JP4453508B2 - Print management method for roll print medium and print management system for roll print medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a roll print medium print management method and a roll print medium print management system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a roll paper printer that prints on a continuous long print paper (roll paper) is used as a printing apparatus that prints large format paper such as a poster. In this roll paper printer, printing of a desired size is performed on sequentially supplied roll paper, and a printed product is formed by cutting (cutting) the printed area from the roll paper.

By the way, in a roll paper printer, different sizes (for example, A
When the remaining amount of roll paper is small, the roll paper is insufficient with respect to the desired usage amount for one sheet, and there is a possibility that printing for one sheet may be interrupted. .

Therefore, conventionally, in order to avoid such interruption of printing, a technique for detecting the remaining amount of roll paper has been proposed in a roll paper printer (for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a storage element for storing the remaining amount of roll paper, that is, a so-called IC tag is provided in the roll paper main body. Each time printing is performed, the roll paper printer measures the length (use amount) of the cut roll paper, subtracts the measured use amount from the remaining amount before printing, and again determines the remaining amount after printing. Store in IC tag. Thereby, the remaining amount of the roll paper before printing can be accurately grasped, and printing interruption can be avoided.
JP 2003-54803 A

By the way, a cut paper printer that prints cut paper such as photographic images has a limited paper size, so that the amount of paper and ink used for printing one sheet can be generally standardized. For this reason, when a cut sheet printer is used as a service for substituting printing, an amount relative to the number of cut sheets can be used. That is, the cut sheet printer can be connected to a billing device that collects a predetermined fee for each cut sheet, such as a coin rack.
Printing can be managed without human intervention. Due to such convenience, cut sheet printers are widely used by being installed in convenience stores and the like.

However, in roll paper printers used at art universities and the like, the roll paper is often changed according to the size, color, gloss, etc. of the paper each time it is printed. Therefore, if it is possible to calculate and collect charges according to the usage status of the roll paper printer, such as the usage and type of roll paper, as well as the usage and type of ink, the management of the printing can be facilitated. The installation range of the roll paper printer can be expanded.

In addition, since the roll paper printer has a large printing size, the time required for printing becomes longer than that of the cut paper printer, and the waiting time for executing printing becomes longer. Therefore, if printing can be performed at a predetermined time, management of printing by the roll paper printer can be further facilitated, and the use range of the roll paper printer can be expanded.

As described above, in a print management system using a roll paper printer, it is desirable to charge or make a reservation according to the usage situation selected by the user.
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to perform management according to the usage status of a printing apparatus that performs printing on a roll-shaped print medium, and to improve the convenience of the roll-shaped print medium. It is an object to provide a print management method for a print medium and a print management system for a roll-shaped print medium.

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing management method for a roll-shaped print medium in which a printing unit is configured to manage printing of the printing apparatus by a management unit provided in the printing apparatus that prints the liquid contained in the liquid container onto the roll-shaped printing medium. In the print management method for a print medium, the management unit may be configured to use the scheduled usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium used for printing based on the print information before the printing apparatus executes printing based on the print information, and Calculated the expected usage amount of the liquid, calculated the fee for printing the print information based on the expected usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the expected usage amount of the liquid, and received a fee relative to the fee Sometimes the printing apparatus is allowed to print the printing information.

According to the method for managing a roll-shaped print medium of the present invention, it is possible to calculate a fee based on the print information before executing printing, and to wait for printing until a fee corresponding to the fee is received. For this reason, it is possible to perform accounting according to the print information, that is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus, and the convenience can be improved.

In this print management method for a roll-shaped print medium, the print information includes print condition information indicating print image size and print data, and the scheduled usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium is based on the print condition information. The estimated usage amount of the liquid is calculated based on the print data.

According to this print management method for a roll-shaped print medium, the planned use amount of the roll-shaped print medium can be calculated based on the print condition information including the size information of the print image, and the liquid is scheduled to be used based on the print data. The amount can be calculated. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate a fee according to the print information, and to perform accounting according to the print information, that is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus.

According to this print management method for a roll-shaped print medium, storage elements are provided in the roll-shaped print medium and the liquid container, respectively, and only when the remaining amount stored in the storage element is equal to or greater than the planned usage amount.
Billing and printing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the interruption of printing due to the shortage of the roll-shaped print medium and the liquid. That is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing management method for a roll-shaped print medium in which a printing unit is configured to manage printing of the printing apparatus by a management unit provided in the printing apparatus that prints the liquid contained in the liquid container onto the roll-shaped printing medium. In the printing management method for a printing medium, the management unit sets the actual usage amount of the roll-shaped printing medium and the actual usage amount of the liquid detected by the printing apparatus after the printing apparatus executes printing based on printing information. Based on this, a fee associated with the printing of the print information is calculated, and when the fee is charged relative to the fee, the printed area is separated from the roll-shaped print medium, and the printing of the printing information is terminated.

This roll-shaped print medium print management method is characterized in that the roll-shaped print medium is calculated based on an actual usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium detected by the printing apparatus after printing is performed. The liquid container includes a storage element that stores a remaining amount of liquid calculated based on an actual amount of liquid detected by the printing apparatus after printing is performed, and the management The unit is configured such that, before executing printing, the remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium is equal to or greater than a roll-shaped print medium reference value for executing printing based on the print information, and the remaining amount of the liquid is the print information Execution is permitted when the liquid reference value is equal to or greater than the liquid reference value for executing printing based on.

According to this roll-shaped print medium print management method, each storage element is provided in each of the roll-shaped print medium and the liquid container, and the remaining values stored in the storage element are used as reference values for executing printing based on the print information. Only when this is the case, charging and printing can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the interruption of printing due to the shortage of the roll-shaped print medium and the liquid. That is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

In this roll-type print medium print management method, a management center having a storage unit for storing the print information receives a print reservation, starts the print information, user identification information for identifying the user, and printing. The start date and time are stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and when the user identification information is received from the management unit based on the start date and time, the print information is read from the storage unit and transmitted to the printing apparatus. .

