JP2000071581A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system such as a printer or a facsimile capable of securely and efficiently predicting a life of a replaceable component or a consumable article and notifying a user of the result even when the printing system is used in a network. SOLUTION: This printing system consists of a printer 6 that includes a printer controlling section 7, a consumable article 10, memory means 8, 9, 11 and a network communication means and accumulates printing history information into the memory means at each time of printing data, and a host computer 1 connected to the printer 6. The host computer 1 comprises a network communication means, a managing means 4 for managing a date such as a replaced date of the consumable article 10, a means for reading the printing history information from the printer 6, a means 3 for predicting a date to replace the article based on the printing history information read from the printer 6 and an indicating means 2 for indicating the predicted result of each consumable article. An interval for monitoring the printing information accumulated in the printer can be varied from the host computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly to a printing system suitable for application to a client-server type network printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in printer devices, the types of consumables such as color developing materials and toners have increased along with the development of color printers. The types of replacement parts, such as drums, are also increasing. Further, with the increase in speed and networking, maintenance parts including these consumables and replacement parts have been intensely consumed.

[0003] The timing of replacing these components greatly depends on the frequency of use of the printer device, the amount of print data, and the data density. For this reason, it is generally difficult to predict when replacement parts and consumables are to be replaced, and it is necessary to prepare replacement parts and consumables in advance and replace them after an operator is notified of an alarm instructing them to be replaced. There is a problem that must be done.

In order to solve this problem, the status of consumables used in each unit and the remaining life of each unit are constantly monitored only on the printer side, and the remaining amount, full status, and remaining life of the consumables are monitored. A method of providing a function of notifying the user of the replacement time while displaying and printing on the operation display unit is described in, for example, JP-A-4-6571 or JP-A-4-239679.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-246758 discloses a means for accumulating the number of output sheets of a printer, a means for storing replacement date of replacement parts and consumables, and a method for storing these data only on the host computer side. In addition, there is described a method of providing a means for predicting and notifying the next replacement date of a part.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional method has the following problems.

First, in the conventional technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-6571, the data from the counter is constantly monitored, so that processing based on print data is performed in order to improve the accuracy of life detection. Then, the CPU is spent on the processing, and the processing capacity of the CPU is reduced. Conversely, if the processing load on the CPU is to be reduced, the data to be obtained must be reduced.
There is a problem in that the accuracy of the life detection is lowered and becomes impractical.

Further, in the conventional method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-239679, investigation of the number of prints, energization time, and the like, and calculation of the life of parts are performed so as not to affect the printing operation. It is described that the process is performed when the printer is turned on or when it is offline. However, if the printer is required to have not only storage means but also advanced processing capability such as calculation of component life, the cost of the printer is significantly increased. There is.

Furthermore, in the conventional technique proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-246758, processing is performed by having only the storage unit and the life prediction unit only on the host computer side.
When used on a network as is widely used in recent years, the problem of taking a long access time to acquire printer information and the problem of wasting resources such as the hard disk capacity of the host computer side Occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to efficiently and accurately predict the life of replacement parts and consumables even when used on a network, An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system such as a printer and a facsimile that can notify a user.

[0011]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system comprising: a printer having means for storing print history information of print data; and a host computer connected to the printer. The print history information of the print data stored in the printer device is read, and the print history information is compared with a predetermined value related to the degree of consumption of a predetermined consumable item of the printer device. And a host computer having means for estimating the replacement time of the host computer.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a preferred embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention, a printer control unit (7 in FIG. 1), one or more consumables (10 in FIG. 1), storage means (FIG. 1). 1, 8 and 9), and a printer device (6 in FIG. 1) that includes network communication means and stores print history information in the storage means for each data printing, and a host computer (6) connected to the printer device. 1) a network communication unit, a date management unit (4 in FIG. 1) for managing a date from a consumable item replacement date, a unit for reading the print history information, Means for predicting whether maintenance such as replacement of consumables is necessary from the read print history information (3 in FIG. 1), and display means for displaying a prediction result such as the necessity of maintenance for each consumable (see FIG. 1). 1 of 2) and For example, the monitoring interval of the print information from the host computer is stored in the printer device is varied. In one embodiment of the present invention, (a) means for reading out print history information of print data stored in the printer device, provided in the host computer, (b) the print history information and the printer device Means for estimating the replacement time of the consumables of the printer device by comparing with a predetermined value relating to the degree of consumption of the predetermined consumables, and (c) displaying the prediction result on a display device. The controlling means may realize its function by program control executed by the host computer. In this case, the program is stored in a recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or the like,
The present invention can be implemented when the host computer loads the program into the main memory and executes the program. The present invention also includes the above recording medium.

