JP2007304650A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately obtain the ink usage of each user in ink management when a printer of ink jet recorder configurations is shared by a plurality of users, and to provide the breakdown information or the estimate of the next ink tank purchase to the user. <P>SOLUTION: Information relating to the ink usage of each user is stored in a memory loaded on the ink tank of a printer, and the information is transferred in response to a request from a host computer or the like, and displayed at a display device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and is particularly suitable when applied to a printing system in which a plurality of users share a printing apparatus in the form of an ink jet recording apparatus.

  As a printing system, for example, a plurality of host computers that are sources of image data for printing and a printing apparatus are connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and a plurality of users can connect one printing apparatus. There is a form of sharing. In such a printing system, when there is no consumable material such as a recording agent or a recording medium used in the printing apparatus, it is common for an administrator to appropriately supply the consumable material.

  In such a printing system, there is a system in which an administrator charges an amount corresponding to a consumption amount of a consumable for each user or group sharing a printing apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a counter billing system using a network in a printing system that uses an electrophotographic system as a printing apparatus (printer). In addition, a technique is disclosed in which a strict fee is charged to the user by managing in detail the actual print contents (paper size, number of printed sheets, toner usage, etc.).

JP 2002-066751 A

  By the way, the ink jet recording apparatus is a non-impact recording type recording apparatus, and is excellent in that there is almost no noise during recording and that high-definition images can be recorded at high speed on various types of recording media. It has the features. For these reasons, not only as a personal use recording apparatus but also as an office use recording apparatus has come to be widely used.

  Such an ink jet recording apparatus is relatively small unlike an electrophotographic printer as disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the consumable material is exclusively ink. Therefore, when sharing as a printing apparatus of the printing system as described above, a simpler management system than the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is desired.

  In addition, in the ink jet recording apparatus, when the ink in the ink tank that stores the ink runs out, an operation of replacing the ink tank is performed as appropriate. When such an inkjet recording apparatus is shared as a printing apparatus, a predetermined administrator or user replaces the ink tank, and charges a charge for the ink tank to a user or group (hereinafter simply referred to as a user) sharing the printing apparatus. Such system operation can be considered. However, the inkjet recording apparatus is suitable for photographic printing because it can form a color image with high definition, and has a wider application as a printing apparatus than an electrophotographic printer. For this reason, for example, when a large number of color photographs are printed and when only a monochrome document is printed, variation in the amount of ink used for each color due to a difference in the usage status of the printing apparatus for each user increases.

  Therefore, under the circumstances where the ink jet recording apparatus is used in various applications as described above, the system administrator must grasp the usage status of each color ink as accurately as possible and perform appropriate management or system operation. Specifically, according to the usage situation of each color ink, while accurately recognizing the necessary number and purchase time of each color ink tank to be stored for spare, for each user sharing the printing device, Appropriate charges should be made according to the usage situation.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to accurately grasp the amount of each color ink used in a printing system sharing a printing apparatus in the form of an ink jet recording apparatus so that appropriate management or system operation can be performed. is there.

  A second object of the present invention is to facilitate system management.

Therefore, the present invention is a printing system that includes a printing unit in the form of an inkjet recording apparatus that uses a recording head for ejecting ink, and that can be shared by a plurality of users.
Storage means for storing the amount of ink used corresponding to each of the plurality of users;
Presenting means for presenting information relating to the amount of ink used stored in the storage means is provided.

  According to the present invention, when a printing apparatus is shared by a plurality of users, the breakdown of the ink usage amount for each user can be easily grasped and confirmed, and appropriate management or system operation can be easily performed. This makes it possible to charge each user appropriately according to the amount used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applied.

  The printing system of this embodiment is configured as a client / server model. The printing system includes a computer 20 for realizing various processes by an application, printing processes by a printer driver, and the like, a printer 10 as a printing unit connected thereto, and a computer connected to the computer 20 via a LAN line. 20a and 20b.

  In the present embodiment, the computer 20 functions as a print server that generates print data that can be interpreted by the printer 10 and transmits the print data to the printer 10. Then, based on the received print data, the printer 10 performs optimal printing.

  The computer 20 includes a CPU 25 that executes various programs, a ROM 26 that stores various programs for controlling the computer 20 and other various fixed data in a nonvolatile manner, and a RAM 27 that temporarily stores data, programs, and the like. Is provided. In addition, the computer 20 includes a bidirectional interface 21 that transmits and receives data to and from peripheral devices such as the printer 10, and a network interface 28 that communicates with information processing devices such as other computers 20a connected to the network via a LAN line. Prepare. A display device 22 such as a color display, an input device 23 such as a keyboard and a pointing device, and a built-in or external auxiliary storage device 24 are connected to the CPU 25.