According to this roll paper print medium print management method, the print management center stores the print information, the user identification information, and the start date / time in association with each other, and when the user identification information is received at the start date / time, The associated print information is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Therefore, printing can be executed at a desired start date and time, and a roll-shaped print medium and a liquid container required for printing can be prepared in advance. As a result, it is possible to further avoid interruption of printing due to a shortage of the roll-shaped print medium and liquid.

The roll printing medium printing management system according to the present invention prints the printing apparatus by a printing apparatus that jets and prints the liquid contained in the liquid container onto the roll printing medium, and a management unit provided in the printing apparatus. In the print management system for a roll-shaped print medium to be managed, the management unit uses the printing device based on the printing information read from the printing device before the printing device executes printing based on the printing information. A scheduled usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and a planned usage amount of the liquid are calculated, and a fee for printing the print information is calculated based on the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the planned usage amount of the liquid. Charge calculation means and charge processing means for receiving a charge relative to the charge and permitting the printing apparatus to print the print information.

According to the print management system for a roll-shaped print medium of the present invention, it is possible to calculate a fee based on print information before executing printing, and to wait for printing until a fee corresponding to the fee is received. For this reason, it is possible to perform accounting according to the print information, that is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus, and the convenience can be improved.

The roll printing medium printing management system according to the present invention prints the printing apparatus by a printing apparatus that jets and prints the liquid contained in the liquid container onto the roll printing medium, and a management unit provided in the printing apparatus. In the print management system for a roll-shaped print medium to be managed, the management unit performs an actual usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium detected by the printing apparatus and the liquid after the printing apparatus executes printing based on print information. Charge calculation means for calculating a charge for printing the print information based on the actual usage amount, and a charge processing means for receiving a charge relative to the charge and allowing the printed area to be separated from the roll-shaped print medium And with.

According to the print management system for a roll-shaped print medium of the present invention, it is possible to calculate a fee based on the detection result of the printing apparatus after executing printing, and postpone the end of printing until a fee is charged relative to the fee. . For this reason, it is possible to perform accounting according to the printing status, that is, management according to the usage status of the printing apparatus, and the convenience can be improved.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a print management system according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a print management system includes a roll paper printer 10 as a plurality of printing apparatuses,
A plurality of user terminals 11 and a management center 12 are provided. In this embodiment, the print management system is laid in a design school that prints large-format design images and the like.

The user terminal 11 is a computer terminal used by the user, and is installed on the second floor F2 of the design school building in this embodiment. The user terminal 11 is a personal computer or the like, and includes a CPU (not shown), storage means such as a RAM and a hard disk, input means 11a such as a keyboard, output means 11b such as a display, and communication means such as a modem. A user who uses the roll paper printer 10 uses the user terminal 11 to
Print information PI based on desired image data is generated.

The print information PI is information for executing the print desired by the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the print information PI is based on the user identification information UID, the print data PD associated with the user identification information UID, and the print condition information PCI. Information. The user identification information UID is information for uniquely identifying a user, and is a user ID number previously assigned to the user in this embodiment. The print data PD is data generated by converting desired image data by the user terminal 11. The printing condition information PCI is information indicating printing conditions, such as the size of the image to be printed and the number of printed sheets.

The management center 12 is a management server or the like for managing printing of the roll paper printer 10, and includes a management computer 13 and a storage unit 14 as shown in FIG. The management computer 13 manages the exchange of information between the user terminal 11 and the roll paper printer 10, and receives a print request, transfers various information (for example, print information PI), and the like. The storage unit 14 stores various programs for the management computer 13 to accept a print request from the user terminal 11 and various information for executing the programs. As shown in FIG.
It has a user information storage area 14a, a print information storage area 14b, and a print history information storage area 14c.

The user information storage area 14a includes user information (for example, user name (kanji, katakana), address, telephone number, date of birth, gender, user identification information UID of a user who can use the roll paper printer 10). e-mail address etc.). The print information storage area 14b is an area for storing the print information PI received by the management computer 13. The print history information storage area 14c is an area for storing print history information (for example, a user ID number and a print date) for confirming the usage status of the roll paper printer 10.

Then, the management computer 13 receives a print request from the user terminal 11 via the network N, and stores the received print information PI in the storage unit 14. Management computer 1
3 receives a print information PI transfer request from the roll paper printer 10 via the network N, reads the print information PI from the storage unit 14, and transmits the print information PI to the roll paper printer 10.

The roll paper printer 10 is a so-called ink jet printer that ejects ink as liquid to form a printed image, and is installed on the first floor F1 of the design school in the present embodiment. The roll paper printer 10 includes a roll paper 15 as a roll-shaped print medium and an ink cartridge as a liquid container (hereinafter simply referred to as a cartridge).
16, recording head H (see FIG. 2), paper feed motor (hereinafter simply referred to as PF motor) (see FIG. 2)
M and a cutter C (see FIG. 2) are provided.

The roll paper 15 is obtained by winding a long paper in one direction (conveying direction) around a cylindrical core, and is detachably attached to the roll paper printer 10. On the inner peripheral surface of the core of the roll paper 15, a roll paper IC tag 15a is attached as a storage element that exchanges information without contact. A large number of roll papers 15 are stored on the first floor F1 of the building. And
Each time printing is performed, the type (for example, glossy paper or matte paper) or size is changed by the user and set in the roll paper printer 10.

The cartridge 16 accommodates ink as a liquid so as to be supplied to the recording head H, and is detachably attached to the roll paper printer 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge IC tag 16a as a storage element that exchanges information without contact is attached to one side surface of the cartridge 16. A number of cartridges 16 are stored on the first floor F1 of the building, as with the roll paper 15. Each time printing is performed, the type (for example, dye ink or pigment ink) is changed by the user and set in the roll paper printer 10.

The recording head H ejects ink supplied from the cartridge 16 onto the roll paper 15. The recording head H is provided with a number of ejection nozzles (not shown) that eject ink and a number of piezoelectric elements (not shown) that enlarge and reduce the volume in the ejection nozzle. And
When a drive signal (applied voltage data) based on print data is input to the recording head H, the recording head H expands and contracts the piezoelectric element to eject ink in dot units from the opposing ejection nozzles.

