Printer expendable purchase system and program to be used for the system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a printing device consumables purchasing system and a program used in the system.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, in printing devices such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles, when the remaining amount of colored body cartridges such as ink cartridges, ink sublimation type film cartridges, toner cartridges, and ink ribbon cartridges is scarce and empty, the ink cartridges are usually used. A warning to that effect is displayed on the display of the printing device or on the display of the computer connected to the printing device.

【0003】

Further, in some conventional printing devices, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2891910, a warning including the model number of the ink cartridge (colored body cartridge) is printed on the printing paper. Further, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-322032, when it is detected in the facsimile machine that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge (colored body cartridge) has become scarce, it is stored in the number storage means of the facsimile machine. Some of the suppliers have auto-dial.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

According to the technique described in Japanese Patent No. 2891910, when the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge becomes scarce, the printer outputs a warning letter with the model number printed on the printer. Therefore, the user checks the model number of the ink cartridge and makes a note of it. Although it has the advantage of being able to save time and effort, it has the following problems.

【0005】

That is, since the warning letter is printed using a small amount of ink remaining, the amount of ink originally required in the cartridge is further reduced, and the printing paper is wasted. In addition, if the above warning letter is printed when normal printing is started or during printing, not only the throughput of the original printing operation is reduced, but also the warning letter is mixed in the normal printed document. As a result, the user may not even notice that the warning letter is printed.

【0006】

On the other hand, according to the technique of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-322032, there are no problems in Japanese Patent No. 2891910 such as further reduction of ink in the ink cartridge with a small amount remaining and wasteful consumption of printing paper. It has the following problems.

【0007】

That is, when it detects that the remaining amount of ink is scarce, it automatically dials to a predetermined supplier, so even if the user already has the stock of ink cartridges, the ink cartridges are automatically ordered. It will be damaged, and a situation will occur that is against the user's will.

【0008】

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a printing device consumables purchasing system that allows a user to perform a consumables purchasing procedure after confirming the degree of consumption of printing device consumables. The purpose is to provide the programs used for the system.

【0009】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the first printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention is used for a printing device that prints on a printing medium, a display means that can display information about the printing device, and the printing device. A status screen showing the degree of consumption of consumables is displayed on the display means, and at least a control means for displaying a delivery purchase button for requesting delivery purchase of the consumables is provided in the status screen. And.

【0010】

In this printing device consumables purchase system, a status screen showing the degree of consumption of consumables of the printing device is displayed on the display means, and at least a delivery purchase button for requesting delivery purchase of consumables is displayed in the status screen. To do. Here, "delivery purchase" means having the purchased consumables delivered. According to this system, when a user decides to purchase a consumable after checking the degree of consumption of the consumable on the status screen, he / she can purchase and deliver the consumable by pressing the delivery purchase button as it is on the status screen. It is convenient because you can get it.

【0011】

The term "printing apparatus" means not only a normal printer but also a general apparatus for printing on a printing medium such as a facsimile apparatus and a copying apparatus. Examples of "consumables used in the printing apparatus" include colored cartridges (ink cartridges, toner cartridges, ink sublimation cartridges or ink ribbon cartridges), printing paper set in cassettes, rubber rollers for feeding paper, and the like. Of these, when the print paper in the cassette becomes empty, the print paper is replaced with a cassette filled with the print paper or the cassette is refilled with the print paper. "Consumables consumption" means the remaining amount of ink when the consumable is an ink cartridge, the remaining amount of toner when the consumable is a toner cartridge, and the remaining amount of film or ink concentration when the consumable is an ink sublimation type cartridge. , In the case of an ink ribbon cartridge, it is the remaining amount of ink ribbon or the ink density.

【0012】

The second printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention represents a printing device that prints on a printing medium, a display means capable of displaying information about the printing device, and a degree of consumption of consumables used in the printing device. A feature of the present invention is that the status screen is displayed on the display means, and at least a control means for displaying an over-the-counter purchase button for calling information (seller information) about a seller who handles the consumables is displayed in the status screen. And.

【0013】

In this printing device consumables purchasing system, a status screen showing the degree of consumption of the printing device consumables is displayed on the display means, and at least an over-the-counter purchase button for calling the seller information is displayed in the status screen. Here, "over-the-counter purchase" means purchasing consumables at a store. According to this system, when a user decides to purchase a consumable after checking the degree of consumption of the consumable on the status screen, the seller who helps to purchase the consumable by pressing the store purchase button as it is on the status screen. It is convenient because information can be obtained and it is possible to decide at which store to purchase based on the information.

【0014】

The third printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention represents a printing device that prints on a printing medium, a display means capable of displaying information about the printing device, and a degree of consumption of consumables used in the printing device. The status screen is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of options relating to the purchase mode of the consumable are displayed in the status screen, or an option call button for calling the plurality of options is displayed in the status screen. It is characterized by being provided with a control means.

【0015】

In this printing device consumables purchase system, a status screen showing the degree of consumption of the consumables of the printing device is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the consumables are displayed in the status screen, or a plurality of them. Since the option call button for calling the option of is displayed in the status screen, in the former, the user selects the purchase mode that suits his / her intention from the multiple options displayed in the status screen and consumes the option. The item can be purchased, and in the latter case, the user turns on the option call button displayed in the status screen, displays multiple options on the display means, and then decides from among those multiple options. The consumables can be purchased by selecting the purchase mode. In addition, it is convenient because the user may decide whether or not to purchase the consumable after confirming the degree of consumption of the consumable on the status screen. The option call button may be a button that immediately calls a plurality of options, or may be a button that calls a plurality of options via some information source or information site.

【0016】

The fourth printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention is based on a printing device that prints on a printing medium, a display means capable of displaying information about the printing device, and a remaining amount of consumables used in the printing device. It is determined whether or not the consumables need to be replenished, and if it is determined that the consumables need to be replenished, a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the consumables are displayed on the display means, or the plurality of options are displayed. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control means for displaying an option call button for calling the option of the above on the display means.

【0017】

In this printing device consumable purchase system, if it is determined that the consumable needs to be replenished based on the remaining amount of the consumable, a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the consumable are displayed on the display means or they are displayed. In order to display the option call button for calling a plurality of options on the display means, in the former case, the user selects a purchase mode that suits his / her intention from the plurality of options displayed on the display means and consumables thereof. In the latter case, the user turns on the option call button displayed on the display means to display multiple options on the display means, and then purchases the option from among those multiple options. You can choose to purchase the consumables. In addition, when it is necessary to replenish the consumables, multiple options are automatically displayed or the option call button is displayed, so the degree of consumption of the consumables can be confirmed from the display, and the consumables are consumed after confirmation. It is convenient for users because they only have to decide whether to purchase the item.

