JP7434902B2 - Server equipment, printing system, management method - Google Patents

Description

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

Patent Document 1 describes a printing system that includes a printing device that has a printing unit that prints on a medium, and a server device that communicates with the printing device. The printing device performs periodic cleaning to periodically clean the printing section based on predetermined execution conditions. The server device determines execution conditions for periodic cleaning based on the usage status of the printing device. The usage status includes device information regarding the printing device. The device information is information for identifying a printing device. The server device sends the determined execution conditions to the printing device.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-178179

In the printing system described in Patent Document 1, the server device stores the determined execution conditions and device information in a state where they are associated with each other. That is, the server device stores execution conditions for each printing device. In this case, different execution conditions are determined for each printing device, which may not be convenient for users who have multiple printing devices, for example.

A server device that solves the above problem is a server device that communicates with a printing device that has a printing unit that prints on a medium, and that exchanges device information about the printing device and user information about the user who uses the printing device with each other. Receiving a storage unit that stores them in an associated state, device information transmitted from the printing device, and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a mutually correlated state. a control unit that determines execution conditions for the periodic cleaning, which is cleaning performed periodically on the printing unit, based on the related information received by the reception unit; a transmitting unit that transmits the execution condition to the printing device, the device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information, and the device information stored in the storage unit is second device information, The control unit causes the storage unit to store the determined execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in an associated state, and the transmission unit , transmitting the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

A printing system that solves the above problems is a printing system that includes a printing device and a server device that communicates with the printing device, and the printing device has a printing unit that prints on a medium and A cleaning section that executes cleaning of the printing section based on an instruction, a first control section that controls the printing section and the cleaning section, device information regarding the printing device, and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing section. and a first transmitting unit that transmits the information in a mutually associated manner, and a first receiving unit that receives the periodic cleaning execution condition determined by the server device based on the related information and transmitted from the server device. The server device includes: a storage unit that stores device information regarding the printing device and user information regarding a user who uses the printing device in a mutually associated state; a second receiving section that receives the device information transmitted by the first transmitting section and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting section in a mutually associated state; and based on the related information received by the second receiving section. , a second control unit that determines the execution conditions, and a second transmission unit that transmits the execution conditions determined by the second control unit to the printing device, and apparatus information that the first transmission unit transmits. is first device information, the device information stored in the storage section is second device information, and the storage section stores the execution conditions determined by the second control section and and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information, and the second transmitter stores the execution condition associated with the user information, The information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

A management method for solving the above problem is a management method for managing execution conditions for periodic cleaning, which includes first device information that is device information regarding a printing device, and related information regarding the periodic cleaning of a printing section of the printing device. and, determining the execution condition based on the related information, second device information that is device information regarding the printing device, and a user who uses the printing device. and the execution condition determined based on the related information, and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information, and the user information related to the second device information that matches the first device information. and storing the execution condition associated with the user information in a state where the execution condition is associated with the user information, and the printing having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. and transmitting to the device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a printing system including a printing device and a server device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device and the configuration of a server device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first process executed by the server device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second process executed by the server device. The flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd process which a server apparatus performs. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth process executed by the printing device.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 20 includes a printing section 21, a cleaning section 22, an operation section 23, a first control section 24, and a first communication section 25.
The printing unit 21 is configured to print on a medium. The printing unit 21 of this embodiment includes a head 26 that ejects liquid onto a medium. The printing unit 21 of this embodiment prints an image on a medium by causing the head 26 to eject liquid onto the medium.

The cleaning section 22 is configured to clean the printing section 21. The cleaning section 22 maintains good print quality by cleaning the printing section 21. The cleaning section 22 of this embodiment cleans the printing section 21 by forcibly discharging liquid from the head 26. The cleaning unit 22 forcibly discharges the liquid from the head 26 by suctioning the head 26 or pressurizing the inside of the head 26, for example. As a result, the liquid that has thickened within the head 26 is discharged. As a result, the printing section 21 is cleaned.

