JP2015064846A - Information processor, information processing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, an information processing system, and an information processing method, capable of highly accurately determining replacement of an expendable item for printing.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: an acquisition section for acquiring a value indicating the unconsumed degree of an expendable item for printing mounted in a printer; an unconsumed quantity comparison section for comparing the value indicating the unconsumed degree of the expendable item acquired in a first acquisition time point, with the value indicating the unconsumed degree of the expendable item acquired in a second acquisition time point after the first acquisition time point; and a determination section for determining that the expendable item is replaced after the first acquisition time point when the value indicating the unconsumed degree acquired in the second acquisition time point is larger than the value indicating the unconsumed degree acquired in the first acquisition time point, and when the value indicating the unconsumed degree acquired in the second acquisition time point is larger than a threshold.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

  Conventionally, printing apparatuses that perform printing on paper media using printing consumables such as toner have been widely used. Generally, printing consumables have a limit on the number of times they can be used, so they must be replaced when they become unavailable.

  In order to facilitate the ordering work at the time of replacement of printing consumables, a technique has been proposed in which it is determined by a remotely installed computer that a printing consumable has been replaced by a user. For example, in Patent Document 1, if the amount of remaining ink detected by the remaining ink amount detection sensor is greater than the remaining amount of ink stored in the remaining ink amount memory, it is determined that the ink cartridge has been replaced. Technology is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for determining that the toner cartridge has been replaced with a new one when it is detected that the remaining amount of the sub hopper has increased.

JP2008-243057 JP2012-032461

  As described above, the above technique determines that the printing consumable has been replaced when the remaining amount of the printing consumable increases. However, with the above technique, the accuracy of determining that the printing consumable has been replaced is low. For example, printing is performed when it is detected that the remaining amount of printing consumables has slightly increased due to a measurement error, or when the user performs an operation of removing the printing consumable from the printing apparatus 20 and mounting it after shaking. When it is detected that the remaining amount of consumables for use has increased slightly, the above technique erroneously determines that the printing consumables have been replaced.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is a new and improved technique capable of more accurately determining that a printing consumable has been replaced. An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to a printing apparatus, and acquired at a first acquisition time. Further, a value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables and a value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time that is a time after the first acquisition time. And the value indicating the degree of unconsumption acquired at the second acquisition time rather than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the first acquisition time. If the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, it is determined that the printing consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time. An information processing apparatus including a determination unit is provided.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a threshold value determination unit that determines the threshold value according to a time interval between the first acquisition time and the second acquisition time.

  The threshold determination unit may determine the threshold such that the threshold decreases as the time interval between the first acquisition time and the second acquisition time increases.

  The unconsumed amount comparison unit determines whether the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time from the value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time. A difference value obtained by subtracting a value indicating the degree of consumption is further calculated, and when the difference value calculated by the unconsumed amount comparison unit is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the determination unit It may be determined that the consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time.

  The acquisition unit further acquires attachment / detachment detection information indicating a detection result of attachment / detachment of the printing consumables with respect to the printing apparatus, and the determination unit further includes the acquired attachment / detachment detection information as the first acquisition time. If the printing consumable indicates that the printing consumable has been removed from the printing apparatus during the second acquisition time, it is determined that the printing consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time. May be.

