JP2023073614A - printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing system that can suppress a liquid discharge part from discharging liquid more than necessary.SOLUTION: In a printing device, a first control part, when instructed to maintain a liquid discharge part in accordance with operation of an operation part, transmits first information by which at least identification information about the printing device can be identified to a serve device. In the server device, a second control part, when receiving the first information, transmits to the printing device, second information by which a fact that permission information is included in the user information can be identified, when the permission information is included in the user information associated with the identification information about the printing device. In the printing device, the first control part, when receiving the second information, does not make a maintenance part perform maintenance of the liquid discharge part, unless a discharge defect is sensed on the basis of a sensed result by a discharge defect sensing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system that prints by ejecting liquid.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a liquid ejection apparatus that includes a liquid ejection unit that performs printing by ejecting liquid, and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance of the liquid ejection unit by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection unit. It is In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, when maintenance of the liquid ejecting section is instructed according to a user's operation, it is determined whether or not an ejection failure has occurred in the liquid ejecting section. If it is determined that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit has not occurred, maintenance is performed with different ejection amounts of liquid depending on the time elapsed from the end of the previous printing to the maintenance instruction.

JP 2011-201155 A

However, in such an apparatus, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed in accordance with a user's operation, even if it is determined that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection section does not occur, the liquid ejection section cannot be maintained. Maintenance will be done. As a result, there is a risk that more liquid than necessary will be ejected from the liquid ejector.

A printing system for solving the above problems includes a printing device, and a server device capable of communicating with the printing device, wherein the printing device includes an operation unit operable by a user and a first printing device capable of controlling the printing device. A control unit, a liquid ejection unit configured to perform printing by ejecting liquid, a maintenance unit configured to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection unit, and capable of detecting an ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit. The server device has a second control section capable of controlling the server device, and a storage section that associates and stores identification information of the printing device and user information. and the first control unit transmits first information capable of specifying at least identification information of the printing apparatus to the server device when maintenance of the liquid ejection unit is instructed in response to operation of the operation unit. , when the first information is received, the second control unit determines whether the user information includes the license information when the user information associated with the identification information of the printing apparatus includes the license information. When receiving the second information, the first control unit detects the ejection failure based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. When there is no liquid ejection section, the maintenance section is not caused to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing device; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a user information database; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of manual maintenance control processing; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a nozzle check pattern; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing display contents on the operation panel; 4 is a flowchart of manual maintenance control processing;

[First embodiment]
An embodiment of the printing system will be described below.
<Configuration of printing system 10>
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a plurality of printing devices 11A-11D and a server device 12. In FIG. 1, a plurality of printing apparatuses 11A to 11D are representatively illustrated. Each of the plurality of printing devices 11A to 11D can print on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium. The medium may be paper, for example, but is not limited to this. The liquid may be ink or the like, but is not limited to this. The server device 12 is connected via a network 13 to each of the plurality of printing devices 11A-11D. Thus, the server device 12 can communicate with each of the plurality of printing devices 11A-11D. Hereinafter, a plurality of printing devices communicably connected to the server device 12 will be described as the printing device 11 as a representative.

<Configuration of printing device 11>
As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 11 may be, for example, a multifunction device. The printing device 11 has a printing function for printing on a medium. The printing apparatus 11 has a scanner function for reading a document, a copy function for copying the document, and a facsimile function for transmitting an image read from the document, but it does not have to have at least any of these functions.

The printing device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 21 . The printing device 11 may include a medium container 22 and a stacker 23 . The medium containing portion 22 can contain printing media. A stacker 23 is capable of receiving printed media.

The printing device 11 includes a printing section 24 . The printing unit 24 conveys a printing medium and prints on the conveyed medium. The printing section 24 includes a liquid ejection section 25 . The liquid ejection unit 25 is configured to perform printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium. The liquid ejection section 25 may be a line head capable of ejecting liquid across the width of the medium, or may be a serial head that ejects liquid while moving in the width direction of the medium. The liquid ejection part 25 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) on the head. Each of the plurality of nozzles is configured to be able to eject liquid. The liquid discharger 25 includes a plurality of pressure chambers (not shown). The plurality of pressure chambers is configured to supply liquid to each of the plurality of nozzles.

The printing device 11 may include an image reading section 26 . The image reading section 26 reads an image of a document. The printing apparatus 11 may include an automatic document feeder 27 for transporting documents. The automatic document feeder 27 feeds a document for reading.

The printing device 11 has an operation panel 28 . The operation panel 28 may be, for example, a touch panel. The operation panel 28 has an operation function that can be operated by the user and a display function that can display information. That is, the operation panel 28 includes an operation section 29 that can be operated by the user and a display section 30 that can display information.

<Electrical Configuration of Printing System>
Next, the electrical configuration of the printing system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a printing system 10 in which one printing device 11 is communicably connected to a server device 12 via a network 13 will be described.

<Electrical Configuration of Printing Device>
The printing device 11 includes a first control section 31 . The first control unit 31 may comprehensively control driving of each mechanism in the printing device 11 and control various operations performed in the printing device 11 . The first control unit 31 includes one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits that execute at least part of the various processes, Or it may include a combination thereof. A processor includes a CPU and memory. Memory is a readable medium such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory or computer-readable media includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Thus, the first controller 31 can control the printing device 11 .

The first controller 31 and the operation panel 28 are connected. The operation panel 28 has an operation section 29 . The operation unit 29 outputs an operation signal according to the user's operation to the first control unit 31 . Thereby, the first control unit 31 can specify the operation of the operation unit 29 . The display unit 30 displays information according to control signals from the first control unit 31 .

The printing device 11 includes a transport section 32 . The 1st control part 31 and the conveyance part 32 are connected. The transport unit 32 is a driving source that transports the print medium along the transport path according to the control signal from the first control unit 31 .

The first control section 31 and the liquid ejection section 25 are connected. The liquid ejector 25 ejects liquid from a plurality of nozzles according to control signals from the first controller 31 . Accordingly, the liquid ejection section 25 prints on the medium according to the control signal from the first control section 31 .

The printing device 11 has a maintenance section 33 . The first control section 31 and the maintenance section 33 are connected. The maintenance section 33 is configured to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section 25 when maintenance conditions are satisfied.

