JP2021056597A - Communication system, computer program for terminal device, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique which enables a server to acquire use information being information about the usage of expendable supplied for printing even when the use information is not transmitted from a printer to the server.SOLUTION: A terminal device comprises: a first receiving unit which receives present use information from a printer; a second receiving unit which receives the latest use information and date/time information from the server; a determination unit which uses the use information received from the printer, the use information received from the server, and the date/time information received from the server to determine whether the use information is transmitted from the printer to the server each time a first prescribed time passes; and a first transmitting unit which transmits the use information received from the printer to the server in response to determination that the use information is not transmitted from the printer to the server but does not transmit the use information received from the printer to the server in response to determination that the use information is transmitted from the printer to the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

This specification discloses a technique in which a terminal device transmits usage information to a server.

Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a printer, an information management server, and a delivery management server. The printer periodically sends information about the ink level of the cartridge to the information management server. When the information management server receives the ink remaining amount from the printer, it determines whether or not the received ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value. When the information management server determines that the received ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, the information management server transmits an ordering command to the delivery management server. When the delivery management server receives the ordering command from the information management server, the delivery management server executes the cartridge ordering process.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-194771 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-67137 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-252452

In the communication system of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the case where the transmission of information regarding the remaining amount of ink from the printer to the information management server fails.

The present specification provides a technique in which a server can acquire usage information even when the usage information, which is information on the usage amount of consumables for printing, is not transmitted from the printer to the server.

The communication system disclosed herein may include a printer, a server, and a terminal device. The printer may include a printer transmitter that attempts to transmit usage information, which is current information about the usage of consumables for printing, to the server each time a first predetermined time elapses. .. The server first stores the usage information in the memory in association with the memory and the date and time information related to the date and time when the usage information is received each time the usage information is received from the printer. A storage control unit may be provided. The terminal device includes a first terminal receiving unit that receives the current usage information from the printer, and the latest usage of one or more usage information that the server receives from the server from the server. A second terminal receiver that receives information, the date and time information associated with the latest usage information, the usage information received from the printer, and the usage information received from the server. A terminal determination unit that determines whether or not the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server by using the date and time information received from the server, and the usage information from the printer. When it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted to the server, the terminal transmission unit transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server, and the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server. When it is determined, the terminal transmission unit, which does not transmit the usage information received from the printer to the server, may be provided.

According to the above configuration, the terminal device receives the current usage information from the printer, and receives the latest usage information and the date and time information from the server. Then, the terminal device uses the usage information received from the printer, the usage information received from the server, and the date and time information received from the server to determine whether or not the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server. to decide. Thereby, the terminal device can determine whether or not the transmission of the usage information from the printer to the server is properly executed every time the first predetermined time elapses. Then, when the terminal device determines that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, the terminal device transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server. Therefore, the server can acquire the usage information even when the usage information is not transmitted from the printer to the server.

Also disclosed herein are computer programs for terminal devices. The terminal device can communicate with each of the printer and the server, and each time the first predetermined time elapses, the printer obtains usage information which is current information regarding the usage amount of consumables for printing. You may try to send it to the server. Each time the usage information is received from the printer, the server may store the usage information in association with the date and time information related to the date and time when the usage information is received. The computer program uses the computer of the terminal device as the following units, that is, a first receiving unit that receives the current usage information from the printer, and one that the server receives from the server. A second receiving unit that receives the latest usage information among the above usage information, the date and time information associated with the latest usage information, and the usage information received from the printer. , A determination unit that determines whether or not the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server by using the usage information received from the server and the date and time information received from the server. When it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, the usage information is a first transmission unit that transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server. When it is determined that the printer has transmitted the information to the server, the usage information received from the printer may function as the first transmission unit that is not transmitted to the server.

According to the above configuration, the terminal device receives the current usage information from the printer, and receives the latest usage information and the date and time information from the server. Then, the terminal device uses the usage information received from the printer, the usage information received from the server, and the date and time information received from the server to determine whether or not the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server. to decide. Thereby, the terminal device can determine whether or not the transmission of the usage information from the printer to the server is properly executed every time the first predetermined time elapses. Then, when the terminal device determines that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, the terminal device transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server. Therefore, the server can acquire the usage information even when the usage information is not transmitted from the printer to the server.

A computer-readable recording medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program and the terminal device itself are also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. Each table is shown. The sequence diagram of the registration process is shown. The continuation of FIG. 3 is shown. A sequence diagram of Case A in which the status notification is successfully transmitted from the printer to the management server is shown. The continuation of FIG. 5 is shown. The sequence diagram of the case B in which the transmission of the status notification from the printer to the management server fails is shown. The continuation of FIG. 7 is shown. The sequence diagram of the case C where the transmission of the status notification from the printer to the management server fails is shown. The continuation of FIG. 9 is shown. The flowchart of the judgment process executed by the terminal device is shown.

(Example)
(Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a terminal device 100, and a management server (hereinafter, simply referred to as "server") 200. The printer 10 and the terminal device 100 are connected to a LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 4. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The server 200 can communicate with the devices 10 and 100 via the Internet 6.

(Configuration of printer 10)
The printer 10 is a peripheral device (that is, a peripheral device such as a PC) capable of executing a printing function. The printer 10 may be a multifunctional machine capable of executing a scanning function, a fax function, and the like in addition to the printing function. The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface (hereinafter, the interface is referred to as “I / F”) 16, a print execution unit 20, and a control unit 30. A serial number SN1 is assigned to the printer 10. The serial number is a unique character string assigned to each printer when a plurality of printers are manufactured.

