JP2021111039A - Server device, printing system, and management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a server device, printing system, and management method in which usability of a printing device is improved.SOLUTION: A server device includes: a storage unit which stores device information and user information in association with each other; a receiving unit which receives the device information and related information in association with each other; a control unit which determines an execution condition on the basis of the related information received by the receiving unit; and a transmission unit which transmits the execution condition determined by the control unit to a printing device. The device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information, and the device information stored by the storage unit is second device information. The control unit makes the storage unit store the user information associated with the second device information conforming to the first device information and the determined execution condition in association with each other. The transmission unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information to a printing device having the first device information conforming to the second device information associated with the user information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a server device, a printing system and a management method.

Patent Document 1 describes a printing system including a printing device having a printing unit for printing on a medium and a server device communicating with the printing device. The printing apparatus executes periodic cleaning for periodically cleaning the printing unit based on a predetermined execution condition. The server device determines the execution condition of the periodic cleaning based on the usage status of the printing device. Usage includes device information about the printing device. The device information is information for identifying a printing device. The server device sends the determined execution condition to the printing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-178179

In the printing system described in Patent Document 1, the server device stores the determined execution conditions and the device information in a state of being related to each other. That is, the server device stores the execution conditions for each printing device. In this case, since different execution conditions are determined for each printing device, for example, there is a fact that it is not convenient for a user having a plurality of printing devices.

The server device that solves the above problems is a server device that communicates with a printing device having a printing unit that prints on a medium, and the device information about the printing device and the user information about the user who uses the printing device are mutually exchanged. Receiving a storage unit that stores in a related state, device information transmitted from the printing device, and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a state of being related to each other. The control unit determines the unit, the control unit that determines the execution condition of the periodic cleaning, which is the cleaning that is periodically executed for the printing unit, based on the related information received by the reception unit, and the control unit. A transmission unit that transmits the execution conditions to the printing device is provided, device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information, and device information stored by the storage unit is second device information. The control unit stores the determined execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in the storage unit, and the transmission unit stores the determined execution condition in the storage unit. , The execution condition associated with the user information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

A printing system that solves the above problems is a printing system including a printing device and a server device that communicates with the printing device. A cleaning unit that performs cleaning of the printing unit based on an instruction, a first control unit that controls the printing unit and the cleaning unit, device information related to the printing device, and related information related to periodic cleaning of the printing unit. A first transmitter that transmits the above and in a state of being related to each other, and a first receiver that receives the execution condition of the periodic cleaning determined by the server device based on the related information and transmitted from the server device. The server device has a storage unit that stores device information related to the printing device and user information about a user who uses the printing device in a state of being related to each other, and is transmitted by the first transmission unit. Based on the second receiving unit that receives the device information and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting unit in a state of being related to each other, and the related information received by the second receiving unit. , A second control unit that determines the execution condition, and a second transmission unit that transmits the execution condition determined by the second control unit to the printing device, and device information transmitted by the first transmission unit. Is the first device information, the device information stored by the storage unit is the second device information, and the storage unit receives the execution condition determined by the second control unit and the second receiving unit. The user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information is stored in a state of being associated with the user information, and the second transmission unit stores the execution condition associated with the user information. It is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

The management method for solving the above problems is a management method for managing the execution conditions of periodic cleaning, and is the first device information which is the device information related to the printing device and the related information regarding the periodic cleaning of the printing unit of the printing device. And are received in a state of being related to each other, the execution condition is determined based on the related information, the second device information which is the device information regarding the printing device, and the user who uses the printing device. In a database in which the user information related to the user information is stored in a state of being related to each other, the execution condition determined based on the related information and the second device information matching the first device information are related to the said one. The printing having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information and storing the user information in a state of being associated with the user information and the execution condition associated with the user information. Includes sending to the device.

The schematic diagram which shows one Embodiment of the printing system which includes a printing apparatus and a server apparatus. A block diagram showing a configuration of a printing device and a configuration of a server device. The flowchart which shows an example of the 1st process which a server apparatus executes. The flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd process executed by a server apparatus. The flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd processing executed by a server apparatus. The flowchart which shows an example of the 4th process executed by a printing apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system including a server device will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 20 and a server device 30. The printing device 20 and the server device 30 communicate with each other via the network NT. In the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the server device 30 communicates with the plurality of printing devices 20 via the network NT. Network NT is a computer network such as LAN, WAN, Internet, and intranet.

First, the printing apparatus 20 will be described. The printing device 20 is an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, or film.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 20 includes a printing unit 21, a cleaning unit 22, an operation unit 23, a first control unit 24, and a first communication unit 25.
The printing unit 21 is configured to print on a medium. The printing unit 21 of the present embodiment has a head 26 that discharges a liquid to a medium. The printing unit 21 of the present embodiment prints an image on the medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium by the head 26.

