JP6919750B2 - Programs, information processing terminals, and communication methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program of an information processing terminal for ordering consumables used by an image processing apparatus for image processing.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus equipped with an ordering function for ordering consumables used for image processing from a server on the Internet. More specifically, in the image processing device described in Patent Document 1, a login application, a browser application, and the like are installed as programs for realizing the ordering function.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-176476

It is difficult for a general image processing device to add a new function after shipment as compared with an information processing terminal such as a PC. That is, although the ordering function described in Patent Document 1 can be implemented in an image processing apparatus to be produced, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement it in an existing image processing apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program of an information processing terminal capable of ordering consumables used for image processing by an existing image processing apparatus at an appropriate timing.

The program described herein can be read by an information processing terminal comprising a communication interface, a display, and an input interface. The program includes a first display process for displaying a plurality of device objects corresponding to each of the plurality of image processing devices capable of communicating through the communication interface on the display, and a user operation for designating one of the plurality of device objects. The information processing terminal is made to execute the first reception process of receiving the information through the input interface and the first reception process of receiving the consumables information from the designated device through the communication interface. The designated device is the image processing device corresponding to the device object designated in the first reception process. The consumables information is information indicating the state of consumables used for the operation of the image processing device. The program responds to the first determination process of determining whether or not the state indicated by the consumables information satisfies the replacement condition of the consumable item, and the determination that the exchange condition is satisfied in the first determination process. The information processing terminal is made to execute the first transmission process of transmitting the first shipping request information to the server through the communication interface. The first shipping request information is information that requests that the consumables that are determined to satisfy the exchange condition in the first determination process be shipped to a predetermined destination.

According to the above configuration, the information processing terminal can automatically place an order for consumables of an existing image processing device that does not have an ordering function at an appropriate timing. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the image processing device due to running out of consumables. The function of transmitting consumables information is already implemented in many existing image processing devices in order to notify a so-called status monitor or the like. That is, the present invention is also applicable to existing image processing devices.

The information processing terminal described in the present specification is an information processing terminal including a communication interface, a display, an input interface, and a controller. The controller has a first display process for displaying a plurality of device objects corresponding to each of the plurality of image processing devices capable of communicating through the communication interface on the display, and a user operation for designating one of the plurality of device objects. Is executed through the first reception process for receiving the consumables information from the designated device through the communication interface and the first reception process for receiving the consumables information from the designated device through the communication interface. The designated device is the image processing device corresponding to the device object designated in the first reception process. The consumables information is information indicating the state of consumables used for the operation of the image processing device. The controller responds to the first determination process of determining whether or not the state indicated by the consumables information satisfies the replacement condition of the consumable item and the determination that the exchange condition is satisfied in the first determination process. , The first transmission process of transmitting the first shipping request information to the server through the communication interface is executed. The first shipping request information is information that requests that the consumables that are determined to satisfy the exchange condition in the first determination process be shipped to a predetermined destination.

The consumables ordering method described in the present specification is a method of ordering consumables used for operating an image processing device by using an information processing terminal including a communication interface, a display, and an input interface. The consumables ordering method specifies a first display step of displaying a plurality of device objects corresponding to each of the plurality of image processing devices capable of communicating through the communication interface on the display, and one of the plurality of device objects. It includes a first reception step of receiving a user operation to be performed through the input interface, and a first reception step of receiving consumables information from a designated device through the communication interface. The designated device is the image processing device corresponding to the device object designated in the first reception step. The consumables information is information indicating the state of the consumables. In the consumables ordering method, it is determined in the first determination step of determining whether or not the state indicated by the consumables information satisfies the replacement condition of the consumable, and the determination that the replacement condition is satisfied in the first determination step. A first transmission step of transmitting the first shipping request information to the server through the communication interface is included. The first shipping request information is information that requests that the consumables that are determined to satisfy the exchange condition in the first determination step be shipped to a predetermined destination.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of the multifunction device 10, and FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the information processing terminal 50. FIG. 3 is an example of information stored in each device constituting the system 100, in which (A) is stored in the multifunctional machines 10A and 10B, and (B) is stored in the information processing terminal 50. (C) shows the account information, the payment information, and the destination information stored in the server 80. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the ordering mode determination process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the notification reception process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of order processing. 8A and 8B are display examples of the display 53, in which FIG. 8A shows a main screen and FIG. 8B shows a device selection screen. 9A and 9B are display examples of the status screen, in which (A) is the case where the display information C and Y = "gray", and (B) is the case where the display information C = "gray" and the display information Y = "emphasis". Show the case. 10A and 10B are display examples of the display 53, in which FIG. 10A shows a confirmation screen superimposed on the status screen, and FIG. 10B shows an inquiry screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described later can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the system 100 according to the present embodiment. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of multifunction devices 10A and 10B (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "multifunction device 10"), an information processing terminal 50, and a server 80. NS. The multifunction device 10, the information processing terminal 50, and the server 80 can communicate with each other via a communication network. Specific examples of the communication network are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the Internet 101, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN 102, or a combination thereof.

The multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 belong to the wireless LAN 102. That is, the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 can communicate with each other via an access point (not shown) of the wireless LAN 102. Further, the wireless LAN 102 is connected to the Internet 101 through the router 102A. Further, the server 80 is connected to the Internet 101. That is, the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 can communicate with the server 80 from the router 102A via the Internet 101.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the multifunction device 10 includes a printer 11, a scanner 12, a fax unit 13, a display 23, an input I / F 24, a communication I / F 25, a CPU 31, and a memory 32. And a communication bus 33 are mainly provided. The components constituting the multifunction device 10 are connected to each other through the communication bus 33. The multifunction device 10 is an example of an image processing device. The configurations of the multifunction devices 10A and 10B may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 10A is identified by the device ID "MFP-A", and the multifunction device 10B is identified by the device ID "MFP-B". The device ID is an example of device identification information.

