Printer system and control method of printer system

Abstract

The printer system comprises a plurality of printers and connects the plurality of printers through a network, wherein the plurality of printers are provided with printing mechanism part control software for controlling a printing driving part through a GUI displayed on a display operation part. One of the plurality of printers is an operator printer capable of operating other printers. The operator printer has a GUI file for the operator printer and control software for issuing an instruction to the control software of the printing mechanism unit, and can construct a GUI file and control software for operating the operator printer, and operate the operator printer on the basis of the constructed GUI file and control software of the operator printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer system and a control method of the printer system. Background Art

[0002] As a printer for printing product names, manufacturing dates, expiration dates, etc. on manufactured products (printed materials), industrial printers (such as inkjet printers) are used. In industrial printers, generally speaking, an operator inputs information and data such as printing content to a control unit from a display operation unit (such as a touch panel) installed in the main body, and then refers to an image displayed on the screen of the display operation unit, and uses fingers or the like to operate the image for performing a target action, thereby operating the printer and performing a printing action. That is, the operator inputs an operating instruction to the printer through the so-called GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the printer executes the printing action according to the operating instruction. In the case where multiple production lines are set up, multiple printers are often set up, and multiple operators are required to operate the printer.

[0003] Although WO2013 / 014874 (Patent Document 1) does not involve printers, it introduces a technology for identifying multiple devices and drawing (displaying on the screen) GUIs corresponding to the devices in order to facilitate the coordinated actions of multiple devices. That is, in Patent Document 1, it is recorded that "it includes: a device information management unit that obtains device information identifying first and second devices connected to a network; a device cooperative service information management unit that obtains cooperative information identifying a cooperative action implemented by a first function of the first device and a second function of the second device; and a GUI generation and drawing unit that draws first and second GUI components representing the first and second devices identified by the device information and a third GUI component representing the cooperative action identified by the cooperative information".

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: WO2013 / 014874 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] As described above, when multiple printers are set up in a production line, more manpower is required to operate the multiple printers at the same time. However, this is not easy. For this reason, when multiple printers are equipped, there is a requirement that an operator must operate other printers from one of the printers. If multiple printers can be operated from one printer, an operator can perform operation (printing action performed by the printer) even if he does not move to the setting position of other printers, so the operation of the printer can be performed efficiently with a small number of people.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a printer system and a method for controlling the printer system, which facilitates the operation of other printers from one of the printers in a printer system having a plurality of printers.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention takes an example, which is a printer system including multiple printers and connecting the multiple printers to a network, wherein the multiple printers have a printing mechanism unit control software that uses a GUI displayed on a display operation unit to control a printing driver unit, at least one printer among the multiple printers is an operator printer that operates other printers, and the operator printer has a GUI file for the local machine and a control software that issues instructions to the printing mechanism unit control software, and the operator printer can construct the GUI file and the control software for operating the operated printer, and operate the operated printer based on the constructed GUI file and the control software of the operated printer.

[0012] In addition, another example of the present invention is a control method for a printer system that includes multiple printers and connects the multiple printers to a network, wherein the multiple printers have a printing mechanism unit control software that uses a GUI displayed on a display operation unit to control a printing driver unit, an operating printer that operates other printers has a GUI file for the local machine and a control software for issuing instructions to the printing mechanism unit control software, the GUI file and the control software are constructed for operating the operated printer, and the operated printer is operated based on the constructed GUI file and the control software of the operated printer.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer system and a method for controlling the printer system, which can easily perform operation operations of other printers from one printer in a printer system having a plurality of printers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a printer system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the printing operation of the inkjet printer.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen of the GUI when operating another printer.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer system in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the process of connecting device confirmation in Example 4.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the structure of a printer system in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the structure of a printer system in Embodiment 6 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the embodiments described below. That is, the structure can be changed within the scope of the idea or purpose of the present invention, which is easy to understand for those skilled in the art. For example, the present invention can be implemented not only in a printer system using an inkjet printer, but also in a printer system using other printers.

[0026] In the configuration of the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals may be used for the same device or a portion having the same function, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0027] In addition, the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the various structures shown in the drawings are for the purpose of making the invention easier to understand, and do not represent the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the device structures in actual products. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the constituent devices disclosed in the drawings.