The PF motor M drives a paper feeding mechanism (not shown) to feed the roll paper 15 to the recording head H side. The PF motor M is provided with a rotation speed sensor MS (see FIG. 2) that outputs a predetermined electrical signal relative to the rotation speed of the motor.

The cutter C separates the printed area fed by the paper feed motor M from the roll paper 15.
Then, the roll paper printer 10 drives the PF motor M (paper feed mechanism) to roll paper 1
5 is sent to the recording head H side. Next, the roll paper printer 10 supplies the ink in the cartridge 16 to the recording head H and drives the recording head H to eject the ink onto the roll paper 15. Subsequently, the roll paper printer 10 cuts out the area (printed area) where the ink has been ejected by the cutter C to form one printed matter.
(Roll paper IC tag 15a and cartridge IC tag 16a)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the roll paper IC tag 15a and the cartridge IC tag 16a. Since the cartridge IC tag 16a has the same electrical configuration as the roll paper IC tag 15a, the description of the overlapping contents is omitted for convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the roll paper IC tag 15 a includes a rectifier circuit unit 18, a control circuit unit 19, a modem circuit unit 20, a storage unit 21, and an antenna unit 22.
The rectifier circuit unit 18 rectifies the electromagnetic wave obtained via the antenna unit 22, converts it into a DC voltage, and supplies power to a capacitor (not shown). The capacitor can be charged instantaneously, and the supplied power is held by being electrically disconnected from the outside after charging. In addition, the capacitor uses the held power to control circuit unit 19, modulation / demodulation circuit unit 20, and storage unit 2.
1 so that each part can be driven. That is, the roll paper IC tag 15a
Is a so-called non-contact type IC tag that generates DC power by receiving electromagnetic waves.

The modem circuit unit 20 demodulates the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna unit 22 as a control signal and inputs the demodulated signal to the control circuit unit 19. The control circuit unit 19 controls each unit based on various input control signals.

The storage unit 21 stores information about the roll paper 15 (roll paper information RI).
As shown in FIG. 5, the roll paper information RI is information including roll paper identification information RID, roll paper type information RCI, roll paper remaining amount information RRI, and roll paper history information RHI. The roll paper identification information RID is information for uniquely identifying the roll paper 15 and is the production number of the roll paper 15 in the present embodiment. The roll paper type information RCI is information relating to the size of the roll paper 15 (for example, the length in the horizontal direction and the length in the transport direction) and the type of the roll paper 15 (for example, glossy paper, raster paper, etc.). The roll paper remaining amount information RRI is information indicating the remaining amount of the roll paper 15. The roll paper remaining amount information RRI is information that stores the length of the roll paper when not in use as initial information, and is updated by subtracting the used length every time printing is performed.
The roll paper history information RHI is information indicating the usage history of the roll paper 15 and is information relating to the usage amount and usage date of the roll paper.

For example, if the control signal demodulated by the modem circuit unit 20 is a control signal for reading the roll paper identification information RID from the storage unit 21, the control circuit unit 19 reads the roll paper identification information RID stored in the storage unit 21. The modulation / demodulation circuit unit 20 modulates this and outputs it as an electromagnetic wave from the antenna unit 22. On the other hand, the demodulated control signal is stored in the storage unit 21 in the remaining roll paper information RRI.
In the case of the control signal for writing, the control circuit unit 19 writes the demodulated roll paper remaining amount information RRI in the storage unit 21.

The cartridge IC tag 16a stores information related to the cartridge 16 in its storage unit 21 (
Cartridge information CI) is stored.
As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge information CI is information including cartridge identification information CID, cartridge type information CCI, remaining cartridge information CRI, and cartridge history information CHI. The cartridge identification information CID is information for uniquely identifying the cartridge 16 and is a manufacturing number of the cartridge 16 in this embodiment. The cartridge type information CCI is the type of ink (for example, dye ink or pigment ink) accommodated in the cartridge 16 and the ink color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.). The cartridge remaining amount information CRI is information indicating the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 16. The cartridge remaining amount information CRI stores the capacity of ink stored at the time of manufacture as initial information.
This information is updated by subtracting the used capacity every time printing is performed. The cartridge history information CHI is information indicating the usage history of the cartridge 16 and is information relating to the amount of ink used, the date and time of use, and the like.

For example, if the control signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation circuit unit 20 is a control signal for reading the cartridge identification information CID from the storage unit 21, the control circuit unit 19 reads the cartridge identification information CID stored in the storage unit 21, The circuit unit 20 modulates this and outputs it as an electromagnetic wave from the antenna unit 22. On the other hand, if the demodulated control signal is a control signal for writing the cartridge remaining amount information CRI in the storage unit 21, the control circuit unit 19 writes the demodulated cartridge remaining amount information CRI in the storage unit 21.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the roll paper printer 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper printer 10 includes a printing unit 30 and a print management unit 40.
(Printing means 30)
The printing unit 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an I / F 34, a recording head drive circuit unit 35, a paper feed motor drive circuit unit (PF motor drive circuit unit 36), a cutter drive circuit 37, and a first read / write device 38. The second read / write device 39 is electrically connected via the bus 30a.

The CPU 31 executes various arithmetic processing operations for executing printing in accordance with various programs stored in the ROM 32.
The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data for executing the programs. For example, the ROM 32 stores a printing program for executing printing. The ROM 32 stores ink type data and rotation speed data.

The ink type data is data set for each ink type, and includes drive voltage data and dot data. The drive voltage data is data indicating a pattern of applied voltage applied to the piezo element, and is timer data standardized for each ink type. The dot data is data for calculating the amount of ink used for printing (the actual amount of ink used),
This is the ink capacity in dot units set for each type of ink.

The rotational speed data is data for calculating the length of the transported roll paper 15 in the transport direction (actual usage amount of the roll paper), and is the length of the roll paper 15 normalized by the rotational speed of the PF motor M. is there.

