JP7401844B2 - Computer program, management device, and management method - Google Patents

Description

The present specification relates to a display screen related to a cartridge that supplies printing material to a printing execution section.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that displays a display screen that includes a gauge that indicates the remaining amount of toner in a small-capacity cartridge and a gauge that indicates the remaining amount of toner in a large-capacity cartridge. In this image forming apparatus, the position on the gauge indicating that the small capacity cartridge is empty is aligned with the position on the gauge indicating that the remaining capacity of the large capacity cartridge is empty.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-83846

However, in the above technique, no consideration was given to a structure in which a cartridge is attached and a printing material (for example, ink or toner) is supplied to a printing execution unit. For example, the timing of ordering or replacing a cartridge when the printing material runs low may vary depending on the structure for supplying the printing material. For this reason, when managing multiple print execution units including models with different printing material supply structures, it becomes difficult to grasp the timing of cartridge ordering and replacement on the display screen, and the user of the display screen There was a possibility that the convenience would be reduced.

This specification discloses a technique for improving the convenience for users of a display screen that displays index values regarding the remaining amount of printing materials for a plurality of print execution units.

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

[Application Example 1] A computer program that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies the first printing material to a first printing execution unit. The first acquisition function includes a first acquisition function in which the first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first acquisition function that supplies the first printing material to the first printing execution section; and the second cartridge installed in the second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section. A second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material, wherein the second supply unit does not have the tank, and uses the second acquisition function and the first information. a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value to be determined; a second display image including a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information; , wherein the first value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material, and the second value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material. A computer is made to realize the generation function and the output function of outputting the display screen data, which are index values regarding the remaining amount of the first cartridge, and the values that the first value can take are determined by A value corresponding to a first state in which printing material remains and the first printing material remains in the tank, and a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and in the tank. and a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material remains, and the first display image includes, when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state, The computer program product includes a specific image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank, and the second display image does not include the specific image.

Even if the first printing material does not remain in the first cartridge installed in the first supply section having a tank, the first printing execution section can continue printing as long as the first printing material remains in the tank. If the second printing material does not remain in the second cartridge attached to the second supply section having a tank, the second printing execution section cannot continue printing. Due to this, the preferred timing for replenishing the first printing material (for example, the preferred timing for ordering the first cartridge) is different from the preferred timing for replenishing the second printing material. According to the above configuration, the first display image includes a specific image that indicates that the first supply section of the first printing execution section has a tank when the first display image indicates the first value corresponding to the second state. As a result, it is possible to improve the usability for the user of the display screen that displays index values regarding the remaining amount of printing material for the plurality of print execution units. For example, when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state, the user can determine that the first object corresponds to a first supply unit having a tank because the specific image is displayed. can be easily recognized. Therefore, the user can easily recognize when the timing for replenishing the first printing material has arrived.
[Application example 2]
The computer program according to Application Example 1,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program, wherein the specific image is an image showing a boundary between the first sub-object and the second sub-object.
[Application example 3]
The computer program according to Application Example 2,
the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object is divided into a first variable area having a size that changes according to the first value, and a remaining area. displayed,
the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the second sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the second state, the second sub-object is divided into a second variable area having a size that changes according to the first value, and a remaining area. displayed,
The computer program, wherein the image showing the boundary is an image showing at least one end of the first sub-object and the second sub-object.
[Application example 4]
The computer program according to Application Example 2,
the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value,
the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
The second sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value when indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program, wherein the image showing the boundary is an image showing at least one end of the first sub-object and the second sub-object.
[Application example 5]
The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program product, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a color different from that of the second object.
[Application example 6]
The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program is a computer program, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object.
[Application example 7]
The computer program according to any one of application examples 1 to 6,
The specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image and has a color different from a background of the second object in the first display image.
[Application example 8]
The computer program according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7,
The computer program product, wherein the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image.

Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a management device for a print execution unit, a terminal device, a method for managing a print execution unit, and a method for realizing the functions of these devices and methods. This can be realized in the form of a computer program for, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1000. A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a print execution section 160 and an ink supply section 170A. A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a print execution section 160 and an ink supply section 170C. The figure which shows an example of management database PD of an Example. Flowchart of screen data generation processing. The figure which shows an example of a display image. The figure which shows an example of the management screen DW. The figure which shows an example of display area CL3x of the management screen of a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL32 to CL34 of the management screen in the second to fourth embodiments. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of display areas CL35 to CL37 of the management screen in the fifth to seventh embodiments.

A. Example A-1. Configuration of System 1000 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of system 1000. The system 1000 includes printers 100A to 100D and a management device 300 of this embodiment. The printers 100A to 100D and the management device 300 are connected to a local area network NT and can communicate with each other via the local area network NT.

The printer 100A includes a CPU 110 as a controller of the printer 100A, a volatile storage device 120 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 130 such as a hard disk or a flash memory, a display unit 140 such as a liquid crystal display that displays images, and a user interface. The printer includes an operation unit 150 such as a button or a touch panel for obtaining an operation, a print execution unit 160, an ink supply unit 170A, and a communication interface (IF) 180.

Communication IF 180 is an interface for connecting to local area network NT. Specifically, the communication IF 180 is a wired interface compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark), a Wi-Fi standard (IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard, or the like). It is a wireless interface compliant with a corresponding standard (for example, a standard compliant with 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.).

The CPU 110 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 120 provides a buffer area that temporarily stores 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 to be described later.

In this embodiment, the computer program PG1 may be provided by being stored in advance in the nonvolatile storage device 130 at the time of manufacturing the printer 100A. Alternatively, the computer program PG1 may be provided, for example, in the form of being downloaded from a server connected via the Internet IT, or in the form of being recorded on a CD-ROM or the like.

By executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 controls the print execution unit 160 to execute a print process for causing the print execution unit 160 to print an image. Further, by executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 transmits various types of printer information regarding the printer 100A stored in the information database IB to the management device 300 in response to a request from the management device 300.

The print execution unit 160 executes printing under the control of the CPU 110. The ink supply section 170A supplies ink Ik as a printing material to the printing execution section 160. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the print execution section 160 and the ink supply section 170A.

The print execution unit 160 is an inkjet printing mechanism that prints an image on paper as a print medium using ink Ik supplied from the ink cartridge 200A as a printing material. Specifically, the print execution unit 160 forms an image on the paper by ejecting ink Ik from a nozzle of a print head (not shown) to form dots on the paper. In this embodiment, the printing execution unit 160 is a monochrome printing mechanism that uses one color of ink Ik (for example, black (K)).

As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the ink supply section 170A includes a mounting section 172A into which the ink cartridge 200A is mounted, an ink supply port 174A, an intermediate tank 175A, and an ink flow path section 177A. It is equipped with.

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

An IC chip 250A is attached to the outer surface of the ink cartridge 200A. Various information regarding the ink cartridge 200A is stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A. In this embodiment, the information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A includes the total number of printable sheets TN and identification information (eg, serial number) for identifying the ink cartridge 200A. The total number of printable sheets TN is the number of printed materials that can be printed using the amount (initial amount) of ink Ik contained in the new ink cartridge 200A. The total number of printable sheets TN can also be said to be a value indicating the initial amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A in units of the number of printable sheets. The total number of printable sheets TN is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the initial amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A by the amount of ink used per average printed sheet.

The mounting portion 172A is, for example, a holder into which the ink cartridge 200A can be removably mounted. The ink supply port 174A communicates with the ink outlet 230A of the ink cartridge 200A mounted on the mounting portion 172A. Ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A is supplied to the ink supply section 170A from the ink supply port 174A. The mounting portion 172A has a contact CM that contacts the electrode of the IC chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A mounted on the mounting portion 172A. Via the contact CM, the printer 100A (CPU 110) can read information stored in the memory of the IC chip 250A and write information to the memory.

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

The upstream end of the ink flow path section 177A is connected to the vicinity of the bottom of the subaccommodation chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A, and communicates with the subaccommodation chamber 179A. The downstream end of the ink flow path section 177A is connected to a print head (not shown) of the print execution section 160. As a result, the ink Ik stored in the sub storage chamber 179A is supplied to the printing execution section 160 via the ink flow path section 177A.

As can be seen from the above description, the intermediate tank 175A is arranged in the flow path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge 200A mounted on the mounting section 172A to the printing execution section 160.

Here, a type of ink Ik supply system that includes an intermediate tank in the ink Ik path from the ink cartridge to the printing mechanism, such as the ink supply unit 170A of the printer 100A, is also referred to as a two-chamber supply system. FIG. 2A shows a first accommodation state in which ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A (in the main accommodation chamber 210A) and ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175A (in the sub-accommodation chamber 179A). The ink supply section 170A located at S1 is illustrated. FIG. 2B shows a second storage in which no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A (in the main storage chamber 210A) and ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175A (in the sub storage chamber 179A). The ink supply section 170A is shown in state S2.

