JP2004054112A - Image processor, method for ordering consumables for image processor, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of the duplicate order of consumables in an image forming apparatus constituted to order the consumables. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus provided with an ordering means to perform operation related to the order of the consumables used in the image forming apparatus, a pixel count value is accumulated to timing related to the order at trigger as a data related to image forming, and the display of the ordering means is controlled based on the pixel count value accumulated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a method for ordering consumables of an image processing apparatus, a storage medium, and a program, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus capable of ordering consumables in each apparatus and a method for ordering consumables for the image processing apparatus. And a storage medium and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an image processing device, for example, as an information output device in a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile, etc., an image forming device that records desired information such as characters and images on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or film in accordance with an electrophotographic method. The device is widely used.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus, a developer such as toner or ink is used to form an image on a recording medium. For this reason, the user must purchase and replace as necessary a cartridge containing a developer, a developing device, or a process cartridge in which a charging device, a photosensitive drum, and a developing device are integrated as necessary.
[0004]
In order to simplify the user's trouble in purchasing such consumables, an ordering system as described in, for example, JP-A-7-239825 and JP-A-8-315052 has been proposed. ing.
[0005]
In this method, when the main body of the image forming apparatus recognizes that the remaining amount of toner or ink, which is a consumable, is low, an order is automatically placed to an order receiving side through a facsimile connected to a network. Due to the widespread use of the Internet, there has been proposed a method of accessing a homepage on the order receiving side on the Internet through a line and ordering consumables.
[0006]
As a result, the user can order consumables on the computer being used, so that the user does not go to the nearest consumables store as in the past and does not forget to purchase them, which is extremely difficult in terms of usability. It is beneficial.
[0007]
The ordering system as described above is activated by detecting that the remaining amount of toner or ink is low (hereinafter also referred to as remaining amount detection). As a method of this detection, a method of detecting by a change in the capacitance of the toner, a method of detecting the height of the toner in the developing container by transmitting light such as an LED by a light receiving sensor, and a method of detecting the torque of the toner stirring means. There are known detection methods and the like.
[0008]
When the remaining amount is detected by such a method, generally, a warning display such as “toner low” is displayed on the image forming apparatus main body or on a screen of a host device such as a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Going to notify the user is done.
[0009]
The method of detecting the remaining amount as described above, for example, when the consumable is toner, detects that the remaining amount of toner at a predetermined position is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. In most cases, the toner remains partially in the cartridge or other places in the developing container, and when a warning such as "toner low" is displayed first, the remaining amount of toner in the entire cartridge can still be printed. In many cases.
[0010]
Therefore, at this point, without replacing the cartridge or the like, the cartridge is once removed from the image forming apparatus main body, shaken right and left, and then re-installed in the image forming apparatus main body to effectively use the toner remaining in the cartridge. This is commonly done.
[0011]
By doing so, the warning of the toner “toner Low” or the like is temporarily canceled by the toner remaining in another place, and the printer is ready to be printed again. Then, when printing is continued, a warning such as “toner low” is displayed by the remaining amount detection again.
[0012]
In this way, by repeating the above operation to completely use up the toner of one cartridge, the remaining amount detection is performed several times, and a warning such as “toner Low” may be displayed several times. .
[0013]
For this reason, if the number of times of remaining amount detection is not recognized, a consumable item may be ordered each time it is detected, and the ordering system may be repeatedly activated.
[0014]
For this reason, in order to prevent duplicate ordering of consumables, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,409 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-338323, when a consumable is ordered once, a storage provided in the process cartridge is required. It has been proposed to store a history in a means or set a flag, and to refer to the history and the flag of the storage means so that the ordering system is not activated or ordered twice.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the description of the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,409, it is premised that storage means is provided in a process cartridge which is a consumable, and in the case of a process cartridge having no storage means, , For example, because it does not have the ID of the process cartridge, etc., it is not possible to cope with leaving history information such as information as to whether or not the order has already been placed, and which process cartridge has already been ordered. Duplicate orders cannot be prevented.
[0016]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-338323 discloses a mode in which the image forming apparatus has a history unit and is reset when a new developing unit is mounted. In this case, it is determined that the unit is new. Means are required, and if there is no means for determining the same, duplicate orders cannot be prevented.
[0017]
On the other hand, in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,409 and JP-A-11-338323, detailed processing on the order screen is not assumed in connection with ordering, and there is sufficient room for improvement from the viewpoint of user convenience. .
[0018]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a mechanism that can prevent duplicate ordering of consumables among various consumables used in an image processing apparatus. .
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention is an image processing apparatus including ordering means for performing an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus,
Accumulating means for accumulating data related to image formation triggered by timing related to order placement;
Order controlling means for controlling a screen displayed by the ordering means based on the value accumulated by the accumulating means.
[0020]
That is, according to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus including an ordering unit that executes an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus, data related to image formation is accumulated by triggering timing related to ordering, The screen displayed by the ordering means is controlled based on the accumulated value.
[0021]
With this configuration, data related to image formation is accumulated with a timing related to ordering as a trigger. By referring to the accumulated value, ordering of consumables is performed through a screen displayed by the ordering unit. When this is done, it is possible to determine whether or not the timing is appropriate, and it is possible to prevent duplicate orders for consumables.
[0022]
In this case, if the validity / invalidity of a predetermined function on the screen displayed by the ordering means is controlled according to whether or not the value accumulated by the accumulating means is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, for example, erroneous ordering by the user Can also be prevented.
[0023]
Further, the apparatus further includes a stock quantity monitoring means for monitoring the stock quantity of the consumable supplies, and the order control means displays the stock quantity by the ordering means based on the stock quantity by the stock quantity monitoring means and the value accumulated by the accumulation means. By controlling the screen to be displayed, it is possible to visually indicate that an excess inventory is ordered by placing an order for consumables when the inventory is already available.