The printer 11 executes a printing operation of recording an image represented by image data on a sheet. As the recording method of the printer 11, a known method such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method can be adopted. The scanner 12 executes a scanning operation of reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data. The FAX unit 13 executes a FAX transmission operation of transmitting image data by FAX to an external device and a FAX reception operation of receiving image data by FAX from the external device. The multifunction device 10 may include at least one of a printer 11, a scanner 12, and a fax unit 13.

Although not shown, the printer 11 includes a mounting portion on which an ink cartridge is mounted. Ink cartridges containing black ink (hereinafter referred to as "ink cartridge B"), ink cartridges containing cyan ink (hereinafter referred to as "ink cartridge C"), and magenta are mounted on the mounting portion. An ink cartridge containing ink (hereinafter referred to as "ink cartridge M") and an ink cartridge containing yellow ink (hereinafter referred to as "ink cartridge Y") are independently attached and detached. Will be done. Then, the printer 11 records an image on the sheet using the ink stored in each ink cartridge. Ink cartridges are an example of consumables used in printing operations.

That is, the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge gradually decreases each time the printer 11 executes a printing operation. Then, when the ink stored in the ink cartridge is exhausted, the printer 11 cannot execute the printing operation any more. In other words, in order for the printer 11 to further perform the printing operation, the ink cartridge that has run out of ink is removed from the mounting portion, and a new ink cartridge in which ink is stored is mounted in the mounting portion (that is, ink). (Cartridge needs to be replaced).

Further, the printer 11 detects the amount of ink stored in each ink cartridge mounted on the mounting portion (hereinafter, referred to as “remaining amount of ink”), and outputs a detection signal indicating the detected remaining amount of ink to the CPU 31. It is equipped with a sensor that outputs to. The detection signal indicates, for example, the current remaining amount of ink as a percentage, assuming that the remaining amount of ink in a new ink cartridge is 100%. That is, the CPU 31 can grasp the ink remaining amount of each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting portion. The sensor is realized, for example, by an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a software sensor, or a combination thereof.

The input I / F 24 is a user interface that accepts input operations by the user. Specifically, the input I / F 24 has a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the input I / F 24 may have a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display surface of the display 23. The operation of designating an object displayed on the display surface of the display 23 and the operation of inputting a character string or a number string are examples of user operations. The “object” is, for example, a character string, an icon, a button, a link, a pull-down menu, or the like displayed on the display 23.

The input I / F24 realized as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating a position on the display surface touched by the user. The term "touch" in the present specification includes all operations of bringing the input medium into contact with the display surface. Further, "hover" or "floating touch" that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance between the input medium and the display surface is very small even if the input medium does not touch the display surface is used as the above-mentioned concept of "touch". May be included. Further, the input medium may be a user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. The user operation of tapping the position of the icon displayed on the display 23 is an example of the designation operation for designating the icon.

The communication I / F 25 is an example of a communication interface for communicating with an external device through a communication network. That is, the multifunction device 10 transmits various information to the information processing terminal 50 and the server 80 through the communication I / F 25, and receives various data or various information from the information processing terminal 50 and the server 80 through the communication I / F 25. The specific communication procedure of the communication I / F25 is not particularly limited, but for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance) can be adopted.

The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the multifunction device 10. The CPU 31 acquires and executes various programs described later from the memory 32 based on various signals output from the input I / F 24 and various information acquired from the external device through the communication I / F 25. That is, the CPU 31 and the memory 32 form an example of the controller.

The OS 34 and the device program 35 are stored in the memory 32. The device program 35 may be a single program or a collection of a plurality of programs. Further, the memory 32 stores data or information necessary for executing the device program 35. The memory 32 is composed of, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory attached / detached to / from the multifunction device 10, a buffer included in the CPU 31, or a combination thereof.

The memory 32 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, the non-transitory medium also includes a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, the electric signal that carries the program downloaded from the server on the Internet 101 is a signal medium that can be read by a computer, which is a kind of medium that can be read by a computer, but can be read by a non-transitory computer. Not included in the storage medium.

Various functions are implemented in the device program 35 of the multifunction devices 10A and 10B. The device program 35 is equipped with at least a function of causing the printer 11 to execute a print operation, a function of causing the scanner 12 to execute a scan operation, and a function of causing the FAX unit 13 to execute a FAX transmission operation and a FAX reception operation. Further, the device program 35 may or may not have a manual ordering function, an automatic ordering function, and an information notification function.

The manual ordering function is a function of requesting the server 80 to ship a new ink cartridge according to a user's instruction. That is, the device program 35 transmits the second shipping request information, which will be described later, to the server 80 through the communication I / F 25 in response to receiving the user operation instructing the execution of the manual ordering function through the input I / F 24. These processes correspond to S51 and S58 described later. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the device program 35 of the multifunction devices 10A and 10B is equipped with a manual ordering function.

The automatic ordering function is a function that automatically requests the server 80 to ship a new ink cartridge when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge becomes less than the threshold value. For example, the device program 35 repeatedly acquires the detection signal output from the sensor at predetermined time intervals, and compares the ink remaining amount indicated by the acquired detection signal with the threshold value (for example, 10%). Then, the device program 35 transmits the first shipping request information, which will be described later, to the server 80 through the communication I / F 25 in response to the determination that the ink remaining amount is less than the threshold value. These processes correspond to S35 and S39 described later.

Further, the memory 32 stores the order completion flag. The order completion flag is the first value "ON" indicating that the ink cartridge has been ordered from the server 80 for each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting unit, or that the ink cartridge has not been ordered from the server 80. The second value "OFF" indicating is set. The default value of the order completion flag is the second value "OFF". Hereinafter, the order completion flag corresponding to the ink cartridge B is referred to as "order completion flag B", the order completion flag corresponding to the ink cartridge C is referred to as "order completion flag C", and the order completion corresponding to the ink cartridge M is described. The flag is described as "order completion flag M", and the order completion flag corresponding to the ink cartridge Y is described as "order completion flag Y".

