JP2019174907A - Computer program and management device - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of printing apparatuses are appropriately managed. A mounting unit capable of mounting a cartridge containing a printing material, a printing mechanism for executing printing using a printing material stored in the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit, and a cartridge mounted on the mounting unit And an intermediate container arranged in the path of the printing material to the printing mechanism. In the first printing apparatus, it is determined whether a first low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the first intermediate container is lower than the first threshold is satisfied. When it is determined that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, a first condition indicating that the first cartridge mounted on the first mounting unit of the first printing apparatus and a cartridge whose exchange is permitted are mounted. A second printing device that satisfies is satisfied. A process for notifying first notification information indicating that the second cartridge mounted on the second mounting portion of the second printing device should be mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing device is performed. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present specification relates to a technique for managing a plurality of printing apparatuses.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of printing apparatuses including cartridges that store printing materials such as ink and toner are connected to a network and used. Here, a technique for managing a plurality of printing apparatuses has been proposed. For example, the printing apparatus includes a toner cartridge, a toner cartridge cover, and a cover lock. Then, when there is a cartridge whose toner remaining amount is equal to or less than the reference value, the printing device selects another printing device having the same color and the most remaining toner, and unlocks the selected printing device. Send instructions over the network. The user can replace the cartridge whose remaining toner amount is equal to or less than the reference value with a cartridge of another printing apparatus whose lock is released.

JP 2011-245729 A

  Various configurations can be adopted as the configuration of the printing apparatus (for example, the configuration of the path of the printing material from the cartridge to the printing mechanism that executes printing). Therefore, there is room for improvement in the management of a plurality of printing apparatuses.

  The present specification discloses a technique capable of appropriately managing a plurality of printing apparatuses.

  The technology disclosed in this specification can be implemented as the following application examples.

Application Example 1 A mounting unit in which a cartridge for storing a printing material can be mounted, a printing mechanism for executing printing using the printing material stored in the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit, and the mounting unit A computer program for managing a plurality of printing apparatuses comprising: an intermediate container disposed in a path of the printing material from the cartridge to the printing mechanism; and a first of the plurality of printing apparatuses Whether or not the first low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the first intermediate container which is the intermediate container of the first printing apparatus is below the first threshold is satisfied in one printing apparatus. A first low remaining amount determination function for determining the first low remaining amount condition, and a first mounting that is the mounting portion of the first printing device from the plurality of printing devices when it is determined that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied Attached to the club A first specifying function for specifying a second printing apparatus that satisfies a first condition indicating that a cartridge that is allowed to be exchanged with one cartridge is installed; and a second mounting section that is the mounting section of the second printing apparatus A first notification function for performing processing for a first notification including notification of first notification information indicating that the second cartridge mounted on the first printing device should be mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing apparatus; A computer program for causing a computer to realize.

  According to this configuration, when the remaining amount of the printing material in the intermediate container of the first printing apparatus is low, the user installs the cartridge installed in the second printing apparatus according to the first notification to the first printing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first printing apparatus from performing printing due to a lack of printing material.

  The technology disclosed in the present specification can be realized in various modes. For example, a management method and management apparatus for a plurality of printing apparatuses, and a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or apparatuses The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium (for example, a recording medium that is not temporary) on which the computer program is recorded.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system 1000. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a print execution unit 160. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the example of management database PD. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a management process. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a change in state of a system 1000. It is the schematic which shows the example of a management screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on a display unit 140 of a first target printer 100D and an example of information displayed on a display unit 140 of a second target printer 100E. It is the schematic which shows the example of the management screen containing a warning. It is the schematic which shows the example of a management screen. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the printing execution part 160b of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of 2nd Example. It is the schematic which shows another example of the information registered into management database PD.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Configuration of System 1000 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 1000. The system 1000 includes printers (also called printing apparatuses) 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2, a management server 300, and a mail server 400. The management server 300 and the printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2 are connected to the local area network NT. The local area network NT is connected to the Internet IT. The mail server 400 is connected to the Internet IT. The printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2 and the management server 300 can communicate with each other via the local area network NT. The management server 300 and the mail server 400 can communicate with the local area network NT via the Internet IT.

  The printers 100A to 100E have the same configuration. Hereinafter, when the printers 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> E are not distinguished from each other, the alphabetic character at the end of the code is omitted, and the printers 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> E are also simply referred to as the printer 100. The configuration of the printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 will be described later.

  The printer 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller of the printer 100, a volatile storage device 120 such as a DRAM, a nonvolatile storage device 130 such as a hard disk and a flash memory, a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying an image, and a user. And an operation unit 150 such as a button or a touch panel for acquiring an operation by the user, a print execution unit 160, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

  The communication IF 180 is an interface for connecting to an external device (for example, the management server 300) via the local area network NT. Specifically, the communication IF 180 is a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark), a Wi-Fi standard (IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard) It is a wireless interface that conforms to a standard (for example, a standard according to 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.).

  The CPU 110 is an arithmetic device (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 120 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 110 performs processing. The nonvolatile storage device 130 stores a computer program PG1 for controlling the printer and an information database IB described later.

  In this embodiment, the computer program PG1 can be provided by being stored in advance in the nonvolatile storage device 130 when the printer 100 is manufactured. Instead, the computer program PG1 can be provided, for example, in a form downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT, or in a form recorded on a CD-ROM or the like.

  The CPU 110 executes the computer program PG1 to control the print execution unit 160 and execute print processing for causing the print execution unit 160 to print an image. Further, the CPU 110 executes a process of transmitting information about the printer 100 to the management server 300 by executing the computer program PG1.

  The print execution unit 160 executes printing according to the control of the CPU 110. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the print execution unit 160. The print execution unit 160 includes a printing mechanism 171 and an ink supply unit 170 connected to the printing mechanism 171. An ink cartridge 200 is attached to the ink supply unit 170 (hereinafter, the ink cartridge 200 is also simply referred to as the cartridge 200). The printing mechanism 171 is an ink jet printing mechanism that prints an image on paper as a printing medium using the ink Ik supplied from the ink cartridge 200 as a printing material. Specifically, the printing mechanism 171 includes a print head (not shown), and forms an image on the paper by ejecting ink Ik from the nozzles of the print head to form dots on the paper. FIG. 2 shows a configuration for one color ink Ik (for example, black (K)). Although not shown, the print execution unit 160 includes a plurality of sets of printing mechanisms 171 and ink supply units 170 for a plurality of colors of ink (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ink supply unit 170 includes a mounting unit 172 to which the ink cartridge 200 is mounted, an ink supply port 174, an intermediate tank 175, and an ink flow path unit 177. And a valve 174v for opening and closing the ink supply port 174.

  The ink cartridge 200 is formed with a main storage chamber 210 that stores the ink Ik, a communication port 220, and an ink outlet 230. The ink cartridge 200 further includes a valve 230v that opens and closes the ink outlet 230. The communication port 220 is an opening that communicates the main storage chamber 210 with the outside air. The ink outlet 230 is an opening for supplying the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210 to the ink supply unit 170. The ink outlet 230 is provided near the lower end of the main storage chamber 210 in the vertical direction so that all the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210 can be supplied to the ink supply unit 170.

  An IC chip 250 is mounted on the outer surface of the ink cartridge 200. Various types of information regarding the ink cartridge 200 are stored in the memory of the IC chip 250. In this embodiment, the information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250 includes an identification number (serial number) that is information for identifying the ink cartridge 200.