[0024]
The timing related to the ordering is a timing when the remaining amount of the consumable becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount, or a timing according to the recognition that the order completion is recognized. At this timing, the accumulation start point of the accumulating means is determined. It is preferable to do so.
[0025]
The control of the screen displayed by the ordering means preferably includes at least one of activation of the ordering means, processing for prohibiting ordering, and processing for determining permission of ordering.
[0026]
As the data related to image formation, a pixel count value, the number of printed sheets, or the like is preferable.
[0027]
When the image forming apparatus uses a plurality of types of consumables, the accumulating means accumulates data for each type of consumables, and the order control means based on the accumulated values, the corresponding type of consumables. By controlling the screen displayed by the ordering means for the consumables, it is possible to prevent duplicate orders for the consumables of each type.
[0028]
Alternatively, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: holding means for holding order history information triggered by a timing related to ordering;
Display control means for controlling the screen displayed by the ordering means differently based on the order history information held in the holding means.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030]
In the embodiment described below, an ordering system of an image forming apparatus that performs recording according to an electrophotographic method will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus. However, the image processing apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer. Further, the image forming apparatus, which is an image processing apparatus, is not limited to the one according to the electrophotographic method. For example, an image forming apparatus of an ink jet type capable of attaching and detaching an ink cartridge containing ink, a thermosensitive image forming apparatus, and the like. A thermal transfer printer using paper can also be envisioned.
[0031]
[First Embodiment]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0032]
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment outputs laser light modulated in accordance with an image signal from a scanner unit 101 including a laser and a polygon mirror correction system lens. Then, this laser light is reflected by the folding mirror 102 and is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 1 which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged in advance by a charging roller 2 serving as a charging unit, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface in response to the irradiation of the laser beam.
[0033]
On the other hand, the toner 7 as a developer stored in the developing container 5 which is a developer accommodating portion of the developing device 51 is conveyed while charging the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 3, and is developed on the developing sleeve 3. A layer is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a toner layer and is visualized as a toner image.
[0034]
On the other hand, a recording material 104 that is a recording medium accommodated in the cassette 103 is supplied by a paper feed roller 105 at the same time when a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The recording material 104 is conveyed to a roller-shaped transfer unit 107 via a conveyance unit 111 in synchronization with the leading end of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1, and the toner image is transferred to the recording material 104 by the transfer unit 107. . The recording material 104 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 109, where the toner image is fixed to become a permanent image. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning unit 5 and stored in the cleaning container 53. In this embodiment, two mounting units 112 for removably mounting the process cartridge 100 are provided in the entire apparatus.
[0035]
The process cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 2, a developing device 51, a cleaning unit 5 including an elastic cleaning blade, a cleaning container 53, and a cover 52 that partially covers them. The unit is as follows.
[0036]
These photosensitive drums 1 and the like are assembled in a predetermined mutual relationship within the process cartridge 100. The process cartridge 100 is inserted and mounted in a predetermined manner in a predetermined portion (mounting means 112) in the main body of the image forming apparatus. , And vice versa.
[0037]
The developing device 51 is provided with a developing blade 8 for regulating the thickness of the toner layer on the developing sleeve 3 and a detecting member 9 for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the developing container 5. The illustrated magnet is fixed.
[0038]
Here, as a means for detecting that the amount of toner remaining in the developing device has been reduced by repeatedly performing the above-described image forming operation, the image forming device of the present embodiment employs the remaining amount due to a change in the capacitance of the toner. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus is provided with a detecting means and recognizes information for deriving the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the remaining amount detecting means. In the present embodiment, the antenna rod 9 is provided near the developing sleeve 3 as an electrode for detecting the remaining amount of toner made of metal. An AC voltage is applied between the antenna rod 9 and the developing sleeve 3 by a power supply 36. A toner remaining amount detecting circuit 28 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The electrostatic capacity between the antenna rod 9 and the developing sleeve 3 obtained by the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit 32 of the detecting circuit is The comparator 34 compares the capacitance of the comparison capacitor 31 obtained by the capacitance detection circuit 33 with the capacitance. If the difference between the two capacitances compared by the comparator 34 is negative, it is determined that the remaining amount of toner has become equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and the processing circuit 35 performs predetermined processing. For example, a warning display such as “toner low” may be displayed on the image forming apparatus main body or on a screen of a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus main body. By adjusting the capacity of the comparison capacitor 31, the remaining amount of toner to be detected can be set arbitrarily.
[0040]
As a method of detecting the remaining amount, there is a method of detecting the height of the toner in the developing container by transmitting the light of the LED using a light receiving sensor, a method of detecting a change in torque of the toner stirring means, and the like. Although the effect of the present invention can be obtained by using any of the detection methods, the present embodiment uses the above-described remaining amount detection means based on the change in capacitance.
[0041]
Further, in the present embodiment, the device itself for detecting various remaining amounts has been described as the remaining amount detecting means in the above description, but actually, a signal obtained by the device for detecting the remaining amount is used. Is recognized by the image forming apparatus (CPU), and each process is executed based on the recognition. Therefore, the remaining amount detecting unit is considered as a unit (CPU) that recognizes the remaining amount in the image forming apparatus. You can also. That is, in the present embodiment, the remaining amount detecting unit is the remaining amount recognizing unit in the image forming apparatus.
[0042]
Next, the ordering system of the present embodiment will be described.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing transmission and reception of information between the ordering side and the order receiving side. As shown in the figure, the ordering side system includes at least the image forming apparatus main body 500 and the host computer 501 connected to the network 502, and the ordering side system includes an ordering side server 503 for reading information. Both the ordering side system and the order receiving side system are connected to the network 502 by the Internet protocol. The network 502 is a wide area network constructed using various lines.