The device program 35 sets the first value “ON” in the order completion flag C in response to the ordering of the ink cartridge C by, for example, the manual ordering function and the automatic ordering function. On the other hand, the device program 35 sets the second value "OFF" in the order completion flag C in response to the replacement of the ink cartridge C mounted on the mounting portion. The device program 35 can recognize that the ink cartridge C has been replaced, for example, by reading the IC chip mounted on the ink cartridge C.

Further, the memory 32 stores the cancel flag. For the cancel flag, the first value "ON" indicating that the automatic ordering function is stopped or the second value "OFF" indicating that the automatic ordering function is executed is set for each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting portion. Set. The default value of the order completion flag is the second value "OFF". The details of the cancel flag may be the same as the cancel flag stored in the memory 62.

The device program 35 sets the first value “ON” in the corresponding cancel flag in response to receiving the order suppression information described later from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. Then, the device program 35 transmits the first shipping request information to the server 80 according to the determination that the ink remaining amount is less than the threshold value and the second value "OFF" being set in the cancel flag. On the other hand, the device program 35 determines that the remaining amount of ink is less than the threshold value and cancels without transmitting the first shipping request information according to the fact that the first value "ON" is set in the cancel flag. Set the second value "OFF" to the flag. These processes correspond to, for example, S35 and S38 to S42.

The information notification function is a function of transmitting consumables information and order completion information to the information processing terminal 50. The consumables information is information indicating the state of the ink cartridge. More specifically, the consumables information is information indicating the ink remaining amount of each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting portion. The order completion information is information indicating that the manual ordering function or the automatic ordering function has been executed. Hereinafter, the order completion information corresponding to the ink cartridge B is referred to as "order completion information B", the order completion information corresponding to the ink cartridge C is referred to as "order completion information C", and the order completion corresponding to the ink cartridge M is described. The information is referred to as "order completion information M", and the order completion information corresponding to the ink cartridge Y is referred to as "order completion information Y".

The device program 35 acquires a detection signal from the sensor in response to receiving transmission request information from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25, for example. Then, the device program 35 transmits consumables information indicating the content of the acquired detection signal to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. That is, the device program 35 transmits consumables information indicating the remaining amount of ink in all the ink cartridges as a response to the transmission request information received from the information processing terminal 50.

Further, the device program 35 determines, for example, the set value of the order completion flag corresponding to each ink cartridge in response to receiving the transmission request information from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. The device program 35 transmits the order completion information C to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25, for example, in response to the first value “ON” being set in the order completion flag C. On the other hand, the device program 35 does not transmit the order completion information B, M, Y to the information processing terminal 50, for example, in response to the second value "OFF" being set for the order completion flags B, M, Y. ..

However, the timing of transmitting the consumables information is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and is, for example, a timing preset in the device program 35, a timing when the remaining amount of ink indicated by the detection signal becomes less than the threshold value, and the like. May be good. Further, the timing of transmitting the order completion information is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and may be, for example, the timing of executing the manual ordering function or the automatic ordering function.

Further, the memory 32 stores functional information. The function information includes a first function information indicating whether or not the automatic ordering function is implemented in the device program 35, and a second function information indicating whether or not the information notification function is implemented in the device program 35. In the function information, a first value "ON" indicating that the corresponding function is implemented or a second value "OFF" indicating that the corresponding function is not implemented is set. The functional information is already registered in the memory 32 by the manufacturer at the time of shipment of the multifunction device 10, for example. That is, in the example of FIG. 3A, the device program 35 of the multifunction device 10A is not equipped with the automatic ordering function and is equipped with the information notification function. Further, both the automatic ordering function and the information notification function are implemented in the device program 35 of the multifunction device 10B. The first function information of the first value and the second value is an example of the automatic ordering information. The second function information of the first value is an example of the information that can be notified.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the information processing terminal 50 mainly includes a display 53, an input I / F 54, a communication I / F 55, a CPU 61, a memory 62, and a communication bus 63. The display 53, the input I / F 54, the communication I / F 55, the CPU 61, the memory 62, and the communication bus 63 included in the information processing terminal 50 are the display 23, the input I / F 24, the communication I / F 25, and the communication bus 63 included in the multifunction device 10. Since the configuration is the same as that of the CPU 31, the memory 32, and the communication bus 33, the description thereof will be omitted. The information processing terminal 50 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, or the like. The memory 62 stores the OS 64 and the terminal program 65.

The terminal program 65 is a so-called status monitor that notifies the user of the status of the multifunction device 10. That is, the terminal program 65 receives the consumables information from the multifunction device 10 through the communication I / F 55, and displays the state of the consumables indicated by the received consumables information on the display 53. Further, the terminal program 65 further includes the above-mentioned automatic ordering function and manual ordering function. However, the functions implemented in the terminal program 65 are not limited to this, and may further have, for example, a function of instructing the multifunction device 10 to perform a print operation, a scan operation, or a fax transmission operation.

The memory 62 can store account information, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (B). The account information is not stored in the memory 62 when the terminal program 65 is installed, for example. The terminal program 65 receives, for example, a user operation for inputting the payment information and the destination information shown in FIG. 3C through the input I / F 54. The payment information is, for example, a credit card number. Next, the terminal program 65 transmits the input payment information and destination information to the server 80 through the communication I / F 55. Next, the terminal program 65 receives the account information transmitted by the server 80 as a response to the payment information and the destination information from the server 80 through the communication I / F 55 and stores it in the memory 62.

