JP7468187B2 - Printer and communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer that is used with a cartridge that stores printing material.

There are printers that are used with cartridges that store printing materials. Printing materials can be ink or toner, for example. So-called laser printers and inkjet printers are examples of this type of printer.

A service is known that provides dedicated cartridges to printer users. The service provider that provides this service operates a management server that obtains the remaining amount of printing material from the printer via the Internet. The service provider then provides the user with a new cartridge before the printing material runs out. For example, the service provider charges the user a fixed fee at regular intervals, rather than for the number of dedicated cartridges provided to the user.

JP 2017-49767 A

In cases where a fixed fee is charged to a user for a fixed period of time, rather than for the number of dedicated cartridges provided to the user, it is expected that when the user enters into a contract with the service provider and receives a dedicated cartridge, the user will discard the normal cartridge that has been used and install the dedicated cartridge in the printer. Also, in cases where the printer is in a state where the dedicated cartridge cannot be used when the service contract is terminated, the user will discard the dedicated cartridge installed in the printer and install a normal cartridge in the printer to use the printer when the contract is terminated.

As such, with conventional printers, there is a risk that cartridges with remaining printing material will be wasted when a contract is signed or terminated.

The present invention aims to provide a technology that can prevent cartridges with residual printing material from being wasted in printers that are used for a service that provides users with dedicated cartridges.

Various disclosures are made in this specification. The printer of the disclosed example is a printer that is equipped with a mounting case in which a cartridge that stores printing material can be detachably mounted and that has a cartridge memory that stores cartridge information, which is information related to the characteristics of the cartridge, a cartridge interface that can communicate with the cartridge memory when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting case, a communication interface that communicates with an external management server, a main memory, and a controller, and is capable of processing based on at least two operating modes, a normal mode or a specific mode different from the normal mode. The controller executes a mode change process that changes the operating mode based on mode change instruction information transmitted from the management server through the communication interface and the Internet, a cartridge information transmission process that transmits the cartridge information of the cartridge in the mounted state to the management server through the communication interface and the Internet based on the change in the operating mode, a purchase and sale information reception process that receives purchase and sale information related to the purchase and sale of the cartridge in the mounted state through the Internet and the communication interface as a response to the transmitted cartridge information, and a purchase and sale information output process that outputs the acquired purchase and sale information.

The specific mode is, for example, a mode in which printing is performed using a cartridge provided by the service provider. The service provider charges the printer user a fixed amount regardless of the amount of printing material used within a certain period of time. The normal mode is, for example, a mode in which printing is performed using a commercially available cartridge purchased by the user. When the controller receives mode change instruction information instructing a change of operation mode from the management server that has permitted the user to join or leave the membership, the controller transmits cartridge information of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case to the management server. The management server generates buying and selling information including the purchase price of the cartridge based on the received cartridge information, and returns the generated buying and selling information to the printer. The controller receives the buying and selling information and outputs the received buying and selling information. That is, the printer can make the user recognize the buying and selling information about the cartridge mounted in the mounting case. The user has the service provider buy the cartridge mounted in the printer, or buys the cartridge mounted in the printer from the service provider based on the output buying and selling information. As a result, the printer according to the present invention can prevent the cartridge that stores the printing material from being wasted. The output of the buying and selling information may be, for example, output to a display provided on the printer, or output to a personal computer or mobile terminal connected to the printer, or further output to a printer unit that performs printing.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a printer 10 and a management server 11. FIG. 2 shows the process executed by the printer program 46 and the server program 56 when signing up for a service offered by a service provider. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the process executed by the printer program 46 and the server program 56 when a user withdraws from a service provided by a service provider. FIG. 4 illustrates the processes performed by printer program 46 and server program 56 during enrollment in a service offered by a service provider. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing the process by which report information sent by printer program 46 is registered on the server, and FIG. 5(B) is a diagram explaining the process executed by printer program 46 when a specific cartridge 30 purchased by a user at the time of withdrawal is installed in printer 10 after withdrawal. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the processing executed by the printer program 46 and the server program 56 in the modified example, where (A) shows the processing at the time of joining, and (B) shows the processing at the time of withdrawal.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiment described below is merely a disclosed example, and it goes without saying that it can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Alternatively, each process described below can be omitted or modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a printer 10 (FIG. 1) that can join and leave a service that provides a cartridge 30 (FIG. 1) that stores printing material is described. The service is provided to a user of the printer 10 by a service provider that operates a management server 11. The service provider uses the management server 11 to acquire the number of pages printed by the printer 10, the amount of printing material used, the remaining amount of printing material, and the like, and manages the printer 10. For example, the service provider bills the user of the printer 10 for a fee according to the number of pages printed, regardless of the amount of printing material used, or bills the user of the printer 10 for a fixed fee for a unit period such as one month, regardless of the amount of printing material used or the number of pages printed. The printer 10 and the management server 11 are described in detail below.

The printer 10 is a type of printer that is used with a cartridge 30 that stores printing material attached. For example, the printer 10 is a so-called inkjet printer that is used with a cartridge 30 that stores ink attached, or a so-called laser printer that is used with a cartridge 30 that stores toner attached. Below, an example is described in which the printer 10 is a so-called inkjet printer. Also, below, an example is described in which the printer 10 is a so-called color printer that can print color images on a sheet. That is, the printer 10 is a printer that is used with multiple cartridges 30 that store ink attached. The multiple cartridges 30 are, for example, a cartridge 30 that stores magenta ink, a cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink, a cartridge 30 that stores yellow ink, and a cartridge 30 that stores black ink.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer unit 21, a scanner 22, a touch panel 23, an operation switch 26, a communication interface 27, an attachment case 28, and a control board 40. In the following description, interface will be abbreviated to I/F.

The printer unit 21 has, for example, a paper feed tray on which unprinted sheets are placed, a transport device that transports the sheets placed on the paper feed tray, a print head that prints by ejecting ink droplets onto the sheet transported by the transport device, and an output tray on which the printed sheets are placed. However, the printer unit 21 may be any type of printer unit as long as it is capable of printing on sheets.

The scanner 22 has, for example, an original tray on which an original is placed, a transport device that transports the original placed on the original tray, an image reading device that reads an image printed on the original transported by the transport device, and a paper output tray on which the original is placed after the image has been read. Note that the scanner 22 may have a contact glass on which the original is placed instead of the original tray and transport device, or in addition to the original tray and transport device. Also, the scanner 22 may be any type of scanner as long as it is capable of reading an image printed on an original. Note that the scanner 22 is used in a modified example. That is, in this embodiment, the printer 10 does not need to have the scanner 22.

The touch panel 23 has a display 24 that displays images, and a transparent membrane-like touch sensor 25 overlaid on the display 24. The touch sensor 25 outputs position information that indicates the position on the display 24 that the user touched with a finger or the like. A printer program 46 (described below) determines whether an icon displayed on the display 24 has been selected based on the position information output by the touch sensor 25.

The operation switch 26 is, for example, a switch having a contact such as a tactile switch or a microswitch. The printer program 46 described below determines whether the operation switch 26 has been operated by the user based on, for example, whether a circuit including the contact is conductive. Note that the printer 10 may have only one of the touch sensor 25 and the operation switch 26.

The communication I/F 27 is an interface for communicating with the web server via the Internet 12. The communication I/F 27 communicates with the web server using a communication standard such as the Internet Protocol or a communication standard used in wireless LAN or wired LAN. Communication standards for wireless LAN include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The mounting case 28 is a case capable of holding multiple cartridges 30. The mounting case 28 is provided with multiple locking members that fix and release each of the cartridges 30, and multiple ink needles that are inserted into each of the mounted cartridges 30.

The mounting case 28 is also provided with a cartridge I/F 29. The cartridge I/F 29 is an interface that allows a printer program 46 (described later) to communicate with a cartridge IC 31 (described later) of the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28. The mounting case 28 is provided with the same number of cartridge I/Fs 29 as the number of cartridges 30 that can be mounted in the mounting case 28. In other words, the printer program 46 (described later) can communicate with each of the cartridge ICs 31 of each cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28.

The cartridge I/F 29 is, for example, an electrode that can come into contact with an electrode of the cartridge IC 31. That is, the printer 10 communicates with the cartridge IC 31 of the installed cartridge 30 through direct electrical conduction. However, the printer 10 may also communicate with the cartridge IC 31 using radio waves or light. In that case, the cartridge I/F 29 is not an electrode, but an antenna or a light-emitting diode, etc.