The main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A communicates with the outside through a communication port 220A, and the sub storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A communicates with the outside through a communication port 178A. The sub storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank 175A is a portion located vertically below (lower side in FIG. 2) the lower end (hereinafter simply referred to as the lower end) in the vertical direction of the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A. , and a portion located vertically above the vertically lower end of the main storage chamber 210A. Therefore, when a new ink cartridge 200A is installed, a portion of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A moves from the ink supply port 174A into the subaccommodation chamber 179A. Then, the level ISm of the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A and the level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub storage chamber 179A become equal in height (FIG. 2(A)).

When printing is performed by the print execution unit 160 and the ink Ik is consumed, the liquid levels ISm and ISs decrease while maintaining the two liquid levels ISm and ISs in the same state. Then, when the liquid levels ISm and ISs reach the lower end position EL (also called empty level EL) of the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A, no ink Ik remains in the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A. , the storage state of the ink Ik transitions from the first storage state S1 (FIG. 2(A)) to the second storage state S2 (FIG. 2(B)). Here, the state in which no ink Ik remains in the main storage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A means a state in which there is no movement of ink Ik from the main storage chamber 210A to the sub storage chamber 179A; This includes a state in which some ink Ik adheres to the inner wall.

Even after the transition to the second accommodation state S2, the printing execution unit 160 can continue printing as long as the ink Ik remains in the sub-accommodation chamber 179A. If the ink cartridge 200A is replaced after transitioning to the second housing state S2, the ink cartridge 200A can be replaced with no ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A, so no ink Ik is wasted. The advantage of the two-chamber supply system is that the ink cartridge 200A can be replaced while printing can continue without wasting ink Ik.

In the two-chamber supply system, for example, the intermediate tank 175A is equipped with a liquid level sensor (not shown) that detects whether the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik in the sub-accommodating chamber 179A has reached the empty level EL. There is. This makes it possible to detect whether ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. As the liquid level sensor, for example, a configuration including a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink Ik is adopted. In this configuration, when the liquid level ISs reaches the empty level EL, the position of the float moves vertically downward, and by detecting the movement of the float, it is possible to determine whether the liquid level ISs of the ink Ik has reached the empty level EL. Whether or not it is detected is detected. In other words, the liquid level sensor 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 may employ another known method, for example, a method that measures the electrical resistance of the ink Ik. The two-chamber supply system does not require the ink cartridge 200A to include a liquid level sensor, so it has the advantage of simplifying the configuration of the ink cartridge 200A.

Here, the amount of ink corresponding to the boundary between the first accommodation state S1 and the second accommodation state S2 is also referred to as the boundary ink amount. The boundary ink amount in this embodiment can also be said to be the amount of ink in the sub-accommodation chamber 179A when the liquid level IS is located at the empty level EL in the sub-accommodation chamber 179A. Further, the boundary ink amount can also be said to be the maximum ink amount in the second accommodation state S2. Further, the boundary ink amount is equal to the capacity of the portion of the sub storage chamber 179A that is located vertically below the vertically lower end of the main storage chamber 210A. The number of printed matter that can be printed using the ink Ik of the boundary ink amount, that is, the number of printed matter that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the intermediate tank 175A after transitioning to the second storage state S2. , tank printable number of sheets SN. The tank printable number SN can also be said to be a value indicating the boundary ink amount in units of the number of prints. The boundary ink amount and the tank printable number SN are values that depend on the structure and size of the intermediate tank 175A, and are unique values for each printer model.

The information database IB is a database that stores printer information regarding the printer 100A. The printer information includes, for example, information indicating a serial number and a model name. The printer information includes, for example, ink information regarding ink Ik and history information regarding printing history. The ink information includes, for example, the above-mentioned total printable number TN, the above-mentioned tank printable number SN, and remaining printable number RN. The total number of printable sheets TN is obtained, for example, from the memory of the IC chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A. The remaining printable number RN is the number of printed materials that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A and the intermediate tank 175A. For example, the remaining number of printable sheets RN is the total number of printable sheets TN minus the cumulative number of printable sheets since the time of replacing the ink cartridge 200A (RN=TN-SN).

The printer 100A (CPU 110) keeps the printer information stored in the information database IB up-to-date by, for example, updating the history information and ink information stored in the information database IB every time printing is executed. . For example, the remaining printable number RN stored in the information database IB is updated by the printer 100A each time printing is executed in the printer 100A.

The printer 100B includes an ink supply section 170B (FIG. 1) that is different from the ink supply section 170A of the printer 100A. The other configuration of printer 100B is the same as printer 100A. Similar to the ink supply section 170A in FIG. 2, the ink supply section 170B employs a two-chamber supply system in which an intermediate tank is provided in the path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge to the printing mechanism (not shown). However, in the ink supply section 170B, the capacity of the intermediate tank (subaccommodation chamber) is different from the capacity of the intermediate tank 175A of the ink supply section 170A. For this reason, the tank printable number SN of the printer 100B is different from the tank printable number SN of the printer 100A.

The printer 100C includes an ink supply section 170C that is different from the ink supply section 170A of the printer 100A. The other configuration of printer 100C is the same as printer 100A. The ink supply section 170C, unlike the ink supply section 170A shown in FIG. 2, adopts a one-chamber supply system in which an intermediate tank is not provided in the path of the ink Ik from the ink cartridge 200C to the printing mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the print execution section 160 and the ink supply section 170C. The ink supply section 170C includes the above-described inkjet printing execution section 160, a mounting section 172C, an ink supply port 174C, and an ink flow path section 177C.

Like the ink cartridge 200A, the ink cartridge 200C includes a storage chamber 210C that stores the ink Ik, a communication port 220C that communicates the storage chamber 210C with the outside air, and an ink tank that supplies the ink Ik to the ink supply section 170C. An outlet 230C is formed. An IC chip 250C is attached to the outer surface of the ink cartridge 200C, similar to the ink cartridge 200A.

The mounting portion 172C is, for example, a holder into which the ink cartridge 200C can be removably mounted. The ink supply port 174C communicates with the ink outlet 230C of the ink cartridge 200C mounted on the mounting portion 172C. The upstream end of the ink flow path section 177C communicates with the ink supply port 174C, and the downstream end of the ink flow path section 177C is connected to a print head (not shown) of the print execution section 160. As a result, the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C (accommodating chamber 210C) is supplied to the printing execution section 160 via the ink flow path section 177C.

In the one-chamber supply method, the ink cartridge 200C is equipped with a liquid level sensor (not shown) that detects whether the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the storage chamber 210C has reached the empty level ELc.

Since the one-chamber supply system does not include the intermediate tank that the two-chamber supply system has, the print execution unit 160 will be unable to print before no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C. For example, when the amount of ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200C becomes small, a problem occurs in which air gets mixed into the ink Ik supplied to the print execution section 160. For this reason, in a state in which ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C in an amount greater than the amount that can cause air to be mixed in, printing by the print execution unit 160 must be stopped.

For this reason, in the one-chamber supply system, the empty level ELc (FIG. 3) is set vertically higher than the empty level EL (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the ink cartridge 200A. FIG. 3B shows a state in which the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C has reached the empty level ELc. In this state, a small amount of ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C (accommodation chamber 210C). In the one-chamber supply method, for example, the ink cartridge 200C is replaced when the liquid level IS of the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C reaches the empty level ELc.

The configuration of printer 100D is the same as printer 100C. For this reason, the printer 100D includes an ink supply section 170D (FIG. 1) having the same structure as the ink supply section 170C of the printer 100C. That is, the printer 100D employs a one-chamber supply system (not shown) similarly to the printer 100C.

Here, the initial amounts of ink Ik in the ink cartridges 200A to 200D (FIG. 1) installed in the ink supply units 170A to 170D are different. For this reason, the total number of printable sheets TN of the ink cartridges 200A to 200D is different from each other.

The management device 300 is a computer owned by the administrator of the printers 100A to 100D. The management device 300 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes a CPU 310 as a controller of the management device 300, a volatile storage device 320 such as a DRAM, a non-volatile storage device 330 such as a hard disk or flash memory, and a liquid crystal display for displaying images. It includes a display section 340 such as a display, an operation section 350 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a communication interface (IF) 380.