  The mounting unit 172 is, for example, a holder that can detachably mount the ink cartridge 200. The ink supply port 174 is inserted into the ink outlet 230 of the ink cartridge 200 attached to the attachment portion 172. The valve 230v and the valve 174v are configured to open when the ink supply port 174 is inserted into the ink outlet 230 and close when the ink supply port 174 is pulled out from the ink outlet 230. The configurations of the valve 230v and the valve 174v may be various configurations. The valve 230v and the valve 174v include, for example, a valve body and an elastic body that closes the valve body (not shown). When the ink supply port 174 is inserted into the ink outlet 230, the valve body of the valve 230v is pushed and opened by the ink supply port 174, and the valve body of the valve 174v is pushed and opened by the ink cartridge 200. When the ink supply port 174 is not inserted into the ink outlet 230, the valve body of the valve 230v is closed by the elastic body of the valve 230v, and the valve body of the valve 174v is closed by the elastic body of the valve 174v.

  When the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting portion 172, the valves 230v and 174v are opened, and the ink outlet 230 and the ink supply port 174 communicate with each other. Then, the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210 is supplied from the ink supply port 174 to the ink supply unit 170. The mounting portion 172 is provided with a contact CM that contacts the electrode of the IC chip 250 of the ink cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting portion 172. Via the contact CM, the printer 100 (CPU 110) can read information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250 and write information to the memory.

  A mounting sensor AS that detects whether the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting unit 172 is mounted on the mounting unit 172. For example, the mounting sensor AS includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives the light. When the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the 172, a rib (not shown) formed on the casing of the ink cartridge 200 is disposed so as to block light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The light receiving unit of the mounting sensor AS outputs an electric signal indicating the presence or absence of light reception to the CPU 110. The electrical signal indicating that light is being received is a signal indicating that the ink cartridge 200 is not mounted (also referred to as a non-mounting signal). The electrical signal indicating that no light is received is a signal (also referred to as a mounting signal) indicating that the ink cartridge 200 is mounted. Various other configurations, for example, a configuration for detecting contact between the contact CM and the electrode of the IC chip 250 may be employed for the mounting sensor AS.

  In the intermediate tank 175, a sub-accommodating chamber 179 for accommodating the ink Ik and a communication port 178 are formed. The communication port 178 is an opening that communicates the auxiliary storage chamber 179 with the outside air. The sub storage chamber 179 communicates with the ink supply port 174 and stores the ink Ik supplied from the ink cartridge 200 via the ink supply port 174.

  The upstream end of the ink flow path portion 177 is connected to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the secondary storage chamber 179 of the intermediate tank 175 and communicates with the secondary storage chamber 179. The downstream end of the ink flow path part 177 is connected to a print head (not shown) of the printing mechanism 171. As a result, the ink Ik accommodated in the sub-accommodating chamber 179 is supplied to the printing mechanism 171 via the ink channel portion 177.

  As can be understood from the above description, the intermediate tank 175 is disposed in the flow path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting unit 172 to the printing mechanism 171.

  Here, as in the ink supply unit 170 of the printer 100, a type of ink Ik that includes an intermediate tank in the path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge to the printing mechanism is also referred to as a two-chamber supply method. FIG. 2A shows a first storage state in which the ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200 (in the main storage chamber 210) and the ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175 (in the sub storage chamber 179). Ink supply 170 at S1 is shown. FIG. 2B shows a second storage in which the ink Ik does not remain in the ink cartridge 200 (in the main storage chamber 210) and the ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175 (in the sub storage chamber 179). The ink supply unit 170 in the state S2 is illustrated.

  The main storage chamber 210 of the ink cartridge 200 communicates with the outside through the communication port 220, and the sub storage chamber 179 of the intermediate tank 175 communicates with the outside through the communication port 178. The sub-accommodating chamber 179 of the intermediate tank 175 has a portion positioned vertically below (lower side in FIG. 2) below the vertical lower end (hereinafter also simply referred to as the lower end) of the main accommodating chamber 210 of the ink cartridge 200. And a portion located vertically above the lower end of the main storage chamber 210 in the vertical direction. When the ink cartridge 200 that stores the ink Ik is attached, a part of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200 moves from the ink supply port 174 into the sub-accommodating chamber 179. Then, the level of the liquid level ISm of the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210 and the level of the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub storage chamber 179 are in agreement (FIG. 2A).

  When printing is performed by the printing mechanism 171 and the ink Ik is consumed, the liquid levels ISm and ISs decrease while maintaining the state where the two liquid levels ISm and ISs match. When the liquid levels ISm and ISs reach the lower end position EL (also referred to as empty level EL) of the main storage chamber 210 of the ink cartridge 200, the ink Ik does not remain in the main storage chamber 210 of the ink cartridge 200. The ink Ik storage state transitions from the first storage state S1 (FIG. 2A) to the second storage state S2 (FIG. 2B). Here, the state in which the ink Ik does not remain in the main storage chamber 210 of the ink cartridge 200 means a state in which the ink Ik does not move from the main storage chamber 210 to the sub storage chamber 179, and the inner wall of the main storage chamber 210. Including a state where a small amount of ink Ik is adhered to the ink.

  Even after the transition to the second storage state S2, if the ink Ik remains in the sub storage chamber 179, the printing mechanism 171 can continue printing. If the ink cartridge 200 is replaced after the transition to the second storage state S2, the ink cartridge 200 can be replaced without the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200, so that the ink Ik is not wasted. An advantage of the two-chamber supply method is that the ink cartridge 200 can be replaced without causing waste of the ink Ik while printing can be continued.

  In this embodiment, the intermediate tank 175 is provided with a liquid level sensor 173 that detects whether or not the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub-accommodating chamber 179 has reached the empty level EL. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200. As the liquid level sensor 173, for example, a configuration including a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink Ik is employed. In this configuration, when the liquid level ISs falls below the empty level EL, the position of the float moves vertically downward. The liquid level sensor 173 detects whether or not the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik has reached the empty level EL by detecting the movement of the float. In other words, the liquid level sensor 173 is a sensor that detects whether the ink storage state is the first storage state S1 or the second storage state S2. The liquid level sensor 173 may employ another known method, for example, a method of measuring the electric resistance of the ink Ik.

  As will be described later, the ink cartridge 200 may be removed from the mounting portion 172 in a state where the liquid levels ISs and ISm are higher than the empty level EL as shown in FIG. In this case, since the valve 230v of the ink outlet 230 and the valve 174v of the ink supply port 174 are closed, the outflow of the ink Ik from the ink supply port 174 and the ink outlet 230 is suppressed.

  The printers 100Z1 and Z2 (FIG. 1) are ink jet printers that do not include the intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2). The configuration of the printers 100Z1 and Z2 may be a conventional inkjet configuration. In the present embodiment, the configurations of the printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 are substantially the same as the configurations of the printers 100A to 100E, except that the intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2) is not provided. Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that the printers 100Z1 and Z2 include the elements 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 180, similarly to the printers 100A to 100E. The two-chamber supply type printers 100A to 100E are referred to as first-type printers 100A to 100E. The printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 that do not include the intermediate tank 175 are also referred to as second-type printers 100Z1 and 100Z2.

  The management server 300 (FIG. 1) is a computer for managing a plurality of printers to be managed, for example, the printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2. The management server 300 includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the management server 300, a volatile storage device 320 such as a DRAM, a nonvolatile storage device 330 such as a hard disk and a flash memory, and a display unit 340 such as a liquid crystal display that displays an image. , An operation unit 350 such as a button or a touch panel for acquiring an operation by the user, and a communication interface (IF) 380 are provided.

  The communication IF 380 is an interface for connecting to external devices (for example, the printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, 100Z2, and the mail server 400) via the networks NT and IT. Similar to the communication IF 180, the communication IF 380 is a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless interface compliant with the Wi-Fi standard or a standard equivalent thereto.