  The computers 20a and 20b have the same configuration as the computer 20 and can be used by each user.

  A printer 10 serving as a printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users is an inkjet color printer. The printer 10 can be equipped with a plurality of ink tanks filled with ink of each color tone (including the color and density, but hereinafter simply referred to as “color”) such as black, magenta, cyan, and yellow. Yes, printing is performed by ejecting the ink from the recording head to the recording medium.

  The printer 10 includes a bidirectional interface 11, a CPU 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a printer engine 15, and an operation panel 18. Here, the bidirectional interface 11 transmits / receives data to / from a host device such as the computer 20. The CPU 12 executes various programs and controls the entire printer 10. Various programs for controlling the printer 10, various fixed data, and the like are stored in a nonvolatile manner in the ROM 13 serving as a storage unit, while the RAM 14 is used for temporarily storing print data and other data and for work.

  The printer engine 15 has a mechanism for moving the recording head for ejecting ink in a predetermined direction of the recording medium (main scanning), a mechanism for transporting (sub-scanning) the recording medium, and the like, and controls the recording head and these mechanisms. While performing the printing operation. The operation panel 18 includes a display unit for displaying the printer status, menus, and the like, and an input unit for receiving operations from the user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing one of the ink tanks.
The ink tank 16 has a housing defined by a container body and a lid, and the inside of the housing is further divided into two spaces by a partition wall 161, and these spaces are interposed only through a communication portion below the partition wall 161. Communicate. One of these two spaces is a negative pressure generating member storage chamber 163 in which two types of negative pressure generating members 163a and 163b are stacked and stored, and the other is an ink storage for storing ink as it is. Chamber 164. The ink tank 16 is in the form of a cartridge that is detachably mounted using a lever 165 on a carriage (not shown) that can reciprocate in the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus. It is exchanged for a new one. An ink supply port 167 in which an ink outlet member for supplying ink to an ink jet recording head (not shown) supported by the carriage is formed in the bottom surface of the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 163. Yes.

  The ink tank 16 has a memory 17 for storing manufacturing information such as a unique number (serial number) and a manufacturing lot number of the ink tank in addition to the ink remaining amount and the color information of the ink to be stored on one side of the ink tank 16. What you have may be used. Such a memory 17 is usually configured using a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and the contents thereof can be rewritten. Therefore, in the present embodiment, information in which the amount of ink used is associated with each of a plurality of users is stored in a part of the storage area in an updatable manner. The contents stored in the memory 17 can be transmitted / received to / from the main body of the printer 10 via a contact or non-contact communication means. The arrangement position of the memory 17 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it is a matter of course that the memory 17 can be arranged at an appropriate part in relation to the communication means on the printer main body side. For example, it may be provided at the base of the lever 165 or the like.

  Needless to say, the printing system and the components constituting the printing system, that is, the computers 20, 20a and 20b, the printer 10, and the respective components are not limited to those described above.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a printing system constructed by the computers 20 and 20a and the printer 10 in a server and client relationship.

  As shown in the figure, the printer engine 15 of the printer 10 includes a printer control unit 31 that controls various printer mechanisms. On the printer control unit 31, an ink usage amount measurement unit 32, an ink tank memory management unit 33, a printer information transmission / reception unit 34, a command analysis unit 35, and a print execution unit 36 are constructed.

  The printer control unit 31 interprets a command transmitted from the computer 20 and performs control for executing printing based on the print data. The ink usage measuring unit 32 measures the ink usage associated with the printing operation on the recording medium for each color ink tank. In addition to the print data itself, the amount of ink used depends on the recording mode (high-definition recording, normal recording, high-speed recording mode, etc.), or the type of the recording medium when appropriate recording is performed according to the type of recording medium. Is also affected.

  The amount of ink used can be measured based on the number of ejections (dot count value) of the nozzles arranged in the recording head and multiplied by the amount of ink ejected per time. It is executed in association with. Also, in the process of maintaining or recovering the ink ejection properties of the recording head in a good state, that is, in the operation of forcibly discharging ink from the nozzles by suction or pressurization, or the amount of ink accompanying preliminary ejection performed as an operation other than the recording operation It is also preferable to consider the amount of ink generated. Further, the ink remaining amount can be calculated by sequentially subtracting the ink usage amount for each printing from the initial ink amount (total ink amount) stored in the memory 17 of the ink tank 16.