Further, the memory 62 stores the automatic ordering flag. The automatic ordering flag is information indicating whether or not the automatic ordering function of the information processing terminal 50 is valid. The automatic ordering flag is set with a first value "ON" indicating that the automatic ordering function of the information processing terminal 50 is enabled, or a second value "OFF" indicating that the automatic ordering function is disabled. The default value of the automatic ordering flag is the second value "OFF".

Further, the memory 62 stores the cancel flag. The cancel flag is information indicating whether or not to execute the process of S39 described later when the state of the consumable item indicated by the consumable item information satisfies the exchange condition. In the cancel flag, when the state of the consumable item indicated by the consumable item information satisfies the exchange condition, the first value "ON" indicating that the process of S39 described later is not executed, or the process of S39 is executed. The second value "OFF" shown is set. The default value of the cancel flag is the second value "OFF".

Further, the memory 62 stores the display information. The display information is information indicating the display mode of the ordering icons 131B, 131C, 131M, 131Y to be displayed on the status screen described later. The display information is set to "standard" for displaying the ordering icons 131B, 131C, 131M, 131Y in the default display mode, "highlight" for displaying in a display mode emphasized from the default, or "gray" for disabling selection. Will be done. The default value of the display information is "standard".

The memory 62 stores cancellation flags and display information corresponding to each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting portion of the multifunction device 10A. Hereinafter, the information corresponding to the ink cartridge B is referred to as "cancellation flag B" and "display information B", and the information corresponding to the ink cartridge C is referred to as "cancellation flag C" and "display information C". The information corresponding to M is referred to as "cancellation flag M" and "display information M", and the information corresponding to the ink cartridge Y is referred to as "cancellation flag Y" and "display information Y".

The server 80 is a server that provides a so-called WEB shopping service. More specifically, the server 80 ships the designated consumables to the designated destination in response to a request from the multifunction device 10 or the information processing terminal 50. The server 80 may be configured by one server or may be configured by a plurality of servers. Further, in the process from the receipt of the request by the server 80 to the shipment of the consumables, the work by the worker (for example, the work of taking out the specified consumables from the warehouse, the work of packing the taken out consumables, etc.) is performed. Needless to say, it may be intervened.

First, as a preliminary preparation, the server 80 receives payment information and destination information from the multifunction device 10 or the information processing terminal 50. Next, the server 80 generates account information that uniquely identifies the received payment information and destination information. Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the server 80 stores the received payment information and destination information in association with the generated account information in the server memory. Then, the server 80 transmits the generated account information to the multifunction device 10 or the information processing terminal 50 to which the payment information and the destination information are transmitted. Details of the process of shipping the consumables will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

The operation of the system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

The flowchart of the present specification basically shows the processing of the CPU 31 according to the instruction described in the program. That is, the processes such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "determination", "specification", and "control" in the following description represent the processes of the CPUs 31 and 61. The processing by the CPUs 31 and 61 also includes hardware control via the OSs 34 and 64. Further, the "data" in the present specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Then, data having the same substantial meaning and contents but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in the present specification.

[Main processing]
First, the terminal program 65 causes the display 53 to display the main screen shown in FIG. 8 (A) in response to being activated by a user operation through the input I / F 54, for example (S11). The main screen includes a [status] icon 111 and a switching icon 112. The [status] icon 111 corresponds to an instruction to display the status screen described later on the display 53. The switching icon 112 corresponds to an instruction to switch the multifunction device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “designated device”) for monitoring the status. A character string of "unselected" is described in the switching icon 112 when the designated device is not specified. Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation on the main screen through the input I / F 54 (S12).

Next, the terminal program 65 searches for multifunction devices 10A and 10B capable of communicating through the communication I / F55, for example, in response to receiving the designation of the switching icon 112 through the input I / F54 (S12: switching) (S13). ). Since the search method for the communicable multifunction devices 10A and 10B is already well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the search can be performed using, for example, SNMP (abbreviation of Simple Network Management Protocol). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the multifunction devices 10A and 10B have been discovered.

Next, the terminal program 65 causes the device selection screen shown in FIG. 8B to be displayed on the display 53 (S14). The device selection screen includes device icons 121 and 122. The device icons 121 and 122 are examples of device objects corresponding to the multifunction devices 10A and 10B found in step S13. Further, the device IDs of the corresponding multifunction devices 10A and 10B are described in the device icons 121 and 122. Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation for the device selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S15) .

Next, the terminal program 65 determines the multifunction device 10A corresponding to the device icon 121 as the designated device in response to the reception of the designation of the device icon 121 through the input I / F 54 (S15: Yes). More specifically, the terminal program 65 stores the device ID “MFP-A” of the multifunction device 10A in the memory 32 as the designated device ID. Further, the terminal program 65 executes the ordering mode determination process (S16). The details of the ordering mode determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

[Order mode determination process]
First, the terminal program 65 receives functional information from the multifunction device 10A, which is a designated device, through the communication I / F 55 (S21). More specifically, the terminal program 65 transmits transmission instruction information to the multifunction device 10A through, for example, the communication I / F 55. Then, the terminal program 65 receives the functional information transmitted by the multifunction device 10A as a response to the transmission instruction information from the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F 55. Then, the terminal program 65 temporarily stores the received functional information in the memory 62. Processing step S21 is another part of exemplary reception process.

Next, the terminal program 65 determines the function implemented in the multifunction device 10A based on the function information received in S21 (S22, S25). That is, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the automatic ordering function and the information notification function are implemented in the multifunction device 10A based on the values set in the first function information and the second function information received in S21. do. The processing of S22 and S25 is an example of the second determination processing.

Then, the terminal program 65 determines that the second value "OFF" is set in the first function information and the first value "ON" is set in the second function information (S22). : None & S25: Yes), set the first value "ON" to the automatic ordering flag (S26). Next, the terminal program 65 transmits the transmission request information to the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S24). The transmission request information is information for requesting transmission of consumables information and order completion information. Hereinafter, the terminal program 65 repeatedly transmits transmission request information to the multifunction device 10A, which is a designated device, at predetermined time intervals.

