device, and receiving an application.

Images