JP2017130152A - Network system, printer, and control method of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system which can easily perform setting so that monitoring on the same printer does not overlap when a plurality of monitoring devices monitor the states of the plurality of printers, a printer and a control method of the printer.SOLUTION: A network system 1 includes: a printer 9; a plurality of agent terminals 6 which can monitor the state of the printer; and a maintenance server which can communicate with the agent terminals. The agent terminal requests a response of printer state information on the state of the printer with an interval for the printer being the monitoring object, and transmits the printer state information received according to the request to the maintenance server. The maintenance server manages the state of the printer on the basis of the received printer state information. The printer stops the request for the response by the agent terminal other than the prescribed agent terminal when receiving the request for the response of printer state information from a different agent terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, a printing apparatus, and a printing apparatus control method.

  Conventionally, a network system including a printing apparatus (non-monitoring device) and a monitoring apparatus that monitors the state of the printing apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the network system of Patent Literature 1, the monitoring device transmits information related to the state of the printing device to the information processing device (server), and the information processing device prints the printing device based on the received information related to the state of the printing device. Manage the status of

JP 2007-293470 A

In a system in which the monitoring device monitors the state of the printing device as in the network system of Patent Document 1 described above, the monitoring device may have a function of monitoring the state of a plurality of printing devices. In this case, in a network system, when a plurality of monitoring devices monitor the states of a plurality of printing devices, it is necessary to make settings so that monitoring for the same printing device does not overlap, but this setting is complicated.
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and a network system in which a monitoring device monitors the state of a printing device and transmits information related to the state of the printing device to an information processing device, and the network system It is an object of the present invention to enable easy setting so that monitoring of the same printing device does not overlap when a plurality of monitoring devices monitor the state of the plurality of printing devices.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a network system comprising: a printing apparatus; a plurality of monitoring apparatuses capable of monitoring a state of the printing apparatus; and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the monitoring apparatus. The apparatus has a function of communicating with a plurality of the printing apparatuses and monitoring a state of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and relates to the state of the printing apparatus at intervals with respect to one or a plurality of the printing apparatuses to be monitored. Requests a response of the printing apparatus status information, receives the printing apparatus status information in response to the request, transmits the received printing apparatus status information to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus receives from the monitoring apparatus And managing the status of the printing device based on the printing device status information, and when the printing device receives a response to the printing device status information from a different monitoring device, Wherein characterized by said monitoring device other than the monitoring apparatus to stop the request of response of the printer status information.
According to the configuration of the present invention, when there is a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information from a plurality of different monitoring apparatuses to the printing apparatus, the monitoring apparatus other than the predetermined monitoring apparatus automatically uses the function of the printing apparatus. The printer device status information response request stops. For this reason, no work is required for setting so that monitoring for the same printing apparatus does not overlap, and such setting can be easily performed.

In the invention, it is preferable that the printing apparatus determines the monitoring apparatus that stops a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information among the different monitoring apparatuses according to a predetermined priority.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus can appropriately determine a monitoring apparatus that stops a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information using the priority.

Further, according to the present invention, the monitoring device communicates with the printing device via a network to monitor the state of the printing device, or directly communicates with the printing device without going through the network. The printing apparatus has a function of monitoring a status of the apparatus, and the printing apparatus is configured to perform a request for a response of the printing apparatus status information by directly communicating without using the network among the plurality of different monitoring apparatuses. The printing apparatus status information response request is stopped at a higher priority than the monitoring apparatus that communicates via the network and requests the printing apparatus status information response.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently monitor the printing apparatus via the network.

According to the present invention, the printing apparatus stops the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information in accordance with a priority determined by a communication protocol type used for communication among the different monitoring apparatuses. A monitoring device is determined.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus appropriately uses a priority that is determined according to the type of communication protocol used for communication, and appropriately monitors the monitoring apparatus that stops the response request for the printing apparatus status information. Can be determined.

According to the present invention, the printing apparatus stops the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information according to a priority determined according to a type of a communication interface used for communication among the different monitoring apparatuses. A monitoring device is determined.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus appropriately uses a monitoring apparatus that stops a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information by using a priority determined by the type of the communication interface used for communication. Can be determined.

Further, according to the present invention, the printing apparatus sends a response of the printing apparatus status information to the monitoring apparatus related to the communication interface that performs wireless communication with higher priority than the monitoring apparatus related to the communication interface that performs wired communication. The request is stopped.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus can preferentially determine a monitoring apparatus that performs communication with low stability as a transmission stop apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the printing apparatus requests the response of the printing apparatus status information with a higher priority as the number of the printing apparatuses whose statuses are to be monitored is higher among the different monitoring apparatuses. It is characterized by being stopped.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the number of printing apparatuses to be monitored by the monitoring apparatus can be leveled. In addition, it is possible to prevent the processing load of a specific monitoring device from becoming unduly large. Further, the data amount of the data related to the printing apparatus status information transmitted from the monitoring apparatus to the information processing apparatus can be leveled.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the printing apparatus transmits the printing apparatus status information to the information processing apparatus when there is no request for a response of the printing apparatus status information from any of the monitoring apparatuses.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus transmits the printing apparatus status information to the information processing apparatus even when the printing apparatus does not receive a request for the response of the printing apparatus status information from any monitoring apparatus. In the information processing apparatus, the state of the printing apparatus is continuously managed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a monitoring apparatus, and a printing apparatus state relating to the state of the printing section from a printing section that prints on a recording medium, and a different monitoring apparatus. A control unit that stops a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information by the monitoring device other than the predetermined monitoring device when an information response is requested.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to easily set so that monitoring of the monitoring device for the same printing device does not overlap.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing apparatus control method capable of communicating with a monitoring apparatus, wherein a request for a response of printing apparatus status information relating to the status of the printing unit is received from a different monitoring apparatus. If there is, the request for the response of the printing apparatus status information by the monitoring apparatus other than the predetermined monitoring apparatus is stopped.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to easily set so that monitoring of the monitoring device for the same printing device does not overlap.

The figure which shows the structure of the network system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of a store system. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of each apparatus with which a management system is provided. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of each apparatus with which a shop system is provided. The figure which shows the data flow between each apparatus of a network system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of each apparatus of a network system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information included in printing apparatus status information data. The figure which shows status data. The figure which shows the data structure of a status database. The figure which shows the data flow between each apparatus of a network system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of each apparatus of a network system. The figure which shows status data. The figure which shows a printing apparatus identification information input screen. The figure which shows an information provision screen. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a POS terminal and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system 1 according to the present embodiment. The network system 1 is a system that is used by companies that provide products, services, etc., such as supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, restaurants, etc., and operate stores that perform accounting according to the provisions.
As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a management system 2 and a plurality of store systems 3. The management system 2 and each of the store systems 3 are communicably connected via a global network GN configured to include the Internet and other networks.

  The management system 2 is a system provided at the head office of a company that uses the network system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 2 includes a head office-side local network HLN that is a local network. Any communication protocol may be used for communication performed via the head office-side local network HLN, and communication performed via the local network may be wired communication or wireless communication.

One or more head office terminals 5, a maintenance server 7 (information processing device), and a communication device 12 are connected to the head office-side local network HLN.
The head office terminal 5 is a computer that is used by corporate employees and other corporate personnel at the head office.
The maintenance server 7 is a server that communicates with an agent terminal 6 (monitoring device) described later and executes predetermined processing.
Details of the configuration, functions, and processing based on the functions of the maintenance server 7 will be described later.

The communication device 12 is an interface device that connects a local network such as a head office-side local network HLN or a store-side local network TLN described later to the global network GN. The communication device 12 has a function as a modem (or ONU (Optical Network Unit)), a router function, a NAT (Network Address Translation) function, a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server function, and the like. The communication device 12 transfers data transmitted / received between devices during communication between a device connected to the local network and a device connected to the global network GN. In FIG. 1, the communication device 12 is represented by one block, but the communication device 12 may have a plurality of devices according to functions.
The maintenance server 7 of the management system 2 uses the function of the communication device 12 to print the printer 9 and the agent terminal via the head office local network HLN, the global network GN, and a store local network TLN described later. 6 can communicate.

  In FIG. 1, the maintenance server 7 is expressed by one block, but this does not mean that the maintenance server 7 is configured by a single server device. For example, the maintenance server 7 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the store system 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the store system 3 includes a store-side local network TLN that is a local network. Any communication protocol may be used for communication performed via the store-side local network TLN, and communication performed via the local network may be wired communication or wireless communication.

