JP2017019181A - Printing system and control method for printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system which can always perform printing without temporal overlapping of maintenance processing of a printer.SOLUTION: There is provided a printing system in which a host device 20 and a plurality of printers 11, 12, 13 are connected in a communicable manner. The printer 11 manages the execution time of maintenance processing in the other printer 12, when automatic maintenance processing of the printer 11 is overlapped with automatic maintenance processing of the printer 12, calculates the first timing for shifting the forced maintenance processing in the printer 12 with respect to the automatic maintenance processing in the printer 11, and transmits an execution command for forcibly executing the maintenance processing with respect to the printer 12 at the first timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that performs printing on printing paper and a control method for the printing system.

In a printing system in which a host device and a printing device that prints on printing paper are communicably connected, the printing device periodically performs maintenance processing in order to maintain its print quality. The maintenance process is, for example, a head cleaning process in an ink jet printer. Ink jet printers print by ejecting ink from the thin nozzle portion of the print head, and therefore periodically perform a head cleaning process so as to prevent clogging of foreign matters or ink drying and nozzle clogging. Therefore, the ink jet printer cannot perform printing during the head cleaning process.
Therefore, normally, when there is a print processing request during execution of the maintenance process and both processes overlap in time, priority is given to continuing the maintenance process, and the print process is performed after the maintenance process ends. For this reason, there is a problem that the user cannot quickly obtain the print result.
In view of such situations, prints that take statistics of user usage and adjust the maintenance processing time to a waiting time other than the usage time if the maintenance processing time takes the user usage time estimated from the statistical results An apparatus has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-5907 A

  However, in the invention technique of Patent Literature 1, since the standby time zone is determined based on the user usage statistics based on the user usage statistics, the time zone is different from the user usage time expected from the statistical results. When the user executes printing, the above problem is not solved.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A printing system in which a host device and a plurality of printing devices are communicably connected, and the printing device has a function of executing maintenance processing including head cleaning of a print head, a processing timing control unit, The maintenance process includes an automatic maintenance process in which the printing apparatus spontaneously executes the maintenance process at a predetermined timing, and a forced maintenance process in which the maintenance process is executed based on an execution command. The processing timing control unit manages the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in itself and another one of the printing apparatuses, and executes the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process and the automatic maintenance process of the other one of the printing apparatuses. If the time overlaps, start the forced maintenance process The start process includes a first shift of an execution time of the forced maintenance process in the printing apparatus of one of the self and the other one of the printing apparatuses from an execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. A printing system that calculates timing and causes the forced maintenance process to be executed in the one printing apparatus at the first timing.

  According to this application example, the printing apparatus manages the execution time of maintenance processing in another connected printing apparatus. The execution time of the maintenance process refers to the time between the time when the maintenance process is started and the time when it is ended. Then, when the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process overlaps with the execution time of the automatic maintenance process of another printing apparatus, the following process is performed. First, the forced maintenance process start time is set so that the execution time of the forced maintenance process in either one of the self or another printing apparatus does not overlap with the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. 1 timing is calculated. Next, at the first timing, a process for executing the forced maintenance process in one printing apparatus is performed. For this reason, the execution time of the forced maintenance process and the automatic maintenance process do not overlap at least in the self and another printing apparatus. That is, at least one printing apparatus is always in a state in which maintenance processing is not performed. Therefore, the host device can perform printing anytime using a printing device that has not undergone maintenance processing, and the user can quickly obtain the printing result.

  Application Example 2 In the application example described above, the processing timing control unit performs the automatic maintenance processing on the plurality of printing apparatuses based on the start time and the end time or the processing time length of the maintenance processing. An execution time is managed, and the first timing is a processing time length of the forced maintenance process in the one printing apparatus based on a start time at which the automatic maintenance process is started in the other printing apparatus. A printing system characterized by the previous time.

  According to this application example, the processing timing control unit sets the first timing. The automatic maintenance process of the other printing apparatus is not started until the forced maintenance process of one printing apparatus executed at the first timing is completed. Accordingly, one of the printing apparatuses is always in a state in which maintenance processing is not performed, and printing can be performed at any time.

  Application Example 3 In the above application example, the start process is a process of transmitting the execution command to the other one of the printing apparatuses at the first timing.