[0028] <Example 1>

[0029] Hereinafter, for Example 1 of the present invention, Figure 1 to Figure 4 In this embodiment, an inkjet printer, which is often used as an industrial printer, is used as an example for description. In the following description, an inkjet printer is sometimes referred to as a printer for description. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a printer system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the printing operation of the inkjet printer. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen of the GUI when operating another printer.

[0030] First, use Figure 1 , describing the overall structure of the printer system in Example 1. Figure 1 In the embodiment 1, a printer system composed of two printers (inkjet printers) is shown. The printer 101 (inkjet printer) and the printer 102 (inkjet printer) each have a device body 1, a print head 2, a control unit 3, a display operation unit 4, and a cable 5. That is, the printer 101 and the printer 102 are printers having the same structure.

[0031] The apparatus body 1 has a device for supplying ink for printing to the print head 2 and collecting ink not used for printing from the print head 2. The print head 2 of each printer prints a preset character on a print object 7 such as a product conveyed by a conveyor line 6.

[0032] The control unit 3 is provided to control the apparatus body 1 and the print head 2. In the first embodiment, the control unit 3 also has a function of operating a printer as another device from the printer as the host, as described later.

[0033] The display operation unit 4 is a device having an operation function and a display function in a manner that an operator can perform operation operations while viewing a GUI screen, and uses a touch panel, etc. In addition, an example of the display operation unit 4 being provided in the upper portion of the front of the device body 1 is shown, but a portable device such as a tablet may also be used.

[0034] The cable 5 connects the device body 1 and the print head 2 to form a flow path for ink. The cable 5 also includes electric wires for transmitting control signals from the control unit 3 to the print head 2.

[0035] Then, the device 101 and the printer 102 are connected via a network line 9 such as a cable or a wireless LAN, thereby forming a communication network that enables mutual information communication between the devices.

[0036] Here, in the drawings used in the description of the embodiments, different reference numerals (numbers) are added to the printers in order to clearly indicate that there are multiple printers, but the components of the printers are often of substantially the same structure. Therefore, regarding the structure of the printers in each figure, the same reference numerals (numbers) are used for the same components (equipment or software, etc.). Therefore, for the components that have been described, repeated descriptions are basically omitted. This is also the same in the other embodiments described below.

[0037] Next, use Figure 2 The outline of the printing operation of the inkjet printer in this first embodiment is described. Figure 2 In the Figure 1 The printer 101 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the printer 102 has the same structure. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the printer 101 includes a device body 1, a print head 2, and a control unit 3. The printing mechanism unit 10 represents the entire mechanism including the device body 1 and the print head 2. Figure 2 The display operation unit 4 is omitted.

[0038] First, the device body 1 has an ink container 11 for storing (containing) ink 80, an ink supply pump 12 for supplying ink 80 to the print head 2, an ink recovery pump 13 for recovering the ink collected by the flow channel 25 of the print head 2 to the ink container 11, and a passage for ink circulation.

[0039] The print head 2 has an ink nozzle 21 for converting the ink delivered from the device body 1 into droplets (ink particles). The ink nozzle 21 has a piezoelectric element, and a periodic excitation voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. As a result, the ink supplied to the ink nozzle 21 is excited and ejected from the ink nozzle 21 as an ink column 81, thereby generating continuous ink droplets. The generated ink droplets move straightly at high speed.

[0040] Furthermore, the print head 2 has a charging electrode 22, a deflection electrode (composed of a positive deflection electrode 23 and a negative deflection electrode 24), and a flow channel 25. The charging electrode 22 applies a charging voltage corresponding to the printing content to the flying ink droplets, so that the ink droplets are charged. The deflection electrode deflects the charged ink droplets corresponding to the charge amount, so that the ink droplets 82 fly toward the printed material 7. As a result, the ink droplets 82 reach the printed material 7 and hit. The printed material 7 is printed by the hitting of the ink droplets. On the other hand, the ink droplets 83 not used for printing (ink droplets that are not charged by the charging electrode 22) are not deflected in the deflection electrode but move straight forward and are collected (captured) by the flow channel 25. The ink collected by the flow channel 25 is recovered to the ink container 11 by the pump 13 for ink recovery.

[0041] Next, according to Figure 3 , describing the structure of the printer system in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the printer 101 and the printer 102 are connected via the network line 9, forming a communication network capable of performing information communication with each other. Here, the case where the printer 101 performs an operation on the printer 102 is described.