  The CPU 310 is an arithmetic device (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 320 provides a buffer area for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processing. The nonvolatile storage device 330 stores a computer program PG2 and a management database PD.

  The computer program PG2 is an application program provided in a form downloaded from, for example, a server of a business operator who manages the system 1000 or a business operator who manufactures the printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2. Instead, the computer program PG2 may be provided in a form recorded on a CD-ROM or the like, or may be provided by being stored in advance in the nonvolatile storage device 330 when the management server 300 is manufactured.

  The management server 300 (CPU 310) executes a management process described later by executing the computer program PG2.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the management database PD. The management database PD is a database in which information regarding each of a plurality of managed printers is registered. The management database PD includes information on each of the management target printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2. In the management database PD, as information associated with one printer, the model number of the cartridge that can be mounted on the printer, the remaining amount of cartridge (unit:%), the remaining amount of intermediate container (unit:%), and the model name A plurality of pieces of information including a node name, a serial number, a status, a location, and a group ID are registered. The code in parentheses below the node name is the code of the printer given for explanation (FIG. 1) and is not registered in the management database PD. The remaining amount of the cartridge and the remaining amount of the intermediate container are values related to the remaining amount of ink for each cartridge (details will be described later). A combination (also referred to as cartridge information) of the cartridge model number, the cartridge remaining amount, and the intermediate container remaining amount is set for each cartridge. In this embodiment, four ink cartridges of cyan, magenta, yellow and black are mounted on one printer. Accordingly, four pieces of cartridge information are associated with one printer. The ink color can be used as an identifier for the ink cartridge 200, the mounting portion 172, and the intermediate tank 175. Hereinafter, the information registered in the management database PD is also referred to as printer information. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 acquires printer information from the printer, and registers the acquired printer information in the management database PD. Hereinafter, each piece of information in the management database PD will be described.

  The cartridge model number is an identifier for identifying the type of cartridge. The cartridge model number is determined in advance in association with the combination of the cartridge shape and the ink color. When the ink in the cartridge is emptied, the printing apparatus can be refilled with ink by replacing the empty cartridge with another cartridge of the same model and containing ink.

  The cartridge remaining amount indicates the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 200 (FIG. 2). The CPU 110 of the printer 100 calculates the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 200 every time printing is performed. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 specifies the remaining amount of the cartridge by subtracting the integrated value of the amount of ink used by the printer 100 from the remaining amount of ink in the unused ink cartridge 200.

  In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the unused ink cartridge 200 is determined in advance for each cartridge model number (also referred to as an unused remaining amount). The model number of the cartridge that can be attached to the printer 100 is determined in advance. Accordingly, the unused remaining amount is determined in advance for each ink color of the printer 100. Further, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 specifies whether or not the installed ink cartridge 200 is unused when the ink cartridge 200 is installed in the installation unit 172. The specific method may be any method. In this embodiment, the user inputs information indicating whether or not the newly installed ink cartridge 200 is unused by operating the operation unit 150. The CPU 110 refers to the input information and specifies whether or not the ink cartridge 200 is unused. When the unused ink cartridge 200 is attached, the CPU 110 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 200 is the unused remaining amount.

  At the time of printing, the CPU 110 calculates the usage amount of each ink based on the image data used for printing. For example, the usage amount is calculated by multiplying the total number of dots to be printed by the capacity of an ink droplet of one dot. In addition, when the print head is cleaned using ink, the CPU 110 adds the consumption amount due to the cleaning to the usage amount. The CPU 110 calculates the remaining amount of the cartridge by subtracting the accumulated value of the amount of use since the ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting unit 172 from the remaining amount of unused. When the signal from the liquid level sensor 173 (FIG. 2B) indicates that the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik is equal to or lower than the empty level EL, the CPU 110 determines that the remaining amount of the cartridge is zero. The CPU 110 calculates the cartridge remaining amount for each cartridge and registers information indicating the calculated cartridge remaining amount in the information database IB.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a part of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200 moves to the intermediate tank 175. Usually, when the liquid level ISm of the ink Ik reaches the empty level EL, the empty ink cartridge 200 is replaced with an unused ink cartridge 200. In this case, after the unused ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting portion 172, the liquid level ISm decreases to the empty level EL, whereby the calculated remaining amount of the cartridge decreases from 100% to zero%. Thus, the remaining amount of cartridge can appropriately indicate the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 200.

  The remaining amount of the intermediate container indicates the remaining amount of ink in the intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the intermediate container indicates the remaining amount of ink in a portion of the sub-accommodating chamber 179 (FIG. 2A) below the empty level EL. When the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub storage chamber 179 is equal to or higher than the empty level EL, the remaining amount of the intermediate container is 100%. The capacity of the sub-accommodating chamber 179 below the empty level EL is determined in advance (referred to as the lower capacity). After the signal from the liquid level sensor 173 indicates that the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub-accommodating chamber 179 has reached the empty level EL, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 uses the ink usage amount to determine the intermediate container. Calculate the remaining amount. Specifically, the CPU 110 calculates the remaining amount of the intermediate container by subtracting the integrated value of the amount of ink used after the liquid level ISs reaches the empty level EL from the lower volume. The CPU 110 calculates the remaining amount of the intermediate container for each cartridge, and registers information indicating the calculated remaining amount of the intermediate container in the information database IB. As described above, the remaining amount of the intermediate container can appropriately indicate the remaining amount of ink in the intermediate tank 175.

  The model name is the model name of the printer. The node name is a name set by the printer administrator. The administrator inputs the node name by operating the operation unit 150 of the printer. The CPU 110 of the printer registers the input node name in the information database IB. The serial number is an identifier for identifying the printer. The model name and serial number are registered in advance in the information database IB by the printer manufacturer. The status indicates the operating state of the printer. The place is a place where the printer is arranged. In this embodiment, the location is registered only in the management database PD of the management server 300. The administrator inputs a location by operating the operation unit 350 of the management server 300. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 registers the input location in the management database PD.

  The group ID is an identifier of a group composed of a plurality of printers that are allowed to exchange cartridges. In this embodiment, one group is composed of a plurality of printers that can mount cartridges of the same model number. In the example of FIG. 3, the plurality of printers 100A to 100E, 100Z1, and 100Z2 include a first group G1 of three printers 100A to 100C, a second group G2 of two printers 100D and 100E, and two printers 100Z1 and 100Z2. And the third group G3. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 automatically configures a group by referring to the cartridge model number in the management database PD. The group may be determined based on other information instead of the cartridge model number. For example, a plurality of printers having the same model name may constitute one group. Further, the administrator may select a plurality of printers constituting the group.

  Although not shown, various information such as the IP address and MAC address of the printer is further registered in the management database PD.

  The second type printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 are not provided with the intermediate tank 175. Accordingly, the remaining amount of the intermediate container is not set for the second type printers 100Z1 and 100Z2. Further, the CPU 110 of the second type printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 calculates the remaining amount of the cartridge in the same manner as the CPU 110 of the first type printer 100.

  4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts illustrating an example of management processing. FIG. 5 shows processing subsequent to the processing in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows processing subsequent to the processing in FIG. The management process is a process executed by the management server 300 and is a process for managing a plurality of printers. In S100, the CPU 310 of the management server 300 starts a management application, which is an application for management processing, according to the computer program PG2. For example, the operating system operating on the management server 300 is set so that the management application is automatically started after the management server 300 is started.

  In S110, the CPU 310 requests printer information from each of a plurality of printers to be managed. The printer to be managed is determined in advance by the administrator and registered in advance in the management database PD (for example, the IP address of the printer to be managed is registered in advance in the management database PD). In response to the request, the CPU 110 of each printer acquires printer information by referring to the information database IB, and transmits the acquired printer information to the management server 300. The transmitted printer information represents cartridge information (that is, cartridge model number, cartridge remaining amount, and intermediate container remaining amount), model name, node name, serial number, and status for each usable ink. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 registers the received printer information in the management database PD.

