Printers and storage media

Abstract

This invention discloses a printer and storage medium capable of appropriately extending the replacement recommendation date of components based on the determined service life of components in the prior art. The printer includes a date determination unit that determines a second recommended date for component replacement based on tendency information, which is information representing the deterioration tendency of a component corresponding to its operating condition, generated from storage of information related to operating conditions retrieved from multiple printers and information related to the degree of deterioration at the time of component disposal; a comparison and checking unit that compares the second recommended date output by the date determination unit with a first recommended date based on the predetermined service life of the component and checks whether a component replacement recommendation has been executed; and a notification unit that, based on the check result of the comparison and checking unit, informs the user of the recommended component replacement information.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2022-004895, filed on January 17, 2022, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to printers and storage media. Background Technology

[0003] For example, the lifespan (e.g., service life) of each component constituting a device such as a printer is defined as a specification or standard. In the prior art, when this lifespan is nearing its end, the device informs the user that the replacement date has been reached. This is referred to as "recommended component replacement" or "component replacement recommendation." Typically, this notification is implemented by displaying information as images or text on a display device provided by the device, or by emitting information as sound through a speaker or buzzer.

[0004] The lifespan of a component is determined regardless of the device it is installed in, and a safety margin is usually preset. Therefore, in devices such as printers, when maintenance personnel perform repairs based on such recommendations, there are many cases where the discarded component, after being replaced with a new one, is still in a state where it can last for a considerable period. For both the user of the device and the maintenance personnel performing the repairs, it is undesirable to recommend component replacement too early.

[0005] In this situation, various technologies have been proposed to detect or predict and inform about the deterioration (or wear) of components. However, for example, if the lifespan of a printer is determined by upper limits such as the number of pages printed or the rotation speed of the drive system, the degree of deterioration (wear) is uneven depending on whether the printer operates continuously for a long time or operates intermittently and reaches the upper limit, resulting in inappropriate recommended replacement dates. Therefore, it is desirable to derive recommended replacement dates based on a comprehensive judgment that also includes the operating condition of the device.

[0006] However, establishing an environment that can generate component replacement recommendations based on comprehensive judgments like those described above presents numerous challenges, including changes to current routines, and incurs implementation costs. Therefore, it is desirable to consider methods that can recoup these costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer and storage medium that can appropriately extend the date of component replacement recommendations based on the determined service life of components in the prior art.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, the printer in this embodiment of the invention includes a date determination unit, a comparison check unit, and a notification unit. The date determination unit determines a second recommended date for component replacement based on trend information, which is generated from stored information related to operating conditions and the degree of deterioration at the time of component disposal, representing the deterioration trend of a component corresponding to its operating condition. The comparison check unit compares the second recommended date output by the date determination unit with a first recommended date based on the predetermined service life of the component, and checks whether a component replacement recommendation has been implemented. The notification unit informs the user of the recommended component replacement information based on the check result of the comparison check unit.

[0009] The printer described above is capable of providing a printer that appropriately extends the date of component replacement recommendations based on the determined service life of components in the prior art.

[0010] In the printer described above, the comparison and inspection unit makes a recommendation based on the second recommendation date if the second recommendation date is later than the first recommendation date.

[0011] The printer described above has components that can be used for a longer period of time compared to existing technologies.

[0012] In the printer described above, the comparison check unit makes a suggestion based on the second suggested date output by the date determination unit, provided that the user intends to retain the rights.

[0013] Based on the printer described above, recommendations can always be made based on the second recommended date.

[0014] In the printer described above, if the second suggested date is earlier than the first suggested date, the comparison and inspection unit makes a suggestion based on the first suggested date, not the second suggested date.

[0015] Based on the printer described above, the recommended date for parts replacement can be postponed.

[0016] The printer described above also includes a setting unit that sets a mode that always uses the first suggested date and a mode that utilizes the second suggested date.

[0017] Based on the printer described above, you can choose whether to use the first suggested date or the second suggested date.

[0018] In the printer described above, when the setting unit is set to use the second suggested date mode, it detects and identifies the input of the member ID of the user who has paid the membership fee.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned printer, since members who have paid their membership fees are able to utilize the second suggested date, the cost of providing the second suggested date can be recovered.

[0020] In the printer described above, the setting unit, in the mode of using the second suggested date, makes a suggestion based on the second suggested date if the second suggested date is later than the first suggested date, and sets either a lifespan extension priority mode or a second suggested date fixed mode if the second suggested date is earlier than the first suggested date. The lifespan extension priority mode does not make a suggestion based on the second suggested date, but makes a suggestion based on the first suggested date. The second suggested date fixed mode always makes a suggestion based on the second suggested date.