The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The communication I / F 16 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 16 is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 4. The communication I / F 16 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

The print execution unit 20 is an inkjet printing mechanism. A cartridge 20a for accommodating ink is mounted on the print execution unit 20. The print execution unit 20 executes printing by using the ink in the cartridge 20a.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The memory 34 stores the remaining amount information RQn, the remaining amount information RQp, and the transmission date / time information ST. The remaining amount information RQn indicates the current remaining amount of the cartridge 20a mounted on the print execution unit 20. The printer 10 periodically transmits the remaining amount information RQn to the server 200 in order for the user of the printer 10 to receive the shipping service provided by the server 200. The remaining amount information RQp is information indicating the remaining amount information previously transmitted to the server 200. The transmission date / time information ST is information indicating the date and time when the remaining amount information was last transmitted to the server 200. When executing the printing function, the CPU 32 calculates the amount of ink used in the cartridge 20a, subtracts the calculated amount of use from the remaining amount information RQn, and updates the remaining amount information RQn. Further, when a new cartridge 20a is attached to the print execution unit 20, the CPU 32 updates the remaining amount information RQn to "100".

(Configuration of terminal device 100)
The terminal device 100 is, for example, a portable device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a portable music playback device, or a portable moving image playback device. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 116, and a control unit 130.

The operation unit 112 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the terminal device 100 by operating the operation unit 112. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 114 also functions as a so-called touch panel (that is, an operation unit). The communication I / F 116 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 116 is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 4.

The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to the OS (abbreviation of Operating System) program 136 stored in the memory 134. The OS program 136 is a program for controlling various basic operations of the terminal device 100. The memory 134 also stores the service application 138. The service application 138 is an application used to receive a shipping service provided by the server 200, and is installed on the terminal device 100 from a server on the Internet, for example. The memory 134 further stores the determination table 140.

(Configuration of server 200)
The server 200 is a server for providing a shipping service for shipping cartridges to the user of the printer 10. The server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of the printer 10. In the modified example, the server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a business operator different from the vendor.

The server 200 includes a communication I / F 216 and a control unit 230. The communication I / F 216 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes according to the program 236 stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The memory 234 further stores a user table 238, a device table 240, and a cartridge table 242.

(Structure of each table; Fig. 2)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the contents of the determination table 140 in the terminal device 100 and the tables 238, 240, and 242 in the server 200 will be described.

The determination table 140 in the terminal device 100 is empty immediately after being installed in the terminal device 100. One or more determination information is stored in the determination table 140. Each judgment information includes a user name, a serial number, an update time information, a judgment time information, and a judgment date / time information. The user name is information used for the user to log in to the server 200. The update time information is information indicating the timing at which the remaining amount information RQn is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200. The determination time information is information indicating the timing for determining whether or not the remaining amount information RQn has been transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200. The determination date / time information is information indicating the date and time when the last determination was made as to whether or not the remaining amount information RQn was transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200.

One or more user information is stored in the user table 238 in the server 200. Each user information includes a user name (for example, UN) for identifying the user, a password (for example, PW), and address information (for example, AD) indicating the address of the user. Further, the user table 238 may store a PIN (abbreviation of Personal Identification Number) code (for example, "1234") in association with each user information.

One or more device information is stored in the device table 240. Each device information includes a user name (eg UN), a serial number (eg SN1), and an access token (eg AT1). The access token is authentication information used for communication between the printer and the server 200.

One or more cartridge information is stored in the cartridge table 242. Each cartridge information indicates a serial number (for example, SN1), a model number of a cartridge that can be mounted on the printer identified by the serial number (for example, "BK01"), and the remaining amount of the cartridge currently mounted on the printer. The remaining amount information and the reception date and time information indicating the date and time when the remaining amount information was received from the printer are included.

(Registration process; Fig. 3, Fig. 4)
Subsequently, the registration process will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The registration process is a process executed for the user of the printer 10 to receive the ordering service. Specifically, in the process of registering the determination information in the determination table 140 of the terminal device 100, the process of registering the device information in the device table 240 of the server 200, and the process of registering the cartridge information in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200. is there. In the following, the processing executed by each CPU of each device (for example, CPU 32 of the printer 10) is not described mainly for each CPU from the viewpoint of easy understanding, and each device (for example, printer 10 etc.) Is described as the main body. Further, all the following communications executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the server 200 are the communication I / F16 of the printer 10, the communication I / F116 of the terminal device 100, and the communication I of the server 200. It is executed via / F216. Therefore, in the following, the description "via communication I / F16 (or 116, 216)" will be omitted.

In the initial state of FIG. 3, user information including a user name, password PW, and address information AD is stored in the user table 238 of the server 200. The user information is stored in the server 200, for example, when the user uses the terminal device 100. In FIG. 3, the description regarding the address information AD in the user table 238 is omitted. Further, the service application 138 is already installed in the terminal device 100.

When the terminal device 100 receives an operation for starting the service application 138 from the user in T10, the terminal device 100 starts the service application 138 in T12 and transmits a login screen data request to the server 200 in T14.

When the server 200 receives the login screen data request from the terminal device 100 at T14, the server 200 transmits the login screen data to the terminal device 100 at T16.

When the terminal device 100 receives the login screen data from the server 200 at T16, the terminal device 100 displays the login screen on the display unit 114 at T18. Then, when the terminal device 100 receives the input operation of the user name UN and the password PW from the user at T20, the terminal device 100 transmits a login request including the user name UN and the password PW to the server 200 at T22.