  Note that information other than the remaining amount of the cartridge, the remaining amount of the intermediate container, and the status is normally not changed after being set. Therefore, in this embodiment, when registering a printer to be managed in the management database PD, the CPU 310 of the management server 300 acquires printer information from the printer and registers the acquired information in the management database PD. Furthermore, the CPU 310 automatically configures a group with reference to the cartridge model number of each printer, and registers a different group ID for each group. In the example of FIG. 3, three printers 100A to 100C form a first group G1, two printers 100D and 100E form a second group G2, and two printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 form a third group G3. Is forming. In S110 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 requests the cartridge model number, the remaining amount of the cartridge, the remaining amount of the intermediate container, and the status from the printer, and the CPU 110 of the printer transmits the requested information to the management server 300. In this embodiment, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used to collect information from the printer. However, information may be collected according to other protocols.

  In S <b> 120, the CPU 310 of the management server 300 determines whether or not zero cartridge remaining amount is included in a plurality of cartridge remaining amounts of a plurality of management target printers. When at least one cartridge remaining amount is zero (S120: Yes), in S130, the CPU 310 executes order related processing for ordering a new cartridge corresponding to the zero remaining cartridge amount. The order related process may be an arbitrary process for ordering a cartridge. In the present embodiment, the CPU 310 transmits an e-mail including a message urging ordering of a cartridge to a predetermined e-mail address. This message represents a list of cartridge model numbers corresponding to zero cartridge remaining and the number to be ordered for each cartridge. The electronic mail is transmitted via a mail server 400 designated in advance. Then, the CPU 310 proceeds to S140.

  When all of the remaining amounts of the plurality of cartridges are different from zero (S120: No), the CPU 310 skips S130 and proceeds to S140.

  In S140, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the intermediate container of the plurality of managed printers includes the remaining amount of the intermediate container that is lower than the first threshold value. The first threshold value is determined in advance to a value larger than zero. In the present embodiment, the first threshold is 100%. That is, when the liquid level ISs (FIG. 2B) reaches the empty level EL and then printing is performed, the condition of S140 is satisfied.

  When all of the remaining amounts of the plurality of intermediate containers are equal to or higher than the first threshold (S140: No), that is, when the liquid level ISs (FIG. 2A) is equal to or higher than the empty level EL, in S150, the CPU 310 Wait for a predetermined first waiting time. And CPU310 transfers to S110 according to having passed 1st waiting time, and performs S110-S140. As described above, the processes of S110 to S140 are repeated for each first waiting time.

  When the remaining amount of at least one intermediate container is less than the first threshold value (S140: Yes), the CPU 310 proceeds to S160. Here, the remaining amount of the intermediate container less than the first threshold is referred to as the first target intermediate container remaining amount. The intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2) corresponding to the first target intermediate container remaining amount is referred to as a first target intermediate tank. The mounting portion 172 corresponding to the first target intermediate container remaining amount is referred to as a first target mounting portion. A cartridge corresponding to the first target intermediate container remaining amount (that is, a cartridge having a small ink remaining amount) is referred to as a first target cartridge. A printer corresponding to the first target intermediate container remaining amount is referred to as a first target printer. A group including the first target printer is referred to as a target group. In S160, the CPU 310 refers to the management database PD and identifies a plurality of printers in the target group.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a change in the state of the system 1000. The state changes in the order of FIG. 7 (A) to FIG. 7 (D). As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the black ink intermediate container of the printer 100D of the second group G2 is less than the first threshold value. In this case, the CPU 310 specifies the printer 100D as the first target printer, and specifies the printers 100D and 100E of the second group G2 including the first target printer 100D.

  In S170 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 refers to the management database PD, and from the plurality of cartridges of the plurality of printers in the target group, the cartridge that is allowed to be replaced with the first target cartridge (that is, the ink color of the first target cartridge). The same ink color cartridge). The CPU 310 specifies a cartridge having the largest remaining cartridge amount from the plurality of specified cartridges (referred to as a second target cartridge). The CPU 310 specifies a second target printer that is a printer including the specified second target cartridge. In the example of FIG. 7B, it is assumed that the printer 100E of the second group G2 is specified as the second target printer. Hereinafter, among the plurality of mounting portions 172 of the second target printer, the mounting portion 172 in which the second target cartridge is mounted is referred to as a second target mounting portion.

  In S180 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 displays information indicating that the second target cartridge should be mounted on the first target mounting unit of the first target printer on the display unit 340 of the management server 300 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the CPU 310 displays a management screen on the display unit 340 during the operation of the management application. For example, the CPU 310 starts displaying the management screen when starting the management application (FIG. 4: S100).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a management screen. The management screen MS represents information on each of a plurality of managed printers. As information of each printer, a plurality of pieces of information including a group ID, a notification, an IP address, a model name, a node name, a serial number, a MAC address, and a location are represented. The code in parentheses below the node name is the code of the printer given for explanation (FIG. 1) and is not displayed on the actual management screen. The CPU 310 identifies information other than “notification” with reference to the management database PD. Each time the CPU 310 updates the management database PD, the information shown on the management screen is also updated.

  “Notification” is an area for notifying the administrator of information that should be noted. In S180 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 displays a message M1 indicating that the cartridge of the second target printer should be attached to the first target printer in the “notification” area of the first target printer on the management screen MS. To do. In the example of FIG. 8, the message M1 includes information (here, the node name) identifying the replacement target printer and information (here, ink color) identifying the replacement target cartridge. Specifically, the message M1 indicates that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E having the node name “EEE” is the replacement target. By observing the message M1, the administrator can recognize that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E should be attached to the first target printer 100D. It can be said that such a message M1 indicates that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D should be attached to the second target printer 100E.

  In S180 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 displays a message M2 indicating that the cartridge of the first target printer should be attached to the second target printer in the “notification” area of the second target printer on the management screen MS. ,indicate. Specifically, the message M2 indicates that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D having the node name “DDD” is the replacement target. By observing the message M2, the administrator can recognize that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D should be attached to the second target printer 100E. It can be said that such a message M2 indicates that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E should be attached to the first target printer 100D.

  In S190 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 transmits an instruction to display information indicating that the cartridge should be replaced on the display unit 140 to the first target printer. In the present embodiment, the information indicating the instruction to be transmitted includes information to be displayed on the display unit 140. The CPU 110 of the first target printer displays information on the display unit 140 according to the instruction. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on the display unit 140 of the first target printer 100D. In the example of FIG. 9A, a message indicating that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E having the node name “EEE” is the replacement target is displayed on the display unit 140. The administrator can recognize that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D should be attached to the second target printer 100E by observing the display unit 140 of the first target printer 100D. It can be said that the message displayed on the display unit 140 indicates that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E should be attached to the first target printer 100D.

In 200 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 transmits an instruction to display information indicating that the cartridge should be replaced on the display unit 140 to the second target printer. Similar to the instruction in S190, the information indicating the instruction transmitted in S200 includes information to be displayed on the display unit 140. The CPU 110 of the second target printer displays information on the display unit 140 in accordance with the instruction. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on the display unit 140 of the second target printer 100E. In the example of FIG. 9B, a message indicating that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D whose node name is “DDD” is the replacement target is displayed on the display unit 140.
The administrator can recognize that the black cartridge should be attached to the first target printer 100D by observing the display unit 140 of the second target printer 100E. It can be said that the message displayed on the display unit 140 indicates that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D should be attached to the second target printer 100E.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the administrator follows the information notified by the management screen MS (FIG. 8) and the display unit 140 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) of the printers 100D and 100E. The black cartridge is exchanged between the first target printer 100D and the second target printer 100E.