One or a plurality of printing devices 9 are connected to the store-side local network TLN.
The store is provided with a cashier counter for customers to check out. The cashier counter is provided with a printing device 9 and a POS terminal 8 connected to the printing device 9 and controlling the printing device 9.
The printing device 9 is a device having a printing function. As will be described later, the printing apparatus 9 has a function of transmitting information related to the state of the printing apparatus 9 to the maintenance server 7 in a predetermined case.
The POS terminal 8 is a terminal in which a POS application and a printer driver are installed. The POS terminal 8 executes an accounting process according to the accounting performed at the checkout counter, and causes the printing apparatus 9 to issue a receipt based on the accounting process. The receipt issued by the printing device 9 is delivered to the customer by the cashier.
Details of the configuration, functions, and processing based on the functions of the printing apparatus 9 and the POS terminal 8 will be described later.

One or a plurality of agent terminals 6 are connected to the store-side local network TLN.
The agent terminal 6 communicates with one or a plurality of printing devices 9 to be monitored, receives information on the status of the printing device 9 from the printing device 9, monitors the status of the printing device 9, and A function of transmitting information on the state to the maintenance server 7 is provided.
The agent terminal 6 can communicate with the printing device 9 via the store-side local network TLN and receive information regarding the state of the printing device 9 from the printing device 9. Further, the agent terminal 6 can directly communicate with the printing apparatus 9 without passing through the store-side local network TLN, and can receive information regarding the state of the printing apparatus 9 from the printing apparatus 9.

  Although a detailed description is omitted, between the maintenance server 7 and the agent terminal 6 and the printing device 9, encryption technology such as VPN (Virtual Private Network), virtual dedicated line (physical dedicated line) Secure communication is performed by the technique according to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the maintenance server 7 and the head office terminal 5 included in the management system 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the maintenance server 7 includes a maintenance server control unit 20, a maintenance server storage unit 21, and a maintenance server communication unit 22.
The maintenance server control unit 20 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits (not shown), and controls the maintenance server 7.
The maintenance server control unit 20 includes a status data receiving unit 201, a response unit 202, an analysis unit 203, and an information providing unit 204. These functional blocks are processed by the cooperation of hardware and software, such as the CPU reading and executing the corresponding program (for example, an OS (Operating System) or a dedicated program that runs on predetermined server software). To do. The functions of these functional blocks and the processing based on the functions will be described later.
The maintenance server storage unit 21 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data (including the status database 211).
The maintenance server communication unit 22 accesses the global network GN and communicates with devices (including the agent terminal 6 and the printing device 9) connected to the network under the control of the maintenance server control unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the head office terminal 5 includes a head office terminal control unit 30, a head office terminal storage unit 31, a head office terminal communication unit 32, and a head office terminal display unit 33. The head office terminal control unit 30 controls the head office terminal 5. The head office terminal storage unit 31 stores various data. The head office terminal communication unit 32 communicates under the control of the head office terminal control unit 30. The head office terminal display unit 33 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various types of information under the control of the head office terminal control unit 30.
A predetermined browser is installed in the head office terminal 5.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the POS terminal 8, the printing device 9, and the agent terminal 6 provided in the store system 3.

The POS terminal 8 is a host computer that controls the printing apparatus 9. In particular, the POS terminal 8 executes an accounting process based on the accounting performed at the checkout counter, controls the printing apparatus 9 based on the accounting process, and causes the printing apparatus 9 to issue a receipt.
As shown in FIG. 4, a POS terminal control unit 40, a POS terminal storage unit 41, and a POS terminal device communication unit 42 are provided.

The POS terminal control unit 40 includes a CPU (not shown), ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls each unit of the POS terminal 8. A POS application and a printer driver are installed in the POS terminal 8. The POS terminal control unit 40 controls the printing apparatus 9 by generating a control command for controlling the printing apparatus 9 by using the functions of the POS application and the printer driver, and transmitting the control command to the printing apparatus 9.
The POS terminal storage unit 41 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data.
The POS terminal device communication unit 42 includes a port conforming to the USB standard, a port conforming to a serial communication protocol other than USB (such as RS232C), a port conforming to a predetermined parallel communication protocol (such as IEEE 1284), and other communication protocols. An interface board having ports according to The POS terminal device communication unit 42 communicates with a device (including the printing apparatus 9) connected to the port according to a communication protocol corresponding to the connected port under the control of the POS terminal control unit 40. The POS terminal device communication unit 42 may have a wireless communication function and wirelessly communicate with the device.

  In the example of FIG. 3, a printer 9, a barcode scanner BS, a customer display CD, a cash drawer KS, and a display DP are connected to the POS terminal 8 as devices.

  In the present embodiment, the printing device 9 and the POS terminal 8 are connected via a USB cable KB. The POS terminal device communication unit 42 communicates with the printing apparatus 9 according to USB under the control of the POS terminal control unit 40.

The barcode scanner BS reads a barcode attached to a product or product packaging, and outputs data indicating the read result to the POS terminal device communication unit 42. The POS terminal device communication unit 42 outputs the data input from the barcode scanner BS to the POS terminal control unit 40.
The customer display CD is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information under the control of the POS terminal control unit 40. The customer display CD is provided at a position where the information displayed on the customer display CD can be visually recognized by a customer who performs accounting at the checkout counter.
The cash drawer KS includes a tray that stores cash, a mechanism that locks and unlocks the tray, a mechanism that pulls out the tray, and the like, and the lock is released and the tray is pulled out under the control of the POS terminal control unit 40.
The display DP includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various types of information under the control of the POS terminal control unit 40. The display DP is provided at a position where the information displayed on the display DP can be visually recognized by a cashier in charge of accounting at the cashier counter.

The printing device 9 is a line thermal printer that stores roll paper and prints an image by forming dots on the roll paper using a line-type thermal head.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 9 includes a printing apparatus control unit 60 (control unit), a printing unit 61, a printing apparatus storage unit 62, a printing apparatus network communication unit 63, and a printing apparatus device communication unit 64. .

The printing apparatus control unit 60 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other peripheral circuits (not shown), and controls each unit of the printing apparatus 9.
The printing apparatus control unit 60 includes a log writing unit 601, a printing apparatus state management unit 602, a printing apparatus status data generation unit 603, a printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604, and a printing control unit 605. These functional blocks execute processing in cooperation with hardware and software, such as a CPU reading and executing a corresponding program (for example, firmware). The functions of these functional blocks and the processing based on the functions will be described later.
The printing unit 61 includes a transport mechanism that transports roll paper accommodated in the casing of the printing apparatus 9, a printing mechanism that prints on roll paper using a thermal head, a cutting mechanism that cuts roll paper using a cutter, and the like. The printing unit 61 controls the printing apparatus control unit 60 to print information relating to the receipt on the roll paper by the thermal head while conveying the roll paper by the conveyance mechanism, and cut the roll paper at a predetermined position by the cutter. A receipt can be issued.

  The printing device storage unit 62 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The printing device storage unit 62 stores at least a log file 621 and a printing device transmission interval setting file 622.

The printing device network communication unit 63 communicates with devices (including the agent terminal 6) connected to the store-side local network TLN via the store-side local network TLN under the control of the printing device control unit 60.
The printing device network communication unit 63 communicates with devices (including the maintenance server 7) connected to the global network GN via the global network GN under the control of the printing device control unit 60.

  The printing apparatus device communication unit 64 includes a serial interface, a parallel interface, a USB interface, and a Bluetooth interface as communication interfaces.

The serial interface includes an interface board having a port related to a predetermined serial communication protocol such as RS232, and a configuration related to communication according to another predetermined serial communication protocol, and a cable is connected to the corresponding port under the control of the printing apparatus control unit 60. The communication is performed according to a predetermined serial communication protocol with an external device connected via a wire.
The parallel interface has an interface board having a port related to a predetermined parallel communication protocol such as IEEE1284, and other communication configuration according to a predetermined parallel communication protocol, and a cable is connected to the corresponding port under the control of the printing apparatus control unit 60. Communication is performed according to the parallel communication with an external device connected via a wire.
The USB interface includes an interface board having a USB port related to USB, and other configurations related to communication according to USB communication, and is externally connected to the USB port via a USB cable under the control of the printing apparatus control unit 60 Communicate with each other according to USB.
The Bluetooth interface includes a wireless communication module according to Bluetooth (registered trademark) and other configurations related to communication according to Bluetooth, and wirelessly communicates with an external device according to Bluetooth under the control of the printing apparatus control unit 60.

In the following description, the agent terminal 6 is connected to the printing apparatus 9 according to USB or other communication protocol without going through the store-side local network TLN. “The agent terminal 6 and the printing apparatus 9 are directly connected. " The communication between the agent terminal 6 and the printing device 9 without going through the store-side local network TLN is referred to as “the agent terminal 6 and the printing device 9 communicate directly”.
When the agent terminal 6 is directly connected, the printing device device communication unit 64 communicates with the agent terminal 6 under the control of the printing device control unit 60.