Further, the terminal program 65 sets the second value "OFF" in the automatic ordering flag in response to the determination that the first value "ON" is set in the first function information (S22: Yes). Moreover, the repeated transmission of the transmission request information is started (S23, S24). Further, the terminal program 65 sets the automatic ordering flag in response to the determination that the second value "OFF" is set in both the first function information and the second function information (S22: none & S25: none). The second value "OFF" is set, and the ordering mode determination process is terminated without executing the process of S24 (S27).

Returning to FIG. 4, the terminal program 65 causes the display 53 to display the main screen again (S11). The main screen displayed here is different from FIG. 8 (A) in that the designated device ID “MFP-A” is described in the switching icon 112, and is common to FIG. 8 (A) in other points. Further, the terminal program 65 that has started the repeated transmission of the transmission request information in S24 may receive the order completion information or the consumables information during the display of the main screen or the status screen described later. Then, the terminal program 65 executes the notification reception process in response to receiving the order completion information or the consumables information. The details of the notification receiving process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the following description, the remaining amount of ink in each ink cartridge mounted on the mounting portion of the compound machine 10A is black ink = 70%, cyan ink = 0%, magenta ink = 100%, and yellow ink = 5%. Shall be. Further, it is assumed that the ink cartridge C has already been ordered from the server 80 by the manual ordering function of the multifunction device 10A, and the ink cartridge Y has not yet been ordered. That is, the order completion flag B = "OFF", the order completion flag C = "ON", the order completion flag M = "OFF", and the order completion flag Y = "OFF".

[Notification reception processing]
First, the terminal program 65 responds to receiving the order completion information C from the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F25 (S31: order completion). The set value of the automatic ordering flag is determined (S32). Then, the terminal program 65 sets the first value "ON" in the cancel flag C according to the first value "ON" set in the automatic ordering flag (S32: ON), and sets the display information C as the first value "ON". “Gray” is set (S33, S34). On the other hand, the terminal program 65 executes the process of S34 without executing the process of S33 in response to the second value "OFF" being set in the automatic ordering flag (S32: OFF). The process of receiving the order completion information in S31 is an example of the third reception process.

Further, the terminal program 65 receives consumable information from the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F25 (S31: consumables), and receives each of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the mounting portion of the multifunction device 10A. The ink remaining amount indicated in the consumables information is compared with the upper limit value (for example, 90%) and the lower limit value (for example, 10%), which are examples of the threshold value (S35). The upper limit value and the lower limit value may be set in advance in the terminal program 65, or may be received from the multifunction device 10A together with the function information and the like. The process of receiving consumables information in S31 is an example of a part of the receiving process.

The terminal program 65 does not execute the processes of S36 to S44 depending on the determination that the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge B is less than the upper limit value and more than or equal to the lower limit value (S35: other). Further, the terminal program 65 sets "standard" for the display information M according to the determination that the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge M is equal to or more than the upper limit value (S35: Full) (S36). Further, the terminal program 65 sets the automatic order flag setting value and the cancel flags C and Y according to the determination that the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridges C and Y is less than the lower limit value (S35: Low). The value is determined (S37, S38, S43). The fact that the remaining amount of ink is less than the lower limit is an example of satisfying the ink cartridge replacement condition.

Next, in the terminal program 65, the first value "ON" is set in the automatic ordering flag, and the first value "ON" is set in the cancel flag C (S37: ON & S38: ON). Instead of the processes of S39 to S41 described later, the second value “OFF” is set in the cancel flag C (S42). That is, after setting the first value "ON" in the cancel flag C, the terminal program 65 does not execute the process of S39 according to the fact that the ink cartridge C first satisfies the replacement condition.

On the other hand, the terminal program 65 communicates according to the first value "ON" set in the automatic ordering flag and the second value "OFF" set in the cancel flag Y (S37: ON & S38: OFF). The first shipping request information is transmitted to the server 80 through the I / F 55 (S39). The first shipping request information is information for requesting that the ink cartridge Y, which is determined in S35 to satisfy the exchange condition, be shipped to the destination indicated by the destination information. The first shipping request information includes, for example, a consumable ID (for example, a model number) that identifies the ink cartridge Y of the multifunction device 10A, and account information “abc” stored in the memory 62. The process of S39 is an example of the first transmission process.

Although not shown, the server 80 receives the above-mentioned first shipping request information from the information processing terminal 50. Next, the server 80 reads the payment information and the destination information associated with the account information "abc" included in the received first shipping request information from the server memory. Next, the server 80 pays for the ink cartridge Y based on the read payment information. Then, the server 80 sends the ink cartridge Y identified by the consumable ID included in the first shipping request information to the destination indicated by the destination information read from the server memory to the worker of the WEB shopping service. Notify.

Further, the terminal program 65 transmits the order completion information Y to the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F55 (S40). Further, the terminal program 65 sets “gray” for the display information Y (S41). On the other hand, although not shown, the device program 35 of the multifunction device 10A receives the order completion information Y from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. Then, the device program 35 informs the user, for example, that the ink cartridge Y has already been ordered by the automatic ordering function of the information processing terminal 50 to the user who intends to use the manual ordering function of the multifunction device 10A through the display 23 or the like. Notify.

After executing the above notification reception process, the display information B = "standard", the display information C = "gray", the display information M = "standard", and the display information Y = "gray". On the other hand, the terminal program 65 displays according to the setting of the second value "OFF" in the automatic ordering flag and the second value "OFF" in the cancel flag Y (S37: OFF & S43: OFF). “Emphasis” is set for the information Y (S44). On the other hand, in the terminal program 65, the second value "OFF" is set in the automatic ordering flag, and the first value "ON" is set in the cancel flag C (S37: OFF & S43: ON), and S44. Do not execute the processing of. In this case, display information B = "standard", display information C = "gray", display information M = "standard", and display information Y = "emphasis".