[0021] Based on the printer described above, when using the second recommended date, it is possible to further select either the extended service life priority mode or the second recommended date fixed mode.

[0022] In the printer described above, when the notification unit provides notification based on the second suggested date, it outputs difference information obtained by comparing it with the first suggested date.

[0023] Based on the printer described above, users can understand whether the actual degree of component deterioration is earlier than usual, delayed, or no different from the component's intended lifespan.

[0024] In the printer described above, the differential information is based on the first suggested date. If the second suggested date is later, a plus sign is used to indicate the action time or number of prints; if the second suggested date is earlier, a minus sign is used to indicate the action time or number of prints.

[0025] Based on the printer described above, users can clearly understand the condition of the deteriorated parts, thus improving the printer's performance.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a component replacement recommendation program for enabling a computer included in a printer to function as the following components: a date determination unit that determines a second recommended date for component replacement based on trend information, the trend information being information representing the deterioration trend of a component corresponding to its operating condition, generated from storage of information related to operating conditions retrieved from multiple printers and information related to the degree of deterioration at the time of component disposal; a comparison check unit that compares the second recommended date output by the date determination unit with a first recommended date based on a predetermined service life of the component, and checks whether a component replacement recommendation has been executed; and a notification unit that notifies the component replacement recommendation information based on the check result of the comparison check unit.

[0027] Based on the aforementioned storage medium, a function can be provided to the printer to appropriately extend the date of component replacement recommendations based on the determined service life of the components in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of the printer in an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connections that make up the various parts of a printer;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the recommended replacement dates for the parts;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating one example of the functional units included in the control unit;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit; and

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the use of a remote network in a variation example.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1. Printer 2. Paper 3. Printhead

[0036] 4. Paper pressing roller; 5. Electric motor; 7. Control unit

[0037] 71 Date Judgment Department 72 Comparison and Inspection Department 73 Notification Department

[0038] 8 Storage Unit 81 Lifespan Information 82 Tendency Information

[0039] 100 System 101 Information Processing Device 102 Network

[0040] 201, 301, 401: Store Server; 202: LAN; 211-213: Printers Detailed Implementation

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] The embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of printer 1 in an embodiment. Printer 1 is, for example, a barcode printer, installed and used in the back office of retail stores, large supermarkets, etc. Printer 1 includes a printhead 3 that prints on paper 2, a paper pressure roller 4 that conveys the paper 2 held between the printhead 3, and a motor 5 that drives the paper pressure roller 4 to rotate.

[0043] Printhead 3 is, for example, a line thermal printhead with multiple heating elements arranged in a straight line. One indicator directly related to the deterioration (wear) of a line thermal printhead is the wear of the heating elements corresponding to printing. Other factors that can be used to estimate the degree of wear of the heating elements include, for example, the travel distance of the printing medium, the paper quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, and the operating temperature.

[0044] The pressure roller 4 has a cylindrical roller surface made of an elastic material such as rubber. One indicator directly related to the deterioration (wear) of the pressure roller 4 is the wear and deterioration of the roller surface corresponding to printing. In addition, factors that can be used to estimate the degree of wear and deformation of the roller surface include, for example, the travel distance of the printing medium, the paper quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, and the temperature during operation.

[0045] Motor 5 is, for example, a stepper motor. Factors that can be used to estimate the degree of deterioration of motor 5 include, for example, rotational speed, operating time, noise emitted during operation, and operating temperature.

[0046] Furthermore, the printhead 3, pressure roller 4, and motor 5 described above are representative examples of consumable components included in printer 1. In addition to these, printer 1 is configured to include multiple components, each with a defined service life, and these components gradually wear out and deteriorate due to their respective causes. Moreover, the aforementioned service life is determined, for example, by the manufacturer of the component, at a prescribed safety rate, and expressed as a specification or standard.

[0047] Printer 1 continuously records the following factors as possible for the deterioration of the aforementioned components: the travel distance of the printing medium, the paper quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the temperature of each part during operation, the speed of the motor, the operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor.

