Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Image forming apparatus capable of notifying user at suitable timing that printing material is running low
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Application No.: US15270194Application Date: 2016-09-20
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Publication No.: US09836253B2Publication Date: 2017-12-05
- Inventor: Keitaro Tomono
- Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Applicant Address: JP Nagoya, Aichi
- Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Current Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
- Current Assignee Address: JP Nagoya, Aichi
- Agency: Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser, P.C.
- Priority: JP2015-194973 20150930
- Main IPC: G06F3/12
- IPC: G06F3/12

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus includes a connector to which a cartridge containing printing material is connectable and a controller. The controller stores a subscription status indicating whether a user is subscribed to a specific service, acquires first information indicating a residual quantity of the printing material, transmits the first information to a sever, and determines whether the user is subscribed to the specific service. Under the specific service, a new cartridge is delivered by transmitting the first information. When not subscribed to the specific service and the residual quantity is a first threshold value or less, the controller notifies the user that the residual quantity is low. When subscribed to the specific service and the residual quantity is a second threshold value or less, the controller notifies the user that the residual quantity is low. The second threshold value is below the first threshold value.
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Information query