The control board 40 is realized by a pattern circuit board and resistors, diodes, coils, capacitors, ICs, microcomputers, etc. mounted on the pattern circuit board.

The control board 40 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 41, a main memory 42, and a communication bus 43. The CPU 41 is an example of a controller.

The main memory 42 includes a ROM 44, a RAM 47, and an EEPROM 48. The main memory 42 may also include a buffer for the CPU 41, a storage area such as a USB memory inserted in a slot in the printer 10, or a portable storage medium.

The ROM 44 stores the OS 45, which is an operating system, and the printer program 46. The printer program 46 is so-called firmware. The OS 45 and the printer program 46 are executed by the CPU 41. For example, the CPU 41 executes the OS 45 and the printer program 46 in parallel in a pseudo manner by multitasking. Note that all or part of the printer program 46 may be stored in the EEPROM 48 instead of the ROM 44.

RAM 47 has memory areas necessary for executing OS 45 and printer program 46.

EEPROM 48 pre-stores printer identification information that individually identifies printer 10. The printer identification information is, for example, a serial number or a MAC address.

The EEPROM 48 also has a storage area for storing history information. The history information is information that associates the CTG identification information (described later) attached to the cartridge 30 that has been used after being attached to the printer 10, the installation date and time indicating the date and time when the cartridge 30 was installed in the printer 10, remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of ink stored in the installed cartridge 30, color information indicating the color of the installed cartridge 30, and type information indicating the type of the installed cartridge 30. A number of pieces of history information corresponding to the number of cartridges 30 installed in the printer 10 are stored in the EEPROM 48. Each piece of history information is individually identified by the CTG identification information. Note that if the number of cartridges 30 installed in the printer 10 exceeds the number that can be stored in the specified storage area secured in the EEPROM 48, the oldest history information may be overwritten with the newest history information.

The type information is information indicating whether the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 is a specific cartridge 30, which is a cartridge 30 provided by the service provider, or a normal cartridge 30, which is a normal cartridge 30 that is generally available on the market. The type information is, for example, a type flag. An on type flag indicates a specific cartridge 30, and an off type flag indicates a normal cartridge 30. Below, an example will be described in which the type information is a type flag. An on type flag indicating a specific cartridge 30 is an example of the first type, and an off type flag indicating a normal cartridge 30 is an example of the second type. Note that the history information may include information other than the above-mentioned CTG identification information. For example, the history information is stored in the EEPROM 48 in response to the replacement of the cartridge 30.

The EEPROM 48 also has a storage area for storing mode information. The mode information is information that indicates the operating mode of the printer 10. The printer program 46 operates in the operating mode indicated by the mode information stored in the EEPROM 48.

Specific mode information or normal mode information is stored in the EEPROM 48 as mode information. Specific mode information is information indicating a specific mode, which is a mode in which a process is executed to send report information, including the number of printed sheets and remaining amount information, to the management server 11. Normal mode information is information indicating a normal mode, which is a mode in which report information is not sent to the management server 11 and which does not permit the use of a specific cartridge 30. Specific mode information is, for example, an on mode flag, and normal mode information is an off mode flag. The initial value of the mode information is, for example, normal mode information. An example in which the mode information is a mode flag will be described below. The timing at which the mode information is stored in the EEPROM 48 will be described later.

The EEPROM 48 also stores the number of printed sheets. The number of printed sheets is counted up by the printer program 46 each time printing is performed by the printer 10.

The EEPROM 48 also has a storage area for storing emergency information. Emergency information such as near empty information, empty information, paper jam information, and malfunction information is stored in the storage area. Near empty information is, for example, information indicating that the ink remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is low. Empty information is, for example, information indicating that the ink remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is almost zero. Paper jam information is information indicating that a sheet has jammed in the printer 10. Malfunction information is information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the printer 10. The emergency information is stored in the EEPROM 48 by the printer program 46. When the near empty or empty state is resolved by replacing the cartridge 30, or when the jammed sheet is removed from the printer 10, the emergency information is deleted from the EEPROM 48 by the printer program 46.

The EEPROM 48 also stores screen data (not shown) in advance. The screen data includes screen data showing a home screen, screen data showing a purchase consent screen and a purchase consent screen (described below), and screen data showing other screens.

The EEPROM 48 also has a storage area for storing purchased information (not shown). The purchased information is information indicating whether the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 has been purchased by the service provider. The EEPROM 48 has a storage area for storing purchased information for the cartridge 30 that stores magenta ink, a storage area for storing purchased information for the cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink, a storage area for storing purchased information for the cartridge 30 that stores yellow ink, and a storage area for storing purchased information for the cartridge 30 that stores black ink. The purchased information is, for example, a purchased flag that is initially off, is turned on when the normal cartridge 30 is purchased by the service provider, and is turned off when the user of the printer 10 withdraws from the above-mentioned service. This will be described in more detail later.

The EEPROM 48 also has a storage area for storing a URL (not shown). The URL is a URL that the management server 11 publishes on the Internet 12. The URL is, for example, stored in advance in the EEPROM 48. Alternatively, the URL is input to the printer 10 by a user of the printer 10 and stored in the EEPROM 48. Alternatively, the URL is downloaded from a web server other than the management server 11 and stored in the EEPROM 48. Alternatively, the URL is extracted by OCR from the image data generated by the scan after a document on which the URL is printed is scanned by the scanner 22, and stored in the EEPROM 48.

The communication bus 43 is connected to the CPU 41 and the main memory 42. That is, the printer program 46 stored in the main memory 42 and executed by the CPU 41 can read information and data from the main memory 42 via the communication bus 43, and can also store information and data in the main memory 42 via the communication bus 43.

The communication bus 43 is also connected to the printer unit 21, scanner 22, touch panel 23, operation switch 26, communication I/F 27, and cartridge I/F 29 by a pattern on a pattern circuit board, a communication cable, or the like. That is, the printer program 46 executed by the CPU 41 can drive the printer unit 21 and scanner 22 through the communication bus 43, and can also obtain information and data from the printer unit 21 and scanner 22 through the communication bus 43. The printer program 46 can also input screen data to the display 24 through the communication bus 43 and display a screen indicated by the screen data on the display 24. The printer program 46 can also obtain, through the communication bus 43, position information output by the touch sensor 25 and operation information indicating whether the operation switch 26 has been operated. In addition, the printer program 46 can read the CTG identification information, type information, remaining amount information, etc. stored in the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 (described below) via the communication bus 43 and the cartridge I/F 29, and can also update the remaining amount information stored in the CTG memory 33.

The cartridge 30 includes a housing (not shown) that stores ink, and a cartridge IC 31 attached to the housing. The cartridge IC 31 has electrodes 32 and a CTG memory 33. Note that CTG is a description that omits the word "cartridge."

The CTG memory 33 pre-stores the model number, CTG identification information, type information, and remaining amount information.

The model number indicates the color of ink stored in the cartridge 30, the size of the cartridge 30, etc. In addition to the model number, color information indicating the color of ink stored in the cartridge 30 and size information indicating the size of the cartridge 30 may be stored in the CTG memory 33.

The CTG identification information is information that individually identifies the cartridge 30. The CTG identification information is, for example, a serial number.

The type information is the same as the type information contained in the history information described above, and indicates whether it is a specific cartridge 30 or a normal cartridge 30.

The remaining amount information indicates the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 30. The initial value of the remaining amount information is a value indicating full amount. The remaining amount information is updated by the printer program 46 each time printing is performed in the printer 10. Details will be described later.

The management server 11 is a so-called web server that publishes a URL on the Internet 12. The management server 11 is also a server operated by a service provider that provides a service of providing a specific cartridge 30 to a user of the printer 10 and allowing the user to perform printing. The management server 11 may be a server owned by the service provider, or may be a so-called rental server that the service provider has the right to use.

The management server 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 51, a server memory 52, a communication I/F 54, and a communication bus (not shown).

The server memory 52 may be a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, a hard disk, a CPU buffer, or the like. Note that the server memory 52 may also include memory of a storage server capable of communicating with the management server 11 via the Internet 12. In other words, the management server 11 may be composed of multiple servers.

The server memory 52 stores the operating system OS 55, the server program 56, the management database, and the amount calculation table.

The management database is a database that manages report information and the like regarding the printers 10 of users who have signed up for the service offered by the service provider. The management database has, for example, multiple main records identified by printer identification information. Each main record has multiple first sub-records identified by CTG identification information. In the first sub-records, the CTG identification information and the report information are associated with each other. In other words, the management database manages the report information for each printer and for each cartridge 30.