[0048] While performing repairs involving replacement parts, maintenance personnel collect the aforementioned records along with the discarded components. The maintenance personnel then deliver the collected records and discarded components to the analysis supervisor. The analysis supervisor assesses and records the actual degree of deterioration of the discarded components through visual inspection and other means. Subsequently, the analysis supervisor stores the record of the actual deterioration of the discarded components, along with records of factors considered as contributing to the deterioration, in a designated information processing device.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connections constituting the various parts of printer 1. Printer 1 also includes a control unit 7 and a storage unit 8. The control unit 7, storage unit 8, print head 3, motor 5, etc., are interconnected via bus lines or the like.

[0050] Storage unit 8 has storage media such as SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory, which maintains stored content even when the power is cut off. Storage unit 8 stores various programs executable by control unit 7, lifespan information 81, and preference information 82, etc. Lifespan information 81 is information related to the specifications, standards, and lifespan determined by the manufacturer at a specified safety rate for the component, and stores the dates of existing lifespan-based component replacement recommendations.

[0051] The tendency information 82 is generated based on stored information related to operational status collected from multiple printers and information related to the degree of deterioration at the time of component disposal, indicating the deterioration tendency of the component corresponding to its operational status. More specifically, the tendency information 82 is information that associates the actual degree of deterioration of the discarded component, as determined and recorded through analysis of the responsible person's visual inspection, with records of matters considered as causes of component deterioration. For example, the tendency information 82 indicates the degree to which matters considered as causes of deterioration affect the actual deterioration. This tendency information 82 can also be, for example, information derived through machine learning, or information obtained through statistical processing.

[0052] The elements of the machine learning or statistical processing that generate the tendency information 82 are records of the actual deterioration of the discarded parts, which are recovered by maintenance personnel and stored by the person in charge of analysis in a designated information processing device, and records of matters considered as causes of the deterioration of the parts, which are recorded together with the records.

[0053] More specifically, when generating the trend information 82, for example, records of factors considered as causes of component deterioration (printing media travel distance, paper quality and thickness, operating temperature of each part, motor speed, operating time, motor noise, etc.) are processed as input, and the actual degree of component deterioration (e.g., damage) is processed as output and plotted as a graph. Then, the trend of deterioration corresponding to each factor is considered by increasing the sample size, and the trend of deterioration under conditions of multiple factors superimposed. The information obtained through this trial (graphs, algorithms, etc.) is stored as trend information 82 in the storage unit 8. Using the trend information 82, the control unit 7 infers the degree of deterioration of each component based on the operating status of the printer 1.

[0054] In addition, the printer 1 records at any time the factors that may be the cause of the deterioration of the above-mentioned components (the travel distance of the printing medium, the paper quality or thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the temperature of each part during operation, the speed of the motor, the operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor) and stores them in a part of the storage section 8.

[0055] The control unit 7 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores various programs. The RAM is the working area for expanding programs or various data. The CPU is an example of the processor mounted on the printer 1. The CPU comprehensively controls all parts of the printer 1 and performs various functions by expanding the programs stored in the ROM and storage unit 8 in the RAM and executing them.

[0056] Figure 3 Figures (a) and (b) in the diagram illustrate the recommended replacement dates (periods). Figure 3 In (a) and (b), the horizontal axis represents time.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In (a) and (b), "A" indicates the date of the component replacement recommendation in the prior art. That is, "A" is the date of the recommended replacement (first recommendation date) based on the determined service life (e.g., durability) of the component. Furthermore, the storage unit 8 stores the component replacement recommendation date "A" as service life information 81. On the other hand, in Figure 3 In (a) and (b), “B” indicates the date of the component replacement recommendation (second recommendation date) based on the tendency information 82, with the operating status as input.

[0058] Figure 3 In this context, (a) indicates a situation where the replacement date "B" of the component replacement recommendation using preference information 82 is later than the replacement date "A" of the prior art component replacement recommendation. Additionally, Figure 3 (b) indicates a case where the replacement date "B" of the component replacement recommendation using preference information 82 is earlier than the replacement date "A" of the prior art component replacement recommendation. It should be noted that when the replacement date is later than the specified reference date, it is considered "delayed." Conversely, when the replacement date is earlier than the specified reference date, it is considered "earlier."

[0059] Typically, because the replacement date "A" of existing technology is based on a preset safety rate, the replacement date "B" of the component replacement recommendation, which uses the tendency information 82 generated based on the actual deterioration of previously replaced components, is considered to be roughly as follows: Figure 3 As in (a) above, it is later than date "A". However, considering the usage of printer 1, it is also possible that it is like... Figure 3 Examples of this include (b) where the recommended replacement date "B" is earlier than "A".