  The ink tank memory management unit 33 stores the ink discharge amount measured by the ink usage amount measurement unit 32 in the memory 17 mounted on the ink tank 16 for each user, and updates it appropriately when printing. The user can be identified by the network name of the computer 20, the user ID of each individual registered in advance, or a code indicating the group to which each individual belongs.

  The printer information transmission / reception unit 34 receives print data and a printing apparatus control command transmitted from the computer 20 via the bidirectional interface (I / F) control unit 30, and status of the printer such as no ink. To the computer 20. The command analysis unit 35 analyzes the printing apparatus control command received by the printer information transmission / reception unit 34, and when a predetermined command is extracted, the print execution unit 36 executes a control program corresponding to the command.

  An application 40, a printer driver 41, and a status monitor 44 are constructed on the computer 20a as a client. In the computer 20 that is a server, a print monitor 51 and a backgrounder 57 are constructed.

  The application 40 running on the computer 20a is used to perform various drawing processes such as a text system and a graphics system depending on the application. The printer driver 41 notifies the application 40 of various print settings such as the size and type of the recording medium and the recording mode in the print setting management unit 42. Thereafter, the drawing data received from the application 40 is spooled by the spool data generation unit 43, and the spool data is transmitted to the backgrounder 57 of the computer 20 via the network interface (I / F) control unit 70.

  The backgrounder 57 stores the received spool data in the spool data disk 61 and activates the print monitor 51. The print monitor 51 generates print data that can be interpreted by the printer 10 in the print data generation unit 54 while expanding the spool data existing in the spool data disk 61 in band units in the spool data expansion unit 53. This print data is transmitted to the printer 10 via the bidirectional interface control unit 50. In addition, the print monitor 51 manages spool data in the spool data disk 61 by the print job management unit 52 to enable execution and deletion of print jobs, change of print priority order, and the like, and is included in the spool data. Get document information. Further, the print monitor 51 exchanges information with the printer 10 via the printer information transmission / reception unit 34 and the bidirectional interface control unit 50. Further, information stored in the memory 17 of the mounted ink tank 16, that is, the ink usage amount is managed by the ink usage amount file management unit 55.

  The backgrounder 57 functions as a resident program and includes a spool data monitoring unit 58, a spool data receiving unit 59, and a print monitor (PM) information transmitting unit 60. The spool data monitoring unit 58 monitors the spool data disk 61 and activates the print monitor 51 if spool data exists in the disk. The spool data receiving unit 59 receives spool data transmitted from the computer 20 a connected to the network, and stores it in the spool data disk 61. The print monitor information transmission unit 60 acquires document information of a print job and printer status information from the print monitor 51, and transmits the document information to the status monitor 44. The status monitor 44 periodically receives document information of a print job and printer status information at the print monitor information receiving unit 46 and causes the display device 22 to display the information.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an ink usage amount management procedure using the above-described configuration, and this procedure can be started when a state of no ink occurs during printing.

  First, when the print monitor 51 receives status information indicating no ink at the printer information transmission / reception unit 56 (step S1), the ink usage file management unit 55 updates the contents of the ink usage file management unit 62 in the hard disk (step S1). Step S3). This update may be performed at the time of every printing, or may be performed according to an action from the user. When it is performed at every printing, the remaining amount of ink is read from the memory 17 of the ink tank 16 before printing, and after printing, the amount of ink used for the printing is subtracted to update the memory contents. Can be done.

  Here, the ink usage file management unit 62 manages the contents as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In this example, the ink tank name, update date, ink tank serial number and unit price for each ink tank, and the usage amount for each user for each ink tank are managed. Then, the ink usage file management unit 62 calculates the usage for each user, for example, as a ratio obtained by dividing the previous ink usage for each user stored in the memory 17 by the total ink usage (step S5). . This calculation process may be performed by the ink tank memory management unit 33. Furthermore, the contents of the ink usage file management unit 62 may be appropriately presented to the system administrator.

  The backgrounder 57 of the computer 20 acquires the status of no ink from the print monitor 51 and transmits it to the status monitor 44 of the computer 20a. When the status monitor 44 receives the status, it displays a warning dialog box as shown in FIG. 6, for example (step S7). In this dialog box, in addition to a required message, a “use amount check” button operated when the user wants to check the use amount, a “clear” button operated when the user wants to clear the contents of the memory 17, and message contents An “OK” button that is operated upon approval of is included.