The main record also has a second sub-record that manages the shipment of the specific cartridge 30. In the second sub-record, the CTG identification information, color information indicating the color of ink stored in the specific cartridge 30 or the model number of the specific cartridge 30, a shipped flag, the shipping date, and the expected arrival date are associated with each other.

The shipped flag is, for example, an ON flag indicating that the specific cartridge 30 has been shipped, or an OFF flag indicating that the specific cartridge 30 has not been shipped. The CTG identification information, color information or model number, the ON shipped flag, the shipping date, and the expected arrival date are registered in the management database by the server program 56 based on the arrangement of the shipping of the specific cartridge 30. The OFF shipped flag is registered in the management database by the server program 56 based on the installation of a new specific cartridge 30 in the printer 10. The server program 56 registers the OFF shipped flag in the management database based on, for example, receiving cartridge replacement information via the Internet 12, which is information sent by the printer 10 and indicates that a new specific cartridge 30 has been installed. In other words, when the shipped new specific cartridge 30 is installed in the printer 10, the shipped flag is turned OFF.

The price calculation table is a table used to calculate the purchase price when purchasing the normal cartridge 30 used in the printer 10 when joining the above-mentioned service, and the purchase price when the user purchases the specific cartridge 30 provided to the user by the service provider when canceling the above-mentioned service. For example, the model number, color information, remaining amount information, and purchase price of the normal cartridge 30 are associated in the price calculation table. That is, the purchase price of the normal cartridge 30 is determined according to the model number, ink color, and remaining amount of ink. Also, the model number, color information, remaining amount information, and purchase price of the specific cartridge 30 are associated in the price calculation table. That is, the purchase price of the specific cartridge 30 is determined according to the model number, ink color, and remaining amount of ink. Details will be described later. Note that instead of the price calculation table, the server memory 52 may store an arithmetic expression or class that calculates the purchase price or purchase price by inputting the remaining amount of ink indicated by the remaining amount information.

The following describes the processes executed by the printer program 46 of the printer 10 and the server program 56 of the management server 11 when a user of the printer 10 joins or leaves the above-mentioned service, with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Note that the management server 11 may be composed of multiple servers, with one server performing the joining/leaving process shown in Figures 2 and 3, and another server performing the management process shown in Figure 5 (A).

The user of the printer 10, for example, selects an icon on the home screen or the like and inputs a membership instruction into the printer 10 indicating that he or she wishes to join the above-mentioned service.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10, for example, periodically determines whether an instruction to join has been input (S11). If the printer program 46 determines that an instruction to join has not been input (S11: No), it ends the process. If the printer program 46 determines that an instruction to join has been input (S11: Yes), it generates membership application information (S12). The membership application information includes request information requesting membership and printer identification information. The request information is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the server program 56 of the management server 11. The printer identification information is the printer identification information stored in the main memory 42 of the printer 10. The printer program 46 generates, for example, a command accompanied by the printer identification information as the membership application information. The membership application information may also include user identification information such as a user name or user ID indicating the user.

The printer program 46 sends an HTTP request including the generated membership application information to the URL stored in the main memory 42 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S13). That is, the printer program 46 sends the membership application information to the management server 11. The processing of step S13 is an example of application processing.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the HTTP request sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S13). The server program 56 executes the screening process and the registration process based on the request information included in the membership application information of the received HTTP request (S14).

The screening process is a process that determines whether or not to permit membership to the above-mentioned service. The registration process is a process that registers a new record having the printer identification information included in the membership application information in the management database based on the decision to permit membership to the above-mentioned service.

Based on the decision to permit membership to the above-mentioned service, the server program 56 of the management server 11 generates permission information permitting membership and mode change instruction information instructing a change in the operating mode of the printer 10. The mode change instruction information is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the printer program 46 of the printer 10, and is a command instructing the printer 10 to change its operating mode to a specific mode.

The server program 56 returns an HTTP response including the generated permission information and mode change instruction information to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S13 (S15). Although not shown in the flowchart, the server program 56 generates denial information indicating that membership is not permitted based on the decision not to permit membership, and returns an HTTP response including the generated denial information to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S13. The process of step S15 is an example of a mode change instruction transmission process.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent back by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S15). Although not shown in the flowchart, the printer program 46 determines whether the received HTTP response contains permission information and mode change instruction information, or whether it contains denial information. If the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response contains denial information, it displays on the display 24 a screen indicating that the membership application has been rejected.

When the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response contains permission information, it stores specific mode information, which is an on mode flag, as mode information in the main body memory 42 based on the mode change instruction information (S16). That is, in step S16, the printer program 46 determines to operate in a specific mode in which the specific cartridge 30 provided to the user by the service provider can be used. The processing of step S16 is an example of a mode change process.

Next, the printer program 46 acquires type information to determine whether the cartridge 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30 or a specific cartridge 30 (S17). Specifically, the printer program 46 acquires the type information by reading it from the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 via the cartridge I/F 29. Alternatively, the printer program 46 acquires the type information contained in the latest history information by reading it from the main body memory 42. Note that the printer program 46 acquires type information for all cartridges 30 mounted in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 determines whether the type of cartridge 30 indicated by the acquired type information is a normal cartridge 30 (S18). That is, the printer program 46 determines whether each cartridge 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30. If the printer program 46 determines that all cartridges 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 are not normal cartridges 30 (S18: No), that is, if it determines that all cartridges 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 are specific cartridges 30, it ends the process.

When the printer program 46 determines that at least one of the cartridges 30 currently installed in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30 (S18: Yes), it determines whether the resale information stored in the main body memory 42 and set for the cartridge 30 determined to be a normal cartridge 30 is ON, indicating that the service provider has resale the normal cartridge 30 (S19).

When the printer program 46 determines that the purchased flag stored in the main body memory 42 is on (S19: Yes), it ends the process. That is, by executing step S19, the service provider is prevented from mistakenly purchasing the normal cartridge 30 multiple times when joining the above-mentioned service.

When the printer program 46 determines that the purchased flag stored in the main body memory 42 is off (S19: No), it acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information, and generates cartridge information including the acquired remaining amount information and CTG identification information (S20). Specifically, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information from the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 through the cartridge I/F 29. Alternatively, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information contained in the latest history information from the main body memory 42. Note that the printer program 46 acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information for all cartridges 30 that it has determined to be normal cartridges 30. In other words, the cartridge information generated in step S20 is information including the CTG identification information and remaining amount information of all normal cartridges 30 installed in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 sends an HTTP request including the generated cartridge information and a buy-back request to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S21). The buy-back request is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the server program 56 of the management server 11, and is a command that includes the cartridge information and printer identification information. The processing of step S21 is an example of a cartridge information transmission process.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the HTTP request sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S21). Based on the buy-back request and cartridge information contained in the received HTTP request, the server program 56 determines whether the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a proper normal cartridge 30 that can be bought back (S22). For example, the server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a proper normal cartridge 30 that can be bought back based on the fact that the CTG identification information contained in the cartridge information indicates that the cartridge 30 is a cartridge 30 provided by the manufacturer of the printer 10.

When the server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is not a proper normal cartridge 30 that can be purchased (S22: No), it generates inappropriate information indicating that the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 cannot be purchased (S23). When the server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a proper normal cartridge 30 that can be purchased (S22: Yes), it determines the purchase price and generates buying and selling information (S24). To explain in more detail, the server program 56 specifies the price associated with the CTG identification information and remaining amount information contained in the cartridge information received in step S21 in the price calculation table stored in the server memory 52. The server program 56 determines the specified price as the buying price. The server program 56 then generates buying and selling information including the purchase price.

In response to the HTTP request received in step S21, the server program 56 returns an HTTP response including the inappropriateness information generated in step S23 or the buying and selling information generated in step S24 to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 (S25).

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S25). The process of step S25 is an example of a buying and selling information receiving process.

The printer program 46 determines whether the received HTTP response includes inappropriate information or buying/selling information (S26). If the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response includes inappropriate information (S26: inappropriate information), it displays an error screen on the display 24 (S27) and ends the process. The error screen includes text and graphics indicating that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer cannot be purchased.

When the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response includes trading information (S26: Trading information), it displays a trading acceptance screen on the display 24 (S28). The trading acceptance screen is a screen that includes the contents of the trading information received in step S25 and that accepts instructions from the user. The processing of step S28 is an example of a trading information output process.

