Server Device and Program in Cartridge Ordering System

摘要

A server device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to perform determining whether or not residual amount of recording material in a cartridge is equal to or less than a first threshold, and determining whether or not the estimated number of the cartridges is equal to or less than a second threshold. In response to determination that the recording material is not more than the first threshold and the number of the cartridges is not more than the second threshold, the control unit transmits to an external device via the communication unit an order instruction to deliver a cartridge to the user of the image forming apparatus.

主权项

1. A server device comprising:
a communication unit configured to communicate at least with an external device; a storage unit storing device identification information for identifying an image forming apparatus communicable with the server device via the communication unit, the image forming apparatus being configured to form an image on a recording sheet using recording material, the recording material being contained in a cartridge attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus; and a control unit configured to perform:
(a) receiving, via the communication unit, residual amount information about residual amount of the recording material remaining in the cartridge connected to the image forming apparatus identified by the device identification information;(b) acquiring number information about number of the cartridges being delivered;(c) estimating, based on at least the number information, the number of the cartridges in stock at a user of the image forming apparatus identified by the device identification information;(d) determining, based on the residual amount information, whether or not the residual amount of the recording material is equal to or less than a first threshold;(e) determining whether or not the estimated number of the cartridges is equal to or less than a second threshold; and(f) in response to affirmative determination made in (d) and affirmative determination made in (e), transmitting to the external device via the communication unit an order instruction to deliver a cartridge to the user of the image forming apparatus.