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

The first control unit 24 is a control unit included in the printing device 20 in the printing system 10. The first control unit 24 controls various configurations of the printing device 20. The first control unit 24 controls the printing unit 21, for example. The first control unit 24 controls the printing unit 21 to cause the printing unit 21 to print. The first control unit 24 of this embodiment stores the timing at which the printing unit 21 prints as a history. The first control section 24 controls the cleaning section 22, for example. The first control section 24 controls the cleaning section 22 to cause the cleaning section 22 to clean the printing section 21 .

The first control unit 24 includes α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, and β: one or more dedicated processors such as integrated circuits for specific applications that execute at least some of the various processes. or a combination thereof. A processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, where the memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory, or computer readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

The first control unit 24 stores device information. The device information is information regarding the printing device 20. The first control unit 24 stores device information regarding the printing device 20 that includes the first control unit 24 . The device information includes unique information that each printing device 20 has. That is, the device information includes information for identifying the printing device 20. The device information includes, for example, an identification number unique to the printing device 20, an IP address, and the like. The device information only needs to include information that can identify one printing device 20 from among the plurality of printing devices 20. In this embodiment, the device information possessed by the printing device 20, that is, the device information stored in the first control unit 24 is referred to as first device information.

The first control unit 24 causes the cleaning unit 22 to clean the printing unit 21 when a cleaning instruction is input to the first control unit 24 from the user. In this embodiment, the cleaning performed on the printing unit 21 each time based on a cleaning instruction from the user is referred to as user cleaning in this embodiment. In this regard, user cleaning is cleaning performed based on user instructions.

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

The first control unit 24 causes the cleaning unit 22 to execute cleaning of the printing unit 21 when a predetermined execution condition is met, independently of when a cleaning instruction from the user is input to the first control unit 24. . That is, cleaning is performed every time a predetermined execution condition is met. Therefore, in the printing device 20, cleaning is periodically performed based on predetermined execution conditions, in addition to user cleaning. In this embodiment, the cleaning that is periodically performed on the printing unit 21 based on the execution conditions is referred to as periodic cleaning. In this way, the cleaning unit 22 of this embodiment performs cleaning periodically or based on a user's instruction.

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

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

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

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

Next, the server device 30 will be explained. The server device 30 includes a storage section 31, a second communication section 32, and a second control section 33.
The storage unit 31 is, for example, a storage such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 31 stores user information and device information. To explain in detail, the storage unit 31 stores user information and device information in a state where they are associated with each other. That is, the user information and the device information are stored in the storage unit 31 in a mutually associated state. In this embodiment, the storage unit 31 stores a database that stores a plurality of pieces of user information associated with device information.

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

User information is user-specific information. For example, the user information includes a user ID. The user information only needs to include information that allows one user to be identified from a plurality of users.

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

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

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

Execution condition A is associated with user information A. Execution condition B is associated with user information B. Execution condition C is associated with user information C.
Since the second device information is associated with the user information, it is possible to identify which printing device 20 is being used by one user by referring to the database. For example, by referring to the database, it can be determined that user A uses printing device A, printing device B, and printing device C. By referring to the database, it can be understood that user B is using printing device D and printing device E. By referring to the database, it can be determined that user C is using printing device F.

The user information and the device information are stored in the storage unit 31 in a state where they are associated with each other, for example, when the user registers the printing device 20 as a user. That is, user registration is a registration for associating the printing device 20 with a user who uses the printing device 20.

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

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

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

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

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

The second control unit 33 is a control unit included in the server device 30 in the printing system 10. The second control unit 33, like the first control unit 24, includes α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, and β: a specific purpose processor that executes at least some of the various processes. It may be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as integrated circuits, or a combination thereof. A processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, where the memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory or computer readable media includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

The second control unit 33 determines execution conditions based on related information that is information regarding periodic cleaning. The related information is information that the printing device 20 has. The related information is transmitted from the printing device 20 to the server device 30, that is, from the first transmitter 28 to the second receiver 34.

In this embodiment, the related information includes request information, execution history, and print frequency. The related information is information that the second control unit 33 refers to when determining the execution conditions for periodic cleaning. In this respect, the related information can be said to be information regarding periodic cleaning. The related information may include information other than request information, execution history, and print frequency.