Communication IF 380 is connected to local area network NT. The communication IF 380, like the communication IF 180, 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 unit (processor) that performs data processing. The volatile storage device 320 provides a buffer area that temporarily stores 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, for example, an application program provided in the form of a download from a server of a business that manages the system 1000 or a business that manufactures the printers 100A to 100D. Alternatively, 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 at the time of manufacturing the management device 300.

By executing the computer program PG2, the management device 300 (CPU 310) executes processing related to the management of printers 100A to 100D in the system 1000, which will be described later, such as screen data generation processing and management screen display processing, which will be described later.

The management database PD is a database in which printer information collected by the management device 300 is recorded. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the management database PD of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the management database PD includes entries EN1 to EN4 corresponding to printers 100A to 100D to be managed.

The entry EN1 corresponding to the printer 100A includes a plurality of items of printer information of the printer 100A, such as a serial number, a model name, an IP address, and ink-related information regarding the ink Ik. The ink-related information includes, for example, the above-mentioned ink Ik supply method, the above-mentioned total printable number TN, the above-mentioned tank printable number SN, the above-mentioned remaining printable number RN, cartridge remaining rate CR, It includes information indicating the intermediate tank remaining rate SR.

The serial number is identification information for identifying the printer 100A. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer 100A. The IP address is an IP address assigned to the printer 100A.

The cartridge remaining rate CR is the percentage (unit: %) of the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A. Here, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when ink remains in the ink cartridge 200A, ink Ik also exists at a position higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A; It is treated as being included in ink Ik. The ink Ik existing in the intermediate tank 175A is the amount that can be consumed after the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A becomes zero (in other words, after the transition from the first accommodation state S1 to the second accommodation state S2). This is because displaying the information makes more sense as a guide for replacing the ink cartridge. Therefore, in the two-chamber supply type printer 100A, the cartridge remaining rate CR is determined by the total number of printable pages TN, the tank printable number SN (the number of printable pages after the ink Ik of the ink cartridge 200A becomes zero), The remaining printable number RN is calculated according to the following equation (1).
CR=100×(RN-SN)/(TN-SN) (If RN>SN)
CR=0 (when RN≦SN) …(1)

If RN>SN, that is, if the number of remaining printable sheets RN is greater than the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the first accommodation state S1, and ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. The numerator (RN-SN) indicates the number of sheets that can be printed using the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A (including the ink Ik remaining at a position higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A). The denominator (TN-SN) is the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A when a new ink cartridge 200A is installed (including the ink Ik remaining at a position higher than the empty level EL of the intermediate tank 175A). ) to indicate the number of pages that can be printed. When RN≦SN, that is, when the remaining printable number RN is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN, the second accommodation state S2 is established, and no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. Therefore, when RN≦SN, the cartridge remaining rate CR is zero.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate tank remaining ratio SR is the proportion (in %) of the ink Ik remaining in the intermediate tank 175A at a position lower than the empty level EL. The intermediate tank remaining rate SR is calculated according to the following equation (2) using the tank printable number SN and the remaining printable number RN.
SR=100 (when RN>SN)
SR=100×RN/SN (If RN≦SN) …(2)

If RN>SN, that is, if the number of remaining printable sheets RN is greater than the tank printable number SN, the ink cartridge 200A is in the first accommodation state S1, and ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. For this reason, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is set to 100%. When RN≦SN, that is, when the remaining printable number RN is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN, the second accommodation state S2 is established, and ink Ik remains only in the intermediate tank 175A.

As can be seen from the above description, the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR are two index values indicating the remaining rate of ink Ik supplied to the printer 100A in which the ink cartridge 200A is installed.

Entries EN2 to EN4 corresponding to printers 100B to 100D each include information indicating the same type of item as entry EN1 corresponding to printer 100A. However, since the printers 100C and 100D are single-chamber supply type printers and do not include an intermediate tank, the entries EN3 and EN4 do not include the tank printable number SN and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply method, the cartridge remaining rate CR is calculated according to the following equation (3) using the total number of printable sheets TN and the remaining number of printable sheets RN.
CR=RN/TN...(3)

In this embodiment, the serial number, model name, and IP address of the printer information recorded in the management database PD are acquired by the management device 300, for example, at the start of operation of the system 1000. In this embodiment, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used to acquire this information. Specifically, the management device 300 broadcasts an SNMP request within the local area network NT to search for printers within the local area network NT. The printers 100A to 100D respond to the SNMP request with a response including their own IP addresses. Using the received IP address, the management device 300 sends an SNMP request to each of the printers 100A to 100D requesting the transmission of a serial number and model name, and as a response to the SNMP request, the management device 300 sends the serial number and model name of the printers 100A to 100D. Receive the number and model name. The management device 300 records the serial number, model name, and IP address in the management database PD. As a result, the printers 100A to 100D are registered as printers to be managed.

Of the printer information recorded in the management database PD, the ink Ik supply method, total printable number TN, tank printable number SN, and remaining printable number RN are managed in the screen data generation process described later. It is acquired from the target printers 100A to 100D. Among the printer information recorded in the management database PD, the cartridge remaining rate CR and intermediate tank remaining rate SR are calculated by the management device 300 in the screen data generation process.

A-2. Operation of system 1000 A-2-1. Screen data generation processing The management device 300 (CPU 310) periodically generates screen data at a predetermined time, for example, once to several times a day, more preferably once every 5 minutes. Execute generation processing. The screen data generation process is a process of generating screen data for displaying a management screen DW that includes printer information regarding printers to be managed, in this embodiment, printers 100A to 100D. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of screen data generation processing.

In S110, the management device 300 collects printer information from each of the plurality of printers 100A to 100D to be managed. In this embodiment, SNMP is used to collect printer information. Specifically, the management device 300 transmits to each of the printers 100A to 100D an SNMP request requesting items of printer information to be collected. The management device 300 receives printer information from each of the printers 100A to 100D as a response to the SNMP request. The management device 300 records the collected printer information in the management database PD. The collected printer information for each printer includes the above-described ink Ik supply method, total printable number TN, tank printable number SN, and remaining printable number RN.

In S115, the management device 300 selects one printer of interest from the plurality of printers 100A to 100D to be managed.

In S125, the management device 300 determines whether the ink Ik supply method of the printer of interest is the two-chamber supply method, based on information indicating the ink Ik supply method already acquired as printer information. For example, when the printers of interest are printers 100A and 100B, it is determined that the supply method is the two-chamber supply method. When the printers of interest are printers 100C and 100D, it is determined that the supply method is not the two-chamber supply method.

If the ink Ik supply method is the two-chamber supply method (S125: YES), in S130, the management device 300 determines whether or not the remaining printable number RN of the target printer is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN. to judge. In other words, the fact that the number of remaining printable sheets RN is less than or equal to the tank printable sheet number SN means that the storage state of the ink Ik of the two-chamber supply type printer of interest is the second storage state S2. The fact that the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN means that the ink Ik storage state of the printer of interest is the first storage state S1.

If the remaining printable number RN is less than or equal to the tank printable number SN (S130: YES), the ink Ik accommodation state is the second accommodation state S2, so no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. do not have. Therefore, in this case, in S135, the management device 300 determines the cartridge remaining rate CR to be 0% (see equation (1)). Then, in S140, the management device 300 calculates the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (see equation (2)).

If the remaining printable number RN is greater than the tank printable number SN (S130: NO), the ink Ik accommodation state is the first accommodation state S1, so ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. . Therefore, in this case, in S150, the management device 300 calculates the cartridge remaining rate CR (see equation (1)). Then, in S155, the management device 300 determines the intermediate tank remaining rate SR to be 100% (see equation (2)).

If the ink Ik supply method is not the two-chamber supply method (S125: NO), that is, if the ink Ik supply method is the one-chamber supply method, the management device 300 determines the cartridge remaining rate in S160. Calculate CR (see equation (3)). Since the printer 100C, which is a one-chamber supply system, does not include an intermediate tank, the concept of intermediate tank remaining rate SR does not exist for the printer 100C, which is a one-chamber supply system. For this reason, in the case of the one-room supply system, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is not calculated.

In S165, the management device 300 generates display image data indicating the display image RI. The display image RI is an image for displaying the remaining rate of ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR and intermediate tank remaining rate SR) determined using the remaining printable number of sheets RN and the like. An example of the display image RIa shown by the display image data generated when the printer of interest is the two-chamber supply type printer 100A is shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). FIG. 6A shows a display image RIa when the ink Ik accommodation state of the printer 100A is the first accommodation state S1.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the display image RIa for the two-chamber supply method includes an object Oa. This object Oa includes two sub-objects: a cartridge object COa and a tank object TOa. Both the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa are band-shaped objects that extend linearly in the left-right direction. The cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa are lined up in the horizontal direction.