When the server 200 receives the login request from the terminal device 100 in T22, the combination of the user name UN and the password PW included in the login request is stored in the user table 238, so that the authentication is successful in T24. to decide. In this case, the server 200 generates the PIN code "1234" at T26, associates the logged-in user name UN with the PIN code "1234", stores it in the user table 238, and stores the PIN code "1234" at T28. Is transmitted to the terminal device 100.

When the terminal device 100 receives the PIN code "1234" from the server 200 at T28, the terminal device 100 displays the PIN code "1234" on the display unit 114 at T30. As a result, the user can know the PIN code "1234".

Next, when the printer 10 receives the input of the PIN code "1234" from the user at T40, the printer 10 transmits a token request to the server 200 at T42. The token request is a command for requesting the server 200 to transmit an access token, and includes a PIN code "1234" and a serial number SN1 of the printer 10.

When the server 200 receives the token request from the printer 10 in the T42, the server 200 authenticates the PIN code "1234" included in the token request. In this case, since the PIN code "1234" included in the token request matches the PIN code "1234" in the user table 238, the server 200 determines that the PIN code authentication was successful in the T44. Then, the server 200 generates the access token AT1 at T46. In T48, the server 200 puts device information including the user name UN associated with the PIN code "1234", the serial number SN1 included in the token request, and the generated access token AT1 in the device table 240. Remember.

In T50 of FIG. 4, the server 200 transmits the access token AT1 and the update time information "12 hours" to the printer 10. The update time information is stored in advance in the memory 234 by the administrator of the server 200.

When the printer 10 receives the access token AT1 and the update time information "12 hours" from the server 200 at the T50, the printer 10 stores the update time information "12 hours" in the memory 34 at the T52, and stores the access token AT1 at the T54. It is used to establish an XMPP connection with the server 200. The XMPP connection is a so-called constant connection, which is a connection that continues to be established until the power of the printer 10 is turned off. By using the XMPP connection, the server 200 can send the request to the printer 10 over the firewall of the LAN 4 to which the printer 10 belongs without receiving the request from the printer 10. The mechanism for transmitting the request from the server 200 to the printer 10 may be another method instead of the XMPP connection. For example, an HTTPS (abbreviation of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection may be established between the printer 10 and the server 200.

When the establishment of the XMPP connection with the server 200 is completed, the printer 10 specifies the remaining amount information RQn in the memory 34 as the remaining amount information to be transmitted this time, and in T60, the serial number SN1 and the specified remaining amount. A status notification including the information "40" is transmitted to the server 200. In T62, the printer 10 stores the remaining amount information "40" transmitted to the server 200 in T60 as the remaining amount information RQp, and stores the current date and time as the transmission date and time information ST. After that, each time the update time indicated by the update time information in the memory 34 stored in T52 elapses, the printer 10 matches the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn with the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQp. When it is determined whether or not to do so and it is determined that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQp do not match, an attempt is made to send a status notification to the server 200.

When the server 200 receives the status notification from the printer 10 in the T60, the server 200 associates the status notification with the serial number SN1 included in the status notification in the T64 and attaches the model number of the cartridge 20a to the printer 10 identified by the serial number SN1. "BK01", the remaining amount information "40" included in the status notification, and the reception date / time information "2019/9/10 12:00" indicating the date and time when the status notification was received are stored in the cartridge table 242. Further, the server 200 determines whether or not the remaining amount "40" indicated by the remaining amount information included in the status notification is equal to or less than the ordering threshold value ("25" in this embodiment). The ordering threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not it is necessary to place an order for the cartridge 20a. In this case, the server 200 determines at T66 that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is larger than the order threshold value.

Next, in T70, the server 200 transmits a completion notification indicating that the registration of the device information in the device table 240 and the registration of the cartridge information in the cartridge table 242 are completed to the terminal device 100.

Upon receiving the completion notification from the server 200 at the T70, the terminal device 100 transmits a registration information request including the logged-in user name UN to the server 200 at the T72. The registration information request is a command for requesting the transmission of the serial number associated with the user name in the request and the update date / time information.

When the server 200 receives the registration information request from the terminal device 100 in the T72, the server 200 identifies the serial number SN1 associated with the user name UN in the registration information request in the device table 240. Then, in T74, the server 200 transmits the specified serial number SN1 and the update time information "12 hours" in the memory 234 to the terminal device 100.

When the terminal device 100 receives the serial number SN1 and the update time information "12 hours" from the server 200 at T74, the logged-in user name UN, the received serial number SN1, and the received serial number SN1 are received at T76. The update time information "12 hours" is stored in the determination table 140 in association with each other. Next, the terminal device 100 displays the determination time setting screen on the display unit 114 at T80. The judgment time setting screen includes a time input field for inputting the judgment time and an OK button. When the terminal device 100 receives the input of the determination time information "1 hour" and the selection of the OK button in the T82, the terminal device 100 associates the determination time information "1 hour" with each information stored in the T76 in the T84. It is stored in the determination table 140. Further, the terminal device 100 stores the current date and time as the determination date and time information in the determination table 140. After that, the terminal device 100 determines whether or not the status notification is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200 for each update time each time the determination time indicated by the determination time information elapses (FIG. FIG. 11) is executed.