  The value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables may be a measured value of the remaining amount of printing consumables.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to a printing apparatus, and a first acquisition time From the value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time which is a later time, the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time And when the difference value calculated by the unconsumed amount comparing unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the printing consumable is the first acquisition time. An information processing apparatus is provided that includes a determination unit that determines that the information has been exchanged after.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a measurement unit that measures a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to a printing apparatus, and a measurement by the measurement unit An acquisition unit that acquires a value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables obtained; a value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables acquired at a first acquisition time; and the first An unconsumed amount comparison unit that compares a value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time, which is a time after the acquisition time, and acquired at the first acquisition time The value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time is larger than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption, and indicates the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time. If the value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the printing consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time. And a determination section for determining information processing system is provided.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a step of acquiring a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to a printing apparatus, and a first acquisition time The acquired value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables and the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time, which is a time after the first acquisition time. The value indicating the degree of unconsumption acquired at the second acquisition time is larger than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the first acquisition time, And determining that the printing consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time when a value indicating the degree of unconsumption acquired at the second acquisition time is equal to or greater than a threshold value; An information processing method is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine with high accuracy that the printing consumable has been replaced.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the information processing system by each embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus 10 by the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus 20 according to the same embodiment. It is a functional block diagram showing the composition of information processor 10 by a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is the graph which showed the acquisition data of the consumables residual amount by the same embodiment in time series. It is the graph which showed the acquisition data of the consumables residual amount by the same embodiment in time series. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an overall operation according to the same embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the determination process of consumables exchange by the embodiment. It is the graph which showed the acquisition data of the consumable goods residual amount by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention in time series. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the determination process of consumables exchange by the embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

Further, the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION” will be described according to the following item order.
1. 1. Basic configuration of information processing system 2. Detailed description of embodiments 2-1. First embodiment 2-2. Second embodiment 3. Modified example

<< 1. Basic configuration of information processing system >>
As described in detail in “2-1. First embodiment” to “2-2. Second embodiment” as an example, the present invention can be implemented in various forms. First, a basic configuration of an information processing system common to the embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system according to each embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10, a communication network 12, a printing apparatus 20, and an operator terminal 30.

<1-1. Information Processing Device 10>
The information processing apparatus 10 is an apparatus that determines whether a printing consumable attached to the printing apparatus 20 has been replaced. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 can receive a value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables from the printing apparatus 20 via the communication network 12.

[1-1-1. Hardware configuration]
Further, the information processing apparatus 10 has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 154, an internal bus 156, an input / output interface 158, and an HDD (Hard). Disk Drive) 160 and network interface 162.

(CPU 150)
The CPU 150 includes, for example, various processing circuits and functions as the control unit 100 that controls the entire information processing apparatus 10. Further, the CPU 150 implements the functions of a remaining amount comparison unit 102, a threshold determination unit 106, and a determination unit 104, which will be described later, in the information processing apparatus 10, for example. The CPU 150 may be a microprocessor.

(ROM152)
The ROM 152 stores programs used by the CPU 150, control data such as calculation parameters, and the like.

(RAM154)
The RAM 154 temporarily stores, for example, programs used in the execution of the CPU 150, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like.

(Internal bus 156)
The internal bus 156 includes a CPU bus and connects the CPU 150, ROM 152, and RAM 154 to each other.

(I / O interface 158)
The input / output interface 158 connects the HDD 160 and the network interface 162 to the internal bus 156. For example, the HDD 160 exchanges data with the RAM 154 or the like via the input / output interface 158 and the internal bus 156.

(HDD 160)
The HDD 160 is a device for storing data, and functions as the storage unit 112 described later, for example. The HDD 160 includes, for example, a storage medium, a recording device that records data on the storage medium, a reading device that reads data from the storage medium, or a deletion device that deletes data recorded on the storage medium.

(Network interface 162)
The network interface 162 is a communication interface configured with, for example, a communication device for connecting to the communication network 12. The network interface 162 may be a wireless LAN compatible communication device, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) compatible communication device, or a wire communication device that performs wired communication. The network interface 162 functions as, for example, the communication unit 110 described later.

<1-2. Communication network 12>
The communication network 12 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from a device connected to the communication network 12. For example, the communication network 12 may include a public line network such as a telephone line network, the Internet, a satellite communication network, various local area networks (LANs) including the Ethernet (registered trademark), a wide area network (WAN), and the like. . Further, the communication network 12 may include a dedicated line network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

<1-3. Printing Device 20>
The printing apparatus 20 is an apparatus for printing characters and images on a paper medium using printing consumables. Here, the configuration of the printing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 20.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 20 includes a printing unit 200, a remaining amount measurement unit 204, a communication unit 206, and an attachment / detachment detection unit 208.