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

The execution timing indicates the timing to execute periodic cleaning. For example, if an execution condition is set to execute periodic cleaning when the printing device 20 is powered on, the periodic cleaning is executed when the printing device 20 is powered on. In this embodiment, the execution timing is a timing based on the operation of the printing device 20.

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

The first timing is the timing from when the printing device 20 is powered on until the printing unit 21 starts printing on the medium. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed when the printer 20 is powered on, the request information includes information regarding the periodic cleaning execution timing. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed during the startup operation of the printing device 20 or immediately after the startup operation ends, the request information includes information regarding the timing for performing periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing. The startup operation is a start-up operation that is executed when the printing device 20 is powered on.

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

The third timing is the timing when the printing device 20 shifts to the power saving mode. For example, if printing is not performed for a predetermined period of time, the printing device 20 enters a power saving mode in which the power consumption of the printing device 20 is reduced. The printing device 20 that has entered the power saving mode suppresses power consumption by, for example, reducing the amount of electricity supplied to various components of the printing device 20. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed when transitioning to power saving mode, the request information includes information regarding the periodic cleaning execution timing. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the third timing. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed immediately before, during, or immediately after the printing device 20 transitions to power saving mode, the request information Contains information about when to perform cleaning. In this case, the execution timing included in the request information is the third timing.

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

The execution frequency indicates the frequency at which regular cleaning is executed. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed every hour, the request information includes information regarding the frequency of periodic cleaning. In this case, the execution frequency included in the request information is once per hour.

The execution time indicates the time at which regular cleaning is executed. For example, if the user wants to set periodic cleaning to be performed at 3:00 p.m., the request information includes information regarding the periodic cleaning execution time. In this case, the execution time included in the request information is 15:00.

For example, based on the request information, the second control unit 33 determines execution conditions in accordance with the request information. For example, if the execution timing included in the request information is the first timing, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition for executing periodic cleaning when the printing device 20 is powered on. For example, when the execution time included in the request information is 15:00, the second control unit 33 determines the execution condition for executing regular cleaning at 15:00. The second control unit 33 may determine the optimal execution conditions for the user by analyzing the request information.

The execution history is a history of executed user cleanings. The second control unit 33 determines execution conditions for executing periodic cleaning at a timing when user cleaning is frequently executed, for example, based on the execution history. For example, if the frequency with which user cleaning is performed at the first timing exceeds a predetermined threshold, the second control unit 33 determines the execution conditions for performing periodic cleaning when the printing device 20 is powered on, based on the execution history. do. For example, if the percentage of user cleaning executed at the first timing in the execution history exceeds 50%, the second control unit 33 determines the execution conditions for executing periodic cleaning when the printer 20 is powered on, based on the execution history. Determine. If the frequency of user cleaning at the second timing is high, the second control unit 33 may determine an execution condition for executing periodic cleaning when the printing device 20 is powered off.

The printing frequency is the frequency at which the printing unit 21 prints. The printing frequency is, for example, the number of times of printing per hour. The second control unit 33 calculates the printing frequency for each time period, for example, from the history of printing by the printing unit 21. For example, based on the printing frequency, the second control unit 33 determines execution conditions for performing periodic cleaning during a time period when printing frequency is low compared to a time period when printing frequency is highest. For example, if the printing frequency is highest during the time period from 12:00 to 15:00, the second control unit 33 sets the execution condition to perform periodic cleaning during a time period other than the time period from 12:00 to 15:00. decide. For example, if the printing frequency is highest during the time period from when the power is turned on until one hour has elapsed, the second control unit 33 sets the execution condition to perform periodic cleaning during the time period after one hour has elapsed from the time the power was turned on. decide. The printing frequency for each time period calculated by the second control unit 33 may be, for example, a printing frequency of every hour, a printing frequency of every two hours, or a printing frequency of every three hours.