The cartridge object COa is an object for displaying the cartridge remaining rate CR. The position of the cartridge object COa in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 6(A)) corresponds to the possible values of the cartridge remaining rate CR (values from 0 to 100%). For example, the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the minimum value (0%) that the cartridge remaining rate CR can take. The right end E2a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the maximum value (100%) that the cartridge remaining rate CR can take.

Here, since the cartridge remaining rate CR corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first accommodation state S1, the longitudinal position of the cartridge object COa is determined in the first accommodation state S1. It can be said that it corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik to be obtained. For example, the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the minimum value of the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first accommodation state S1, and the right end E2a of the cartridge object COa corresponds to the minimum value of the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the first accommodation state S1. This corresponds to the maximum value of the remaining amount of ink Ik. As the longitudinal position of the strip-shaped cartridge object COa moves from the right end to the left end, the remaining amount of the corresponding ink Ik becomes smaller. Therefore, in the strip-shaped cartridge object COa, the first position in the longitudinal direction (for example, the rightmost position) corresponds to the first remaining amount of ink Ik (for example, the maximum value in the first accommodation state S1). , a second position located on the left end side of the first position (e.g., the left end position) has a second remaining amount of ink Ik smaller than the first remaining amount (e.g., in the first accommodation state S1). ). As a result, by using the belt-shaped cartridge object COa, it is possible to realize a display image RIa in which the remaining rate of ink Ik in the first accommodation state S1 of the printer 100A can be easily grasped.

The tank object TOa is an object for displaying the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. The position of the tank object TOa in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 6(A)) corresponds to the possible values of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR (values from 0 to 100%). For example, the left end E3a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the minimum value (0%) that the intermediate tank remaining rate SR can take. The right end E4a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the maximum value (100%) that the intermediate tank remaining rate SR can take.

Here, since the intermediate tank remaining rate SR corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second accommodation state S2, the longitudinal position of the tank object TOa is determined in the second accommodation state S2. It can be said that it corresponds to the remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken. For example, the left end E3a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the minimum remaining amount of ink Ik that can be taken in the second storage state S2, and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa corresponds to the minimum value that can be taken in the second storage state S2. This corresponds to the maximum remaining amount of ink Ik. Similar to the cartridge object COa, as the longitudinal position of the band-shaped tank object TOa moves from the right end to the left end, the remaining amount of the corresponding ink Ik decreases.

The ratio between the entire longitudinal length (TT+TC) of the object Oa and the longitudinal length TT of the tank object TOa is equal to the ratio between the total printable number TN and the tank printable number SN.

The cartridge object CO has a fixed size regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR. In FIG. 6A, which shows the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1, the hatched area of the cartridge object COa has a size (specifically, a longitudinal direction) according to the cartridge remaining rate CR. This is a variable region VC in which the length) varies, and is a portion indicating the remaining rate of ink Ik. The non-hatched area of the cartridge object COa is the remaining area RC, which is the remaining area of the cartridge object COa excluding the variable area VC. In other words, when the cartridge object COa indicates the cartridge remaining rate CR greater than 0%, that is, the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first storage state S1, the cartridge object COa has a variable area VC and a remaining area RC. Displayed separately. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the first accommodation state S1, the boundary EC between the variable area VC and the remaining area RC is located within the cartridge object COa. The proportion of the portion occupied by the variable region VC in the cartridge object COa, that is, the length LC in the longitudinal direction of the portion occupied by the variable region VC relative to the longitudinal length TC of the cartridge object COa is equal to the cartridge remaining rate CR. (CR=LC/TC).

The tank object TO has a fixed size regardless of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In FIG. 6(B) showing the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, the hatched area of the tank object TOa has a size (specifically, the longitudinal direction) according to the intermediate tank remaining ratio SR. This is a variable region VT in which the length of the ink Ik varies, and is a portion indicating the remaining rate of the ink Ik. The non-hatched area of the tank object TOa is the remaining area RT of the tank object TOa, excluding the variable area VT. In other words, when the tank object TOa indicates the intermediate tank remaining rate SR smaller than 100%, that is, the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, the tank object TOa has a variable area VT, a remaining area RT, It is divided into and displayed. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in the second containment state S2, the boundary ET between the variable region VT and the remaining region RT is located within the tank object TOa. The ratio of the portion occupied by the variable region VT in the tank object TOa, that is, the longitudinal length LT of the portion occupied by the variable region VT relative to the longitudinal length TT of the tank object TOa is the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. Equal (SR=LT/TT).

Note that in the first storage state S1, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%, so the entire tank object TOa is in the variable region VT in FIG. 6(A). In the second accommodation state S2, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, so the entire cartridge object COa is the remaining area RC in FIG. 6(B). Further, the sum of the lengths of the variable regions VT and VC (LT+LC) with respect to the sum of the lengths in the longitudinal direction of the tank object TOa and the cartridge object COa (TT+TC) is equal to the overall remaining rate of ink Ik. That is, the overall remaining rate of ink Ik is (LT+LC)/(TT+TC).

As can be seen from the above description, the object Oa indicates an index value regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik supplied to the printer 100A (for example, the remaining rate of ink Ik). The left end of the object Oa (the left end E3a of the tank object TO) corresponds to the minimum value of the index value, and the right end of the object Oa (the right end E2a of the cartridge object COa) corresponds to the maximum value of the index value.

Here, the object Oa includes a boundary BDa. The boundary BDa is a small gap provided between the tank object TOa and the cartridge object COa. The boundary BDa clearly defines the boundary between the tank object TOa and the cartridge object COa. The boundary portion BDa indicates a position in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the boundary between the first accommodation state S1 and the second accommodation state S2.

Note that the timing of ordering a cartridge to be used next to the currently installed ink cartridge (also referred to as a replacement cartridge) is referred to as ordering timing. The position in the longitudinal direction on the object Oa that corresponds to the index value (for example, a specific remaining rate of ink Ik) corresponding to the order timing is called an order corresponding position. In the two-chamber supply system printer 100A, the default ordering timing for a replacement cartridge is when the first accommodation state S1 transitions to the second accommodation state S2, that is, when the remaining amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A is This is when it becomes 0. For this reason, in the two-chamber supply system printer 100A, the ordering position RPa is the position of the above-mentioned boundary BDa.

An example of a display image RIc shown by display image data generated when the printer of interest is a one-room supply type printer 100C is shown in FIG. 6(C). Display image RIc includes object Oc. Since the single-chamber supply type printer 100C does not include an intermediate tank, the object Oc is only a cartridge object and does not include a tank object. Therefore, the overall ink Ik remaining rate is the cartridge remaining rate CR.

The object Oc has a fixed size regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR. In FIG. 6(C), the hatched area of the object Oc is a variable area VR whose size (specifically, length in the longitudinal direction) changes depending on the cartridge remaining rate CR, and the remaining rate of the ink Ik. This is the part that shows. The unhatched area of the object Oc is the remaining area RR, which is the remaining area of the object Oc excluding the variable area VR. In other words, when the object Oc indicates a cartridge remaining rate CR greater than 0%, the object Oc is displayed divided into a variable area VR and a remaining area RR. The ratio of the portion occupied by the variable region VR in the object Oc, that is, the longitudinal length LR of the portion occupied by the variable region VR to the longitudinal length TR of the object Oc is equal to the cartridge remaining rate CR (CR =TR/LR).

As can be seen from the above description, the object Oc indicates an index value (for example, the remaining rate of ink Ik) regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik supplied to the printer 100C. The left end E1c of the object Oc corresponds to the minimum value of the index value, and the right end E2c of the object Oc corresponds to the maximum value of the index value.

In the single-chamber supply system printer 100C, the timing for ordering a replacement cartridge is when the remaining amount of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C reaches a reference amount. The default reference amount is determined, for example, in consideration of the amount of printing that will be performed from the time the replacement cartridge is ordered until the replacement cartridge is delivered to the user. For example, the default reference amount is set to the amount of ink Ik required to print a predetermined number of sheets (100 sheets in this embodiment). In the object Oc in FIG. 6C, an order corresponding position RPc corresponding to the default order timing is indicated by a broken line.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, the display image RIb shown by the display image data generated when the printer of interest is the printer 100B is similar to the display image RIa in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). Contains an object Ob consisting of a tank object and a cartridge object. The display image RId shown by the display image data generated when the printer of interest is the printer 100D includes an object Od consisting only of cartridge objects, similar to the display image RIc in FIG. 6(C).