(Specific case; FIGS. 5 to 10)
Subsequently, specific cases A to C realized after the registration process is completed will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. In FIGS. 5 to 10, the description regarding the transmission date / time information ST in the memory 34 of the printer 10 is omitted. Further, among the cartridge information in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200, the description regarding the serial number and the model number is omitted. Further, among the judgment information in the judgment table 140 of the terminal device 100, the description regarding the user name, serial number, update time information, and judgment time information is omitted.

(Case A; Fig. 5)
A case A in which the status notification is successfully transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the initial state of the case A, "40" is stored in the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount information RQp in the memory 34 of the printer 10. In addition, "2019/9/10 12:00" is stored in the transmission date / time information ST. Further, the remaining amount information "40" and the reception date / time information "2019/9/10 12:00" are stored in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200. Further, "2019/9/10 12:00" is stored in the determination date and time information in the determination table 140 of the terminal device 100.

When "2019/9/10 13:00" arrives, the terminal device 100 starts the judgment time (that is, 1 hour) from the date and time "2019/9/10 12:00" indicated by the judgment date and time information in the judgment table 140. It is determined that the elapse has passed, and at T110, the first remaining amount information request is transmitted to the printer 10. The first remaining amount information request is a command for requesting the printer 10 to transmit the remaining amount information RQn in the memory 34 of the printer 10.

When the printer 10 receives the first remaining amount information request from the terminal device 100 in T110, the printer 10 specifies the remaining amount information RQn in the memory 34, and in T112, the specified remaining amount information "40" is transmitted to the terminal device 100. Send to.

When the terminal device 100 receives the remaining amount information "40" from the printer 10 at T112, the terminal device 100 transmits a second remaining amount information request including the serial number SN1 to the server 200 at T120. The second remaining amount information request is a server that transmits the remaining amount information associated with the serial number SN1 in the second remaining amount information request and the reception date / time information in the cartridge table 242 of the memory 234 of the server 200. This is a command for requesting 200.

When the server 200 receives the second remaining amount information request from the terminal device 100 in the T120, the server 200 receives the remaining amount information "40" associated with the serial number SN1 in the cartridge table 242 and the reception date / time information "2019/9 /". 10 12:00 ”is specified, and at T122, the remaining amount information“ 40 ”and the reception date / time information“ 2019/9/10 12:00 ”are transmitted to the terminal device 100.

When the terminal device 100 receives the remaining amount information "40" and the reception date / time information "2019/9/10 12:00" from the server 200 at the T122, the remaining amount information indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is used. , It is determined whether or not the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 matches. In this case, in T130, the terminal device 100 has a remaining amount "40" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 at T112 and a remaining amount "40" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 at T122. And are judged to match. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the remaining amount information has been transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200, and does not transmit the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 to the server 200. Then, the terminal device 100 updates the determination date / time information to the current date / time "2019/9/10 13:00" at T132.

In this case, it is assumed that the printing process using the printer 10 is executed at "2019/9/10 13:30". The printer 10 calculates the amount of ink used in the cartridge 20a "10" when printing using the cartridge 20a is executed in the T140, and has already calculated from the remaining amount "40" indicated by the remaining amount information RQn. The remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn is updated to "30" by subtracting the usage amount "10" of.

When "2019/9/10 14:00" arrives, the terminal device 100 starts the judgment time (that is, 1 hour) from the date and time "2019/9/10 13:00" indicated by the judgment date and time information in the judgment table 140. It is determined that the elapse has passed, and at T150, the first remaining amount information request is transmitted to the printer 10. The T152 is the same as the T112 except that the remaining amount information transmitted from the printer 10 to the terminal device 100 is “30”. T160 and T162 are the same as T120 and T122, respectively.

In the terminal device 100, in T170, the remaining amount “30” indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in T152 and the remaining amount “40” indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 in T162 match. Judge not to. In this case, the terminal device 100 further calculates a difference time which is a difference between the reception date and time indicated by the reception date and time information received from the server 200 and the current date and time, and the difference time is the update time (12) indicated by the update time information. Judge whether it is more than time). The terminal device 100 determines in T172 that the difference time "2 hours" is less than the update time "12 hours". In this case, the terminal device 100 does not match the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 with the remaining amount information received from the server 200 because the update time has elapsed since the server 200 received the remaining amount information from the printer 10. Judge that it is because it is not. In this case, the terminal device 100 does not transmit the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 to the server 200. Then, the terminal device 100 updates the determination date / time information to the current date / time "2019/9/10 14:00" at T174.

After that, every time the determination time (1 hour) elapses, the same processing as T150 to T174 is executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the server 200.

When "2019/9/11 00:00" arrives, the printer 10 has an update time (that is, 12 hours) from the date and time "2019/9/10 12:00" indicated by the transmission date and time information ST in the memory 34. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQp match. In T180, the printer 10 determines that the remaining amount "30" indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount "40" indicated by the remaining amount information RQp do not match, and the remaining amount information RQn is transmitted this time. Identify as the remaining amount information to be used. Then, at T182, the printer 10 transmits a status notification including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information "40" to the server 200. The printer 10 does not send a status notification to the server 200 when the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQp match. When the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQp match, the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200. The amount also matches. In such a situation, the server 200 does not need to receive the remaining amount information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication from being executed between the printer 10 and the server 200. T184 and T186 are the same as T62 and T64 in FIG. 4, except that the stored information is different. As a result, the remaining amount information in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200 is updated with the latest remaining amount information received from the printer 10. T188 is similar to T66.

