Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-006617 filed on Jan. 15, 2009. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The following description relates to one or more techniques for outputting predetermined information concerning an image forming device. 
     2. Related Art 
     A number of techniques have been proposed for outputting a predetermined kind of information regarding an image forming device. For example, one of the proposed techniques is adapted to determine whether a cartridge installed in an image forming device is new. In addition, when the cartridge is new, a sheet attached to the cartridge is scanned by a scanner, and it is determined whether a trademark and an expendable item code extracted from the scanned image data are proper. Further, it is determined whether a serial number extracted from the scanned image data is for a new cartridge. When there is a problem in any of the trademark, the expendable item code, and the serial number, the technique makes a user apprised of information that the cartridge is not genuine and forbids a printing operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     However, it is unfortunate that the aforementioned technique places on the user such an extra burden that the user has to scan the sheet with the scanner. 
     Aspects of the present invention are advantageous to provide one or more improved techniques that make it possible to output predetermined information regarding an image forming device without having to increase user&#39;s efforts. 
     According to aspects of the present invention, a computer readable medium is provided which has computer readable instructions stored thereon. When executed by a processor communicable with an image forming device, the instructions cause the processor to perform the steps of transmitting, to a first server connected with the processor via a network, a request for supply of an expendable item for the image forming device, acquiring a first identification for identifying the expendable item to be supplied via the first server, which first identification is transmitted by the first server in response to the request, storing the first identification acquired, onto a database, acquiring a second identification for identifying an expendable item attached to the image forming device, determining whether the second identification acquired is identical to a first identification stored on the database, and outputting first information when it is determined that the second identification is different from any first identification stored on the database. 
     In some aspects of the present invention, when the second identification is different from any first identification stored on the database, i.e., when the expendable item attached to the image forming device is not an expendable item supplied via the first server, it is possible to output the first information. The first information may include predetermined contents concerning the image forming device. 
     According to aspects of the present invention, further provided is an information processor communicable with an image forming device. The information processor includes an expendable requesting unit configured to transmit, to a first server connected with the information processor via a network, a request for supply of an expendable item for the image forming device, a first-identification acquiring unit configured to acquire a first identification for identifying the expendable item to be supplied via the first server, which first identification is transmitted by the first server in response to the request, a first-identification storing unit configured to store the first identification acquired, onto a database, a second-identification acquiring unit configured to acquire a second identification for identifying an expendable item attached to the image forming device, a first identification determining unit configured to determine whether the second identification acquired is identical to a first identification stored on the database, and a first-information outputting unit configured to output first information when the first identification determining unit determines that the second identification is different from any first identification stored on the database. 
     According to aspects of the present invention, further provided is an image forming device, which includes an expendable requesting unit configured to transmit, to a first server connected with the image forming device via a network, a request for supply of an expendable item for the image forming device, a first-identification acquiring unit configured to acquire a first identification for identifying the expendable item to be supplied via the first server, which first identification is transmitted by the first server in response to the request, a first-identification storing unit configured to store the first identification acquired, onto a database, a second-identification acquiring unit configured to acquire a second identification that identifies an expendable item attached to the image forming device, a first identification determining unit configured to determine whether the second identification acquired is identical to a first identification stored on the database, and a first-information outputting unit configured to output first information when the first identification determining unit determines that the second identification is different from any first identification stored on the database. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a printing system in an embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing a procedure of an expendable purchasing process in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  exemplifies an ink cartridge ordering screen in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a procedure of an expendable replacement process in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  exemplifies a dialog box, to be displayed in the expendable replacement process, which contains a message showing gratitude for a new ink cartridge appropriately purchased, and a message informing that print quality will thereby be maintained in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  exemplifies a dialog box, to be displayed in the expendable replacement process, which contains a message warning that print quality might be deteriorated due to usage of an inappropriate ink cartridge in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a procedure of an expendable-exhausted-time process in the poster printing process in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  exemplifies a dialog box, to be displayed in the expendable-exhausted-time process, which contains a message informing that ink stored in a current ink cartridge is exhausted and a new ink cartridge is required to be installed in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  exemplifies a dialog box, to be displayed in the expendable-exhausted-time process, which contains a message informing that ink stored in a current ink cartridge is exhausted and a new ink cartridge is required to be installed, and a message warning that print quality might be deteriorated due to usage of an inappropriate ink cartridge in the embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the invention may be implemented in computer software as programs storable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs, flash memories, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage, hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like. 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment according to aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompany drawings. 