The agent terminal 6 communicates with one or a plurality of printing devices 9 to be monitored to monitor the status of the one or more printing devices 9 and transmits information regarding the status of the one or more printing devices 9 to the maintenance server 7. It is an apparatus provided with the function to perform.
The agent terminal 6 can also communicate with the printing device 9 via the store-side local network TLN, and can also communicate directly with the printing device 9 without going through the store-side local network TLN.
As shown in FIG. 4, the agent terminal 6 includes an agent terminal control unit 80 (control device control unit), an agent terminal storage unit 81, an agent terminal network communication unit 82, and an agent terminal device communication unit 83. .

The agent terminal control unit 80 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits (not shown), and controls each unit of the agent terminal 6.
The agent terminal control unit 80 includes a status data generation unit 801 and a response processing execution unit 802. These functional blocks execute processing in cooperation with hardware and software, such as a CPU reading and executing a corresponding program (for example, client software corresponding to server software of the maintenance server 7). The functions of these functional blocks and the processing based on the functions will be described later.
The agent terminal storage unit 81 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The agent terminal storage unit 81 stores at least a transmission interval setting file 811 and a monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812.

The agent terminal network communication unit 82 communicates with devices (including the printing device 9) connected to the store-side local network TLN via the store-side local network TLN under the control of the agent terminal control unit 80.
Further, the agent terminal network communication unit 82 communicates with devices (including the maintenance server 7) connected to the global network GN through the global network GN under the control of the agent terminal control unit 80.

  The agent terminal device communication unit 83 includes a port conforming to the USB standard, a port conforming to a serial communication protocol other than USB (such as RS232C), a port conforming to a predetermined parallel communication protocol (such as IEEE 1284), and other communication protocols. An interface board having ports according to The agent terminal device communication unit 83 communicates with a device (including the printing apparatus 9) connected to the port according to a communication protocol corresponding to the connected port under the control of the agent terminal control unit 80.

The network system 1 includes a maintenance server 7. The maintenance server 7 has a function of managing the state of the printing device 9 included in the store system 3. The maintenance server 7 provides information that can be used for maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 to a person in charge of maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 of the store system 3 (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance person”).
Hereinafter, the operation of each device of the network system 1 when managing the state of the printing device 9 will be described.

Here, the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7 basically perform communication in the following manner according to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). That is, the agent terminal 6 corresponds to a “client” in the client server system, and the maintenance server 7 corresponds to a “server” in the client server system. Then, the agent terminal 6 transmits an HTTP request (response request) to the maintenance server 7. As will be described later, the agent terminal 6 transmits an HTTP request to the maintenance server 7 at a predetermined interval. The maintenance server 7 transmits an HTTP response (response) to the agent terminal 6 in response to the reception of the HTTP request.
As described above, the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7 transmit and receive data between these devices by transmitting a response request from the agent terminal 6 and transmitting a response according to the response request from the maintenance server 7. Therefore, data cannot be transmitted asynchronously from the maintenance server 7 to the specific agent terminal 6. When data is transmitted from the maintenance server 7 to the specific agent terminal 6, the specific agent terminal 6 Data is transmitted in the form of a response to a response request from.
As described later, when the printing apparatus 9 transmits information related to the state of the printing apparatus 9 to the maintenance server 7, as described later, communication performed between the printing apparatus 9 and the maintenance server 7 is also performed. It is the same.

Hereinafter, processing of the printing apparatus 9, the agent terminal 6, and the maintenance server 7 when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing apparatus 9 will be described.
Here, when managing the state of the printing apparatus 9 by the maintenance server 7, the agent terminal 6 transmits information related to the state of the printing apparatus 9 to be monitored to the maintenance server 7 (hereinafter referred to as “agent terminal transmission function”). .) In addition, the printing device 9 has a function of transmitting information related to its own state to the maintenance server 7 (hereinafter referred to as “printing device transmission function”). Information on its own state is transmitted to the maintenance server 7.
Hereinafter, the processing of each device when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing device 9 based on the agent terminal transmission function of the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7 based on the printing device transmission function of the printing device 9 The processing of each device when managing the state 9 will be described in order.

<Processing of each apparatus when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing apparatus 9 based on the agent terminal transmission function of the agent terminal 6>
FIG. 5 shows the functional blocks provided in the printing device control unit 60 of the printing device 9, the functional blocks provided in the agent terminal control unit 80 of the agent terminal 6, and the functional blocks provided in the maintenance server control unit 20 of the maintenance server 7. It is a figure shown with the data to do.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing device 9, basic data transmitted and received among the functional blocks of the printing device 9, the agent terminal 6, and the maintenance server 7 are described. The flow will be described.
In the description using FIG. 5, the details of the processing of the functional blocks and the details of the contents of data transmitted / received between the functional blocks will be omitted because they will be described later.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the log writing unit 601 of the printing apparatus 9 writes log information to the log file 621 at a predetermined timing.
The log file 621 is a file in which log information is recorded.
The log information is a log of a plurality of monitoring items.
The monitoring item is an item for which the state of the printing unit 61 is determined in advance to be monitored and logged. In the present embodiment, at least monitoring items: monitoring item: printer error, monitoring item: print head forming line cumulative number, and monitoring item: cutter use cumulative number exist. Note that the monitoring items described in the present embodiment are examples, and other monitoring items may exist in addition to the exemplified monitoring items or instead of at least a part of the exemplified monitoring items. That is, the monitoring item may be anything as long as it is an item relating to the state of the printing unit 61.

Monitoring item: As a printer error log, in the log file 621, information indicating that a printer error has occurred and information indicating that the generated printer error has been resolved are recorded in time series together with information indicating the date and time. Is done. A printer error refers to a state in which printing cannot be performed normally, such as running out of roll paper, paper jam in the roll paper, or abnormal heat generation of the print head.
The log writing unit 601 monitors whether or not a printer error has occurred and whether or not the printer error has been resolved (monitoring item: monitoring the status of the printer error), and based on the monitoring result, the log file In 621, a log of monitoring item: printer error is recorded.

Monitoring item: As a log of the total number of print head formation lines, information indicating the total number of print head formation lines is recorded in the log file 621 in time series together with information indicating the date and time.
The cumulative number of print head formation lines is the cumulative number of lines formed by the thermal head. The printing unit 61 of the printing apparatus 9 according to the present embodiment alternately repeats the formation of dots for one line by the thermal head and the conveyance of the roll paper for one line by the conveyance mechanism, thereby providing information to the roll paper. Print.
The log writing unit 601 acquires the cumulative number of print head lines at a predetermined interval (monitoring item: monitors the cumulative number of print head formation lines), and logs the monitoring item: cumulative number of print head formation lines in the log file 621. Record.

As a log of monitoring item: cumulative number of cutters used, information indicating the cumulative number of cutters used is recorded in the log file 621 in time series together with information indicating the date and time.
The cumulative number of cutters used is the cumulative number of roll paper cuts made by the cutter.
The log writing unit 601 acquires the cumulative number of cutters used at a predetermined interval (monitoring item: monitors the cumulative number of cutters used) and records a log of the monitoring item: cumulative number of cutters used in the log file 621.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the printing apparatus state management unit 602 generates printing apparatus state information data JD based on the log information written in the log file 621 in response to a response request from the agent terminal 6, and the agent terminal. 6 (arrow Y1).

  The status data generation unit 801 of the agent terminal 6 communicates with each of the monitoring target printing apparatuses 9 and receives the printing apparatus state information data JD from each of the monitoring target printing apparatuses 9. As described above, the agent terminal 6 may communicate with the printing device 9 via the store-side local network TLN or directly communicate with the printing device 9 without going through the store-side local network TLN.

The status data generation unit 801 refers to the transmission interval setting file 811 and generates status data ST based on the received printing apparatus state information data JD at intervals indicated by the file.
The status data generation unit 801 transmits the generated status data ST to the maintenance server 7 (arrow Y2). That is, the status data generation unit 801 generates the status data ST and transmits it to the maintenance server 7 at intervals indicated by the transmission interval setting file 811.
Transmission of the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 by the status data generation unit 801 is performed as an HTTP request according to HTTP.

  The status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7 receives the status data ST. The status data receiving unit 201 outputs the status data ST to the response unit 202 (arrow Y3). Further, the status data receiving unit 201 outputs the received status data ST to the analyzing unit 203 (arrow Y4).

  The response unit 202 generates response data TD and transmits the generated response data TD to the agent terminal 6 (arrow Y5). The response data TD is transmitted by the response unit 202 as an HTTP response according to HTTP.

The analysis unit 203 updates the status database 211 based on the status data ST input from the status data reception unit 201.
Further, the information providing unit 204 informs the maintenance staff about the maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 in response to a request from the head office terminal 5 based on the instructions of the maintenance staff based on the status database 211 updated by the analysis section 203. I will provide a.