The cleaning unit 22 is configured to clean the printing unit 21. The cleaning unit 22 keeps the print quality good by cleaning the printing unit 21. The cleaning unit 22 of the present embodiment cleans the printing unit 21 by forcibly discharging the liquid from the head 26. The cleaning unit 22 forcibly discharges the liquid from the head 26 by, for example, sucking the head 26 or pressurizing the inside of the head 26. As a result, the thickened liquid is discharged in the head 26. As a result, the printing unit 21 is cleaned.

The operation unit 23 is an interface for the user to operate the printing device 20. The operation unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel, a button, or the like. When the operation unit 23 is operated by the user, an instruction corresponding to the operation is input to the first control unit 24.

The first control unit 24 is a control unit included in the printing device 20 in the printing system 10. The first control unit 24 controls various configurations of the printing device 20. The first control unit 24 controls, for example, the printing unit 21. The first control unit 24 controls the printing unit 21 to cause the printing unit 21 to print. The first control unit 24 of the present embodiment stores the timing of printing by the printing unit 21 as a history. The first control unit 24 controls, for example, the cleaning unit 22. The first control unit 24 controls the cleaning unit 22 to cause the cleaning unit 22 to perform cleaning of the printing unit 21.

The first control unit 24 is α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated devices such as an integrated circuit for a specific application that executes at least a part of the various processes. It can be configured as a hardware circuit of the above, or a circuit including γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or an instruction configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

The first control unit 24 stores device information. The device information is information about the printing device 20. The first control unit 24 stores device information about the printing device 20 having the first control unit 24. The device information includes unique information that the printing device 20 has individually. That is, the device information includes information for identifying the printing device 20. The device information includes, for example, an identification number unique to the printing device 20, an IP address, and the like. The device information may include information that can identify one printing device 20 from the plurality of printing devices 20. In the present embodiment, the device information possessed by the printing device 20, that is, the device information stored by the first control unit 24 is referred to as the first device information.

The first control unit 24 causes the cleaning unit 22 to perform cleaning of the printing unit 21 when a cleaning instruction is input to the first control unit 24 from the user. In this embodiment, the cleaning performed on the printing unit 21 each time based on the cleaning instruction from the user is called user cleaning. In this regard, user cleaning is cleaning performed on the basis of user instructions.

The cleaning instruction from the user is input to the first control unit 24 via, for example, a terminal capable of communicating with the printing device 20, an operation unit 23, or the like. The terminal capable of communicating with the printing device 20 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like. When a cleaning instruction is input from the user, the first control unit 24 stores the timing at which the user cleaning is executed as a history.

When a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the first control unit 24 causes the cleaning unit 22 to perform cleaning of the printing unit 21 separately from the case where a cleaning instruction from the user is input to the first control unit 24. .. That is, cleaning is executed every time a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 20, apart from the user cleaning, cleaning is periodically executed based on a predetermined execution condition. Such cleaning that is periodically executed on the printing unit 21 based on the execution conditions is referred to as periodic cleaning in the present embodiment. In this way, the cleaning unit 22 of the present embodiment performs cleaning on a regular basis or based on a user's instruction.

The execution condition is a condition that triggers the execution of periodic cleaning. The execution conditions are, for example, when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned off, when the printing unit 21 finishes printing, and when a predetermined amount of the medium is consumed. That is, the timing at which the periodic cleaning is executed is determined by the execution conditions. Initial execution conditions are set in advance in the first control unit 24.

The first communication unit 25 is a communication unit included in the printing device 20 in the printing system 10. The first communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with the server device 30 via the network NT. The first communication unit 25 includes a first reception unit 27 and a first transmission unit 28.

The first receiving unit 27 is a receiving unit included in the printing apparatus 20 in the printing system 10. The first receiving unit 27 is an interface for receiving information from the outside of the printing apparatus 20 via the network NT. The first receiving unit 27 receives information from, for example, the server device 30. In the present embodiment, the first receiving unit 27 receives the execution condition from the server device 30. This point will be described in detail later.

The first transmission unit 28 is a transmission unit included in the printing apparatus 20 in the printing system 10. The first transmission unit 28 is an interface for transmitting information to the outside of the printing apparatus 20 via the network NT. The first transmission unit 28 transmits information to, for example, the server device 30. In the present embodiment, the first transmission unit 28 transmits the first device information and the related information regarding the periodic cleaning to the server device 30 in a state of being related to each other. It can be said that the device information transmitted by the first transmission unit 28 is the first device information. This point will be described in detail later.