     (Configuration of System) 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a printing system  10  in an embodiment includes a personal computer (PC)  100 , an inkjet-type multi-function peripheral (MFP)  200 , and a network device (not shown), which are communicably connected with each other via a local area network (LAN)  800 . The MFP  200  is configured to receive print data from the PC  100  and perform a printing operation based on the print data received. In addition, the MFP  200  performs a scanning operation to create scanned data in response to a scanning request from the PC  100 , and transmits the scanned data to the PC  100  via the LAN  800 . 
     In addition, the LAN  800  is connected with an Internet  840  via a router  820 . On the Internet  840 , there is an expendable-item server  860  that sells an ink cartridge  2302  to be attached to the MFP  200  and other expendable supplies. 
     Initially, a configuration of the MFP  200  will be set forth. The MFP  200  includes a controller  210  configured to take control of the MFP  200 , and a storage unit  220  that stores thereon programs  2202  for executing predetermined processes. Further, the MFP  200  includes a printing unit  230  configured to perform a printing operation based on print data, a scanning unit  240  configured to scan a document placed on a document loading portion (not shown), and a remaining-amount detecting sensor  250  configured to detect an amount of ink remaining in an ink cartridge  2302 . Moreover, the MFP  200  includes a monitor  260  configured to display various kinds of information, an operation unit  270  that serves as an interface to accept inputs of data (or commands) to be transmitted to the MFP  200 , and a network interface (network I/F)  280 . The controller  210  is configured with a CPU that performs arithmetic processing, a ROM that stores various programs thereon, and a RAM that serves as a work area. The storage unit  220  is configured, for instance, with a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The printing unit  230 , which includes the ink cartridge  2302 , is configured to discharge droplets of ink from a head. 
     The CPU of the controller  210  performs various processes by executing, on the RAM, programs stored on the ROM and the storage unit  220 . For example, the CPU of the controller  210  performs a printing operation based on print data received by the network I/F  280 . Additionally, the CPU of the controller  210  transmits, to the PC  100  via the network I/F  280 , data showing a remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge  2302  that is detected by the remaining-amount detecting sensor  250 . The CPU of the controller  210  accesses data on the RAM to perform the processes. Accordingly, the CPU of the controller  210  achieves various functions when performing the various processes by executing, on the RAM, the various programs stored on the ROM and the storage unit  220 . 
     Subsequently, a configuration of the PC  100  will be described. The PC  100  includes a controller  110  that takes overall control of the PC  100 , and a hard disk drive (HDD)  120 . Further, the PC  100  includes a monitor  130 , an operation unit  140  configured with a keyboard and/or a mouse, and a network I/F  150  configured to be connected with the LAN  800 . 
     The controller  110  is configured with a CPU that performs arithmetic processing, a ROM that stores various programs thereon, and a RAM that serves as a work area. The HDD  120  stores thereon an operating system (OS)  1202 , and various kinds of application software such as a browser program  1204  (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “browser  1204 ”) for browsing web pages on the Internet  840 . Further, the HDD  120  stores thereon driver programs, such as a printer driver for controlling the printing unit  230  of the MFP  200  and a scanner driver for controlling the scanning unit  240  of the MFP  200 . Moreover, the HDD  120  stores thereon a status monitor program  1208  for monitoring a remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge  2302  attached to the MFP  200  and displaying on the monitor  130  the remaining amount of ink, and a database  1210  (e.g., a registry that the OS  1202  offers) for managing setting data for the OS  1202 , the browser  1204 , the driver programs  1206 , and the status monitor program  1208 . 
     By, on the RAM, running the various programs stored on the ROM and executing the OS  1202  and the various programs  1204 - 1208  based on the database  1210  stored on the HDD  120 , the CPU of the controller  110  performs various processes to achieve various functions. Next, detailed explanations will be given about processes to be attained by the controller  110 , with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 8 . It is noted that the following descriptions will be provided to take, as an example of expendable supplies, the ink cartridge  2302  attached to the MFP  200 . 