[0013]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;

[Embodiment 1] A printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The present embodiment comprises a host computer 1, a printer 2, and network wiring connecting these. The host computer 1 includes a maintenance display unit 2, a maintenance prediction unit 3, a date management unit 4, and a printer driver 5. The printer 6 includes a printer control unit 7, a storage management unit 8, a storage unit 9 such as a hard disk, and the like. It comprises a consumable 10 to be maintained, such as a developer such as toner or ink, or a belt, and a temporary storage unit 11 for storing information.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The print data sent from the application is sent to the printer control unit 7 via the printer driver 5. The printer control unit 7 passes the date, the total number of pages based on the print data for each color, the print data, and the like to the storage management unit 8 in parallel with the normal printing operation. The storage management unit 8 processes information such as the image density based on the print data, and stores the date, the total number of pages for each color, and the remaining amount of consumables in the temporary storage unit 11 such as a RAM while storing the data on the hard disk. Etc. in the storage unit 9. In addition, the date when the consumables are exchanged is also written in the storage unit 9.

The maintenance prediction unit 3 of the host computer 1 reads the data from the storage unit 9 of the printer via the storage management unit 8 at a time set by the user or when there is no print processing, and batches the life prediction. Performed by processing. The life expectancy is estimated based on the accumulated image density of the print output, the accumulation result of the number of output sheets, the storage contents of the date information when the consumable empty alarm was output, and the data such as the current date information from the date management unit 4. Then, the user is notified of the calculation result of the next predicted alarm occurrence date via the maintenance display unit 2.

If the consumables are exhausted or the alarm is notified and the user replaces the consumables, the sensor detects that the printer cover or the like has been opened and the consumables have been replenished, and stores the consumables. The management unit 8 resets information such as the accumulated image density and the accumulation result of the number of output sheets in the storage unit 9.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, only the means for storing the print history is provided on the printer 6 side, and the means for performing batch processing of advanced calculations such as the life of parts is provided on the host computer 1 side. This makes it possible to clarify the roles of the respective devices constituting the system, minimize the increase in the cost of the printer 6, and accurately predict the life of the printer.

Further, when the host computer 1 acquires data stored in the storage means of the printer 6, means for allowing the user to arbitrarily set the acquisition time is provided.
It does not give too much impairment to the line connecting the host and the host computer 1. Further, since the storage unit 9 is provided on the printer 6, even when a plurality of computers are connected on a network, each user of each computer can make the same prediction.

Second Embodiment Next, a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the storage management section 8 is provided on the host computer 1 side. With such a configuration, the load on the printer 6 can be further reduced, and the life of the consumables can be stored in the print history stored in the storage unit 9 of the printer 6 or the date management unit 4. The next replacement date can be accurately performed by the maintenance prediction unit 3 at a time arbitrarily set by the user based on the data such as the date information and the like.

Embodiment 3 Next, a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a storage management section 8 and a temporary storage section 11 are provided on the host computer 1 side. With such a configuration, it is possible to predict the life of the consumable item, as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the temporary storage unit 11
Since the information stored in the printer 6 is configured to utilize the memory and the like of the host computer 1, the configuration of the printer 6 can be simplified, and the cost of the printer can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of host computers 1 are connected by a network 14,
The printer 6 is controlled collectively by using the server host computer 12. With the configuration in which the storage management unit 8 and the temporary storage unit 11 are installed in the server host computer 12 in this manner, the life of the consumables is estimated as in the above-described first embodiment. can do.

In the present embodiment, the print data operates as a conventional network printer via the server host computer 12, and the storage management unit 8 controls the image density and the like based on the print data spooled in the server host computer 12. The information is stored in a temporary storage unit 11 such as a RAM together with the date, the total number of pages for each color, and the remaining amount of consumables, and is written in the storage unit 9 of the printer.

Further, in this embodiment, the effect of cost reduction can be expected by minimizing the configuration of the printer side.
The configuration of a host computer other than the server host computer on the network can be simplified.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Only a means for storing the print history such as the total number of pages based on the date and print data for each color and the print data is provided on the printer side, and the life calculation of parts based on these data is provided on the host computer side. By providing means for batch processing of high-level calculations, it is possible to clarify the roles of each device constituting the system, minimize the increase in the cost of the printer, and accurately predict the service life. It works.