【0018】

The remaining amount of consumables may be obtained in any way. For example, when the consumables are ink, the ink consumption is calculated by counting the number of dots of the ejected ink to calculate the original ink. It may be obtained by subtracting the ink consumption from the amount.

【0019】

Here, the control means determines whether or not the consumables need to be replenished based on the remaining amount of the consumables, and if it is determined that the consumables need to be replenished, the consumables are consumed. A status screen indicating the degree is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of options relating to the purchase mode of the consumable are displayed in the status screen, or an option call button for calling the plurality of options is displayed in the status screen. It may be configured to be displayed in. In this way, the user can purchase the consumables by checking the degree of consumption of the consumables on the status screen and confirming the necessity of replenishment, and then selecting the purchase mode that suits his / her intention.

【0020】

In the third or fourth printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, the control means determines that the consumables need to be replenished when the remaining amount of the consumables becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. It may be configured to do so. In this way, it can be determined that replenishment is necessary when the consumables are low, so that the replenishment time can be appropriately determined.

【0021】

In the third or fourth printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, when the option call button is selected, the control means connects to a predetermined server via a network, and the plurality of options are selected from the server. The displayed screen may be acquired and displayed on the display means. In this way, for example, when a predetermined Web server publishes a Web page on the Internet that allows one purchase mode to be selected from a plurality of purchase modes for the consumable item, the Web page is displayed. By using this system, it is possible to construct this system relatively easily.

【0022】

In the third or fourth printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, the control means displays the plurality of options on the display means when the option call button is selected, and then the plurality of options. When any of the options is selected, the system may be configured to connect to a predetermined server via a network, acquire a screen corresponding to the option from the server, and display the screen on the display means. This way, for example, if a web page that sells the consumables in one purchase mode and a web page that sells the same consumables in another purchase mode exist on the Internet, they This system can be constructed relatively easily by using the Web page of. When the option call button is selected, a plurality of options may be displayed on the display means immediately, or a plurality of options may be displayed on the display means via some information source or information site. As the latter, once a website is connected and a country, language, or the like is selected on the website, a plurality of language options corresponding to the website may be displayed.

【0023】

In the third or fourth printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the consumables are a delivery purchase button for requesting the delivery purchase of the consumables and a sale dealing with the consumables. It may be a plurality of options including an over-the-counter purchase button for calling up information about the person (seller information). In this way, the user can select the purchase mode that suits his / her intention according to the circumstances at that time by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the delivery purchase and the over-the-counter purchase and considering the selection.

【0024】

In the form in which the delivery purchase button is displayed, if the delivery purchase button is selected, the control means acquires an ordering screen for ordering the consumables from a predetermined server via a network and displays the display. It may be configured to be displayed on the means. In this way, the user can purchase consumables through online shopping with a simple operation.

【0025】

In the form of displaying the ordering screen when the delivery purchase button is selected, the control means is a sales condition input field for inputting sales condition information as the ordering screen when the delivery purchase button is selected. A screen including a sales condition disclosure column for disclosing sales condition information may be acquired from a predetermined server via a network and displayed on the display means. Here, the "sales conditions" include, for example, a consumable model number, price, tax, shipping fee, delivery address, delivery method, and the like. Further, the "sales condition input field" is a sales condition that the user should present, for example, a delivery destination, a delivery method, etc., and the "sales condition disclosure field" is a sales condition that the seller should present. For example, in addition to the consumable type number, price, tax, shipping fee, etc., the presence or absence of inventory of the consumables and the presence or absence of an empty container collection service can be mentioned.

【0026】

In the form of displaying the ordering screen when the delivery purchase button is selected, the control means inputs the self-location search key information as the ordering screen when the delivery purchase button is selected. The server obtains the screen including the above from a predetermined server via the network, displays it on the display means, and transmits the self-location search key information input in the search key information input field to the server, whereby the server self. The location-dependent sales condition information extracted based on the location search key information may be received and displayed on the display means. Here, the "self-location search key information" refers to key information for searching the user's location, such as a zip code (Zip code) or an area code. In addition, "location-dependent sales condition information" is information on sales conditions that fluctuates depending on the location. For example, if the tax differs depending on the location, the information on the tax, and if the shipping fee differs depending on the location. Is information about the shipping cost. This allows users to easily obtain information about sales terms that vary depending on their location.

【0027】

In the form in which the store purchase button is displayed, if the store purchase button is selected, the control means acquires a screen for providing the seller information from a predetermined server via a network and uses the display means. It may be configured to be displayed. In this way, the user can easily obtain information about the seller (including the store) that handles the consumable.

【0028】

In the form of displaying a screen for providing seller information when the over-the-counter purchase button is selected, the seller information may include at least one of address information and map information for identifying the seller's location. In this way, the user can select, for example, a seller who handles the consumables near his / her location.

【0029】

In the form of displaying a screen for providing seller information when the store purchase button is selected, the control means searches for its own location as a screen for providing the seller information when the store purchase button is selected. A screen including a search key information input field for inputting key information is acquired from a predetermined server via a network and displayed on the display means, and the self-location search key information input in the search key information input field is displayed on the server. The server may be configured to receive the location-dependent seller information extracted based on the self-location search key information and display it on the display means. Here, the "self-location search key information" is as described above, and the "location-dependent seller information" is information regarding the seller information depending on the location. For example, the seller location is the location of the user. Information on sellers who are the same as or in the vicinity of is mentioned. In this way, the user can easily obtain the seller information depending on his / her location.

【0030】

In the printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, the consumables are preferably colored cartridges. Colored cartridges are one of the most frequently used consumables used in printing equipment and are therefore suitable for this system.

【0031】

In the printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention, the printing device, the display means, and the control means may be configured as separate bodies, but the display means and the control means may be built in the printing device. , A part of various means may be built in the printing device and the rest may be configured as a separate body from the printing device, or other various means may be appropriately combined and put in one housing.

【0032】

A program for making a computer function as a control means constituting the printing device consumables purchasing system of the present invention is usually recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or an HDD that can be read by the CPU of the computer, and there. Read by the CPU from and executed. Therefore, such a program is used to exert the effects of the above-mentioned printing device consumables purchasing system, and is highly useful.