Further, when "2019/9/11 00:00" arrives, the terminal device 100 has a determination time (that is, 1 hour) from the date and time "2019/9/10 23:00" indicated by the determination date and time information in the determination table 140. ) Has passed, and the processing after T190 is executed. T190 to T202 are the same as T110 to T122 in FIG. 5, except that the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and the server 200 is different. In this case, the terminal device 100 has the remaining amount "30" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in T192 and the remaining amount "30" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 in T120 in T210. , Is judged to match. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines that the remaining amount information is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200. Then, the terminal device 100 updates the determination date / time information to the current date / time "2019/9/11 00:00" at T212.

(Case B; FIGS. 7, 8)
Subsequently, a case B in which the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 fails will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The initial state of case B is the same as the initial state of case A.

First, the same processing as in T110 to T174 of FIG. 5 is executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. T280 is similar to T180 in FIG. Then, at T282, the printer 10 transmits a status notification including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information "30" to the server 200. In this case, the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 fails because the communication status between the printer 10 and the server 200 is poor. In this case, the server 200 does not update the remaining amount information and the reception date / time information in the cartridge table 242 because the status notification including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information is not received. T284 is similar to T184 in FIG. Therefore, at this point, the remaining amount information RQn "30" in the memory 34 of the printer 10 and the remaining amount information "40" associated with the serial number SN1 in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200 do not match. ..

T290 to T300 are the same as T190 to T200 in FIG. T302 is the same as T202 in FIG. 6, except that the remaining amount information and the reception date / time information are different. T310 in FIG. 7 is similar to T170 in FIG. Next, in T312, the terminal device 100 updates the difference time "12 hours" between the reception date and time "2019/9/10 12:00" and the current date and time "2019/9/11 00:00" indicated by the reception date and time information. It is judged that the time is "12 hours" or more. In this case, the terminal device 100 causes the display unit 114 to display the notification screen at T314. The notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 has failed. As a result, the user can know that the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 has failed.

Next, in the terminal device 100, the difference remaining amount, which is the difference between the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200, is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. Judge whether or not it is. The first threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether or not to transmit the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 to the server 200. In this embodiment, the first threshold is "10". In this case, in T316, the terminal device 100 has a remaining amount "30" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 at T292 in FIG. 7 and a remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 at T302. It is determined that the difference remaining amount "10" from the amount "40" is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits an update request including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information “30” received from the printer 10 at T292 to the server 200 at T320. The update request is a command for requesting that the remaining amount information associated with the serial number SN1 in the update request be updated to the remaining amount information in the request in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200. T322 is the same as T132 in FIG. The terminal device 100 does not send an update request to the server 200 when the difference remaining amount is less than the first threshold value. When the differential remaining amount is less than the first threshold value, it is less necessary to transmit the remaining amount information to the server 200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication from being executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200.

When the server 200 receives the update request from the terminal device 100 in the T320, the server 200 specifies the serial number SN1 in the request in the T322, and the remaining amount associated with the specified serial number SN1 in the cartridge table 242. The information is updated to the remaining amount information "30" in the request. T324 is similar to T188 in FIG. As a result, after the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 fails, the remaining amount information RQn in the memory 34 of the printer 10 and the remaining amount information in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200 can be matched. it can.

(Case C; FIGS. 9, 10)
Subsequently, a case C in which the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 fails will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The initial state of the case C is the case A except that "26" is stored in the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount information RQp in the memory 34 of the printer 10 and the cartridge table 242 of the server 200. , The same as the initial state of case B.

First, the same processing as in T110 to T174 of FIG. 5 is executed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the server 200. In this case, when the printing process of T140 of FIG. 5 is executed, the remaining amount information RQn in the memory 34 of the printer 10 is updated from "26" to "20". T480 is similar to T180 in FIG. At T482, the printer 10 transmits a status notification including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information "20" to the server 200. In this case, the transmission of the status notification from the printer 10 to the server 200 fails because the communication status between the printer 10 and the server 200 is poor. In this case, the server 200 does not update the remaining amount information and the update date / time information in the cartridge table 242 because the status notification including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information is not received. T484 is the same as T184 in FIG. 6, except that the remaining amount stored in the memory 34 is different. Therefore, at this point, the remaining amount information RQn "20" in the memory 34 of the printer 10 and the remaining amount information "26" associated with the serial number SN1 in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200 do not match. ..

T490 to T502 are the same as T290 to T302 in FIG. 7, except that the remaining amount information is different. T510 to T514 in FIG. 10 are similar to T310 to T314 in FIG. The terminal device 100 determines whether or not the difference remaining amount is larger than the first threshold value. In T516, the terminal device 100 has a remaining amount "20" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 at T492 in FIG. 9 and a remaining amount "26" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 at T502. It is determined that the difference remaining amount "6" of is less than the first threshold value. In this case, the terminal device 100 further determines whether or not the remaining amount "20" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. The second threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether or not to transmit the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 to the server 200. In this embodiment, the second threshold value is the same as the ordering threshold value (“25”) stored in the memory 234 of the server 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines in T518 that the remaining amount "26" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. Then, at T520, the terminal device 100 transmits an update request including the serial number SN1 and the remaining amount information "20" received from the printer 10 to the server 200. T522 is similar to T322 in FIG. The terminal device 100 does not send an update request to the server 200 when the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is larger than the second threshold value. When the remaining amount is larger than the second threshold value, it is less necessary to transmit the remaining amount information to the server 200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication from being executed between the terminal device 100 and the server 200.