Further, when the host computer acquires the data stored in the storage means of the printer, a means for allowing the user to arbitrarily set the acquisition time is provided, so that the processing capacity of the CPU of the printer, the printer and the host computer, It is possible to accurately predict the lifespan and enable the network to be used without imposing an excessive processing load on the line connecting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host computer 2 Maintenance display part 3 Maintenance prediction part 4 Date management part 5 Printer driver 6 Printer 7 Printer control part 8 Storage management part 9 Storage part 10 Consumables 11 Temporary storage part 12 Server host computer 13 Network board 14 Network

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] June 25, 1999 (1999.6.2
5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing system, comprising: a printer control unit;
Including consumables, storage means, and network communication means;
For storing print history information in the storage means for each data printing.
A linter device and a host computer connected to the printer device.
Computer, comprising network communication means and consumables
Date management means for managing the date from the exchange date of the
Means for reading the print history information; and
From the read print history information, save the replacement time of consumables, etc.
Means to predict whether maintenance is necessary, and
Display means for displaying prediction results such as the necessity of
From the host computer to the printer device.
The monitoring interval of accumulated print information is variable
It is.

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image density information per page is obtained from print history information of print data of a printer device, an effective print amount is obtained from the image density information and the number of printed pages, and the effective print amount and a predetermined value of the printer device are determined. An information processing apparatus, comprising: means for comparing a predetermined value regarding the degree of wear of a consumable with a predetermined value, and predicting a replacement time of the consumable of the printer device. 2. The means for predicting the time of replacement of the consumable supplies,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is started by a batch executed on the information processing apparatus. 3. A printer comprising means for storing print history information of print data, and a host computer connected to the printer, wherein the printer reads print history information of print data stored by the printer, A host computer comprising means for comparing print history information with a predetermined value relating to the degree of wear of a predetermined consumable of the printer device, and estimating a replacement time of the consumable product of the printer device. A printing system. 4. A means for predicting a replacement time of the consumable item,
The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the printing system is started by a batch executed on the host computer. 5. A method for reading out print history information from a printer, comparing the print history information with a predetermined value relating to the degree of wear of a predetermined consumable of the printer, and determining whether or not the consumables of the printer have been used. A printer device connected to a host computer provided with a unit for predicting a replacement time, comprising a unit for receiving a print request from the host computer and storing print history information every time printing is performed. Printer device. 6. A printer device that includes a printer control unit, one or more consumables, a storage unit, and a network communication unit, and stores print history information in the storage unit for each data print, and is connected to the printer device. A host computer, comprising: network communication means; date management means for managing a date from the date of replacement of consumables; means for reading the print history information; and consumables based on the print history information read from the printer. Means for estimating whether maintenance such as replacement time is necessary, and display means for displaying a prediction result such as the necessity of maintenance for each consumable, and stored in the printer device from the host computer side. A printing system in which the monitoring interval of print information is variable. 7. A printer device that includes a printer control unit, one or more consumables, a storage unit, and a network communication unit, and stores print history information in the storage unit for each data print. A host computer interconnected with a computer via a network, comprising: a network communication unit; a date management unit for managing a date from the date of replacement of consumables; a unit for reading the print history information; Storage means for storing the print history information of the printer, means for predicting whether maintenance such as replacement of consumables is necessary from the print history information read out to the storage means, and whether or not maintenance is necessary for each consumable. A display unit for displaying a prediction result such as the above, between the host computer side and the monitoring of print information stored in the printer device. There is a variable printing system. 8. A means for reading the print history information, a means for predicting replacement time of consumables from the print history information,
8. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein at least one or more of the means for displaying the prediction result is activated by a batch executed on the host computer. 9. The print history information includes at least a number of prints, an image density of print data, and a print date and time.
The printing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: 10. A host computer connected to a printer having storage means for storing print history information of print data, wherein: (a) means for reading out print history information of print data stored in the printer; Means for comparing the print history information with a predetermined value relating to the degree of consumption of a predetermined consumable of the printer device to predict a replacement time of the consumables of the printer device; and (c) the prediction Means for controlling the result to be displayed on a display device; and a recording medium on which a program for causing the host computer to cause each of the means (a) to (c) to function is recorded.