Next, the server device 30 will be described. The server device 30 includes a storage unit 31, a second communication unit 32, and a second control unit 33.
The storage unit 31 is, for example, a storage such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 31 stores user information and device information. More specifically, the storage unit 31 stores the user information and the device information in a state of being related to each other. That is, the user information and the device information are stored in the storage unit 31 in a state of being related to each other. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 31 stores a database that stores a plurality of user information related to the device information.

The user information is information about a user who uses the printing device 20. That is, the user indicated by the user information is the user of the printing device 20. In the present embodiment, the user of the printing device 20 is the owner of the printing device 20. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 20 is used by one user.

User information is user-specific information. For example, the user information includes a user ID. The user information may include information that can identify one user from a plurality of users.

The device information is information about the printing device 20 as described above. The device information stored in the storage unit 31 is associated with one user information. The device information stored in the storage unit 31 is associated with the user information about the user who uses the printing device 20 indicated by the device information. That is, the user information and the device information associated with each other indicate the relationship between the printing device 20 and the user who is the user thereof. In the present embodiment, the device information possessed by the server device 30, that is, the device information stored by the storage unit 31, is referred to as the second device information. The second device information is the same information as the first device information.

表１は、記憶部３１が記録するデータベースの一例を示している。表１に示すように、データベースは、第２装置情報と、ユーザー情報とを、互いに関連付いた状態で格納している。データベースにおいて、ユーザー情報は、１又は複数の第２装置情報と関連付けられている。すなわち、ユーザー情報は、１又は複数の装置情報と関連付けられている。ユーザー情報は、一の実行条件と関連付けられている。

Table 1 shows an example of the database recorded by the storage unit 31. As shown in Table 1, the database stores the second device information and the user information in a state of being related to each other. In the database, user information is associated with one or more second device information. That is, the user information is associated with one or more device information. User information is associated with one execution condition.

The user information A is information about the user A. The user information B is information about the user B. The user information C is information about the user C.
The second device information A is information about the printing device A. The second device information A is associated with the user information A. The second device information B is information about the printing device B. The second device information B is associated with the user information A. The second device information C is information about the printing device C. The second device information C is associated with the user information A. The second device information D is information about the printing device D. The second device information D is associated with the user information B. The second device information E is information about the printing device E. The second device information E is associated with the user information B. The second device information F is information about the printing device F. The second device information F is associated with the user information C.

The execution condition A is associated with the user information A. The execution condition B is associated with the user information B. The execution condition C is associated with the user information C.
Since the second device information is associated with the user information, it is possible to identify which printing device 20 is used by one user by referring to the database. For example, by referring to the database, the user A can understand that the printing device A, the printing device B, and the printing device C are used. By referring to the database, the user B can understand that the printing device D and the printing device E are used. By referring to the database, the user C can understand that the printing device F is being used.

The user information and the device information are stored in the storage unit 31 in a state of being associated with each other, for example, by the user registering the user of the printing device 20. That is, the user registration is a registration for associating the printing device 20 with a user who is a user thereof.

User registration is performed, for example, by inputting information about the user and information about the printing device 20 into a predetermined platform. In this case, the user may access the predetermined platform from the printing device 20, or may access the predetermined platform from a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone via the network NT. That is, the user registration may be executed via the operation unit 23, or may be executed from a terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone via the network NT. The user registration is not limited to the user, and may be executed by the administrator of the server device 30.

In a subscription, which is a system in which compensation is generated according to the period of use of the printing system 10, the relationship between the printing device 20 and the user who is the user is managed by the server device 30. That is, the server device 30 stores the user information and the device information in an associated state. Therefore, this embodiment can also be adopted by subscription.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second communication unit 32 is a communication unit included in the server device 30 in the printing system 10. The second communication unit 32 is a communication interface for communicating with the printing device 20 via the network NT. The second communication unit 32 has a second reception unit 34 and a second transmission unit 35.

The second receiving unit 34 is a receiving unit included in the server device 30 in the printing system 10. The second receiving unit 34 is an interface for receiving information from the outside of the server device 30 via the network NT. The second receiving unit 34 receives information from, for example, one or more printing devices 20. The second receiving unit 34 of the present embodiment receives the first device information transmitted by the first transmitting unit 28 and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting unit 28 in a state of being related to each other. This point will be described in detail later.

The second transmission unit 35 is a transmission unit included in the server device 30 in the printing system 10. The second transmission unit 35 is an interface for transmitting information to the outside of the server device 30 via the network NT. The second transmission unit 35 transmits information to, for example, one or more printing devices 20. The second transmission unit 35 of the present embodiment transmits the execution conditions determined by the server device 30 to the printing device 20. This point will be described in detail later.