Based on the contents displayed on the purchase consent screen shown on the display 24, the user of the printer 10 decides whether to issue a purchase instruction to have the service provider purchase the normal cartridge 30 currently installed in the printer 10, or to issue a non-purchase instruction to not have the service provider purchase the normal cartridge 30. The user inputs a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction into the printer 10 using the touch sensor 25 or the operation switch 26.

The printer program 46 receives a buy or non-buy instruction and determines whether the received instruction is a buy or non-buy instruction (S29). When the printer program 46 determines that the user instruction entered into the printer 10 is a non-buy instruction (S29: non-buy instruction), it sends an HTTP request including a non-buy notification indicating the non-buy instruction to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S30). Although not shown in the flowchart, the server program 56 of the management server 11, for example, registers information indicating that a non-buy notification has been received in the management database based on the receipt of the non-buy notification.

When the printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines that the user's instruction input to the printer 10 is a resale instruction (S29: resale instruction), it generates a resale notification indicating that the user's instruction is a resale instruction, and sends an HTTP request including the generated resale notification to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S31). The resale instruction is an example of a first instruction. The process of step S31 in which the printer program 46 accepts the resale instruction (S29: resale instruction) and sends the resale notification to the management server 11 is an example of a first notification process.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the repurchase notice sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S31). Based on the receipt of the repurchase notice, the server program 56 executes a registration process. Specifically, the server program 56 registers the repurchase price determined in step S24 in a database stored in the server memory 52, which is a database for determining the amount to be charged to the user of the printer 10. Note that this database may be the same database as the management database described above.

The server program 56 generates notification information indicating that the normal cartridge 30 currently installed in the printer 10 has been purchased, and sends an HTTP response including the generated notification information back to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S31 (S33). Note that the notification information may include the amount to be next charged to the user of the printer 10, which may include the fixed fee minus the purchase amount.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent back by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S33). The printer program 46 displays the received notification information on the display 24 (S34).

The printer program 46 also changes the type of the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 from a normal cartridge 30 to a specific cartridge 30 (S35). Specifically, the printer program 46 accesses the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the normal cartridge 30 through the cartridge I/F 29, and changes the type flag, which is type information stored in the CTG memory 33, from OFF to ON. Note that the cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider and whose type flag is ON cannot be used in the other printer even if it is removed from the printer 10 and installed in another printer that is not a member of the above-mentioned service. In other words, by turning on the type flag of the cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider, the cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider is prevented from being used in another printer that is not a member of the service. The process of step S35 is an example of a first change process.

The printer program 46 turns on the purchased flag, which is initially off (S36), and ends the process. In other words, the printer 10 stores the information that the regular cartridge 30 has already been purchased by the service provider when signing up for the above-mentioned service.

Next, we will briefly explain the processing that the printer program 46 of the printer 10 performs based on the execution of printing.

The printer program 46 determines the amount of ink used, which is the amount of ink used in printing, based on the fact that printing has been performed. For example, the printer program 46 counts the number of times that the piezoelectric elements and heaters of the print head are driven, and determines a value corresponding to the count value as the amount of ink used. The printer program 46 also reads out remaining amount information from the history information stored in the main memory 42. The printer program 46 calculates a new remaining amount of ink by subtracting the amount of ink used from the remaining amount indicated by the read remaining amount information. The printer program 46 updates the remaining amount information of the history information stored in the main memory 42 and the remaining amount information stored in the CTG memory 33 with the new calculated remaining amount of ink. Note that the updating of remaining amount information is performed for all cartridges 30 installed in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 also determines whether the cartridge 30 is in a near empty state, where the amount of ink remaining is low, based on the execution of printing. For example, the printer program 46 determines whether the cartridge 30 is in a near empty state by determining whether the identified remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than a first predetermined value stored in the main memory 42. When the printer program 46 determines that the identified remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the first predetermined value and is in a near empty state, it stores, for example, an on near empty flag indicating a near empty state in the main memory 42 as near empty information of emergency information.

The printer program 46 also determines whether the cartridge 30 is in an empty state, where the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 30 is almost zero, based on the fact that printing has been performed. For example, the printer program 46 determines whether the cartridge 30 is in an empty state by determining whether the identified remaining ink amount is equal to or less than a second predetermined value stored in the main memory 42. When the printer program 46 determines that the identified remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the second predetermined value and is in an empty state, for example, the printer program 46 stores an on empty flag indicating an empty state as emergency information, i.e., empty information, in the main memory 42. The printer program 46 prohibits printing based on the fact that an on empty flag is stored in the main memory 42. Note that the on empty flag and near empty flag are returned to their initial value of off when the cartridge 30 is replaced. Also, the near empty information and empty information are stored for all cartridges 30 attached to the printer 10. The second predetermined value is an example of a predetermined amount.

The printer program 46 also counts up the number of printed sheets stored in the main memory 42 each time a sheet is printed.

Next, referring to FIG. 5(A), we will briefly explain the process by which the number of pages printed by the printer 10, the amount of remaining ink, etc. are registered in the management database of the management server 11 when the printer 10 operates in a specific mode.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines whether a trigger has occurred (S91). Examples of triggers include a specific time such as midnight each day, printing being performed, emergency information such as paper jam information, malfunction information, or empty information being stored in the main body memory 42, or the cartridge 30 being replaced. The printer program 46 determines whether a trigger has occurred, for example, periodically.

If the printer program 46 determines that a trigger has not occurred (S91: No), it ends the process. If the printer program 46 determines that a trigger has occurred (S91: Yes), it reads and acquires the most recent history information stored in the main memory 42 and that is for all cartridges 30 installed in the printer 10 (S92).

The printer program 46 also reads and acquires the emergency information stored in the main memory 42 (S93). Note that if the emergency information is not stored in the main memory 42, the printer program 46 may skip the processing of step S93.

The printer program 46 generates report information including the acquired history information and emergency information, and the printer identification information (S94). The printer program 46 sends an HTTP request including the generated report information to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S95).

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the report information sent by the printer 10 through the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S95). The server program 56 identifies, in the management database stored in the server memory 52, a record and a sub-record having printer identification information and CTG identification information that match the printer identification information and CTG identification information included in the received HTTP request. The server program 56 then registers information such as remaining amount information and near empty information included in the received HTTP request in the fields of the identified record and sub-record (S96). For example, the service provider arranges for the delivery of a new specific cartridge 30 to the user based on the fact that the near empty information is registered in the management database. The service provider inputs the delivery date and expected arrival date of the specific cartridge 30 to the management server 11 based on the arrangement for the delivery of the specific cartridge 30. The server program 56 registers the input delivery date and expected arrival date in the management database. The server program 56 may also arrange for the transportation of the cartridge 30 and specify the delivery date and expected arrival date.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a process will be described in which the service provider makes a special purchase of the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 when the user of the printer 10 has signed up for the above-mentioned service and the printer 10 is operating in a specific mode. A special purchase would occur, for example, when the number of printed pages increases suddenly and the ink in the specific cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 runs out before the new specific cartridge 30 is delivered to the user, or when there is a delay in the delivery of the new specific cartridge 30.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines whether the printer 10 is in an empty state based on the fact that the printer 10 has been powered on, a print command has been input to the printer 10, printing has been executed, etc. (S71). Specifically, the printer program 46 determines whether an empty flag that is on, indicating an empty state, is stored in the main memory 42.

When the printer program 46 determines that the printer 10 is not empty (S71: No), it ends the process. When the printer program 46 determines that the printer 10 is empty (S71: Yes), it sends an HTTP request including empty information indicating the empty state, CTG identification information indicating the cartridge 30 that has almost no ink, and printer identification information to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S72). The process of step S72 is an example of an empty notification process.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives an HTTP request including the empty information, etc., via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S72). Based on the reception of the empty information, the server program 56 identifies in the management database a record and a sub-record having printer identification information and CTG identification information that match the received printer identification information and CTG identification information. The server program 56 obtains the expected arrival date registered in the identified record and sub-record.

The server program 56 judges whether the difference between the acquired expected arrival date and the current date and time is equal to or greater than the threshold number of days stored in the server memory 52 (S74). If the server program 56 judges that the difference between the acquired expected arrival date and the current date and time is not equal to or greater than the threshold number of days (S74: No), it returns an HTTP response including the acquired expected arrival date as a response to the HTTP request received in step S72 through the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 (S75). If the server program 56 judges that the difference between the acquired expected arrival date and the current date and time is equal to or greater than the threshold number of days (S74: Yes), it returns an HTTP response including the acquired expected arrival date and buy-back permission information as a response to the HTTP request received in step S72 through the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 (S76). The buy-back permission information is information indicating that the service provider may buy the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 when printing is performed with the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent back by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S75, S76). The printer program 46 determines whether or not the received HTTP request includes buy-back permission information (S77). If the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP request does not include buy-back permission information (S77: No), it displays the expected arrival date included in the received HTTP request on the display 24 (S78) and ends the process. The process of step S76 is an example of a specific permission receiving process.