【0033】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration explanatory view of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof. The printing device consumables purchasing system in the present embodiment is housed in one housing and is configured as the printing device 100. The printing device 100 has a network function and is configured to be connectable to a network (Internet) 220 via a public line 210. The consumables distributor database site 600 is connected to the network 220. Although the consumables distributor database site 600 is shown as a Web server 620 equipped with a storage device 610 in FIG. 1, it may be a so-called home page opened on a network.

【0034】

The printing device 100 is, for example, a device for printing an image taken by a digital camera, and includes a central processing unit 110, an image capturing unit 120, an image developing means 130, a printer unit 140, and a communication unit 150. It has a user interface unit 160 and a memory unit 170.

【0035】

The central processing unit 110 is an arithmetic unit including a CPU, and functions to execute various programs recorded in the memory unit 170.

【0036】

The image capture unit 120 has a memory card slot 121 and an image input unit 122 for inputting image data G_DATA from the memory card slot 121. A memory card 124 for a digital camera is installed in the memory card slot 121. The image input unit 122 takes in the image data G_DATA in a format such as JPEG from the memory card 124 and stores it in the image data area 1711 in the RAM 171 of the memory unit 170.

【0037】

The image developing means 130 converts the image data G_DATA stored in the image data area 1711 into print data P_DATA and stores it in the print data area (print buffer) 1712 of the RAM 171 in response to a print request from the user.

【0038】

The printer unit 140 includes a carriage drive unit 141, a print head drive unit 143, and a print paper transport control unit 145. A print head 144 is mounted on the carriage 142, and the carriage drive unit 141 reciprocates the carriage along a platen (not shown). The print head drive unit 143 sends a drive signal to the print head 144 in cooperation with the movement of the carriage 142 by the carriage drive unit 141 and the transfer of print paper by the print paper transfer control unit 145, and the memory unit 170 described above. The image related to the print data P_DATA stored in the RAM 171 of the above is printed on the print paper. An ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage 142. This ink cartridge 900 includes an IC memory 901, and an ink remaining amount information area 902 and a type information area 903 are assigned to the IC memory 901. The ink remaining amount information REST detected by the central processing unit 110 is written in the ink remaining amount information area 902. When a cartridge that does not have an IC memory is installed, the ink remaining amount information REST can be written to the above-mentioned non-volatile memory 172. The IC memory 901 may record the purchase source information and / or type information of the cartridge, and the addresses of the acquisition destinations thereof. In this case, when the ink cartridge 900 is mounted on the printer (when mounted on the carriage 142), the purchase source information, type information, acquisition destination address, etc. may be written to an appropriate memory in the printer. Good. In the present embodiment, the purchase source information includes the seller information, and at least one of the sales condition information and the purchase form information. As will be described later, the ink remaining amount information REST for the ink cartridge 900 detected by the central processing unit 110 is written in the ink remaining amount information area 902. The type information ST of the ink cartridge 900 detected by the central processing unit 110 is written in the type information area 903 as described later.

【0039】

The communication unit 150 issues a purchase source information acquisition request BS_REQ for the ink cartridge to the distributor database site 600 (see FIG. 1) via the communication network 220, and purchase source information BS from the distributor database site 600. Can be obtained.

【0040】

The user interface unit 160 includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 162. The display unit 161 includes a liquid crystal display panel for displaying low ink level warning, paper shortage warning, cleaning information, etc., an LED indicator, and the like. The operation unit 162 is composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and can switch display modes and perform various reset operations.

【0041】

The memory unit 170 includes a RAM 171 and a non-volatile memory 172. As already described, the image data area 1711 and the print data area 1712 are allocated in the RAM 171. The purchase source information area 1721 and the program storage area 1724 are allocated in the non-volatile memory 172. As described above, the purchase source information BS (including the seller information DEAL and the sales condition information TERM) is written in the purchase source information area 1721. The program storage area 1724 stores various programs that are appropriately read and executed by the CPU. Specifically, in addition to the printer control program, the ink remaining amount detection program, the cartridge type detection program, the cartridge ordering assist program, the cartridge replacement assist program, and the database site access program (including the consumables information acquisition program described above) are written. There is.

【0042】

As for the remaining amount of ink, the central processing unit 110 updates the remaining amount of ink information REST stored in the remaining amount of ink information area 902 every time a predetermined amount of ink is consumed. As described above, the IC memory 901 is attached to the ink cartridge 900, and the central processing unit 110 can know the type, that is, the model number of the ink cartridge 900 by acquiring the type information ST of the ink cartridge 900. it can.

【0043】

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and various display screen examples. It is assumed that the print data P_DATA is stored in the image data area 1711 of the memory unit 170. This print data P_DATA is created by the image expanding means 130 expanding the image data G_DATA from the memory card 124 mounted in the memory card slot 121 as described above.

【0044】

In FIG. 3, when there is a print command from the user for the image related to the print data P_DATA, the central processing unit 110 determines whether or not the value of the ink remaining amount information REST for the ink cartridge is equal to or less than the first threshold value N1. Judged (S10). The value of the first threshold value N1 is set smaller than that of the second threshold value N2 described later. The value indicated by the ink remaining amount information REST is set so that the value becomes smaller as the ink remaining amount becomes smaller. Here, the value of the ink remaining amount information REST is the sum of the amount of ink obtained by counting the ink droplets ejected from the print head and the amount of ink ejected from the print head using a suction means (not shown) at the time of cleaning. Therefore, the calculated value of the ink usage amount can be adopted (the ink remaining amount is the value obtained by subtracting the ink usage amount from the ink amount when the cartridge is not used).

【0045】

Specifically, the central processing unit 110 refers to the value of the ink remaining amount information REST stored in the ink remaining amount information area 902 in the IC memory 901, and immediately inks the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 900. It is determined whether or not the amount of the cartridge should be replaced, that is, whether or not the value of the ink remaining amount information REST recorded in the ink remaining amount information area 902 is equal to or less than the predetermined first threshold value N1. To do.

【0046】

When the value of the ink remaining amount information REST is not equal to or less than the first threshold value N1, it is further determined whether or not the value is equal to or less than the second threshold value N2 (S20). That is, the central processing unit 110 refers to the value of the ink remaining amount information REST stored in the ink remaining amount information area 902, and the amount of the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 900 is such that the ink cartridge should be replaced soon ( For example, it is determined whether or not it is (about 10% of the initial purchase), that is, whether or not the value of the ink remaining amount information REST recorded in the ink remaining amount information area 902 is equal to or less than the second threshold N2. ..