  According to this application example, the forced maintenance process in the other one printing apparatus is executed at the first timing, so that it does not overlap with its own automatic maintenance process.

  (Application Example 4) In the above application example, the start process is a process of executing the execution command in the printing apparatus of the self at the first timing.

  According to this application example, the forced maintenance process in the self-printing apparatus is executed at the first timing, and therefore does not overlap with one other automatic maintenance process.

  Application Example 5 In the application example described above, the printing apparatus uses, as maintenance information, the execution time of the most recently executed maintenance process, the elapsed time since the execution of the maintenance process, the execution time of the next automatic maintenance process, At least one of the remaining time until the next execution time and the processing time length of the maintenance process is held, and the processing timing control unit is configured to maintain the maintenance information for the other connected printing apparatuses. An inquiry command for requesting a reply of the above, receiving the maintenance information returned from the other printing device based on the inquiry command, and starting time and end time of the maintenance process from the received maintenance information Alternatively, a printing system characterized by acquiring or calculating a processing time length

  According to this application example, the processing timing control unit transmits an inquiry command to another printing apparatus and acquires maintenance information from the other printing apparatus. Therefore, the processing timing control unit can manage the execution time of the automatic maintenance process, the execution time of the forced maintenance process, and the first timing based on the latest maintenance information of the printing apparatus by using the inquiry command. it can.

  Application Example 6 In the above application example, the processing timing control unit is formed by a program, and is integrated with a control program for controlling and printing the printing apparatus and is incorporated in the printing apparatus. .

  According to this application example, the processing timing control unit is formed by a program. Therefore, it can be integrated with the control program of the printing apparatus and incorporated in the printing apparatus, and the configuration of the printing apparatus is simplified.

  (Application example 7) A plurality of printing apparatuses provided with an automatic maintenance process that spontaneously executes a maintenance process at a predetermined timing and a forced maintenance process that executes the maintenance process based on an execution command; A printing system control method in which a host device that performs printing is communicably connected to the printing device, wherein the printing device transmits an inquiry command to at least one other connected printing device; and A step of receiving maintenance information transmitted from the other one of the printing apparatuses based on an inquiry command; a time of execution of automatic maintenance processing of the self and the other one of the printing apparatuses based on the received maintenance information; Detects if the automatic maintenance process execution time overlaps And the execution time of the automatic maintenance process overlap with each other, the execution time of the forced maintenance process in the printing apparatus of any one of itself and the other one of the printing apparatuses is set as the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. A printing system comprising: calculating a first timing shifted from a maintenance processing execution time; and causing the one of the printing apparatuses to execute the forced maintenance processing at the first timing. Control method.

  According to this application example, in the printing apparatus, the execution time of the maintenance process in the plurality of printing apparatuses is managed based on the maintenance information transmitted from the other printing apparatus based on the inquiry command. Maintenance information includes the execution time of the most recently executed maintenance process, the elapsed time from the execution of the maintenance process, the execution time of the next automatic maintenance process, the remaining time until the next execution time, and the length of the maintenance process. At least one of them. If the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process and the execution time of the automatic maintenance process of another printing apparatus overlap, execution of forced maintenance process in either one of its own or another printing apparatus A first timing is calculated in which the time does not overlap with the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. Thereafter, at the first timing, a process for executing the forced maintenance process is performed in one printing apparatus. Therefore, at least the self and another printing apparatus do not overlap the execution times of the maintenance process. That is, at least one printing apparatus is always ready for printing. Therefore, the host device can perform printing anytime using the printing device in a printable state, and the user can quickly obtain the printing result.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection form of a printing system according to the present invention. 6 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the printing system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a specific printing apparatus in the printing system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a sequence chart showing an operation of a printing system according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing processing of a specific printing apparatus in a printing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a connection form of the printing system according to the present invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a printing system 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, as a printing system 1 to which the present invention is applied, an example in which a host device 20 and three printing devices 11, 12, 13 are connected via a network NW will be described as an example (see FIG. 1). ).
The first embodiment shows an example in which the printing apparatus 11 transmits an execution command to another printing apparatus 12 to execute forced maintenance processing.
In the drawings referred to in the following description, the vertical and horizontal scales of members or parts may be shown differently from the actual ones for convenience of description and illustration.