When the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP request contains buy-back permission information (S77: Yes), it displays the expected arrival date and buy-back permission information contained in the received HTTP request on the display 24 (S79). The printer program 46 then accepts instructions from the user.

The user checks the expected arrival date displayed on the display 24. If the user determines that they cannot wait until the expected arrival date to begin printing, they input a buy-back instruction to the printer 10, which is an instruction to have the service provider buy the cartridge 30. If the user determines that they can wait until the expected arrival date to begin printing, they input a non-buy-back instruction to the printer 10.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines whether the received instruction is a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction (S80). If the printer program 46 determines that a non-purchase instruction has been received (S80: non-purchase instruction), it ends the process. If the printer program 46 determines that a purchase instruction has been received (S80: purchase instruction), it displays a guide screen on the display 24 (S81). The guide screen includes, for example, text and graphics that prompt the user to install in the printer 10 an appropriate normal cartridge 30 manufactured by the manufacturer of the printer 10.

The user follows the instructions on the guide screen to install the appropriate normal cartridge 30 in the printer 10. Note that the appropriate normal cartridge 30 may be an unused cartridge 30 or a cartridge 30 that has been used in another printer 10.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 acquires cartridge information including CTG identification information, remaining amount information, model number, type information, etc. from the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 (S82). The printer program 46 determines whether the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30 based on the acquired type information (S83). If the printer program 46 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is not a normal cartridge 30 (S83: No), that is, if it determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a specific cartridge 30, it ends the process.

When the printer program 46 determines in step S83 that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30 (S83: Yes), it sends an HTTP request including the buy-back request described in step S21, printer identification information, and cartridge information including CTG identification information and remaining amount information to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S84). The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the HTTP request sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S84).

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 and the server program 56 of the management server 11 execute the same processing as steps S22 to S35 described in FIG. 2, and then end the processing. That is, in the printer 10, a purchase acceptance screen is displayed on the display 24, a purchase instruction or non-purchase instruction is accepted from the user, and the type of the appropriate normal cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider is changed to a specific cartridge 30. Meanwhile, in the management server 11, the CTG identification information, etc. of the appropriate normal cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider is registered in the management database.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, we will explain the processing executed by the printer program 46 of the printer 10 and the server program 56 of the management server 11 when a user withdraws from the above-mentioned service.

The user of the printer 10, for example, selects an icon on the above-mentioned home screen, etc., and inputs a withdrawal instruction to the printer 10 indicating withdrawal from the above-mentioned service.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10, for example, periodically determines whether a withdrawal instruction has been input (S41). If the printer program 46 determines that a withdrawal instruction has not been input (S41: No), it ends the process. If the printer program 46 determines that a withdrawal instruction has been input (S41: Yes), it generates withdrawal application information (S42). The withdrawal application information includes request information requesting withdrawal and printer identification information. The request information is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the server program 56 of the management server 11. The printer identification information is the printer identification information stored in the main memory 42 of the printer 10. The printer program 46 generates, for example, a command accompanied by the printer identification information as the withdrawal application information. The withdrawal application information may also include user identification information such as a user name or user ID indicating the user.

The printer program 46 sends an HTTP request including the generated withdrawal application information to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S43). The processing of step S43 is an example of application processing.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the HTTP request sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S43). The server program 56 executes an examination process based on the request information included in the withdrawal application information of the received HTTP request (S44). The examination process is a process for determining whether or not to permit withdrawal from the above-mentioned service.

Based on the decision to permit withdrawal from the above-mentioned service, the server program 56 of the management server 11 generates permission information indicating that withdrawal is permitted, and mode change instruction information instructing a change in the operating mode. The mode change instruction information is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the printer program 46 of the printer 10, and is a command instructing that the operating mode of the printer 10 be changed to the normal mode.

The server program 56 returns an HTTP response including the generated permission information and mode change instruction information to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S43 (S45). Although not shown in the flowchart, the server program 56 generates disallowance information indicating that withdrawal is not permitted based on the decision not to permit withdrawal, and returns an HTTP response including the generated disallowance information to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S43. The process of step S45 is an example of a mode change instruction transmission process.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent back by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S45). Although not shown in the flowchart, the printer program 46 determines whether the received HTTP response contains permission information and mode change instruction information, or whether it contains denial information. If the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response contains denial information, it displays on the display 24 a screen indicating that the withdrawal request has been rejected.

When the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response contains permission information, it stores normal mode information, which is an off mode flag indicating operation in normal mode, in the main body memory 42 in accordance with the mode change instruction information (S46). That is, in step S46, the printer program 46 determines that the printer will operate in normal mode in which the specific cartridge 30 provided to the user by the service provider cannot be used and in which the normal cartridge 30 can be used. The processing of step S46 is an example of a mode change process.

The printer program 46 stores the purchased flag OFF in the main memory 42 based on the decision to operate in normal mode (S47). In other words, the purchased flag is reset to OFF based on the withdrawal from the above-mentioned service.

Next, the printer program 46 acquires type information to determine whether the cartridge 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 is a normal cartridge 30 or a specific cartridge 30 (S48). Specifically, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the type information from the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 via the cartridge I/F 29. Alternatively, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the type information contained in the latest history information from the main body memory 42. Note that the printer program 46 acquires type information for all cartridges 30 mounted in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 determines whether the type of cartridge 30 indicated by the acquired type information is a specific cartridge 30 (S49). That is, the printer program 46 determines whether each cartridge 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 is a specific cartridge 30. If the printer program 46 determines that all cartridges 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 are not specific cartridges 30 (S49: No), that is, if it determines that all cartridges 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 are normal cartridges 30, it ends the process.

When the printer program 46 determines that at least one of the cartridges 30 currently mounted in the printer 10 is a specific cartridge 30 (S49: Yes), it acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information, and generates cartridge information including the acquired remaining amount information and CTG identification information (S50). Specifically, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information from the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 through the cartridge I/F 29. Alternatively, the printer program 46 reads and acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information contained in the latest history information from the main body memory 42. Note that the printer program 46 acquires the remaining amount information and CTG identification information for the cartridge 30 determined to be a specific cartridge 30. In other words, the cartridge information generated in step S50 is information including the CTG identification information and remaining amount information of the specific cartridge 30 mounted in the printer 10.

The printer program 46 sends an HTTP request including the generated cartridge information, printer identification information, and purchase request to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S51). The purchase request is, for example, a command that can be interpreted by the server program 56 of the management server 11, and is a command that includes the cartridge information and printer identification information. The processing of step S51 is an example of a cartridge information transmission process.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the HTTP request sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S51). The server program 56 determines whether the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a specific cartridge 30 that is appropriate for purchase, based on the purchase request and cartridge information included in the received HTTP request (S52). The server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a specific cartridge 30 that is appropriate for purchase, based on the fact that the cartridge 30 indicated by the CTG identification information included in the cartridge information is a specific cartridge 30 provided by the manufacturer of the printer 10, for example.

When the server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is not a purchasable, appropriate specific cartridge 30 (S52: No), it generates inappropriate information indicating that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 cannot be purchased (S53). When the server program 56 determines that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 is a purchasable, appropriate specific cartridge 30 (S52: Yes), it determines the purchase amount (S54). To explain in more detail, the server program 56 specifies the amount associated with the CTG identification information and remaining amount information contained in the cartridge information received in step S51 in the amount calculation table stored in the server memory 52. The server program 56 determines the specified amount as the purchase amount.

The server program 56 also acquires the CTG identification information of the specific cartridge 30 that has already been arranged for delivery but has not yet been installed in the printer 10 (S55). In more detail, the server program 56 identifies a record in the management database that has the same printer identification information as the printer identification information received in step S51, and searches for a sub-record in the identified record that has an on-shipped flag and has CTG identification information different from the CTG identification information included in the cartridge information received in step S51. If the sub-record is found, the CTG identification information of the sub-record is acquired. For example, in a case where the delivery of a specific cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink and a specific cartridge 30 that stores black ink are arranged together, if the specific cartridge 30 that stores black ink has already been installed in the printer 10 and the specific cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink has not yet been installed in the printer 10, and the user applies for withdrawal in a state where the specific cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink is not yet installed in the printer 10, the CTG identification information of the specific cartridge 30 that stores cyan ink is acquired by the server program 56 in step S55.