  In S210 of FIG. 5, the CPU 310 identifies the printer from which the cartridge has been removed (referred to as a removed printer). There are various methods for specifying the detachable printer. In the present embodiment, the CPU 110 of the printer can specify that the cartridge has been removed and that the cartridge has been installed using a signal from the mounting sensor AS (FIG. 2). The CPU 310 of the management server 300 inquires to each of the plurality of management target printers whether the cartridge has been removed. In response to an inquiry from the management server 300, the printer CPU 110 transmits information indicating whether the cartridge has been removed to the management server 300. When the cartridge is removed, the CPU 110 of the printer transmits information (for example, a model number) identifying the removed cartridge to the management server 300. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 refers to information received from each of the plurality of printers and identifies the printer from which the cartridge has been removed.

  The CPU 310 of the management server 300 makes an inquiry in S210 immediately after the processing of S180, S190, and S200 in FIG. The CPU 110 of the printer determines that the cartridge has been removed when the cartridge is removed after receiving an inquiry from the management server 300. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 repeats the inquiry until information indicating that the cartridge has been removed is received from the two printers. Therefore, the removed printer specified in S210 is a printer from which the cartridge has been removed after the notification in S180, S190, and S200.

  Various other methods may be used as the method for identifying the detachable printer. For example, a method using the cartridge identification number stored in the IC chip 250 of the ink cartridge 200 (FIG. 2) may be employed. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 requests the identification number of the mounted cartridge from each of a plurality of printers to be managed. The CPU 110 of the printer transmits information indicating the cartridge identification number read from the IC chip 250 to the management server 300 in response to the request. Since the identification number cannot be read when the cartridge is removed, the CPU 110 transmits information indicating that the identification number could not be read to the management server 300. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 can determine that the cartridge has been removed when the identification number cannot be read or when the identification number is changed to another identification number.

  In S220, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the two specified removed printers are the first target printer and the second target printer. When a cartridge is removed from a printer different from both the first target printer and the second target printer (S220: No), the CPU 310 displays a warning on the management screen in S230.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a management screen including a warning. The management screen MSa of FIG. 10 shows a case where the black cartridge of the printer 100Z1 is mistakenly removed after the display of FIG. As illustrated, a warning message M3 is displayed in the notification area of the printer 100Z1. The warning message M3 includes information (here, color) that identifies the cartridge that has been mistakenly removed. By observing the warning message M3, the administrator can recognize that the black cartridge removed from the printer 100Z1 should be attached to the printer 100Z1. Then, the administrator can reinstall the black cartridge in the printer 100Z1 and exchange the cartridge between the first and second target printers according to the messages M1 and M2.

  In S240 of FIG. 5, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a display time that is an elapsed time after displaying the warning in S230 has exceeded a predetermined time threshold. When the warning display time is equal to or less than the time threshold (S240: No), the CPU 310 proceeds to S210. When the administrator installs the cartridge that has been accidentally removed from the original printer and removes the cartridge from the first and second target printers, the determination result of S220 that is newly executed is Yes. Become. If the determination result in S220 is Yes, the CPU 310 proceeds to S245. When the display time exceeds the time threshold value in S240 (S240: Yes), the CPU 310 proceeds to S245. In S245, if a warning is displayed on the management screen, the CPU 310 deletes the warning from the management screen.

  In S250, the CPU 310 identifies the printer in which the cartridge is mounted (referred to as a first type mounted printer). The identification of the first type mounted printer is performed in the same manner as the identification of the removal printer in S210. For example, the CPU 110 of the printer can specify that the cartridge has been removed and that the cartridge has been attached using a signal from the attachment sensor AS (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the CPU 110 determines that a cartridge has been installed when a cartridge is installed after the inquiry in S210. The CPU 310 of the management server 300 inquires of each of a plurality of management target printers as to whether or not a cartridge is mounted. In response to an inquiry from the management server 300, the printer CPU 110 transmits information indicating whether or not a cartridge is mounted to the management server 300.

  In S260, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a cartridge is attached to the first target printer. If no cartridge is attached to the first target printer (S260: No), the CPU 310 proceeds to S250. The CPU 310 repeats S250 until a cartridge is mounted on the first target printer.

  When a cartridge is mounted on the first target printer (S260: Yes), the CPU 310 proceeds to S270. In S270, CPU 310 determines whether the supply condition is satisfied. The supply condition is that a specific amount of printing material is supplied to the intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2) of the first target printer from the cartridge 200 (here, the second target cartridge) attached to the first target printer. It is the condition which shows. In the present embodiment, the supply condition is that a predetermined second waiting time elapses after it is determined that the cartridge is attached to the first target printer. The second waiting time is determined to be a time sufficient for a predetermined amount of ink to move from the cartridge 200 to the intermediate tank 175.

  When the supply condition is not satisfied (S270: No), in S280, the CPU 310 waits for the second waiting time. In response to the elapse of the second waiting time, the CPU 310 proceeds to S270.

  If the supply condition is satisfied (S270: Yes), in S290 of FIG. 6, the CPU 310 sets the second target cartridge mounted on the first target printer on the management screen of the management server 300 as the second target printer. Information indicating that it should be remounted is displayed. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a management screen. In the drawing, a part of the management screen MSb showing information on the first target printer 100D and the second target printer 100E is shown.

  The CPU 310 displays a message M12 indicating that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D having the node name “DDD” is a replacement target in the “notification” area of the second target printer 100E. By observing the message M12, the administrator can recognize that the black second target cartridge mounted on the first target printer 100D should be remounted on the second target printer 100E. It can be said that the message M12 indicates that the black first target cartridge mounted on the second target printer 100E should be remounted on the first target printer 100D.

  Further, the CPU 310 displays a message M11 indicating that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E having the node name “EEE” is a replacement target in the “notification” area of the first target printer 100D. To do. By observing the message M11, the administrator can recognize that the black first target cartridge mounted on the second target printer 100E should be remounted on the first target printer 100D. It can be said that the message M11 indicates that the black second target cartridge mounted on the first target printer 100D should be mounted again on the second target printer 100E.

  As shown in FIG. 7D, the administrator replaces the black cartridge between the first target printer 100D and the second target printer 100E according to the information notified on the management screen MSb (FIG. 11). .

  In S300 of FIG. 6, the CPU 310 identifies the printer in which the cartridge is mounted (referred to as a second type mounted printer). The method for specifying the second type mounted printer is the same as the method for specifying the first type mounted printer in S250 (FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, the CPU 310 makes an inquiry to each of a plurality of management target printers in S300 immediately after the processing in S290. The CPU 110 of the printer determines that a cartridge is mounted when a cartridge is mounted after receiving an inquiry from the management server 300. Then, the CPU 110 of the printer transmits information indicating whether or not a cartridge is mounted to the management server 300.

  In S310, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a cartridge is mounted on the first target printer. When the cartridge is not loaded in the first target printer (S310: No), in S320, the CPU 310 waits for a predetermined third waiting time. In response to the elapse of the third waiting time, the CPU 310 proceeds to S310.