Returning to FIG. 4 again, the terminal program 65 displays the status screen shown in FIG. 9 on the display 53 in response to the reception of the designation of the [status] icon 111 through the input I / F 54 (S12: status). (S17). The process of S17 is an example of the first display process. Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation on the status screen through the input I / F 54 (S18).

The status screen shows a bar graph showing the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridges B, C, M, and Y indicated by consumables information, and ordering icons 131B, 131C, 131M associated with the ink cartridges B, C, M, and Y. Includes 131Y and stop icons 132B, 132C, 132M, 132Y associated with ink cartridges B, C, M, Y. The ordering icons 131B, 131C, 131M, 131Y are examples of consumable objects corresponding to instructions for executing the manual ordering function for the corresponding ink cartridges. The stop icons 132B, 132C, 132M, 132Y correspond to an instruction to temporarily stop the ordering of the corresponding ink cartridge to the multifunction device 10A.

Further, the terminal program 65 changes the display mode of the ordering icons 131B, 131C, 131M, 131Y according to the set values of the corresponding display information B, C, M, and Y. In the example of FIG. 9A, the ordering icons 131B and 131M corresponding to the display information B and M for which "standard" is set are displayed in a manner that can be specified through the input I / F54. On the other hand, the ordering icons 131C and 131Y corresponding to the display information C and Y for which "gray" is set are displayed in a mode that cannot be specified through the input I / F54. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9B, the ordering icon 131Y corresponding to the display information Y in which "emphasis" is set is a display that can be specified through the input I / F54 and in which "standard" is set. It is displayed in a mode emphasized by the ordering icons 131B and 131M corresponding to the information B and M.

The "designable mode" means that when the icon is designated through the input I / F 54, the terminal program 65 executes the process associated with the icon. On the other hand, the "non-specifiable aspect" means that the terminal program 65 does not execute the process associated with the icon even if the icon is specified through the input I / F 54. Further, the "non-specifiable aspect" may be grayed out as in the example of FIG. 9, or may be hidden. Further, "emphasizing" may mean thickening the contour line as in the example of FIG. 9B, blinking, changing the color, or the like.

Next, the terminal program 65 executes the ordering process in response to the reception of the user operation on the status screen through the input I / F 54 (S18: Yes) (S19). The details of the order processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The terminal program 65 causes the display 53 to display the device selection screen shown in FIG. 8B, for example, in response to receiving the designation of the ordering icon 131B through the input I / F54 (S51: ordering) (S51: ordering). Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation on the device selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S53). The process of accepting the designation of the order icon in S51 is an example of the second acceptance process. The processing of S52 and S53 may be the same as that of S13 to S15.

Next, the terminal program 65 assigns the device ID “MFP-B” of the multifunction device 10B corresponding to the device icon 121, for example, in response to receiving the designation of the device icon 122 through the input I / F 54 (S53: Yes). Temporarily store in memory 62. Further, although not shown, the terminal program 65 receives functional information from the multifunction device 10B identified by the device ID “MFP-B” temporarily stored in S53 through the communication I / F 55. Then, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the automatic ordering function is implemented in the multifunction device 10B based on the received function information (S54). These processes may be the same as in S21 and S22.

Next, the terminal program 65 causes the display 53 to display the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10A in response to the determination that the multifunction device 10B is equipped with the automatic ordering function (S54: Yes). S55). The confirmation screen according to the present embodiment is a pop-up window displayed superimposed on the status screen. Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation on the confirmation screen through the input I / F 54 (S56). Processing of S55 is Ru example der of the second display processing.

The confirmation screen is an example of a screen that notifies the user that the multifunction device 10B is equipped with the automatic ordering function and asks the user whether or not to execute the process of S58 described later. The confirmation screen includes a message "When the ink level is less than 10%, an automatic order is placed by the multifunction device", a check box 141, an [OK] icon 142, and a [Cancel] icon 143. The check box 141 corresponds to an instruction as to whether or not to transmit the shipping suppression information described later. The [OK] icon 142 corresponds to an instruction to execute the process of S58. The [Cancel] icon 143 corresponds to an instruction not to execute the process of S58.

Next, the terminal program 65 receives the designation of the [OK] icon 142 through the input I / F54 after the check box 141 is checked (S56: OK (checked)), and the communication I / F55 Order suppression information is transmitted to the multifunction device 10B through the device (S57). S57 is an example of the second transmission process. The order suppression information is an example of the suppression information, and is information that temporarily stops the execution of the automatic ordering function on the multifunction device 10B. The order suppression information includes, for example, a consumable ID that identifies the ink cartridge B of the multifunction device 10B.

Further, the terminal program 65 transmits the second shipping request information to the server 80 through the communication I / F 55 (S58). The process of S58 is an example of the second transmission process. The second shipping request information includes the ink cartridge B corresponding to the ordering icon 131B specified in S51 among the plurality of ink cartridges of the multifunction device 10B identified by the device ID "MFP-B" temporarily stored in S53. , Information that requires shipping to the destination indicated in the destination information. The second shipping request information includes, for example, a consumable ID that identifies the ink cartridge B of the multifunction device 10B, and account information "abc" stored in the memory 62. The processing of the server 80 that has received the second shipping request information may be the same as the case where the first shipping request information is received.

On the other hand, the terminal program 65 executes the process of S57 in response to the fact that the check box 141 is not checked and the designation of the [OK] icon 142 is accepted through the input I / F54 (S56: OK (no check)). Instead, the process of S58 is executed. Further, the terminal program 65 ends the ordering process without executing the processes of S57 and S58 in response to the reception of the designation of the [Cancel] icon 143 through the input I / F54 (S56: Cancel). Further, the terminal program 65 executes the process of S58 without executing the processes of S55 to S57 in response to the determination that the automatic ordering function is not implemented in the multifunction device 10B (S54: none).