     (Expendable Purchasing Process) 
     An expendable purchasing process, shown in  FIG. 2 , is executed, for instance, in a process of installing into the HDD  120  the driver programs  1206  and the status monitor program  1208 . It is noted that  FIG. 2  is provided in a form that steps for installing the driver programs  1206  or the status monitor program  1208  are omitted. 
     In the expendable purchasing process, the controller  110  initially displays on the monitor  130  an ink cartridge ordering screen  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) for ordering expendable supplies (S 100 ). The ink cartridge ordering screen  300  shows a message thereon recommending a user to purchase a new ink cartridge in preparation for exhaustion of ink stored in the ink cartridge  2302 . Further, the ink cartridge ordering screen  300  includes a check box  302  to be selected for accessing the expendable-item server  860  and advancing a procedure of purchasing an ink cartridge in response to the message, and a check box  304  to be selected for ending the procedure of purchasing an ink cartridge. In addition, the ink cartridge ordering screen  300  includes a “Back” button  306  for inputting an instruction to return to a predetermined process executed in a process of installing the driver programs  1206  or the like, a “Next” button  308  for inputting an instruction to advance to a process responsive to the selection between the check boxes  302  and  304 , and a “Cancel” button  310  for inputting an instruction to terminate the expendable purchasing process. It is noted that, in the embodiment, when any of the check boxes  302  and  304  is not selected, the “Next” button  308  is set into a grayout state where the “Next” button  308  cannot be pressed. 
     When the user selects one of the check boxes  302  and  304  via the operation unit  140  in response to the ink cartridge ordering screen  300  being displayed in S 100 , and presses the “Next” button  308 , the controller  110  determines which is selected between the check boxes  302  and  304  (whether the check box  302  is selected) (S 102 ). Incidentally, when the user presses the “Back” button  306  via the operation unit  140 , the controller  110  goes to a predetermined process. Further, when the user presses the “Cancel” button  310  via the operation unit  140 , the controller  110  terminates the expendable purchasing process. 
     When determining in S 102  that the check box  304  is selected (S 102 : No), the controller  110  terminates the expendable purchasing process, without executing a below-mentioned step S 106 . Accordingly, an identifier that allows the user to identify each ink cartridge  2302  (specifically, a serial number attached to each ink cartridge  2302 ) is not registered on the database  1210 . Meanwhile, when determining in S 102  that the check box  302  is selected (S 102 : Yes), the controller  110  performs a process of accessing the expendable-item server  860  of a predetermined address on the Internet  840  (S 104 ). 
     A concrete explanation will be provided about the operations to be executed by the controller  110  in S 104 . The controller  110  first launches the browser  1204  stored on the HDD  120 , and then access the expendable-item server  860  based on a previously-stored uniform resource locator (URL) of the expendable-item server  860 . Subsequently, the controller  110  receives predetermined data from the expendable-item server  860 , and displays on the monitor  130  a screen based on the received data. Thereafter, the controller  110  accepts, via the operation unit  140 , user inputs for specifying a model name (model number) of the ink cartridge  2302  and a purchase number of cartridges. After acquiring the model name (model number) of the ink cartridge  2302  and the purchase number of cartridges that the user inputs through the operation unit  140 , the controller  110  takes control of the network I/F  150  and transmits, to the expendable-item server  860 , data (a request for serial numbers) that contains the acquired model name (model number) and purchase number. After that, the controller  110  receives serial number(s) of ink cartridge(s)  2302  as a return from the expendable-item server  860  in response to the request. 
     After executing S 104 , the controller  110  registers the serial numbers received in S 104  onto the database  1210  as serial numbers of purchased ink cartridges (S 106 ). Then, the controller  110  terminates the expendable purchasing process. It is noted that the serial numbers, which are received in S 104  and registered onto the database  1210  in S 106 , are serial numbers attached to ink cartridges  2302  that are to be sent to the user (purchaser) in a predetermined fashion. 
     (Expendable Replacement Process) 
     An expendable replacement process, shown in  FIG. 4 , is based on the status monitor program  1208  for monitoring the printing unit  230  which program is installed along with the printer driver included in the driver programs  1206 . When the PC  100  is powered on, the controller  110  launches the OS  1202  and runs the status monitor program  1208  for monitoring the printing unit  230 . 