The second control unit 33 is a control unit included in the server device 30 in the printing system 10. Like the first control unit 24, the second control unit 33 is α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: at least a part of the various processes is executed for a specific purpose. It can be configured as one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as integrated circuits, or circuits containing γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or an instruction configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. Memory or computer readable medium includes any readable medium accessible by a general purpose or dedicated computer.

The second control unit 33 determines the execution condition based on the related information which is the information regarding the periodic cleaning. The related information is the information possessed by the printing apparatus 20. The related information is transmitted from the printing device 20 to the server device 30, that is, from the first transmitting unit 28 to the second receiving unit 34.

In the present embodiment, the related information includes request information, execution history, and printing frequency. The related information is information referred to by the second control unit 33 in determining the execution condition of the periodic cleaning. In this respect, the relevant information can be said to be information regarding regular cleaning. The related information may include information other than request information, execution history, and printing frequency.

Request information is information about a user's request for regular cleaning. That is, the request information is information regarding the execution condition of the periodic cleaning requested by the user. The request information includes, for example, information regarding at least one of the execution timing, execution frequency, and execution time of the periodic cleaning. The request information may include other information such as the intensity and type of regular cleaning.

The execution timing indicates the timing at which the periodic cleaning is executed. For example, when the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning is set when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on, the execution timing of the periodic cleaning is when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on. In the present embodiment, the execution timing is a timing that conforms to the operation of the printing apparatus 20.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the first timing and the second timing can be set as the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information includes at least one of the first timing and the second timing. The execution timing included in the request information may include at least one timing of the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, and the fourth timing. The execution timing included in the request information is not limited to the first timing, the second timing, the third timing, and the fourth timing, and may include other timings.

The first timing is a timing between the time when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned on and the time when the printing unit 21 starts printing on the medium. For example, when the user wants to set to execute the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned on, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing. For example, when the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be executed during the startup operation of the printing device 20 or immediately after the startup operation is completed, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing. The start-up operation is a start-up operation executed when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on.

The second timing is the timing when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned off. For example, when the user wants to set to execute the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned off, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the second timing. For example, when the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be executed immediately before the shutdown operation of the printing device 20 or during the shutdown operation, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the second timing. The shutdown operation is a termination operation executed when the power of the printing device 20 is turned off.

The third timing is the timing at which the printing device 20 shifts to the power saving mode. For example, when printing is not executed for a predetermined time, the printing device 20 shifts to a power saving mode in which the power consumption of the printing device 20 is suppressed. The printing device 20 that has shifted to the power saving mode suppresses power consumption by, for example, reducing the amount of electricity applied to various configurations of the printing device 20. For example, if the user wants to be configured to perform periodic cleaning when transitioning to power saving mode, the request information includes information about when to perform periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the third timing. For example, if the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be performed immediately before the printing device 20 shifts to the power saving mode, during the transition to the power saving mode, or immediately after the transition to the power saving mode, the request information is periodic. Contains information about when to perform cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the third timing.

The fourth timing is a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the printing device 20 shifts to the power saving mode. For example, when the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the user shifts to the power saving mode, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the fourth timing.

Execution frequency indicates the frequency with which periodic cleaning is executed. For example, if the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be performed hourly, the request information includes information on the frequency of performing the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution frequency included in the request information is once per hour.

The execution time indicates the time when the regular cleaning is executed. For example, if the user wants to set the periodic cleaning to be executed at 15:00, the request information includes information regarding the execution time of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution time included in the request information is 15:00.

The second control unit 33 determines, for example, an execution condition according to the request information based on the request information. For example, when the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on. For example, when the execution time included in the request information is 15:00, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning at 15:00. The second control unit 33 may determine the execution condition that is most suitable for the user by analyzing the request information.

The execution history is the history of user cleaning executed. The second control unit 33 determines, for example, based on the execution history, the execution conditions for executing the periodic cleaning at the timing when the user cleaning is frequently executed. For example, when the frequency with which user cleaning is executed at the first timing exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second control unit 33 determines an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned on, based on the execution history. do. For example, when the ratio of user cleaning executed at the first timing in the execution history exceeds 50%, the second control unit 33 executes periodic cleaning when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on based on the execution history. To determine. When the user cleaning is frequently executed at the second timing, the second control unit 33 may determine the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing apparatus 20 is turned off.