(Overall configuration of printing system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection form of the printing system 1. In the printing system 1 of this example, the host device 20 and the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 are connected to a common network NW. With this connection, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 become communicable with each other via the network NW and are communicable with the host apparatus 20.
The host device 20 creates print data as image information to be printed, and print conditions such as print color, color tone, shade, print size, and image quality are set. The host device 20 transmits print information such as print conditions, print data, and various commands to the print devices 11, 12, and 13 via the network NW. The printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 to which the print information has been transmitted perform printing based on the print information. The host device 20 can select the printing device among the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 and transmit the printing information individually.

(Host device)
The host device 20 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the host device 20 includes a main body 25, a keyboard 26, a mouse 27, and a display 28 that are connected to a network NW. The main body 25 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a plurality of external interfaces. The main body 25 controls the keyboard 26, the mouse 27, and the display 28 connected to the external interface by the CPU operating based on the program stored in the ROM. Further, it is connected to the network NW by an external interface. The operator operates the keyboard 26 and mouse 27 to create print data and input print conditions, and confirms the work content on the display 28.

(Printer)
The printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 are, for example, ink jet printers that print images, characters, and the like by ejecting ink stored in an ink tank from a print head (not shown) onto printing paper.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 11 includes an operation unit 15, a paper feed unit 16, and a paper discharge unit 17. The operation unit 15 includes a power switch, a mode button, a paper feed button, a reset button, a touch panel, and the like. The printing paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 16 is printed by a printing unit (not shown) provided with a print head based on print data and printing conditions received from the host device 20 via the network NW. The printed printing paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 17. The printing devices 12 and 13 also have the same functions and configurations as the printing device 11.

  The printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 include a printing unit including a print head, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an external interface, and the like. In the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13, the CPU operates based on a program stored in the ROM, controls the printing unit, performs printing, and communicates with the host apparatus 20 via the network NW. Furthermore, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 have a function of performing maintenance processing including head cleaning of the print head in order to maintain print quality.

  There are two types of maintenance processing: automatic maintenance processing that is spontaneously executed at a predetermined timing and forced maintenance processing that is executed in response to an execution command transmitted from the host device 20. Here, the predetermined timing at which the automatic maintenance process is executed is, for example, when power is turned on and when a preset time has elapsed since the last printing process or the previous maintenance process. In the forced maintenance process, the start time of the process is determined according to the execution command transmitted from the host device 20, and the content of the process is the same as the automatic maintenance process. During the maintenance process, printing cannot be performed because the head cleaning of the print head is performed.

Further, for example, the printing apparatus 11 includes a processing timing control unit 19. As will be described in detail later, the processing timing control unit 19 of the printing apparatus 11 transmits an inquiry command for requesting a return of maintenance information to the other printing apparatuses 12 and 13, so The execution time of maintenance processing in the printing apparatuses 12 and 13 is managed. Then, an execution command for forcibly executing the maintenance process to the other printing apparatuses 12 and 13 is appropriately transmitted. As described above, the execution time of the maintenance process refers to the time from the start of the maintenance process to the end of the maintenance process. The host device 20 and the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 acquire a common time by NTP (Network Time Protocol), and manage an execution time and the like based on the common time.
Further, the processing timing control unit 19 is configured as a part of a program held by the printing apparatus 11. For example, it is preferable that the printing apparatus 11 is integrated into the printing apparatus 11 in an integrated manner with a control program that executes printing based on the above-described printing information.
The printing apparatuses 12 and 13 also include the processing timing control unit 19 as in the printing apparatus 11 and can perform the above-described operation.

  Furthermore, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 receive an inquiry command transmitted from the outside, and return maintenance information to the transmission source. Maintenance information includes the execution time of the most recently executed maintenance process, the elapsed time since the execution of the maintenance process, the execution time of the next automatic maintenance process, the remaining time until the next execution time, and the length of the maintenance process. Etc. are included.