  The response processing execution unit 802 of the agent terminal 6 receives the response data TD. The corresponding process execution unit 802 executes a process based on the received response data TD.

  Thereafter, the status data generation unit 801 refers to the transmission interval setting file 811, generates status data ST at an interval indicated by the file, and transmits it to the maintenance server 7.

  As described above, the agent terminal 6 transmits the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 at intervals, and the maintenance server 7 transmits the response data TD to the agent terminal 6. Data is transmitted / received between them.

Next, operations of the printing apparatus 9, the agent terminal 6, and the maintenance server 7 when managing the state of the printing apparatus 9 will be described in detail.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operations of the printing apparatus 9, the agent terminal 6, and the maintenance server 7.
FIG. 6A shows the operation of the printing apparatus state management unit 602 of the printing apparatus 9. 6B shows the operation of the status data generation unit 801 of the agent terminal 6, and FIG. 6C shows the operation of the corresponding process execution unit 802 of the agent terminal 6. 6D shows the status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7, FIG. 6E shows the response unit 202 of the maintenance server 7, and FIG. 6F shows the operation of the analysis unit 203 of the maintenance server 7.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the status data generation unit 801 of the agent terminal 6 refers to the transmission interval setting file 811 and determines whether or not the timing for generating the status data ST has come (step SB1). ).
The transmission interval setting file 811 is a file in which information indicating the interval at which the status data ST is generated and transmitted is recorded. In step SB1, the status data generation unit 801 refers to the transmission interval setting file 811, and after generating and transmitting the status data ST last time, if the interval indicated by the transmission interval setting file 811 has elapsed, the status data ST is stored. It is determined that the generation timing has arrived.

When it is time to generate the status data ST (step SB1: YES), the status data generation unit 801 refers to the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812 (step SB2).
The monitoring target printing device management file 812 is a file that manages information related to the printing device 9 that is monitored by the agent terminal 6. In the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812, information regarding the printing apparatus 9 is recorded for each of the monitoring target printing apparatuses 9 in association with the printing apparatus identification information of the printing apparatus 9. The information related to the printing device 9 includes at least information necessary for transmitting response request data DD, which will be described later, to the monitoring target printing device 9, such as an address in the store-side local network TLN of the printing device 9.
The printing apparatus identification information is identification information for uniquely identifying the printing apparatus 9. For example, the serial number of the printing apparatus 9 (a number uniquely assigned to the printing apparatus 9 when the printing apparatus 9 is manufactured) is identified as the printing apparatus. It can be used as information.

After referring to the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812, the status data generation unit 801 controls the agent terminal network communication unit 82 based on the contents of the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812, so that the monitoring target printing apparatus 9 Response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information is transmitted to each (step SB3).
The printing apparatus status information response request data DD is data for requesting the printing apparatus 9 to respond to printing apparatus status information data JD described later.
Note that the subject of the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 6A is one of the printing devices 9 to be monitored by the agent terminal 6 that is the subject of the processing of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the printing device status management unit 602 of the printing device 9 controls the printing device network communication unit 63 to send response request data DD of the printing device status information transmitted by the agent terminal 6. Receive (step SA1).
Next, the printing apparatus state management unit 602 refers to the log file 621 and generates printing apparatus state information data JD (step SA2).

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating information included in the printing apparatus state information data JD.
As shown in FIG. 7, the printing apparatus state information data JD includes printing apparatus identification information.
The printing apparatus state information data JD includes printing apparatus state information.
The printing apparatus status information includes log related information for each monitoring item. That is, the printing apparatus status information includes monitoring item: log related information of printer error, monitoring item: log related information of cumulative number of print head formation lines, and monitoring item: log related information of cumulative number of cutter use.
The log related information includes monitoring item identification information that is identification information for identifying a corresponding monitoring item, and monitoring item log information that is a log of the corresponding monitoring item. That is, monitoring item: printer error log related information includes monitoring item: monitoring item identification information for identifying printer error (hereinafter referred to as “printer error identification information”) and monitoring item: monitoring item log information for printer error ( Hereinafter referred to as “printer error log information”). The log-related information of monitoring item: print head formation line cumulative number includes monitoring item: monitoring item identification information for identifying the print head formation line cumulative number (hereinafter referred to as “print head formation line cumulative number identification information”), and monitoring. Item: Monitor item log information (hereinafter referred to as “print head formation line cumulative number log information”) of the cumulative number of print head formation lines. The log related information of monitoring item: cumulative cutter usage count includes monitoring item: monitoring item identification information for identifying the cumulative cutter usage count (hereinafter referred to as “cutter cumulative usage number identification information”) and monitoring item: cumulative cutter usage count. Monitoring item log information (hereinafter referred to as “cutter use cumulative number log information”).
As described above, the printing apparatus state information data JD includes printing apparatus state information (information about the state of the printing apparatus 9 and information about the state of the printing unit 61).

  After generating the printing device status information data JD, the printing device status management unit 602 controls the printing device network communication unit 63 to transmit the generated printing device status information data JD to the agent terminal 6 (step SA3). .

  Details of the processing of the printing apparatus 9 from receiving the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information from the agent terminal 6 to transmitting the printing apparatus status information data JD as a response to the data will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the status data generation unit 801 of the agent terminal 6 controls the agent terminal network communication unit 82 to receive the printing apparatus state information data JD (step SB4). In step SB4, the status data generation unit 801 receives the printing apparatus state information data JD from each of the monitoring target printing apparatuses 9.
Next, the status data generation unit 801 generates status data ST based on each of the printing apparatus state information data JD received from the monitoring target printing apparatus 9 (step SB5).

  The status data ST is text data (for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language) format or JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object) that can record information by hierarchizing information by combining hierarchized keys (items) and values. Notation) format data) that can be transmitted to the maintenance server 7 as a request.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of the status data ST in a mode suitable for explanation.
The status data ST includes store identification information indicating the store where the agent terminal 6 that generated the status data ST is provided. Store identification information indicating the store where the agent terminal 6 is provided is registered in each of the agent terminals 6. In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 8, store identification information is recorded in the area A81.
The status data ST includes agent terminal identification information of the agent terminal 6 that generated the status data ST. The agent terminal identification information is identification information uniquely assigned to the agent terminal 6. In each of the agent terminals 6, agent terminal identification information indicating the agent terminal 6 is registered. In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 8, agent terminal identification information is recorded in the area A82.

The status data ST includes the printing device status information of each printing device 9 to be monitored (= each printing device 9 that is the transmission source of the printing device state information data JD). In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 8, printing device status information for each printing device 9 is recorded in the area A83.
The printing apparatus status information includes printing apparatus identification information of the corresponding printing apparatus 9 and printing apparatus status information of the corresponding printing apparatus 9.
As described above, the printing apparatus status information includes log-related information (a combination of monitoring item identification information and monitoring item log information) of each monitoring item.
In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 8, printing apparatus status information related to one printing apparatus 9 is recorded in the area A831. In the printing apparatus status information recorded in the area A831, the printing apparatus identification information of the one printing apparatus 9 is recorded in the area A8311. In the printing apparatus status information recorded in the area A831, the area A8312 includes the printing apparatus status information of the one printing apparatus 9 (log related information of each monitoring item (monitoring item identification information, monitoring item log information, and Combination))) is recorded. In area A 8312, monitoring item: log-related information related to printer error is recorded in area A 83121, monitoring item: log-related information related to the cumulative number of print head formation lines is recorded in area A 83122, and monitoring item is recorded in area A 83123. : Log related information relating to the cumulative number of cutters used is recorded.

  As described above, the status data ST related to the agent terminal 6 includes store identification information and agent terminal identification information. In addition, the status data ST related to the agent terminal 6 includes printing device status information (a combination of printing device identification information and printing device status information) of each monitored printing device 9.

As shown in FIG. 6B, after generating the status data ST in step SB4, the status data generating unit 801 controls the agent terminal network communication unit 82 to send the generated status data ST to the maintenance server 7. Transmit (step SB5).
In step SB5, the status data generation unit 801 transmits an HTTP request in which the status data ST is recorded in the request body to the maintenance server 7 according to HTTP. Information necessary for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 as a response request, such as the URL of the maintenance server 7 that transmits the status data ST and the protocol to be used, is registered in the agent terminal 6. After the process of step SB6, the status data generation unit 801 returns the process procedure to step SB1.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7 controls the maintenance server communication unit 22 to receive the status data ST (step SD1).
Next, the status data receiving unit 201 outputs the received status data ST to the response unit 202 (step SD2) and outputs it to the analysis unit 203 (step SD3).