[0042] The printer 101 uses a web browser 31 implemented to display a GUI screen on the display operation unit 4. The operator operates the display operation unit 4 while viewing the screen, thereby operating other printers 102. The web browser 31 provided in the control unit 3 of the printer 101 accesses the web server 32. The web server 32 sends a GUI file 33 to the web browser 31 in response to the access from the browser. For example, a GUI file is an HTML file written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). In addition, the control software 34 has a special URL. When the URL is accessed from the web browser 31, the web server 32 transmits the access to the control software 34, and the control software 34 performs processing corresponding to the access. The printing mechanism control software 35 is used to control such as Figure 2 The control software 34 is software for the printing mechanism unit 10 of the printer 101 shown. The control software 34 communicates with the printing mechanism unit control software 35 as needed and issues instructions for controlling the printing mechanism unit 10. In addition, the control software 34 and the printing mechanism unit control software 35 may be executed in different CPUs. A detailed description of the structure of the printer 102 is omitted.

[0043] Next, the operation of operating the printer 102 from the printer 101 is described. In the printer 101 as the operator, the same network browser 31 for displaying the GUI for operating the machine is implemented. In the printer 102 of the operated party, a network server 32, a GUI file 33, a control software 34 and a printing mechanism control software 35 are implemented. The functions of these parts in the printer 102 of the operated party are the same as those described for the printer 101 of the operator. In addition, in the printer 102 of the operated party, a network browser 31 for displaying the GUI of the machine is also implemented. The two devices are connected by a network line 9, and the network server 32 of the printer 102 of the operated party can be accessed from the network browser 31 of the printer 101. According to the access from the network browser 31 of the printer 101, the network server 32 of the printer 102 of the operated party sends the GUI file 33 and transmits the access to the control software 34.

[0044] By sending and receiving information between the operator's printer and the operated printer, the operator's printer 101 can access the operated printer 102, and according to the operation instruction of the display operation unit 4 of the operator's printer 101, the print mechanism control software 35 of the operated printer 102 can be started to operate the print mechanism unit 10 of the printer 102. In addition, in this embodiment 1, it is described that the printer 102 is operated from the printer 101, but it is also possible to drive the printer 101 conversely. In addition, the case where one printer operates another printer is described, but there is no problem even if there are two or more operated printers.

[0045] Next, according to Figure 4 Next, an example of an initial screen displayed in the display operation unit 4 of the printer 101 on the operator side when the printer 102 on the operated side is started will be described. Figure 4 The screen 41 of FIG. 4 has a pull-down menu for selecting a connected device. When it is selected, a list of connected devices is displayed as shown in screen 42. When a desired printer (operated printer) to be switched to is selected from the device list, the operation screen of the printer is switched as shown in screen 43.

[0046] According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the printer of the operated side can be operated using the GUI of the printer of the operating side. In addition, the printers 101 and 102 in this example include software having the same functions in the control unit 3, so the operating side and the operated side can be switched mutually.

[0047] <Example 2>

[0048] Next, for Example 2 of the present invention, use Figure 5The second embodiment is basically the same structure as the first embodiment, but the printer 103 of the operator is different from the printer 102 of the first embodiment. That is, the printer 103 of the operator in the second embodiment is a simple printer having the printing mechanism control software 35 but not having other structures. That is, the simple printer 103 does not have a GUI file and control software, so the printer 103 is a structure that cannot operate independently. The operation of the printer 103 is executed by the printer 101 of the operator via the network.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, in the printer 101 which is the operator printer, the web browser 31 executes access to the URL associated with the printer 103 (simple printer) to the web server 32. The web server 32 detects the access to the printer 103 based on the URL, and requests the GUI copying unit 36 ​​to copy the GUI file and the control software. The GUI copying unit 36 ​​copies the GUI file 33 for operating the machine and the control software 34 for controlling the machine, and constructs (generates) the copied GUI file 37 for operating the printer 103 and the copied control software 38 for controlling the printer 103. The web server 32 executes transmission of the copied GUI file 37 and transmission of access to the copied control software 38 in response to the access from the web browser 31. The copied control software 38 accesses the printing mechanism unit control software 35 implemented in the printer 103 via the network line 9 as needed. As a result, the printing mechanism unit control software 35 of the printer 103 can drive the printing mechanism unit 10 to perform the printing action (operation).

[0050] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the operator's printer can not only perform the operation of the machine, but also perform the operation of the simplified printer. In this case, the simplified printer can be a printer that does not have the functions of the operator's printer but is correspondingly cheaper, which can reduce the cost of the entire printer system.