[0044]
After the remaining amount is detected as described above, the CPU in the image forming apparatus main body 500 causes the host computer 501 connected to the image forming apparatus main body 500 to send the image forming apparatus manufacturer or agent. Information such as the homepage address of a service center or the like and the homepage address dedicated to consumable supplies and the product number of the image forming apparatus, or the product numbers of the developing container and the process cartridge are sent. A user and an administrator of the image forming apparatus access the order receiving server 503 from the homepage address, and input predetermined user information such as a user name, an address, and a telephone number from the order screen to place an order. When the order is completed, the information of the order completion is transmitted from the order receiving server.
[0045]
As another configuration of the ordering system, a configuration in which the communication unit of the image forming apparatus main body 500 can be connected to the network 502 and an IP address is assigned to the image forming apparatus main body can be considered. With such a configuration, the necessity of ordering the developing container and the process cartridge can be input on the screen of the host computer 501 connected to the image forming apparatus main body 500. When the user or the administrator requests an order for the developing container or the process cartridge, the image forming apparatus main body 500 that has received the information from the host computer 501 directly transmits the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. The order is automatically made by communication with the order receiving server 503 such as a maker, an agency, a service center, or the like, and inputting user information such as the product number of the developing container or the process cartridge, the ordering source, and the address thereof.
[0046]
Next, the maker, distributor, or service center to which the user information has been sent transmits the information of the completed order to the image forming apparatus main body 500 to which the IP address has been assigned, as soon as the order is registered. . The image forming apparatus main body 500 that has received the information transfers the information of the completed order to the connected host computer 501.
[0047]
Alternatively, user information such as the user name, address, and telephone number of the ordering source is registered in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus main body 500 to which the IP address is assigned, and automatically at the same time as the ordering system starts. The image forming apparatus is connected to an order receiving server 503 such as a maker, an agency, a service center, etc., and automatically inputs user information to place an order. May be configured to transmit only this information.
[0048]
Here, “activation of the ordering system” means that a specific address of the order receiving server is accessed via a network by a communication unit of the image forming apparatus or a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus, or the order screen is displayed. This refers to processing related to ordering, such as displaying a display instruction or a message prompting the display of an ordering screen, or displaying a warning to suppress ordering.
[0049]
Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a method for preventing duplicate ordering by detecting the remaining amount of the same cartridge from the second time on will be described.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the number of printed dots is counted (pixel count) starting from when the remaining amount detection is released, and it is determined whether to activate the ordering system according to the remaining amount detection and the integrated value. .
[0051]
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A schematically shows the transition of the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge. Here, a case where the toner is replaced with a new process cartridge when the remaining amount of toner becomes zero is shown. (B) shows a pixel count value that starts counting from the time when the remaining amount detection is activated for the remaining amount of toner in (a). In both figures, the horizontal axis indicates time, the vertical axis indicates (a) the remaining amount of toner, and (b) indicates the number of counts.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the pixel count number is used as a criterion for activating the ordering system, and after the time point tP when the pixel count value reaches the value when about 50% of the toner in the developing device has been consumed. , The ordering system can be activated. That is, during the period Th from the time point tL when the remaining amount detection is performed to the time point tP when the value of the pixel count reaches the value when the toner in the developing device is consumed by about 50%, the activation of the ordering system is prohibited. .
[0053]
Generally, the remaining amount detection is configured to operate when 70 to 90% of the total capacity of the toner in the developing device is consumed. Here, it is assumed that the detection is performed when the amount of toner corresponding to 70% of the total capacity is consumed.
[0054]
In FIG. 5A, t0 is the time when the image forming apparatus is used for the first time, and at this time, it is assumed that the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus. The remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 1 is reduced by the print output. When the remaining amount is detected at time tL, the ordering system is activated and the ordering process of the consumable is performed.
[0055]
After tL, the user removed the process cartridge 1 from the image forming apparatus main body, performed operations such as shaking left and right, mounted again, once released the remaining amount warning, and used the cartridge again. At this time tL, the pixel count is started from the count value 0 as shown in (b), and the activation of the ordering system is prohibited until the count reaches a value at which 50% of the total capacity is consumed. Therefore, even if the remaining amount detection is performed next using the same process cartridge, the activation of the ordering system is prohibited, and consumables are not ordered twice.
[0056]
When the process cartridge 1 was mounted again and used, the remaining amount of toner was small and white spots frequently occurred. Therefore, the process cartridge 2 was replaced with a new process cartridge 2 at time t1. Thereafter, print output is performed using the process cartridge 2. When the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 2 becomes small and the remaining amount detection is activated, the image forming apparatus recognizes that the pixel count value shown in (b) has already exceeded the judgment reference value, and activates the ordering system. Since the image forming apparatus recognizes that the prohibition period Th has been exceeded, the ordering system is activated and the ordering process of the consumables is performed.
[0057]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a pixel count value corresponding to the number of recorded dots is used as a value for estimating the used toner amount. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the pixel count value itself, and may assume a form in which the toner amount is estimated using a value based on the pixel count value obtained by performing a predetermined operation and correcting the pixel count value. Needless to say.
[0058]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this figure, a controller 201 in the image forming apparatus main body has a function of converting print data transmitted from a host computer (not shown) into a printable signal. Further, the engine driver 202 has a function of controlling paper passing, an image forming sequence, or detecting a machine state such as an error.
[0059]
The controller 201 is connected to the CPU 203 in the engine driver 202, and transmits an image signal and an image control signal to the light control unit 205. A control signal is transmitted from the CPU 203 to a drive motor for rotating the photosensitive drum and the like, and a drive system high voltage control circuit 206 for charging and developing bias.