Maintenance of the liquid ejector 25 may include flushing. Flushing is maintenance in which liquid droplets are ejected from all nozzles of the liquid ejection section 25 to predetermined locations other than the medium. Maintenance of the liquid ejector 25 may include cleaning. Cleaning is maintenance for forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzles of the liquid ejection section 25 . That is, the maintenance section 33 performs maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 by causing the liquid ejection section 25 to eject liquid. Further, the intensity of maintenance may differ depending on the type of maintenance. Even if the type of maintenance is the same, the intensity of maintenance may be different.

A maintenance condition is established according to the operation of the operation unit 29 . In this way, maintenance performed according to the operation of the operation unit 29 may be referred to as manual maintenance. In the present embodiment, cleaning is performed in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 29 as manual maintenance, but the present invention is not limited to this. The maintenance condition may be satisfied regardless of the operation of the operation unit 29, and may be satisfied depending on the time that has passed since the maintenance was performed. Also, the maintenance condition may be established when the printer 11 is powered on. The maintenance conditions may differ depending on the type of maintenance.

The printing device 11 includes an ejection failure detection unit 34 . The first control unit 31 and the ejection failure detection unit 34 are connected. The ejection failure detection section 34 can detect an ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 . In particular, the ejection failure detection unit 34 may detect an ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit 25 based on residual vibration of the pressure chamber that supplies liquid to the nozzles. Specifically, when the liquid near the nozzle dries, the viscosity of the liquid increases, and the vibration period and residual vibration attenuation increase. Also, when air bubbles enter the tip of the nozzle, the weight of the liquid decreases and the vibration frequency increases. The ejection failure detection unit 34 outputs a detection signal to the first control unit 31 according to the residual vibration of the pressure chamber. This enables the first control section 31 to identify the ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 .

The first control section 31 and the image reading section 26 are connected. The image reading section 26 reads an image from a document according to a control signal from the first control section 31 . The image reading unit 26 outputs the read image to the first control unit 31 as image data.

The first controller 31 and the automatic document feeder 27 are connected. The automatic document feeder 27 feeds the document according to a control signal from the first controller 31 .
The printing device 11 includes a first communication section 35 . The first control section 31 and the first communication section 35 are connected. The first communication unit 35 controls communication between the printing device 11 and a communication target device. In particular, the first communication section 35 controls communication between the printing device 11 and the server device 12 . Thus, the first control unit 31 is communicably connected to the server device 12 via the first communication unit 35 and the network 13 . The first communication unit 35 may also control communication between the printing device 11 and a terminal device (not shown). Thus, the first control unit 31 is communicably connected to the terminal device via the first communication unit 35 .

<Electrical Configuration of Server Device>
The server device 12 has a second control section 41 . The second control unit 41 may centrally control the driving of each mechanism in the server device 12 . The second control unit 41 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to computer programs. A processor includes a CPU and memory. Memory is a readable medium such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Thus, the second controller 41 can control the server device 12 .

The server device 12 has a storage unit 42 . The storage unit 42 stores reference data referred to in the control program. In particular, the storage unit 42 stores a user information database DB, which will be described later in detail. The user information database DB is a database related to the printing device 11 that uses the printing system 10 .

The server device 12 has a second communication unit 43 . The second control section 41 and the second communication section 43 are connected. The second communication unit 43 controls communication between the server device 12 and a communication target device. In particular, the second communication section 43 controls communication between the server device 12 and the printing device 11 . Thus, the second control unit 41 is communicably connected to the printing device 11 via the second communication unit 43 and the network 13 .

<Use of the printing system 10>
In this embodiment, the printing system 10 may be a system in which a consideration for using the printing system 10 is generated. In particular, the printing system 10 may be a system that uses a so-called subscription, in which compensation is generated for the period of use of the printing system 10 . Further, the printing system 10 may be a system in which compensation is generated for the number of printed media printed by the printing apparatus 11 .

On the other hand, in the printing system 10 , the printing device 11 may be provided by a provider who provides the printing system 10 instead of being sold. The liquid used in the printing device 11 may also be provided by a provider.

In such a printing system 10 , the server device 12 is configured to be able to manage the printing device 11 by communicating with the printing device 11 . In particular, the server device 12 stores a user information database DB in the storage unit 42 . The user information database DB is a database for managing the printing devices 11 included in the printing system 10 described above.

<User information database>
Here, the user information database DB stored in the storage unit 42 of the server device 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the user information database DB is a database for managing information on users who use the printing system 10 . The user information database DB is a database in which information related to the printing device 11 that uses the printing system 10 is associated.

Specifically, the information about the printing device 11 may include device identification information, model information, communication information, and user information. That is, the user information database DB is a database in which device identification information, model information, communication information, and user information are associated with each other. The device identification information is unique information that allows the printing device 11 to be specified. The model information is information that can specify the model of the printing device 11 . The communication information is information that can specify a communication destination for communication with the printing apparatus 11 .

The user information is information about the user of the printing device 11 who uses the printing system 10 . User information may include user identification information, authentication information, contract information, permission setting information, and usage history information. User identification information is unique information that can identify a user who uses the printing system 10 . The authentication information is information for authenticating users who use the printing system 10 .

The contract information is information that can specify contract details for using the printing system 10 . The contract details may include a fixed fee as compensation for using the printing system 10 for a predetermined usage period. The content of the contract may include a print sheet fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets of media printed by the printing apparatus 11 using the printing system 10 .

The contract content may include, for example, a first contract content, a second contract content, a third contract content, and a fourth contract content. The first contract content may be a contract content with a higher fixed charge and a lower print sheet charge than the second contract content. The third contract content may be a contract content with a higher flat rate and no print sheet charge than the second contract content. The fourth contract content may be a contract content in which the number of prints is higher than the first contract content, but there is no fixed charge.

The permission setting information is information that can specify whether or not there is permission from the user. The permission from the user may include permitting regulation of unnecessary maintenance when a maintenance instruction is given in response to the operation of the operation unit 29 by the user. Although the details will be described later, if there is a maintenance instruction in response to the operation of the operation unit 29 by the user, and if there is permission from the user, the printing system 10 regulates maintenance when ejection failure is not detected. It can be performed. The content of the contract differs depending on whether or not there is permission from the user as the permission setting information. In particular, when there is permission from the user as the permission setting information, the fixed charge may be lower as the content of the contract than when there is no permission from the user. In this embodiment, having the user's permission as the permission setting information corresponds to an example of including the permission information in the user information.