[0051] <Example 3>

[0052] Next, for the printer system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, use Figure 6 This embodiment 3 shows a system in which the printer 101 as the operator printer operates the printer 103 when another printer 102 has already operated the simplified printer 103 shown in the embodiment 2. That is, a switch is made so that the printer 101 can operate the simplified printer 103 that has been operated by another device. The switching of the operation operation is implemented as shown below. In addition, since the components in the printer have been described, their description is omitted here.

[0053] First, the web browser 31 of the printer 101 accesses the printer 103 to the web server 32. The web server 32 requests the connection confirmation unit 39 to confirm the information of the connection destination indicated by the URL. As a result, the connection confirmation unit 39 requests the printing mechanism control software 35 of the printer 103 for device information. The printing mechanism control software 35 stores the control information file 40 and provides information based on it. The control information file 40 contains a true or false value indicating whether the printer is controlled by another device and the URL information of the other device being controlled if it is controlled. In this case, the printer 103 is being controlled by another printer 102, so the control information file 40 has a true or false value for the true or false value of whether it is being controlled, and has a value of the URL of the printer 102 as the URL of the other device. The printer 102 is operating the printer 103, so as described in the second embodiment, the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38 as a copy of the printer 103 are stored. Then, the connection confirmation unit 39 of the printer 101 transmits the URL of the printer 102 as the connection destination to the network server 32 based on the information obtained from the printing mechanism unit control software 35 of the printer 103. The network server 32 transmits the access of the network browser 31 to the network server 32 of the printer 102 based on the obtained URL. The network server 32 of the printer 102 sends the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38 for operating the printer 103 used in the operation of the printer 103 to the printer 101 according to the access. Thus, the printer 101 stores the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38. Thus, the printer 101 can execute the operation of the printer 103. In addition, in this case, instead of the printer 101 obtaining the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38 from the printer 102, the printer 101 may generate the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38 as in the second embodiment.

[0054] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, when another printer has already performed an operation on the simple type printer, the local printer can also perform the operation on the simple type printer.

[0055] <Example 4>

[0056] Next, for Example 4 of the present invention, use Figure 7 , Figure 8 Provide explanation. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of a printer system in Example 4. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the process of connecting device confirmation in Example 4.

[0057] According to the above embodiments, there are many situations in which a printer accesses another printer to perform an operation, and there are differences depending on the target printer to be accessed and the status of the printer. In this embodiment 4, the difference in accessing the printer of the operated party is absorbed, and access to other printers is achieved without the operator being aware of the difference. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the description is given assuming that the printer on the operator's side is the printer 101 .

[0058] The web browser 31 of the printer 101 initiates access to the URL of the requested operated device to the web server 32. When the access target is an external device, the web server 32 issues a connection confirmation request to the connection confirmation unit 39. The connection confirmation unit 39 confirms the connected device of the access target URL.

[0059] exist Figure 8 The connection confirmation process is shown in FIG. First, the connection device is confirmed in the confirmation of the connection device S81. When the connection target is the printer 105, the connection target information of the GUI is obtained from the network server 32 of the printer 105 in the acquisition of GUI connection information S82. When the connection target is a simple printer, the control information is confirmed in the confirmation of control information S83. When the connection target is a simple printer 104 that is not operated by other devices, the true and false value data of whether it is controlled in the control information file 40 obtained from the printing mechanism control software 35 of the printer 104 is false, which shows that it is not controlled by other devices. In this case, a GUI copy request is issued to the GUI copy unit 36 ​​of the printer 101 in the copy control 84.

[0060] As a result, the GUI copying unit 36 ​​of the printer 101 copies the GUI file 33 and the control software 34 of the printer 101 to generate a copied GUI file 37 and a copied control software 38 .

[0061] The connection confirmation unit 39 of the printer 101 transmits the URI of the copied GUI file 37 to the network server 32 of the printer 105. When the connection destination is a simple printer 103 controlled by another printer 102, the true or false value data of whether it is controlled in the control information file 40 obtained from the printing mechanism control software 35 is true, which means that it is controlled by another device (printer 102). In the acquisition of controlled device information S85, the value of the URL of the copied GUI file 37 of the printer 102 being controlled is obtained from the control information file 40 of the printer 103, and transmitted to the network server 32 of the printer 101. In any case, the network server 32 of the printer 101 can finally obtain the URL of the GUI, and display the GUI on the display operation unit 4 of the printer 101 in the display GUI S86.