【0047】

When the ink remaining amount information REST value is not equal to or less than the second threshold value N2, the central processing unit 110 starts the print process (S50), but the ink remaining amount information REST value is the second threshold value N2. When it is less than or equal to, that is, when the REST value is greater than N1 and less than or equal to N2, it is determined whether or not the execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is rejected (S30). The refusal to execute this cartridge ordering assist sequence is registered in a non-volatile storage area (non-volatile register R) (not shown), and is performed when, for example, the user has already prepared a stock of ink cartridges at hand. If the execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is not refused, a message such as "The ink cartridge is low. Assist sequence will be executed" is displayed, and the cartridge ordering assist sequence (cartridge ordering) described later is displayed. While activating (assist program) (S40), the print process in step S50 is started. On the other hand, if the execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is refused, the print process of step S50 is started without activating the cartridge ordering assist sequence. By the print process of step S50, every time one page is printed, the ink remaining amount information REST is updated (S60), it is determined whether or not there is a next page to be printed (S70), and there is a next page. If so, return the process to step S10, and if not, end the process. The ink remaining amount information REST may be updated page by page as described above, but each time the value of the ink remaining amount information REST decreases by a predetermined amount, each print of a predetermined number of lines, or a predetermined number of pages It may be performed for each print, and it may be performed for each print job. This ink remaining amount information REST update is executed by the CPU of the central processing unit 110.

【0048】

On the other hand, in step S10, when the value of the ink remaining amount information REST is equal to or less than the first threshold value N1, a cartridge replacement warning such as "Ink cartridge replacement is required" is displayed (S80). The warning display in step S80 is displayed on the display unit 161 of the user interface unit 160.

【0049】

After the cartridge replacement warning in step S80, printing is interrupted (S90), but the subsequent processing differs depending on whether the user wants to replace the ink cartridge 900 or not (S100).

【0050】

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 161 in steps S80 to S100, and a warning with a comment "Color ink is low. Please replace. Color ink cartridge model number: XXXYY02". This is a status screen that includes display A1. In FIG. 4, graphics A2 showing the ink cartridge and the remaining amount of ink are displayed, and further, "Countermeasure" soft button A3 and "Close" soft button A4 are provided. The branching in step S100 described above depends on whether to point to the "Corrective action" soft button A3 or the "Close" soft button A4.

【0051】

If the user does not wish to replace the ink cartridge 900 (for example, in Figure 4, if the user selects the "close" soft button A4), the process is passed to step S50, the print process is done, and the user If the ink cartridge 900 wishes to be replaced (for example, in FIG. 4, when the user selects the "Remedy" soft button A3), the cartridge replacement assist sequence (cartridge replacement assist program) is activated (S110).

【0052】

The cartridge replacement assist sequence shows the procedure to a user who is unfamiliar with ink cartridge replacement by graphics or the like. When the user exits the sequence, the user stops the cartridge replacement and wishes to resume printing. Cartridges may be replaced as originally intended (S120).

【0053】

Finally, in step S120, if the user did not replace the cartridge, printing resumes, the process is passed to step S50, and if the user replaces the ink cartridge, the process steps. Returned to S10. In the cartridge replacement assist sequence, whether or not the ink cartridge has been replaced is determined, for example, by the central processing unit 110 in FIG. 2 referring to the serial number of the ink cartridge recorded in the IC memory 901. be able to.

【0054】

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of step S40 in FIG. 3 in detail. In FIG. 5, when the cartridge ordering assist program is activated, it first waits for an instruction from the user as to whether or not to continue the cartridge ordering assist sequence (S410). When the user gives an instruction to continue the cartridge ordering assist sequence, the user further waits for an instruction from the user as to whether or not the user desires a delivery purchase (S411). When the user issues a stop command for the cartridge ordering assist sequence, the execution refusal of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is registered in the register R (not shown) described above (S420).

【0055】

Specifically, a menu for allowing the user to select whether to purchase a delivery or an over-the-counter purchase is displayed on the display unit 161 of the user interface unit 160.

【0056】

FIG. 6 is a diagram (status screen) showing a display example of the display unit 161 in step S411, and is displayed with a comment "The time to replace the color ink is approaching. Color ink cartridge model number: XXXYY02". B1, graphics B2 indicating the ink cartridge and the remaining amount of ink, "delivery purchase" soft button B3, "over-the-counter purchase" soft button B4, and cancel button B5 are provided. Here, when the cancel button B5 is pointed, this message is not displayed thereafter, and the execution refusal of the cartridge assist sequence is registered by step S420 described later, and the process is passed to step S50 in FIG.

【0057】

In FIG. 6, when either the delivery purchase soft button B3 or the over-the-counter purchase soft button B4 is pointed, the menu for determining the eligibility of the user shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In addition to the ID input field C1 and password input field C2, the display unit 161 in FIG. 7 includes an "execute" soft button C3, a "back" soft button C4, and an "ID acquisition" soft button C5. If the password is correct and the "Run" soft button C3 is pointed, proceed to the next step. If the ID or password is incorrect and the "Run" soft button C3 is pointed, it is not shown. A comment such as "The ID or password is incorrect." Is displayed and you cannot proceed to the next step. Also, when the "Back" soft button C4 is pointed, the screen returns to the screen shown in Fig. 6. An unregistered user can become a regular registered user by pointing to the "ID acquisition" software button C5.

【0058】

If the user wishes to make a delivery purchase, the printing device 100 is connected to the consumables distributor database site 600 (see Figure 1) (S412). When this connection is made, the type information ST is sent to the site (S413). After that, the printing device 100 acquires the seller information DEAL and the sales condition information TERM from the consumables seller database site 600, and displays this on the display unit (S414).

【0059】

The seller information DEAL includes various conditions such as the seller name and inventory availability, and the sales condition information TERM includes the sales amount, conditions for whether or not to collect used ink cartridges, delivery time, etc. Various conditions are included.

【0060】

FIG. 8 is a diagram (status screen) showing a display example of the display unit 161 in step S414. Display B1 in FIG. 8, "desired empty container collection service", "desired" radio button D1, "not desired" radio button D2 are displayed on the display unit 161. In addition, "search execution" soft button D3, "search execution" soft button D3, " The "Back" soft button D4 is displayed. In this case, when the "I want an empty container collection service" radio button D1 is activated and the "Search execution" software button D3 is pointed to, the display of the display unit 161 is changed to the screen shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later. In addition, data on whether or not the empty container collection service is desired can be registered in a predetermined register in advance.