  Next, the button operation (click) is determined (step S9), and when the operation of the “use amount check button” is detected, the backgrounder 57 is requested for necessary information of the ink use amount file. Get this. Based on the information, the ink usage amount display unit 45 displays the pie chart as shown in FIG. 7 (step S11). As a result, the user can check the ratio of the amount of ink used by himself / herself for printing out of the missing ink tank. Further, the total amount of money to be borne may be displayed.

  Needless to say, when a plurality of ink tanks are lost at the same time, a corresponding pie chart may be displayed. Moreover, you may make it display the money which should be borne with the display of a pie chart.

  Further, in addition to the display as shown in FIG. 7, various graphs as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 12 are displayed to provide a guideline for the next ink tank purchase and auxiliary information that the user wants to know. You can also Here, FIG. 8 shows a breakdown of the usage amount for each specific user tank, that is, for each color, in a pie chart. FIG. 9 shows a breakdown of the total ink usage by tank, that is, by color, in a pie chart, and FIG. 10 shows a breakdown of the total ink usage by user in a pie chart. It is. FIG. 11 is a bar graph showing the monthly usage numbers of all color ink tanks, and FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing the monthly usage numbers of specific ink tanks. Such display may be performed collectively or may be performed while appropriately switching according to a user operation. Further, as a form of presenting such information, not only display but also print output may be performed.

  When the user clicks the “clear” button in the warning dialog box as shown in FIG. 6, the printer information transmitting / receiving unit 56 of the print monitor 51 issues a predetermined printing device control command to the printer 10. As a result, the user information in the memory mounted in the designated ink tank is erased, and even if the used ink tank is disposed of, personal information can be prevented from being leaked.

  After the memory is cleared, or when the “OK” button is clicked on the warning dialog box as shown in FIG. 6 (including the case where the operation is performed after checking the ink usage amount, etc.), this procedure is terminated.

  It should be noted that, in the above process, when there is no ink during printing, display is performed on the computer 20a of the user executing the print job. Here, the replacement of the ink tank in response to the absence of ink can be performed by the user or the system administrator. In addition, while notifying other users that this has been done, it is also possible to make an appropriate display similar to the above.

  The function when the usage amount confirmation button or clear button in FIG. 6 is clicked, and the function for displaying the ink usage amount file as shown in FIG. May be operated as

  The administrator of the printing system to which the present embodiment is applied inputs in advance the unit price for each color ink tank as the contents of the ink usage management file 62 in the computer 20 or the like as the server. Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp the ink tank fee for each user or group according to the amount of use. In addition, by confirming auxiliary information on ink usage, that is, changes in ink usage in time series such as monthly (may be yearly), etc. It is possible to predict the number of items and the time of purchase.

  Further, since the information on the ink usage amount for each user is held in the memory 17 provided in the ink tank 16, the memory resources can be effectively used.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of a printing system related to a printing apparatus having a copy function will be described. A printing apparatus having a copy function is a multifunction printer (hereinafter abbreviated as MFP) in which an image reading apparatus such as an image scanner and an image recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer are integrated.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the MFP used in the present embodiment, and functions alone as a printing system. However, this may be connected to a computer in the same manner as the printer 10. In this embodiment, one computer may be connected to the MFP, and one or a plurality of users may be used in a stand-alone manner. Alternatively, as in the printing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, one or more computers can be connected to the computer 20 via a LAN line, and the MFP can be used as a network printer.

  In addition to the function as a printer, the MFP can implement a copying function for reading and executing a document, and a function for printing an image stored in a digital camera or a memory by connecting it. In carrying out these functions (hereinafter referred to as a copy function), the user directly operates the MFP, not through the computer 20a or the like. At this time, it is assumed that the user inserts a storage medium storing predetermined information, for example, user information presenting means in a so-called copy card form, obtains authentication, and is allowed to execute the copy function. Note that the form of the user information presenting means is not limited to the form of a copy card, and may be an appropriate one. For example, a card using a non-contact integrated circuit board having a non-contact communication function such as an RF tag without an insertion operation may be used.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the MFP includes a communication unit 100, a control unit 101, a printing unit 102, a copy card reading unit 103, a document reading unit 104, an input unit 105, a storage control unit 106, an ink usage amount measuring unit 107, and a printing. The number counting unit 108 is configured.