As shown in FIG. 6E, the response unit 202 acquires the status data ST output from the status data receiving unit 201 (step SE1).
Next, the response unit 202 generates response data TD based on the status data ST acquired in step SE1 (step SE2).
The response data TD is data including at least information indicating that the reception of the status data ST has been normally completed. The information included in the response data TD is not limited to information indicating that reception of the status data ST has been normally completed. For example, the response data TD may include information related to processing to be executed by the printing apparatus 9 based on the response data TD, and information instructing change of an interval for transmitting the status data ST.

Next, the response unit 202 controls the maintenance server communication unit 22 to transmit the generated response data TD to the agent terminal 6 as a response (step SE3).
For example, the response unit 202 transmits an HTTP response in which the response data TD is recorded in the response body to the agent terminal 6 according to HTTP.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the response processing execution unit 802 of the agent terminal 6 controls the agent terminal network communication unit 82 to receive the response data TD (step SC1).
Next, the corresponding process execution unit 802 executes a corresponding process based on the response data TD (step SC2).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6F, the analysis unit 203 acquires the status data ST output from the status data receiving unit 201 (step SF1).
Next, the analysis unit 203 updates the status database 211 based on the acquired status data ST (step SF2). Hereinafter, the process of step SF2 will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the status database 211.
The status database 211 has a record for each printing device 9. As shown in FIG. 9, one record in the status database 211 includes at least printing apparatus identification information, printer error presence / absence information, print head error presence / absence information, and cutter error presence / absence information.
The printer error presence / absence information is information indicating whether or not a printer error has occurred. A value indicating that a printer error has occurred (expressed as “present” in FIG. 9), or that no printer error has occurred. It has one of the values shown (represented as “none” in FIG. 9).
The print head error presence / absence information is information indicating whether or not a print head error has occurred, and is a value indicating that the print head error has occurred (represented as “present” in FIG. 9) or has not occurred. It has one of the values (represented as “None” in FIG. 9) indicating this. The print head error is a state in which the cumulative number of print head formation lines by the thermal head exceeds a predetermined threshold value that serves as a reference for determining the life of the thermal head.
The cutter error presence / absence information is information indicating whether or not a cutter error has occurred, a value indicating that it has occurred (represented as “present” in FIG. 9), or that it has not occurred. It has one of the values shown (represented as “none” in FIG. 9). A cutter error is a state in which the cumulative number of cutters used by the cutter exceeds a predetermined threshold value that serves as a reference for determining the life of the cutter.

In step SF2, the analysis unit 203 acquires each of the printing apparatus status information recorded in the status data ST. As described above, the printing apparatus status information includes printing apparatus identification information and printing apparatus status information.
Next, the analysis unit 203 determines one piece of printing device status information as a processing target among unprocessed printing device status information. Next, the analysis unit 203 identifies a record having printing device identification information having the same value as the value of the printing device identification information included in the printing device status information to be processed among the records in the status database 211. Next, the analysis unit 203 converts the values of the printer error presence / absence information, the print head error presence / absence information, and the cutter error presence / absence information of the identified record into the printing device status information included in the processing target printing device status information. Update based on.

  In step SA2, the analysis unit 203 sets each printing device status information included in the status data ST as a processing target, and updates a corresponding record in the status database 211 based on the printing device status information set as a processing target.

<Processing of each apparatus when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing apparatus 9 based on the printing apparatus transmission function of the printing apparatus 9>
Next, processing of each device when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing device 9 based on the printing device transmission function of the printing device 9 will be described.
As will be described later, the printing apparatus 9 performs the following processing based on the printing apparatus transmission function in a predetermined case described later, and transmits information regarding the state of the printing apparatus 9 to the maintenance server 7. .

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks included in the printing device control unit 60 of the printing device 9 and the functional blocks included in the maintenance server control unit 20 of the maintenance server 7 together with related data.
Hereinafter, a basic flow of data transmitted and received between the functional blocks of the printing apparatus 9 and the maintenance server 7 when the maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing apparatus 9 will be described with reference to FIG. .
In the description using FIG. 10, the details of the processing of the functional blocks and the details of the contents of data transmitted / received between the functional blocks are omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the log writing unit 601 of the printing apparatus 9 writes log information to the log file 621 at a predetermined timing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 of the printing apparatus 9 refers to the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622 and generates status data ST based on the log file 621 at an interval indicated by the file. . The printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 transmits the generated status data ST to the maintenance server 7 (arrow Y6). In other words, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 generates the status data ST and transmits it to the maintenance server 7 at intervals indicated by the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622.

The status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7 receives the status data ST.
The status data receiving unit 201 outputs the status data ST to the response unit 202 (arrow Y7). Further, the status data receiving unit 201 outputs the received status data ST to the analyzing unit 203 (arrow Y8).
The response unit 202 generates response data TD and transmits the generated response data TD to the printing apparatus 9 (arrow Y9). The response data TD is transmitted by the response unit 202 as an HTTP response according to HTTP.

The analysis unit 203 updates the status database 211 based on the status data ST input from the status data reception unit 201.
Further, the information providing unit 204 provides information related to maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 to the maintenance staff in response to a request from the maintenance staff based on the status database 211 updated by the analysis unit 203.

  The printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 of the printing apparatus 9 receives the response data TD. The printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 executes a process based on the received response data TD.

  Thereafter, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 refers to the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622, generates status data ST at an interval indicated by the file, and transmits it to the maintenance server 7.

  As described above, the printing apparatus 9 transmits the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 at intervals, and the maintenance server 7 transmits the response data TD to the printing apparatus 9. Data is transmitted / received between them.

Next, operations of the printing apparatus 9 and the maintenance server 7 when managing the state of the printing apparatus 9 will be described in detail.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing operations of the printing apparatus 9 and the maintenance server 7.
11A shows the operation of the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 of the printing apparatus 9, and FIG. 11B shows the operation of the printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 of the printing apparatus 9. 11C shows the operation of the status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7, FIG. 11D shows the operation of the response unit 202 of the maintenance server 7, and FIG. 11E shows the operation of the analysis unit 203 of the maintenance server 7. Indicates.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 of the printing apparatus 9 refers to the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622 and monitors whether the timing for generating the status data ST has come. (Step SG1).
The printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622 is a file in which information indicating the interval for generating and transmitting the status data ST is recorded. In step SG1, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 refers to the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622. After generating and transmitting the status data ST last time, the interval indicated by the printing apparatus transmission interval setting file 622 has elapsed. In this case, it is determined that the timing for generating the status data ST has come.

  When it is time to generate the status data ST (step SG1: YES), the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 generates the printing apparatus status information data JD based on the log file 621, and generates the generated printing apparatus status information. Status data ST is generated based on the data JD (step SG2).

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of the status data ST in a mode suitable for explanation.
The status data ST includes store identification information indicating a store in which the printing apparatus 9 that generates the status data ST is provided. Store identification information is identification information uniquely assigned to a store. Store identification information indicating a store in which the printing apparatus 9 is provided is registered in each of the printing apparatuses 9. In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 12, store identification information is recorded in the area A81.
The status data ST includes printing device identification information indicating the printing device 9 that generated the status data ST. In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 12, printing apparatus identification information is recorded in the area A82.
The status data ST includes printing apparatus status information.
In the status data ST illustrated in FIG. 12, the printing apparatus status information is recorded in the area A83. Also, monitoring item: log related information related to printer error is recorded in area A831, log related information related to monitoring item: print head formation line cumulative number is recorded in area A832, and monitoring item: cumulative number of cutters used in area A833. Log related information is recorded.

  As described above, the status data ST generated by the printing apparatus 9 includes store identification information and printing apparatus identification information. Further, in the status data ST generated by the printing apparatus 9, printing apparatus status information (each log related information of monitoring items) related to the printing apparatus 9 is recorded.

After generating the status data ST in step SG2, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 controls the printing apparatus network communication unit 63 to transmit the generated status data ST to the maintenance server 7 (step SG3).
In step SG3, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 transmits an HTTP request in which the status data ST is recorded in the request body to the maintenance server 7 according to HTTP. Information necessary for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 as a response request, such as the URL of the maintenance server 7 that transmits the status data ST and the protocol to be used, is registered in the printing apparatus 9. After the processing in step SG3, the printing apparatus status data generation unit 603 returns the processing procedure to step SG1.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the status data receiving unit 201 of the maintenance server 7 controls the maintenance server communication unit 22 to receive the status data ST (step SI1).
Next, the status data receiving unit 201 outputs the received status data ST to the response unit 202 (step SI2) and outputs it to the analysis unit 203 (step SI3).