(Print system operation and control)
Next, the operation and control of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the printing system 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing in the printing system 1. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the processing timing control unit 19 of the printing apparatus 11 manages the processing illustrated in FIG. 3 and performs the operation illustrated in FIG.
2 represents the host device 20 and the printing devices 11, 12, and 13, and the vertical axis represents time t. A [i], B [i] and C [i] (i = 11, 12, 13, 20) extending in the vertical axis direction of each device indicate the execution time of the process in each device. Solid arrows connecting the host device 20, the printing device 11, the printing device 12, and the printing device 13 indicate the flow of commands and information. Further, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 are in a state where the automatic maintenance process is started at times t1 [11], t1 [12], and t1 [13], respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the power supply is turned on and the connection of the printing system 1 is established, the host apparatus 20 starts the process A [20]. In the process A [20], identification information (IP address, name, etc.) of the printing apparatuses 11, 12, 13 input by the operator is registered in the host apparatus 20. Thereafter, identification information is transmitted from the host device 20 to the printing devices 11, 12, and 13. When the identification information is transmitted, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 store the identification information of the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 other than itself. Thereby, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 can communicate with each other via the network NW.

Next, at time t0, any one of the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 transmits an inquiry command to any other printing apparatus.
In the present embodiment, for example, the printing device 11 having the highest IP address among the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 transmits an inquiry command to the printing device 12. The printing apparatus 12 that has received the inquiry command starts process A [12] and returns its own maintenance information to the printing apparatus 11. At this time, the maintenance information includes the start time t1 [12] of the next automatic maintenance process and the processing time length Lt [12] of the maintenance process.
As described above, the printing apparatus 11 receives the maintenance information returned from the printing apparatus 12, and acquires the start time t1 [12] and the processing time length Lt [12] in the printing apparatus 12.

  Next, in the process A [11], the printing apparatus 11 performs the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 12 based on the start times t1 [11] and t1 [12] and the processing time lengths Lt [11] and Lt [12]. It is detected whether or not the execution times of the automatic maintenance process overlap with each other. When the execution times of the automatic maintenance process overlap, the first timing t1 '[12] for transmitting the forced maintenance process execution command to the printing apparatus 12 is calculated. The first timing t1 '[12] is the start time of the forced maintenance process in which the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 does not overlap with the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11. The first timing t1 '[12] may be a time that is more than the processing time length Lt [12] of the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 before the start time t1 [11] in the printing apparatus 11.

Next, the printing apparatus 11 waits for the current time to reach the first timing t1 ′ [12]. When the first timing t1 ′ [12] is reached, the printing apparatus 12 performs forced maintenance processing. An execution command is transmitted (process B [11]).
Upon receiving the execution command, the printing apparatus 12 starts the maintenance process, and finishes the maintenance process when the processing time length Lt [12] has elapsed (end time t2 ′ [12]) (process B [12]). Since the first timing t1 ′ [12] is a time that is more than the processing time length Lt [12] before the start time t1 [11], the first timing t1 ′ [12] is until t2 ′ [12] when the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 ends. The automatic maintenance process (process C [11]) of the printing apparatus 11 is not started. Therefore, the automatic maintenance process (process C [11]) of the printing apparatus 11 and the forced maintenance process (process B [12]) of the printing apparatus 12 do not overlap.

  As described above, the printing apparatus 11 executes the execution command with respect to the printing apparatus 12 at the first timing t1 ′ [12] for shifting the execution time of the forced maintenance process from the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the printing apparatus 11. To start the forced maintenance process.

  Next, processing of the printing apparatus 11 that realizes the above-described operation will be described based on FIG. 3 with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 3 is started every minute.

  Step S31: At time t0, an inquiry command for requesting a return of maintenance information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 12.

  Step S32: Receive maintenance information returned from the printing apparatus 12 based on the inquiry command. From the received maintenance information, the start time t1 [12] of the automatic maintenance process in the printing apparatus 12 and the processing time length Lt [12] of the maintenance process are acquired and held.

  Step S33: The automatic maintenance process end time t2 [12] of the printing apparatus 12 is calculated. Specifically, the automatic maintenance process end time t2 of the printing apparatus 12 is added to the start time t1 [12] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 and the processing time length Lt [12] of the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 is added. [12] Similarly, the end time t2 [11] of the automatic maintenance process in the printing apparatus 11 is calculated as necessary.

  Step S34: The self maintenance process start time t1 [11] and the automatic maintenance process end time t2 [11] are set in the calculation storage area (not shown).

Step S35: Next, it is detected whether or not the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 overlap. Specifically, the start time t1 [11] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is between the start time t1 [12] and the end time t2 [12] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12, or the printing apparatus. 11 is detected whether the end time t2 [11] of the automatic maintenance process 11 is between the start time t1 [12] and the end time t2 [12] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12.
If either of the above two conditions is satisfied, the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 overlap, and the process proceeds to step S36 (YES in step S35). On the other hand, if the automatic maintenance processing does not overlap, the host device 20 can perform printing using the printing device 11 or the printing device 12 that has not performed the automatic maintenance processing, and thus ends the processing (step S35: NO). ).