  When a cartridge is mounted on the first target printer (S310: Yes), in S330, the CPU 310 deletes the message in the notification area on the management screen. Then, the CPU 310 proceeds to S110 in FIG. As described above, the CPU 310 repeatedly executes the management processes shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in S140 of FIG. 4, the CPU 310 determines the first low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of the intermediate container is below the first threshold for each of the plurality of managed printers. Whether or not is satisfied. Then, the CPU 310 identifies the first target cartridge, the first target mounting unit, and the first target printer corresponding to the remaining amount of the intermediate container that is less than the first threshold. In S160 and S170, the CPU 310 identifies a second target printer that satisfies the first condition indicating that a cartridge that is allowed to be exchanged with the first target cartridge is installed. In the present embodiment, the first condition includes that the printer is included in the same group as the first target printer (S160). In S180 and S200, the CPU 310 has information (message M2 (FIG. 8), FIG. 9) indicating that the second target cartridge mounted on the second target printer should be mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer. The process for the notification of (B)) is performed. The administrator can mount the second target cartridge mounted on the second target printer in the first target mounting portion of the first target printer according to the notified information. Thereby, the ink in the second target cartridge is supplied to the first target intermediate tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first target printer from performing printing due to the lack of ink.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the print execution unit 160 (FIG. 2) includes an intermediate tank 175. If the ink Ik remains in the first target intermediate tank 175 even if the ink Ik does not remain in the main storage chamber 210 of the first target cartridge 200, the first target printer Printing can be executed using the ink Ik in the intermediate tank 175. In the present embodiment, the first threshold value of the remaining amount of the intermediate container (FIG. 4: S140) is a value larger than zero, specifically, 100%. As described above, the state in which the remaining amount of the intermediate container is 100% is a state in which the liquid level ISs (FIG. 2B) is positioned at the empty level EL, and the ink Ik does not remain in the cartridge 200 and the intermediate container Ink Ik remains in the tank 175. That is, the process for notification regarding cartridge replacement (FIG. 4: S180, S190, S200) is performed in a state where the ink Ik remains in the first target intermediate tank 175. Therefore, the administrator can prevent printing by the first target printer from being disabled by preparing (for example, ordering) a new cartridge before the ink Ik in the first target intermediate tank 175 is exhausted. Here, by attaching the second target cartridge to the first target printer in accordance with the notification, it is possible to prevent printing by the first target printer from being disabled even when preparation for a new cartridge is delayed.

  Further, as described in S170 (FIG. 4), the CPU 310 determines the remaining amount of the cartridge that is allowed to be replaced among one or more printers in which the cartridge that is allowed to be replaced with the first target cartridge is mounted. A second target printer that satisfies the second condition indicating the highest number is specified. When the remaining amount of the intermediate container of the first target printer is small, the administrator follows the notification in S180 and S200 (FIG. 4) to select the cartridge with the largest remaining cartridge and mounted in the second target printer. It can be mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer. In this way, removal of the cartridge from another printer with a small remaining cartridge amount is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent printing by another printer from being disabled.

  In addition, after the processing for notification in S180 and S200 (FIG. 4) is performed, in S270 (FIG. 5), the CPU 310 starts from the second target cartridge mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer. It is determined whether or not a supply condition indicating that a specific amount of ink has been supplied to the first target intermediate tank of the first target printer is satisfied. When it is determined that the supply condition is satisfied (S270: Yes), in S290 of FIG. 6, the CPU 310 determines that the second target cartridge mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer is the second target. Processing for notifying information indicating that the printer should be remounted on the second target mounting portion of the printer is performed (FIG. 11, message M12). When a specific amount of ink is supplied from the second target cartridge to the first target intermediate tank of the first target printer, the administrator selects the second target cartridge mounted on the first target printer according to the notification in S290. It can be reattached to the second target printer. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second target printer from performing printing due to the lack of ink.

  In S180 and S190 of FIG. 4, information indicating that the first target cartridge mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer should be mounted on the second target mounting portion of the second target printing apparatus. (Message M1 (FIG. 8), FIG. 9 (A)). Since the administrator can mount the first target cartridge on the second target mounting portion of the second target printer according to the notified information, it is possible to prevent the printing by the second target printer from being disabled.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, each of the plurality of printers 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> E, 100 </ b> Z <b> 1, and 100 </ b> Z <b> 2 includes a display unit 140 that displays information. In S200 (FIG. 4), the CPU 310 displays information (FIG. 9B) indicating that the second target cartridge mounted on the second target printer should be mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer. An instruction to be displayed on the display unit 140 of the second target printer is transmitted to the second target printer. In S190, the CPU 310 has information indicating that the first target cartridge mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer should be mounted on the second target mounting portion of the second target printing apparatus (FIG. 9A). )) Is displayed on the display unit 140 of the first target printer. By observing the display unit 140 of the first target printer and the display unit 140 of the second target printer, the administrator determines the first target cartridge of the first target printer and the second target cartridge of the second target printer. Easy to replace.

  In S210 of FIG. 5, the CPU 310 identifies a removal printer that is a printer from which the cartridge has been removed from the mounting unit 172 after the notifications of S180, S190, and S200 have been performed. When a cartridge is removed from a printer different from both the first target printer and the second target printer (S220: No), the CPU 310 determines from a printer different from both the first target printer and the second target printer in S230. Processing for notifying information indicating that the cartridge has been removed is performed (warning message M3 (FIG. 10)). The administrator can recognize from the notified information that the cartridge has been removed from the wrong printer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate cartridge from being used for printing by the first target printing apparatus.

  In the management process of FIG. 4, when the remaining amount of the cartridge is zero (S120: Yes), the CPU 310 executes an order related process for ordering a new cartridge in S130. Further, the order related processing (S130) is not executed between S180 in FIG. 4 and S330 in FIG. That is, the CPU 310 does not execute the order-related process when the remaining amount of the cartridge of the second target printer is zero with the first target cartridge mounted in the second target mounting portion of the second target printer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the order-related processing from being executed twice due to the first target cartridge having a small ink remaining amount.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the print execution unit 160b according to the second embodiment. The difference from the print execution unit 160 in FIG. 2A is that the liquid level sensor 173b of the ink supply unit 170b can detect the liquid level at a plurality of heights including the empty level EL. Such a liquid level sensor 173b may have various configurations. For example, electrode pairs that detect the ink Ik by measuring electrical resistance may be arranged at a plurality of different heights. The electrical resistance measured by the electrode pair in the ink Ik is smaller than the electrical resistance measured by the electrode pair outside the ink Ik. The CPU 110 of the printer 100 uses the signal from the liquid level sensor 173b to specify the electrical resistance measured by each of the plurality of bridge pairs, and specifies whether each electrode pair has detected the ink Ik. The CPU 110 uses the highest position of the electric bridge pair that detects the ink Ik as the height of the liquid surface ISs, and specifies the remaining amount of the intermediate container using the height of the liquid surface ISs. When the unused ink cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting portion 172, the liquid level ISs in the sub-accommodating chamber 179 rises to a position HL higher than the empty level EL (also referred to as the highest position HL). In the present embodiment, the plurality of electrode pairs are distributed and arranged in a range from the highest position HL to the empty level EL. Therefore, the liquid level sensor 173b can specify the height of the liquid level ISs that changes from the highest position HL to the empty level EL.

  The remaining amount of the intermediate container may have various values that increase as the liquid level ISs in the sub-accommodating chamber 179 increases. For example, the remaining amount of the intermediate container may be a relative value such that the remaining amount is 100% when the height of the liquid level ISs is the empty level EL. Instead, the remaining amount of the intermediate container may be a value such that the remaining amount is 100% when the height of the liquid level ISs is the highest position HL. When the liquid level ISs is lower than the empty level EL, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 may calculate the remaining amount of the intermediate container using the amount of ink used as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the management process of the second embodiment. In the figure, a part of the management process is shown. The only difference from the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6 (particularly FIG. 5) is that S270 is replaced with S270b and that S265b is added between S260 and S270b. Other parts of the management process are the same as the corresponding parts of the embodiments of FIGS. Hereinafter, of the steps in FIG. 13, the same steps as those in FIG.