The RAM 33 is a work area for the CPU 31 and temporarily stores various calculation processing results calculated by the CPU 31.
The I / F 34 is an interface that enables various information to be exchanged between the printing unit 30 (print management unit 40) and the management center 12 via the network N. For example, I /
F34 transmits the print information PI from the management center 12 to the printing means 30 (print management unit 40). The I / F 24 is provided with a management unit I / F 34a. The management unit I / F 34 a is an interface that enables various information to be exchanged between the printing unit 30 and the print management unit 40. For example, the management unit I / F 34 a transmits a signal indicating that printing has been completed from the printing unit 30 to the print management unit 40.

The recording head drive circuit unit 35 converts drive voltage data input by the CPU 31 to generate applied voltage data to be applied to each piezo element, and generates a pulse that is a temporal change in voltage based on the print data PD. As shown in FIG. 2, the recording head drive circuit unit 35 is provided with a dot counter 35a that counts the number of dots of each ink color, that is, the number of dots relative to each cartridge 16, based on the applied voltage data. . Then, the CPU 31 refers to dot data (ink capacity in dot units) based on the count value of the dot counter 35a, and calculates the actual ink usage based on the number of dots counted by the dot counter 35a.

The PF motor drive circuit unit 36 is configured to generate a PF motor M based on a drive signal input by the CPU 31.
To drive the paper feed mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2, the PF motor drive circuit unit 36 is provided with a rotation speed counter 36a that converts a signal output from the rotation speed sensor MS and counts the rotation speed of the PF motor in the conveyance direction. Yes. Then, the CPU 31 refers to the rotational speed data (the length of the roll paper 15 normalized by the rotational speed), and calculates the actual roll paper usage based on the rotational speed counted by the rotational speed counter 36a.

The cutter drive circuit 37 drives the cutter C based on the drive signal input by the CPU 31 and separates the printed area from the roll paper 15.
The first read / write device 38 is a device that updates the roll paper IC tag 15a in a non-contact manner, and includes a receiving device 38a and a transmitting device 38b. The first read / write device 38 receives the roll paper information RI written in the storage unit 21 of the roll paper IC tag 15a via the reception device 38a and writes it to the storage unit 21 via the transmission device 38b. The roll paper information RI is transmitted.

The second read / write device 39 is a device for updating without contact with the cartridge IC tag 16a, and includes a receiving device 39a and a transmitting device 39b. Second read / write device 3
9 receives the cartridge information CI written in the storage unit 21 of the cartridge IC tag 16a through the receiving device 39a, and transmits the cartridge information CI to be written in the storage unit 21 through the transmission device 39b.
(Print management unit 40)
The print management unit 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, and a RAM constituting charge calculation means.
43, an input unit 44, an I / F 45, a storage device 46, a display unit 47, and a charging device 48 as a charging processing means are electrically connected via a bus 40a.

The CPU 41 executes the roll paper printer 10 according to various programs stored in the ROM 42.
Various arithmetic processing operations are performed to manage printing. The RAM 43 is a work area for the CPU 41 and temporarily stores various calculation processing results of the CPU 41.

The input unit 44 is a keyboard or the like composed of various buttons, and a button signal based on the operation is output to the CPU 41. For example, the input unit 44 pushes the button corresponding to the user ID number (user identification information UID) to set the user identification information UID to CP.
Output to U41.

The I / F 45 is an interface that enables various information to be exchanged between the print management unit 40 and the printing unit 30. For example, the I / F 45 transmits information indicating that printing is to be performed from the print management unit 40 to the printing unit 30.

The storage device 46 stores various types of information for the print management unit 40 to manage a fee (printing fee) associated with printing, and is a storage device such as a hard disk. In the storage device 46, a user information storage area 46a, a charge calculation information storage area 46b, and a charging history information storage area 46c are formed.

The user information storage area 46 a is stored in the storage unit 14 (user information storage area 14 of the management center 12.
This is an area for storing the same user identification information UID as the user identification information UID stored in a). As a result, user authentication performed by the management center 12 can also be performed by the print management unit 40 (roll paper printer 10).

As shown in FIG. 7, the charge calculation information storage area 46b includes roll paper usage amount calculation information URI,
This is an area for storing ink usage amount calculation information UII and printing fee information UCI.
The roll paper use amount calculation information URI is information for calculating the length in the transport direction of the roll paper 15 used for printing (roll paper planned use amount) in advance. That is, the roll paper usage amount calculation information URI is information regarding the length obtained by normalizing the size (for example, A0 or A3) of the print image included in the print condition information PCI to the width of the roll paper 15 (roll paper type information RCI). It is. Then, the CPU 41 refers to the roll paper use amount calculation information URI (length information), and determines the number of printed sheets (
The estimated roll paper usage based on the printing condition information PCI) is calculated.

The ink usage calculation information UII is information for calculating the ink capacity (scheduled ink usage) used in advance for printing. That is, the ink use amount calculation information UII is the print data P
This is information composed of information that makes it possible to convert D into the number of dots of each ink color and the dot data (the ink capacity in units of dots set for each ink type). Then, the CPU 41
The number of dots of each color based on the print data PD is calculated with reference to the ink use amount calculation information UII, and the planned ink use amount based on the number of dots calculated with reference to the dot data is calculated.

The printing fee information UCI is information for calculating a printing fee, and is money amount information such as a fee table set in advance corresponding to the roll paper usage amount and the ink usage amount. Then, the CPU 41 refers to the printing fee information UCI and calculates a printing fee based on the roll paper planned usage amount and the ink scheduled usage amount.

The accounting history information storage area 46c is an area for storing accounting history information for storing the status of accounting processing. The charging history information is the user ID of the user who uses the roll paper printer 10.
The information includes a number (user identification information UID), a printing fee charged by the user, a date and time of charging, and the like, and indicates whether or not the user using the roll paper printer 10 has been charged.

The display unit 47 is composed of a device such as an LCD and displays various messages (for example, a user ID number, a printing fee, an error message, a status, etc.) based on various control signals input from the CPU 41.

The charging device 48 is a device for receiving a printing fee when charging for use of the roll paper printer 10, and is a coin rack, for example. The billing device 48 stores cash that can be used as change and cash that is input by the user, and performs a settlement process for the printing fee.