Further, the terminal program 65 displays the inquiry screen shown in FIG. 10B on the display 53 in response to receiving the designation of the stop icon 132M through the input I / F 54 (S51: stop ordering), for example (S59). ). The process of accepting the designation of the stop icon in S51 is an example of the fourth acceptance process. The inquiry screen includes a message "Please enter the number of purchased cartridges", a text box 151, and an [OK] icon 152. The text box 151 is an object that displays the number of ink cartridges input through the input I / F 54. The [OK] icon 152 corresponds to an instruction for transmitting order suppression information. Then, the terminal program 65 accepts the user operation for the inquiry screen through the input I / F 54 (S60).

Then, the terminal program 65 displays the number of the purchased ink cartridges M in the text box 151 and temporarily stores the number of the purchased ink cartridges M in the memory 62 in response to the reception of the user operation for inputting the number of the purchased ink cartridges M through the input I / F 54. Further, the terminal program 65 transmits the order suppression information to the multifunction device 10A through the communication I / F55 in response to the reception of the designation of the [OK] icon 152 through the input I / F54 (S60: Yes) (S61). .. The processing of S61 may be the same as that of S57. However, the order suppression information transmitted in S61 includes, in addition to the consumable ID of the ink cartridge M corresponding to the stop icon 132M specified in S51, the quantity information indicating the number temporarily stored in the memory 62.

[Action and effect of this embodiment]
According to the above embodiment, the information processing terminal 50 can automatically order the consumables of the existing multifunction device 10A that does not have the automatic ordering function at an appropriate timing. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the multifunction device 10A due to running out of consumables. The function of transmitting consumables information is already implemented in many of the existing multifunction devices 10 in order to notify the so-called status monitor and the like. That is, the present invention can also be applied to the existing multifunction device 10.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the set value of the automatic ordering flag is switched based on the first function information of the designated device. More specifically, only the consumables of the multifunction device 10A on which the automatic ordering function is not implemented are ordered by the automatic ordering function of the information processing terminal 50. On the other hand, the consumables of the multifunction device 10B equipped with the automatic ordering function are not ordered by the automatic ordering function of the information processing terminal 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the multifunction device 10B and the information processing terminal 50 from executing automatic orders in duplicate.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the terminal program 65 does not execute S39 when it is first determined in S35 that the exchange condition is satisfied after receiving the order completion information from the multifunction device 10. As a result, after the consumables are ordered through the multifunction device 10, the automatic ordering by the information processing terminal 50 is suppressed from being duplicated. The order completion information may include the number information indicating the number n of the ordered ink cartridges. Then, the terminal program 65 may cancel the process of S39 n times even if it is determined in S35 that the exchange condition is satisfied after receiving the order completion information from the multifunction device 10.

Further, in the terminal program 65 according to the above embodiment, not only the automatic ordering function but also the manual ordering function is implemented. That is, the user who has predicted the future operating status of the multifunction device 10 can order the ink cartridge at a desired timing through the ordering icons 131B, C, M, and Y. Further, the display modes of the ordering icons 131B, C, M, and Y are switched according to the display information. As a result, the user can appropriately recognize the ink cartridges that should not be ordered manually (for example, display information = "gray") and the ink cartridges that should be ordered manually (for example, display information = "emphasized"). ..

Further, according to the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge of the multifunction device 10B on which the automatic ordering function is mounted is to be ordered by the manual ordering function of the terminal program 65, the ink cartridges are ordered in duplicate. The possibility is notified to the user through the confirmation screen. Further, when the user instructs the execution of the manual ordering function through the confirmation screen, the order suppression information is transmitted to the multifunction device 10B. As a result, it is possible to prevent the manual ordering by the information processing terminal 50 and the automatic ordering by the multifunction device 10 from being executed in duplicate.

Further, according to the above embodiment, when the number of ink cartridges purchased by the user is input through the inquiry screen, order suppression information including the number information indicating the number is transmitted to the multifunction device 10. As a result, for example, when the user purchases consumables without using the ordering function of the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 (for example, at a mass retailer), the automatic ordering function of the multifunction device 10 is temporarily stopped. Can be made to. That is, the multifunction device 10 may stop the automatic ordering of the number indicated by the quantity information of the order suppression information.

The process when the second value "OFF" is set in the automatic ordering flag in S37 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. As another example, the terminal program 65 determines that the ink remaining amount is less than the lower limit value and the second value "OFF" is set in the automatic ordering flag (S35: Low & S37: OFF). It may be determined whether or not the multifunction device 10 can communicate with the server 80. More specifically, the terminal program 65 may inquire of the multifunction device 10 whether or not it can communicate with the server 80. This process is an example of the third determination process. Then, the terminal program 65 may execute the processes of S39 to S41 in response to the determination that the multifunction device 10 cannot communicate with the server 80.

On the other hand, the device program 35 of the multifunction device 10A may, for example, transmit an echo request according to ICMP (abbreviation of Internet Control Message Protocol) to the server 80 in response to an inquiry from the information processing terminal 50. Then, the device program 35 may respond that it can communicate with the server 80 in response to receiving the echo reply from the server 80. On the other hand, the device program 35 may respond that it cannot communicate with the server 80 in response to not receiving the echo reply from the server 80.

According to the above configuration, even if the second value "OFF" is set in the automatic ordering flag, the automatic ordering by the information processing terminal 50 is executed when the automatic ordering by the multifunction device 10 cannot be executed temporarily. .. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the multifunction device 10 due to running out of consumables.