     After receiving data representing that ink stored in the ink cartridge  2302  is almost exhausted (the remaining amount of ink is substantially zero) in a below-mentioned expendable-exhausted-time process (see  FIG. 7 ), the controller  110  initially takes control of the network I/F  150  at predetermined timing to transmit to the MFP  200  an inquiry as to whether the ink cartridge  2302  is replaced with a new ink cartridge  2302  (S 200 ). Then, the controller  110  determines whether the controller  110  has received an ink replacement signal transmitted by the MFP  200  in response to the inquiry issued in S 200  (S 202 ). When determining that the controller  110  has not received an ink replacement signal from the MFP  200  (S 202 : No), the controller  110  waits until receiving an ink replacement signal. Meanwhile, when determining that the controller  110  has received an ink replacement signal from the MFP  200  (S 202 : Yes), the controller  110  goes to S 204 . 
     In S 204 , the controller  110  determines whether the ink replacement signal includes a serial number of the newly-installed ink cartridge  2302  (S 204 ). When determining that the ink replacement signal includes the serial number of the newly-installed ink cartridge  2302  (S 204 : Yes), the controller  110  stores, on the RAM thereof, the serial number included in the ink replacement signal, and thereafter goes to S 208 . Meanwhile, when determining that the ink replacement signal does not include the serial number of the newly-installed ink cartridge  2302  (S 204 : No), the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  an input screen for accepting an input of a serial number, and stores on the RAM a serial number input on the input screen through the operation unit  140  (S 206 ). Then, the controller  110  goes to S 208 . The process in S 206  is preferred to apply, for instance, when the controller  210  of the MFP  200  cannot acquire the serial number of the newly-installed ink cartridge  2302  or make the ink replacement signal include the serial number. 
     In S 208 , the controller  110  determines whether the serial number stored on the RAM in S 204  or S 206  is identical to one of the serial numbers of the purchased cartridges that are registered on the database  1210 , namely, whether a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is registered on the database  1210  as one of the serial numbers of the purchased cartridges (S 208 ). When determining that a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is registered on the database  1210  as one of the serial numbers of the purchased cartridges (S 208 : Yes), the controller  110  registers the serial number of the purchased cartridge onto the database  1210  as a serial number of a used cartridge (S 210 ). In addition, the controller  110  deletes the processed serial number of the purchased cartridge from the database  1210  (S 211 ). Then, the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  a dialog box  400  (see  FIG. 5 ) that shows messages regarding ink cartridge replacement (S 212 ). The dialog box  400  contains a message showing gratitude for the newly-installed ink cartridge  2302  purchased via the expendable-item server  860 , a message informing that print quality will thereby be maintained, and an “OK” button  402 . When the “OK” button  402  is pressed, the controller  110  terminates the expendable replacement process. 
     Meanwhile, when determining that a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is not registered on the database  1210  as one of the serial numbers of the purchased cartridges (S 208 : No), the controller  110  goes to S 214 . In S 214 , the controller  110  determines whether the serial number stored on the RAM in S 204  or S 206  is identical to one of serial numbers of used cartridges that are registered on the database  1210 , namely, whether a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is registered on the database  1210  (has already been registered onto the database  1210  in a past operation of S 210 ) as one of serial numbers of used cartridges (S 214 ). When determining that a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is not registered on the database  1210  as one of serial numbers of used cartridges (S 214 : No), the controller  110  goes to S 216 . Meanwhile, when determining that a serial number identical to the serial number stored on the RAM is registered on the database  1210  as one of serial numbers of used cartridges (S 214 : Yes), the controller  110  goes to S 220 . 
     In S 216 , the controller  110  takes control of the network I/F  150  and transmits the serial number on the RAM to a predetermined Web server (e.g., the expendable-item server  860 ) on the Internet  840  (S 216 ). Here, the controller  110  receives validity information representing whether the serial number transmitted is valid or invalid. It is noted that the process in S 216  applies when the user does not purchase any ink cartridge  2302  in S 104  of the expendable purchasing process shown in  FIG. 2 , and purchases a suitable ink cartridge  2302 , for instance, in a general merchandising store. Subsequently, the controller  110  determines whether the validity information represents that the serial number transmitted is valid, namely, whether the received validity information is valid (S 218 ). When determining that the validity information represents that the serial number transmitted is valid (S 218 : Yes), the controller  110  goes to S 210  and performs the aforementioned step S 212  after execution of S 210 . Meanwhile, when determining that the validity information represents that the serial number transmitted is invalid (S 218 : No), the controller  110  goes to S 220 . 