[1-3-1. Printing unit 200]
The printing unit 200 performs printing using a printing consumable 202 on a paper medium disposed in the printing apparatus 20. Here, the printing consumable 202 is, for example, toner, a drum, a fixing device, or a roller.

[1-3-2. Residual amount measuring unit 204]
The remaining amount measuring unit 204 is an example of a measuring unit in the present invention. The remaining amount measuring unit 204 measures a value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to the printing apparatus. For example, when the printing consumable 202 is toner, the remaining amount measuring unit 204 measures the resistance when the agitator is rotated in the cartridge in which the toner is stored, and according to the measured value of the resistance The calculated toner remaining amount value is calculated as a value indicating the degree of non-consumption. When the printing consumable 202 is a drum, a fixing device, or a roller, the remaining amount measuring unit 204 calculates the number of printed sheets and calculates a value indicating the degree of unconsumption according to the number of printed sheets. To do.

  In the following description of the present specification, an example in which the value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables is the remaining value of printing consumables such as toner will be mainly described.

[1-3-3. Communication unit 206]
The communication unit 206 transmits / receives information to / from various devices connected to the communication network 12 via the communication network 12. For example, the communication unit 206 transmits the remaining amount value of the consumable for printing measured by the remaining amount measuring unit 204 to the information processing apparatus 10. Further, the communication unit 206 receives instruction information for instructing measurement of the remaining amount value of the printing consumables from the information processing apparatus 10.

[1-3-4. Attachment / detachment detection unit 208]
The attachment / detachment detection unit 208 detects that the printing consumable 202 is removed from the printing apparatus 20 or attached to the printing apparatus 20.

<1-4. Operator terminal 30>
The operator terminal 30 is an information processing terminal used by an operator who works for a company that manages the printing apparatus 20, for example. The operator terminal 30 includes, for example, a display for displaying a display screen, a network interface for connecting to the communication network 12, and an input device for an operator to input instructions. An operator can operate the operator terminal 30 to order printing consumables, for example, from a consumable seller. The operator terminal 30 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer).

<< 2. Detailed Description of Embodiment >>
The basic configuration of the information processing system according to each embodiment has been described above. Subsequently, each embodiment will be described in detail.

<2-1. First Embodiment>
[2-1-1. Configuration according to first embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 110, and a storage unit 112.

(2-1-1-1. Control unit 100)
The control unit 100 generally controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 using hardware such as a CPU 150 and a RAM 154 built in the information processing apparatus 10. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 100 includes a remaining amount comparison unit 102, a determination unit 104, and a threshold value determination unit 106.

(2-1-1-2. Remaining amount comparison unit 102)
The remaining amount comparison unit 102 is an example of an unconsumed amount comparison unit in the present invention. The remaining amount comparison unit 102 includes the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time and the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time that is a time after the first acquisition time. Compare the remaining amount value. For convenience of explanation, the first acquisition time is hereinafter referred to as “previous acquisition time”, and the second acquisition time is referred to as “current acquisition time”.

(2-1-1-3. Determination unit 104)
The determination unit 104 determines that the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired this time is larger than the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired last time and the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired this time. Is equal to or greater than a threshold value determined by a threshold value determination unit 106 described later, it is determined that the printing consumable has been replaced after the previous acquisition time.

  Here, the above function will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of a graph in which the remaining amount value of the consumable for printing acquired by the communication unit 110 described later is associated with the acquisition time. FIG. 5 shows an example in which, for example, 70% of the upper limit value of printing consumables stored in the cartridge is set as the threshold value. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the amount consumed between the replacement of the cartridge and the next remaining amount acquisition time, such as 90% or 95% of the upper limit value of consumables for printing stored in the cartridge, is used. The remaining amount value considered may be set as the threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at time t6 is larger than the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at time t5, and is acquired at time t6. The remaining value of the consumable for printing is equal to or greater than the threshold value. For this reason, the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced in the time period between t5 and t6 at time t6. Similarly, at time t9, the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced in the time zone between the time t8 and the time t9.