  Step S36: In order to avoid overlap of automatic maintenance processing between the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 12, a first timing t1 '[12] for transmitting the execution command of the forced maintenance process is calculated. For example, the time to advance the start time t1 [12] of the printing apparatus 12 is calculated so that the end time t2 [12] of the printing apparatus 12 is earlier than the start time t1 [11] of the printing apparatus 11, and the first time is calculated. Is held as the timing t1 ′ [12]. Specifically, a time earlier than the start time t1 [11] of the printing apparatus 11 by the processing time length Lt [12] of the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 is the first timing t1 ′ [12] for the printing apparatus 12. To do.

Step S37: It is determined whether the current time has reached the first timing t1 ′ [12].
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether the current time is within one minute before the first timing t1 ′ [12]. If the current time is within one minute before the first timing t1 ′ [12], the process proceeds to step S38 (step S37: YES). Otherwise, the process ends and waits for the next process to be started (step S37: NO).

  Step S38: An execution command for performing forced maintenance processing is transmitted to the printing apparatus 12. As a result, the forced maintenance process is started at the first timing t1 '[12] (the error is within one minute) in the printing apparatus 12, and is finished before the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is started.

(Function and effect)
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 manages the execution time of the maintenance process in the printing apparatuses 11 and 12. Then, in order to shift the execution time of the forced maintenance process with respect to the printing apparatus 12 from the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the printing apparatus 11, a forced maintenance process start process is performed. Therefore, the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 can be prevented from overlapping in time. As a result, the host device 20 can print at any time using the printing device 11 or the printing device 12 that has not undergone maintenance processing, and the user can quickly obtain the printing result.
In addition, as the first timing t1 ′ [12], the printing apparatus 11 sets a time that is more than the processing time length of the forced maintenance process in the printing apparatus 12 from the start time at which the automatic maintenance process is started in the printing apparatus 11. To do. Therefore, the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is not started until the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 to which the execution command is transmitted at the first timing t1 ′ [12] is completed. Therefore, the printing apparatus 11 or the printing apparatus 12 is always in a state where no maintenance process is performed, and printing is possible at any time.
In addition, the printing apparatus 11 transmits an inquiry command to the printing apparatus 12 and acquires the latest maintenance information from the printing apparatus 12. Maintenance information includes the execution time of the most recently executed maintenance process, the elapsed time from the execution of the maintenance process, the execution time of the next automatic maintenance process, the remaining time until the next execution time, and the length of the maintenance process. Etc. are included. Therefore, the printing apparatus 11 uses the inquiry command, and based on the latest maintenance information of the printing apparatus 12, the execution time of the automatic maintenance process, the execution time of the forced maintenance process, and the first timing t1 ′ [12]. Can be managed.
Further, the processing timing control unit 19 is configured as a part of a program held by the printing apparatus 11. Therefore, it can be integrated with the control program for performing printing based on the print information and incorporated into the printing apparatus 11, thereby simplifying the configuration of the printing apparatus.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the printing system 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as a printing system 1 to which the present invention is applied, an example in which a host device 20 and three printing devices 11, 12, and 13 are connected via a network NW is taken as an example. I will give you a description. The configuration and functions of the host device 20 and the configurations and functions of the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment. (See FIG. 1).
The second embodiment shows an example in which the printing apparatus 11 performs a forced maintenance process by an execution command by itself.

(Print system operation and control)
Hereinafter, the operation and control of the printing system 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the printing system 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the printing system 1. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the processing timing control unit 19 of the printing apparatus 11 manages the processing shown in FIG. 5 and performs the operation shown in FIG.
The horizontal axis, vertical axis, and description format in FIG. 4 are the same as those in FIG. Here, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 are in a state where the automatic maintenance process is started at times t 1 [11], t 1 [12], and t 1 [13], respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on and the connection of the printing system 1 is established, processing A [20] is started in the host device 20, and printing is performed as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). The devices 11, 12, and 13 can communicate with each other via the network NW.
Here, as in the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 acquires the start time t1 [12] and the processing time length Lt [12] in the printing apparatus 12, and both the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 12 have the same. The overlap of the execution time of the automatic maintenance process is detected.
When the execution times of the automatic maintenance process overlap, the first (printing apparatus 11) calculates the first timing t1 ′ [11] at which the forced maintenance process by the execution command should be started. The first timing t1 ′ [11] is the start time of the forced maintenance process in which the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 does not overlap with the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12. The first timing t1 ′ [11] may be a time that is more than the processing time length Lt [11] of the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 before the start time t1 [12] in the printing apparatus 12.

