JP2004078681A - Information presentation system, its method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support a user's cooperation in the recycling of cartridges. <P>SOLUTION: An information presentation system 10 is provided with: a printer 20 for printing out data on a printing medium by using coloring materials supplied from cartridges 30, 34; and a personal computer 50 for displaying a status picture expressing the residual amounts of the coloring materials included in respective cartridges 30, 34 on a display 70 and displaying a guidance request button concerned with the recovery of the cartridges 30, 34 on the status picture. When the user learns that the residual amounts of the coloring materials are scarce on the status picture and intends to exchange the cartridges 30, 34, the user may be conscious of the disposal of the used cartridges. However, since the guidance request button concerned with the recovery of the cartridges is displayed on the same status picture, guidance concerned with the recovery of the cartridges is displayed by selecting the request button and the way how to clear out the used cartridges is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information presentation system, a method thereof, and a program thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Inkjet printers and laser printers are usually connected to a personal computer, input print information output from the personal computer, receive a colorant supply from a cartridge containing the colorant (ink or toner), and transfer the print information to paper or the like. Printing to print media. Initially, a predetermined amount of the coloring material is stored in the cartridge, but the amount decreases as printing is performed, and eventually becomes small enough to hinder printing. At this point, the cartridge is replaced with a new one, and then printing is performed again.
[0003]
By the way, some personal computers in which a driver for this type of printer is installed display a status screen for displaying the remaining amount of the coloring material of a cartridge containing the coloring material on a display. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-123384 discloses a display in which a purchase button is displayed on this type of status screen. According to this, the user can display the status screen when the remaining amount of the coloring material in the cartridge is low. By selecting the purchase button, you can easily order a new cartridge online.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, after replacing a cartridge with a low remaining amount of the coloring material with a new cartridge, the used cartridge remains, and disposal thereof becomes a problem. For such used cartridges, the resources have been already made effective by recycling, but it is hard to say that users are well aware of how to recycle them.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and has as its object to provide an information presentation system, a method, and a program for supporting a user to cooperate in cartridge recycling.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first information presentation system of the present invention includes:
Printing means for printing on a print medium using a coloring material supplied from a cartridge,
Display means capable of displaying information on the printing means,
Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in the cartridge,
Control means for displaying a status screen indicating the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection means on the display means, and displaying a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge in the status screen;
It is provided with.
[0007]
In this information presentation system, a request button for guidance on collection of a cartridge is displayed in a status screen. Generally, when the user knows that the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in the cartridge is low on the status screen and wants to replace the cartridge, the user is often worried about disposal of the cartridge having the low remaining amount. In this case, a request button for guidance on cartridge recovery is displayed in the same status screen, so selecting this request button provides guidance on cartridge recovery, and how to dispose of used cartridges. Will help. Therefore, according to this information presentation system, it is possible to assist the user to cooperate in recycling the cartridge.
[0008]
The “coloring material” may be any coloring material that can be printed on a print medium, and may be, for example, monochrome or color, ink or toner. Is also good.
[0009]
In the information presentation system of the present invention, the control means may display a screen on the display means for introducing a store where the cartridge can be collected when the guidance request button is selected. In this way, the user can easily know at which store the cartridge should be brought in so that the used cartridge can be recycled.
[0010]
At this time, when introducing the store where the cartridge can be collected, the control means may introduce a store nearest to the location of the user. In this case, no burden is imposed on the user to bring in the used cartridge. For example, the nearest store may be searched for from the user's location by narrowing down from the wide area map to a detailed map around the user's location, or stores located within a predetermined radius of the user's location may be listed.
[0011]
In the information presentation system according to the present invention, the control means may display a screen for explaining a cartridge collecting procedure on the display means when the guidance request button is selected. In this way, the user can easily know the flow until the used cartridge is collected.
[0012]
At this time, in explaining the procedure for collecting the cartridge, the control means may explain a procedure for removing the cartridge from the printing means and then a procedure for collecting the cartridge. In this way, the user can easily know the removal of the cartridge which is required before the collection of the cartridge without having to separately check the cartridge.