The printing frequency is the frequency with which the printing unit 21 prints. The printing frequency is, for example, the number of printings per hour. The second control unit 33 calculates, for example, the printing frequency for each time zone from the printing history of the printing unit 21. The second control unit 33 determines, for example, an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning in a time zone in which the printing frequency is low with respect to a time zone in which the printing frequency is the highest, based on the printing frequency. For example, when the printing frequency is highest in the time zone from 12:00 to 15:00, the second control unit 33 sets an execution condition for executing regular cleaning in a time zone other than the time zone from 12:00 to 15:00. decide. For example, when the printing frequency is highest in the time zone from the time when the power is turned on until one hour elapses, the second control unit 33 sets an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning in the time zone after one hour elapses from the time when the power is turned on. decide. The printing frequency for each time zone calculated by the second control unit 33 may be, for example, a printing frequency of every hour, a printing frequency of every two hours, or a printing frequency of every three hours.

As described above, the second control unit 33 of the present embodiment determines the execution conditions based on the related information such as the request information, the execution history, and the print frequency. The second control unit 33 may determine the execution condition based on information other than the request information, the execution history, and the printing frequency.

Next, the operation of the server device 30 will be described.
First, the first process executed by the second control unit 33 will be described. When the second receiving unit 34 receives the related information and the first device information related to each other, the second control unit 33 executes the first process. In the present embodiment, the related information and the first device information related to each other are referred to as the first information. That is, the first information is related information and device information related to each other. The first information may be transmitted from the printing device 20 to the server device 30 when the printing device 20 reaches a predetermined timing, or when the server device 30 requests the first information from the printing device 20. It may be transmitted from 20 to the server device 30. That is, the printing device 20 may actively transmit the first information to the server device 30, or the printing device 20 passively transmits the first information to the server device 30 based on the request of the server device 30. May be good. At this time, the first transmitting unit 28 transmits the first information, and the second receiving unit 34 receives the first information.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second control unit 33 that executes the first process first determines the execution condition in step S11 based on the related information included in the first information.
In step S12, the second control unit 33 stores the user information and the execution condition in the storage unit 31 in a state of being associated with each other. At this time, the second control unit 33 collates the first device information included in the first information with the second device information stored in the storage unit 31. The second control unit 33 associates the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information included in the first information with the execution condition. As a result, the execution condition determined in step S11 is stored in the storage unit 31 in a state associated with the user information. In the present embodiment, the execution conditions are stored in the database in a state associated with the user information.

In step S13, the second control unit 33 transmits the execution conditions stored in the storage unit 31 to the printing device 20 via the second transmission unit 35. At this time, the second transmission unit 35 transmits the execution condition associated with the user information in step S12 to the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. When the second control unit 33 finishes the process of step S13, the second control unit 33 ends the first process.

In this way, the server device 30 manages after determining the execution conditions. That is, the management method for managing the execution conditions of the periodic cleaning is a state in which the first device information, which is the device information regarding the printing device 20, and the related information regarding the periodic cleaning of the printing unit 21 of the printing device 20 are related to each other. A database in which the user information about the user and the second device information, which is the device information about the printing device 20, are stored in a state of being related to each other. In addition, the execution condition determined based on the related information and the user information related to the second device information that matches the first device information related to the related information are saved in an associative state. It includes transmitting the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing apparatus 20 having the first apparatus information matching the second apparatus information associated with the user information.

Next, the second process executed by the second control unit 33 will be described. The second process is a process executed when the second device information related to the user information is updated. The case where the second device information is updated is, for example, a case where the user replaces the printing device 20. In this case, the second device information associated with the user information is updated with the second device information regarding the new printing device 20. More specifically, the second device information associated with the user information is updated to the second device information different from the second device information. When the second device information stored in the database is updated, the second control unit 33 executes the second process. At this time, the second control unit 33 receives the update information indicating that the second device information has been updated. That is, the second control unit 33 executes the second process by receiving the update information.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second control unit 33 that executes the second process sets the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information in step S21 to the corresponding printing device 20. Is transmitted via the second transmission unit 35. At this time, the second transmission unit 35 has the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the updated second device information with the execution conditions associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information. Send to. Since the execution conditions are associated with the user information in this way, even if the user replaces the printing device 20, the new printing device 20 can take over the execution conditions. When the second control unit 33 finishes the process of step S21, the second control unit 33 ends the second process.

Next, the third process executed by the second control unit 33 will be described. The third process is a process executed when the second device information related to the user information is added. The case where the second device information is added is, for example, a case where the user purchases an additional printing device 20. In this case, the number of second device information associated with the user information increases. More specifically, the user information associated with the second device information is additionally associated with the second device information different from the second device information. When the second device information is added to the database, the second control unit 33 executes the third process. At this time, the second control unit 33 receives additional information indicating that the second device information has been added. That is, the second control unit 33 executes the second process by receiving the additional information.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second control unit 33 that executes the third process sets the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the added second device information in step S31 to the corresponding printing device 20. Send to. At this time, the second transmission unit 35 has the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the added second device information and the added second device information. Send to. Since the execution conditions are associated with the user information in this way, even if the user purchases additional printing devices 20, the new printing devices 20 can take over the execution conditions. When the second control unit 33 finishes the process of step S31, the second control unit 33 ends the third process.