The usage history information is information that can identify the usage history of the printing device 11 . The usage history information may include time information, type information, and usage information. The time information is information that can specify the time when the printing device 11 was used. The type information is information that can identify the type of printing device 11 used. The type information is, for example, information that can identify that printing has been performed. The type information is information that can specify, for example, that maintenance has been performed. The usage information is information that can specify the content of using the printing device 11 . The usage information is, for example, information that can specify the number of printed sheets. The usage information is, for example, information that can specify the intensity of maintenance.

In this way, it is possible to predict the amount of liquid ejected from the printing apparatus 11 based on the usage history information. As a result, the provider of the printing system 10 delivers the liquid containing body in which the liquid is finished, based on the predicted amount of liquid to be discharged. Further, the charge for using the printing system 10 can be calculated based on the contract information, permission setting information, and usage history information.

<Control processing>
Here, various control processes performed in the printing device 11 and the server device 12 according to various control programs will be described.

In the printing apparatus 11, when there is a print instruction, the first control unit 31 controls the transport unit 32 and the liquid ejection unit 25 based on the printing conditions and image data included in the print instruction, thereby Printing is performed by ejecting liquid. The print instruction may be received from a terminal device (not shown).

The first control unit 31 transmits usage history information associated with printing to the server device 12 when printing corresponding to a print instruction is performed. In this case, the usage history information may include the device identification information of the printing device 11, the time information when printing was performed, the fact that printing was performed, and the number of printed media on which printing was performed. The usage history information may also include the size of the printed medium and the liquid ejection amount calculated based on the printed image data.

In the printing apparatus 11 , the first control unit 31 controls the maintenance unit 33 based on the established maintenance condition when the maintenance condition is satisfied regardless of the operation of the operation unit 29 , thereby performing maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 . I do.

When maintenance is performed regardless of the operation of the operation unit 29 , the first control unit 31 transmits usage history information associated with the maintenance to the server device 12 . In this case, the usage history information may include the device identification information of the printing device 11, the maintenance time information, the fact that the maintenance was performed, and the information that can specify the strength of the maintenance.

<Manual maintenance control processing>
Next, manual maintenance control processing will be described with reference to FIG. The manual maintenance control process includes a first control process executed by the printing device 11 and a second control process executed by the server device 12 . The first control process is a process that is called at predetermined intervals. The second control process is a process that is called every predetermined period.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing apparatus 11, in step S11, the first control section 31 determines whether or not there is an instruction for manual maintenance according to the operation signal from the operation section 29. FIG. If the first control unit 31 determines that there is no manual maintenance instruction, it ends the first control process. When the first control unit 31 determines that there is an instruction for manual maintenance, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the first control unit 31 executes reference request information transmission processing. In this process, the first control unit 31 transmits reference request information to the server device 12 . The reference request information includes device identification information of the printing device 11 and information requesting the reference result of the permission setting information. In other words, when maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 is instructed in response to the operation of the operation unit 29, the first control unit 31 transmits reference request information capable of specifying at least the identification information of the printing device 11 to the server device 12. . In this embodiment, the reference request information corresponds to an example of the first information. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S<b>13 and waits for reference result information from the server device 12 .

On the other hand, in the server device 12, the second control unit 41 determines whether or not reference request information has been received from the printing device 11 in step S31. When the second control unit 41 determines that the reference request information has not been received from the printing device 11, the process proceeds to step S41. When the second control unit 41 determines that the reference request information has been received from the printing device 11, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the second control unit 41 executes database reference processing. In this process, the second control unit 41 refers to the user information database DB. In particular, the second control unit 41 refers to permission setting information corresponding to the device identification information included in the received reference request information, and refers to whether or not there is user permission. When this process ends, the second control unit 41 shifts the process to step S33.

In step S33, when the second control unit 41 determines that there is user's permission as a result of referring to the permission setting information, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, when the second control unit 41 determines that there is no user's permission as a result of referring to the permission setting information, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S34, the second control unit 41 selects regulation information as reference result information. Regulatory information is information that can at least specify that there is a user's permission. The regulation information is also information that can identify regulations for manual maintenance. When this process ends, the second control unit 41 shifts the process to step S36.

In step S35, the second control unit 41 selects permission information as reference result information. Permission information is information that can at least specify that there is no user's permission. The permissible information is also information that can specify the permissible manual maintenance. When this process ends, the second control unit 41 shifts the process to step S36.

In step S36, the second control unit 41 executes reference result information transmission processing. In this process, the second control unit 41 refers to the communication information corresponding to the device identification information included in the reference request information. This enables the second control unit 41 to identify the communication destination of the printing device 11 that has transmitted the reference request information. Then, the second control unit 41 transmits the reference request information to the specified communication destination printing device 11 . When this process ends, the second control unit 41 shifts the process to step S41.

In this way, when the second control unit 41 receives the reference request information, and the permission setting information associated with the device identification information has the user's permission, the second control unit 41 sets at least the user's permission. Send the information to the printing device 11 . In the present embodiment, restriction information as reference result information corresponds to an example of second information, fourth information, fifth information, sixth information, and seventh information.

On the other hand, when the second control unit 41 receives the reference request information, when there is no user permission as the permission setting information associated with the device identification information, the second control unit 41 sets permission information that can at least specify that there is no user permission. Send to the printer 11 . In the present embodiment, permission information as reference result information corresponds to an example of the third information.

On the other hand, in the printing device 11, the first control unit 31 determines whether or not the reference result information has been received from the server device 12 in step S13. When the first control unit 31 determines that the reference result information has not been received from the server device 12, the process moves to step S13 again and waits for the reference result information. When the first control unit 31 determines that the reference result information has been received from the server device 12, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the first control unit 31 executes ejection failure detection processing. In this process, the first control section 31 detects the ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 based on the detection signal from the ejection failure detection section 34 . When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S15.