[0062] By using this method, the operator can operate the device without being aware of the difference between the connected device and the printer on which the operator is operating. Figure 4 That is, Figure 4 The initial screen 41 has a pull-down menu for selecting a device to be connected. In the pull-down menu shown in screen 42, a list of devices of printers to be operated is displayed. When the desired printer is selected from the device list, the operation screen of the printer is switched to as shown in screen 43. The printers shown in the pull-down menu are the same devices as the operating printer, or are simplified printers, and the operator does not need to be aware of the difference.

[0063] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the operator can smoothly operate the printer to be connected (operated) without being aware of whether the printer to be connected (operated) is a normal printer or a simple printer.

[0064] <Example 5>

[0065] Next, for Example 5 of the present invention, use Fig. 9 Provide explanation. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the structure of a printer system in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0066] In this embodiment 5, even when the GUI exists in another network, the GUI can be displayed on the printer of the operator. Figure 6 ) described in the embodiment described in the example, when accessing a simplified printer 103 that is controlled by another printer 102, there is a case where the other printer 102 exists in another network and the printer 102 cannot be directly accessed from the machine (printer 101). Fig. 9 , which is also a case where the connection is possible. In this embodiment, the printer 101 is described as the operating side printer that operates other printers.

[0067] Fig. 9 In Example 5, Figure 6 Similarly, in the third embodiment shown, when the printer 102 is operating the simplified printer 103, the printer 101 is switched to operate the simplified printer 103. In the fifth embodiment, the local printer (printer 101) and other printers 102 exist in different networks, so the operator's printer 101 cannot directly access other printers 102.

[0068] In the operation switching in this case, first, the web browser 31 of the printer 101 accesses the web server 32, and the web server 32 makes a connection confirmation request to the connection confirmation unit 39. The connection confirmation unit 39 accesses the printing mechanism control software 35 of the printer 103. In this case, the control information file 40 of the printer 103 stores the URL of the router 50 in the printer instead of the URL of the printer 102. The connection confirmation unit 39 of the printer 101 receives the URL from the printer 103 and transmits it to the web server 32. The web server 32 that has received the URL accesses the router 50 of the printer 103. The router 50 knows the URL of the web server 32 that controls the printer 102 of the printer, and transmits the access sent thereto. As a result, the web server 32 of the printer 101 can access the web server 32 of other networks via the router 50.

[0069] Thus, the printer 101 can acquire the copy GUI file 37 and copy control software 38 of the printer 102 existing in a network different from the printer 101 via the router 50. Then, the printer 101 can operate the printer 103 using the acquired copy GUI file 37 and copy control software 38.

[0070] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above, the copy GUI file 37 and the copy control software 38 of a printer connected to another network can be acquired, and the operated printer can be controlled from the local machine.

[0071] <Example 6>

[0072] Next, for Example 6 of the present invention, use Fig.10 Provide explanation. Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a printer system in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This sixth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment ( Figure 7 The printer system shown in the figure has basically the same structure and the basic operation is the same as that of Example 4.

[0073] In this embodiment 6, the connection device operated by the printer 101 is not a printer, but a print inspection device 201, 202 provided as a part of the printer system, which is different from the embodiment 4. The print inspection devices 201, 202 are provided to preset print information and check whether the printing status is normal. Here, the print inspection devices 201, 202 are described using a software structure similar to that of a simple printer. The printer 101 has a network server 32 and a local GUI file 33 and control software 34. The display method of the GUI is the same as that of the embodiment 1, and the description is omitted here.

[0074] In the sixth embodiment, the connection confirmation unit 39 provides the print inspection apparatuses 201 and 202 as connection target devices with information from the information providing unit 45 of the printer 101 itself.

[0075] This is used, for example, to provide the print inspection apparatuses 201 and 202 with the text information currently being printed, so that it is not necessary to set the print information for inspection in the print inspection apparatuses 201 and 202. On the other hand, when the print inspection apparatus 201 is already operated by another printer 102, the device (print inspection apparatus 201 and 202) as the connection destination does not provide information because it is assumed that the print information for inspection has already been provided by the other printer 102. In this way, the information providing unit 45 changes the provided information according to the connection destination information from the connection confirmation unit 39.