Next, the operation of the printing device 20 will be described.
The fourth process executed by the first control unit 24 will be described. The fourth process is a process executed when the first receiving unit 27 receives the execution condition transmitted from the server device 30.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first control unit 24 stores the execution conditions received by the first reception unit 27 in step S41. When the process of step S41 is completed, the first control unit 24 ends the fourth process.

The user who uses the printing device 20 may set the execution conditions determined by the server device 30, or may set other execution conditions. For example, the first control unit 24 sets the execution conditions determined by the server device 30 when permission is obtained from the user. Therefore, the user may or may not reflect the execution condition determined by the server device 30 on the printing device 20.

Next, the actions and effects of the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) The execution condition is stored in the storage unit 31 in a state associated with the user information, and is transmitted to the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Therefore, for example, when the user has a plurality of printing devices 20, that is, when the user information is associated with the plurality of second device information, one execution condition can be reflected in the plurality of printing devices 20. This improves user-friendliness.

(2) Related information includes request information. The request information includes information on at least one of the execution timing, execution frequency, and execution time of the periodic cleaning. In this case, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition based on the request information. Therefore, the second control unit 33 can determine the execution conditions that meet the user's request.

(3) The request information includes information regarding execution timing. The execution timing is at least one of a first timing between the time when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on and the time when the printing unit 21 starts printing on the medium, and a second timing when the power of the printing device 20 is turned off. including. In this case, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition based on the execution timing including at least one of the first timing and the second timing. Therefore, the second control unit 33 can determine the execution condition that matches the execution timing requested by the user.

(4) The related information includes the execution history of user cleaning, which is cleaning executed based on the user's instruction. In this case, the second control unit 33 can determine the execution condition based on the execution history of the user cleaning.

(5) In the execution history, when the frequency of user cleaning being executed at the first timing exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second control unit 33 executes periodic cleaning when the printing device 20 is turned on, based on the execution history. Determine the execution conditions to be performed. In this case, for example, in the case of a user who has a habit of executing user cleaning when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on, an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on is determined. That is, the execution conditions that meet the user's request are determined. Therefore, usability is improved.

(6) The related information includes the printing frequency of the printing unit 21. Based on the printing frequency, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning in the time zone in which the printing frequency is low with respect to the time zone in which the printing frequency is highest. In this case, the downtime of the printing apparatus 20 due to the periodic cleaning is reduced by executing the periodic cleaning during the time zone when the printing frequency is low.

(7) When the second device information associated with the user information is updated to the second device information different from the second device information, the second transmitter 35 is related to the updated second device information. The execution condition associated with the attached user information is transmitted to the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the updated second device information. In this case, for example, when the user replaces the printing device 20, the execution conditions can be inherited by the new printing device 20. As a result, the user can reflect the execution conditions set in the printing device 20 that has been used so far in the new printing device 20. Therefore, usability is improved.

(8) When the user information associated with the second device information is additionally associated with the second device information different from the second device information, the second transmitter 35 sends the added second device information. The execution condition associated with the user information associated with is transmitted to the printing apparatus 20 having the first apparatus information matching the added second apparatus information. In this case, for example, when the user purchases a new printing device 20, the execution condition can be reflected in the new printing device 20. As a result, the user can reflect the execution conditions set in the used printing device 20 in the new printing device 20. Therefore, usability is improved.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
-The execution conditions determined by the server device 30 may be automatically set by the printing device 20. For example, the printing device 20 may automatically set the execution conditions received from the server device 30.

-Multiple execution conditions may be associated with one user information. In this case, the second control unit 33 stores a plurality of execution conditions in the storage unit 31 in a state of being associated with one user information. According to this, the user can set an arbitrary execution condition in the plurality of printing devices 20 from the plurality of execution conditions determined by the server device 30.

The second control unit 33 may store the related information received by the second reception unit 34 in the storage unit 31 in a state of being associated with the second device information.
-The database in which the user information and the second device information are stored in a state of being related to each other may be stored in a configuration different from that of the server device 30. For example, a server device other than the server device 30 that determines the execution condition may store the database.

-The printing device 20 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may be a laser printer, a thermal printer, or the like.
The liquid discharged by the head 26 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid material in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid. For example, the head 26 may discharge a liquid material containing a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, a surface emitting display, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved form.