The server program 56 generates trading information including the purchase amount determined in step S54, the CTG identification information acquired in step S55, and the CTG identification information received in step S55. The server program 56 then sends an HTTP response including the generated trading information, or an HTTP response including the improperity information generated in step S53, to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S51 (S56). The processing of step S56 is an example of a trading information transmission process.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the HTTP response sent back by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S56). The process of step S56 is an example of a buying and selling information receiving process.

The printer program 46 determines whether the received HTTP response includes inappropriate information or buying/selling information (S57). If the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response includes inappropriate information (S57: inappropriate information), it displays an error screen on the display 24 (S58) and ends the process. The error screen includes text and graphics indicating that the cartridge 30 installed in the printer cannot be bought.

When the printer program 46 determines that the received HTTP response contains buying and selling information (S57: buying and selling information), it causes the display 24 to display a buying and selling consent screen (S59). The buying and selling consent screen is a screen that contains the contents of the buying and selling information received in step S56 and that accepts instructions from the user. The processing of step S59 is an example of a buying and selling information output process.

The user of the printer 10 decides whether to issue a purchase instruction to purchase the specific cartridge 30 currently installed in the printer 10, or to issue a non-purchase instruction not to purchase the specific cartridge 30, based on the contents displayed on the purchase consent screen displayed on the display 24. The user inputs the purchase instruction or non-purchase instruction into the printer 10 using the touch sensor 25 or the operation switch 26.

The printer program 46 accepts the input of a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction, and determines whether the accepted user instruction is a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction (S60). When the printer program 46 determines that the user instruction input to the printer 10 is a non-purchase instruction (S60: non-purchase instruction), it sends an HTTP request including a non-purchase notification indicating the non-purchase instruction to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S61). Although not shown in the flowchart, the server program 56 of the management server 11, for example, registers information indicating that a non-purchase notification has been received in the management database based on the receipt of the non-purchase notification.

When the printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines that the user instruction input to the printer 10 is a purchasing instruction (S60: purchasing instruction), it generates a purchasing notification indicating that the user instruction is a purchasing instruction, and sends an HTTP request including the generated purchasing notification to the management server 11 via the communication I/F 27 and the Internet 12 (S62). A purchasing instruction is an example of a second instruction. The process of step S62 in which the printer program 46 accepts the purchasing instruction (S60: purchasing instruction) and sends the purchasing notification to the management server 11 is an example of a second notification process.

The server program 56 of the management server 11 receives the purchase notification sent by the printer 10 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 54 (S62). The server program 56 executes a registration process based on receiving the purchase notification. Specifically, the server program 56 registers the purchase amount determined in step S54 in a database stored in the server memory 52, which is a database for determining the amount to be charged to the user of the printer 10. Note that this database may be the same database as the management database described above.

The server program 56 generates notification information indicating that the specific cartridge 30 currently installed in the printer 10 has been purchased, and sends an HTTP response including the generated notification information back to the printer 10 via the communication I/F 54 and the Internet 12 as a response to the HTTP request received in step S62 (S64). Note that the notification information is the amount to be billed next to the user of the printer 10, and may include the fixed fee plus the purchase amount.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 receives the notification information returned by the management server 11 via the Internet 12 and the communication I/F 27 (S64). The printer program 46 displays the received notification information on the display 24 (S65).

The printer program 46 also stores the CTG identification information included in the buying and selling information received in step S56 in the EEPROM 48 of the main memory 42 as purchase CTG identification information (S66). The EEPROM 48 of the main memory 42 already has a storage area in which the purchase CTG identification information is stored. The processing of step S66 is an example of a purchase information storage process.

Next, the printer program 46 changes the type of the specific cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 from a specific cartridge 30 to a normal cartridge 30 (S67). Specifically, the printer program 46 accesses the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the specific cartridge 30 through the cartridge I/F 29, and changes the type flag that is on in the type information stored in the CTG memory 33 to off. Note that even if a cartridge 30 purchased by a user and whose type flag has been turned off is removed from the printer 10 and installed in another printer, it can be used in the other printer. In other words, the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user can be freely used by the user. The process of step S67 is an example of a second change process.

The printer program 46 deletes from the main memory 42 the purchased CTG identification information that is the same as the CTG identification information of the cartridge 30 whose type has been changed to a normal cartridge 30 (S68), and ends the process. That is, after the process shown in FIG. 3 is executed, the CTG identification information of the specific cartridge 30 that the user has purchased and that has not yet been installed in the printer 10 is maintained in the main memory 42 as purchased CTG identification information.

Next, we will explain the process that occurs when a specific cartridge 30 purchased by a user is installed in the printer 10 after the user has withdrawn from the above-mentioned service, with reference to FIG. 5 (B).

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 determines whether the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 has been replaced with another cartridge 30 (S111). For example, the printer program 46 determines that the cartridge 30 has been replaced based on the fact that the CTG identification information read from the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 does not match the CTG identification information of the history information stored in the main body memory 42. If the printer program 46 determines that the cartridge 30 has not been replaced (S111: No), it ends the process. The printer program 46 executes the process of step S111, for example, periodically.

When the printer program 46 determines that the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 has been replaced with another cartridge 30 (S111: Yes), it determines whether the normal mode is selected (S112). Specifically, the printer program 46 determines whether the mode flag stored in the main memory 42 is off.

When the printer program 46 determines that the mode is not the normal mode but the specific mode (S112: No), it ends the process. When the printer program 46 determines that the mode is the normal mode (S112: Yes), it accesses the CTG memory 33 of the cartridge IC 31 of the cartridge 30 through the cartridge I/F 29, and reads and acquires the type information and CTG identification information stored in the CTG memory 33 (S113). Then, the printer program 46 determines whether the acquired type information indicates a specific cartridge 30 (S114). When the printer program 46 determines that the acquired type information indicates a normal cartridge 30 but not a specific cartridge 30 (S114: No), it ends the process.

When the printer program 46 determines that the acquired type information indicates a specific cartridge 30 (S114: Yes), it determines whether the CTG identification information acquired in step S113 matches the purchased CTG identification information stored in the main body memory 42 (S115). That is, in step S115, it is determined whether the specific cartridge 30 installed in the mounting case 28 is a specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user.

If the printer program 46 determines that there is no match (S115), it displays an error screen on the display 24 (S116), prohibits printing (not shown), and ends the process. The error screen contains text and graphics indicating that the installed cartridge 30 cannot be used with the printer 10. In other words, even if a specific cartridge 30 that the user has not purchased is installed in the printer 10 operating in normal mode, the printer 10 will not print.

When the printer program 46 determines in step S115 that there is a match (S115: Yes), it changes the type of the specific cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 to a normal cartridge 30 (S117). The process of step S117 is executed in the same manner as the process of step S67. By executing the process of step S117, the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user becomes usable in the printer 10 and other printers.

After executing the process of step S117, the printer program 46 deletes the purchase identification information that is the same as the CTG identification information of the cartridge 30 whose type has been changed to a normal cartridge 30 from the main body memory 42 (S118), and ends the process.

[Effects of the embodiment]
In this embodiment, the printer program 46 of the printer 10 transmits cartridge information including the CTG identification information and a buy-back request or purchase request to the management server 11 when joining or withdrawing from the service. The printer program 46 then receives buying and selling information in response to the transmitted buying and selling request and displays the received buying and selling information on the display 24 (S28, S59). Based on the buying and selling information displayed on the display 24, the user of the printer 10 has the service provider buy the normal cartridge 30 mounted on the printer 10, or buys the specific cartridge 30 mounted on the printer 10 from the service provider. As a result, the printer 10 according to the present invention can prevent the cartridge 30 that stores ink from being wasted.

In addition, in this embodiment, the printer program 46 includes remaining amount information in the cartridge information sent to the management server 11 when joining or leaving the service. Therefore, the printer program 46 can cause the management server 11 to determine the resale price or purchase price according to the amount of ink stored in the cartridge 30. As a result, the printer 10 can show the user the resale price or purchase price of the cartridge 30 according to the amount of ink stored.

In addition, in this embodiment, when joining the service, if the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 is a normal cartridge 30 (S18: Yes), the printer program 46 sends a buy-back request to the management server 11 (S21). Therefore, the printer 10 can prevent the mounted normal cartridge 30 from being wasted.