[0013]
In the information presentation system of the present invention, when the guidance request button is selected, the control unit acquires at least a part of the content of the guidance from a predetermined server via a network and displays the content on the display unit. Is also good. In this way, for example, when a predetermined server publishes a web page providing guidance on cartridge collection on the Internet, a link to the web page is made when the guidance request button is selected. In this case, the present system can be constructed relatively easily.
[0014]
The information presentation system of the present invention includes a remaining amount determining unit that determines whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is in an insufficient state, and the control unit determines that the remaining amount is smaller than the remaining amount. The request button may be displayed in the status screen when it is determined that the state is insufficient. Since the user often wants to replace the cartridge when the remaining amount of the cartridge is insufficient, it is more effective to display a request button for collecting the cartridge in the status screen at that time. The determination of “whether or not the remaining amount is insufficient” may be made by, for example, examining in advance the remaining amount that causes a phenomenon such as blurred printing, and determining that the state becomes insufficient when the remaining amount is less than the remaining amount. Good.
[0015]
The information presentation system according to the present invention includes a remaining amount determining unit that determines whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is in an insufficient state, and determining that the remaining amount is in an insufficient state by the remaining amount determining unit. When the notification is made, whether the notification of the remaining amount is insufficient, the display of a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge, or the display of a request button for purchase guidance of a new cartridge, and an alerting means for displaying the alerting means, An alert setting unit that allows the user to set whether or not the alert may be provided. In this way, for example, if the inexperienced user activates the alert function, it is convenient to be notified of the insufficient remaining amount, receive the guidance on cartridge collection and the purchase guidance of the cartridge, and the so-called heavy user can activate the alert function. If it is invalidated, the contents already known will not be notified one by one, so it is not bothersome.
[0016]
A second aspect of the present invention is an information presentation method for providing guidance using a display unit capable of displaying information on a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium using a coloring material supplied from a cartridge,
(1) detecting the remaining amount of the cartridge;
(2) displaying a status screen indicating the detected remaining amount on the display means, and displaying a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge in the status screen;
Is included.
[0017]
According to this information presentation method, a request button for guidance regarding collection of a cartridge is displayed in a status screen indicating the remaining amount of the cartridge. Then, when the request button is selected, guidance regarding the collection of the cartridge is provided, which helps the user how to dispose of the used cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to assist the user in cooperating with the recycling of the cartridge.
[0018]
In the information presentation method according to the present invention, after the step (2), when the request button for the guidance is selected, a step of introducing a store where the cartridge can be collected (for example, a store nearest to the location of the user is introduced). Step) or a step of explaining the procedure for collecting the cartridge when the guidance request button is selected (for example, a step of explaining the procedure for removing the cartridge from the printing means and then the procedure for collecting the cartridge). It may be performed. In these steps, when the request button for guidance is selected, at least a part of the contents of the guidance may be acquired from a predetermined server via a network and displayed on the display unit. Further, after the step (1) and before the step (2), a step of determining whether or not the remaining amount detected in the step (1) is insufficient is performed. The request button may be displayed in the status screen when it is determined that the remaining amount is insufficient.
[0019]
A third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as at least the remaining amount detection unit and the control unit of the above-described information presentation system, or for causing a computer to execute each step of the above-described information providing method. Program. When this program is executed by the computer, a request button for guidance regarding collection of the cartridge is displayed in the status screen. Then, when the request button is selected, guidance regarding the collection of the cartridge is provided, which helps the user how to dispose of the used cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to assist the user in cooperating with the recycling of the cartridge. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (for example, a hard disk, a ROM, an FD, a CD, a DVD, or the like) or distributed via a transmission medium (a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN). And may be exchanged in any other form.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information presentation system 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship between cartridges 30 and 34 and a carriage 21.
[0021]
The information presentation system 10 of the present embodiment includes an ink jet printer 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) and a personal computer 50 that outputs print information to the printer 20 and inputs the remaining amount of ink from the printer 20.