T524 is the same as T324 in FIG. 8 except that the remaining amount information is different. Then, the printer 10 determines at T526 that the remaining amount "20" indicated by the remaining amount information received from the terminal device 100 at T520 is equal to or less than the ordering threshold value, and transmits an ordering selection request to the terminal device 100 at T530. To do. The order selection request is a command for causing the user to select whether or not the server 200 should execute the order processing for ordering the cartridge 20a.

When the terminal device 100 receives the order selection request from the server 200 at T530, the terminal device 100 causes the display unit 114 to display a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether or not the server 200 should execute the order processing at T532. When the terminal device 100 receives the selection of "YES" in the selection screen from the user, the terminal device 100 transmits an ordering instruction to the server 200 at T536.

When the server 200 receives the ordering instruction from the terminal device 100 at T536, it determines that the ordering process should be executed, and executes the ordering process at T538. In the order processing, the server 200 first identifies the user name UN associated with the serial number SN1 in the device table 240. Next, the server 200 identifies the address information AD associated with the identified user name UN in the user table 238. Then, the server 200 executes an ordering process for shipping the new cartridge 20a to the address indicated by the specified address information AD.

(Judgment processing executed by the terminal device 100; FIG. 11)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 11, the content of the determination process executed by the CPU 132 of the terminal device 100 according to the service application 138 will be described. The determination process is a process executed after the registration process of FIGS. 3 and 4 is completed, that is, after the determination information is registered in the determination table 140 of the memory 134. The CPU 132 executes the determination process every time the determination time (1 hour) elapses from the date and time indicated by the determination date and time information in the determination table 140.

In S10, the CPU 132 transmits the first remaining amount information request to the printer 10 (T110 and the like in FIG. 5), and in S12, receives the current remaining amount information from the printer 10 (T112 and the like in FIG. 5).

In S20, the CPU 132 transmits a second remaining amount information request including the serial number SN1 to the server 200 (T120 in FIG. 5 and the like), and in S22, receives the latest remaining amount information and the reception date and time information from the server 200. (T122 etc.).

In S30, the CPU 132 determines whether or not the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in S12 and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 in S22 match. To do. When the CPU 132 determines that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 match (YES in S30) (T130 or the like in FIG. 5). ), Proceed to S60. On the other hand, when the CPU 132 determines that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 do not match (NO in S30) (FIG. 5). To T170, etc.), proceed to S32.

In S32, the CPU 132 determines whether or not the difference time between the reception date and time indicated by the reception date and time information received from the server 200 in S22 and the current date and time is equal to or longer than the update time. When the CPU 132 determines that the difference time is less than the update time (NO in S32) (T172 in FIG. 5 or the like), the CPU 132 proceeds to S60. On the other hand, when the CPU 132 determines that the difference time is equal to or longer than the update time (YES in S32) (T312 in FIG. 8 or the like), the CPU 132 proceeds to S34.

In S34, the CPU 132 displays the notification screen on the display unit 114 (T314 and the like in FIG. 8).

In S40, the CPU 132 has a first threshold value (the difference remaining amount between the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in S12 and the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the server 200 in T22). It is determined whether or not it is "10") or more. When the CPU 132 determines that the difference remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in S40) (T316 in FIG. 8), the CPU 132 proceeds to S50. On the other hand, when the CPU 132 determines that the difference remaining amount is less than the first threshold value (NO in S40) (T516 in FIG. 10), the CPU 132 proceeds to S42.

In S42, the CPU 132 determines whether or not the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in S12 is equal to or less than the second threshold value (“25”). When the CPU 132 determines that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is equal to or less than the second threshold value (YES in S42) (T518 in FIG. 10), the CPU 132 proceeds to S50. On the other hand, when the CPU 132 determines that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 is larger than the second threshold value (NO in S42), the CPU 132 proceeds to S60.

In S50, the CPU 132 transmits an update request including the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 in S12 and the serial number to the server 200.

In S60, the CPU 132 stores the current date and time as the determination date and time information in the determination table 140. When S60 is completed, the CPU 132 ends the process shown in FIG.

(Effect of this example)
The server 200 receives the remaining amount information from the printer 10 every time the update time elapses, and provides a shipping service using the remaining amount information. However, transmission of the remaining amount information from the printer 10 to the server 200 may fail (T282 in FIG. 7, T482 in FIG. 9). In this case, the server 200 cannot properly provide the shipping service. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 100 receives the current remaining amount information from the printer 10 (S12 in FIG. 11), and receives the latest remaining amount information and the reception date / time information from the server 200 (S22). .. Then, the terminal device 100 uses the remaining amount information received from the printer 10, the remaining amount information received from the server 200, and the received date and time information received from the server 200, and the remaining amount information is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server. It is determined whether or not the data has been transmitted to the 200 (S30, S32). Thereby, the terminal device 100 can determine whether or not the transmission of the remaining amount information from the printer 10 to the server 200 is properly executed every time the update time elapses. Then, when the terminal device 100 determines that the remaining amount information has not been transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200 (NO in S30, YES in S32), the terminal device 100 transmits the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 to the server 200. (S50). Therefore, even if the remaining amount information is not transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200, the server 200 can acquire the remaining amount information. As a result, the server 200 can appropriately provide the shipping service.

(Correspondence)
The update time is an example of the "first predetermined time". The remaining amount information is an example of "usage information". The reception date and time information is an example of "date and time information". The remaining amount information stored in the cartridge table 242 of the server 200 is an example of the "latest usage information". The determination time is an example of the "second predetermined time".