As shown in FIG. 11D, the response unit 202 acquires the status data ST output from the status data receiving unit 201 (step SJ1).
Next, the response unit 202 generates response data TD (step SJ2).
Next, the response unit 202 controls the maintenance server communication unit 22 and transmits the generated response data TD to the printing apparatus 9 as a response (step SJ3). For example, the response unit 202 transmits an HTTP response in which the response data TD is recorded in the response body to the printing apparatus 9 according to HTTP.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 of the printing apparatus 9 controls the printing apparatus network communication unit 63 to receive the response data TD (step SH1).
Next, the printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 executes a corresponding process based on the response data TD (step SH2). For example, when the printing apparatus 9 receives the response data TD as a response to the first status data ST after transmitting the first status data ST, the printing apparatus 9 transmits the status data ST next to the first status data ST. It is configured to be in a possible state. In step SH2, the printing apparatus corresponding process execution unit 604 makes the status data ST ready for transmission next in response to the reception of the response data TD.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11E, the analysis unit 203 acquires the status data ST output from the status data reception unit 201 (step SK1).
Next, the analysis unit 203 updates the status database 211 based on the acquired status data ST (step SK2).

Next, when providing useful information for maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 to a maintenance person (meaning a person in charge of maintenance of the printing apparatus 9 of the store system 3 as described above). The operation of the maintenance server 7 will be described.
In the following description, it is assumed that the maintenance staff works at the head office and uses the head office terminal 5.
First, a maintenance person who desires to acquire information related to a specific printing device 9 starts up a browser of the head office terminal 5 and accesses a predetermined URL of a predetermined maintenance server 7.
The information providing unit 204 of the maintenance server 7 generates an HTML file for displaying the printing apparatus identification information input screen G131 (FIG. 13) in response to access to a predetermined URL, and transmits the HTML file to the head office terminal 5.
The head office terminal control unit 30 of the head office terminal 5 receives the HTML file by the browser function, controls the head office terminal display unit 33 based on the received HTML file, and displays the printing apparatus identification information input screen G131 on the display panel. Display.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a printing apparatus identification information input screen G131.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the printing apparatus identification information input screen G131 includes a printing apparatus identification information input field R131 in which printing apparatus identification information can be input. The maintenance staff inputs the printing apparatus identification information of the printing apparatus 9 that desires to acquire information in the printing apparatus identification information input field R131, and confirms the input by operating the confirm button B131. In response to the confirmation of the input, the input printing device identification information is transmitted to the maintenance server 7 by the function of the script implemented in the HTML file.

The information providing unit 204 of the maintenance server 7 receives the printing apparatus identification information. Next, the information providing unit 204 specifies a corresponding record in the status database 211 based on the received printing apparatus identification information. The corresponding record is a record having printing device identification information having the same value as the value of the received printing device identification information. Next, the information providing unit 204 generates an HTML file for displaying the information providing screen G141 (FIG. 14) based on the identified record, and transmits the HTML file to the head office terminal 5.
The head office terminal control unit 30 of the head office terminal 5 receives the HTML file by the browser function, controls the head office terminal display unit 33 based on the received HTML file, and displays the information providing screen G141 on the display panel.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an information provision screen G141.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the information provision screen G141 includes a region A141 and a region A112.
In the area A141, basic information related to the printing device 9 of the printing device identification information input by the maintenance staff is displayed. In the example of FIG. 14, basic information about the printing device 9 includes information indicating the model number of the printing device 9, information indicating the version of firmware installed in the printing device 9, and the name of the store where the printing device 9 is provided. The information indicating the address of the store, the information indicating the telephone number of the store, and the information indicating the lane number of the cashier counter provided with the printing device 9. The basic information regarding the printing apparatus 9 is not limited to the exemplified information.
Here, the maintenance server storage unit 21 of the maintenance server 7 stores a database that stores the printing apparatus 9 in association with the printing apparatus identification information and basic information about the printing apparatus 9. The information providing unit 204 acquires basic information about the printing apparatus 9 based on the database.
The maintenance staff can obtain basic information about the printing apparatus 9 by referring to the information displayed in the area A141 of the information provision screen G141, and can perform work such as telephone to the store as necessary. It can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the area A142, information indicating whether or not a printer error has occurred, information indicating whether or not a print head error has occurred, and information indicating whether or not a cutter error has occurred are displayed.
The maintenance staff can recognize whether or not each of the printer error, the print head error, and the cutter error has occurred by referring to the information displayed in the area A142, and responds based on the recognition. Work can be done. Corresponding work means, for example, when an error has occurred, to notify the person in charge of the store of the occurrence of the error and the work to be performed in response to the error.

  Next, operations of the POS terminal 8 and the printing device 9 when a transaction is made at the register counter of the store will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operations of the POS terminal 8 and the printing apparatus 9 when accounting is performed. (A) shows the operation of the POS terminal 8, and (B) shows the operation of the printing apparatus 9. Show.
As shown in FIG. 15A, the POS terminal control unit 40 of the POS terminal 8 executes transaction processing according to customer transaction (step SL1).
In the accounting process, the cashier in charge reads the barcode attached to the product purchased by the customer with the barcode scanner BS. The POS terminal control unit 40 acquires the product code of the product based on the reading result of the barcode scanner BS, and refers to the product master of a POS server (not shown) as necessary, and is necessary for accounting processing such as the unit price of the product. Get information about the product. The POS terminal control unit 40 displays information about the product on the customer display CD or the display DP based on the acquired information about the product. In addition, the POS terminal control unit 40 calculates the total amount and calculates the change based on the information related to the acquired product, confirms the accounting, and displays information indicating the calculation result on the customer display CD and the display DP. In addition, the cash drawer KS is controlled.

After executing the accounting process of step SL1, the POS terminal control unit 40 has printed information relating to accounting (information relating to merchandise, information relating to the total amount, information relating to change, etc.) on the printing device 9 based on the accounting process. A control command for issuing a receipt is generated (step SL2). A POS application and a printer driver are installed in the POS terminal 8, and the POS terminal control unit 40 generates a control command using the functions of these programs.
Next, the POS terminal control unit 40 controls the POS terminal device communication unit 42 and transmits the generated control command to the printing apparatus 9 (step SL3).

As shown in FIG. 15B, the print control unit 605 of the printing device control unit 60 of the printing device 9 controls the printing device network communication unit 63 to receive a control command (step SM1).
Next, the print control unit 605 controls the printing unit 61 based on the received control command and issues a receipt (step SM2). The issued receipt is delivered to the customer by the cashier.

Incidentally, as described above, the agent terminal 6 has a function of monitoring a plurality of printing apparatuses 9 (a function of monitoring the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses 9).
As described above, due to the agent terminal 6 having the function of monitoring a plurality of printing apparatuses 9, the following situation may occur.
Note that, as described above, the monitoring target printing device management file 812 includes, for each printing device 9 to be monitored, the printing device identification information of the printing device 9 and information about the printing device 9 (the printing device status information on the printing device 9). Including the information necessary for transmitting the response request data DD.). Hereinafter, the combination of the printing apparatus identification information of one printing apparatus 9 recorded in the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812 and the information related to the printing apparatus 9 is referred to as “monitoring target printing apparatus information”.

That is, as described above, the agent terminal 6 sets the printing device 9 managed as the monitoring target printing device 9 by the monitoring target printing device management file 812 as the monitoring target. In this monitoring target printing device management file 812, monitoring target printing device information is recorded for each of the monitoring target printing devices 9 by a predetermined means.
Then, there is a possibility that monitoring target printing apparatus information relating to the same printing apparatus 9 may be recorded in different monitoring target printing apparatus management files 812 of different agent terminals 6. For example, when the monitoring target printing apparatus information is recorded in the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812 by human means, the same information is mistakenly stored in different monitoring target printing apparatus management files 812 of different agent terminals 6. In some cases, monitoring target printing apparatus information related to the printing apparatus 9 is recorded.

As described above, when monitoring target printing device information relating to the same one printing device 9 is recorded in different monitoring target printing device management files 812 of different agent terminals 6, the printing device state relating to the one printing device 9 is recorded. A situation occurs in which information is redundantly transmitted from different agent terminals 6 to the maintenance server 7. In this case, the maintenance server 7 executes the processing (update of the corresponding record in the status database 211) based on the printing device status information of the same content of the same printing device 9 a plurality of times. May lead to an increase in the processing load. In addition, there is a possibility that the amount of data transmitted / received between the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7 will increase and the communication load accompanying the increase in data amount may increase.
Based on the above, the printing apparatus 9 executes the following processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 9.
As shown in FIG. 16, the printing apparatus status management unit 602 of the printing apparatus 9 monitors whether or not response request data DD for printing apparatus status information has been received from different agent terminals 6 within a predetermined period. Step SN1).
The predetermined period is a period corresponding to an interval at which the agent terminal 6 transmits the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 (= an interval at which the agent terminal 6 transmits the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information to the printing apparatus 9). . For example, when the interval for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 is the same for each agent terminal 6, the predetermined period is a period in which a predetermined margin is reflected in the interval for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7. It is. Further, in the predetermined period, when the interval at which the status data ST is transmitted to the maintenance server 7 varies depending on the agent terminal 6, it is possible to determine whether different agent terminals 6 monitor the same printing apparatus 9. Below, it is determined appropriately by prior tests and simulations.