     In S 220 , the controller  110  registers, onto the database  1210 , an inappropriate-usage record representing that the ink cartridge  2302 , identified by a serial number registered on the RAM, is invalid (inappropriate) (S 220 ). It is noted that the inappropriate-usage record includes the serial number attached to the ink cartridge  2302  and date (year/month/day) information registered in association with each other. For example, When it is determined that the ink cartridge  2302  is reused with ink being refilled therein (in such a case, the controller  110  makes an affirmative determination in S 214  (S 214 : Yes)), an inappropriate-usage record is registered onto the database  1210 . After execution of S 220 , the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  a dialog box  500  (see  FIG. 6 ) that shows messages regarding ink cartridge replacement (S 222 ). The dialog box  500  contains a message warning that print quality might be deteriorated due to usage of an inappropriate ink cartridge, and an “OK” button  502 . When confirming the message, the user presses the “OK” button  502  via the operation unit  140 . When the “OK” button  502  is pressed, the controller  110  terminates the extendable replacement process. 
     (Extendable-Exhausted-Time Process) 
     An extendable-exhausted-time process, shown in  FIG. 7 , is based on the status monitor program  1208 , in the same manner as the aforementioned expendable replacement process. 
     Initially, after launching the status monitor program  1208 , the controller  110  takes control of the network I/F  150  at predetermined timing to transmit to the MFP  200  an inquiry as to the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge  2302 . Then, the controller  110  receives data representing the remaining amount of ink transmitted by the MFP  200  in response to the inquiry (S 300 ). The controller  110  stores the received data onto the RAM, and goes to S 302 . 
     In S 302 , the controller  110  determines whether the remaining amount of ink, represented by the data received in S 300 , is substantially zero (no ink remains) (S 302 ). When determining that the remaining amount of ink is not substantially zero (some ink remains) (S 302 : No), the controller  110  goes back to S 300 , and re-executes S 300  at predetermined timing. Meanwhile, when determining that the remaining amount of ink is substantially zero (S 302 : Yes), the controller  110  determines whether a serial number of purchased cartridge is registered on the database  1210  (S 304 ). When determining that a serial number of purchased cartridge is registered on the database  1210  (S 304 : Yes), the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  messages informing that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge  2302  is substantially zero, a new ink cartridge  2302  purchased via the expendable-item server  860  is required to be attached to the MFP  200 , and print quality can be maintained due to usage of an appropriate ink cartridge  2302  (S 306 ). After that, the controller  110  terminates the expendable-exhausted-time process. 
     Meanwhile, when determining that a serial number of purchased cartridge is not registered on the database  1210  (S 304 : No), the controller  110  determines whether an inappropriate-usage record is registered on the database  1210  (S 308 ). When determining that an inappropriate-usage record is not registered on the database  1210  (S 308 : No), the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  a dialog box  600  (see  FIG. 8A ) that contains a message informing that the remaining amount of ink is substantially zero and a new ink cartridge  2302  is required to be attached to the MFP  200 , a message showing gratitude for the appropriate ink cartridge  2302  having been attached, and a message advising that attachment of an appropriate ink cartridge  2302  will bring the best performances/functions of the MFP  200  (S 310 ). When determining that an inappropriate-usage record is registered on the database  1210  (S 308 : Yes), the controller  110  displays on the monitor  130  a dialog box  700  (see  FIG. 8B ) that contains a message informing that the remaining amount of ink is substantially zero and a new ink cartridge  2302  is required to be attached to the MFP  200 , a message warning that usage of an inappropriate ink cartridge might cause malfunction of the MFP  200 , and a message recommending the user to attach an appropriate ink cartridge  2302  to the MFP  200  (S 312 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the dialog boxes  600  and  700  respectively include link buttons  602  and  702  to be pressed for accessing the expendable-item server  860  on the Internet  840 . The link buttons  602  and  702  are associated with the URL of the expendable-item server  860 . When detecting the link button  602  or  702  being pressed, the controller  110  launches the browser  1204  stored on the HDD  120  to access the expendable-item server  860 . 