  According to this determination example, not only the remaining amount value acquired this time is larger than the remaining amount value acquired last time, but also the consumable for printing if the remaining amount value acquired this time is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to determine with high accuracy that the printing consumables have been replaced.

  Further, when determining that the printing consumable has been replaced, the determination unit 104 can cause the communication unit 110 to transmit information indicating the determination result to the operator terminal 30.

-Modification-
As a modified example, in addition to the above-described conditions, the determination unit 104 is further based on attachment / detachment detection information that is acquired from the printing apparatus 20 and is information indicating a detection result of attachment / detachment of printing consumables to / from the printing apparatus 20. It is also possible to determine whether or not the consumable for printing has been replaced. For example, the determination unit 104 indicates that the above-described condition is satisfied, and the acquired attachment / detachment detection information indicates that the printing consumable has been removed from the printing apparatus 20 between the previous acquisition time and the current acquisition time. In this case, it is determined that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the previous acquisition time.

  According to this modification, since it is added as a condition whether or not the printing consumable is removed from the printing apparatus 20, it can be determined with higher accuracy that the printing consumable has been replaced.

(2-1-1-4. Threshold Determination Unit 106)
The threshold determination unit 106 determines a threshold for the determination unit 104 to determine replacement of the printing consumables according to the time interval between the previous acquisition time and the current acquisition time. More specifically, the threshold value determination unit 106 can determine the threshold value such that the threshold value decreases as the time interval between the previous acquisition time and the current acquisition time increases.

  Here, the above functions will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an example of a graph in the case where the remaining value acquisition interval is twice as long as that in FIG. 5 with respect to the remaining value data of the printing consumables shown in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the threshold value determination unit 106 determines, for example, 50% of the upper limit value of the printing consumables stored in the cartridge as the threshold value. As described above, in FIG. 6, the acquisition interval of the remaining amount value of the printing consumables is larger than that in FIG. 5, so the threshold value determination unit 106 sets the threshold value in FIG. A value smaller than that) is determined as a threshold value.

  According to this determination example, when the printing consumables are replaced, it is erroneously determined that the printing consumables are not replaced, and the risk of detection omission can be reduced. In general, as the time interval is longer, the number of printed sheets increases, so the remaining value of the consumable for printing decreases. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the printing consumables are exchanged between time t8 and time t10, but the remaining value of the printing consumables at t10 is smaller than the threshold value X. For this reason, in the data example shown in FIG. 6, if the determination unit 104 determines replacement of the printing consumables based on the threshold value X, it erroneously determines that the printing consumables are not replaced at time t10. End up. Therefore, as in the determination example described above, the threshold is decreased as the acquisition interval increases, so that it is erroneously determined that the printing consumables are not replaced even if the printing consumables are actually replaced. Risk can be reduced.

(2-1-1-5. Communication unit 110)
The communication unit 110 is an example of an acquisition unit in the present invention. The communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from various devices that can communicate with the information processing apparatus 10 via the communication network 12 or the like. For example, the communication unit 110 receives the remaining amount value of the print amount consumable from the printing apparatus 20. In addition, the communication unit 110 transmits information indicating that the printing consumables have been replaced to the operator terminal 30.

(2-1-1-6. Storage unit 112)
The storage unit 112 stores various software, various data, and the like. For example, the storage unit 112 stores a setting value for the acquisition interval of the remaining value of the printing consumables. Further, the storage unit 112 stores the remaining value of the consumable for printing received from the printing apparatus 20 in association with the acquisition time.

  The configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above, but is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, any one or more of the communication unit 110 and the storage unit 112 may not be included in the information processing apparatus 10 and may be provided in another apparatus.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the hardware such as the CPU 150, the ROM 152, and the RAM 154 built in the information processing apparatus 10 has the same functions as the components of the information processing apparatus 10 described above. A computer program can also be provided. A storage medium storing the computer program is also provided.