In step S15, the first control section 31 determines whether or not an ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 has been detected. When the first control unit 31 determines that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit 25 is detected, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the first control unit 31 determines that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit 25 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S<b>16 , the first control unit 31 determines whether regulation information has been received as reference result information from the server device 12 . When the first control unit 31 determines that the regulation information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S22. That is, when determining that the permission information has been received, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S22. On the other hand, when determining that the regulation information has been received, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S17.

In step S<b>17 , the first control unit 31 determines whether the restricted number of times is a predetermined number of times. The restriction count is information that can specify the number of times manual maintenance is restricted. The predetermined number of times is the number of times to perform manual maintenance even when the regulation information is received. The first control unit 31 determines whether the number of times of restriction is a predetermined number of times based on the value of the number of times of restriction counter assigned to the memory. When the first control unit 31 determines that the number of times of restriction is the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the first control unit 31 determines that the number of times of restriction is not the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the first control unit 31 executes pattern printing processing. In this process, the first control unit 31 controls the transport unit 32 and the liquid ejection unit 25 based on predetermined pattern printing conditions and a nozzle check pattern, thereby ejecting liquid onto the medium to perform a nozzle check. Print the pattern.

In this way, when receiving regulation information as reference result information, the first control unit 31 causes the liquid ejection unit 25 to perform a nozzle check when no ejection failure is detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34 . print the pattern. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the restriction information can be said to be information that can specify that the liquid ejection section 25 should print the nozzle check pattern. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S19.

As shown in FIG. 6, to give a specific example, the nozzle check pattern 50 includes a plurality of patterns 51, for example. The plurality of patterns 51 are formed for each color of liquid so that the liquid is discharged using all the nozzles of the liquid discharger 25 so that the print dots do not overlap. Liquid colors may include CMYK. The nozzle check pattern 50 has no missing dots when no ejection failure is detected, but has missing dots when an ejection failure is detected. In this manner, the user can confirm whether or not an ejection failure has occurred by visually recognizing the nozzle check pattern 50 .

In step S19 of FIG. 5, the first control unit 31 executes a standby state control process for controlling the standby state. The standby state is a state in which an instruction can be accepted according to the operation of the operation unit 29 after manual maintenance is restricted, and a print instruction and a maintenance instruction can be accepted.

In this way, when the first control unit 31 receives the regulation information as the reference result information and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34, the first control unit 31 receives the control information according to the operation of the operation unit 29. control to a standby state in which instructions can be received. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the regulation information is information that can specify control to the standby state. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S20.

In step S20, the first control unit 31 executes regulation notification processing. In this process, the first control unit 31 causes the display unit 30 to display regulation notification information associated with manual maintenance regulation.

Specifically, the restriction notification information may include information that can specify that manual maintenance is restricted. The regulation notification information may include information that can specify that the control to the standby state has been performed. The regulation notification information may include information that can specify that the nozzle check pattern has been printed and that the nozzle check pattern has been confirmed. The regulation notification information may include option information that can specify options for the next operation. The option information may include confirmation of cancellation of manual maintenance, instruction to re-execute manual maintenance, confirmation of contract information and license setting information, and setting change of contract information and license setting information.

In this way, when the first control unit 31 receives regulation information as reference result information and no ejection failure is detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34, the first control unit 31 detects no ejection failure. is displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the restriction information is information that can be specified to display that no ejection failure has been detected.

Further, when the first control unit 31 receives regulation information as the reference result information, and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34, the first control unit 31 displays option information regarding the next operation on the display unit. 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the regulation information is information that can specify display of option information regarding the next action. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S21.

As shown in FIG. 7, to give a specific example, the regulation notification information includes notification information 52, for example. The notification information 52 includes, for example, information such as "due to non-detection of ejection failure, maintenance has been stopped and the printer has entered a standby state." The notification information 52 includes, for example, the information "Please check the printed nozzle check pattern." The notification information 52 includes, for example, the information "Selection of options for the next action has made it more convenient."

The restriction notification information includes option information 53, for example. The option information 53 includes, for example, "re-execution of maintenance", "confirmation of cancellation of maintenance", and "contract information and license information". “Re-execution of maintenance” is option information indicating an instruction to re-execute manual maintenance in the same manner as the previously instructed manual maintenance. “Confirmation of cancellation of maintenance” is option information indicating an instruction to confirm cancellation of manual maintenance. "Contract information and license information" is option information indicating viewing of contract information and license setting information. Also, the "contract information and license information" may be option information indicating an instruction to change the settings of the contract information and license setting information. Further, when the option information 53 is selected according to the user's operation, the first control unit 31 may execute the action corresponding to the selected option information 53 as the next action.

In step S21 of FIG. 5, the first control unit 31 executes a regulation number counting process. In this process, the first control unit 31 updates the value of the regulation number counter assigned to the memory and counts the number of regulation times. That is, the first control unit 31 receives regulation information as reference result information, and counts the number of times of regulation in which ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34 and the standby state is controlled. do. In this embodiment, the restricted count corresponds to an example of the controlled count. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 ends the first control process.

In this way, when the first control unit 31 receives the restriction information as the reference result information, and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34, the number of times of restriction must be the predetermined number of times. For example, the maintenance section 33 is not allowed to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section 25 .

On the other hand, in step S22, the first control unit 31 executes maintenance control processing. In this process, the first control unit 31 establishes maintenance conditions according to the operation of the operation unit 29, and performs maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 by controlling the maintenance unit 33 based on the established maintenance conditions.

That is, when the first control unit 31 receives permission information as the reference result information, the first control unit 31 instructs the maintenance unit 33 to perform liquid ejection even when no ejection failure is detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit 34 . The maintenance of the part 25 is performed.

Further, when the first control unit 31 receives regulation information as the reference result information, the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result by the ejection failure detection unit 34, and the number of times of regulation is the predetermined number of times, , causing the maintenance section 33 to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 . In addition, when maintenance is performed, the first control unit 31 initializes the number-of-regulation counter. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S23.

In step S<b>23 , the first control unit 31 transmits usage history information associated with the maintenance to the server device 12 when the maintenance corresponding to the established maintenance condition is finished. In this case, the usage history information may include the device identification information of the printing device 11, the maintenance time information, the fact that the maintenance was performed, and the information that can specify the strength of the maintenance. When this process ends, the first control unit 31 ends the first control process.