[0022]
The printer 20 includes a carriage 21 that reciprocates left and right along a guide 29 by a timing belt 28 that is bridged between a driving wheel 26 and a driven wheel 27, a monochrome cartridge 30 held on the carriage 21, and a color cartridge. Cartridge 34, a print head 38 for discharging ink supplied from each of the cartridges 30 and 34 below the carriage 21 toward the print medium 39, and a feed mechanism for feeding the print medium 39 from the rear to the front of the print head 38. 40, and a controller 42 for controlling printing of print information input from the personal computer 50 on the print medium 39.
[0023]
The carriage 21 is a box-shaped member as shown in FIG. 2, and has a narrow first space 22 for accommodating a monochrome cartridge 30 for accommodating black ink, and a plurality of color inks (for example, cyan, magenta, and yellow). ) Has a wide second space 24 for accommodating the color cartridge 34 in which the color cartridge 34 is accommodated. A first electrode section 23 is provided below the first space 22 on the back side, and a second electrode section 25 is provided below the back side of the second space 24. Each of the electrode units 23 and 25 is connected to the controller 42. Although not shown, an opening / closing lid capable of pressing the upper surface of the monochrome cartridge 30 and an opening / closing lid capable of pressing the upper surface of the color cartridge 34 are respectively attached to the inner side of the opening edge of the carriage 21 via hinges. ing.
[0024]
The monochrome cartridge 30 has an IC chip 31 as a storage unit for storing the remaining amount of ink at the lower rear side. When the monochrome cartridge 30 is stored in the first space 22 of the carriage 21, the IC chip 31 and the first electrode unit 23 come into electrical contact with each other, so that the controller 42 and the IC chip 31 are connected via the first electrode unit 23. Data can be sent and received. In this state, the controller 42 obtains the remaining amount of the black ink at an appropriate time from when the new monochrome cartridge 30 is mounted, and stores this in the IC chip 31. The remaining amount of black ink can be determined, for example, as the difference between the amount of black ink stored when new and the amount of black ink discharged from the print head 38. In addition, the consumption amount of the black ink discharged from the print head 38 is obtained in addition to the amount of ink discharged from the print head 38 during printing and the amount of ink consumed during cleaning.
[0025]
The color cartridge 34 has an IC chip 35 as a storage unit for storing the remaining amount of ink at the lower rear side. When the color cartridge 34 is stored in the second space 24 of the carriage 21, the IC chip 35 and the second electrode unit 25 come into electrical contact with each other, so that the controller 42 and the IC chip 35 are connected via the second electrode unit 25. Data can be sent and received. In this state, the controller 42 obtains the remaining amount of each color ink at an appropriate time from when the new color cartridge 34 is mounted, and stores it in the IC chip 35. Since the remaining amount of the color ink can be obtained by the same method as the remaining amount of the black ink, the description is omitted here. The color cartridge 34 is of a type that requires replacement of any one of the plurality of color inks when the ink runs out.
[0026]
Although not shown, the print head 38 is provided with a plurality of ink ejection holes on a two-dimensional plane including a scanning direction (horizontal direction) of the carriage 21 and a paper feeding direction (front-back direction) of the feeding mechanism 40. The ink ejection holes are arranged in a state where regions are divided for each of black ink and each color ink.
[0027]
The controller 42 includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, and the like, develops print information input from the personal computer 50 into dot pattern data, and based on the dot pattern data, the carriage 21, the print head 38, and the like. The drive of the feed mechanism 40 is performed to execute printing on the print medium 39. When the cartridge exchange switch 44 is turned on, the controller 42 drives the drive wheels 26 to move the carriage 21 to the left end, which is the cartridge exchange position, and then, when the cartridge exchange switch 44 is turned on again, the drive wheels 26 are turned on. The carriage 21 is driven to move to the right end, which is a normal standby position. The replacement of the cartridges 30 and 34 is performed while the carriage 21 is stopped at the cartridge replacement position.