Next, the printing apparatus 11 waits for the current time to become the first timing t1 ′ [11], and when the first timing t1 ′ [11] is reached, starts the forced maintenance process by the execution command. When the processing time length Lt [11] has elapsed (end time t2 ′ [11]), the maintenance process ends (processing B [11]).
Since the first timing t1 ′ [11] is a time that is equal to or longer than the processing time length Lt [11] than the start time t1 [12] of the printing apparatus 12, the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 ends t2 ′ [ 11], the automatic maintenance process (process B [12]) of the printing apparatus 12 is not started. Therefore, the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 do not overlap.

  As described above, the printing apparatus 11 performs the forced maintenance process by the execution command at the first timing t1 ′ [11] in which the execution time of its own forced maintenance process is shifted from the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the printing apparatus 12. Start processing to be executed.

  Next, processing of the printing apparatus 11 that realizes the above-described operation will be described based on FIG. 5 with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 5 is started every minute.

  Steps S51 to S55: The same processing as Steps S31 to S35 (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment.

Step S56: In step S55, when it is detected that the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 overlap, the process of this step is performed.
In order to avoid overlap of automatic maintenance processing between the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 12, a first timing t1 ′ [11] for starting the forced maintenance process by the execution command is calculated. For example, the start time t1 [1] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is set so that the end time t2 [11] of the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is earlier than the start time t1 [12] of the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12. 11] is calculated and held as the first timing t1 ′ [11]. Specifically, a time that is earlier than the start time t1 [12] of the printing apparatus 12 by the processing time length Lt [11] of the maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 is the first timing t1 ′ [11] for the printing apparatus 11. To do.

Step S57: It is determined whether the current time has reached the first timing t1 ′ [11].
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether the current time is within one minute before the first timing t1 ′ [11]. When the current time is within one minute before the first timing t1 ′ [11], the process proceeds to step S58 (step S57: YES). Otherwise, the process is terminated and the next process is waited for (step S57: NO).

  Step S58: The forced maintenance process by the execution command is started in the printing apparatus 11. As a result, in the printing apparatus 11, the forced maintenance process is started approximately at the first timing t1 '[11] (the error is within one minute) and is completed before the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 is started.

(Function and effect)
As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the printing apparatus 11 detects that the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process overlaps with the execution time of the automatic maintenance process of another printing apparatus 12, the maintenance is performed. The forced maintenance process is started at the first timing t1 ′ [11] where the processes do not overlap. Therefore, the forced maintenance process of the printing apparatus 11 and the automatic maintenance process of the printing apparatus 12 can be prevented from overlapping in time. As a result, the host device 20 can print at any time using the printing device 11 or the printing device 12 that has not undergone maintenance processing, and the user can quickly obtain the printing result.