On the other hand, in the server device 12, the second control section 41 determines whether or not the usage history information has been received from the printing device 11 in step S41. When the second control unit 41 determines that the usage history information has not been received from the printing device 11, it ends the second control process. When the second control unit 41 determines that the usage history information has been received from the printing device 11, the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the second control unit 41 executes database update processing. In this process, the second control unit 41 updates the usage history information corresponding to the device identification information included in the usage history information as the usage history information of the user information database DB. Thereby, the second control unit 41 can manage the usage history of the printing apparatuses 11 that use the printing system 10 . The usage history information includes usage history information associated with printing, usage history information associated with maintenance not related to the operation of the operation unit 29, and usage history information associated with manual maintenance according to the operation of the operation unit 29. FIG. Further, the second control unit 41 can also calculate charges for a predetermined usage period from the contract information and usage history information in the user information database DB. When this process ends, the second control section 41 ends the second control process.

<Action of First Embodiment>
The operation of the first embodiment will be described.
When the printing apparatus 11 determines that manual maintenance has been instructed, reference request information is transmitted to the server apparatus 12 .

When the server apparatus 12 receives the reference request information from the printing apparatus 11, the permission setting information corresponding to the apparatus identification information is referred to. Then, when there is permission from the user, regulation information is transmitted to the server device 12 as reference result information. When there is no user's permission, permission information is transmitted to the server device 12 as reference result information.

In the printing apparatus 11, the liquid is ejected at least one of the following cases: when permission information is received as the reference result information; when ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit 25 is not detected; Maintenance of the part 25 is performed.

In the printing apparatus 11, when the regulation information is received as the reference result information, when the discharge failure of the liquid discharger 25 is not detected, and when the number of times of regulation is not the predetermined number of times, the maintenance of the liquid discharger 25 is performed. Not done.

When maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed, a nozzle check pattern is printed. When maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed, it is controlled to a standby state in which a print instruction and a maintenance instruction can be given. When maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed, the display section 30 displays regulation notification information associated with regulation of manual maintenance.

<Effects of the first embodiment>
Effects of the first embodiment will be described.
(1) If there is a user's permission as the permission setting information in the server device 12, and if manual maintenance is instructed in the printing device 11, the maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 is performed when no ejection failure is detected. do not have. As a result, if permission information is included in the user information in the server device 12, unnecessary maintenance is not performed, and it is possible to prevent liquid from being discharged from the liquid discharger 25 more than necessary.

(2) Permission setting information can be centrally managed in the server device 12 . Further, communication between the printing apparatus 11 and the server apparatus 12 prevents unnecessary maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 and prevents the liquid ejection section 25 from ejecting liquid more than necessary.

(3) As a provider of the printing system 10, it is easy to create a situation in which there is no compensation for providing the liquid, and the compensation for using the printing system 10 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to create a situation in which the provider can easily provide the printing system 10 and the user can easily use the printing system 10 .

(4) Even if the server device 12 has permission from the user as the permission setting information, in the printing device 11, if manual maintenance is instructed and no ejection failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 will be performed. will be As a result, if there is no user's permission as the permission setting information in the server device 12, the user's intention can be respected and maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 can be performed.

(5) When manual maintenance is instructed and no ejection failure is detected and maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed, the fact that no ejection failure has been detected can be displayed on the display section 30 . Accordingly, even when maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is instructed, if no ejection failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed contrary to the user's intention, but the ejection failure is detected. The user can be made aware of what has not happened.

(6) When manual maintenance is instructed, a nozzle check pattern can be printed when no discharge failure is detected and maintenance of the liquid discharger 25 is not performed. Accordingly, even when maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is instructed, if no ejection failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed against the user's intention. can be visually recognized. Therefore, the user can confirm that no ejection failure has been detected.

(7) When manual maintenance is instructed, option information regarding the next operation is displayed on the display unit 30 when no discharge failure is detected and maintenance of the liquid discharger 25 is not performed. As a result, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is instructed, the ejection failure is not detected, and even if the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed against the user's intention, the next operation is selected. It is possible to allow the user to grasp the option information for making the selection.

(8) When manual maintenance is instructed, if ejection failure is not detected and maintenance of the liquid ejecting section 25 is not performed, the operation section 29 is operated to enter a standby state in which an instruction can be accepted. . Accordingly, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is instructed, the ejection failure is not detected, and even when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is not performed contrary to the user's intention, the next instruction is accepted. It can provide users with possible opportunities.

(9) When manual maintenance is instructed, even when ejection failure is not detected, if the restricted number of times the liquid ejection section 25 is controlled to the standby state without being maintained is a predetermined number of times, the liquid ejection section 25 is maintenance is performed. As a result, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is repeatedly instructed according to the operation of the operation section 29, the liquid ejection can be performed while respecting the intention of the user even when the ejection failure is not detected. Maintenance of the unit 25 can be performed.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 transmits the reference request information to the server apparatus 12 before executing the ejection failure detection process. In the second embodiment, the reference request information may be transmitted to the server device 12 after executing the ejection failure detection process in the printing device 11 . In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the same control contents as those of the already described embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the printing apparatus 11, in step S11 of the manual maintenance control process, when the first control unit 31 determines that there is an instruction for manual maintenance, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S<b>14 , the first control unit 31 executes ejection failure detection processing, and proceeds to step S<b>15 .
In step S15, when the first control section 31 determines that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 is detected, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the first control unit 31 determines that the ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit 25 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the first control unit 31 executes reference request information transmission processing. In this process, the first control unit 31 transmits reference request information to the server device 12 . The reference request information includes information requesting that ejection unnecessary is not detected, device identification information of the printing device 11, and permission setting information reference results.

In this way, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 is instructed in response to the operation of the operation section 29, the first control section 31 detects no ejection failure based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection section 34. Then, the reference request information is transmitted to the server device 12 . When this process ends, the first control unit 31 shifts the process to step S<b>13 and waits for reference result information from the server device 12 .

The first control unit 31 waits for reception of the reference result information from the server device 12, and when the reference result information reception process for receiving the reference result information is executed in step S13, the process proceeds to step S16.