[0060] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional units included in the control unit 7. The control unit 7 executes programs stored in the ROM and storage unit 8 through the CPU, and performs various functions such as the date judgment unit 71, the comparison and check unit 72, and the notification unit 73.

[0061] The date determination unit 71 determines the recommended date for component replacement based on the trend information 82. More specifically, the date determination unit 71 takes the operating status prior to that time as input and outputs a recommended date "B" (second recommended date) for component replacement at that time based on the trend information 82. This recommended date "B" is a variable value that varies according to the history of operating status prior to the time when the recommended date "B" is output.

[0062] For example, in printer 1, if the printer operated slowly and with low frequency of use until a certain output time point, but then its usage frequency increased dramatically and its operating condition worsened, the replacement date "B" for the next output might represent a date earlier than the previous replacement date. Conversely, if printer 1's operating condition suddenly slows down, the replacement date "B" might also represent a date later than the previous replacement date.

[0063] The comparison and inspection unit 72 compares the date "B" (second recommendation date) of the component replacement recommendation output by the date judgment unit 71 with the date "A" (recommended replacement date based on the determined service life of the component (first recommendation date)) of the prior art component replacement recommendation, and checks whether the component replacement recommendation has been implemented.

[0064] The comparative inspection unit 72 may, for example, prioritize the date "B" of the component replacement recommendation that provides feedback on the actual degree of component deterioration over the date "A" of the component replacement recommendation in the prior art, and recommend component replacement at the time point when the component replacement recommendation date "B" is reached.

[0065] Furthermore, the comparison inspection unit 72 can also prioritize extending the service life of components. If the replacement date "B" is later than the replacement recommendation date "A" in the prior art, a recommendation based on the replacement recommendation date "B" is made. In other words, if the replacement recommendation date "B" is earlier than the replacement recommendation date "A" in the prior art, no recommendation is made until the replacement recommendation date "A" in the prior art is reached (extending service life is prioritized). Furthermore, refer to... Figure 5 This example will be used in the control flow example described later.

[0066] Furthermore, the comparison and inspection unit 72 can also make a recommendation based on the date "B" of the component replacement suggestion, provided that the user of printer 1 has agreed to pay the fees and retain their rights. This helps to recover the costs required to generate the preference information 82.

[0067] In addition, the operating mode can be set in the setting unit of printer 1 as follows: 1. Normal mode. That is, the mode that uses the first recommended date. 2. Mode corresponding to component deterioration. That is, the mode that only users who have paid membership fees can use the second recommended date. In the mode corresponding to component deterioration, printer 1 detects the user ID issued to the member who has paid membership fees from the input unit set in the printer. Based on the user's operation on the input unit using the user ID, the setting unit selects and sets either the extended service life priority mode for priority components or the fixed mode that always uses the second recommended date. When set to normal mode, the first recommended date is used regardless of the results obtained from the date judgment unit and the comparison check unit.

[0068] Users can replace parts on the appropriate date. Companies that provide a second suggested date are also able to recover their costs.

[0069] The notification unit 73 informs the user of the recommended replacement part based on the inspection results of the comparison and inspection unit 72. More specifically, if the comparison and inspection unit 72 has determined that the replacement part is recommended, the notification unit 73 informs the user of the replacement date via a display device, speaker, or buzzer provided by the printer 1.

[0070] Furthermore, when the notification unit 73 provides information based on the replacement recommendation date "B", it can also output difference information compared to the replacement recommendation date "A" in the prior art. The difference information is based on the replacement recommendation date "A". If the replacement recommendation date "B" is later, it is presented with a plus sign. This indicates a case of deterioration delayed beyond the service life. If the replacement recommendation date "B" is earlier than the replacement recommendation date "A", it is presented with a minus sign. This indicates a case of deterioration prematurely beyond the service life. The difference information includes, for example, operating time or number of pages printed. Thus, the user can clearly understand whether the actual degree of component deterioration is premature, delayed, or no different from the component's predetermined service life compared to normal conditions. This improves printer usage. Additionally, when the aforementioned mode setting is used, cost-effectiveness can be assessed. A situation where the replacement recommendation date is no different from the first recommended date based on the component's predetermined service life will motivate the user to cancel their membership. The difference information is output via a display device or printing.

[0071] Based on the above actions, the control unit 7 will optimize the recommended replacement date for the component. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit 7. This processing begins when the printer 1 is started.

[0072] Furthermore, in this process, a portion of the storage area of ​​storage unit 8 is used as a storage area for storing various variables. Additionally, in this process, the current values ​​of factors considered as causes of component deterioration and the current value of the component replacement recommendation date "B" based on the tendency information 82 are processed as various variables. Furthermore, the initial value of the current value of the component replacement recommendation date "B" is the prior art component replacement recommendation date "A".