  The communication unit 100 transmits / receives data to / from an information processing apparatus such as a computer or a digital camera via an external interface. Further, an input / output unit capable of reading data from a storage unit such as a memory card may be provided. The control unit 101 includes a CPU that executes various programs, a ROM in which various data and programs for controlling each unit of the MFP are stored in a nonvolatile manner, and a RAM that temporarily stores print data, read data, and the like. ing. The printing unit 102 has substantially the same configuration as the printer 10 and controls the recording head for ejecting ink, the carriage drive mechanism on which the recording head is mounted, and the like, and writes data to the memory mounted on the ink tank.

  The copy card reading unit 103 reads card information such as a user ID from a copy card inserted by the user to perform the above function. The document reading unit 104 controls an image sensor driving mechanism, a roller mechanism that feeds and discharges and transports a document on a document stacking table, and the like. The input unit 105 includes an operation panel and accepts input of various information necessary for copy setting and execution tasks such as copying and maintenance programs.

  The ink use amount measuring unit 107 accurately measures the ink use amount accompanying printing for each color ink tank based on the ink discharge amount from the recording head. The number of printed sheets measurement unit 108 measures how many sheets of paper determined by the type (for example, plain paper, glossy paper) and size (for example, A4 size, A3 size) of the recording medium are used during printing. For each user ID read from the copy card, the storage control unit 106 distributes the number of printed sheets measured by the printed sheet number measuring unit 108 and the ink usage measured by the ink usage measuring unit 107 to the RAM or the ink tank 16 of the control unit 101. The information is stored as appropriate in the memory 17 provided.

  It should be noted that the functional configuration of the MFP is an example and is not limited to the above.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the copy function is executed as an example of a control procedure of this embodiment. Each user who shares the MFP inserts the copy card assigned to the MFP into the reading unit 103 (step S200). In response to this, the reading unit 103 reads identification information such as a user ID recorded on the copy card (step S201). In addition to the user ID of each individual, the identification information may include, for example, a code indicating a group to which each individual belongs, and a code indicating that the printed material of the printing process relates to a predetermined project.

  Next, the user inputs various information necessary for copy setting on the operation panel input unit 105 (step S202), confirms the setting contents, and then presses the copy button (step S203). The information is information that can be designated when performing general copying, such as designation of the type and size of the recording medium, the number of copies, and the scaling ratio.

  Accordingly, the MFP starts a preparation process (step S204), and determines whether or not the designated recording medium is set in the paper feed port (step S205). If an affirmative determination is made here, the remaining amount of ink in each color ink tank is detected, and it is determined whether there is an ink out state (step S206). If a negative determination is made here, measurement of the designated number of prints for a recording medium (hereinafter abbreviated as a paper ID) uniquely determined by the type and size of the recording medium set on the operation panel is performed. Addition is performed (step S207). Further, the amount of ink used for the current printing is measured for each color ink tank (step S208).

  In the copy process, the operations from step S205 to step S208 are performed for all pages and all the numbers (step S209). If all pages and all copies have been completed, it means that the copying has been completed normally (step S210), and the values obtained by the above-described print count measurement process and ink usage measurement process are stored in the memory ( Step S211, Step S212). This memory may be the RAM of the control unit 101, or may be a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM provided separately so that data can be retained even when the MFP is powered off. Also, as in the above example, it is possible to store information on the amount of ink used in a memory provided in the ink tank. As shown in FIG. 15, the contents to be stored include the total number of printed sheets for each type of recording medium (paper ID) used for printing, as shown in FIG. Thus, what is necessary is just to include the usage amount for each color ink for each user (user ID).

  If the designated recording medium is not set in the paper feed slot in step S205, an error message to that effect is displayed on the screen of the operation panel and waits until the user sets the designated recording medium (step S213). If it is determined that this is set, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S205 again. If cancel processing is performed during the standby until printing paper is set, the process proceeds to step S211, and if there is a number of sheets already printed in the current copy processing, the information is stored in the memory. If necessary, the ink usage is also stored.

  If it is determined in step S206 that there is no ink, an error message for prompting ink tank replacement is displayed. If ink has already been used in the current copy process, the ink is used in the memory. The amount is stored (step S214). At the same time, the ink usage measured in step S208 is cleared to zero. Thus, even when the ink tank is replaced and the copy process is continued, the ink usage before and after the ink tank replacement can be accurately measured. If the ink tank is replaced while an error message for prompting ink tank replacement is displayed, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S206 again (step S215). If the cancel process is performed during the standby until the ink tank is replaced, the process proceeds to step S211, and if there is a number of sheets already printed in the current copy process, the information is stored in the memory. If necessary, the ink usage is also stored.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of output of a list of considerations that have occurred along with copying of the MFP. By selecting such a list from the function buttons or menus of the operation panel 105, the system administrator displays the list on the screen of the operation panel 105, or outputs it as a printed matter instead of or together with this. be able to. When the MFP is also positioned as a network printer, it can be displayed on the screen of a computer that functions as a print server. Further, as in the first embodiment, graphic output may be performed.