<Action of Second Embodiment>
The operation of the second embodiment will be described.
In the printing apparatus 11, when it is determined that there is an instruction for manual maintenance, ejection failure detection is performed. Then, if no ejection failure is detected, reference request information is sent to the server device 12 to indicate that no ejection failure has been detected and to specify the device identification information of the printing device 11 .

When a discharge failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid discharger 25 is performed without sending the reference request information to the server device 12 . At that time, usage history information that can specify that maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 has been performed is transmitted from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 .

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
Effects of the second embodiment will be described.
(10) When manual maintenance is instructed and no ejection failure is detected, the server device 12 can also specify that no ejection failure has been detected by receiving the reference request information.

[Change example]
This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- In the first embodiment, in step S15, when the ejection failure is not detected, the first control unit 31 may transmit to the server device 12 information that can specify that the ejection failure has not been detected. . When the second control unit 41 receives information that can specify that no ejection failure has been detected, the second control unit 41 specifies that the maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 is to be restricted when there is a user's permission as permission setting information. Possible information may be sent to printing device 11 . In step S<b>16 , the first control unit 31 may determine whether or not it has received not the restriction information but information that specifies that the maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 25 should be restricted. In this way, the restriction information transmitted from the server device 12 to the printing device 11 in step S36 can be said to be information that enables the printing device 11 to detect ejection failure.

- When manual maintenance is restricted, the first control unit 31 may transmit to the server device 12 usage history information that can identify that manual maintenance has been restricted.

When the manual maintenance is regulated and the nozzle check pattern is printed, the first control unit 31 transmits usage history information that can identify that the nozzle check pattern was printed to the server device 12. good.

The first control unit 31 may transmit to the server device 12 usage history information that can specify that the standby state has been controlled when manual maintenance is restricted and the standby state is controlled.

- The second control unit 41 may store the reception of the reference request information as usage history information in the user information database DB. This enables the second control unit 41 to identify that manual maintenance has been instructed.

- When manual maintenance is instructed, the second control unit 41 may store, as usage history information in the user information database DB, the fact that the information that can specify that no ejection failure has been detected has been received. As a result, the second control unit 41 can identify that no ejection failure has been detected when manual maintenance is instructed.

- When manual maintenance is restricted, the second control unit 41 may store usage history information that can identify that manual maintenance has been restricted as usage history information in the user information database DB.

When the manual maintenance is restricted and the nozzle check pattern is printed, the second control unit 41 stores the usage history information in the user information database DB that can identify that the nozzle check pattern has been printed. may be stored as

The second control unit 41 stores, as usage history information in the user information database DB, usage history information that can specify that the standby state has been controlled when manual maintenance is restricted and the standby state is controlled. You may

- The 2nd control part 41 may count the frequency|count of regulation based on the use log information which can specify that it was controlled by the standby state. In this case, the second control unit 41 may transmit permission information to the printing device 11 as the reference result information when the counted number of restrictions is the predetermined number.

- The contract information may include a maintenance fee. The maintenance fee may be set based on at least one of the type of maintenance, the intensity of maintenance, and the frequency of maintenance.

- The second control unit 41 may predict the contract information to be recommended to the user based on the usage history information in the user information database DB. As a specific example, the second control unit 41 may predict contract information that recommends contract information with a low charge for the number of prints to the user when the number of prints during the usage period increases.

When manual maintenance is instructed, the second control unit 41 does not detect ejection failure, but when there is no permission from the user as permission setting information, the execution of manual maintenance results in ejection of more liquid than necessary. It is identifiable as In this case, the second control unit 41 may predict the contract information that recommends the contract information with the user's permission as the permission setting information to the user.

The second control unit 41 may transmit contract information recommended to the user to the printing device 11 . In this case, in the printing apparatus 11 , the first control unit 31 may cause the display unit 30 to display the contract information recommended to the user regardless of the operation of the operation unit 29 . In the printing apparatus 11 , the first control unit 31 may cause the display unit 30 to display the contract information recommended to the user according to the operation of the operation unit 29 . Further, the first control unit 31 may transmit to the server device 12 information for changing the contract information recommended to the user according to the operation of the operation unit 29 . In this case, the second control unit 41 may set the contract information in the user information database DB based on the information to be changed to the contract information recommended to the user. Such contract information may include contract information without user consent as permission setting information. Such contract information may include contract information with user's permission as permission setting information. In other words, the setting of the permission setting information may be changed by transmitting the setting change information from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 . Also, the setting of the contract information may be changed by transmitting the setting change information from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 .

The first control unit 31 may perform initial registration in the user information database DB by communicating with the server device 12 when using the printing system 10 is started. In this case, the second control unit 41 may transmit to the printing device 11 prior notice information regarding the review of the contract information including the license setting information. The first control unit 31 may display the advance notice information on the display unit 30 when the advance notice information regarding the review of the contract information including the license setting information is received. The first control unit 31 may transmit the contract information with the user's permission as the permission setting information to the server device 12 on condition that advance notice information regarding the review of the contract information including the permission setting information is confirmed. The advance notice information may be that the contract information including the permission setting information is reviewed according to the operation of the operation unit 29 . The advance notice information may be that the contract information including the permission setting information is automatically reviewed regardless of the operation of the operation unit 29 .

- The predetermined number of times may be one or a plurality of times. The predetermined number of times may be a number of times predetermined by the printing apparatus 11 . The predetermined number of times may be the number of times set changeably according to the operation of the operation unit 29 by the user, or the number of times set changeably based on information from the server device 12 .

The number of restricted times is not the number of times the liquid ejecting section 25 is controlled to the standby state after the maintenance of the liquid ejecting section 25 is restricted, but the number of times the maintenance of the liquid ejecting section 25 is restricted regardless of the number of times the liquid ejecting section 25 is controlled to the standby state. good too.

- Maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 may be restricted even if the restricted number of times is a predetermined number of times. In other words, the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 may be restricted regardless of the number of restrictions.
- The permission setting information may include, for example, whether or not to transmit usage history information from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 . The permission setting information may include, for example, whether or not to transmit the detection of the ejection failure from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 when the printing device 11 detects the ejection failure. The permission setting information may include, for example, whether or not to send information for forcibly executing maintenance from the server device 12 to the printing device 11 when the printing device 11 detects an ejection failure. In the printing apparatus 11 , the first control unit 31 may cause the maintenance unit 33 to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit 25 when receiving information for forcibly performing maintenance. As a result, even if the user does not intend to perform maintenance when an ejection failure is detected, it is possible to suppress deterioration in print quality of the printing apparatus 11 by forcibly performing maintenance. In addition to this, in the server device 12, the maintenance of the liquid ejection section 25 of the printing device 11 can be centrally managed. Also, the provider of the printing system 10 can reduce the frequency of maintenance work.