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

Next, the operation of the server device 30 will be explained.
First, the first process executed by the second control unit 33 will be described. The second control unit 33 executes the first process when the second reception unit 34 receives the related information and the first device information that are associated with each other. In this embodiment, related information and first device information that are associated with each other are referred to as first information. That is, the first information is related information and device information that are associated with each other. The first information may be transmitted from the printing apparatus 20 to the server apparatus 30 when the printing apparatus 20 reaches a predetermined timing, or when the server apparatus 30 requests the printing apparatus 20 for the first information. 20 may be transmitted to the server device 30. That is, the printing device 20 may actively send the first information to the server device 30, or the printing device 20 may passively send the first information to the server device 30 based on a request from the server device 30. Good too. At this time, the first transmitter 28 transmits the first information, and the second receiver 34 receives the first information.

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

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

In this way, the server device 30 determines and manages the execution conditions. That is, the management method for managing the periodic cleaning execution conditions is such that first device information, which is device information regarding the printing device 20, and related information regarding the periodic cleaning of the printing section 21 of the printing device 20 are associated with each other. a database in which user information regarding the user and second device information which is device information regarding the printing device 20 are stored in a mutually associated manner; storing in an associated state the execution condition determined based on the related information and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information associated with the related information; sending the execution condition associated with the user information to a printing device 20 having first device information that matches second device information associated with the user information.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, in step S21, the second control unit 33 that executes the second process transfers the execution conditions associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information to the corresponding printing device 20. is transmitted via the second transmitter 35. At this time, the second transmitting unit 35 transfers the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information to the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the updated second device information. Send to. In this way, since the execution conditions are associated with user information, even if the user buys a new printing device 20, the new printing device 20 can take over the execution conditions. After finishing the process of step S21, the second control unit 33 ends the second process.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S31, the second control unit 33 that executes the third process transfers the execution conditions associated with the user information associated with the added second device information to the corresponding printing device 20. Send to. At this time, the second transmitting unit 35 transfers the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the added second device information to the printing device 20 having the first device information that matches the added second device information. Send to. In this way, since the execution conditions are associated with user information, even if the user purchases an additional printing device 20, the execution conditions can be inherited by the new printing device 20. After finishing the process of step S31, the second control unit 33 ends the third process.

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

As shown in FIG. 6, the first control unit 24 stores the execution condition received by the first reception unit 27 in step S41. After finishing the process of step S41, the first control unit 24 ends the fourth process.

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

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

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

(3) The request information includes information regarding execution timing. The execution timing is at least one of a first timing, which is a period from when the printing device 20 is powered on until the printing unit 21 starts printing on the medium, and a second timing, which is when the printing device 20 is powered off. including. In this case, the second control unit 33 determines the execution conditions based on execution timing including at least one of the first timing and the second timing. Therefore, the second control unit 33 can determine execution conditions that match the execution timing requested by the user.

(4) The related information includes an execution history of user cleaning, which is cleaning performed based on user instructions. In this case, the second control unit 33 can determine the execution conditions based on the user cleaning execution history.

(5) In the execution history, if the frequency at which user cleaning is executed at the first timing exceeds a predetermined threshold, the second control unit 33 executes regular cleaning when the printing device 20 is powered on based on the execution history. Determine the execution conditions. In this case, for example, in the case of a user who has a habit of performing user cleaning when the printing apparatus 20 is powered on, execution conditions for performing periodic cleaning when the printing apparatus 20 is powered on are determined. That is, execution conditions that meet the user's requirements are determined. Therefore, usability is improved.

(6) The related information includes the printing frequency of the printing unit 21. Based on the printing frequency, the second control unit 33 determines execution conditions for performing periodic cleaning during a time period when printing frequency is low compared to a time period when printing frequency is highest. In this case, downtime of the printing device 20 due to periodic cleaning is reduced by performing periodic cleaning during a time period when printing frequency is low.

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

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

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

- A plurality of execution conditions may be associated with one user information. In this case, the second control unit 33 causes the storage unit 31 to store a plurality of execution conditions in association with one piece of user information. According to this, the user can set arbitrary execution conditions for the plurality of printing devices 20 from among the plurality of execution conditions determined by the server device 30.

- The second control unit 33 may cause the storage unit 31 to store the related information received by the second receiving unit 34 in a state where it is associated with the second device information.
- The database in which the user information and the second device information are stored in a mutually associated manner may be stored in a configuration different from the server device 30. For example, the database may be stored in a server device different from the server device 30 that determines the execution conditions.