In S170 of FIG. 5, the management device 300 determines whether all the printers to be managed have been processed as printers of interest. If there is an unprocessed printer (S170: NO), the management device 300 returns to S115 and selects the unprocessed printer as the printer of interest. If all printers have been processed (S170: YES), the management device 300 advances the process to 175.

In S175, the management device 300 generates display screen data indicating the management screen DW using the display image data already generated for each of the printers 100A to 100D. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the management screen DW. The management screen DW is a list of printer information of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed. The management screen DW includes a plurality of display areas that display a plurality of printer information items. FIG. 7 shows three display areas CL1 to CL3 among these display areas. For example, the display area CL1 shows the serial numbers of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed, and the display area CL2 shows the model names of the printers 100A to 100D to be managed. In the display area CL3, the above-described display images RIa to RId are shown as information indicating the remaining ink Ik of the managed printers 100A to 100D.

In the example of FIG. 7, among the display images RIa and RIb corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B, the display image RIa shows the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, The display image RIb shows the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. Furthermore, among the display images RIc and RId corresponding to the single-chamber supply type printers 100C and 100D, the display image RIc shows a relatively small residual rate of ink Ik, and the display image RId shows a relatively large residual rate of ink Ik. It shows the remaining rate.

Once the screen data is generated in S175, the screen data generation process ends.

At a predetermined timing, the management device 300 displays the management screen DW on the display unit 340 using the screen data already generated by the screen data generation process. For example, the management device 300 displays the management screen DW when the computer program PG2 is started. Further, when the management device 300 receives a display request from the user via the operation unit 350, the management device 300 displays the management screen DW on the display unit 340. The user of the management device 300 is, for example, the administrator of the system 1000. The administrator of the system 1000 may be the user of the printers 100A to 100D, or may be a person different from the user of the printers 100A to 100D, for example, a seller of the printers 100A to 100D.

According to the embodiment described above, the management device 300 acquires the remaining printable number RN, which is information regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik, from the printers 100A to 100D (S110 in FIG. 5). The management device 300 displays a display image RIa that includes an object Oa for displaying an index value (for example, the remaining rate of ink Ik) determined using the remaining printable number RN of the printer 100A, and a display image RIa that includes an object Oa that is determined using the remaining printable number RN of the printer 100A, and the remaining printable number of the printer 100C. Display screen data showing a management screen DW including a display image RIc for displaying an index value determined using the number of sheets RN is generated (S115 to S175 in FIG. 5). Then, the management device 300 displays the management screen DW on the display unit 340 using the display screen data. The possible values of the index value (ink Ik remaining rate) of the two-chamber supply system printer 100A are the values corresponding to the first accommodation state S1 (in this embodiment, the cartridge remaining rate CR). 0 to 100%) and a value corresponding to the second accommodation state S2 (in this embodiment, 0 to 100% of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR). The display image RIa corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A corresponds to the two-chamber supply type printer when the object Oa indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2. That is, it includes an image of the boundary BDa indicating that it corresponds to the ink supply section 170A (FIG. 2) having the intermediate tank 175A. On the other hand, the display image RIc corresponding to the one-room supply type printer 100C does not include the image of the boundary portion BDa. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user of the management screen DW that displays index values regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik for a plurality of printers.

For example, in the example of FIG. 7, as described above, the object Oa of the display image RIa indicates the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2. Even in this case, since the display image RIa includes the image of the boundary BDa, the user can recognize that the object Oa corresponds to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A. Thereby, for example, the user can easily recognize that it is time to order a replacement cartridge for the printer 100A.

The two-chamber supply type printer 100A can continue printing as long as the ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175A even in the second accommodation state S2 in which no ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. The single-chamber supply type printer 100C cannot continue printing unless ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C. Due to this, the preferred timing for ordering the ink cartridge 200A and the preferred timing for ordering the ink cartridge 200C are different. For example, the preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200A is when the remaining rate of the ink Ik reaches the above-mentioned ordering position RPa (FIG. 6A, position of the boundary BDa). The preferred ordering timing for the ink cartridge 200C is when the remaining rate of the ink Ik reaches the above-mentioned ordering position RPc (FIG. 6(C)). For this reason, if the user cannot recognize that the object Oa corresponds to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A, when the user sees the object Oa, the timing to order a replacement cartridge for the printer 100A has arrived. It is possible that it is not known whether or not.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display area CL3x of the management screen of the comparative example. The display area CL3x includes display images RIxa to RIxd corresponding to the printers 100A to 100D. In the comparative example, objects Oxa to Oxd of display images RIxa to RIxd are not divided into a variable area and a remaining area, unlike the first example. In the objects Oxa to Oxd of the comparative example, the length of the entire object varies depending on the remaining rate of ink Ik. In other words, each object of the comparative example is composed only of the variable area of the first example.

In the example of FIG. 8, similarly to the example of FIG. 7, the display image RIxa shows the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, and the display image RIxb shows the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. The remaining percentage of the corresponding ink Ik is shown. Further, the display image RIxc shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RIxd shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

The object of the comparative example corresponding to the two-chamber supply system printer is a tank object TOx and a cartridge as shown in the object Oxb in FIG. Since the image is divided into the object COx and the object COx, it includes an image showing the boundary portion BDx. However, when showing the remaining rate of the ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, as shown in the object Oxa in FIG. 8, the cartridge object is not displayed and only the tank object is displayed. Image does not exist. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the object Oxa corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A is the same as the object Oxc corresponding to the one-chamber supply type printer 100C. As a result, in the comparative example, the user who views the object Oxa does not know whether or not the object Oxa is compatible with a two-chamber supply type printer. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, the object Oa corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2. Regardless, the boundary BDa is clearly shown. As a result, as described above, the user viewing the object Oa can easily recognize that the object Oa corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer.

Further, in the above embodiment, the object Oa includes a cartridge object COa indicating the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1, and a tank object COa indicating the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2. TOa (FIG. 6(A)). The boundary BDa is an image showing the boundary between the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa. In this way, by showing the boundary between the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa, the user can easily understand intuitively that the object Oa indicates a two-chamber supply system having the intermediate tank 175A. Therefore, it can be more easily recognized that the object Oa corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cartridge object COa and the tank object TOa each have a fixed size regardless of the remaining rate of ink Ik, and are divided into variable areas VC, VT and remaining areas RC, RT. This indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik. The boundary BDa is an image showing the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa. In other words, the existence of the boundary BDa between the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa clearly identifies the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the object Oa corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer. In addition, in a modified example, the boundary portion BDa may be a line that clearly defines the boundary between the left end E1a of the cartridge object COa and the right end E4a of the tank object TOa, instead of the interval portion.

As can be seen from the above description, the ink cartridge 200A is an example of the first cartridge, and the ink cartridge 200C is an example of the second cartridge. The remaining printable number RN obtained from the printer 100A is an example of first information, and the remaining printable number RN obtained from the printer 100C is an example of second information. Object Oa is an example of a first object, and object Ob is an example of a second object. Cartridge object COa is an example of a first sub-object, and tank object TOa is an example of a second sub-object. The boundary BDa is an example of a specific image.

B. Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display areas CL32 to CL34 of the management screen in the second to fourth embodiments. In the second embodiment, instead of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW of the first embodiment, a display area CL32 in FIG. 9(A) is displayed.

Display area CL32 includes display images RI2a to RI2d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the second example, unlike the first example, objects O2a to O2d of display images RI2a to RI2d are not divided into a variable area and a remaining area, as in the comparative example (FIG. 8). In the objects O2a to O2d of the second example, the length of the entire object varies depending on the remaining rate of the ink Ik, as in the comparative example.

In the example of FIG. 9A, similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI2c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI2d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In the second embodiment, in the display images RI2a and RI2b corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B, the background image BGm indicating the background of the objects O2a and O2b has a first color (for example, red). In the display images RI2c and RI2d corresponding to the one-room supply system 100C and 100D, the background image BGn of the objects O2c and O2d has a second color (for example, blue) different from the first color.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the object O2a corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A is the same as the object O2c corresponding to the one-chamber supply type printer 100C. As a result, in the second embodiment, the user cannot tell from only the object O2a whether or not the object O2a is compatible with a two-chamber supply type printer.

According to the second embodiment, since the color of the background image BGm in the display image RI2a is different from the color of the background image BGn in the display image RI2c, the user can see that the object O2a in the display image RI2a is It can be easily recognized that it is compatible with a two-chamber feed type printer. As can be seen from the above description, in the second example, the background image BGm is an example of a specific image.

C. Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, a display area CL33 in FIG. 9(B) is displayed in place of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

Display area CL33 includes display images RI3a to RI3d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the third embodiment, the objects O3a to O3d of the display images RI3a to RI3d have the same configuration as the objects O2a to O2d of the second embodiment except for their colors.

In the example of FIG. 9(B), similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI3c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI3d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In display images RI3a and RI3b corresponding to two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B, objects O3a and O3b are tank objects and cartridge objects when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. , and when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, it consists only of a tank object. In the example of FIG. 9(B), the object O3b consists of a tank object TO3b and a cartridge object CO3b, and the object O3a consists only of a tank object TO3a. In the display images RI3c and RI3d corresponding to the single-chamber supply type printers 100C and 100D, the objects O3c and O3d always consist of only the cartridge objects CO3c and CO3d.

In a third example, the tank object is an image having a third color (eg, red). For example, in the example of FIG. 9B, object O3a (tank object TO3a) and tank object TO3b of object O3b are images having the third color. The cartridge object is an image having a fourth color (for example, blue) that is different from the third color. For example, in the example of FIG. 9B, the cartridge object CO3b of the object O3b and the objects O3c and O3d (cartridge objects CO3c and CO3d) are images having the third color.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, the shape of the object O3a corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A is the same as the object O3c corresponding to the one-chamber supply type printer 100C. As a result, in the third embodiment, the user cannot tell from only the shape of the object O3a whether or not the object O3c is compatible with a two-chamber supply type printer.

According to the second embodiment, since the color of the tank object CO3a (the entire object O3a in FIG. 9B) in the display image RI3a is different from the color of the object O3c in the display image RI3c, the user can Similarly, it can be easily recognized that the object O3a of the display image RI3a corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer. As can be seen from the above description, in the third embodiment, the tank object CO3a having the third color is an example of a specific image.

D. Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, a display area CL34 in FIG. 9(C) is displayed in place of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

Display area CL34 includes display images RI4a to RI4d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the fourth embodiment, the objects O4a to O4d of the display images RI4a to RI4d have the same configuration as the objects O2a to O2d of the second embodiment, except for their patterns.

In the example of FIG. 9C, similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI4c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI4d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In display images RI4a and RI4b corresponding to two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B, objects O4a and O4b are tank objects and cartridge objects when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. , and when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, it consists only of a tank object. In the example of FIG. 9C, object O4b consists of tank object TO4b and cartridge object CO4b, and object O4a consists only of tank object TO4a. In display images RI4c and RI4d corresponding to single-chamber supply type printers 100C and 100D, objects O4c and O4d always consist of only cartridge objects CO4c and CO4d.

In the fourth example, the tank object is an image having a first pattern (for example, a zigzag pattern). For example, in the example of FIG. 9C, object O4a (tank object TO4a) and tank object TO4b of object O4b are images having the first pattern. The cartridge object is an image having a second pattern (for example, a horizontal striped pattern) different from the first pattern. For example, in the example of FIG. 9C, the cartridge object CO4b of the object O4b and the objects O4c and O4d (cartridge objects CO4c and CO4d) are images having the second pattern.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, the shape of the object O4a corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A is the same as the object O4c corresponding to the one-chamber supply type printer 100C. As a result, in the fourth embodiment, the user cannot tell from only the shape of the object O4a whether or not the object O4c is compatible with a two-chamber supply type printer.

According to the fourth embodiment, the pattern of the tank object CO4a (the entire object O4a in FIG. 9C) in the display image RI4a is different from the pattern of the object O4c in the display image RI4c. Similarly, it can be easily recognized that the object O4a of the display image RI4a corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer. As can be seen from the above description, in the fourth embodiment, the tank object CO4a having the first pattern is an example of a specific image.

E. Fifth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display areas CL35 to CL37 of the management screen in the fifth to seventh embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, a display area CL35 in FIG. 10(A) is displayed in place of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

Display area CL35 includes display images RI5a to RI5d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the fifth embodiment, objects O5a to O5d of display images RI5a to RI5d are the same as objects O2a to O2d of the second embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 10(A), similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI5c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI5d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In the fifth embodiment, display images RI5a and RI5b corresponding to printers 100A and 100B of the two-chamber supply system include an identification image MK that shows an identification mark (for example, a flower mark) indicating the two-chamber supply system. In the example of FIG. 10A, the identification image MK is a cartridge object (for example, CO5b of FIG. is displayed in the position where it is displayed. The identification image MK is displayed even when the objects O5a and O5b show the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, that is, even when the objects O5a and O5b do not include a cartridge object. Identification image MK is not displayed on display images RI5c and RI5d corresponding to printers 100C and 100D of the one-room supply system.

In the fifth embodiment, the configurations of objects O5a to O5d are the same as those of objects O2a to O2d in the second embodiment, so as shown in FIG. The shape of O5a is the same as object O5c corresponding to the printer 100C of the one-room supply method. As a result, in the fifth embodiment, the user cannot tell from only the object O5a whether or not the object O5c is compatible with a two-chamber supply type printer.

According to the fifth embodiment, the display image RI5a includes the identification image MK that is displayed together with the object O5a and is not included in the display image RI5c. It can be easily recognized that O5a corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer. As can be seen from the above description, in the fifth embodiment, the identification image MK is an example of a specific image. In addition, in a modified example, the display images RI5c and RI5d corresponding to the one-room supply type printers 100C and 100D may include an image showing an identification mark (for example, a bird mark) different from the identification image MK.

F. Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment, a display area CL36 of FIG. 10(B) is displayed in place of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW of the first embodiment.

Display area CL36 includes display images RI6a to RI6d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the example of FIG. 10(B), similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI6c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI6d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In display images RI6a and RI6b corresponding to two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B, objects O6a and O6b are tank objects and cartridge objects when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. , and when indicating the remaining amount of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2, it consists only of a tank object. In the example of FIG. 10(B), the object O6b consists of a tank object TO6b and a cartridge object CO6b, and the object O6a consists of only a tank object TO6a. In display images RI6c and RI6d corresponding to single-chamber supply type printers 100C and 100D, objects O6c and O6d always consist of only cartridge objects CO6c and CO6d.

In the sixth embodiment, the size (length in the longitudinal direction and length in the lateral direction) of each object is fixed. For example, the sizes of the object O6a (tank object TO6a) and tank object TO6b in FIG. 10(B) are fixed regardless of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. The sizes of the cartridge object CO6b, objects O6c, and O6d (cartridge objects CO6c, CO6d) are fixed regardless of the cartridge remaining rate CR.

In the sixth embodiment, each object indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik by its color. For example, when the color of a tank object (for example, T06a) corresponding to a two-chamber supply type printer (for example, 100A) indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, It varies depending on the intermediate tank remaining rate (SR) (FIG. 10(A)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the tank object T06a is achromatic. Then, the concentration of the tank object T06a is changed according to the intermediate tank remaining rate SR so that it becomes white when the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 0% and becomes black when the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%. fluctuate. As a result, the tank object T06a indicates the intermediate tank remaining rate SR based on its concentration. Note that in the second accommodation state S2, the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, so in the example of FIG. (You can also say that it is colored).

When the color of a cartridge object (for example, CO6b) corresponding to a two-chamber supply type printer (for example, 100B) indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1, the color of the cartridge object (for example, CO6b) rate (CR)) (Fig. 10(B)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the cartridge object CO6b is an achromatic color. Then, the density of the cartridge object CO6b changes according to the cartridge remaining rate CRR so that it becomes white when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0% and becomes black when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 100%. As a result, the cartridge object CO6b indicates the cartridge remaining rate CR based on its density. Note that in the first storage state S1, the intermediate tank remaining rate SR is 100%, so in the example of FIG. 10(B), the color of the tank object TO6b is black.

The color of a cartridge object (for example, CO6c) corresponding to a single-chamber supply type printer (for example, 100C) changes depending on the remaining rate of ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR) (FIG. 10(B)). For example, in this embodiment, the color of the cartridge object CO6c is achromatic. Then, the density of the cartridge object CO6c changes according to the cartridge remaining rate CR such that it becomes white when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0% and becomes black when the cartridge remaining rate CR is 100%. As a result, the cartridge object CO6c indicates the cartridge remaining rate CR based on its density.

In addition, in a modified example, the saturation and hue of each object may be changed in accordance with the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR instead of the density of each object.