  If the determination result in S260 is Yes, in S265, the CPU 310 of the management server 300 inquires of the first target printer about the remaining amount of the intermediate container in the first target intermediate tank. The CPU 110 of the first target printer specifies the remaining amount of the intermediate container in the first target intermediate tank using the signal from the liquid level sensor 173b, and transmits information indicating the specified remaining amount of the intermediate container to the management server 300. . The CPU 310 of the management server 300 specifies the remaining amount of the intermediate container using information acquired from the first target printer.

  In S270b, the CPU 310 of the management server 300 determines whether the supply condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the supply condition is that the remaining amount of the intermediate container in the first target intermediate tank of the first target printer is equal to or greater than a predetermined replenishment threshold. The replenishment threshold is set to the remaining amount of the intermediate container when a predetermined amount of ink moves from the cartridge 200 to the intermediate tank 175.

  When the supply condition is not satisfied (S270b: No), the process proceeds to S280, and S265b and S270b are executed again. If the supply condition is satisfied (S270b: Yes), the process proceeds to S290 in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in S265b, the CPU 310 acquires information indicating the remaining amount of the intermediate container in the first target intermediate tank from the first target printer. In S270b, CPU 310 determines whether the supply condition is satisfied using the remaining amount of the intermediate container. Therefore, the CPU 310 can appropriately determine whether or not the supply condition is satisfied. In particular, in this embodiment, the supply condition is that the remaining amount of the intermediate container is not less than the replenishment threshold. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not a specific amount of printing material has been supplied to the first target intermediate tank of the first target printer using the supply conditions.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of information registered in the management database PD. The difference from the first embodiment of FIG. 3 is that the administrator determines a group of printers. In the example of FIG. 14, the cartridge model numbers are the same among the five printers 100A to 100E. If a plurality of printers having the same model number are grouped into one group, the five printers 100A to 100E form one group. In this embodiment, the administrator determines a group. A plurality of printers of the same model number may be divided into a plurality of different groups. In the example of FIG. 14, three printers 100A to 100C form a first group G1, two printers 100D and 100E form a second group G2, and two printers 100Z1 and 100Z2 form a third group G3. Is forming. In this case, the replacement of the cartridge between the first group G1 and the second group G2 is mechanically possible, but is prohibited by the management process. Thus, the exchange of the cartridge is not permitted between the first group G1 and the second group G2. Such groups G1 and G2 can be formed by various factors such as a printer usage contract and a printer management system.

  The management process is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiments. When the black intermediate container remaining amount of the printer 100D falls below the threshold as shown in FIG. 7A (FIG. 4: S140: Yes), notifications by S180, S190, and S200 are performed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 9B, information indicating that the black cartridge of the second target printer 100E should be attached to the first target printer 100D is notified, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. 9A, information indicating that the black cartridge of the first target printer 100D should be attached to the second target printer 100E is notified.

  When a black cartridge is removed from a printer in a group different from the second group G2 including the first target printer 100D, the determination result in S220 of FIG. 5 is No, and a warning is issued in S230 as shown in FIG. Informed. For example, the model number of the black cartridge of the printer 100A of the first group G1 is the same as the model number of the first target cartridge of the first target printer. The administrator can mistakenly remove the black cartridge of the printer 100A. In this case, since a warning is displayed on the management screen of the management server 300 (not shown), the administrator can easily recognize an error.

D. Variation:
(1) As the management process, various other processes can be employed instead of the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIG. 13. For example, one or two steps arbitrarily selected from S180, S190, and S200 in FIG. 4 may be omitted. Generally, the process for the first notification performed when the condition of S140 is satisfied, the second target cartridge mounted on the second target mounting portion of the second target printer is the first target printer This may be an arbitrary process for the first notification including notification of the first notification information indicating that the first target mounting portion should be mounted. The process for the first notification may include, for example, a process for transmitting an e-mail including the first notification information to a predetermined mail address. The first notification further includes notification of second notification information indicating that the first cartridge mounted on the first mounting portion of the first target printer should be mounted on the second mounting portion of the second target printer. It is preferable to contain. However, the process for notifying the second notification information may be omitted.

(2) The specific condition, which is a condition for specifying the second target printer, may be other various conditions instead of the conditions described in S160 and S170 of FIG. For example, S170 in FIG. 4 may be omitted. When a plurality of printers are candidates for the second target printer, the method for selecting one printer may be any method. For example, one printer may be selected from a plurality of candidates according to a predetermined priority order. In general, the specific condition is an arbitrary condition including a first condition indicating that a first target cartridge mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer and a cartridge that can be exchanged are mounted. It may be. The first condition may include “the printer is included in a group including a plurality of printers that allow cartridge replacement and includes the first target printer”.

(3) The first low remaining amount condition, which is a condition for performing the process for the first notification, may be various conditions instead of the condition described in S140 of FIG. In general, the first low remaining amount condition may be various conditions indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the intermediate tank 175 is below the first threshold value. The first threshold may be various values greater than zero. The first threshold value may be a value indicating that the liquid levels ISs and ISm (FIGS. 2A and 2B) are higher than the empty level EL, and the liquid levels ISs and ISm are empty level EL. It may be a value indicating lower than that. The first low remaining amount condition includes a condition indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the cartridge 200 (for example, the remaining amount of the cartridge) is zero, that is, the ink Ik does not remain in the cartridge 200. It is preferable. According to this configuration, the administrator can replace the first target cartridge 200 with another cartridge 200 (for example, an unused cartridge 200) in a state where the ink Ik does not remain in the first target cartridge 200. Therefore, the ink Ik No waste occurs.

  Further, when the plurality of cartridges satisfy the first low remaining amount condition, the first notification of each of the plurality of cartridges satisfying the first low remaining amount condition may be performed. For example, in S180, S190, and S200 of FIG. 4, processing related to each of the plurality of cartridges that satisfy the first low remaining amount condition may be performed. 5, 6, and 13 may be executed for each of the plurality of cartridges that satisfy the first low remaining amount condition.

(3) The second notification process that is performed when the supply conditions (FIG. 5: S270, FIG. 13: S270b) are satisfied is the first mounted on the first target mounting portion of the first target printer. The second target cartridge may be an arbitrary process for second notification including notification of information indicating that the second target cartridge should be remounted on the second target mounting portion of the second target printer. The process for the second notification may include, for example, a process of transmitting an e-mail including information related to the reattachment to a predetermined e-mail address.

(4) The order related process (FIG. 4: S130) may be an arbitrary process for ordering a new cartridge to replace the first target cartridge. The order related process may include, for example, a process of transmitting a cartridge order request to a server connected to the Internet IT and receiving a cartridge order. However, the order-related processing may be omitted.

(5) The second low remaining amount condition, which is a condition for executing the order-related processing (FIG. 4: S140), may be various conditions instead of the condition described in S120. In general, the second low remaining amount condition may be various conditions indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the cartridge 200 (for example, the remaining amount of the cartridge) is equal to or less than the second threshold value. The condition of S120 in FIG. 4 can be said to be a condition in which the second threshold is zero. Note that the second threshold may be greater than zero. When a plurality of cartridges satisfy the second low remaining amount condition, in S130, order-related processing for each of the plurality of cartridges satisfying the second low remaining amount condition may be performed.

(6) The first target cartridge removed from the first target printer may not be attached to the second target printer. Accordingly, notification of information indicating that the first target cartridge should be mounted on the second target printer may be omitted. However, the printer 100 is configured not to execute printing even when the ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175 (FIG. 2) when the ink cartridge 200 is not attached to the attachment unit 172. Can be done. In this case, it is preferable that a process for notifying information indicating that the first target cartridge should be mounted on the second target printer is executed. The manager preferably mounts the first target cartridge on the second target printer.