5 and 8, as a result of waiting for the reference result information, a timeout occurs when a predetermined time has passed since the transmission of the reference request information. You may transfer a process to S22.

5 and 8, the first control unit 31 causes the nozzle check pattern to be printed. good. In other words, the regulation information may be information capable of specifying whether or not to print the nozzle check pattern, or may be information capable of specifying permission to print the nozzle check pattern.

- A guess image for guessing the nozzle check pattern may be displayed on the display unit 30 . A guess image for guessing the nozzle check pattern may be displayed on a terminal display section of a terminal device communicably connected to the printing device 11 . In such cases, the nozzle check pattern may or may not actually be printed.

5 and 8, the option information displayed on the display unit 30 by the first control unit 31 may be information for selecting the type of maintenance to be re-executed. The type of maintenance to be re-executed may be either flushing or cleaning, or the same type of maintenance may have different levels of maintenance.

・Regulatory information is information that can specify multiple items at once, such as the user's permission as permission setting information, manual maintenance regulations, and displaying that no ejection failure was detected. However, it is not limited to this. For example, regulation information may include information corresponding to a plurality of items. As a specific example, as the permission setting information, the 1st bit indicates that there is a user's permission, the 2nd bit indicates that manual maintenance is restricted, and the 3rd bit indicates that no ejection failure has been detected. may be regulatory information assigned to. Also, the plurality of items may include at least one of, for example, printing a nozzle check pattern on the liquid ejection unit 25, displaying option information regarding the next operation, and controlling to a standby state. good. In addition to the regulation information, information corresponding to each of a plurality of items may be transmitted from the server device 12 to the printing device 11, and the transmission order and transmission conditions may be arbitrary. In this way, information corresponding to a plurality of items may be transmitted as the same information or as different information, and their transmission order and transmission conditions may also be different. That is, the second information, the fourth information, the fifth information, the sixth information, and the seventh information may be transmitted as the same information or different information, and their transmission order and transmission conditions may be different. good. Further, the first to seventh information may be information for instructing various matters to the communication destination device.

- The regulation information may be information that can at least specify that there is a user's permission as the permission setting information. The regulation information may be information that can at least identify regulations for manual maintenance.

- The permission information may be information that can at least specify that there is no user's permission as permission setting information. The permission information may be information that can at least specify the permission for manual maintenance.

- The reference request information may be information that can specify at least the device identification information of the printing device 11 . The reference request information may be information that can at least specify that manual maintenance has been instructed. The reference request information may be information that can at least specify that no ejection failure has been detected when manual maintenance is instructed.

- Authentication information may be transmitted from the printing device 11 to the server device 12 when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
The ejection failure detection section 34 may optically detect ejection failure of the liquid ejection section 25 .

- The printing system 10 does not have to be a system using a so-called subscription.
- The medium is not limited to paper, and may be a synthetic resin film, cloth, non-woven fabric, laminated medium, or the like.

・Liquids include, for example, particles of functional materials consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. It is intended to include compositions.

- The printing device 11 is not limited to a multifunction device, and may be a printer or a textile printing device.
[Appendix]
The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.

(A) A printing device and a server device capable of communicating with the printing device, wherein the printing device includes an operation unit operable by a user, a first control unit capable of controlling the printing device, and liquid. A liquid ejection section configured to perform printing by ejection, a maintenance section configured to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection section, and an ejection failure detection section capable of detecting an ejection failure of the liquid ejection section. , wherein the server device has a second control unit capable of controlling the server device, and a storage unit that stores identification information of the printing device and user information in association with each other; When maintenance of the liquid ejection unit is instructed in response to an operation of the operation unit, the unit transmits first information capable of specifying at least identification information of the printing device to the server device, and the second control unit. is capable of at least identifying that the user information includes the permission information when the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device includes the permission information when the first information is received. Second information is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when the first control unit receives the second information and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit, the A maintenance section is not allowed to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section.

According to this configuration, if the permission information is included in the user information in the server device, in the printing device, when maintenance of the liquid ejection unit is instructed according to the operation of the operation unit, ejection failure is not detected. Occasionally, the liquid ejector is not maintained. As a result, if the permission information is included in the user information in the server device, unnecessary maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed, and it is possible to suppress ejection of liquid from the liquid ejection section more than necessary.

License information can be centrally managed in the server device as user information associated with the identification information of the printing device. Further, the communication between the printing apparatus and the server device prevents unnecessary maintenance of the liquid ejection section, thereby preventing the liquid ejection section from ejecting liquid more than necessary.

(B) When maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, the first control section detects the ejection failure based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection section. Further, the fact that the ejection failure has not been detected and the first information that can specify at least the identification information of the printing device may be transmitted to the server device.

According to this configuration, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed in accordance with the operation of the operation section, and the ejection failure is not detected in the server device, the ejection failure is detected by receiving the first information. You can identify what wasn't there.

(C) When the second control unit receives the first information, and if the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device does not include the license information, the user information includes the license information. The third information that can at least specify that the ejection failure is not performed is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when the first control unit receives the third information, the ejection failure is detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. When no detection is made, the maintenance section may be caused to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section.

According to this configuration, if the permission information was not included in the user information in the server device, in the printing device, when maintenance of the liquid ejection unit was instructed according to the operation of the operation unit, the ejection failure was not detected. From time to time, maintenance of the liquid ejector is performed. As a result, if the user information in the server device does not include the permission information, the user's intention can be respected and maintenance of the liquid ejection section can be performed.

(D) The printing device has a display unit for displaying information, and when the second control unit receives the first information, the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device includes permission information. When the fourth information is included, the fourth information that can be specified to display that the ejection failure has not been detected is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the first control unit receives the fourth information. Alternatively, when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit, the display unit may display that the ejection failure has not been detected.