In addition, in this embodiment, when joining the service, the printer 10 accepts an instruction from the user as to whether or not to have the service provider purchase the normal cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 (S29). This prevents the service provider from mistakenly purchasing the normal cartridge 30 owned by the user against the user's will.

In addition, in this embodiment, when joining the service, the purchased flag is turned on based on the service provider purchasing the normal cartridge 30, and if the purchased flag is on (S19: Yes), the printer program 46 does not send a purchase request to the management server 11. Therefore, when joining the service, the service provider is prevented from purchasing the normal cartridge 30 multiple times.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the service provider purchases a normal cartridge 30, the type information of the normal cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider is rewritten to type information indicating a specific cartridge 30 (S35). Therefore, the cartridge 30 purchased by the service provider is prevented from being installed in another printer and reused.

In addition, in this embodiment, the printer 10 displays the resale permission information on the display 24 (S79), and upon receiving a resale instruction from the user (S80: Yes), installs the normal cartridge 30 in the printer 10 (S81, S83), and transmits a resale request to the management server 11 (S84). This prevents the printer 10 from being left in a state where it cannot print for a long period of time.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the cartridge 30 mounted in the mounting case 28 is a specific cartridge 30 (S49: Yes) at the time of withdrawal from the service, the printer program 46 sends a purchase request to the management server 11 (S51). Therefore, the printer 10 can prevent the mounted specific cartridge 30 from being wasted.

In addition, in this embodiment, when canceling membership in the service, the printer 10 accepts an instruction from the user as to whether or not to purchase the specific cartridge 30 installed in the printer 10 from the service provider (S60). This prevents the user from mistakenly purchasing the specific cartridge 30 from the service provider.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a user purchases a specific cartridge 30 from a service provider, the type information of the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user is rewritten to type information indicating a normal cartridge 30 (S67). Therefore, the cartridge 30 purchased by the user can be used in any printer.

In addition, in this embodiment, the purchase CTG identification information, which is the CTG identification information of the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user, is stored in the main body memory 42 of the printer 10 (S66). Then, when the specific cartridge 30 is mounted in the mounting case 28 in normal mode and the CTG identification information of the mounted specific cartridge 30 matches the purchase identification information, the printer program 46 rewrites the type information of the mounted specific cartridge 30 to type information indicating a normal cartridge 30. Therefore, even if the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user is not mounted in the printer 10 at the time of withdrawal, the user can be allowed to use the specific cartridge 30 purchased by the user.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, an example (S29) has been described in which the user inputs a buy-back instruction or a non-buy-back instruction to the printer 10 via the touch panel 23. In this modified example, an example will be described in which the user inputs a buy-back instruction or a non-buy-back instruction to the printer 10 via the scanner 22. Note that the processes and configurations other than those described below are the same as those described in the embodiment.

The main memory 42 stores the original data of the purchase consent image in advance. The original data of the purchase consent image has an input field that accepts input of buying and selling information such as the purchase price. The original data of the purchase consent image is format data that becomes the purchase consent data, which is print data, when buying and selling information is input.

When a user of the printer 10 joins the above-mentioned service, the printer program 46 of the printer 10 and the server program 56 of the management server 11 execute the process shown in FIG. 6(A) instead of the process shown in FIG. 2.

To explain in more detail, first, the printer program 46 and the server program 56 execute the processes from steps S11 to S27 described above. Then, based on the determination in step S26 that the received information is sales and purchase information (S26: sales and purchase information), the printer program 46 inputs the received sales and purchase information into the purchase acceptance image source data and generates purchase acceptance image data, which is print data. The printer program 46 inputs the generated purchase acceptance image data to the printer unit 21 and causes the purchase acceptance to be printed (S121). The purchase acceptance is an example of a first image. The process of step S121 is an example of a first print process.

The purchase consent form has, for example, a first character indicating a purchase instruction, a first figure associated with the first character, a second character indicating a non-purchase instruction, and a second figure associated with the second character. The first and second figures are, for example, white rectangles. The user uses a writing implement such as a pen to fill in the first or second figure, or to put a check mark in the first or second figure. In the following, the purchase consent form after the user has filled it out will be described as a completed sheet.

After the printer program 46 of the printer 10 causes the printer unit 21 to print the purchase acceptance form (S121), it causes the display 24 to display a scan instruction screen as a guide screen (S122). The scan instruction screen is a screen that instructs the user to fill out the purchase acceptance form and scan the completed sheet with the scanner 22. The user fills out the purchase acceptance form according to the instructions on the scan instruction screen, then places the completed sheet in the scanner 22 and inputs an instruction to the printer 10 to start scanning.

The printer program 46 waits until a scan instruction, which is an instruction to start scanning, is input (S123: No). When the printer program 46 determines that a scan instruction has been input (S123: Yes), it drives the scanner 22 to generate scan image data and acquires the scan image data (S124). The scan image data is an example of first scan image data. The process of step S124 is an example of first scan processing.

The printer program 46 acquires a buy or no buy instruction based on the acquired scanned image data (S125). Based on the acquired instruction, the printer program 46 executes the same process as the process from step S29 onwards described above. Meanwhile, the server program 56 of the management server 11 also executes the same process as steps S32 and S33 described above.

[Effects of Modification 1]
In this modified example, since the purchase agreement is printed, the user can easily visually confirm the contents of the purchase agreement, compared to when the purchase agreement screen is displayed on the display 24. Also, since the user only needs to enter a check mark or the like in the first or second shape, it is easier to input instructions into the printer 10 than to input instructions on the touch panel 23, which has a smaller display area than a sheet. As a result, the usability of the printer 10 is improved.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, an example (S60) has been described in which the user inputs a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction to the printer 10 via the touch panel 23. In this modified example, an example will be described in which the user inputs a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction to the printer 10 via the scanner 22. Note that the processes and configurations other than those described below are the same as the processes and configurations described in the embodiment.

The main memory 42 stores the purchase consent image original data in advance. The purchase consent image original data has an input field that accepts input of purchase information such as the purchase amount. The purchase consent image original data is format data that becomes the purchase consent data, which is print data, when the purchase consent information is input.

When a user of the printer 10 unsubscribes from the above-mentioned service, the printer program 46 of the printer 10 and the server program 56 of the management server 11 execute the process shown in FIG. 6(B) instead of the process shown in FIG. 3.

To explain in more detail, first, the printer program 46 and the server program 56 execute the processes from steps S41 to S58 described above. Then, based on the determination in step S57 that the received information is sales information (S57: sales information), the printer program 46 inputs the received sales information into the purchase acceptance image source data and generates purchase acceptance image data, which is print data. The printer program 46 inputs the generated purchase acceptance image data to the printer unit 21 and causes the purchase acceptance form to be printed on a sheet (S131). The purchase acceptance form is an example of a second image. The process of step S131 is an example of a second print process.

The purchase consent form has, for example, a third character indicating a purchase instruction, a third figure associated with the third character, a fourth character indicating a non-purchase instruction, and a fourth figure associated with the fourth character. The third and fourth figures are, for example, white rectangles. The user uses a writing implement such as a pen to fill in the third or fourth figure, or to put a check mark in the third or fourth figure. In the following, the purchase consent form after the user has filled it out will be described as a completed sheet.

The printer program 46 of the printer 10 causes the printer unit 21 to print the purchase acceptance form (S131), and then causes the display 24 to display a scan instruction screen as a guide screen (S132). The scan instruction screen is a screen that instructs the user to fill out the purchase acceptance form and scan the completed sheet with the scanner 22. The user fills out the purchase acceptance form according to the instructions on the scan instruction screen, then places the completed sheet in the scanner 22 and inputs an instruction to the printer 10 to start scanning.

The printer program 46 waits until a scan instruction, which is an instruction to start scanning, is input (S133: No). When the printer program 46 determines that a scan instruction has been input (S133: Yes), it drives the scanner 22 to generate scan image data and acquires the scan image data (S134). The scan image data is an example of second scan image data. The process of step S134 is an example of second scan processing.

The printer program 46 acquires a purchase instruction or a non-purchase instruction based on the acquired scanned image data (S135). The printer program 46 executes the same process as the process from step S60 onwards based on the acquired instruction. Meanwhile, the server program 56 of the management server 11 also executes the same process as steps S63 and S64 described above.