(7) The information regarding the remaining amount of ink (for example, the remaining amount of the cartridge and the remaining amount of the intermediate container) transmitted to the management server 300 by the printer may be various information regarding the remaining amount. The information regarding the remaining amount may be, for example, information indicating the number of printable pages, information indicating the cumulative number of printed sheets from the last replacement of the ink cartridge to the present, and the last replacement of the ink cartridge. It may be information indicating the amount of ink Ik consumed from to the present. The management server 300 can specify the remaining amount by using these pieces of information and a predetermined unused remaining amount.

(8) The management target printer may include a printing mechanism of another method instead of the ink jet printing mechanism 171. For example, the printing mechanism may be an electrophotographic (for example, laser type) printing mechanism that prints an image using toner as a printing material. In this case, the printer includes a mounting unit in which a cartridge for storing toner can be mounted, a printing mechanism for performing printing using toner stored in the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit, and a cartridge mounted in the mounting unit. And an intermediate container disposed in the path of the printing material leading to the printing mechanism. The above management process can also be applied when a printer having such a two-chamber supply type toner supply method is employed.

  In general, a two-chamber supply type printer may have the following configuration. That is, the printer includes a mounting unit in which a cartridge for storing printing material is detachably mounted, an intermediate tank for storing printing material supplied from the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit, and a printing material supplied from the intermediate tank And a printing mechanism that executes printing using the printer.

(9) A plurality of devices (for example, computers) that can communicate with each other via a network may share a part of the management processing function by the management server and provide the management processing function as a whole ( A system including these devices corresponds to a management server).

  In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good. For example, the order-related processing function in S130 of FIG. 4 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  When a part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by a computer program, the program is provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a non-temporary recording medium). be able to. The program can be used in a state where it is stored in the same or different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) as provided. The “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a memory card or a CD-ROM, but is connected to an internal storage device in a computer such as various ROMs or a computer such as a hard disk drive. An external storage device may also be included.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

100A to 100E, 100Z1, 100Z2 ... printer, 110 ... CPU, 120 ... volatile storage device, 130 ... non-volatile storage device, 140 ... display unit, 150 ... operation unit, 160 ... print execution unit, 160b ... print execution unit, 170 ... Ink supply unit, 170b ... Ink supply unit, 171 ... Printing mechanism, 172 ... Mounting unit, 173 ... Liquid level sensor, 173b ... Liquid level sensor, 174 ... Ink supply port, 174v ... Valve, 175 ... Intermediate tank, 177 Ink flow path portion, 178 ... Communication port, 179 ... Sub-accommodating chamber, 200 ... Ink cartridge, 210 ... Main storage chamber, 220 ... Communication port, 230 ... Ink outlet, 230v ... Valve, 250 ... IC chip, 300 ... Management Server 310 ... CPU 320 ... volatile storage device 330 ... nonvolatile storage device 340 ... display unit 350 ... operation , 400 ... Mail server, 1000 ... System, IB ... Information database, PD ... Management database, EL ... Empty level, CM ... Contact point, AS ... Wear sensor, MS ... Management screen, NT ... Local area network, IT ... Internet, PG1 ... Computer program, PG2 ... Computer program, MSa ... Management screen, MSb ... Management screen, ISm ... Liquid level, ISs ... Liquid level

Claims (9)

A mounting unit capable of mounting a cartridge for storing a printing material, a printing mechanism for executing printing using the printing material stored in the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit, and the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit An intermediate container disposed in a path of the printing material from the printing mechanism to the printing mechanism, and a computer program for managing a plurality of printing apparatuses,
In the first printing device of the plurality of printing devices, a first low value indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the first intermediate container which is the intermediate container of the first printing device is below a first threshold value. A first low remaining amount determination function for determining whether or not a remaining amount condition is satisfied;
When it is determined that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the plurality of printing apparatuses are allowed to be exchanged with a first cartridge mounted on a first mounting section that is the mounting section of the first printing apparatus. A first specifying function for specifying a second printing apparatus that satisfies the first condition indicating that the cartridge is mounted;
Including notification of first notification information indicating that the second cartridge mounted on the second mounting portion, which is the mounting portion of the second printing device, should be mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing device. A first notification function for performing processing for the first notification;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize A computer program according to claim 1,
The first specific function is further provided in the cartridge that is not allowed to be replaced among one or more printing devices in which a cartridge that is allowed to be replaced with the first cartridge among the plurality of printing devices is mounted. Identifying the second printing device that satisfies the second condition indicating that the remaining amount of printing material is the largest.
Computer program. A computer program according to claim 1 or 2,
After the processing for the first notification is performed, a specific amount is transferred from the second cartridge mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing apparatus to the first intermediate container of the first printing apparatus. A supply determination function for determining whether a supply condition indicating that the printing material has been supplied is satisfied;
When it is determined that the supply condition is satisfied, the second cartridge attached to the first attachment portion of the first printing apparatus is reattached to the second attachment portion of the second printing apparatus. A second notification function for performing processing for second notification including notification of information indicating what should be done;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize A computer program according to claim 3,
The supply judgment function is
A function of acquiring remaining amount information, which is information relating to the remaining amount of printing material in the first intermediate container, from the first printing device;
A function of determining whether the supply condition is satisfied using the remaining amount information;
Including computer programs. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first notification further indicates that the first cartridge mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing apparatus should be mounted on the second mounting portion of the second printing apparatus. Including notification of notification information,
Computer program. A computer program according to claim 5,
Each of the plurality of printing apparatuses includes a display unit that displays information.
The first notification function is:
A function for performing notification of the first notification information, a process of transmitting an instruction to display the first notification information on the second display unit of the second printing device to the second printing device;
A function of performing a process of transmitting an instruction to display the second notification information on the first display unit of the first printing apparatus to the first printing apparatus, the process being for notification of the second notification information;
Including computer programs. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A second specifying function for specifying a third printing device that is a printing device from which the cartridge has been removed from the mounting portion after the first notification has been performed;
If the third printing device is different from the first printing device and the second printing device, information indicating that a cartridge has been removed from a printing device different from the first printing device and the second printing device. A third notification function for performing processing for third notification including notification;
A computer program that causes a computer to realize A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An ordering function for executing an order-related process for ordering a new cartridge when the second low remaining amount condition indicating that the remaining amount of printing material in the cartridge of the printing apparatus is equal to or less than the second threshold is satisfied. , Realized on a computer,
In the ordering function, the remaining amount of the printing material in the first cartridge of the second printing apparatus is less than or equal to the second threshold value in a state where the first cartridge is mounted on the second mounting portion of the second printing apparatus. If it is, do not execute the order-related processing,
Computer program. A mounting unit capable of mounting a cartridge for storing a printing material, a printing mechanism for executing printing using the printing material stored in the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit, and the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit A management device for managing a plurality of printing devices comprising an intermediate container disposed in a path of the printing material from the printing mechanism to the printing mechanism,
In the first printing device of the plurality of printing devices, a first low value indicating that the remaining amount of the printing material in the first intermediate container which is the intermediate container of the first printing device is below a first threshold value. A first low remaining amount determination unit for determining whether or not a remaining amount condition is satisfied;
When it is determined that the first low remaining amount condition is satisfied, the plurality of printing apparatuses are allowed to be exchanged with a first cartridge mounted on a first mounting section that is the mounting section of the first printing apparatus. A first specifying unit that specifies a second printing device that satisfies the first condition indicating that the cartridge is mounted;
Including notification of first notification information indicating that the second cartridge mounted on the second mounting portion, which is the mounting portion of the second printing device, should be mounted on the first mounting portion of the first printing device. A first notification unit that performs processing for the first notification;
A management device comprising:

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