Next, a printing operation using the above-described print management system will be described below.
(Reception of print request)
Now, a user who uses the roll paper printer 10 accesses the management center 12 from the user terminal 11, transmits print information PI, and requests printing based on the print information PI. Then, the management computer 13 receives the print information PI and uses the user identification information U from the print information PI.
ID (user ID number) is read. Next, the management computer 13 searches the user information storage area 14a of the storage unit 14 and determines whether or not the read user ID number is registered in advance.

When the management computer 13 determines that the print information PI is registered in advance, the management computer 13 stores the received print information PI in the print information storage area 14b, and finishes accepting the print request. Incidentally, if the management computer 13 determines that the print information PI is not registered in advance, the management computer 13 deletes the print information PI and notifies the user terminal 11 that the print request is not accepted.

That is, the management center 12 refers to the user ID number stored in the user information storage area 14a, and accepts only a print request of a user registered in advance, and stores the print information PI.
(Acquisition of print information PI)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring print information PI by the roll paper printer 10.

First, a user who uses the roll paper printer 10 inputs a user ID number owned by the input unit 44 of the roll paper printer 10 (print management unit 40) (step S11).
Then, the print management unit 40 (CPU 41) displays the storage device 46 (user information storage area 4).
6a) is searched to determine whether or not the user ID number is registered in advance (step S12). Next, when CPU 41 determines that the input user ID number is registered in advance (YES in step S12), CPU 41 transmits the user ID number to management computer 13 (step S13).

When receiving the user ID number (step S21), the management computer 13 searches the print information storage area 14b, reads the print information PI including the user ID number, and uses the print information PI for the roll paper printer 10 used by the user. (CPU41) (Step S
22).

Subsequently, the roll paper printer 10 (CPU 41) receives the print information PI desired by the user from the management computer 13 and ends the operation for acquiring the print information PI (step S14).
. Incidentally, if the CPU 41 determines that the user ID number input from the input unit 44 is not registered in advance (NO in step S12), the CPU 41 displays a message or the like prompting the user ID number to be re-input on the display unit 47. The print information PI acquisition operation is terminated.
(Printing operation)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a printing operation by the roll paper printer 10.

When the roll paper printer 10 (CPU 41) acquires the printing information PI, the printing information PI
Are stored in the RAM 43, and the roll paper use amount calculation information URI and the ink use amount calculation information UII are read from the storage device 46 (the charge calculation information storage area 46b). Next, CPU
41 calculates the roll paper planned usage based on the printing condition information PCI with reference to the roll paper usage calculation information URI, and calculates the planned ink usage based on the print data PD with reference to the ink usage calculation information UII. (Step S31). Subsequently, the CPU 41 stores each scheduled usage amount in the RAM 43 and transmits a signal to the printing means 30 via the I / F 45, 34 indicating that the calculation of each scheduled usage amount has been completed.

When the printing means 30 (CPU 31) receives a signal indicating that the calculation of each scheduled usage amount has been completed, the printing means 30 (CPU 31) drives the first and second read / write devices 38 and 39, and roll paper IC tag 15a and cartridge IC tag. The roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI are read from 16a (step S32). Next, the CPU 31 reads the roll paper remaining amount information RRI and the cartridge remaining amount information CRI from the roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI, respectively, and prints the remaining amount information RRI and CRI through the I / Fs 45 and 34, respectively. 40.

When the print management unit 40 (CPU 41) receives the remaining amount information RRI and CRI, the remaining amount of the roll paper 15 is equal to or greater than the expected usage amount of the roll paper, and the remaining amount of the cartridge 16 is equal to or greater than the expected usage amount of the ink. It is determined whether or not there is (step S33). If the CPU 41 determines that each remaining amount is equal to or more than each scheduled usage amount (YES in step S33), the CPU 41 refers to the printing fee information UCI in the storage device 46 (the fee calculation information storage area 46b) and uses the roll paper scheduled usage. The printing fee is calculated based on the amount and the planned ink usage amount. Then, the printing fee is displayed on the display unit 47 until the cash corresponding to the printing fee is inserted into the charging device 48 (steps S34 and S35). Incidentally, if it is determined that the remaining amount of the roll paper 15 or the cartridge 16 is less than the planned usage amount (NO in step S33), the CPU 41
Displays a message indicating that the remaining amount is insufficient on the display unit 47, deletes the print information PI, and ends the printing operation (steps S33a and S40).

Then, when the cash corresponding to the printing fee is inserted into the charging device 48, the charging device 48
Outputs a signal to the CPU 41 that the settlement process has been completed, adds the user ID number and the printing fee in association with the charging history information, and updates the charging history information. Thus, even if printing is interrupted due to unforeseen reasons after the settlement process, it is possible to leave a history of accounting before printing, and to compensate for the printing of the printing information PI.

Next, when the CPU 41 receives a signal indicating that the settlement process has been completed from the charging device 48 (YES in step S35), the CPU 41 executes print information PI and printing on the printing means 30 via the I / Fs 45 and 34. Send a signal.

When the printing unit 30 (CPU 31) receives the print information PI and a signal to execute printing, the printing unit 30 (CPU 31) starts printing based on the print information PI (step S36). That is, the CPU 31 refers to the print information PI and causes the PF motor drive circuit unit 36 to drive the PF motor M (paper feeding mechanism). At the same time, the CPU 31 determines the cartridge type information C from the cartridge information CI.
The CI is read, and drive voltage data relative to the cartridge type information CCI (type of each ink) is output to the recording head drive circuit unit 35. The recording head drive circuit unit 35 includes a CPU 3
Drive voltage data input by 1 is converted to generate applied voltage data to be applied to each piezo element, and the recording head H is driven based on the applied voltage data.

At this time, the rotation speed counter 36a counts the rotation speed of the PF motor M based on the rotation speed sensor MS. The dot counter 35a counts the number of dots corresponding to each cartridge 16.