[Effects of Modification 2]
In this modified example, since the purchase agreement is printed, the contents of the purchase agreement can be more easily visually confirmed by the user than if the purchase agreement screen were displayed on the display 24. Also, since the user only needs to check the third or fourth figure, it is easier to input instructions into the printer 10 than to input instructions into the touch panel 23, which has a smaller display area than the sheet. As a result, the usability of the printer 10 is improved.

[Other Modifications]
In the above embodiment, an example (S28, S59) has been described in which the printer program 46 of the printer 10 displays the received trading information on the display 24. However, the printer program 46 may transmit the received trading information to a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or the like via the communication I/F 27 and display the trading information on the display of the personal computer or the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the printer program 46 may output the received trading information to the printer unit 21 and cause the printer unit 21 to print the trading information. The process in which the printer program 46 outputs the trading information to a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or the printer unit 21 is another example of a trading information output process.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which application information, etc. is sent directly from the printer 10 to the management server 11. However, application information, etc. may also be sent from the printer 10 to the management server 11 via a personal computer or a mobile terminal. In addition, mode change instruction information, buying and selling information, etc. may also be sent from the management server 11 to the printer 10 via a personal computer or a mobile terminal.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the printer program 46 of the printer 10 sends a buy-back request or purchase request and cartridge information to the management server 11 based on a change in the operating mode (S16, S46). However, the printer program 46 may also send a buy-back request or purchase request and cartridge information to the management server 11 based on a change in the operating mode and the receipt of a user instruction to permit the sending of a buy-back request or purchase request.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the server program 56 determines the purchase price and the purchase price in steps S24 and S54. However, what the server program 56 determines in steps S24 and S54 is not limited to the "amount". Instead of the "amount", a voucher, a gift certificate, miles, virtual currency, a service voucher, a service, or a combination thereof may be used. The service may be an extended warranty service for the printer 10. For example, the printer program 46 displays a selection screen on the display 24 for selecting a voucher, a gift certificate, miles, virtual currency, a service voucher, or a service, and accepts the selection. The printer program 46 includes the selected type of consideration in the purchase request sent to the management server 11 in step S21 or the purchase notice sent in step S31. The server program 56 generates buying and selling information according to the type of consideration acquired. For example, when the type of consideration is "miles", the server program 56 determines the value of miles in step S24 and generates buying and selling information.

10: Printer 11: Management server 12: Internet 21: Printer unit 22: Scanner 23: Touch panel 26: Operation switch 27: Communication I/F (communication interface, first communication interface)
28: Mounting case 29: Cartridge I/F (cartridge interface)
30: Cartridge 33: CTG memory (cartridge memory)
41...CPU (controller, first controller)
42: Main body memory 46: Printer program 51: CPU (second controller)
52: Server memory 54: Communication I/F (second communication interface)
56...Server program

Claims (15)

a cartridge for storing a printing material, the cartridge having a cartridge memory for storing cartridge information that is information related to the characteristics of the cartridge, and a mounting case into which the cartridge can be detachably mounted;
a cartridge interface capable of communicating with the cartridge memory when the cartridge is attached to the attachment case;
a communication interface for communicating with an external management server;
The internal memory and
A controller,
A printer capable of performing processing based on at least two operation modes, a normal mode and a specific mode different from the normal mode,
The controller:
a mode change process for changing the operation mode based on mode change instruction information transmitted from the management server via the communication interface and the Internet;
a cartridge information transmission process for transmitting the cartridge information of the cartridge in the mounted state to the management server via the communication interface and the Internet based on the change of the operation mode;
a buying and selling information receiving process for receiving, via the Internet and the communication interface, buying and selling information relating to the buying and selling of the cartridge in the mounted state as a response to the transmitted cartridge information;
A printer executes a buying and selling information output process for outputting the acquired buying and selling information. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge information transmitted in the cartridge information transmission process includes remaining amount information indicating the amount of printing material stored in the cartridge. The controller:
3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge information transmission process is executed when the mode change instruction information instructing a change to the specific mode is received and the cartridge in the mounted state is a cartridge suitable for the normal mode. The controller:
The printer according to claim 3, further comprising: a first notification process that, after execution of the sales and purchase information output process, transmits a first instruction to the management server via the communication interface and the Internet based on input of a first instruction indicating that the installed cartridge should be purchased by a service provider. A scanner is further provided,
The controller:
a first printing process for printing a first image stored in the main body memory onto a sheet;
a first scanning process for causing the scanner to read a sheet on which the first image is printed and which has been filled in by a user, to generate first scanned image data;
The controller:
The printer according to claim 4 , further comprising a step of determining whether or not the first instruction has been input based on the first scanned image data. The main body memory can store purchased information,
The controller:
In the first notification process, when the first instruction is input and the purchased information is not stored in the main body memory, the first instruction is transmitted to the management server via the communication interface and the Internet;
The controller:
6. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the bought-out information is stored in the main body memory based on execution of the first notification process. the cartridge memory stores type information indicating either a first type indicating that the cartridge is suitable for the specific mode or a second type indicating that the cartridge is suitable for the normal mode;
The controller:
A printer according to claim 4 , further comprising: a first change process for changing the type information indicating the second type to the type information indicating the first type through the cartridge interface based on execution of the first notification process. The controller:
an empty notification process that transmits empty information to the management server when the printer is operating in the normal mode and the amount of printing material stored in the cartridge in the mounted state is equal to or less than the predetermined amount stored in the main body memory;
A specific permission receiving process is further executed to receive buy-back permission information in response to the transmitted empty information,
8. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: a cartridge information transmitting unit configured to transmit a cartridge information to a printer; a purchase/sale information receiving unit configured to receive the purchase/sale information; The controller:
3. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: a cartridge information transmission process that receives the mode change instruction information instructing a change to the normal mode and that transmits the cartridge information based on the fact that the cartridge in the mounted state is a cartridge suitable for the specific mode. The controller:
The printer according to claim 9, further comprising: a second notification process that, after execution of the sales and purchase information output process, transmits a second instruction indicating to purchase the installed cartridge from the service provider to the management server via the communication interface and the Internet based on the input of the second instruction. A scanner is further provided,
The controller:
a second printing process for printing a second image stored in the main body memory onto a sheet;
a second scanning process for causing the scanner to read the sheet on which the second image is printed and which has been filled in by a user, to generate second scanned image data;
The controller:
The printer according to claim 10 , further comprising a step of determining whether the second instruction has been input based on the second scanned image data. the cartridge memory stores type information indicating either a first type indicating that the cartridge is suitable for the specific mode or a second type indicating that the cartridge is suitable for the normal mode;
The controller:
The printer according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: a second change process for changing the type information indicating the first type to the type information indicating the second type through the cartridge interface based on execution of the second notification process. The trading information is
Cartridge identification information for individually identifying the cartridge, the cartridge identification information including the cartridge identification information of the cartridge for which delivery has been arranged;
The controller:
a purchase information storage process for storing the cartridge identification information of the cartridge for which delivery has been arranged in the main body memory;
The printer according to claim 12, wherein the second change process is executed based on a match between the cartridge identification information acquired from the cartridge memory through the cartridge interface and the cartridge identification information stored in the main body memory in the purchase information storage process. The controller:
further executing an application process for transmitting application information for applying for a change of the operation mode to the management server via the communication interface and the Internet;
The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the mode change instruction information is received as a response to the application information. a printer having a cartridge for storing printing material, a mounting case into which the cartridge can be detachably attached, the cartridge having a cartridge memory for storing cartridge information that is information related to the characteristics of the cartridge, a cartridge interface capable of communicating with the cartridge memory when the cartridge is attached to the mounting case, a first communication interface for communicating with an external management server, a main body memory, and a first controller, and capable of processing based on at least two operating modes, a normal mode or a specific mode different from the normal mode;
a management server having a second communication interface, a server memory, and a second controller,
The first controller is
a mode change process for changing the operation mode based on mode change instruction information transmitted from the management server via the first communication interface and the Internet;
a cartridge information transmission process for transmitting the cartridge information of the cartridge in the mounted state to the management server via the first communication interface and the Internet based on the change of the operation mode;
a buying and selling information receiving process for receiving, via the Internet and the first communication interface, buying and selling information relating to the buying and selling of the cartridge in the mounted state as a response to the transmitted cartridge information;
A trading information output process for outputting the acquired trading information is executed.
The second controller is
a mode change instruction sending process for sending the mode change instruction information to the printer via the second communication interface and the Internet;
A communication system that executes a sales information transmission process in which, based on receiving the cartridge information via the Internet and the second communication interface, the sales information is generated using the received cartridge information, and the generated sales information is transmitted to the printer via the second communication interface and the Internet.

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