[0028]
The personal computer 50 includes a personal computer 51 for executing various controls, a keyboard 52 and a mouse 53 for inputting information from the user to the personal computer 51, and a display 70 controlled to be displayed by the personal computer 51. In the personal computer body 51, various programs such as a driver of the printer 20 and a web browser are installed in an internal memory such as a hard disk, and an environment for connecting to the Internet via a modem is prepared. The personal computer body 51 displays a status screen (for example, FIG. 4) indicating the remaining ink amount of the printer 20 on the display 70 in response to a user's operation of the keyboard 52 or the mouse 53, or a predetermined web server via the Internet. A web page for explaining the cartridge recovery guidance is acquired from 60 and displayed on the display 70.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the personal computer 50 in the information presentation system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the user operates the keyboard 52 or the mouse 53 to input a command to cause the printer 20 to print predetermined print information, the personal computer 51 receives the command and reads the information presentation control program shown in FIG. Execute.
[0030]
When the information presentation control program is started, first, the remaining amount of black ink recorded on the IC chip 31 of the monochrome cartridge 30 and the remaining amount of each color ink recorded on the IC chip 35 of the color cartridge 34 are determined. The amount is read (step S100).
[0031]
Subsequently, each ink remaining amount is compared with a threshold value (steps S102 and S114). Here, the threshold value is set at not only one but also a plurality of levels (here, two levels). That is, the remaining amount of ink at the time when printing can be normally performed on the remaining several sheets is set as the first threshold value, and the remaining ink amount at the time when printing trouble occurs is set as the second threshold value (<first threshold value). Each of the thresholds is set by performing an experiment in advance.
[0032]
In step S102, it is determined whether or not each of the remaining ink amounts is equal to or more than the first threshold value. If any of the remaining ink amounts is equal to or more than the first threshold value, the printer 20 is in a state where printing can be performed normally. A status screen is displayed on the display 70 (step S104). The status screen includes a message column 71 for displaying various messages based on the current ink remaining amount, a first remaining amount meter 72 for displaying the remaining ink level on the ink level of the cartridge, a color ink A second remaining meter 73 that displays the remaining ink level on the ink level of the cartridge, an OK button 74 that is turned on when instructing execution of print processing, and an ON button that is closed when this status screen is closed and the print command is canceled. A cancel button 75 is displayed. In this case, since the remaining amounts of the inks do not hinder printing, the message column 71 displays "printing is possible."
[0033]
Next, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 75 has been turned on (step S106). If the cancel button 75 has been turned on, the status screen is closed, the print command is canceled, and the program ends. On the other hand, when the cancel button 75 has not been turned on, it is subsequently determined whether or not the OK button 74 has been turned on (step S108). When the OK button 74 has not been turned on, the process returns to step S106 again, and the OK button 74 has been turned on. If so, a print process for one page is executed in accordance with the current print command (step S110), and it is determined whether or not any unprinted pages remain (step S112). If the page has not been printed, the process returns to step S100. If no unprinted page remains, the program ends. Note that the controller 42 of the printer 20 updates the remaining ink amounts recorded on the IC chips 31 and 35 each time one page of the printing process is executed.
[0034]
On the other hand, if any of the remaining ink amounts is less than the first threshold value in step S102, it is determined whether the remaining ink amount is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S114). In other words, when the remaining ink amount is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the second threshold value, a status screen displaying a message prompting the user to prepare for replacement of the cartridge in the message column 71 is displayed on the display 70 (step S116). FIG. 5 shows an example of the status screen at this time. Here, it is assumed that the remaining amount of a certain color ink in the color cartridge 34 is smaller than the first threshold and equal to or larger than the second threshold. On this status screen, the message field 71 will read, "Coloring material will soon run out. Please prepare a new cartridge. You can purchase it by selecting the delivery purchase button. Select the store purchase button to introduce the retailer." At the same time, the model number of the cartridge to be replaced is also displayed. An exclamation mark (!) Indicating that the ink is almost exhausted is displayed on the second remaining amount meter 73 on the status screen. Further, the status screen includes a delivery / purchase button 76 for purchasing a cartridge online in consideration of a case where a new cartridge is not available to the user, and a sale of the cartridge so that the user can go to the cartridge by himself / herself. A store purchase button 77 for introducing the store is displayed.