When the printing based on the printing information PI is completed, the CPU 31 refers to the rotational speed data stored in the ROM 32 and calculates the actual roll paper usage based on the rotational speed counted by the rotational speed counter 36a. At the same time, the CPU 31 refers to the dot data stored in the ROM 32 and calculates the actual ink usage based on the number of dots counted by the dot counter 35a. Next, the CPU 31 reads the roll paper remaining amount information R read from the IC tags 15a and 16a.
The corresponding actual usage amount is subtracted from the RI and the cartridge remaining amount information CRI, and the roll paper remaining amount information RRI and the cartridge remaining amount information CRI after the subtraction are generated. At the same time, the CPU 31 adds the actual usage amount and use date and time to the roll paper history information RHI and the cartridge history information CHI, and updates the roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI stored in the IC tags 15a and 16a ( Step S37). As a result, each IC tag 15a, 16a always stores the remaining amount of roll paper information RRI and the remaining amount of cartridge information CRI based on the actual used amount of roll paper and the actual used amount of ink.

When the roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI are updated, the CPU 31 causes the cutter drive circuit 37 to drive the cutter C and separates the printed area from the roll paper 15 (step S38). Thereby, one printed matter based on the printing information PI is formed. In addition,
When printing a plurality of print sheets, printing by the printing means 30 (step S36).
-S38) is repeated.

Subsequently, when the CPU 31 forms a printed matter based on the print information PI, the CPU 31 transmits a signal indicating that the printing is finished to the management center 12 (step S39). When the management center 12 receives a signal indicating that printing has ended, it generates print history information (user ID number and print date), stores it in the print history information storage area 14c, and deletes the print information PI (step S41). ). Further, the roll paper printer 10 (CPU 31, 41) deletes the print information PI stored in the RAM 33, 43, and ends the printing operation.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, before executing printing, the print management unit 40 performs the print information P
The estimated roll paper usage and ink usage are calculated based on I, and the printing fee based on the roll paper usage and ink usage is displayed and charged. Therefore, it is possible to check and charge the printing fee based on the printing information PI in advance. As a result, management according to the usage status of the roll paper printer 10 can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

(2) In the above embodiment, before executing printing, the print management unit 40 performs the print information P
Each scheduled usage amount is calculated based on I, and when each usage amount is equal to or greater than each remaining amount stored in each IC tag 15a, 16a, execution of printing is permitted. Thereby, it is possible to reliably avoid the interruption of printing due to the shortage of the remaining amount of the roll paper 15 or the cartridge 16. As a result, management according to the usage status of the roll paper printer 10 can be performed, and the convenience can be further improved.

(3) In the above embodiment, before executing printing, the print management unit 40 performs the print fee settlement process to update the charging history information. This allows you to leave a history of charges before printing, even if printing is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances after the checkout process,
Charges for printing the print information PI can be compensated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the printing operation of the roll paper printer 10 in the first embodiment is changed.
In other respects, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, these changes will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the roll paper printer 10 in the second embodiment. Note that the ROM 32 of the printing unit 30 stores the actual amount of roll paper 15 used for printing the maximum size (for example, A0 size) allowed by the roll paper printer 10 (roll paper reference value as a roll-shaped print medium reference value). ) And the actual usage amount of the cartridge 16 (ink reference value as the liquid reference value).

First, the roll paper printer 10 receives and acquires the print information PI desired by the user from the management computer 13 in the same manner as described above. Then, the printing means 30 (CPU 31) drives the first and second read / write devices 38 and 39 to read the roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI from the roll paper IC tag 15a and the cartridge IC tag 16a, respectively ( Step S51). Next, the CPU 31 performs roll paper information RI and cartridge information CI.
The remaining amount information RRI of the roll paper and the remaining amount information CRI of the cartridge are read out from each of them, and it is determined whether or not each remaining amount is equal to or larger than each reference value stored in the ROM 32 (step S52).

When CPU 31 determines that each remaining amount is equal to or greater than each reference value (Y in step S52).
ES), printing based on the printing information PI is started (step S53). At this time, the rotation speed counter 36a counts the rotation speed of the PF motor M based on the rotation speed sensor MS. Further, the dot counter 35a counts the number of dots facing each cartridge 16.

Next, when the printing based on the printing information PI is completed, the CPU 31 calculates the actual usage amount of the roll paper and the actual usage amount of ink based on the counts of the rotation speed sensor MS and the dot counter 35a. Subsequently, the CPU 31 subtracts the corresponding actual usage amount from the roll paper remaining amount information RRI and the cartridge remaining amount information CRI read from the IC tags 15a and 16a, and the subtracted roll paper remaining amount information RRI and the cartridge remaining amount are subtracted. An information CRI is generated. At the same time, CPU 31
Shows the actual usage amount and the usage date and time for the roll paper history information RHI and the cartridge history information CHI.
In addition, the roll paper information RI and cartridge information CI stored in the IC tags 15a and 16a are updated (steps S54 and S55). Incidentally, when CPU 31 determines that each remaining amount is less than each reference value (NO in step S52), CPU 31 displays a message indicating that the remaining amount is insufficient on display unit 47, and deletes print information PI. The printing operation is terminated (steps S52a and S60).

When the roll paper information RI and the cartridge information CI are updated, the CPU 31 outputs each actual usage amount to the print management unit 40 and instructs the calculation of the printing fee.
When the print management unit 40 (CPU 41) receives an instruction to calculate the printing fee, the printing management unit 40 (CPU 41) calculates the printing fee based on the actual usage amount of the roll paper and the actual ink usage amount with reference to the printing fee information UCI. The printing fee is displayed on the display unit 47 until the amount of cash corresponding to is inserted into the charging device 48 (steps S56 and S57). When the amount of cash corresponding to the printing fee is inserted into billing device 48 (YES in step S57), billing device 48 outputs to CPU 41 a signal indicating that the settlement process has been completed, and the user ID number and The printing fee is added to the billing history information to update the billing history information.

When the CPU 41 receives a signal from the charging device 48 indicating that the settlement process has been completed, the printing means 3
A signal indicating that the accounting process has been completed is output to 0. When the printing means 30 (CPU 31) receives a signal to the effect that the accounting process has been completed from the print management unit 40, it causes the cutter drive circuit 37 to drive the cutter C and separate the printed area from the roll paper 15 (step S58). . Thereby, one printed matter based on the printing information PI is formed. That is, the print management unit 40 (CPU 41) does not instruct the separation of the printed area unless the charging process by the charging device 48 is terminated. Note that, when printing a plurality of printed sheets, the printing by the printing means 30 described above is repeated (steps S51 to S55).