  In the following description, when the printing apparatus 9 receives the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information from the different agent terminals 6 within a predetermined period, the agent terminal with a different transmission source of the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information is used. Each of 6 is referred to as a “target agent terminal”.

  When it is determined in step SN1 that the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information has been received from the different agent terminal 6 (step SN1: YES), the printing apparatus status management unit 602 executes a transmission stop apparatus determination process. Hereinafter, the transmission stop apparatus determination process in step SN4 will be described in detail.

In the transmission stop device determination process at step SN4, the agent terminal 6 for stopping the transmission of the response request data DD for the printing device status information is determined from the target agent terminals, and the response request data DD for the printing device status information is transmitted. This is a process of setting the agent terminal 6 to “one”.
In the following description, a target agent terminal that stops transmission of response request data DD for printing apparatus status information is referred to as a “transmission stop apparatus”.

  In the transmission stop device determination process, the printing device state management unit 602 determines a transmission stop device from the target processing devices according to the following priorities.

That is, when the response request data DD of the printing device status information is received from the agent terminal 6 that communicates via the store-side local network TLN and the agent terminal 6 that communicates directly without passing through the store-side local network TLN, The state management unit 602 determines a transmission stop device from the target processing devices according to the following priorities. The printing apparatus state management unit 602 communicates directly via the store-side local network TLN rather than through the store-side local network TLN, rather than the agent terminal 6 that communicates via the store-side local network TLN and transmits response request data DD corresponding to the printing apparatus state information. Then, the agent terminal 6 that transmits the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information is determined as a transmission stop apparatus with a high priority.
This is due to the following reason.
That is, as described above, the agent terminal 6 can monitor the states of the plurality of printing devices 9 via the network (in this example, the store-side local network TLN), and can also communicate with the printing devices 9 without using the network. It is also possible to monitor the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses 9 by directly communicating. In communication via a network and direct communication not via a network, communication via a network is more efficient than direct communication via a network due to the characteristics of communication. It is possible to monitor the status of a plurality of printing apparatuses 9 by communicating with the printing apparatuses 9. Therefore, by determining the transmission stop device with the above-described priority, the agent terminal 6 that directly communicates without monitoring the network and monitors the state of the printing device 9 is preferentially determined as the transmission stop device. It is possible to establish a state in which many agent terminals 6 efficiently monitor the printing device 9 via the network.

Also, when receiving response request data DD for printing apparatus status information from a plurality of agent terminals 6 communicating via the store-side local network TLN, the printing apparatus status management unit 602 gives priority to the type of communication protocol used for communication. The transmission stop device is determined according to the priority order.
The priority order is appropriate to reflect the reliability related to the communication of the communication protocol, the affinity between the communication performed by the agent terminal 6 and the communication protocol, the good processing efficiency when the agent terminal 6 communicates using the communication protocol, and the like. Set in advance.

Further, when receiving response request data DD for printing apparatus status information from a plurality of agent terminals 6 that communicate directly without using the store-side local network TLN, the printing apparatus status management unit 602 determines the type of communication interface used for communication. The transmission stop device is determined in accordance with the priority determined by the priority order.
In particular, the priority determined by the type of communication interface used for communication is set higher in the communication interface for wireless communication than in the communication interface for wired communication.
In this embodiment, the priority is high in the order of Bluetooth interface → USB interface → parallel interface → serial interface.
This is due to the following reason.
In other words, wireless communication involves radio interference from other electronic devices, radio wave interference due to electromagnetic waves, radio interference due to obstacles, etc., and a decrease in reception intensity caused by the relationship between the position and direction of each antenna at the source and destination. Since it may occur, the stability of communication is lower than that of wired communication. Based on the above, by determining the transmission stop device with the above-described priority, it is possible to preferentially determine the agent terminal 6 that performs communication with low stability as the transmission stop device.

Further, the printing apparatus state management unit 602 determines the agent terminal 6 having a larger number of monitoring target printing apparatuses 9 as a transmission stop apparatus with a higher priority. For example, when the target agent terminal includes one agent terminal 6 and another agent terminal 6, the number of printing devices 9 to be monitored by the one agent terminal 6 is “10”, and the other When the number of printing apparatuses 9 to be monitored by the agent terminal 6 is “5”, the printing apparatus state management unit 602 determines the one agent terminal 6 as a transmission stop apparatus. The printing apparatus status management unit 602 can acquire the number of printing apparatuses 9 to be monitored by the agent terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information by a predetermined means. For example, the printing apparatus status management unit 602 appropriately requests the agent terminal 6 for a response of the number of printing apparatuses 9 to be monitored, and acquires the number.
As described above, the reason why the agent terminal 6 having a larger number of monitored printing apparatuses 9 has a higher priority and is a transmission stop apparatus is as follows.
That is, the agent terminal 6 having a larger number of printing devices 9 to be monitored is set as a transmission stop device with a higher priority so that the number of printing devices 9 to be monitored by the agent terminal 6 can be leveled. it can. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the processing load of the specific agent terminal 6 from becoming unduly large. Further, by setting the agent terminal 6 having a larger number of monitoring target printing apparatuses 9 to a transmission stop apparatus with a higher priority, the data amount of the status data ST transmitted from the agent terminal 6 can be leveled. .

  In the transmission stop device determination process at step SN2, the printing device state management unit 602 determines the transmission stop device in descending order of priority according to the priority described above, and sets the target agent terminal with the lowest priority in the printing device state information. It is determined as a device that does not stop transmission of response request data DD.

After executing the transmission stop device determination process in step SN2, the printing device state management unit 602 stops the transmission of the response request data DD of the printing device state information for the agent terminal 6 determined to be a transmission stop device (step SN3). .
In step SN3, the printing apparatus state management unit 602 generates a control command instructing to stop the transmission of the printing apparatus state information response request data DD, and transmits the control command to each of the agent terminals 6 determined as the transmission stopping apparatus. The agent terminal 6 that has received the control command updates the monitoring target printing apparatus management file 812 and deletes the monitoring target printing apparatus information of the corresponding printing apparatus 9 from the file.

  As a result of the above processing, the agent terminal 6 that transmits the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information to the printing apparatus 9 becomes “one”. As a result, a situation in which the printing apparatus status information relating to one printing apparatus 9 is redundantly transmitted from different agent terminals 6 to the maintenance server 7 is prevented. As a result, an increase in the processing load of the maintenance server 7 is suppressed, an increase in the amount of data transmitted / received between the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7 is suppressed, and an increase in the communication load accompanying the increase in the data amount is suppressed. Suppression can be realized.

Next, another process of the printing apparatus 9 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 9.
As shown in FIG. 17, the printing apparatus status management unit 602 of the printing apparatus 9 determines whether or not the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information has been received from any agent terminal 6 beyond a predetermined period. Monitor (step SO1).
The predetermined period is a period corresponding to an interval at which the agent terminal 6 transmits the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 (= an interval at which the agent terminal 6 transmits the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information to the printing apparatus 9). . For example, when the interval for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7 is the same for each agent terminal 6, the predetermined period is a period in which a predetermined margin is reflected in the interval for transmitting the status data ST to the maintenance server 7. It is. Further, in the predetermined period, when the interval at which the status data ST is transmitted to the maintenance server 7 varies depending on the agent terminal 6, it is possible to determine whether different agent terminals 6 monitor the same printing apparatus 9. Below, it is determined appropriately by prior tests and simulations.
For example, when the monitoring target printing device information of the one printing device 9 is not recorded in the monitoring target printing device management file 812 of any agent terminal 6 for one printing device 9, the one printing device 9 9 does not receive the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information from any agent terminal 6 beyond a predetermined period.
Further, for example, due to a communication failure, a failure of the agent terminal 6 or the like, the response request data DD of the printing apparatus status information is not transmitted from the agent terminal 6 to the monitoring printing apparatus 9 over a predetermined period. Accordingly, the printing apparatus 9 may not receive the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information from any agent terminal 6 beyond a predetermined period.

If it is determined in step SO1 that the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information has not been received from any agent terminal 6 beyond the predetermined period (step SO1: YES), the printing apparatus status management unit 602 Turn on the printing device transmission function described above.
When the printing apparatus transmission function is on, the processing described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 is performed, and the printing apparatus 9 itself transmits status data ST in which the printing apparatus state information is recorded to the maintenance server 7. To do.

  As a result of the above processing, even if the printing apparatus 9 is in a state where it does not receive the response request data DD for the printing apparatus status information from any agent terminal 6, the printing apparatus 9 records the printing apparatus status information. The status data ST thus transmitted is transmitted to the maintenance server 7, and the maintenance server 7 continuously manages the state of the printing apparatus 9.