[0035]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the delivery purchase button 76 has been turned on (step S118). When the delivery purchase button 76 has been turned on, the web server 60 requests a web page for online shopping from the web server 60 via the Internet. The web page corresponding to the request is received from 60, and a delivery purchase routine of ordering a new cartridge on the web page is executed (step S120), and after the end of the routine, the process returns to step S116 again. On the other hand, when the delivery purchase button 76 is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the store purchase button 77 is turned on (step S122), and when the store purchase button 77 is turned on, the cartridge of the cartridge is transmitted to the web server 60 via the Internet. A list of stores that sell in-store is requested, a list of stores in response to the request is received from the web server 60, and the in-store purchase routine of displaying the list on the display 70 is executed (step S124). After the end of the routine, the process returns to step S116. The details of the delivery purchase routine and the store purchase routine are omitted.
[0036]
Then, when neither the delivery purchase button 76 nor the store purchase button 77 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 75 is turned on (step S126). When the cancel button 75 is turned on, a status screen for prompting exchange preparation is displayed. Close this command after canceling the print command. On the other hand, if the cancel button 75 has not been turned on, it is determined whether or not the OK button 74 has been turned on, that is, whether or not printing has been instructed (step S128). If the OK button 74 has not been turned on, the process returns to step S118. Returning to the above, when the OK button 74 is turned on, the above-described print processing of step S110 and thereafter is executed.
[0037]
If the remaining amount of ink that was less than the first threshold value in step S114 is also less than the second threshold value, a status screen displaying a message prompting replacement of the cartridge in the message column 71 is displayed on the display 70 (step S130). . FIG. 6 shows an example of the status screen at this time. Here, it is assumed that the remaining amount of a certain color ink in the color cartridge 34 has become less than the second threshold value. In this status screen, "Message out of colorant. Replace with new cartridge." Is displayed in message field 71, and the model number of the cartridge to be replaced is also displayed. Further, on this status screen, an exclamation mark (!) Indicating that the ink has run out is displayed on the second remaining amount meter 73. Further, the status screen includes a collection procedure button 78 for presenting a procedure for recycling used cartridges for a user who is not accustomed to recycling or replacing cartridges, and collecting used cartridges for recycling. A collection destination introduction button 79 for presenting a collection store to be provided and a replacement method button 80 for presenting a cartridge replacement procedure are displayed.
[0038]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the collection procedure button 78 has been turned on (step S132). When the collection procedure button 78 has been turned on, a request is made to the web server 60 via the Internet for a web page displaying the cartridge collection procedure. Thereafter, the web server 60 receives the web page corresponding to the request from the web server 60, executes a collection procedure presentation routine of displaying the web page on the display 70 (step S134), and returns to step S130 again after the end of the routine.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the collection procedure button 78 is not turned on in step S132, it is determined whether or not the collection destination introduction button 79 is turned on (step S136). When the collection destination introduction button 79 is turned on, it is determined via the Internet. The collection server presents a web page for presenting the collection store to the web server 60, and thereafter, executes a collection destination presentation routine of receiving an introduction page of the collection store corresponding to the request from the web server 60 and displaying it on the display 70 ( (Step S138) After the routine ends, the process returns to step S130 again.
[0040]
On the other hand, if the collection destination introduction button 79 is not turned on in step S136, it is determined whether or not the exchange method button 80 is turned on (step S140). A request for a web page on which the cartridge replacement procedure is displayed is requested from the server 60, and thereafter, a web page corresponding to the request is received from the web server 60, and an exchange method presentation routine of displaying the web page on the display 70 is executed (step S142). ), The process returns to step S130 after the end of the routine.