- The printing device 20 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but may also be a laser printer, a thermal printer, or the like.
- The liquid ejected by the head 26 is not limited to ink, and may be a liquid material in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid, for example. For example, the head 26 may discharge a liquid containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials or picture material materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface emitting displays.

Below, technical ideas and their effects understood from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described.
(A) A server device is a server device that communicates with a printing device that has a printing unit that prints on a medium, and associates device information about the printing device with user information about the user who uses the printing device with each other. a storage unit that stores device information transmitted from the printing device, and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a mutually associated state; , a control unit that determines execution conditions for the periodic cleaning, which is cleaning that is periodically executed on the printing unit, based on the related information received by the reception unit; and the execution determined by the control unit. a transmitting unit configured to transmit conditions to the printing device, the device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information, the device information stored in the storage unit is second device information, and the device information transmitted from the printing device is second device information; The unit causes the storage unit to store the determined execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in an associated state; The execution condition associated with user information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.

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

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

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

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

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

(E) In the server device, in the execution history, the frequency with which the user cleaning is executed at a first timing between when the printer is powered on and when the printing unit starts printing on a medium is determined to be a predetermined frequency. If the threshold value is exceeded, the control unit may determine the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning when the printing apparatus is powered on, based on the execution history.

According to the above configuration, for example, in the case of a user who has a habit of performing user cleaning when the printing apparatus is powered on, the execution conditions for performing periodic cleaning when the printing apparatus is powered on are determined. That is, execution conditions that meet the user's requirements are determined. Therefore, usability is improved.

(F) In the above server device, the related information includes a printing frequency of the printing section, and the control section is configured to determine, based on the printing frequency, that the printing frequency is low relative to the time period where the printing frequency is the highest. The execution conditions for executing the periodic cleaning during a time period may be determined.

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

According to the above configuration, for example, when a user buys a new printing device, the execution conditions can be carried over to the new printing device. Thereby, the user can reflect the execution conditions set for the printing device that has been used up to now on the new printing device. Therefore, usability is improved.

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

According to the above configuration, when the user purchases a new printing device, for example, the user can reflect the execution conditions on the new printing device. Thereby, the user can reflect the execution conditions set for the printing device that has been used up to now on the new printing device. Therefore, usability is improved.

(I) The printing system includes a printing device and a server device that communicates with the printing device, and the printing device has a printing unit that prints on a medium, and a printing unit that prints on a medium periodically or according to a user's instruction. a cleaning unit that performs cleaning of the printing unit based on the information, a first control unit that controls the printing unit and the cleaning unit, device information regarding the printing device, and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing unit; a first transmitting unit that transmits the periodic cleaning execution conditions in a mutually associated state, and a first receiving unit that receives the periodic cleaning execution conditions determined by the server device based on the related information and transmitted from the server device; The server device includes a storage unit that stores device information regarding the printing device and user information regarding a user who uses the printing device in a mutually associated state, and information transmitted by the first transmitting unit. a second receiving section that receives the device information and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting section in a mutually associated state; and based on the related information received by the second receiving section, a second control unit that determines execution conditions; and a second transmission unit that transmits the execution conditions determined by the second control unit to the printing device, and the device information transmitted by the first transmission unit is 1 device information, and the device information stored in the storage section is second device information, and the storage section stores the execution conditions determined by the second control section and the execution conditions received by the second reception section. and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information, and the second transmitter stores the execution condition associated with the user information for the user. information is transmitted to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the information.

According to the above configuration, the same effects as the server device described above can be obtained.
(J) The management method is a management method for managing execution conditions for periodic cleaning, and includes first device information that is device information regarding the printing device, and related information regarding the periodic cleaning of the printing section of the printing device; determining the execution conditions based on the related information; second device information that is device information regarding the printing device; and second device information regarding the user who uses the printing device. information, and the execution conditions determined based on the related information and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in a database stored in a mutually associated state. and storing the execution conditions associated with the user information in the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. including sending.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Printing system, 20... Printing device, 21... Printing part, 22... Cleaning part, 23... Operating part, 24... First control part, 25... First communication part, 26... Head, 27... First receiving part, 28...First transmitting unit, 30...Server device, 31...Storage unit, 32...Second communication unit, 33...Second control unit, 34...Second receiving unit, 35...Second transmitting unit, NT...Network.