[0076] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention described above, the printer 101 can also operate a connection target device other than a printer (a print inspection apparatus in this example) in the same manner as other printers.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1…Device body, 2…Print head, 3…Control unit, 4…Display operation unit, 5…Cable, 6…Conveyor belt assembly line, 7…Printed material, 9…Network line, 10…Printing mechanism, 11…Ink container, 12…Pump, 13…Pump, 21…Ink nozzle, 22…Charging electrode, 23…Positive electrode of deflection electrode, 24…Cathode of deflection electrode, 25…Flow channel, 31…Web browser, 32…Web server, 33…GUI file, 34…Control software, 35… 5…printing mechanism unit control software, 36…GUI copying unit, 37…copying GUI file, 38…copying control software, 39…connection confirmation unit, 40…control information file, 45…information providing unit, 80…ink, 81…ink column, 82…ink droplets, 83…ink droplets, 101…printer, 102…printer, 103…printer, 104…printer, 105…printer, 201…printing inspection device, 202…printing inspection device.

Claims

1. A printer system comprising a plurality of printers and connecting the plurality of printers to a network, wherein: The plurality of printers have a printing mechanism control software for controlling a printing driver unit by using a GUI displayed on a display operation unit, and the printer system is characterized in that: At least one of the multiple printers is an operator printer capable of operating other printers. The operator printer has a GUI file for the local printer and control software for issuing instructions to the printing mechanism control software. The operator printer is capable of constructing the GUI file and the control software for operating the operated printer, and operating the operated printer based on the constructed GUI file and the control software of the operated printer.

2. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operator printer for operating the operated printer are constructed by importing the GUI file and the control software of the operated printer via the network when the operated printer has the GUI file and the control software.

3. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operator printer for operating the operated printer are constructed by copying the GUI file and the control software of the operator printer when the operated printer does not have the GUI file and the control software and is not operated by other printers.

4. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operating printer for operating the operated printer can be constructed by acquiring the GUI file and the control software of the operated printer held by the other printer when the operated printer does not have the GUI file and the control software but is being operated by other printers.

5. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: The operated printer is a simple printer having only the control software of the printing mechanism. When the simple printer is not operated by other printers, the operator printer copies the GUI file of the local printer to copy the GUI file for the simple printer, and uses the copied GUI file to operate the simple printer.

6. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: The operated printer has a function of notifying the operator printer whether the operated printer is being operated by another printer based on access from the operator printer.

7. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein: A printing inspection device for checking the printing status of a printer, wherein the operating printer copies the GUI file and the control software of the local machine to construct the GUI file and the control software for operating the printing inspection device, and uses the constructed GUI file and the control software to operate the printing inspection device.

8. A method for controlling a printer system comprising a plurality of printers and connecting the plurality of printers to a network, wherein: The plurality of printers have a printing mechanism control software for controlling a printing driver unit by using a GUI displayed on a display operation unit, and the control method of the printer system is characterized by: An operating printer that operates other printers has a GUI file for the local printer and control software for issuing instructions to the printing mechanism control software, constructs the GUI file and the control software for operating the operated printer, and operates the operated printer based on the constructed GUI file and the control software of the operated printer.

9. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operator printer for operating the operated printer are constructed by importing the GUI file and the control software of the operated printer when the operated printer has the GUI file and the control software.

10. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operator printer for operating the operated printer are constructed by copying the GUI file and the control software of the operator printer when the operated printer does not have the GUI file and the control software and is not operated by other printers.

11. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The GUI file and the control software to be constructed by the operating printer for operating the operated printer can be constructed by acquiring the GUI file and the control software of the operated printer held by the other printer when the operated printer does not have the GUI file and the control software but has been operated by other printers.

12. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, characterized in that: A simple printer having only the control software of the printing mechanism is provided as the operated printer, When the simple printer is not operated by other printers, the operator printer copies the GUI file of the local printer to copy the GUI file for the simple printer, and uses the copied GUI file to operate the simple printer.

13. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, wherein: The operated-party printer notifies the operator printer whether the operated-party printer is being operated by another printer based on the access from the operator printer.

14. The control method of the printer system according to claim 8, characterized in that: A printing inspection device for inspecting the printing status of a printer, wherein the operating printer copies the GUI file and the control software of the local machine to construct the GUI file and the control software for operating the printing inspection device, and uses the constructed GUI file and the control software to operate the printing inspection device.

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