[0041]
On the other hand, if the exchange method button 80 has not been turned on in step S140, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 75 has been turned on (step S144). If the cancel button 75 has been turned on, the status screen for prompting exchange is closed and printing is performed. Terminates this program after canceling the command. On the other hand, if the cancel button 75 has not been turned on, it is determined whether or not the OK button 74 has been turned on, that is, whether or not printing has been instructed (step S146). If the OK button 74 has not been turned on, the process returns to step S132. Returning to the above, when the OK button 74 is turned on, the above-described print processing of step S110 and thereafter is executed. In the printing process at this time, since there is a case where the remaining amount of the ink is less than the second threshold value, sufficient ink may not be applied to a printing medium such as paper, which may cause trouble such as blurring.
[0042]
Next, the above-described collection procedure presentation routine (step S134 in FIG. 3) will be described based on the flowchart in FIG. 7 and the screen explanatory diagram in FIG. In this routine, the personal computer body 51 first requests the web server 60 via the Internet for a web page on which the cartridge collection procedure is displayed, and then receives the web page from the web server 60 and displays it on the display 70 ( Step S200). At this time, the screen displayed on the display 70 displays a cartridge replacement procedure and a cartridge collection procedure, and also displays a “close” button. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge replacement procedure is from “1. Open the printer cover and press the cartridge replacement switch” to “4. Close the printer cover”, and “5. The cartridge collection procedure is from "put the ink adhering to the head into the plastic bag" to "7. put it into the cartridge collection post installed in the collection store". Although not shown in FIG. 1, the print cover is a cover for preventing the carriage 21 and the like from being exposed to the outside in a normal state. It is then determined whether or not the "close" button has been selected (step S210). If the "close" button has not been selected, the process stands by. If the "close" button has been selected, this screen is closed and the present routine ends. In this way, the user can know the cartridge replacement procedure to be performed prior to the cartridge collection by selecting the collection procedure button 78 on the status screen of FIG. 6, and how the cartridge collection is performed. It is also possible to know the cartridge collection procedure as to whether it should be performed. The exchange procedure presenting routine of step S142 in FIG. ~ 4. Is displayed on the display 70. ~ 7. This is the same as the collection procedure presentation routine except that the cartridge replacement procedure is not displayed.
[0043]
Next, the above-described collection destination presentation routine (step S138 in FIG. 3) will be described based on the flowchart in FIG. 9 and the screen explanatory diagram in FIG. In this routine, the personal computer main body 51 first requests the web server 60 via the Internet for the top page of the web page presenting the collection shop, and then receives the top page nationwide map from the web server 60 and displays it on the display 70. It is displayed (step S300, see FIG. 10A). This national map is divided into regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto, and the user can select any region. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not any of the regions has been designated (step S310). If there is no designation, the process waits as it is, and if there is a designation, the display page of the prefectures and municipalities in the designated region is displayed. A request is made to the web server 60, and then the display page is received from the web server 60 and displayed on the display 70 (step S320, see FIG. 10B). On this page, a list of prefectures and municipalities in the area and a "return" button are also displayed. Here, the user can select any one of the cities, towns and villages. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the “return” button has been selected (step S330). When the “return” button has been selected, the process returns to step S300 to display the national map on the display 70 again. On the other hand, when the "return" button is not selected, it is determined whether any municipalities are designated (step S340), and when not designated, the process returns to step S320 again. The web server 60 requests the list of cartridge collection stores in the municipalities, and then receives the list of cartridge collection stores from the web server 60 and displays it on the display 70 (step S350, see FIG. 10C). On this page, a "return" button and a "close" button are displayed together with a list of cartridge collection stores in the designated municipalities. The user can find the nearest collection store from his / her location by looking at this list. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the “return” button has been selected (step S360). When the “return” button has been selected, the process returns to step S320 to display the previous screen, FIG. 10B, and when it has not been selected, “close”. It is determined whether or not the button has been selected (step S370). If the button has not been selected, the process returns to step S360. If the button has been selected, this screen is closed and the present routine ends.
[0044]
Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The printer 20 of the present embodiment corresponds to the printing unit of the invention, the display 70 corresponds to the display unit, the controller 42 of the printer 20 corresponds to the remaining amount detecting unit, and the personal computer body 51 corresponds to the control unit. In addition, the collection procedure button 78 and the collection destination introduction button 79 correspond to a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge.