  The unit price per ink tank in the list and the unit price per recording medium registered with the paper ID are set in advance based on the cost actually purchased by the administrator. Such a setting can be input by, for example, a key operation from the operation panel. Also, the unit price may vary depending on the purchase conditions even for the same ink tank or recording medium. In this case, the price is set based on the renewal date for the ink tank, or the paper including the unit price for the recording medium. By setting the ID, the administrator can freely customize it.

  The information stored in the internal memory or the like of the MFP for resetting the past history of the list by selecting from the function buttons or menus on the operation panel after the billing amount to the user is confirmed or completed. Of course, it can be erased. In addition, when information on the amount of ink used for each user is stored in the memory of the ink tank, the information can be deleted when replacing the ink tank. Furthermore, past history information may be stored as a separate file, which may be used as a guideline for the next ink tank or printing paper purchase.

1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows typically one of the ink tanks used with the printer arrange | positioned at the system of FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the functional structure of the printing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink usage management procedure in the printing system of the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content managed in the printing system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the dialog box displayed when the ink remaining amount of the ink tank used in the printing system of embodiment is exhausted. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the information of the ink usage amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the auxiliary information of the ink usage-amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment, and has shown the breakdown of the usage-amount according to ink tank, ie, ink color. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the auxiliary information of the ink usage-amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment, and has shown the breakdown of the usage-amount according to an ink tank in a specific user, ie, an ink color. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the auxiliary information of the ink usage-amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment, and has shown the breakdown according to the ink tank with respect to the total usage, ie, according to ink color. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the auxiliary information of the ink usage amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment, and has shown the monthly usage number of all the color ink tanks. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the auxiliary information of the ink usage amount shown to a user in the printing system of embodiment, and has shown the monthly usage number of the ink tank of a specific color. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the printer used in the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control procedure in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the total printing number information for every kind of recording medium memorize | stored in memory in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the usage-amount information for every color ink for every user memorize | stored in memory in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output example of the copy consideration list displayed or printed in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer 15 Printer engine 16 Ink tank 17 Memory 20, 20a, 20b Computer 28 Network interface 30, 50 Bidirectional interface control part 31 Printer control part 32 Ink use amount measurement part 33 Ink tank memory management part 45 Ink use amount display part 55 Ink usage file management unit 62 Ink usage file

Claims (9)

A printing system comprising a printing unit in the form of an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording head for ejecting ink, wherein the printing unit can be shared by a plurality of users,
Storage means for storing the amount of ink used corresponding to each of the plurality of users;
A printing system comprising: presentation means for presenting information relating to the amount of ink used stored in the storage means.   An ink tank that contains the ink is detachably held in the printing unit, and the ink tank has a nonvolatile memory that holds rewritable memory contents, and the memory is used as the storage unit. The printing system according to claim 1.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the information is erased when the ink tank is replaced.   2. The computer according to claim 1, further comprising a computer connected to the printing unit, wherein the amount of ink used is acquired from the storage unit in response to a request from the computer, and the information is presented. The printing system according to claim 3.   A data supply unit that operates to supply print data to the printing unit, and a unit that authenticates the user for permitting the operation of the data supply unit and the printing unit are provided integrally with the printing unit. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:   6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a charging amount for each of the plurality of users is calculated based on the information on the ink usage amount.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit is capable of presenting the ratio of the ink usage amount for each of the plurality of users as a graph.   The printing section uses a plurality of types of inks having different colors, and the information is stored and presented for each of the plurality of types of inks. The printing system according to any one of 7. Information on the usage amount of the plurality of types of ink used by each of the plurality of users, information on the ratio of each ink usage amount to the total amount of the usage amount of the plurality of types of ink, use of the plurality of types of ink Each of the plurality of users for each of the plurality of types of ink, information on the ratio of the amount of ink used by each of the plurality of users with respect to the total amount of information, information on the transition of the usage amount of the plurality of types of ink The printing system according to claim 8, wherein at least one piece of information relating to a change in usage amount by the user can be presented as auxiliary information.

Images