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, after executing printing, the print management unit 40 calculates the actual roll paper usage and the actual ink usage based on the counts of the rotation speed counter 36a and the dot counter 35a. The printing fee based on the actual usage amount and the actual ink usage amount is displayed and charged. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately calculate and charge a printing fee according to the printing status. As a result, management according to the usage status of the roll paper printer 10 can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

(2) In the above embodiment, the print management unit 40 instructs the printing unit 30 to detach the printed area only when the accounting process by the accounting device 48 is completed after printing. Thereby, for the printed matter formed by the roll paper printer 10,
It is possible to reliably charge the printing fee. As a result, management according to the usage status of the roll paper printer 10 can be performed, and the convenience can be further improved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the reception of the print request and the acquisition of the print information PI in the first embodiment are changed, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, these changes will be described in detail.
(Reservation of print reservation)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of print reservation information, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing acceptance of a print request.

The storage unit 14 (print history information storage area 14c) of the management center 12 stores the roll paper printer 1
Print reservation information PRI indicating use reservation of 0 and screen for printing reservation (print reservation screen)
Is stored on the user terminal 11 as reservation screen display information.

The print reservation information PRI is information indicating reservation contents received by the management center 12, and is shown in FIG.
1, user identification information UID, printer identification information PID, reserved output date RDI
, Print data PD and print condition information PCI. The printer identification information PID is information for uniquely identifying the roll paper printer 10 and is a printer ID number assigned in advance to each roll paper printer 10 in this embodiment. The reserved output date and time RDI is the print information PI.
This is the date and time when the user desires to use the roll paper printer 10 for printing.

First, when a user who uses the roll paper printer 10 accesses the management center 12 from the user terminal 11 and makes a request to display a print reservation screen (step S71), the management center 12
Transmits reservation screen display information for displaying a print reservation screen to the user terminal 11 (step S81). This reservation display screen allows the user to input information relating to user identification information UID, printer identification information PID, reservation output date / time RDI, print data PD, and print condition information PCI.

When receiving the reservation screen display information from the management center 12, the user terminal 11 displays a print reservation screen for reserving printing based on the reservation screen display information (step S72). Next, when the user inputs information related to the user identification information UID, printer identification information PID, reservation output date / time RDI, print data PD, and print condition information PCI on the print reservation screen, the user terminal 11 receives the input information. The print reservation information PRI is generated based on the above, and the print reservation information PRI is transmitted to the management center 12 (step S73).

When the management center 12 receives the print reservation information PRI from the user terminal 11 (step S).
82) It is determined whether or not reservation is possible based on the print reservation information PRI stored in the storage unit 14 (step S83). That is, when receiving the print reservation information PRI, the management center 12 refers to the printer identification information PID and the reservation output date / time RDI included in the print reservation information PRI, and stores the storage unit 14 (preliminarily stored printer identification information PID and Reservation output date and time RDI)
Search for. That is, the management center 12 confirms whether or not there is another reservation in the roll paper printer 10 that is to be used at the date and time when the user intends to make a reservation.

When the management center 12 determines that the received print reservation information PRI can be reserved (YES in step S83), the management center 12 stores the received print reservation information PRI in the storage unit 14 (print history information storage area 14c) (step S84). ). Next, after storing the print reservation information PRI in the storage unit 14, the management center 12 notifies the user terminal 11 of the completion of the print reservation and ends the reception of the print reservation (step S85). Incidentally, when the management center 12 determines that the received print reservation information PRI cannot be reserved (NO in step S83), the management center 12 notifies the user terminal 11 that the print reservation is impossible and ends the acceptance of the print reservation. (Step S8
3a).

(Acquisition of print information PI)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation for acquiring the print information PI.
When the roll paper printer 10 (CPU 41) determines that the user ID number input from the input unit 44 is registered in advance, the roll paper printer 1
The printer ID number 0 is transmitted to the management center 12 (steps S11 to S13).

When receiving the user ID number and the printer ID number from the roll paper printer 10 (step S21), the management center 12 refers to the user ID number (user identification information UID) and searches the print history information storage area 14c. Print reservation information P associated with the user ID number
RI is read (step S21a). Next, the management center 12 sends the print reservation information PR.
The printer identification information PID and the reserved output date / time RDI are read from I. Subsequently, the management center 12 determines whether or not the read printer identification information PID and the received printer ID number are the same, and determines whether or not the current date / time corresponds to the reserved output date / time RDI. It is determined whether or not printing can be executed.

When the management center 12 determines that printing can be performed, it generates print information PI (user identification information UID, print data PD, and print condition information PCI), and roll paper printer 10.
(Step S22). When the roll paper printer 10 receives the printing information PI from the management center 12, the roll paper printer 10 ends the operation for acquiring the printing information PI (step S14).

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, the management center 12 transmits the reservation screen display information to the user terminal 11 and receives the print reservation information PRI generated by the user terminal 11 to determine whether or not the reservation can be made. I decided to judge. Further, the management center 12 stores only the print reservation information PRI that can be reserved in the storage unit 14 and is included in the print reservation information PRI when receiving the user identification information UID included in the print reservation information PRI. The print information PI is transmitted to the roll paper printer 10.

Therefore, the roll paper printer 10 designated in advance at the reserved date and time can be used.
Therefore, the waiting time for starting printing can be reduced. As a result, management according to the usage status of the roll paper printer 10 can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

Each of the above embodiments may be embodied as follows.
In the above embodiment, the roll paper printer 10 acquires the print information PI from the management center 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reading unit that enables reading of information (printing information PI) stored in a storage medium (for example, a CD or a USB memory) is a roll paper printer 10.
The print information PI may be acquired from the storage medium.

In the above embodiment, the actual amount of roll paper used is determined based on the number of rotations of the PF motor M.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the roll paper 15 is provided in the roll paper printer 10, and the actual use amount of the roll paper is calculated by the weight of the roll paper 15. You may make it do. Further, the actual ink use amount may be calculated by the weight of the cartridge 16 as long as it is a parameter that can define the remaining amount of the roll paper 15 and the cartridge 16.