     After execution of S 310  or S 312 , the controller  110  subsequently determines whether the user has selected purchasing an ink cartridge  2302  via the expendable-item server  860  in response to the message introducing the expendable-item server  860  displayed on the monitor  130  in S 310  or S 312 , namely whether the user has input a request for access to the expendable-item server  860  (by pressing the link button  602  or  702 ) via the operation unit  140  (S 314 ). When determining that the user has input a request for access to the expendable-item server  860  (S 314 : Yes), the controller  110  executes S 316  and S 308 . It is noted that S 316  and S 318  are the same as S 104  and S 106  of the expendable purchasing process shown in  FIG. 2 , respectively, and therefore detailed explanations of S 316  and S 318  will be omitted. Meanwhile, when determining that the user has not input a request for access to the expendable-item server  860  (S 314 : No), or after executing S 318 , the controller  110  terminates the expendable-exhausted-time process. 
     Hereinabove, the embodiment according to aspects of the present invention has been described. The present invention can be practiced by employing conventional materials, methodology and equipment. Accordingly, the details of such materials, equipment and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, structures, chemicals, processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be recognized that the present invention can be practiced without reapportioning to the details specifically set forth. In other instances, well known processing structures have not been described in detail, in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     Only an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and but a few examples of their versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. For example, the following modifications are possible. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the PC  100  (specifically, the controller  110 ) is configured to convey information by displaying on the monitor  130  dialog boxes each of which contains various messages. Nevertheless, for instance, the PC  100  may be configured to convey information using sound. Further, the PC  100  may be configured to convey information to a predetermined device connected communicably with the PC  100 . Furthermore, the PC  100  may be configured to convey information by printing it with the printing unit  230 . Moreover, the PC  100  may be configured to convey information in a method which combines at least two of display of a dialog box, output of sound, transmission of the information to a predetermined device, and printing of the information. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, ink as an image forming agent is stored in the ink cartridge  2302 . However, an ink container may be configured integrally with an inkjet head included in the inkjet-type printing unit  230 . In this case, when ink is exhausted, the ink container integrated with the inkjet head may be replaced as a whole. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the MFP  200  has the inkjet-type printing unit  230 . However, the MFP  200  may have an electrophotographic printing unit that uses toner as an image forming agent. In this case, toner may be stored in a toner cartridge, and the toner cartridge may be attached to the MFP  200 . Further, the remaining-amount detecting sensor  250  may detect a remaining amount of toner. Alternatively, the MFP  200  may have a thermal-transfer printing unit  230  that uses an ink-ribbon. In this case, the ink-ribbon may be stored in an ink-ribbon cartridge as an image forming agent. Further, the remaining-amount detecting sensor  250  may detect a remaining amount of the ink-ribbon. 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, the ink cartridge  2302  is taken as an example of expendable supplies. However, an expendable item may be a lamp included in the scanning unit  240 . 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, each of the processes is executed by the controller  110  of the PC  100 . However, each of the processes may be executed by the controller  210  of the MFP  200 . In this case, the MFP  200  may store on the storage unit  220  a database independent from the OS  1202 , store a program for each of the processes on the ROM of the controller  210  or the storage unit  220 , and execute the stored program. 
     The processes to be executed in the aforementioned embodiment have been set forth based on  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  7 , respectively. Here, each step of the processes may be omitted as needed. For example, under an assumption that an appropriate ink cartridge  2302  can be purchased only via the expendable-item server  860 , when the controller  110  makes a negative determination in S 208  (S 208 : No), the controller  110  may go directly to S 220  without executing S 214  to S 218 . Alternatively, when making a negative determination in S 208  (S 208 : No), the controller  110  may go directly to S 222 , or directly to S 216  without executing S 214 . It is noted that when S 214  is omitted, S 210  is as well omitted. Further, when the controller  110  makes an affirmative determination in S 208  (S 208 : Yes), the controller  110  may go directly to S 212  without executing S 210 . Additionally, when the controller  110  makes an affirmative determination in S 208  (S 208 : Yes), the controller  110  may not necessarily execute S 212 . Furthermore, in the expendable-exhausted-time process shown in  FIG. 8 , S 304  may be omitted.

Technology Category: 5