[0060]
The pixel count will be further described with reference to FIG. The reference signal X is a signal output from the light control unit 205 when writing an image signal. The image signal Y is output from the controller 201 so as to synchronize with the reference signal X. It is assumed that a black pattern is 1 in the image signal Y and 0 in a white pattern on the image. When the image signal Y is 1, the laser diode 207 is turned on in synchronization with the reference signal X. Therefore, the count value of the reference signal X while the image signal Y is 1 is equal to the number of dots of the optical signal emitted from the laser diode 207. The counting section 204 counts the reference signal X while the image signal Y is one.
[0061]
The pixel count thus determined is stored in the storage unit 208 from the CPU 203 and is accumulated. The storage unit is a non-volatile storage unit, and may be any unit that stores and holds signal information in a rewritable manner. For example, an electrical storage unit such as a RAM or a rewritable ROM is used.
[0062]
With the above configuration, using a process cartridge in which an amount of toner equivalent to 6000 sheets is stored in A4 paper at a printing rate of 5%, an LBP-450 (Canon Inc.) image forming apparatus having a recording density of 600 dpi is used. Verification was carried out using the printer product of No. The following processing shows the processing of the image forming apparatus.
[0063]
The remaining amount detection is set to operate when the remaining amount of toner is 20% of the initial toner amount. In other words, when printing is performed at a printing rate of 5%, the remaining amount detection is performed when a print output corresponding to 4,800 sheets is made. That is, the image forming apparatus recognizes that the remaining amount is low.
[0064]
Here, when the remaining amount detection is released (after the image forming apparatus once recognizes that the remaining amount has become equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the cartridge is shaken by the user, so that the remaining amount has exceeded the predetermined amount. Pixel count is activated at the time of detecting the remaining amount, and the accumulated value of the pixel count corresponding to 4000 sheets (6,960,416,16) at the printing rate of 5% on A4 paper until the next remaining amount is detected. 000 pixels) as a reference value, it is determined that the process cartridge has not been replaced with a new one until the reference value is exceeded, and control is performed to prohibit activation of the ordering system.
[0065]
First, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus (LBP-450) and printing is continuously performed at a printing rate of about 5%, the remaining amount detection is activated when 4950 sheets are output, and the order is placed. The system is activated, and the order processing is executed by the image forming apparatus.
[0066]
Next, the process cartridge whose remaining amount was detected was detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, shaken left and right five to six times while holding it by hand, and mounted again in the main body of the image forming apparatus. By this operation, the warning display by the remaining amount detection is temporarily canceled. Then, pixel counting is performed from this point.
[0067]
Further, when continuous printing was performed at a printing rate of about 5%, the remaining amount detection was activated again after 535 sheets were output (5485 sheets in total). The pixel counts at this time were 930, 955, and 640 pixels, and were below the reference value, so the ordering system did not start.
[0068]
When the same process cartridge was taken out of the image forming apparatus main body again and shaken to the left and right, continuous output was attempted. After outputting another 210 sheets (total number of sheets: 5,695), the remaining amount detection was activated. Since the pixel count at this time was 365,421,840 pixels, which was lower than the reference value, the ordering system was not activated in this case as well.
[0069]
Thereafter, during printing with the above process cartridge, white spots frequently occurred and became unusable. Therefore, the process cartridge was replaced with a new process cartridge and continuous output was performed at a printing rate of about 5%. In this case, the remaining amount detection was activated when 5025 sheets were output after the replacement. At this time, the pixel count number was 8,744,022,600 pixels, which was higher than the reference value, so the ordering system was started.
[0070]
As described above, it was confirmed that the ordering system can be activated only once for the same process cartridge, and that duplicate ordering can be prevented.
[0071]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pixel count is performed starting from the point in time when the remaining amount detection is released, the value based on the pixel count is compared with the reference value, and whether to start the ordering system is determined. By judging, the ordering system can be activated only once during use of one consumable item, and duplicate ordering of consumable items can be prevented.
[0072]
In the above description, the image forming apparatus recognizes once that the remaining amount of toner has become equal to or less than the predetermined amount, and thereafter the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount due to, for example, a user shaking the process cartridge. It has been described that the pixel count is performed by the image forming apparatus after the release of the process cartridge.However, as another mode, it is recognized that the remaining amount of the toner stored in the process cartridge has become the predetermined amount or less for the first time. Control that starts pixel counting triggered by the trigger is also assumed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a duplicate order even if the user does not bother the process cartridge.
[0073]
[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus ordering system of the present invention will be described. In the following, a description will be given mainly of the characteristic portions of the present embodiment, and description of the same portions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0074]
In the present embodiment, the pixel count is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment and compared with the reference value of the pixel count to determine whether to activate the ordering system. However, the pixel count is started. The starting point is the time when the ordering of the consumables by the ordering system is completed.
[0075]
This means that the ordering system is activated when the remaining amount is first detected, but if the user forgets to order the consumable at that time or does not do so, the remaining amount is used again by using the same consumable. This is to activate the ordering system even when the order is issued.
[0076]
Further, in this embodiment, a stock quantity monitoring setting is provided in the ordering system so that ordering can be performed collectively, and by performing the setting, ordering of consumables can be performed in accordance with a threshold of the number of stocks. When the order is completed, the number of stocks is reduced.
[0077]
Since the toner remaining amount detecting means, the pixel counting means, and the reference value for judging the necessity of activating the ordering system are realized by the same mechanism as in the first embodiment, detailed description will be omitted.
[0078]
As in the first embodiment, the ordering system is started from either the image forming apparatus main body or the host computer, and performs an ordering procedure via a network with an order receiving server.