According to the sixth embodiment, the size of the tank object TO6a is maintained even when the display image RI6a shows the remaining percentage of the ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2. The right ends of the fixed-sized tank objects TO6a and TO6b (FIG. 10(B)) constitute a boundary portion BD6 that indicates the boundary between the first accommodation state S1 and the second accommodation state S2. For this reason, in the sixth embodiment, it can be said that the display of the boundary portion BD6 is maintained even when the second accommodation state S2 is indicated. On the other hand, in the display image RI6c corresponding to the printer 100C of the single-chamber supply method, even when the cartridge remaining rate CR is relatively small, the size of the object O6c (cartridge object CO6c) is the same as that of the tank object TO6a. maintained at a larger size. Therefore, a configuration similar to the boundary portion BD6 of the display image RI6a does not appear in the display image RI6c. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the user can easily recognize that the object O6a of the display image RI6a corresponds to a two-chamber supply type printer. As can be seen from the above description, in the sixth embodiment, the boundary portion BD6 is an example of a specific image.

In addition, in the modified example, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 10(B), in the display image RI6a, even if the cartridge remaining rate CR is 0%, the cartridge object is not deleted, and, for example, only the frame of the cartridge object CO6a is deleted. It may be displayed. In this case, even when the remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to the second accommodation state S2 is shown, the boundary portion BD6 is displayed more clearly.

F. Seventh Embodiment In the seventh embodiment, a display area CL37 in FIG. 10(C) is displayed in place of the display area CL3 (FIG. 7) of the management screen DW in the first embodiment.

Display area CL37 includes display images RI7a to RI7d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D. In the example of FIG. 10(C), similarly to the example of FIG. The remaining percentage of ink Ik corresponding to state S1 is shown. Further, the display image RI7c shows a relatively small remaining rate of ink Ik, and the display image RI7d shows a relatively large remaining rate of ink Ik.

In display images RI7a to RI7d corresponding to printers 100A to 100D, objects O7a to O7d each have a fixed size regardless of the remaining amount of ink Ik.

Objects O7a to O7d each have a variable area VA whose size (specifically, length in the longitudinal direction) changes depending on the remaining rate of ink Ik (cartridge remaining rate CR or intermediate tank remaining rate SR), and a remaining area. It is divided into RA and RA. As a result, the objects O7a to O7d indicate the remaining rate of ink Ik based on the length of the variable area VA in the longitudinal direction.

Of the remaining area RA of the object O7a corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100A, the color of the cartridge area RAc and the color of the tank area RAt are different from each other. The cartridge area RAc is an area corresponding to the remaining rate of ink Ik (0 to 100% of the cartridge remaining rate CR) corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. The tank area RAt is an area corresponding to the remaining rate of the ink Ik (0 to 100% of the intermediate tank remaining rate SR) corresponding to the second accommodation state S2.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10(C), when the object O7a indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the second storage state S2, the boundary BD7 between the cartridge area RAc and the tank area RAt is be made explicit.

In FIG. 10C, the object O7b of the display image RI7b corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printer 100B indicates the remaining rate of ink Ik corresponding to the first accommodation state S1. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 10(C), the remaining area RA of the object O7b does not include the tank area RAt, so the boundary portion BD7 does not appear in the remaining area RA of the object O7b.

The objects O7c and O7d of the display images RI7c and RI7d corresponding to the printers 100C and 100D of the single-chamber supply system collectively indicate the cartridge remaining rate CR, so the color of the remaining area RA of the objects O7c and O7d is always as described above. It has the same color as the cartridge area RAc. Therefore, the boundary portion BD7 does not appear in the remaining area RA of the objects O7c and O7d.

According to the seventh embodiment, since the boundary portion BD7 appears in the remaining area RA of the object O7a of the display image RI7a, the user can see that the object O7a of the display image RI7a has two rooms, as in the first embodiment. It is easy to recognize that it is compatible with feed-type printers. As can be seen from the above description, in the seventh embodiment, the boundary portion BD7 is an example of a specific image.

G. Modification (1) In each of the above embodiments, the printer to be processed, for example, the printer 100A, includes a monochrome printing execution unit 160 that uses one color of ink (for example, black (K)). Instead of this, the printer 100A uses a printing mechanism that uses ink Ik of multiple colors, for example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) to print a color image. It is also possible to include a printing mechanism for printing. In this case, four ink cartridges 200A corresponding to four colors of ink can be installed in the printer 100A. The printer 100A includes an ink supply section 170A for each of the four colors of ink. In this case, for example, the initial amounts of ink Ik in all or some of the four color ink cartridges 200A may be different from each other. For example, the initial amount of ink Ik may be different between the chromatic CMY ink cartridge 200A and the achromatic K ink cartridge 200A. Further, the boundary ink amounts of the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to all or part of the four color ink cartridges 200A may be different from each other. For example, the boundary ink amounts may be different between the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to the chromatic CMY ink cartridges 200A and the intermediate tanks 175A corresponding to the achromatic K ink cartridges 200A.

In this modification, in the display area of the management screen, each printer's display image includes four objects corresponding to four colors of ink. For example, the configurations of the objects in the first to seventh embodiments described above are adopted as the configuration of each object in the display image.

(2) The configurations of the display areas CL31 to CL37 in the first to seventh embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate.

For example, the configurations of the display areas CL31 to CL33 in the first to third embodiments may be combined. In this case, for example, in the display area CL31 in FIG. 7, the color of the background images of display images RIa and RIb is different from the color of the background images of display images RIc and RId. In the display area CL31 of FIG. 7, the color of the variable area of the tank object of the objects Oa and Ob is the first color, and the color of the variable area of the cartridge object of the objects Oa and Ob and the variable area of the objects Oc and Od is the first color. The second color is different from the .

For example, the identification image MK displayed in the display area CL35 of the fifth embodiment may be displayed within the display image corresponding to the two-chamber supply type printers 100A and 100B in the display areas of other embodiments.

(3) In the first embodiment, display images RIa to RId indicating the remaining percentage of ink Ik are displayed in the display area CL3 of the management screen DW as images displaying the index value regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik. Instead, the display area may display other index values regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik. For example, the number of remaining printable sheets RN may be displayed as another index value, or the remaining amount of ink Ik itself may be displayed. Even in this modification, a management screen DW is provided that allows easy understanding of the remaining amount of ink Ik in the printers 100A to 100D.

(4) In the embodiments and modifications described above, each object in the display image is a band-shaped object extending in a straight line, but may be a band-shaped object extending in a curved line. For example, the object may be a belt-shaped object extending in an arc shape. In this case, the position of the object in the longitudinal direction, that is, the circumferential direction, corresponds to the possible value of the index value regarding the remaining amount of ink Ik.

(5) In the above embodiment, the printer to be processed, for example, the printer 100A, includes the inkjet printing execution unit 160. Alternatively, the printer 100A may include an electrophotographic (eg, laser) printing mechanism that prints images using toner as a printing material. In this case, the printer includes a supply unit into which a toner cartridge can be attached, and an intermediate tank (for example, a sub-tank in which toner is temporarily stored) that accommodates toner supplied from the toner cartridge attached to the supply unit. , and a printing execution section that executes printing using toner stored in the intermediate tank. The management screen DW of this embodiment can also be applied when a printer equipped with such a two-chamber toner supply system is adopted.

(6) In the above embodiment, the management device 300 acquires the total printable number TN, remaining printable number RN, and tank printable number SN from the printers 100A to 100D, and obtains the cartridge remaining rate CR and intermediate tank remaining rate. The SR is calculated (S135 to S160 in FIG. 5). Alternatively, each printer may calculate the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR. In this case, the cartridge remaining rate CR and intermediate tank remaining rate SR are stored in the information database IB of each printer. Then, the management device 300 may obtain the cartridge remaining rate CR and the intermediate tank remaining rate SR from each printer in S110 of FIG.

Further, the management device 300 may store in advance the tank printable number SN of each printer for each printer model. In this case, the management device 300 may refer to the model name obtained from each printer to obtain the tank printable number SN stored in advance. Similarly, the management device 300 may store in advance the total number of printable sheets TN of the ink cartridges of each printer for each ink cartridge model number. In this case, the management device 300 may refer to the product number of the ink cartridge obtained from each printer to obtain the total number of printable sheets TN stored in advance.

(7) Objects Oa to Od on the management screen DW in FIG. 7 are band-shaped objects extending in the left-right direction. Alternatively, for example, these objects may be objects of other shapes. For example, the object may be a strip-shaped object extending in the vertical direction. Further, for example, the object may be a plurality of circular objects arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, in an up-down direction). In this case, for example, the cartridge remaining rate CR or intermediate tank remaining rate SR may be indicated by the number of circular objects.

(8) In the above embodiment, the display screen data is output by the management device 300 in the form of displaying the management screen DW (FIG. 7) on the display unit 340 using the display screen data. Alternatively, for example, the display screen data may be output by the management device 300 in the form of transmitting the display screen data to a user's terminal device (for example, a smartphone or a personal computer). In this case, for example, the management screen DW (FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device.