[0045]
In the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6, a request button (that is, a collection procedure button 78 and a collection destination introduction button 79) for guidance on collection of a cartridge is displayed in a status screen for prompting replacement of the cartridge. . Here, generally, when the user knows on the status screen that the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in the cartridge is low and intends to replace the cartridge, he / she may be concerned about the disposal of the cartridge with the low remaining amount. However, in this case, a collection procedure button 78 and a collection destination introduction button 79 are displayed in the same status screen, and if these are selected, the collection procedure of the cartridge and the collection store are introduced, and the used cartridge is displayed. To help you get rid of Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to assist the user to cooperate in recycling the cartridge.
[0046]
Further, the user can easily know the flow until the used cartridge is collected by selecting the collection procedure button 78, and also separately remove the cartridge required at the stage before the collection of the cartridge. You do not need to look it up and you can easily find out.
[0047]
Further, by selecting the collection destination introduction button 79, the user can easily know which store should bring the cartridge in order to have the used cartridge recycled, and which store is closer to his / her location. be able to.
[0048]
Furthermore, when the collection procedure button 78 or the collection destination introduction button 79 is selected, the contents of the guidance corresponding to each button are acquired from the web server 60 via the Internet and displayed on the display 70. If 60 has already published a web page providing guidance on cartridge recovery on the Internet, linking to that web page when each of buttons 78 and 79 is selected will make the book more accessible. The system can be constructed relatively easily.
[0049]
Further, when it is determined that any of the remaining ink amounts is less than the second threshold and a phenomenon such as fading occurs, a collection procedure button 78 and a collection destination introduction button 79 are displayed. When such a symptom occurs, the user particularly wants to replace the cartridge, and it is more effective to display these buttons 78 and 79 in the status screen at that time.
[0050]
It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment at all, and can be implemented in various forms.
[0051]
For example, on the status screen of FIG. 5, a check box of “Do not display purchase button in the future” is provided, and it is determined whether or not this check box is checked before step S116. The process after step S116 is performed, and if checked, a status screen (see FIG. 5) for prompting for exchange preparation is displayed without displaying the delivery purchase button 76 or the store purchase button 77 (that is, purchase guidance), and then to step S126. You may make it go. In this way, it is convenient for users who do not know the purchase method to leave the check box blank and enable the purchase guidance, and for users who know the purchase method well to check the check box and provide the purchase guidance. If it is invalidated, the contents already known will not be notified one by one, so it is not bothersome. In addition, you may enable it to set so that one or both of the delivery purchase button 76 and the store purchase button 77 may not be displayed on another setting screen.
[0052]
Alternatively, on the status screen of FIG. 6, a check box "Do not display a button related to collection and replacement of a cartridge in the future" is provided, and it is determined whether or not this check box is checked before step S130. If it is not checked, the process from step S130 is performed. If it is checked, a status screen (see FIG. 6) for prompting replacement is displayed without displaying the collection procedure button 78, the collection destination introduction button 79, and the replacement method button 80. Then, the process may proceed to step S144. In this way, it is convenient for users who are not familiar with the collection method to leave the checkbox blank and enable the collection guidance, and for users who are familiar with the collection method to check the checkbox and provide the purchase guidance. If it is invalidated, the contents already known will not be notified one by one, so it is not bothersome. It should be noted that the setting may be made so that one, two, or all of the collection procedure button 78, the collection destination introduction button 79, and the exchange method button 80 are not displayed on another setting screen.
[0053]
Alternatively, the message displayed in the message column 71, the remaining ink amount and the exclamation mark (!) Displayed on each of the remaining amount meters 72 and 73 are information that the remaining amount is insufficient. Alternatively, the user may make a setting as to whether or not to make these notifications on a certain setting screen.
[0054]
In the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge has been described. However, a coloring material cartridge (for example, a toner cartridge) other than the ink cartridge may be used.