In the above embodiment, the management center 12 receives a print reservation requested from the user terminal 11. Not limited to this, the print reservation information PRI, reservation screen display information, and the like may be stored in the storage device 46 of the roll paper printer 10 so that the roll paper printer 10 accepts the print reservation. Furthermore, a print reservation screen may be displayed on the display unit 47 of the roll paper printer 10 to make a print reservation from the input unit 44 of the roll paper printer 10.

In the above embodiment, the billing device 48 collects cash corresponding to the printing fee. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and amount data corresponding to the printing fee (for example, amount data stored in a prepaid card) is collected. You may make it collect.

-In above-mentioned embodiment, although user identification information UID was materialized as a user ID number, it is not restricted to this, For example, a user's name etc. may be sufficient and it is the information memorize | stored in the user information of the user information storage area 14a. Any information that can uniquely identify the user may be used.

In the above embodiment, the roll paper printer 10 as the printing apparatus includes the printing unit 30 and the print management unit 40, causes the printing unit 30 to execute processing relating to printing, and causes the printing management unit 40 to execute processing relating to printing fee accounting. I tried to make it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage unit 46, the display unit 47, the billing device 48, and the like may be provided in the printing unit 30, and the CPU 31 may execute processing related to billing for the printing fee.

In the above embodiment, the roll paper printer 10 as the printing apparatus is configured to include the printing unit 30 and the print management unit 40. At this time, the print management unit 40 may be arranged inside the casing of the roll paper printer 10 or may be arranged separately from the casing of the roll paper printer 10.

In the first embodiment, the roll paper remaining amount information RRI and the cartridge remaining amount information CRI are updated based on the actual roll paper use amount and the actual ink use amount, respectively. The update may be performed based on the usage amount and the planned ink usage amount.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print management system according to a first embodiment. Similarly, the block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a roll paper printer. Similarly, the block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of an IC tag. The figure which similarly shows print information. Similarly, the figure which shows roll paper information. Similarly, the figure which shows cartridge information. Similarly, the figure which shows the information recorded on a charge calculation information storage area. Similarly, the flowchart which shows the acquisition operation of print information. Similarly, the flowchart which shows printing operation. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the printing reservation information of 3rd Embodiment. Similarly, the flowchart which shows the reception operation | movement of a printing reservation. Similarly, the flowchart which shows the acquisition operation of print information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Roll paper printer as printing apparatus, 11 ... User terminal, 12 ... Management center, 14
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Storage part, 15 ... Roll paper as roll-shaped print medium, 15a ... Roll paper IC tag as storage element, 16 ... Ink cartridge as liquid container, 16a ... Cartridge IC tag as storage element, 30 ... Printing means , 40 ... print management unit, 41 ... CPU constituting charge calculation means, PI ... print information, PD ... print data, PCI ... print condition information, UID
... User identification information.

Claims (4)

In the printing management method for a roll-shaped print medium, which manages the printing of the printing apparatus by a management unit provided in the printing apparatus for printing by jetting the liquid contained in the liquid container onto the roll-shaped print medium,
The roll-shaped print medium includes a storage element for storing a remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium calculated based on an actual usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium detected by the printing apparatus after printing and the roll-shaped print medium A first output unit that outputs information on the remaining amount of
The liquid container outputs a storage element for storing a remaining amount of liquid calculated based on an actual amount of liquid detected by the printing apparatus after printing and information on the remaining amount of liquid. Output part,
The management unit is
An input unit for inputting information on the remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium from the first output unit and information on the remaining amount of the liquid from the second output unit;
Before the printing device performs printing based on printing information,
Based on the print information, the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium used for printing and the planned usage amount of the liquid are calculated, and the remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium is equal to or greater than the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium. And when the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or more than the planned usage amount of the liquid,
Based on the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the planned usage amount of the liquid, a fee for printing the print information is calculated, and printing of the print information is recorded when a fee is charged relative to the fee. If the printing apparatus permits, either or both of the scheduled usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the planned usage amount of the liquid are less than the remaining amount of the printing medium and the remaining amount of the liquid, printing is performed. And a roll print medium printing management method. In the printing management method of the roll-shaped print medium of Claim 1,
The print information includes print condition information indicating print image size and print data,
The estimated usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium is calculated based on the printing condition information,
The print management method for a roll-shaped print medium, wherein the planned usage amount of the liquid is calculated based on the print data. In the printing management method of the roll-shaped print medium as described in any one of Claim 1 or 2,
A management center having a storage unit for storing the print information,
Receiving a print reservation, the print information, the user identification information for identifying the user, and the start date and time to start printing are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit,
When receiving the user identification information from the management unit based on the start date and time,
A print management method for a roll-shaped print medium, wherein the print information is read from the storage unit and transmitted to the printing apparatus. In a printing apparatus for printing by jetting a liquid contained in a liquid container onto a roll-shaped print medium, and a print management system for a roll-shaped print medium that manages printing of the printing apparatus by a management unit provided in the printing apparatus,
The roll-shaped print medium includes a storage element for storing a remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium calculated based on an actual usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium detected by the printing apparatus after printing and the roll-shaped print medium A first output unit that outputs information on the remaining amount of
The liquid container outputs a storage element for storing a remaining amount of liquid calculated based on an actual amount of liquid detected by the printing apparatus after printing and information on the remaining amount of liquid. Output part,
The management unit is
An input unit for inputting information on the remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium from the first output unit and information on the remaining amount of the liquid from the second output unit;
Before the printing device performs printing based on printing information,
Based on the print information, the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium used for printing and the planned usage amount of the liquid are calculated, and the remaining amount of the roll-shaped print medium is equal to or greater than the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium. When the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or more than the planned usage amount of the liquid, a fee for printing the print information based on the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the planned usage amount of the liquid A charge for ending printing when either or both of the planned usage amount of the roll-shaped print medium and the planned usage amount of the liquid are less than the remaining amount of the print medium and the remaining amount of the liquid A calculation means;
Charging processing means for receiving a charge relative to the charge calculated by the charge calculating means and permitting the printing apparatus to print the print information;
A print management system for a roll-shaped print medium.

Images