[0079]
When the image forming apparatus main body has an IP address and performs ordering by communicating with the order receiving server, the pixel count is reset to 0 when the image forming apparatus main body receives the information that the order has been completed. When the host computer communicates with the order-receiving server to place an order, the host computer that has received the information on the completion of the order automatically transmits the information to the image forming apparatus main body, and receives the information. The device resets the pixel count to zero.
[0080]
Hereinafter, the processing related to the remaining amount detection according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The processing in each step of the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed by the central processing unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus reading a program stored in the non-volatile storage unit, and reading the read program code. It is realized based on executing the processing based on.
[0081]
The processing in FIG. 8 will be described assuming that the processing in the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus, which is an image processing apparatus, is also performed. That is, FIG. 8 is assumed as a process of the image forming apparatus when each of the display screens in FIGS. 9 to 11 described below is performed by the image forming apparatus main body, and is performed by an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the image processing apparatus. 8 is assumed as the processing of the information processing apparatus.
[0082]
First, in step S801, it is determined whether a toner low signal has been detected. In the case of an image forming apparatus, this corresponds to a process of recognizing a signal of a recognition unit such as a sensor in remaining amount detection, and in the case of an information processing apparatus, it is based on remaining amount information (such as toner LOW) notified from the image forming apparatus. Corresponds to processing. Step S801 can be omitted, and in that case, the processing in FIG. 8 is started from step S802.
[0083]
In step S802, a message indicating whether or not to display an order screen included in one function of the ordering unit displayed in response to the recognition of the toner low signal in step S801 is displayed. A determination is made as to whether an instruction signal has been input to the device.
[0084]
Step S802 can also be assumed as a process of determining whether or not a display instruction has been input to an order sheet screen as shown in FIG. In this case, the display instruction of the order screen included in one function of the ordering means is based on an instruction via a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard, or in response to an instruction of the user via the liquid crystal input screen. It may be a corresponding input.
[0085]
If “Yes” is determined in step S802, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether the stock quantity at the time the order is instructed is equal to or less than the stock threshold. This processing is performed in order to prevent useless ordering due to user misunderstanding even though there are many stocks.
[0086]
If Yes is determined in step S803, the process proceeds to step S805, and if No, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0087]
In step S804, a process is performed to display a warning indicating that the stock quantity is larger than the stock threshold. An example of the warning display is shown in FIG. The management control of the stock quantity will be described later in detail.
[0088]
In step S805, a determination is made as to whether or not a count (for example, a pixel count) for estimating the consumables usage has been activated. The activation of the count is performed in the same manner as that described with reference to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0089]
If No is determined in step S805, the process proceeds to step S811. If Yes is determined, the process proceeds to step S806.
[0090]
In step S806, it is determined whether or not the count value exceeds the reference value (see FIG. 5). If the determination is No, the process proceeds to step S807, and the process proceeds to step S807. A warning display is displayed indicating that not much time has passed since the last order was placed, or that a predetermined amount of consumables has not been used. On the other hand, if Yes is determined in S806, the process proceeds to S811. Note that the reference value of the count value is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0091]
In step S808, in order to display the order screen, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been input to the button indicated by 901 in FIG. 9B, and if it is determined that the instruction has been input, the process proceeds to step S809. , No, the process returns to step S801 again to cancel the ordering process.
[0092]
In step S809, it is determined that the order has been issued at an inappropriate timing as the timing at which the order should be originally placed, and control is performed so as to display the order screen on which the prohibition processing has been performed.
[0093]
Here, the prohibition processing refers to control to invalidate the designation of the order quantity via the order screen and the input of the actual order request instruction via the communication line. For example, the user interface is controlled in such a state that the portion indicated by 1001 in FIG. 10A is not checked, and the input is invalidated, or grayout display is performed as shown in 1101 and 1102 in FIG. Control that invalidates the input while displaying to the user that the input is invalid by performing the control process is enumerated as the prohibition process.
[0094]
More specifically, the prohibition processing is performed according to the item content on the order screen. For example, items directly related to the order, such as the order quantity 1004 and the order content confirmation 1002 in FIG. Done.
[0095]
Conversely, with regard to the detailed settings 1003 in FIG. 10A and the items not directly related to the order, such as the items shown in FIG. 10B, the settings can be changed by the user at any time without performing prohibition processing. User interface control processing is performed.
[0096]
In FIG. 10A, input of each item on the ordering screen can be validated by inputting a check (“check point”) of 1001, and the user can perform an irregular ordering or some emergency. Can be ordered. It should be noted that FIG. 10A shows a state in which the “point” has been input.
[0097]
On the other hand, in step S811, a process is performed in which a normal order screen is displayed without prohibition processing. The fact that the prohibition processing is not performed means, for example, that the order screen is controlled so that the check of 1001 in FIG. 10A is performed in advance, and the input of the order quantity and the instruction of the actual order request are performed. Refers to control that enables input.
[0098]
Then, in step S810, it is determined whether or not the order has been completed. If the determination is Yes, a process of resetting the count (pixel count) to 0 is performed in step S812, as described in the first embodiment. At the same time, a process of restarting the count from 0 is performed. Note that, including the first embodiment, the process of resetting the count to 0 described above can correspond to the process of regarding the current count number as a starting point.
[0099]
As described above, according to the flowchart of FIG. 8, for example, data related to image formation is accumulated using a timing related to ordering as in step S812 as a trigger, and the above-described steps S807 and S809 are performed based on the accumulated values. The display of the operation of the ordering means (ordering screen) can be controlled, and erroneous ordering by the user can be more reliably prevented.
[0100]
Furthermore, the validity / invalidity of the predetermined function of the ordering means can be controlled according to whether the value accumulated by the accumulating means is equal to or more than a predetermined amount.