On one side, T182 in FIG. 6, T282 in FIG. 7, and T482 in FIG. 9 are examples of processes executed by the "printer transmitter". T186 in FIG. 6 is an example of the processing executed by the “first storage control unit”. S12 and S22 in FIG. 11 are examples of processes executed by the "first terminal receiving unit" and the "second terminal receiving unit", respectively. S30 and S32 in FIG. 11 are examples of processes executed by the "terminal determination unit". S50 in FIG. 11 is an example of processing executed by the “terminal transmitter”.

In another aspect, S12 and S22 in FIG. 11 are examples of processes executed by the "first receiving unit" and the "second receiving unit", respectively. S30 and S32 in FIG. 11 are examples of processes executed by the "judgment unit". S50 in FIG. 11 is an example of processing executed by the “transmitter”.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and modifications of the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The printer 10 may transmit the remaining amount information to the server 200 every time the update time elapses, without determining whether or not the remaining amount information RQn and the remaining amount information RQp match. Good. In this modification, the "printer determination unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 2) The service provided by the server 200 is not limited to the shipping service. For example, the server 200 may provide a billing service in which the user of the printer 10 charges according to the number of printed sheets of printing paper used for printing. In this case, each time the update time elapses, the printer 10 transmits information indicating the number of printed sheets of the printing paper used for printing to the management server 200 instead of the remaining amount information. In this modification, the information indicating the number of printed sheets completed is an example of "usage information". Further, in another modification, the server 200 may provide both a shipping service and a billing service. In this case, the printer 10 transmits the remaining amount information and the information indicating the number of printed sheets completed to the management server 200 each time the update time elapses. In this modification, the remaining amount information and the information indicating the number of printed sheets completed are an example of "usage information".

(Modification 3) The management server 200 may store the elapsed time information indicating the elapsed time from the time when the status notification is received from the printer 10 in the cartridge table 242 instead of the reception date and time information. In this modification, when the management server 200 receives the second residual information request from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 transmits the remaining amount information and the elapsed time information in the cartridge table 242 to the terminal device 100. In this case, the terminal device 100 determines in S32 of FIG. 11 whether or not the time indicated by the elapsed time information is larger than the update time. Then, when the terminal device 100 determines NO in S30 and determines that the time indicated by the elapsed time information is larger than the update time, the remaining amount information is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 200 for each update time. Judge that it has not been done.

(Modification 4) In T74 of FIG. 4, the server 200 does not have to transmit the update time information to the terminal device 100. In this modification, the terminal device 100 transmits a transmission request for requesting the transmission of the update time information to the printer 10 after the T74, and receives the update time information from the printer 10. Further, in another modification, the terminal device 100 may display a screen for inputting the update time, and the user may input the update time on the screen. In this modification, the "third receiving unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 5) The processing order of S30, S32, S40, and S42 in FIG. 11 may be different. Further, at least one process of S40 and S42 can be omitted.

(Modification 6) The determination time indicated by the determination time information in the determination table 140 of the terminal device 100 may be stored in advance. Further, in another modification, in the determination table 140 of the terminal device 100, the first determination time information regarding the time for transmitting the first remaining amount information request to the printer 10 and the second remaining amount information are stored in the management server. A second determination time information regarding the time to be transmitted to the 200 may be stored. Further, in another modification, when the terminal device 100 receives from the user an instruction for transmitting the first remaining amount information request and the second remaining amount information request, the terminal device 100 outputs the first remaining amount information to the printer 10. The second remaining amount information request may be transmitted to the server 200.

(Modification 7) When the management server 200 determines that the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the ordering threshold value, the management server 200 may execute the ordering process without transmitting the ordering selection request to the terminal device 100. Good. In this modification, the "fourth receiving unit", "display control unit", and "second transmitting unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 8) In the above embodiment, the server 200 stores the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and executes the ordering process. In the modified example, the server that stores the remaining amount information received from the printer 10 and the server that executes the order processing may be separate servers.

(Modification 9) In each of the above embodiments, the processes of FIGS. 3 to 11 are realized by software (for example, programs 36, 136, 236), and at least one of these processes is a logic circuit or the like. It may be realized by the hardware of.

In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve a plurality of objectives at the same time, and achieving one of the objectives itself has technical usefulness.

2: Communication system, 6: Internet, 10: Device, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Communication I / F, 20: Print execution unit, 20a: Cartridge, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34 : Memory, 36: Program, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 116: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: OS program, 138: Service App, 140: Judgment table, 200: Management server, 216: Communication I / F, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 236: Program, 238: User table, 240: Device table, 242: Cartridge table

Claims (12)