Claims (10)

A server device that communicates with a printing device having a printing unit that prints on a medium,
a storage unit that stores device information regarding the printing device and user information regarding a user who uses the printing device in a mutually associated state;
a receiving unit that receives device information transmitted from the printing device and related information regarding regular cleaning of the printing unit transmitted from the printing device in a mutually associated state;
a control unit that determines execution conditions for the periodic cleaning, which is cleaning that is periodically performed on the printing unit;
a transmitting unit that transmits the execution conditions determined by the control unit to the printing device,
The device information transmitted from the printing device is first device information,
The device information stored in the storage unit is second device information,
When the receiving unit receives the related information and the first device information that are associated with each other, the control unit determines the execution condition based on the related information received by the receiving unit, and executes the determined execution condition. storing the condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in the storage unit in an associated state;
The sending unit may send the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. Server device. The related information includes request information regarding the user's request for the periodic cleaning,
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the request information includes information regarding at least one of execution timing, execution frequency, and execution time of the periodic cleaning. The request information includes information regarding the execution timing,
The execution timing is at least one of a first timing, which is a period from when the printing device is powered on until the printing unit starts printing on a medium, and a second timing, which is when the printing device is powered off. 3. The server device according to claim 2, further comprising: a. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes an execution history of user cleaning, which is the cleaning performed based on a user's instruction. In the execution history, if the frequency with which the user cleaning is executed at a first timing from when the printing device is powered on until the printing unit starts printing on the medium exceeds a predetermined threshold;
The server device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning when the printing device is powered on, based on the execution history. The related information includes a printing frequency of the printing unit,
The control unit determines, based on the printing frequency, the execution condition for executing the periodic cleaning in a time period in which the printing frequency is low relative to a time period in which the printing frequency is highest. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the second device information associated with the user information is updated to second device information different from the second device information,
The transmitting unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the updated second device information to a printing device having first device information that matches the updated second device information. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: When second device information different from the second device information is additionally associated with the user information associated with the second device information,
The transmitting unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information associated with the added second device information to a printing device having first device information that matches the added second device information. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A printing system comprising a printing device and a server device communicating with the printing device,
The printing device includes:
a printing section that prints on the medium;
a cleaning section that cleans the printing section periodically or based on instructions from a user;
a first control section that controls the printing section and the cleaning section;
a first transmitting unit that transmits device information regarding the printing device and related information regarding periodic cleaning of the printing section in a state where they are associated with each other;
a first receiving unit that receives execution conditions for the periodic cleaning transmitted from the server device;
The server device includes:
a storage unit that stores device information regarding the printing device and user information regarding a user who uses the printing device in a mutually associated state;
a second receiving unit that receives the device information transmitted by the first transmitting unit and the related information transmitted by the first transmitting unit in a mutually associated state;
a second control unit that determines the execution conditions;
a second transmitting unit configured to transmit the execution conditions determined by the second control unit to the printing device;
The device information transmitted by the first transmitter is first device information,
The device information stored in the storage unit is second device information,
When the second receiving unit receives the related information and the first device information that are associated with each other, the second control unit determines the execution condition based on the related information received by the second receiving unit. and storing the determined execution condition in the storage unit in an associated state with the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information received by the second receiving unit. ,
The second transmitting unit transmits the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information. printing system. A management method for managing execution conditions for periodic cleaning, the method comprising:
When first device information, which is device information regarding a printing device, and related information regarding the periodic cleaning of the printing section of the printing device are received in a state where they are associated with each other, the execution condition is determined based on the related information. and
When the execution conditions are determined based on the related information, second device information that is device information regarding the printing device and user information regarding a user who uses the printing device are stored in a mutually associated state. storing the execution condition and the user information associated with the second device information that matches the first device information in an associated database;
A management method comprising: transmitting the execution condition associated with the user information to the printing device having the first device information that matches the second device information associated with the user information.