[0101]
Further, the erroneous order can be prevented based on the checking of both the stock quantity and the accumulated value by the processing of steps S803 and S805.
[0102]
Furthermore, as a development of FIG. 8 by the processing of step S806, if the count reset and activation in step S812 are managed together with the identification information of each consumable, the flowchart of FIG. 8 can be executed for each consumable. become able to. For example, information for identifying consumables may be stored in a memory tag or the like provided for each consumable.
[0103]
The accumulated value is held in correspondence with the identification information of each consumable, and the display control of each order screen is performed based on the held accumulated value.
[0104]
Further, the determination of whether or not the order has been completed in step S810 may be made in response to receiving the order completed status from the order receiving server, or an input instruction to the order content confirmation 1002 in FIG. (Pressing or clicking) may be performed in response to an input instruction of a button for ordering a screen (not shown) displayed.
[0105]
Next, details of the ordering user interface (ordering screen) will be described in detail.
[0106]
FIG. 10 shows an example of a display screen displayed when an order sheet included in the printer driver user interface is selected and instructed. This can be achieved by providing a user interface function as shown in FIG. 10 in a part of an Internet Web page based on the HTML language or the XML language, a printer status monitoring utility, or the like. For example, a web page address (URL) is included in a predetermined portion on the display screen of FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 which is a printer driver user interface, and an input instruction is given to the address. 11 is realized.
[0107]
Further, when the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed by the image forming apparatus main body, it corresponds to what is displayed on the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus.
[0108]
Reference numeral 1001 denotes an input unit for instructing whether or not to make an input instruction on an order sheet valid. The default setting is determined according to whether or not the above-described prohibition processing is performed.
[0109]
Here, a function of receiving a setting input desired by the user from the default setting is also provided, and an instruction input according to the user's instruction may be received regardless of whether the prohibition processing described in FIG. 8 is performed. It has become. For example, similarly to 1001, the instruction input of the detailed setting of 1003 is controlled so as to accept the input as needed.
[0110]
Reference numeral 1003 denotes an instruction button for “detailed setting”. Here, the number of stocks and the stock threshold can be arbitrarily set. When an input is made to 1003, a user interface as shown in FIG. 10B is displayed.
[0111]
Reference numerals 1007 and 1008 denote areas for displaying an image forming apparatus name (product name) and a consumable model number. The display on the area 1007 is stored in a corresponding printer driver program stored in the image forming apparatus main body or the information processing apparatus. The product name information is acquired and displayed based on the acquired information.
[0112]
The display in 1008 is realized by displaying based on the information specified by referring to the table in which the model numbers of the consumables are assigned corresponding to the products in 1007. The table may be stored in the apparatus main body (image forming apparatus or information processing apparatus) in advance, or may be downloaded from an external device to the apparatus main body.
[0113]
When an order is placed on the ordering screen shown in FIG. 10A, a confirmation list of the order contents is displayed (not shown) by pressing the “order contents confirmation” button. The order is completed by pressing the "Yes" button.
[0114]
On the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 10B, the current stock quantity and the stock threshold can be input, and the information set here is referred to at the time of processing such as step S803 in FIG. , Is used for the judgment processing.
[0115]
Further, a setting unit for setting an ordering party is also provided. On the screen shown in FIG. 10A, predetermined ordering party information (ordering information transmission destination) is set in advance as a default value. The value can be changed and set as needed, and the set value is retained.
[0116]
Here, the management control of the stock quantity will be described. Here, the stock quantity to be managed is referred to in the processing such as step S803 in FIG. 8 described above.
[0117]
More specifically, when the toner low (status corresponding to the low remaining amount of consumables) signal in step S801 is recognized multiple times by the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. In addition, it is realized by monitoring the interval of the toner Low.
[0118]
For example, if the interval between the generation of the toner low signal at the predetermined timing and the previous generation of the toner low signal is equal to or longer than the interval corresponding to the accumulation of the pixel count equal to or more than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the toner is a new process cartridge. Recognition is performed, and the stock is subtracted, and the display content of the stock quantity in FIG.
[0119]
On the other hand, if the interval between the generation of the toner low signal at the predetermined timing and the previous generation of the toner low signal is shorter than the interval corresponding to the accumulation of the pixel count smaller than the predetermined amount, the toner low signal is from the same process cartridge. So that the number of stocks is not subtracted. For example, the toner low signal can be temporarily released by removing the cartridge in which the toner low signal has been generated from the image forming apparatus and shaking the cartridge several times. However, the toner low signal may be generated again soon after use. In such a case, the above phenomenon can occur.
[0120]
To determine whether a newly generated toner Low signal is due to a new process cartridge or to the same process cartridge, the interval from the previous toner Low signal is determined using a pixel count as a parameter. In addition to the above method, it is assumed that the number of prints is used as a parameter, the time of printing execution is used as a parameter, and the number of times of power ON / OFF switching is used as a parameter.
[0121]
For example, when the number of prints is used as a parameter, a number counter for counting the number of prints already known is provided in the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus.
[0122]
When time is used as a parameter, a timer for measuring time is provided in the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus.
[0123]
In addition, as the management control of the stock quantity, for example, the apparatus (image forming apparatus / information processing apparatus) determines whether or not the activation of the ordering system as described with reference to FIG. The number of stocks is reduced according to the change of the prohibition release from the middle.
[0124]
With the flow described above, it is possible to confirm whether or not to place an order in consideration of the number of stocks, so that it is possible to prevent an order from being placed even if there is stock, and to repeat the order after the order is completed. Ordering can be prevented.
[0125]
In addition, by realizing the flowchart of FIG. 8, the user can place an order at an arbitrary timing, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the user from making an order mistake twice.