A communication system including a printer, a server, and a terminal device.
The printer
A printer transmitter that attempts to transmit usage information, which is current information regarding the usage amount of consumables for printing, to the server every time the first predetermined time elapses, is provided.
The server
Memory and
Each time the usage information is received from the printer, the first storage control unit that associates the usage information with the date and time information related to the date and time when the usage information is received and stores the usage information in the memory is provided. ,
The terminal device is
A first terminal receiver that receives the current usage information from the printer, and
A second second, from the server, receives the latest usage information of the one or more usage information received by the server from the printer, and the date and time information associated with the latest usage information. Terminal receiver and
The usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server by using the usage information received from the printer, the usage information received from the server, and the date and time information received from the server. The terminal judgment unit that judges whether or not it is
A terminal transmitter that transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server when it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, and the usage information is transmitted from the printer. A communication system including the terminal transmission unit, which does not transmit the usage information received from the printer to the server when it is determined that the information has been transmitted to the server. The printer further
Every time the first predetermined time elapses, a printer determination unit that determines whether or not the usage information to be transmitted to the server this time and the usage information previously transmitted to the server match. Prepare,
When it is determined that the usage information to be transmitted this time and the usage information transmitted last time do not match, the printer transmission unit attempts to transmit the usage information to the server.
When it is determined that the usage information to be transmitted this time and the usage information transmitted last time match, the usage information is not transmitted to the server.
The terminal determination unit
A first terminal determination unit that determines whether or not the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server match.
A second terminal determination unit for determining whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed since the server received the usage information from the printer by using the date and time information is provided. ,
The terminal determination unit
When it is determined that the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server do not match, and it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the usage information is said to be said. Judging that it has not been sent from the printer to the server,
When it is determined that the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server match, it is determined that the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server.
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined that the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server. A computer program for terminal equipment
The terminal device can communicate with each of the printer and the server, and can communicate with each other.
The printer attempts to transmit usage information, which is current information regarding the usage amount of consumables for printing, to the server each time the first predetermined time elapses.
Each time the usage information is received from the printer, the server stores the usage information in association with the date and time information related to the date and time when the usage information is received.
The computer program uses the computer of the terminal device as the following parts, that is,
A first receiver that receives the current usage information from the printer, and
A second second, from the server, receives the latest usage information of the one or more usage information received by the server from the printer, and the date and time information associated with the latest usage information. Receiver and
The usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server by using the usage information received from the printer, the usage information received from the server, and the date and time information received from the server. Judgment unit to judge whether or not there is
When it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, the usage information is the first transmission unit that transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server, and the usage information is the said. When it is determined that the printer has transmitted the information to the server, the usage information received from the printer is not transmitted to the server.
A computer program that acts as. The computer according to claim 3, wherein the usage information includes at least one of information indicating the remaining amount of the consumable coloring material and information indicating the number of printed sheets of the consumable printing paper. program. The judgment unit
A first determination unit for determining whether or not the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server match.
A second determination unit for determining whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed since the server received the usage information from the printer by using the date and time information is provided.
The judgment unit
When it is determined that the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server do not match, and it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the usage information is said to be said. Judging that it has not been sent from the printer to the server,
When it is determined that the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server match, it is determined that the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server.
The computer program according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined that the usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server. The date and time information indicates the date and time when the usage information was received.
The second judgment unit is
The difference time between the date and time indicated by the date and time information received from the server and the current date and time is calculated.
When the difference time is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time, it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed.
The computer program according to claim 5, wherein when the difference time is less than the first predetermined time, it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed. The computer program further comprises the computer.
It functions as a third receiving unit that receives time information indicating the first predetermined time from the server.
Whether or not the second determination unit uses the date and time information and the time information to indicate that the first predetermined time has elapsed since the server received the usage information from the printer. The computer program according to claim 5 or 6. The first transmission unit determines that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, and the difference between the usage information received from the printer and the usage information received from the server. Is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the usage information received from the printer is transmitted to the server, and
When it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server and the difference is less than the first threshold value, the usage information received from the printer is not transmitted to the server. The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 7. The first transmission unit determines that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, and the usage information received from the printer is equal to or less than the second threshold value. The usage information received from is transmitted to the server,
The usage information received from the printer when it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server and the usage information received from the printer is larger than the second threshold value. Is the computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 8, which is not transmitted to the server. The first receiving unit receives the usage information from the printer every time the second predetermined time specified by the user elapses.
The second receiving unit receives the latest usage information and the date and time information associated with the latest usage information from the server each time the second predetermined time elapses. The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 9. The usage information is information indicating the remaining amount of the coloring material which is the consumable item.
The computer program further comprises the computer.
A fourth receiving unit that receives an order confirmation request from the server when the remaining amount indicated by the usage information received by the server is equal to or less than the order threshold value, and the order confirmation request is the server. Is a command for confirming whether or not the ordering process for ordering the consumables should be executed.
When the order confirmation request is received from the server, a display control unit that causes the display unit of the terminal device to display a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether or not the server should execute the order processing.
On the selection screen, when the user selects that the server should execute the order processing, a second transmission unit that transmits an order instruction for causing the server to execute the order processing. In the selection screen, when the user does not select that the server should execute the order processing, the order instruction is not transmitted to the server, and functions as the second transmission unit. , The computer program according to any one of claims 3 to 10. It ’s a terminal device,
The terminal device can communicate with each of the printer and the server, and can communicate with each other.
The printer attempts to transmit usage information, which is current information regarding the usage amount of consumables for printing, to the server each time the first predetermined time elapses.
Each time the usage information is received from the printer, the server stores the usage information in association with the date and time information related to the date and time when the usage information is received.
The terminal device is
A first receiver that receives the current usage information from the printer, and
A second second, from the server, receives the latest usage information of the one or more usage information received by the server from the printer, and the date and time information associated with the latest usage information. Receiver and
The usage information is transmitted from the printer to the server by using the usage information received from the printer, the usage information received from the server, and the date and time information received from the server. Judgment unit to judge whether or not there is
When it is determined that the usage information has not been transmitted from the printer to the server, the usage information is the first transmission unit that transmits the usage information received from the printer to the server, and the usage information is the said. When it is determined that the printer has transmitted the information to the server, the usage information received from the printer is not transmitted to the server.
A terminal device.

Images