(9) In the above embodiment, the screen data generation process in FIG. 5 is executed by the management device 300. Alternatively, each printer to be managed may execute the processes from S125 to S165 in FIG. 5 to generate display image data, and send the display image data to the management device 300. Then, the management device 300 may generate display screen data indicating the management screen DW using the display image data acquired from each printer.

(10) Although the management device 300 is connected to the local area network NT, the management device 300 may be connected to the Internet IT. In this case, for example, the printers 100A to 100D periodically and spontaneously transmit printer information to the management device 300. The management device 300 uses this printer information to execute the screen data generation process shown in FIG. 5. Then, as described above, the management device 300 transmits screen data indicating the management screen DW to the terminal device in response to a request from the user's terminal device. In this case, for example, the management device 300 may be a so-called cloud server that includes a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other via a network.

(11) In each of the above embodiments, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, or conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. You can do it like this.

(12) When 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-transitory recording medium). can do. The program can be used while being stored in the same or different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) than when it was provided. "Computer-readable recording media" is not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but also internal storage devices in computers such as various ROMs, and devices connected to computers such as hard disk drives. External storage may also be included.

Although the present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications, the embodiments of the invention described above are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

100A to 100D...Printer, 110...CPU, 120...Volatile storage device, 130...Nonvolatile storage device, 140...Display section, 150...Operation section, 160...Print execution section, 170A, 170C...Ink supply section, 171A, 171C... Printing mechanism, 172A, 172C... Mounting section, 174A, 174C... Ink supply port, 175A... Intermediate tank, 177A, 177C... Ink channel section, 178A, 178C... Communication port, 180... Communication IF, 200A to 200C... Ink cartridge, 210A...Main accommodation chamber, 210C...Accommodation chamber, 220A, 220C...Communication port, 230A, 230C...Ink outlet, 250A, 250C...IC chip, 300...Management device, 310...CPU, 320...Volatile storage device , 330...Nonvolatile storage device, 340...Display unit, 350...Operation unit, 380...Communication IF, 1000...System, S1...First accommodation state, S2...Second accommodation state, IB...Information database, PD... Management database, DW...management screen, CM...contact, NT...local area network, IT...internet, PG1, PG2...computer program

Claims (15)

A computer program,
a first acquisition function that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition function that is supplied to the print execution unit;
a second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not have the tank, and the second acquisition function;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is the generation function, which is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output function that outputs the display screen data;
to be realized by a computer,
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value,
the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
The second sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value when indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The specific image is an image showing a boundary between the first sub-object and the second sub-object, and is an image showing at least one end of the first sub-object and the second sub-object. , computer program. A computer program,
a first acquisition function that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition function that is supplied to the print execution unit;
a second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not have the tank, and the second acquisition function;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is the generation function, which is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output function that outputs the display screen data;
to be realized by a computer,
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program product is a computer program , wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a color different from that of the second object . A computer program,
a first acquisition function that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition function that is supplied to the print execution unit;
a second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not have the tank, and the second acquisition function;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is the generation function, which is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output function that outputs the display screen data;
to be realized by a computer,
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The computer program is a computer program, wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object . A computer program,
a first acquisition function that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition function that is supplied to the print execution unit;
a second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not have the tank, and the second acquisition function;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is the generation function, which is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output function that outputs the display screen data;
to be realized by a computer,
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image and has a color different from a background of the second object in the first display image. A computer program,
a first acquisition function that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply section includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply section, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is supplied to the first printing material. the first acquisition function that is supplied to the print execution unit;
a second acquisition function that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not have the tank, and the second acquisition function;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is the generation function, which is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output function that outputs the display screen data;
to be realized by a computer,
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The computer program product, wherein the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image . A management device for a plurality of print execution units,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution unit, the first acquisition unit comprising: The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition unit that supplies the print execution unit;
a second acquisition section that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit includes the second acquisition unit, which does not include the tank;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output unit that outputs the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value,
the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
The second sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value when indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The specific image is an image showing a boundary between the first sub-object and the second sub-object, and is an image showing at least one end of the first sub-object and the second sub-object. , management device. A management device for a plurality of print execution units,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution unit, the first acquisition unit comprising: The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition unit that supplies the print execution unit;
a second acquisition section that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit includes the second acquisition unit, which does not include the tank;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output unit that outputs the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The management device , wherein the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a color different from that of the second object . A management device for a plurality of print execution units,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution unit, the first acquisition unit comprising: The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition unit that supplies the print execution unit;
a second acquisition section that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit includes the second acquisition unit, which does not include the tank;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output unit that outputs the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object . A management device for a plurality of print execution units,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution unit, the first acquisition unit comprising: The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition unit that supplies the print execution unit;
a second acquisition section that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit includes the second acquisition unit, which does not include the tank;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output unit that outputs the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image and has a color different from a background of the second object in the first display image . A management device for a plurality of print execution units,
A first acquisition unit that acquires first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply unit that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution unit, the first acquisition unit comprising: The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition unit that supplies the print execution unit;
a second acquisition section that acquires second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit includes the second acquisition unit, which does not include the tank;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image; is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output unit that outputs the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The management device , wherein the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image . A method for managing multiple print execution units, the method comprising:
a first acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section; The first supply unit includes a tank that accommodates the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply unit, and the first printing material accommodated in the tank is stored in the first printing material. the first acquisition step , which is supplied to a printing execution unit;
a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not include the tank, the second acquisition step ;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image ; the generating step , wherein the value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output step of outputting the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
the first sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
When the first sub-object indicates the first value corresponding to the first state, the first sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value,
the second sub-object has a fixed size regardless of the first value;
The second sub-object has a color that changes depending on the first value when indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
The specific image is an image showing a boundary between the first sub-object and the second sub-object, and is an image showing at least one end of the first sub-object and the second sub-object. ,Management method. A method for managing multiple print execution units, the method comprising:
A first acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section, The first supply section includes a tank that stores the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply section, and the first printing material stored in the tank is supplied to the first printing material. 1 the first acquisition step of supplying to a printing execution unit;
a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not include the tank, and the second acquisition step ;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image ; the generating step , wherein the value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output step of outputting the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
In the management method , the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a color different from that of the second object . A method for managing multiple print execution units, the method comprising:
A first acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section, The first supply section includes a tank that stores the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply section, and the first printing material stored in the tank is supplied to the first printing material. 1 the first acquisition step of supplying to a printing execution unit;
a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not include the tank, and the second acquisition step ;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image ; the generating step , wherein the value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output step of outputting the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The first object includes a first sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the first state, and a second sub-object indicating the first value corresponding to the second state,
In the management method , the specific image is an image that is at least a part of the second sub-object and has a pattern different from that of the second object . A method for managing multiple print execution units, the method comprising:
A first acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section, The first supply section includes a tank that stores the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply section, and the first printing material stored in the tank is supplied to the first printing material. 1 the first acquisition step of supplying to a printing execution unit;
a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not include the tank, and the second acquisition step ;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image ; the generating step , wherein the value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output step of outputting the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
In the management method, the specific image is an image showing a background of the first object in the first display image and has a color different from a background of the second object in the first display image. A method for managing multiple print execution units, the method comprising:
A first acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the remaining amount of the first printing material in a first cartridge installed in a first supply section that supplies first printing material to a first printing execution section, The first supply section includes a tank that stores the first printing material supplied from the first cartridge attached to the first supply section, and the first printing material stored in the tank is supplied to the first printing material. 1 the first acquisition step of supplying to a printing execution unit;
a second acquisition step of acquiring second information regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material in a second cartridge installed in a second supply section that supplies the second printing material to the second printing execution section; The second supply unit does not include the tank, and the second acquisition step ;
a first display image including a first object for displaying a first value determined using the first information; and a second object for displaying a second value determined using the second information. a second display image including a second display image ; the generating step , wherein the value is an index value regarding the remaining amount of the second printing material;
an output step of outputting the display screen data;
Equipped with
The values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the first printing material remains in the first cartridge and in the tank, and a value corresponding to the first state in which the first printing material remains in the tank; a value corresponding to a second state in which the first printing material does not remain in one cartridge and the first printing material remains in the tank;
The first display image is a specific display image indicating that the first object corresponds to the first supply unit having the tank when the first object shows the first value corresponding to the second state. Contains images;
The second display image does not include the specific image,
The management method , wherein the specific image is an identification image that is displayed together with the first object in the first display image and is not included in the second display image .

Images