【0061】

Next, it is determined whether or not the seller information DEAL includes "in-stock information" (S415). If the seller information DEAL contains in-stock information, processing is performed according to whether the user has requested an order or the order has been refused (S416), and the seller information DEAL contains the in-stock information. If not, processing is performed according to whether the user has requested a reservation or rejected the reservation (S418).

【0062】

When an order request is made in step S416, the purchase information BUY (instant delivery) is sent to the consumables distributor database site 600 (S417), and the execution refusal of the cartridge order assist sequence is registered in the register R (not shown). The process is passed to step S50 in FIG.

【0063】

Further, when a reservation request is made in step S418, the purchase information BUY (reservation) is sent to the consumables distributor database site 600 (S419), and the execution refusal of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is registered in the predetermined register R. , Pass the process to step S50 in FIG.

【0064】

Whether to refuse future execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence if no order request is made in step S416 (if the order is rejected) or if no reservation request is made in step S418 (if the reservation is rejected) Let the user decide (ie, determine if future execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is rejected) (S421). Here, when the future execution of the cartridge ordering assist sequence is rejected, the execution refusal of the assist sequence is registered in the predetermined register R (S420), and when it is not rejected, the above registration is not performed. The process is passed to step S50 in FIG.

【0065】

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display of the display unit 161 for determining whether or not in-stock information is included. Display B1 in FIG. 9, a dialog box E1 showing a list of "sellers", an "inventory check" soft button E2, and a "back" soft button E3 are displayed on the display unit 161. When the user points to the "inventory check" soft button E2, the seller displayed in the dialog box E1 is searched for whether or not it is in stock. Here, when there is inventory, the display of the display unit 161 is a screen including the display of the display B1, the "order" soft button F1, and the "back" soft button F2, as shown in FIG. A "cancel" soft button may be provided on the display unit 161 of FIG. 9, and when the "cancel" soft button is pointed to, the process may return to the process of step S410 described above.

【0066】

On the other hand, in step S411, when the user wishes to purchase over-the-counter, the user connects to the consumables distributor database site 600 (S422) and sends the type information ST and the area of residence information REG to the site (S423). After that, the seller information DEAL is acquired from the consumables distributor database site 600 and displayed on the display unit 161 (S424).

【0067】

After that, the user is made to decide whether or not to make a reservation request (S425), and when the reservation request is made, the reservation information is sent to the seller address (for example, an e-mail address) (S426), and the above-mentioned step S420 When the process is passed to and the reservation is rejected, the process is to let the user decide whether to refuse the future execution of the cartridge order assist sequence (that is, the cartridge order) without sending the reservation information. Passed to step S421 (to determine if future execution of the assist sequence was rejected).

【0068】

In the present embodiment, in steps S423 to S425, the display unit 161 can be made to perform the display shown in FIGS. 11 to 15. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 161 when the seller information DEAL is downloaded from the consumables sales source database site 600. Also in Fig. 11, the display B1 with the comment "The time to replace the color ink is approaching. Color ink cartridge model number: XXXYY02" as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed, and the ink cartridge dealers are displayed by region. The map G1 for specifying to is displayed. As shown in Fig. 12, when the user points to the Kanto area, for example, in the Kanto area, the "Tokyo prefecture name" and "administrative jurisdiction area name" ("23 wards" and "city name" in Fig. 16) List H1 is displayed, and when you point to "23 wards", a list of 23 wards appears, though not shown. When a predetermined ward is selected from this list, the "store name" list I1 corresponding to the "ward name" is displayed as shown in FIG.

【0069】

Then, when a specific "store name" is pointed from the "store name" list I1 in FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. 14, the display B1 shown in FIG. 6, the address, map, and sales conditions of the specific "store name" (here). Then, the soft button J1 for "reserving" the over-the-counter purchase and the soft button J2 for "returning" are displayed together with the presence / absence of the collection service and the presence / absence of inventory. When the user points to the "reserve" soft button J1 in FIG. 14, the display unit 161 displays the "end" soft button K1, the "cancel" soft button K2, and the "print" as shown in FIG. The soft button K3 can also be displayed. When the "end" soft button K1 is pointed, the process is passed to step S426 described above, and when the "print" soft button K3 is pointed, the print process is interrupted and displayed in FIG. 14 or FIG. , Maps, store addresses, etc. are printed.

【0070】

Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the present invention will be described. The printing apparatus 100 (particularly the printer unit 140) of the present embodiment corresponds to the printing apparatus of the present invention, the display unit 161 of the user interface unit 160 corresponds to the display means, and the central processing unit 110 corresponds to the control means.

【0071】

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, a status screen showing the degree of consumption of the ink cartridge, which is a consumable item of the printing apparatus 100, is displayed on the display unit 161 and a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the ink cartridge are . Since the "Delivery purchase" button and the "Over-the-counter purchase" button are displayed on the status screen, the user selects the purchase mode that suits his / her intention from the multiple options displayed on the status screen and selects the consumables. You can buy it. In particular, the user can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of delivery purchase and over-the-counter purchase, consider the selection, and select the purchase mode that suits his / her intention according to the circumstances at that time.

【0072】

In addition, it is convenient for the user to decide whether or not to purchase the ink cartridge after confirming the degree of consumption with the graphics B2 indicating the ink cartridge and the ink remaining amount status on the status screen.

【0073】

Furthermore, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge becomes equal to or less than the predetermined second threshold value N2, it is determined that the ink cartridge needs to be replenished and the cartridge ordering assist sequence (S40, see Fig. 5) is started. The timing of replenishment can be determined appropriately.

【0074】

Furthermore, when the "delivery purchase" button is selected, the user can easily obtain the ordering screen (FIGS. 7 to 10) for ordering the ink cartridge from the Web server 620 and display it on the display unit 161. Ink cartridges can be purchased by online shopping by operation. At this time, on the ordering screen, whether or not there is a desire for "empty container collection service" is provided as a sales condition input field (see Fig. 8), and "collection service: Yes" (see Fig. 9) is provided as a sales condition disclosure field. It is easy for the user to use because it is used. On the other hand, when the "over-the-counter purchase" button is selected, the screen for providing the seller information (FIGS. 11 to 14) is acquired from the Web server 620 and displayed on the display unit 161 so that the user can easily obtain the seller information. It is available at, so you can use it as a guide for where to buy the consumables. At this time, since the seller information includes at least one of the address information and the map information for specifying the seller's location, the user can, for example, select the seller's location from among the sellers handling the consumables. You can choose a place close to you. The user pointed to the Kanto area on the map G1 in FIG. 11, which corresponds to the input of the self-location search key information.