[0126]
[Modification]
In the above description, a monochromatic (black toner) cartridge has been described as a toner cartridge which is a consumable part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, Y, M, C, It is conceivable that the present invention is also applied to a color electrophotographic printer including a consumable cartridge for four colors of K and an ink jet printer.
[0127]
In this case, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is performed for each type of consumables (for each consumable cartridge of each job), and the counting process described with reference to FIG. 5 is also performed for each type of consumables. The pixel count is performed for each type of consumable.
[0128]
FIG. 11 shows an example of an order screen when the order screen for a plurality of types of consumables is controlled.
[0129]
FIG. 12 shows an example of reference information of a pixel count value for each color referred to by the control unit (the CPU of the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus) when the prohibition processing of the order screen of FIG. 11 is performed. .
[0130]
For example, if "10000" is set as the reference value in step S806 in FIG. 8, as shown in the reference information in FIG. 12, the consumables C and K do not exceed the reference value. Prohibition processing as shown in FIG. 11 is performed on the items on the order screen regarding the cartridges C and K.
[0131]
Although FIG. 12 shows an example in which the pixel count value is used as the count value, as described above, the reference information shown in FIG. The same is used. For example, when the time information is adopted as the count value, when the time longer than the sufficient reference value is not accumulated as the information as shown in FIG. 12, the prohibition processing shown in 1101 and 1102 is performed. Is done.
[0132]
Further, it is assumed that the same reference information as that shown in FIG. 12 is used in the determination processing of whether or not the count value exceeds the reference value in the first embodiment. Only the count value relating to only the reference information is held as reference information.
[0133]
Note that, in 1101 and 1102 shown in FIG. 11, gray-out display control is performed so that input is invalidated, and control is performed so that input from a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is not accepted.
[0134]
By inputting an instruction (such as a point) to the item 1104, the input to the item for which the prohibition processing of 1101 and 1102 is performed becomes valid. When the prohibition process is performed on any of the plurality of types of consumables, the default setting of 1104 is controlled as shown in FIG.
[0135]
Further, the input instruction to 1103 is valid in FIG. 11, and the input instruction to the button of 1103 causes the display of the order confirmation screen and the transmission of the order information to the order destination. This is similar to FIG. Also, as in FIG. 10A, in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the number of stocks and the stock threshold for each type of consumables can be set by inputting an instruction to the “detailed setting” button. Here, regarding the subtraction of the stock quantity, since the mechanism described with reference to FIG. 10 above is performed for each type of consumables, detailed description will be omitted.
[0136]
On the other hand, FIG. 11 is different from the feature described with reference to FIG. 10 in that the order confirmation contents do not include the order contents regarding items (corresponding to types of consumables) to be subjected to prohibition processing, such as 1101 and 1102. First, order information generation is performed.
[0137]
When order information relating to 1101 (EP-ABC-C) or 1102 (EP-ABC-K) is generated and included in the contents of the order, the order sheet may be validated by inputting the items of 1104.
[0138]
Further, as a point different from FIG. 10, when the prohibition processing is performed for all types of consumables, the order content confirmation button 1103 (corresponds to transmission of order information to the ordering party) is clicked. Also becomes invalid.
[0139]
As described above, by realizing the order screen of FIG. 11 and the prohibition control on the order screen, even when there are a plurality of types of consumables, it is possible to appropriately prevent the user from repeatedly ordering or erroneously ordering, and It is possible to reliably order various types of consumables without making a mistake.
[0140]
Also, the display control of the above-mentioned order screen (FIGS. 10 and 11) has been described to be performed based on the accumulated value of the accumulating means (counting means). There is no need to limit the display to a display as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 by providing a flag indicating whether or not the order has been completed for various consumables and referring to the flag. It is also assumed that control is performed.
[0141]
For example, each consumable unit is provided with a memory tag that stores at least the identification information of the consumable item, and holds a history flag (ordering history information) indicating whether or not an order has already been placed in correspondence with the identification information. It is assumed that the flag is stored in the memory tag, the storage unit of the image forming apparatus, the storage unit of the information processing apparatus, or the like.
[0142]
More specifically, S805 in FIG. 8 is replaced with a determination as to whether or not the order flag is ON (order already placed) in accordance with the identification information corresponding to the predetermined consumable. If the process proceeds to step S807 and the flag of the process of step S812 is set to OFF (not ordered), data related to image formation is held at the timing related to ordering as a trigger, and the held data is stored. The display control of the order screen can be performed differently based on the (order completion flag for each type). Of course, even when such a form is adopted, each processing of the image processing apparatus described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment including the modified example is performed in the same manner as when the accumulated value is referred to. Is done.
[0143]
[Other embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, the order of the process cartridge accommodating the toner and the developing device of the printer that performs the recording according to the electrophotographic method has been described as an example. Also applicable to
[0144]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a method of replenishing the developer, a method of exchanging a cartridge containing the developer has been described as an example, but a replenishment method of moving the developer contained in a predetermined container into the cartridge has been described. The present invention is also applicable.
[0145]
It is also apparent that the present invention can be widely applied to the ordering of consumables for electronic equipment including office equipment other than printers.
[0146]
Further, in the above embodiment, the process cartridge containing a recording material such as toner as a consumable has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a transfer unit including the transfer unit 107, a fixing unit Also, the present invention can be applied to a fixing unit including the unit 109. That is, when it is recognized by the image forming apparatus that the transfer unit and the fixing unit have been used by a predetermined amount, an order processing is started, and a processing in which predetermined specific data is accumulated and stored in the non-volatile storage unit is performed. Be executed. At this time, the specific data is assumed to be the pixel count value described above or the number of prints. As described above, the nonvolatile storage means may be provided in the image forming apparatus or the consumables. Then, a process similar to the above-described process is executed by the image forming apparatus based on the data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. As described above, the present invention is applicable to all types of consumables used in the image forming apparatus, and an effect of smoothly ordering consumables used in the image forming apparatus without duplication can be obtained.