[2-1-2. Operation according to first embodiment]
(2-1-2-1. Overall operation)
The configuration according to the first embodiment has been described above. Subsequently, an operation according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an overall operation according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 100 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether or not a predetermined acquisition interval has passed (S101). When the predetermined acquisition interval has elapsed (S101: Yes), the control unit 100 transmits a message requesting to provide the remaining value of the consumable for printing to the printing apparatus 20 (S102).

  Subsequently, the remaining amount measuring unit 204 of the printing apparatus 20 measures the remaining amount value of the consumable for printing (S103). Then, the communication unit 206 transmits the measured remaining amount value to the information processing apparatus 10 (S104).

  Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 performs a “consumables replacement determination process” described later (S105). If it is determined that the printing consumables have not been replaced (S106: No), the information processing apparatus 10 repeats the operation of S101 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing consumables have been replaced (S106: Yes), the determining unit 104 sends a message to the communication unit 110 to notify the operator terminal 30 that the printing consumables have been replaced. (S107).

  Thereafter, the operator terminal 30 displays on the display screen that the printing consumables have been replaced (S108).

-Modification-
Note that the overall operation according to the first embodiment is not limited to the above operation example. For example, in S107, instead of notifying the operator terminal 30 that the printing consumables have been replaced, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits an e-mail for ordering a new printing consumable to the seller. You may order automatically.

(2-1-2-2. Consumables Replacement Judgment Process)
Next, the operation of the “consumables replacement determination process” in S105 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the remaining amount comparing unit 102 determines whether or not the remaining amount value acquired this time is larger than the remaining amount value acquired last time (S201). When the remaining amount value acquired this time is equal to or less than the remaining amount value acquired last time (S201: No), the information processing apparatus 10 performs the operation of S204 described later.

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount value acquired this time is larger than the remaining amount value acquired last time (S201: Yes), the remaining amount comparison unit 102 determines the remaining amount value acquired this time in advance. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is exceeded (S202). When the remaining value acquired this time is smaller than the threshold value (S202: No), the information processing apparatus 10 performs the operation of S204 described later.

  When the remaining amount acquired this time is equal to or greater than the threshold (S202: Yes), the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced (S203). On the other hand, when the remaining amount value acquired this time is smaller than the threshold value (S202: No), the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumables have not been replaced (S204).

[2-1-3. Effects according to the first embodiment]
As described above, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and the like, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the remaining value of the consumable for printing, and the previous acquisition The remaining value of the printing consumables acquired at the time is compared with the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired at the current acquisition time. The information processing apparatus 10 determines that the remaining amount value acquired at the current acquisition time is larger than the remaining amount value acquired at the previous acquisition time, and the remaining amount value acquired at the current acquisition time. Is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that the printing consumable has been replaced after the previous acquisition time.

  For this reason, the information processing apparatus 10 not only has the remaining amount value acquired this time larger than the remaining amount value acquired last time, but also prints if the remaining amount value acquired this time is greater than or equal to the threshold value. Since it is determined that the consumable has been replaced, it can be determined with high accuracy that the printing consumable has been replaced.

  For example, printing is performed when it is detected that the remaining amount of printing consumables has slightly increased due to a measurement error, or when the user performs an operation of removing the printing consumable from the printing apparatus 20 and mounting it after shaking. When it is detected that the remaining amount of consumables for use has slightly increased, the information processing apparatus 10 can prevent erroneous determination that the consumable for printing has been replaced.

<2-2. Second Embodiment>
The first embodiment has been described above. Next, the second embodiment will be described. As will be described later, according to the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the printing consumables are not detected due to a measurement error when, for example, the amount of printing consumables stored in the cartridge is nearly full. Even when it is detected that the remaining amount has increased slightly, it can be accurately determined that the printing consumables have not been replaced.

[2-2-1. Configuration according to the second embodiment]
The functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(2-2-1. Remaining amount comparison unit 102)
The remaining amount comparison unit 102 according to the second embodiment subtracts the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at the previous acquisition time from the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at the current acquisition time. The difference value is calculated.