【0075】

[Second Embodiment] Since the configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment and only the operation is different from that of the first embodiment, the operations are described below with reference to FIGS. 19 to 24 based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 to 18. Will be explained with reference to.

【0076】

When a print command is issued by the user from the operation unit 162 of the user interface unit 160, the central processing unit 110 reads and executes the program of this main flow. First, the remaining amount of black ink or each color ink is read (step S500), and then it is determined whether or not the reference remaining amount value is set in the predetermined area of the IC memory 901 of the ink cartridge 900 (step S502). This reference remaining amount value is in the reset state at the time of initial setting, and when the check box "Automatic start prohibited until ink is replaced" is selected on the ink order screen in the automatic start process described later, the ink remaining amount at that time. Is set, and if it is set, it means that automatic startup is prohibited. In other words, it can be determined whether the automatic start prohibition or the automatic start prohibition is canceled depending on whether the reference remaining amount value is set or reset.

【0077】

If the reference remaining amount value is in the reset state in step S502, since automatic startup is not prohibited, it is determined whether or not each ink remaining amount is below a predetermined threshold value (step S504). If the remaining amount of ink is below the threshold value, the automatic start processing routine described in detail later is executed (step S506), then the printing process for one page is executed (step S546), and then each remaining amount of ink is executed. Is updated (step S548), it is determined whether or not unprinted pages remain (step S550), and if they remain, the process returns to step S500 again, and if not, the program is terminated.

【0078】

On the other hand, if all the remaining amount of ink exceeds the threshold value in step S504, it is considered that the ink replacement is not necessary, and the status screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display unit 161 (step S512). On this status screen, the message field L1 that displays various messages based on the current ink level, the black ink level meter L2 that displays the black ink level in the tank, and the color ink level are displayed. The color ink remaining amount meter L3 displayed on the meter, the OK button L4 that is turned on when instructing the execution of printing processing, and the order button L5 that is turned on when ordering ink are displayed. Here, since the remaining amount of ink does not interfere with printing, "Ready to print" is displayed in the message field L1.

【0079】

Then, it is determined whether or not the OK button L4 is turned on (step S514), and if the OK button L4 is turned on, the processing after step S546 described above is performed, and if the OK button L4 is not turned on, the order button L5 is performed. Judges whether or not is turned on (step S516), returns to step S514 if the order button L5 is not turned on, connects to the Internet if the order button L5 is turned on (step S518), and Web server 620. Get a web page with a delivery purchase button and an over-the-counter purchase button, display it on the display unit 161 and send / receive data to / from the web server 620 (step S520), and then disconnect the Internet (step S522). ), Perform the processing after step S546.

【0080】

Here, data transmission / reception with the Web server 620 in step S520 will be briefly described. The connected Web server 620 is an ink purchasing site, and the printing device 100 first acquires and displays the top page P1 shown in FIG. This top page P1 has an input field for the model name of the printing device 100, but the model name is automatically sent from the printing device 100 to the Web server 620 at the beginning of connection, and the display unit is in the entered state. It is displayed on the screen at 161. In addition, since the Web server 620 searches for the model number of black ink and the model number of color ink and returns by referring to the automatically transmitted model name, the model number is displayed on page 1 of the top page, and black ink and color are also displayed. A delivery purchase button is displayed for each ink and both inks, and one over-the-counter purchase button is displayed.

【0081】

When the user selects the delivery purchase button on the top page P1, the printing device 100 sends it to the Web server 620, acquires the page P2 from the Web server 620, and displays it. On page P2 of this page, the selling price according to the ink is displayed, and the zip code input field and the delivery method selection field are displayed. When the user enters the zip code in the zip code input field, enters the delivery method in the delivery method selection field, and then selects the recalculation button, the printing device 100 sends each data to the Web server 620, and the Web server 620 sends the data to the Web server 620. Acquire and display an update screen that includes the tax according to the region of the zip code, the shipping fee according to the delivery method, and the total amount. After that, when the user selects the order button, the printing device 100 sends it to the Web server 620, acquires and displays a login screen having an ID and password input fields from the Web server 620, and then places an order. In this way, the user can shop the ink cartridge online with a simple operation.

【0082】

On the other hand, when the user selects the over-the-counter purchase button on the top page P1, the printing device 100 sends it to the Web server 620, acquires the page P3 from the Web server 620, and displays it. On page 3 of this page, the model name is displayed, and the country name selection field and the zip code input field are displayed. When the user enters the country name in the country name selection field, enters the zip code in the zip code input field, and then selects the search button, the printing device 100 sends each data to the Web server 620 and acquires page P4 from the Web server 620. To display. This page P4 lists and displays the dealers in the country around the area of the zip code. Each store has a map button, and when you click the map button, the location of that store is displayed on the map. In this way, the user can visit the desired store and purchase the ink cartridge in the store by relying on this map.

【0083】

Now, if there is less than the threshold value of the ink remaining amount in step S504, the automatic start processing routine (step S506) that automatically displays the ink purchase dialog on the screen is executed. The explanation will be based on 18. First, an ink purchase dialog (see FIG. 21) having a delivery purchase button L6, an over-the-counter purchase button L7, a next prohibition check box L8, and a close button L9 is displayed on the display unit 161 (step S600). Then, it is determined whether or not the close button L9 is turned on (step S602), and if it is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the delivery purchase button L6 or the over-the-counter purchase button L7 is turned on (step S604), both of which are turned on. If not, return to step S602, and if the delivery purchase button L6 or the over-the-counter purchase button L7 is turned on, connect to the Internet (step S606), connect to the Web server 620 and turn on the button (delivery purchase button L6). Alternatively, the Web page corresponding to the store purchase button L7) is acquired and displayed on the display unit 161 to send and receive data to and from the Web server 620 (step S608), and then the Internet connection is disconnected (step S610), and step S600. Return to. Regarding step S608, specifically, if the delivery purchase button is turned on in step S604, the page P2 of FIG. 20 is acquired and displayed, and if the over-the-counter purchase button is turned on, the page P3 of FIG. 20 is acquired. To display. Each page is as described above. On the other hand, if the close button L9 is turned on in step S602, it is determined whether or not the next prohibition check box L8 is checked (step S612), and if it is checked, the current remaining amount of ink is used as the reference remaining amount value. Set as (step S614) to end this routine. When the print command is issued after that, the automatic start processing routine is not executed because the reference remaining amount value is set in step S502. If the next prohibition check box L8 is not checked in step S612, it remains as it is (that is, the reference remaining value is Exit this routine (while still in the reset state). After that, when a print command is issued, since the reference remaining amount value is in the reset state in step S502, the automatic start processing routine is executed if there is an ink remaining amount below the threshold value.