The technical idea and its action and effect grasped from the above-described embodiment and modification are described below.
(A) The server device is a server device that communicates with a printing device having a printing unit that prints on a medium, and device information about the printing device and user information about a user who uses the printing device are related to each other. A storage unit that stores in a state of being printed, a receiver that receives device information transmitted from the printing device, and information related to periodic cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a state of being related to each other. , The control unit that determines the execution condition of the periodic cleaning, which is the cleaning that is periodically executed for the printing unit, based on the related information received by the receiving unit, and the execution that the control unit determines. A transmission unit that transmits conditions to the printing device is provided, device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information, device information stored by the storage unit is second device information, and the control The unit stores the determined execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in the storage unit, and the transmission unit stores the user information associated with the second device information. The execution condition associated with the user information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

According to the above configuration, the execution condition is stored in the storage unit in a state associated with the user information, and is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Therefore, for example, when the user has a plurality of printing devices, that is, when the user information is associated with the plurality of second device information, one execution condition can be reflected in the plurality of printing devices. This improves user-friendliness.

(B) In the server device, the related information includes request information regarding a user's request for the periodic cleaning, and the request information relates to at least one of the execution timing, execution frequency, and execution time of the periodic cleaning. Information may be included.

According to the above configuration, the control unit determines the execution condition based on the request information. Therefore, the control unit can determine the execution conditions that meet the user's request.
(C) In the server device, the request information includes information regarding the execution timing, and the execution timing is from the time when the power of the printing device is turned on until the printing unit starts printing on the medium. It may include at least one of one timing and the second timing when the power of the printing apparatus is turned off.

According to the above configuration, the control unit determines the execution condition based on the execution timing including at least one of the first timing and the second timing. Therefore, the control unit can determine the execution conditions that match the execution timing requested by the user.

(D) In the server device, the related information may include an execution history of user cleaning, which is the cleaning executed based on a user's instruction.
According to the above configuration, the control unit can determine the execution condition based on the execution history of the user cleaning.

(E) In the server device, in the execution history, the frequency with which the user cleaning is executed is predetermined at the first timing between the time when the power of the printing device is turned on and the time when the printing unit starts printing on the medium. When the threshold value of is exceeded, the control unit may determine the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, based on the execution history.

According to the above configuration, for example, in the case of a user who has a habit of executing user cleaning when the power of the printing device is turned on, an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning when the power of the printing device is turned on is determined. That is, the execution conditions that meet the user's request are determined. Therefore, usability is improved.

(F) In the server device, the related information includes the printing frequency of the printing unit, and the control unit has a low printing frequency with respect to the time zone in which the printing frequency is the highest, based on the printing frequency. The execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning may be determined during the time period.

According to the above configuration, the downtime of the printing apparatus due to the periodic cleaning is reduced by executing the periodic cleaning at the time when the printing frequency is low.
(G) In the server device, when the second device information associated with the user information is updated to the second device information different from the second device information, the transmitter is updated. The execution condition associated with the user information associated with the second device information may be transmitted to a printing device having the first device information that matches the updated second device information.

According to the above configuration, for example, when the user replaces the printing device, the execution conditions can be inherited by the new printing device. As a result, the user can reflect the execution conditions set in the printing device used so far in the new printing device. Therefore, usability is improved.

(H) In the server device, when the user information associated with the second device information is additionally associated with the second device information different from the second device information, the transmitter is added. The execution condition associated with the user information associated with the second device information may be transmitted to a printing device having the first device information matching the added second device information.

According to the above configuration, for example, when a user purchases a new printing device, the execution condition can be reflected in the new printing device. As a result, the user can reflect the execution conditions set in the printing device used so far in the new printing device. Therefore, usability is improved.

(I) The printing system is a printing system including a printing device and a server device that communicates with the printing device. Based on this, a cleaning unit that performs cleaning of the printing unit, a first control unit that controls the printing unit and the cleaning unit, device information related to the printing device, and related information related to periodic cleaning of the printing unit. A first transmitter that transmits the information in a state of being related to each other, and a first receiver that receives the periodic cleaning execution condition determined by the server device based on the related information and transmitted from the server device. The server device is transmitted by a storage unit that stores device information about the printing device and user information about a user who uses the printing device in a state of being related to each other, and the first transmission unit. Based on the second receiving unit that receives the device information and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting unit in a state of being related to each other, and the related information received by the second receiving unit, the said A second control unit that determines an execution condition and a second transmission unit that transmits the execution condition determined by the second control unit to the printing device are provided, and the device information transmitted by the first transmission unit is the first. The device information stored in the storage unit is the second device information, and the storage unit has the execution conditions determined by the second control unit and the device information received by the second reception unit. The user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information is stored in a state of being associated with the user information, and the second transmission unit stores the execution condition associated with the user information with the user. It is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the information.