[0147]
The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but may be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) including one device. May be applied. For example, when the present invention is applied to a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host), it is assumed that the host executes the processing of each step in FIGS. 5 and 8. In this case, in the process of step S801 in FIG. 8, the remaining amount is reduced by the host recognizing information for specifying the remaining amount of the consumables notified from the image forming apparatus via the communication line. Is detected. By causing the host to execute the processing in this manner, the processing of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the processing of FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. Can be upgraded.
[0148]
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0149]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code or the program code itself constitutes the present invention. .
[0150]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0151]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0152]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0153]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured to order a consumable item, history information / data related to image formation is accumulated using a timing related to order placement as a trigger. By referring to the history information / accumulated value, it is possible to judge whether or not the timing is appropriate when ordering the consumables by the ordering means, and prevent duplicate ordering of the consumables.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an entire configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a process cartridge of the image forming apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a remaining amount detection unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a network connection between an ordering side and an order receiving side of the ordering system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of prohibiting activation of an ordering system in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal regarding a pixel count.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to ordering of consumables according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning display according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for ordering consumables according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for ordering consumables according to a modified example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of reference information for performing an order screen control process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Photosensitive drum
2 Charging roller
3 Developing sleeve
5 Developing container
8 Developing blade
9 Antenna rod
51 Developing device
100 process cartridge
107 transfer roller
109 fixing device
113 detector
114 Light source for detection
115 barcode
116 control means
203 CPU
208 storage means
210 History means
500 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body
501 Host computer
502 Network
503 Order receiving server

Claims (20)

An image processing apparatus comprising ordering means for performing an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus,
Accumulating means for accumulating data related to image formation triggered by timing related to order placement;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an order control unit that controls a screen displayed by the order unit based on the value accumulated by the accumulation unit. The said order control means controls the validity / invalidity of a predetermined function on the screen displayed by said ordering means according to whether the value accumulated by said accumulating means is a predetermined amount or more. Item 2. The image processing device according to item 1. Further, the apparatus further comprises a stock quantity monitoring means for monitoring the stock quantity of the consumable supplies, and the order control means based on the stock quantity by the stock quantity monitoring means and the value accumulated by the accumulation means, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus controls a screen displayed by the image processing apparatus. The timing related to the order is a timing when the remaining amount of the consumable becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine (i). The timing related to the order is a timing corresponding to the recognition of the completion of the order, and further includes a determination unit that determines an accumulation start point of the accumulation unit according to the recognition of the completion of the order. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control of the screen displayed by the ordering means includes at least one of activation of the ordering means, a process of prohibiting the ordering, and a process of judging permission of the ordering. An image processing apparatus according to the item. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data related to the image formation is a pixel count value or a number of printed sheets. The image forming apparatus uses a plurality of types of consumables,
The accumulating means accumulates the data for each type of consumable,
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the order control unit controls an operation of the order unit regarding a corresponding type of consumable based on each of the accumulated values. 9. . An image processing apparatus comprising ordering means for performing an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus,
Holding means for holding order history information triggered by a timing related to ordering, and display control means for making display control of a screen displayed by the ordering means different based on the order history information held in the holding means An image processing apparatus comprising: An ordering method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: an ordering unit that performs an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus.
An accumulation step of accumulating data related to image formation triggered by timing related to order placement;
An order controlling step of controlling a screen displayed by the ordering means based on the value accumulated in the accumulating step. In the order control step, validity / invalidity of a predetermined function on a screen displayed by the ordering means is controlled according to whether or not the value accumulated in the accumulation step is a predetermined amount or more. Item 10. The ordering method according to Item 10. Further, the method further includes a stock quantity monitoring step of monitoring the stock quantity of the consumable supplies, and in the order control step, the order placement is performed based on the stock quantity in the stock quantity monitoring step and the value accumulated in the accumulation step. 12. The ordering method according to claim 10, wherein a screen displayed by the means is controlled. The timing related to the order is a timing when the remaining amount of the consumable becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount. 13. The ordering method according to claim 10, further comprising a determining step of determining a point. The timing related to the order is a timing corresponding to the recognition of the completion of the order, and has a determining step of determining an accumulation start point in the accumulation step according to the recognition of the completion of the order. The ordering method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The control of a screen displayed by the ordering means includes at least one of activation of the ordering means, processing for prohibiting ordering, and processing for determining permission of ordering. Ordering method described in section. 16. The ordering method according to claim 10, wherein the data related to the image formation is a pixel count value or a number of printed sheets. The image forming apparatus uses a plurality of types of consumables,
Accumulating the data for each type of consumable in the accumulating step,
17. The screen according to claim 10, wherein a screen displayed by the ordering means for a corresponding type of consumable is controlled based on each value accumulated in the order control step. How to place an order. An ordering method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: an ordering unit that performs an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus.
A holding step of holding order history information triggered by a timing related to ordering, and a display control step of performing control of a screen displayed by the ordering means differently based on the order history information held in the holding step. An ordering method, comprising: An image processing apparatus including an ordering unit that performs an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus,
An accumulation step of accumulating data related to image formation triggered by timing related to order placement;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for causing a computer to execute an order control step of controlling a screen displayed by the ordering unit based on the value accumulated in the accumulation step. An image processing apparatus including an ordering unit that performs an operation related to ordering of a consumable used in the image forming apparatus,
An accumulation step of accumulating data related to image formation triggered by timing related to order placement;
A computer program comprising code for causing a computer to execute an order control step of controlling a screen displayed by the order means based on the value accumulated in the accumulation step.

Images