[0073] First, the control unit 7 determines whether the inspection date for each component has arrived (step S1). In step S1, for each component, if the inspection date is before the specified period of the recommended replacement date "B", the control unit 7 proceeds to step S2 as if the inspection date has arrived (Yes in step S1). This "specified period" is a sufficient period for replacing the target component. Furthermore, if the control unit 7 determines that the inspection date has not arrived, it remains in standby mode in step S1 (No in step S1).

[0074] The control unit 7 acquires the values ​​of various counters and stores them in the storage unit 8 (step S2). Here, "various counters" refers to counters that observe changes in values ​​considered as causes of component deterioration, such as counters for the travel distance of the printing medium, the motor's revolutions, and operating time. These counters can be mechanical or software-based. Similarly, values ​​considered as causes of component deterioration, such as the paper quality and thickness of the printing medium, the operating temperature of each component, and the noise level emitted by the motor, can also be acquired in step S2.

[0075] Next, the control unit 7 takes the various values ​​obtained in step S2 as input and outputs the recommended date "B" for component replacement at that point in time based on the tendency information 82 (step S3). Then, the control unit 7 determines whether the recommended date "B" for component replacement output in step S3 has been reached (step S4). If the recommended date "B" for component replacement has been reached (or exceeded), the control unit 7 proceeds the process to step S5.

[0076] In step S5, the control unit 7 determines whether the replacement date "B" of the component recommendation output in step S3 has exceeded the service life of the prior art (the replacement date "A" of the component recommendation). If the replacement date "B" has exceeded the service life of the prior art (Yes in step S5), the control unit 7 outputs a warning indicating that the component should be replaced (step S6). In other words, the control unit 7, acting as a notification unit 73, informs the user that the replacement date for the component has arrived.

[0077] In step S4, if it is determined that the date "B" of the component replacement suggestion output in step S3 has not yet arrived (No in step S4), the date "B" of the component replacement suggestion is updated to a new value (step S7), and the process is returned to step S1.

[0078] In step S5, if the date "B" of the component replacement recommendation output in step S3 does not exceed the service life of the prior art (the date "A" of the component replacement recommendation) (No in step S5), the control unit 7 returns the processing to step S1.

[0079] As described above, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can recommend component replacement on a date that is more realistic than in the prior art. That is, while the prior art recommends replacement on a date based on a predetermined lifespan (lifespan, etc.) for each component, this embodiment can estimate the degree of component deterioration based on the usage of the device (printer 1) on which the component is installed. Therefore, component replacement can be recommended on an appropriate date that extends beyond the lifespan of the prior art.

[0080] Thus, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately extend the date of component replacement recommendations based on the determined service life of the components in the prior art.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the retrieval of records concerning matters considered as causes of component deterioration and the storage of actual deterioration records of discarded components based on the analysis of the person in charge are involved. However, it is also possible not to retrieval the records after the tendency information 82 has been generated based on these records, or not to retrieval the records in the printer 1 where the tendency information 82 has been stored.

[0082] (Second Embodiment)

[0083] The second embodiment will be described below. Since this embodiment is a variation of the previous embodiment (the first embodiment), the parts that are different from the previous embodiment will be described, and detailed descriptions of the common parts will be omitted.

[0084] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the use of a remote network in a modified example. The system 100 shown in this embodiment comprises an information processing device 101, a network 102, store servers 201, 301, 401, a LAN (Local Area Network) 202, printers 211, 212, 213, etc.

[0085] Printers 211, 212, and 213 are the same printers as printer 1 in the previous embodiment, and are installed in the back office of retail stores and large supermarkets. These printers 211-213 are connected to the store server 201 via LAN 202. The store server 201 is connected to the information processing device 101 via network 102.

[0086] Similarly, store servers 301 and 401 connect to multiple printers 1 via LAN and are connected to information processing device 101 via network 102. The following description uses printers 211-213 as examples.

[0087] Network 102 is, for example, a virtual private line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that utilizes communication lines, such as the Internet. Information processing device 101 is, for example, a server device composed of a computer, which can store various types of information.

[0088] In the previous embodiment, it was described that maintenance personnel retrieved items from printers 211-213 that were considered as reasons for component deterioration (such as the travel distance of the printing medium, the paper quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the operating temperature of each part, the speed of the motor, the operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor) from the information stored in order to generate the tendency information 82. However, in this embodiment, the retrieval is not performed by maintenance personnel.