(2-2-1-2. Judgment Unit 104)
When the difference value calculated by the remaining amount comparison unit 102 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the determination unit 104 according to the second embodiment determines that the printing consumable has been replaced after the previous acquisition time. to decide.

  Here, the above function will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a graph (upper graph) showing the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired by the communication unit 110 in association with the acquisition time, and the difference value calculated by the remaining amount comparison unit 102 as the remaining amount. It is the graph (lower graph) shown corresponding to the acquisition time of a value. FIG. 9 shows an example in which, for example, 70% of the upper limit value of printing consumables stored in the cartridge is determined as the second threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the difference value obtained by subtracting the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired at time t5 from the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired at time t6 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. It is. For this reason, the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced in the time period between t5 and t6 at time t6. Similarly, since the difference value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value at time t9, the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced in the time period between time t8 and time t9.

  On the other hand, the difference value obtained by subtracting the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at time t2 from the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at time t3 is a positive value, but the second threshold value. Smaller than. Therefore, the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumables are not exchanged in the time zone between t2 and t3 at time t3.

  For example, if the amount of printing consumables stored in the cartridge is almost full, even if it is detected that the remaining amount of printing consumables has slightly increased due to measurement errors, this time The difference value between the remaining print consumable value and the previously acquired print consumable remaining value becomes small. For this reason, it is possible to accurately determine that the printing consumable has not been replaced by the above-described determination method. Note that this determination method is effective for eliminating a minute increase in the remaining amount even if the state is not necessarily nearly full as in the case of time t3.

(2-2-1-3. Threshold Determination Unit 106)
The threshold value determination unit 106 according to the second embodiment determines the second threshold value by a method similar to the threshold value determination method according to the first embodiment, for example. Alternatively, the threshold determination unit 106 may determine a predetermined value as the second threshold. For example, the predetermined value at least exceeds the amount of increase in the remaining amount of printing consumables that can be assumed by an operation in which the user removes the printing consumables from the printing apparatus 20 and shakes and attaches them, or measurement errors. It may be a value.

  The functions of the constituent elements other than those described above are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[2-2-2. Operation according to the second embodiment]
The configuration according to the second embodiment has been described above. Subsequently, an operation according to the second embodiment will be described. The operation according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for S105 (“consumable item replacement determination process”).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the “consumables replacement determination process” according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 10, first, the remaining amount comparison unit 102 calculates a difference value obtained by subtracting the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired last time from the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired this time. (S301).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 104 determines whether or not the difference value calculated in S301 is equal to or greater than a second threshold (S302). If the remaining amount value acquired this time is equal to or greater than the remaining amount value acquired last time (S302: Yes), the determination unit 104 determines that the printing consumable has been replaced (S303). On the other hand, when the remaining amount acquired this time is smaller than the remaining amount acquired last time (S302: No), the determination unit 104 determines that the consumable for printing has not been replaced (S304).

[2-2-3. Effects according to the second embodiment]
As described above, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 10 and the like, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment uses the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired at the current acquisition time to determine the previous acquisition time. A difference value obtained by subtracting the remaining value of the acquired printing consumables is calculated, and if the calculated difference value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the printing consumables are after the previous acquisition time. Determine that they have been replaced.

  For this reason, for example, when the amount of printing consumables stored in the cartridge is almost full, an operation in which the user removes the printing consumables from the printing apparatus 20 and shakes and installs them, or a measurement error, etc. Even if it is detected that the remaining amount of printing consumables has slightly increased, the information processing apparatus 10 can correctly determine that the printing consumables have not been replaced. This is because in such a case, the difference value obtained by subtracting the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired last time from the remaining value of the printing consumables acquired this time becomes smaller.

<< 4. Modification >>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

<4-1. Modification 1>
For example, the determination unit 104 can also determine the combination of the determination condition according to the first embodiment and the determination condition according to the second embodiment. Specifically, the determination unit 104 determines that the remaining value of the consumable for printing acquired this time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and the difference value calculated by the remaining amount comparison unit 102 is greater than or equal to a second threshold value. It is possible to determine that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the previous acquisition time.