Further, the first shipping request information and the second shipping request information do not positively request the server 80 to ship consumables, but notify the server 80 of the status of the consumables of the multifunction device 10. May be good. That is, the first shipping request information and the second shipping request information may further include consumables information received from the multifunction device 10 immediately before. Then, even if the server 80 determines whether or not the state of the consumables indicated in the consumables information satisfies the exchange condition, and starts the procedure of shipping the consumable according to the determination that the exchange condition is satisfied. good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ink cartridge has been described as an example of consumables, but the specific example of the consumable is not limited to the ink cartridge. For example, other examples of consumables used for printing operations include a toner cartridge in which toner is stored, a drum cartridge in which a drum is stored, and the like. Further, as another example of consumables used for the scanning operation, a roller for transporting a document and the like can be mentioned. That is, the consumables according to the present embodiment correspond to all items that are gradually worn down with the operation of the multifunction device 10 and the multifunction device 10 cannot execute the operation as the wear progresses.

The replacement conditions in S35 differ depending on the consumables. As an example, when the consumable is a toner cartridge, the replacement condition is, for example, that the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge is less than the threshold value. As another example, when the consumable item is a drum cartridge, the replacement condition is, for example, that the number of printed sheets in the printing operation exceeds the threshold value. As yet another example, when the consumable item is a roller, the replacement condition is, for example, that the number of rotations of the roller exceeds the threshold value.

Further, in the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 of the above embodiment, various programs stored in the memories 32 and 62 are executed by the CPUs 31 and 61, so that each process executed by the controller of the present invention is realized. An example was explained. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and a part or all of the controller configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

Further, the present invention can be realized not only as the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50, but also as a program for causing the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 to execute processing. Then, the program may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a memory mounted on a server that can be connected to the multifunction device 10 and the information processing terminal 50 through a communication network, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. Then, the program stored in the memory of the server may be distributed as information or a signal indicating the program through a communication network such as the Internet 101.

10 ... Multifunction device 11 ... Printer 12 ... Scanner 13 ... FAX unit 23, 53 ... Display 24, 54 ... Input I / F
25, 55 ... Communication I / F
31,61 ... CPU
32, 62 ... Memory 35 ... Device program 50 ... Information processing terminal 60 ... Terminal program 80 ... Server

Claims (12)

A readable program by an information processing terminal having a communication interface,
The information processing terminal is made to execute a reception process of receiving consumables information and automatic ordering information from the image processing device through the communication interface, and the consumables information is information indicating the state of consumables used in the image processing device. The automatic ordering information is information indicating that the image processing device cannot request the server to ship the consumables.
Based on the consumable information and the automatic ordering information, the first transmission processing for transmitting the first dispatch request information to the server via the communication interface to execute the information processing terminal, the first dispatch request information, the is information to request the dispatch of consumables, program. In the reception process, notification enable information is received from the image processing device through the communication interface, and the notification enable information indicates that the image processing device can transmit the consumables information to the information processing terminal.
The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the first shipping request information based on the consumables information is transmitted in the first transmission process in response to receiving the automatic ordering information and the notification enable information in the reception process. program. The information processing terminal further includes a display and an input interface.
A first display process for displaying a consumable object corresponding to the consumable used in the image processing device on the display.
In response to the designation of the consumable object by the operation through the input interface, the information processing terminal is made to execute the second transmission process of transmitting the second shipping request information to the server through the communication interface. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second shipping request information is information for requesting the shipping of the consumable item corresponding to the consumable item object specified in the operation. In the reception process, the image processing device receives the automatic ordering information indicating that the server can request the shipment of the consumables.
In response to the information processing terminal receiving the automatic ordering information in the reception process and the consumable object being designated by the operation, the image processing device can request the server to ship the consumables. The information processing terminal is made to execute the second display process of displaying the screen on the display for inquiring whether or not to execute the second transmission process.
The third aspect of claim 3, wherein the second transmission request information is transmitted to the information processing terminal in the second transmission process in response to the execution of the second transmission process being specified by the operation through the input interface. program. In response to the fact that the execution of the second transmission process is specified by the operation through the input interface, the image processing device is made to transmit the suppression information through the communication interface in the second transmission process, and the suppression information is used as the suppression information. The program according to claim 4, which is information for temporarily stopping the image processing apparatus from requesting the server to ship the consumables. In response to the fact that the image processing apparatus is specified by the operation through the input interface to temporarily stop requesting the server to ship the consumables, the suppression information is transmitted in the second transmission process. The program according to claim 5, which is to be transmitted. In the reception process, transmission completion information is further received from the image processing device through the communication interface, and the transmission completion information is information indicating that the image processing device has requested the server to ship the consumables. ,
Claims 3 to 6 make the consumable object unspecified by the operation through the input interface in the first display process in response to the transmission completion information received by the information processing terminal in the reception process. The program described in any of. The program according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein in the first display process, the consumable object having a display mode different depending on the state of the consumable indicated by the consumable information is displayed on the display. The program according to claim 7, wherein the first transmission process is not executed in response to receiving the consumables information and the automatic ordering information after receiving the transmission completion information in the reception process. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the consumables information is repeatedly received at predetermined time intervals in the reception process. An information processing terminal equipped with a communication interface
A reception process for receiving consumables information and automatic ordering information from the image processing device is executed through the communication interface, and the consumables information is information indicating the state of consumables used in the image processing device, and is automatically described. The ordering information is information indicating that the image processing device cannot request the server to ship the consumables.
Based on the consumables information and the automatic ordering information, the first transmission process of transmitting the first shipping request information to the server through the communication interface is executed, and the first shipping request information requests the shipping of the consumables. Information processing terminal that is information to be processed. A communication method executed in an information processing terminal equipped with a communication interface.
Consumables information and automatic ordering information are received from the image processing device through the communication interface, the consumables information is information indicating the state of consumables used in the image processing device, and the automatic ordering information is the above. Information indicating that the image processing device cannot request the server to ship the consumables.
A communication method in which first shipping request information is transmitted to a server through the communication interface based on the consumables information and the automatic ordering information, and the first shipping request information is information requesting the shipping of the consumables. ..

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