According to this configuration, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, ejection failure is not detected and when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed, ejection failure is not detected. can be displayed. As a result, even when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed, if no ejection failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed contrary to the user's intention, but no ejection failure was detected. The user can be made aware of this.

(E) When the second control unit receives the first information, and if permission information is included in the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device, the second control unit causes the liquid ejection unit to print a nozzle check pattern. When receiving the fifth information, the first control unit determines that the ejection failure has occurred based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. A nozzle check pattern may be printed on the liquid ejector when no detection is made.

According to this configuration, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, the nozzle check pattern is printed when the ejection failure is not detected and the maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed. can be done. Accordingly, even when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed, if no ejection failure is detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed contrary to the user's intention. can be made Therefore, the user can confirm that no ejection failure has been detected.

(F) The printing device has a display unit for displaying information, and when the second control unit receives the first information, the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device includes permission information. When included, the sixth information capable of specifying display of option information regarding the next operation is transmitted to the printing device, and when the sixth information is received, the first control unit performs the ejection When the ejection failure is not detected based on the result of detection by the failure detection section, option information regarding the next operation may be displayed on the display section.

According to this configuration, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed in accordance with the operation of the operation section, and when ejection failure is not detected and maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed, option information regarding the next operation is provided. Is displayed. As a result, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed, ejection failure is not detected, and even when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed contrary to the user's intention, the next operation can be selected. The user can grasp the option information of

(G) When receiving the first information, the second control unit, when permission information is included in the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device, responds to the operation of the operation unit. Seventh information that can be specified to control to a standby state in which instructions can be received is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the first control unit, when receiving the seventh information, detects a detection result by the ejection failure detection unit. may be controlled to the standby state when the ejection failure is not detected based on the above.

According to this configuration, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, and maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed because an ejection failure is not detected, maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed according to the operation of the operation section. It is controlled to a standby state that can accept instructions. As a result, when maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed, ejection failure is not detected. The user can be provided with an opportunity to accept the following instructions.

(H) The first control unit receives the second information, and counts the number of times the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit and the standby state is controlled. The first control unit counts the number of times of control, and receives the second information, and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. The maintenance section may be caused to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection section when the liquid ejection section is discharged.

According to this configuration, when the maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, the number of times of control in which the maintenance of the liquid ejection section is not performed and the standby state is controlled even when the ejection failure is not detected. is the predetermined number of times, maintenance of the liquid ejection section is performed. As a result, if maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed repeatedly in accordance with the operation of the operation section, the liquid ejection section can be performed while respecting the intention of the user even when ejection failure is not detected. maintenance can be performed.

DB... user information database, 10... printing system, 11, 11A to 11D... printing device, 12... server device, 13... network, 21... main unit, 22... medium storage unit, 23... stacker, 24... printing unit, 25 Liquid ejection section 26 Image reading section 27 Automatic document feeding section 28 Operation panel 29 Operation section 30 Display section 31 First control section 32 Conveyance section 33 Maintenance section , 34... ejection failure detection unit, 35... first communication unit, 41... second control unit, 42... storage unit, 43... second communication unit, 50... nozzle check pattern, 51... pattern, 52... notification information, 53 …choice information

Claims (8)

a printing device;
a server device capable of communicating with the printing device;
The printing device
an operating unit operable by a user;
a first control unit capable of controlling the printing device;
a liquid ejection unit configured to perform printing by ejecting liquid;
a maintenance unit configured to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit;
an ejection failure detection unit capable of detecting an ejection failure of the liquid ejection unit;
The server device
a second control unit capable of controlling the server device;
a storage unit that associates and stores identification information of the printing device and user information;
When maintenance of the liquid ejection unit is instructed in response to operation of the operation unit, the first control unit transmits to the server device first information capable of specifying at least identification information of the printing device,
When receiving the first information, the second control unit determines that the user information includes the license information when the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device includes the license information. transmitting to the printing device second information that can at least identify the
When receiving the second information, the first control unit causes the maintenance unit to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection unit when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. do not let
A printing system characterized by: The printing system of claim 1, wherein
When maintenance of the liquid ejection section is instructed according to the operation of the operation section, the first control section controls the liquid ejection section when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection section. transmitting to the server device the fact that no ejection failure has been detected and the first information that can specify at least the identification information of the printing device;
A printing system characterized by: In the printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
When the second control unit receives the first information and the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device does not include the license information, the second control unit determines that the user information does not include the license information. transmitting to the printing device third information that can at least identify the
When receiving the third information, the first control unit causes the maintenance unit to perform maintenance of the liquid ejection unit when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. let
A printing system characterized by: In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The printing device has a display unit for displaying information,
When receiving the first information, the second control unit displays that the ejection failure has not been detected when the user information associated with the identification information of the printing apparatus includes permission information. transmitting to the printing device fourth information that can specify that the
When receiving the fourth information, the first control unit displays that the ejection failure is not detected when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. display in the
A printing system characterized by: In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When receiving the first information, the second control unit causes the liquid ejection unit to print a nozzle check pattern when user information associated with the identification information of the printing apparatus includes permission information. sending fifth information that can identify the fact to the printing device;
When the fifth information is received, the first control unit causes the liquid ejection unit to print a nozzle check pattern when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit.
A printing system characterized by: In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The printing device has a display unit for displaying information,
When receiving the first information, the second control unit displays option information regarding the next operation when user information associated with the identification information of the printing apparatus includes permission information. sending identifiable sixth information to the printing device;
When receiving the sixth information, the first control unit displays option information regarding the next operation on the display unit when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit. let
A printing system characterized by: In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When receiving the first information, the second control unit accepts an instruction according to the operation of the operation unit when the user information associated with the identification information of the printing device includes permission information. sending seventh information that can specify control to the possible standby state to the printing device;
When receiving the seventh information, the first control unit controls to the standby state when the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit.
A printing system characterized by: The printing system according to claim 7, wherein
The first control unit receives the second information and counts the number of times the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection unit and the standby state is controlled,
When the counted number of times of control is a predetermined number of times, the second information is received, and the ejection failure is not detected based on the detection result of the ejection failure detection part, the first control unit , causing the maintenance unit to perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit;
A printing system characterized by:

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