[0055]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the remaining ink amount is obtained by subtracting the ink consumption amount from the amount of ink contained in the new cartridge, but the remaining ink amount may be obtained by other methods. For example, it may be determined by detecting whether or not the ink liquid level has reached a predetermined level position (a level position corresponding to the first threshold value or the second threshold value) with a sensor, or the weight of the cartridge may be determined by a predetermined value ( The weight may be obtained by detecting with a sensor whether or not the weight has reached the first threshold or the second threshold.
[0056]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge collection procedure and the introduction list of the cartridge collection store are acquired from the web server 60. However, such information may be acquired from the HDD or the CD-ROM of the personal computer body 51. However, when the information is obtained from the web server 60, the update is easier and the latest information can be provided.
[0057]
In the above-described embodiment, the information presentation system 10 is configured to include the printer 20 and the personal computer 50. However, the display is provided in the printer 20, and the controller 42 performs the same display control as that of the personal computer 50 on the display. May be performed. In this case, the information presentation system 10 can be constituted by one housing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information presentation system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship between a cartridge and a carriage.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an information presentation control program.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a status screen in a normal state.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a status screen for prompting preparation for cartridge replacement.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a status screen for prompting replacement of a cartridge.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a collection procedure presentation routine.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of a cartridge collection procedure.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a collection destination presentation routine.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen for introducing a cartridge collection store.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information presentation system, 20 ... Inkjet printer, 21 ... Carriage, 22 ... 1st space, 23 ... 1st electrode part, 24 ... 2nd space, 25 ... 2nd electrode part, 26 ... Drive wheel, 27 ... Driven wheel , 28 timing belt, 29 guide, 30 monochrome cartridge, 31 IC chip, 34 color cartridge, 35 IC chip, 38 print head, 39 print medium, 40 feed mechanism, 42 controller 44, cartridge exchange switch, 50, personal computer, 51, personal computer body, 52, keyboard, 53, mouse, 60, web server, 70, display, 71, message box, 72, first remaining amount meter, 73, second Remaining meter, 74: OK button, 75: Cancel button, 76: Delivery purchase button, 77: Store purchase button 78 ... recovery procedure button, 79 ... recovery destination introduction button, 80 ... How to Replace button.

Claims (11)

Printing means for printing on a print medium using a coloring material supplied from a cartridge,
Display means capable of displaying information on the printing means,
Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the coloring material contained in the cartridge,
An information presentation system comprising: a status screen indicating the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means on the display means; and a control means for displaying a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge in the status screen. . 2. The information presentation system according to claim 1, wherein when the guidance request button is selected, the control unit displays on the display unit a screen that introduces a store where the cartridge can be collected. 3. The information presentation system according to claim 2, wherein, when introducing a store where the cartridge can be collected, a store nearest to the location of the user is introduced. The information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means displays a screen explaining a collection procedure of the cartridge on the display means when the guidance request button is selected. The information presentation system according to claim 4, wherein in describing the collection procedure of the cartridge, a procedure of removing the cartridge from the printing unit is described, and then a procedure of collecting the cartridge is described. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the guidance request button is selected, at least a part of the guidance is acquired from a predetermined server via a network and displayed on the display. Information presentation system described. An information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A remaining amount determining unit that determines whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is in an insufficient state,
The information presentation system, wherein the control unit displays the request button in the status screen when the remaining amount is determined to be in an insufficient state by the remaining amount determining unit. An information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Remaining amount determining means for determining whether the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means is in an insufficient state,
When the remaining amount is determined to be in an insufficient state by the remaining amount determining unit, notification of the remaining amount is performed, a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge is displayed, or purchase guidance of a new cartridge is provided. An alert means for displaying a request button,
An information presenting system comprising: an alert setting unit that allows a user to set whether or not to activate the alert unit. An information presentation method for providing guidance using a display unit capable of displaying information on a printing unit that performs printing on a print medium using a coloring material supplied from a cartridge,
(1) detecting the remaining amount of the cartridge;
(2) displaying a status screen indicating the detected remaining amount on the display means, and displaying a request button for guidance on collection of the cartridge in the status screen. A program for causing a computer to function as at least the remaining amount detection unit and the control unit of the information presentation system according to claim 1. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the guidance providing method according to claim 9.

Images