According to the above configuration, the same effect as that of the server device described above can be obtained.
(J) The management method is a management method for managing execution conditions of periodic cleaning, and includes first device information which is device information related to a printing device, information related to the periodic cleaning of a printing unit of the printing device, and information related to the periodic cleaning of the printing unit. Is received in a state of being related to each other, the execution condition is determined based on the related information, the second device information which is the device information regarding the printing device, and the user regarding the user who uses the printing device. The user information associated with the execution condition determined based on the related information and the second device information matching the first device information in a database in which the information is stored in a state of being related to each other. And, and the execution condition associated with the user information is stored in the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Includes sending and.

According to the above method, the same effect as that of the server device described above can be obtained.

10 ... printing system, 20 ... printing device, 21 ... printing unit, 22 ... cleaning unit, 23 ... operation unit, 24 ... first control unit, 25 ... first communication unit, 26 ... head, 27 ... first receiving unit, 28 ... 1st transmission unit, 30 ... server device, 31 ... storage unit, 32 ... second communication unit, 33 ... second control unit, 34 ... second reception unit, 35 ... second transmission unit, NT ... network.

Claims (10)

A server device that communicates with a printing device that has a printing unit that prints on a medium.
A storage unit that stores device information about the printing device and user information about a user who uses the printing device in a state of being related to each other.
A receiving unit that receives device information transmitted from the printing device and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a state of being related to each other.
A control unit that determines execution conditions for the periodic cleaning, which is cleaning that is periodically executed for the printing unit, based on the related information received by the receiving unit.
A transmission unit that transmits the execution conditions determined by the control unit to the printing apparatus is provided.
The device information transmitted from the printing device is the first device information, and is
The device information stored in the storage unit is the second device information, and is
The control unit stores the determined execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in the storage unit in a state of being associated with each other.
The transmitting unit is characterized in that the execution condition associated with the user information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Server device. The relevant information includes request information regarding the user's request for the periodic cleaning.
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the request information includes information regarding at least one of the execution timing, execution frequency, and execution time of the periodic cleaning. The request information includes information regarding the execution timing.
The execution timing is at least one of a first timing between the time when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on and the time when the printing unit starts printing on the medium, and a second timing when the power of the printing apparatus is turned off. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the server device comprises. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the related information includes an execution history of user cleaning, which is the cleaning executed based on a user's instruction. In the execution history, when the frequency with which the user cleaning is executed exceeds a predetermined threshold value at the first timing between the time when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on and the time when the printing unit starts printing on the medium.
The server device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines the execution conditions for executing the periodic cleaning when the power of the printing device is turned on, based on the execution history. The related information includes the printing frequency of the printing unit.
The claim is characterized in that, based on the printing frequency, the control unit determines the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning in the time zone in which the printing frequency is low with respect to the time zone in which the printing frequency is highest. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the second device information associated with the user information is updated to the second device information different from the second device information.
The transmitting unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information to the printing device having the first device information matching the updated second device information. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the server device. When the user information associated with the second device information is additionally associated with the second device information different from the second device information.
The transmitting unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the added second device information to the printing device having the first device information matching the added second device information. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the server device. A printing system including a printing device and a server device that communicates with the printing device.
The printing device is
The printing section that prints on the medium and
A cleaning unit that performs cleaning of the printing unit on a regular basis or based on a user's instruction.
A first control unit that controls the printing unit and the cleaning unit,
A first transmitting unit that transmits device information related to the printing device and related information related to periodic cleaning of the printing unit in a state of being related to each other.
A first receiving unit, which is determined by the server device based on the related information and receives the execution condition of the periodic cleaning transmitted from the server device, is provided.
The server device
A storage unit that stores device information about the printing device and user information about a user who uses the printing device in a state of being related to each other.
A second receiving unit that receives the device information transmitted by the first transmitting unit and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting unit in a state of being related to each other.
A second control unit that determines the execution condition based on the related information received by the second receiving unit, and
A second transmission unit that transmits the execution conditions determined by the second control unit to the printing apparatus is provided.
The device information transmitted by the first transmission unit is the first device information, and is
The device information stored in the storage unit is the second device information, and is
The storage unit stores the execution conditions determined by the second control unit and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information received by the second receiving unit. Remember in the associated state,
The second transmission unit is characterized in that the execution condition associated with the user information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Printing system. It is a management method that manages the execution conditions of regular cleaning.
Receiving the first device information, which is device information related to the printing device, and the related information related to the periodic cleaning of the printing unit of the printing device, in a state of being related to each other.
Determining the execution conditions based on the relevant information
The execution determined based on the related information is stored in a database in which the second device information, which is the device information related to the printing device, and the user information about the user who uses the printing device are stored in a state of being related to each other. Saving the condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in an associative state.
A management method including transmitting the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing device having the first device information matching the second device information associated with the user information.

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