As described above, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the printing device 9, the agent terminal 6 (monitoring device) that can monitor the state of the printing device 9, and the maintenance server 7 (communication with the agent terminal 6). Information processing apparatus). The agent terminal 6 has a function of communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses 9 and monitoring the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses 9, and with respect to one or a plurality of printing apparatuses 9 to be monitored, the agent terminals 6 A response of the printing apparatus status information regarding the status is requested, the printing apparatus status information is received in response to the request, and the received printing apparatus status information is transmitted to the maintenance server 7. The maintenance server 7 manages the state of the printing apparatus 9 based on the printing apparatus state information received from the agent terminal 6. When there is a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information from a plurality of different agent terminals 6, the printing apparatus 9 stops the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information from an agent terminal 6 other than the predetermined agent terminal 6.
According to this configuration, when there is a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information from a plurality of different agent terminals 6 to the printing apparatus 9, an agent other than the predetermined agent terminal 6 is automatically set by the function of the printing apparatus 9. The request for the response of the printing apparatus status information by the terminal 6 stops. For this reason, no operation is required to set the monitoring for the same printing apparatus 9 so as not to overlap, and such setting can be easily performed. In addition, it is possible to prevent duplicate printing device status information of the same printing device 9 from being transmitted to the maintenance server 7, suppress an increase in the processing load of the maintenance server 7, and between the agent terminal 6 and the maintenance server 7. It is possible to suppress the increase in the amount of data transmitted and received and the increase in the communication load accompanying the increase in the data amount. That is, according to the above configuration, for the network system 1 in which the agent terminal 6 monitors the state of the printing device 9 and transmits information related to the state of the printing device 9 to the maintenance server 7, the agent terminal 6 has a plurality of printing devices. The processing corresponding to having the function of monitoring the state of 9 can be executed.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 determines an agent terminal 6 that stops a response request for printing apparatus status information among a plurality of different agent terminals 6 according to a predetermined priority.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 9 can appropriately determine the agent terminal 6 that stops the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information using the priority.

In the present embodiment, the agent terminal 6 communicates with the printing device 9 via the store-side local network TLN (network) to monitor the state of the printing device 9, or without using the store-side local network TLN. In addition, it has a function of monitoring the state of the printing apparatus 9 by directly communicating with the printing apparatus 9. The printing device 9 communicates via a store-side local network TLN among a plurality of different agent terminals 6 rather than via the store-side local network TLN than the agent terminal 6 that requests a response to the printing device status information. The agent terminal 6 that directly communicates and requests a response to the printing apparatus status information is stopped with a high priority at the request for the response to the printing apparatus status information.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus can be efficiently monitored via the store-side local network TLN.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 stops the response request for the printing apparatus status information in accordance with the priority determined by the type of communication protocol used for communication among the different agent terminals 6. The agent terminal 6 to be determined is determined.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 9 appropriately uses the priority determined in accordance with the type of communication protocol used for communication, and appropriately sets the agent terminal 6 that stops the response request for the printing apparatus status information. Can be determined.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 stops the response request for the printing apparatus status information in accordance with the priority determined by the type of the communication interface used for communication among the different agent terminals 6. The agent terminal 6 to be determined is determined.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 9 appropriately uses the priority that is determined by the type of communication interface used for communication, and appropriately uses the agent terminal 6 that stops the response request for the printing apparatus status information. Can be determined.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 requests the agent terminal 6 related to the communication interface for wireless communication with a higher priority than the agent terminal 6 related to the communication interface for wired communication to request the response of the printing apparatus status information. Stop.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 9 can preferentially determine the agent terminal 6 that performs communication with low stability as the transmission stop apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 responds to the response of the printing apparatus status information with a higher priority as the agent terminal 6 having a larger number of printing apparatuses 9 whose statuses are to be monitored among a plurality of different agent terminals 6. Stop the request.
According to this configuration, it is possible to level the number of printing apparatuses 9 to be monitored by the agent terminal 6. In addition, it is possible to prevent the processing load of a specific agent terminal 6 from becoming unevenly large. Further, the data amount of the status data ST transmitted from the agent terminal 6 can be leveled.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 9 transmits the printing apparatus status information to the maintenance server 7 when no response of the printing apparatus status information is requested from any agent terminal 6.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 9 transmits the printing apparatus status information to the maintenance server 7 even when the printing apparatus 9 does not receive a response request for the printing apparatus status information from any agent terminal 6. In the maintenance server 7, the state of the printing apparatus 9 is continuously managed.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, when the above-described control method of the printing apparatus 9 (control method of the control apparatus) is realized using a computer included in the printing apparatus 9 or an external apparatus connected to the printing apparatus 9, the present invention is printed. It is also possible to configure in the form of a program executed by a computer to realize the control method of the apparatus 9, a recording medium in which this program is recorded so as to be readable by the computer, or a transmission medium for transmitting this program. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, flexible disk, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, card Examples thereof include portable or fixed recording media such as mold recording media. The recording medium is a nonvolatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an HDD which is an internal storage device provided in a computer provided in the printing device 9 or an external device connected to the printing device 9. It may be a storage device.
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the invention has been described by exemplifying the case where the store system 3 is applied to a store, but the facility to which the store system 3 is applied is not limited to a store.
Further, for example, any method may be used as a communication method for each device constituting the network system 1.
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the recording method of the printing apparatus 9 is the thermal method, but any recording method may be used.
Further, for example, each functional block in the above-described embodiment can be arbitrarily realized by hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system, 3 ... Store system, 6 ... Agent terminal (monitoring device), 7 ... Maintenance server (information processing device), 8 ... POS terminal, 9 ... Printing device, 12 ... Communication device, 60 ... Printing device control part (Control part), 61 ... printing part, GN ... global network, TLN ... store side local network.

Claims (10)

In a network system comprising a printing device, a plurality of monitoring devices capable of monitoring the status of the printing device, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the monitoring device,
The monitoring device
A printing apparatus state having a function of communicating with a plurality of the printing apparatuses and monitoring a state of the plurality of printing apparatuses, with respect to one or a plurality of the printing apparatuses to be monitored with respect to the state of the printing apparatus at intervals; Requesting a response of information, receiving the printing apparatus status information in response to the request, transmitting the received printing apparatus status information to the information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Managing the status of the printing device based on the printing device status information received from the monitoring device;
The printing apparatus includes:
When there is a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information from a different monitoring apparatus, the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information by the monitoring apparatus other than the predetermined monitoring apparatus is stopped. The printing apparatus includes:
The network system according to claim 1, wherein, among the different monitoring apparatuses, the monitoring apparatus that stops a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information is determined according to a predetermined priority. The monitoring device
A function of communicating with the printing device via a network and monitoring the state of the printing device, or a function of directly communicating with the printing device without monitoring the network and monitoring the state of the printing device;
The printing apparatus includes:
Among the different monitoring devices, the monitoring device that directly communicates without requesting the network to request the response of the printing device status information is communicated via the network, and the response request of the printing device status information is communicated with the network. The network system according to claim 2, wherein a request for a response to the printing apparatus status information is stopped with a higher priority than the monitoring apparatus that performs the operation. The printing apparatus includes:
The monitoring device that stops a request for a response to the printing device status information is determined according to a priority that is determined according to a type of communication protocol used for communication, among the different monitoring devices. Item 4. The network system according to Item 2 or 3. The printing apparatus includes:
The monitoring device that stops a request for a response to the printing device status information is determined according to a priority determined in accordance with a type of communication interface used for communication among the plurality of different monitoring devices. The network system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The printing apparatus includes:
The monitoring device related to the communication interface that performs wireless communication is stopped with a higher priority than the monitoring device related to the communication interface that performs wired communication with a higher priority. Item 6. The network system according to Item 5. The printing apparatus includes:
The request for a response to the printing apparatus status information is stopped with a higher priority as the number of the printing apparatuses whose statuses are to be monitored among the different monitoring apparatuses is higher. 7. The network system according to any one of 6. The printing apparatus includes:
8. The printing apparatus status information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus when there is no request for a response of the printing apparatus status information from any of the monitoring apparatuses. Network system. A printing device capable of communicating with a plurality of monitoring devices,
A printing section for printing on a recording medium;
A control unit that stops a response request for the printing apparatus status information by the monitoring apparatus other than the predetermined monitoring apparatus when a different monitoring apparatus requests a response for the printing apparatus status information regarding the status of the printing unit. When,
A printing apparatus comprising: A control method of a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a monitoring apparatus,
When there is a request for a response to printing apparatus status information related to the status of the printing unit from a different monitoring apparatus, the request for a response to the printing apparatus status information by the monitoring apparatus other than the predetermined monitoring apparatus is stopped. A control method for a printing apparatus.

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