  The determination unit 104 also indicates that the attachment / detachment detection information acquired from the printing apparatus 20 indicates that the printing consumable has been removed from the printing apparatus 20 between the previous acquisition time and the current acquisition time, and the remaining When the difference value calculated by the amount comparison unit 102 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is possible to determine that the printing consumable has been replaced after the previous acquisition time.

<4-2. Modification 2>
Further, when the remaining amount value of the printing consumables acquired from the printing apparatus 20 is approximately 0, the determination unit 104 can also determine that the printing consumables are to be replaced. Then, the determination unit 104 may automatically place an order, for example, by causing the communication unit 110 to send an e-mail for ordering a new consumable item to the seller.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing apparatus 12 Communication network 20 Printing apparatus 30 Operator terminal 100 Control part 102 Remaining amount comparison part 104 Judgment part 106 Threshold determination part 110 Communication part 112 Storage part 150 CPU
152 ROM
154 RAM
156 Internal bus 158 I / O interface 160 HDD
162 Network interface 200 Printing unit 202 Consumables for printing 204 Remaining amount measuring unit 206 Communication unit 208 Attachment / detachment detection unit

Claims (9)

An acquisition unit that acquires a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to the printing apparatus;
A value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time, and the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time which is a time after the first acquisition time An unconsumed amount comparison unit that compares a value indicating the degree of unconsumed of
The value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time is larger than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the first acquisition time, and at the second acquisition time. A determination unit that determines that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the first acquisition time when the acquired value indicating the degree of unconsumption is equal to or greater than a threshold;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a threshold value determination unit that determines the threshold value according to a time interval between the first acquisition time and the second acquisition time.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value determination unit determines the threshold value such that the threshold value decreases as the time interval between the first acquisition time and the second acquisition time increases. The unconsumed amount comparison unit determines whether the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time from the value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time. Further calculate the difference value minus the value indicating the degree of consumption,
The determination unit further determines that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the first acquisition time when the difference value calculated by the unconsumed amount comparison unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is determined. The acquisition unit further acquires attachment / detachment detection information indicating a detection result of attachment / detachment of the printing consumable with respect to the printing apparatus,
In the case where the determination unit further indicates that the acquired attachment / detachment detection information indicates that the printing consumable has been removed from the printing apparatus between the first acquisition time and the second acquisition time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the printing consumable has been replaced after the first acquisition time.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value indicating the degree of unconsumed printing consumables is a measured value of the remaining amount of printing consumables. An acquisition unit that acquires a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to the printing apparatus;
The printing consumable acquired at the first acquisition time from a value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumable acquired at the second acquisition time, which is a time after the first acquisition time. An unconsumed amount comparison unit for calculating a difference value obtained by subtracting a value indicating the degree of unconsumed of
A determination unit that determines that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the first acquisition time when the difference value calculated by the unconsumed amount comparison unit is equal to or greater than a threshold;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A measuring unit for measuring a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to the printing apparatus;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a value indicating a degree of unconsumption of the printing consumables measured by the measurement unit;
A value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time, and the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time which is a time after the first acquisition time An unconsumed amount comparison unit that compares a value indicating the degree of unconsumed of
The value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time is larger than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the first acquisition time, and at the second acquisition time. A determination unit that determines that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the first acquisition time when the acquired value indicating the degree of unconsumption is equal to or greater than a threshold;
An information processing system comprising: Obtaining a value indicating a degree of unconsumed printing consumables attached to the printing apparatus;
A value indicating the degree of non-consumption of the printing consumables acquired at the first acquisition time, and the printing consumables acquired at the second acquisition time which is a time after the first acquisition time Comparing with a value indicating the degree of unconsumed of,
The value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the second acquisition time is larger than the value indicating the degree of non-consumption acquired at the first acquisition time, and at the second acquisition time. Determining that the consumable for printing has been replaced after the first acquisition time when the acquired value indicating the degree of unconsumption is equal to or greater than a threshold;
An information processing method comprising:

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