【0084】

Now, if the reference remaining amount value is set in step S502, the current ink remaining amount is compared with the reference remaining amount value (step S508), and if the former exceeds the latter, the automatic start processing routine is executed. After that, it is determined that the ink has been replaced, the reference remaining amount value is reset to release the prohibition of the automatic start processing routine (step S523), and then the printing processing and the like after step S546 are executed. As a result, the automatic start processing routine is executed when the amount of ink remaining below the threshold value is generated again. On the other hand, if the current remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the reference remaining amount in step S508, it is determined whether or not there is an ink cartridge with a remaining amount of ink below the threshold value (step S510), and the remaining amount of ink below the threshold value is determined. If there is no ink, the process after step S512 described above is executed, and if there is ink remaining below the threshold value, it is considered that the ink needs to be replaced, and the status screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display unit 161 ( Step S524, see Figure 17). On this status screen, the message field L1 that displays various messages based on the current ink level, the black ink level meter L2 that displays the black ink level in the tank, and the color ink level are displayed. The color ink remaining amount meter L3 displayed on the meter, the OK button L4 that is turned on when instructing the execution of printing processing, the order button L5 that is turned on when ordering ink, and how to turn on when you want to know the remedy (How to) ) Button L10 is displayed. Here, since the remaining amount of black ink is at a level that may interfere with printing, the message "Black ink is low" is displayed in the message field L1 and the black ink remaining amount meter L2 is exclamated. A mation mark (!) Is displayed.

【0085】

Then, it is determined whether or not the OK button L4 is turned on (step S526), and if the OK button L4 is turned on, the processing after step S546 described above is performed, and if the OK button L4 is not turned on, the order button L5 is performed. Is turned on (step S528), and if the order button L5 is turned on, the above-mentioned processes after step S518 are performed. At this time, the top page P1 of FIG. 20 may be acquired and displayed, but as shown in FIG. 23, only the ink whose remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the threshold value (black ink in this case) may be displayed. On the other hand, if the order button L5 is not turned on in step S528, it is determined whether the how-to button L10 is turned on (step S530), and if the how-to button L10 is not turned on, the process returns to step S526 and the how-to button L10 is returned. When is turned on, an ink purchase dialog with a delivery purchase button L11, an over-the-counter purchase button L12, a utility start button L13, and a close button L14 is displayed on the display unit 161 (step S532, see FIG. 24).

【0086】

Then, it is determined whether or not the close button L14 is turned on (step S534), and if it is turned on, the processing after step S546 described above is performed, and if it is not turned on, whether or not the utility start button L13 is turned on is determined. Determine (step S536). Then, when the utility start button L13 is turned on, the guidance processing routine that discloses the ink cartridge replacement procedure is executed (step S545, details are omitted), and then the above-mentioned steps S546 and subsequent steps are performed, while the utility start button L13 is turned on. If not, it is determined whether the delivery purchase button L11 or the over-the-counter purchase button L12 is turned on (step S538), and if neither is turned on, the process returns to step S534 and the delivery purchase button L11 or the over-the-counter purchase button L12 is turned on. If so, connect to the Internet (step S540), connect to the Web server 620, acquire the Web page corresponding to the turned on button (delivery purchase button L6 or over-the-counter purchase button L7), and display it on the display unit 161. , Sends and receives data to and from the Web server 620 (step S542), then disconnects the Internet (step S544), and returns to step S534. In step S542, the same process as in step S608 described above may be executed.

【0087】

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, a status screen showing the degree of consumption of the ink cartridge, which is a consumable item of the printing apparatus 100, is displayed on the display unit 161 and a plurality of options regarding the purchase mode of the ink cartridge are . In order to display the order button L5 and how-to button L10, which are the option call buttons for calling the "delivery purchase" button and "over-the-counter purchase" button, on the status screen, the user turns on these buttons L5 and L10 displayed in the status screen. Then, after displaying the "delivery purchase" button and the "over-the-counter purchase" button on the display unit 161, you can purchase the ink cartridge by selecting the purchase mode that suits you. In particular, the user can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of delivery purchase and over-the-counter purchase, consider the selection, and select the purchase mode that suits his / her intention according to the circumstances at that time.

【0088】

In addition, the user confirms the degree of consumption with the black ink remaining amount meter L2 that shows the ink cartridge and the ink remaining amount status on the status screen and the color ink remaining amount meter L3 that displays the remaining amount of color ink as a meter, and then the ink cartridge. It is convenient because you only have to decide whether to purchase.

【0089】

Furthermore, when the ink cartridge needs to be replenished, the automatic start processing routine (see FIG. 18) automatically displays the "delivery purchase" button and the "over-the-counter purchase" button, which is convenient for the user. Further, once the automatic start processing routine is performed, the automatic start can be prohibited until the ink is replaced at the will of the user, which is also convenient for the user.

【0090】

Furthermore, when the "delivery purchase" button is selected, the user can easily obtain the ordering screen (page P2 of FIG. 20) for ordering the ink cartridge from the Web server 620 and display it on the display unit 161. Ink cartridges can be purchased by online shopping by operation. In addition, when the delivery purchase button is selected, by entering the zip code which is the self-location search key information, the tax according to the region of the zip code is displayed, so that the user varies depending on his / her location. You can easily know the amount of tax. On the other hand, when the "over-the-counter purchase" button is selected, the screen for providing the seller information (page P4 in FIG. 20) is acquired from the Web server 620 and displayed on the display unit 161 so that the user can easily obtain the seller information. It is available at, so you can use it as a guide for where to buy the consumables. Further, by inputting the country name or zip code which is the self-location search key information when the over-the-counter purchase button is selected, the seller information whose seller location is the same as or near the self-location can be obtained.

【0091】

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 25 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing device consumables purchasing system according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a block diagram thereof. As shown in FIG. 25, the printing device consumables purchasing system 300 of the present embodiment includes a printing device 400 and a personal computer 500 to which the printing device 400 is connected. In FIG. 25, the personal computer 500 has a network function, and the personal computer 500 is configured to be able to connect to the public line 210 and the network 220. A consumables distributor database site 600 is connected to the network 220. Although the consumables distributor database site 600 is shown as a Web server 620 equipped with a storage device 610 in FIG. 25, it may be a so-called home page opened on the network.