(Modification)
Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made, for example, as described below, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the printing apparatus 11 having the highest IP address manages the processing shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. On the other hand, it is also possible for the other printing apparatuses 12 and 13 to execute the above processing in place of the printing apparatus 11. Various means for determining a printing apparatus that executes the above processing among the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 are conceivable. For example, when the host device 20 transmits the respective identification information to the printing devices 11, 12, and 13, the printing device that executes the above processing may be designated. Alternatively, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 may be provided with a switch, and a printing apparatus that performs the above-described processing may be set in advance using the switch.
The connection form of the printing system 1 is not limited to the network connection. For example, the connection form in which the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 are daisy chain connected from the host apparatus 20 as in the printing system 2 shown in FIG. Inventive technology is applicable.
The plurality of printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 connected to the host apparatus 20 are not limited to three, and the present invention can be applied when two or more are connected.
Further, the host device 20 and the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 do not manage various timings related to maintenance processing based on “time”, which is an absolute time using NTP, but from a predetermined time reference point. You may manage by relative time, such as elapsed time.
3 or 5 executed by the process timing control unit 19 is not limited to activation every minute, and the activation interval may be changed as appropriate (for example, activation every 10 minutes). In that case, the criterion of “within 1 minute” in step S37 in FIG. 3 and step S57 in FIG. 5 may be changed to match the activation interval.
Further, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 may return the start time and end time of the next automatic maintenance process to the inquiry command transmission source as maintenance information in accordance with the inquiry command. Furthermore, the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13 may store the processing time of the maintenance process in advance.
Further, the processing timing control unit 19 may be configured by hardware as part of an electronic circuit included in the printing apparatuses 11, 12, and 13.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printing apparatus, 12 ... Printing apparatus, 13 ... Printing apparatus, 15 ... Operation part, 16 ... Paper feed part, 17 ... Paper discharge part, 19 ... Processing timing control part, 20 ... Host apparatus, 25 ... Main body, 26 ... Keyboard, 27 ... mouse, 28 ... display, 30 ... USB hub, A [i], B [i], C [i] ... Processing of host device 20 and printing devices 11, 12, 13, t1 [i] ... Maintenance Processing start time, Lt [i]... Processing time length of maintenance processing, t2 [i]... Maintenance processing end time, t1 ′ [i].

Claims (7)

A printing system in which a host device and a plurality of printing devices are communicably connected,
The printing apparatus includes a function for performing maintenance processing including head cleaning of a print head and a processing timing control unit,
The maintenance process includes an automatic maintenance process in which the printing apparatus spontaneously executes the maintenance process at a predetermined timing, and a forced maintenance process in which the maintenance process is executed based on an execution command,
The processing timing control unit manages the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in itself and another one of the printing apparatuses, and executes the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process and the automatic maintenance process of the other one of the printing apparatuses. If the execution time overlaps, start the forced maintenance process,
The start process includes a first shift of an execution time of the forced maintenance process in the printing apparatus of one of the self and the other one of the printing apparatuses from an execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. A printing system that calculates timing and causes the forced maintenance process to be executed in the one printing apparatus at the first timing. In claim 1,
The processing timing control unit manages the execution time of the automatic maintenance process for a plurality of the printing apparatuses based on the start time and the end time or the processing time length of the maintenance process,
The first timing is a time that is not less than a processing time length of the forced maintenance process in the one printing apparatus, based on a start time at which the automatic maintenance process is started in the other printing apparatus. A printing system featuring. In claim 1 or 2,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the start process is a process of transmitting the execution command to the other one of the printing apparatuses at the first timing. In claim 1 or 2,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the start process is a process of executing the execution command in the printing apparatus of the self at the first timing. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The printing apparatus includes:
As maintenance information, the execution time of the maintenance process executed most recently, the elapsed time since the execution of the maintenance process, the execution time of the next automatic maintenance process, the remaining time until the next execution time, and the processing time of the maintenance process Hold at least one of the long,
The processing timing control unit
Sending an inquiry command for requesting a return of the maintenance information to the other connected printing device,
Receiving the maintenance information returned from the other printing device based on the inquiry command;
A printing system, wherein the maintenance process start time and end time or processing time length are acquired or calculated from the received maintenance information. In any one of Claims 1 to 5,
The printing system, wherein the processing timing control unit is formed by a program, and is integrated with a control program for controlling and printing the printing apparatus and is incorporated in the printing apparatus. A plurality of printing apparatuses having an automatic maintenance process for executing a maintenance process spontaneously at a predetermined timing and a forced maintenance process for executing the maintenance process based on an execution command, and controlling the printing apparatus to perform printing A control method of a printing system in which a host device is communicably connected,
In the printing apparatus,
Sending an inquiry command to at least one other connected printing device;
Receiving maintenance information transmitted from the other one of the printing devices based on the inquiry command;
Based on the received maintenance information, detecting whether the execution time of its own automatic maintenance process overlaps with the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other one of the printing devices;
When the execution times of the automatic maintenance process overlap, the execution time of the forced maintenance process in the printing apparatus of one of the self and the other one of the printing apparatuses is set as the execution time of the automatic maintenance process in the other printing apparatus. Calculating a first timing shifted from the time;
And a step of causing the one of the printing apparatuses to execute the forced maintenance process at the first timing.

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