【0092】

The printing apparatus 400 has a central processing unit 410, a printer unit 420, and a memory unit 430. The central processing unit 410 is an arithmetic unit including a CPU, and functions to execute various programs recorded in the memory unit 430. The printer unit 420 includes a carriage drive unit 421, a print head drive unit 423, and a print paper transport control unit 425. A printhead 424 is mounted on the carriage 422, and the carriage drive unit 421 reciprocates the carriage along a platen (not shown). The print head drive unit 423 sends a drive signal to the print head 424 in cooperation with the movement of the carriage 422 by the carriage drive unit 421 and the transfer of the print paper by the print paper transfer control unit 425, and the memory unit 430 described above. The image related to the print data P_DATA stored in the RAM431 of the above is printed on the printing paper. An ink cartridge 900 is mounted on the carriage 422. This ink cartridge 900 includes an IC memory 901, and an ink remaining amount information area 902 and a type information area 903 are allocated in the IC memory 901. Further, the ink remaining amount information REST detected by the central processing unit 410 is written in the ink remaining amount information area 902. The type information (model number) ST of the ink cartridge 900 detected by the central processing unit 410 is written in the type information area 903. When a cartridge that does not have an IC memory is installed, the ink remaining amount information REST can be written to the above-mentioned non-volatile memory 432. The memory unit 430 includes a RAM 431 having a print data (P_DATA) area and a non-volatile memory 432 having a program storage area (including a printer control program, an ink remaining amount detection program, and a cartridge type detection program).

【0093】

The personal computer 500 has a central processing unit 510, a communication unit 520, a user interface unit 530, a memory unit 540, a hard disk device 550, and a port 560. The central processing unit 510 is an arithmetic unit including a CPU, and functions to execute various programs recorded in the memory unit 540. The communication unit 520 may issue a purchase source information acquisition request BS_REQ for the ink cartridge to the distributor database site 600 via the communication network 220, and acquire the purchase source information BS from the distributor database site 600. it can. The user interface unit 530 includes a display unit 531 and an operation unit 532. The display unit 531 is a computer display, and the operation unit 532 usually consists of a keyboard or soft buttons on the computer display. The memory unit 540 includes a RAM 541 and a non-volatile memory 542, similar to a normal computer. The hard disk device 550 is allocated a purchase source information area 551 and a program storage area 552. Purchase source information BS (including seller information DEAL and sales condition information TERM) is written in the purchase source information area 551. In addition to the printer driver, the program storage area 552 stores a cartridge ordering assist program, a cartridge replacement assist program, and a database site access program (including the consumables information acquisition program described above).

【0094】

The printing device 400 and the personal computer 500 can communicate with each other via port 440 and port 560. For example, the printing device 400 loads the print data P_DATA from the hard disk device 550 of the personal computer 500 and stores the memory. While storing in the print data area of RAM431 of unit 430, the ink remaining amount information REST stored in the ink remaining amount information area 902 of the IC memory 901 can be sent to the personal computer 500.

【0095】

The present embodiment may be operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment, or may be operated in the same manner as in the second embodiment. That is, the central processing unit 410 of the printing device 400 and the central processing unit 510 of the personal computer 500 cooperate to perform processing according to each flowchart, and display the same display screen as in the first or second embodiment on the display unit 531. To do.

【0096】

It goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and various embodiments can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. For example, if there is stock of ink cartridges, it is possible to register that fact in the printing device 100, and when the remaining amount of ink falls below the threshold value, it is determined whether or not there is stock, and if there is stock, it is determined. A message prompting the ink change may be simply displayed on the screen.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure of the printing apparatus in 1st Embodiment.

[Figure 2]

It is a detailed functional block diagram of the printing apparatus in 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a flowchart for demonstrating the whole operation.

[Fig. 4]

It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the status screen.

[Fig. 5]

It is a flowchart which shows the cartridge ordering assist sequence.

[Fig. 6]

It is a figure which shows the display example of the display part in step S411.

[Fig. 7]

It is a figure which shows the menu which determines the eligibility of a user.

[Fig. 8]

It is a figure which shows the display example of the display part in step S414.

[Fig. 9]

It is a figure which shows the display of the display part for determining whether or not "in-stock information" is included.

[Fig. 10]

It is a figure which shows the display of the display part when the "inventory check" soft button is pointed.

[Fig. 11]

It is a figure which shows the display example of the display part when the seller information is downloaded from the consumables seller database site.

[Fig. 12]

It is a figure which shows the display state of the list of "Tokyo prefecture name", "23 wards", and "city name" when the user points to the Kanto area.

[Fig. 13]

In the figure showing the display state of the "store name" list corresponding to the "ward name" when "23 wards" is pointed and a specific "ward name" is pointed from the list of 23 wards displayed by this. is there.

[Fig. 14]

It is a figure which shows the address of the "store name", the map, the sales condition, and the display state of the "reserve" soft button and the "back" soft button when a specific "store name" is pointed from the "store name" list.

[Fig. 15]

It is a figure which shows the display state of the "end" soft button and "print" soft button when the "make a reservation" soft button is pointed.

[Fig. 16]

It is a main flowchart of the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 17]

It is a main flowchart (continuation) of the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 18]

It is a flowchart of an automatic start processing routine.

[Fig. 19]

This is the status screen when the remaining amount of ink exceeds the threshold value.

[Fig. 20]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of a Web page.

[Fig. 21]

It is explanatory drawing of the ink purchase dialog (at the time of automatic start).

[Fig. 22]

This is the status screen when the remaining amount of black ink is below the threshold value.

[Fig. 23]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the top page of another aspect of a Web page.

[Fig. 24]

It is explanatory drawing of the ink purchase dialog (when the how-to button is on).

[Fig. 25]

It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure of the printing apparatus in 3rd Embodiment.

[Fig. 26]

It is a detailed functional block diagram of the printing apparatus in 3rd Embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... printing device, 110 ... central processing unit, 120 ... image capture unit, 121 ... memory card slot, 122 ... image input unit, 124 ... memory card, 140 ... Printer unit, 141 ... Carriage drive unit, 142 ... Carriage, 143 ... Print head drive unit, 144 ... Print head, 145 ... Print paper transport control unit, 150 ... Communication unit, 160 ... User interface unit, 161: Display unit, 162 ... Operation unit, 170 ... Memory unit, 172 ... Non-volatile memory, 210 ... Public line, 220 ... Network, 600 Consumables distributor database site, 610 Storage device, 620 Web server, 900 Ink cartridge, 901 IC memory, 902 Ink remaining amount information area, 903 Type information area, 1711 Image data area, 1712 Print data area, 1721 Purchase source information area, 1724 Program storage area.