[0089] In this embodiment, printers 211-213 function as the control unit 7 by executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM or storage unit 8, and then perform subsequent processing. Specifically, printers 211-213 associate information recorded in the storage unit 8 (considering factors related to component deterioration) with information that allows them to individually identify themselves, and appropriately send this information to the store server 201. The timing of this transmission is, for example, when printers 211-213 are started.

[0090] The store server 201 appropriately sends the various information received from the lower-level printers 211-213 (information related to matters considered as causes of component deterioration and information that can individually identify printers 211-213) to the information processing device 101. The sending time is, for example, daily.

[0091] Maintenance personnel collect discarded parts, add information that can individually identify printers 211-213, and deliver them to the analysis supervisor. The analysis supervisor judges the actual degree of deterioration of the discarded parts based on visual inspection and other methods, associates it with the information of printers 211-213 that match the individually identifiable information, and records it in the information processing device 101.

[0092] With this configuration, information related to factors considered as causes of component deterioration, recorded by each printer 211-213, is automatically sent by the printers themselves to the store servers 201, 301, and 401 of their respective stores. Furthermore, each store server 201, 301, and 401 then sends this information to the information processing unit 101. Thus, information related to factors considered as causes of component deterioration can be retrieved and stored from multiple printers 211-213, etc., even without the intervention of maintenance personnel. Additionally, the recording-related operations performed by the person in charge of analysis are preferably simplified.

[0093] The programs executed in the devices of the above embodiments are pre-installed in ROM or the like and provided. The programs executed in the devices of the above embodiments may also be configured as files stored in an installable or executable form on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and provided thereon.

[0094] Furthermore, the programs executing in the devices of the above embodiments can also be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided by downloading them via the network. Alternatively, the programs executing in the devices of the above embodiments can also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0095] Furthermore, although the printer is described as having a line thermal printhead, it could also be an electrophotographic printer. In the case of an electrophotographic printer, the degradation of components such as the photosensitive element, fuser, and intermediate transfer unit varies depending on the usage method. For example, as the color rate increases, the rotation or operation time of these components lengthens, leading to increased wear and tear, and consequently, a shorter lifespan for those components.

[0096] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, include: The date determination unit determines a second recommended date for component replacement based on trend information. The trend information is generated from the storage of information related to operating conditions collected from multiple printers and information related to the degree of deterioration when the component is discarded, and indicates the deterioration trend of the component corresponding to the operating conditions. The comparison and inspection unit compares the second suggested date output by the date determination unit with the first suggested date based on the predetermined service life of the component, and checks whether any component replacement recommendations have been implemented. as well as The notification department, based on the inspection results of the comparison inspection department, provides information on recommended component replacement, wherein the comparison inspection department makes a recommendation based on the second recommendation date if the second recommendation date is later than the first recommendation date. If the comparison and inspection unit makes a recommendation based on the first recommendation date, instead of the second recommendation date, when the second recommendation date is earlier than the first recommendation date.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, If the user intends to retain their rights, the comparison and checking unit will suggest a second suggested date based on the date judgment unit's output.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The settings section configures a mode that always uses the first suggested date and a mode that utilizes the second suggested date.

4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein, When the setting unit is configured to use the second suggested date, it detects and identifies the input of the member ID of the user who has paid the membership fee.

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein, In the mode utilizing the second suggested date, if the second suggested date is later than the first suggested date, the setting unit makes a suggestion based on the second suggested date; if the second suggested date is earlier than the first suggested date, it sets either a lifespan extension priority mode or a second suggested date fixed mode. In the lifespan extension priority mode, the suggestion is based on the first suggested date instead of the second suggested date. In the second suggested date fixed mode, the suggestion is always based on the second suggested date.

6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, When the notification unit provides notification based on the second suggested date, it outputs the difference information obtained by comparing it with the first suggested date.

7. The printer according to claim 6, wherein, The differential information is based on the first suggested date. If the second suggested date is later, a plus sign is used to indicate the action time or number of prints. If the second suggested date is earlier, a minus sign is used to indicate the action time or number of prints.

8. A storage medium storing a component replacement recommendation program for enabling a computer included in a printer to function as a component comprising: The date determination unit determines a second recommended date for component replacement based on trend information. The trend information is generated from the storage of information related to operating conditions collected from multiple printers and information related to the degree of deterioration when the component is discarded, and indicates the deterioration trend of the component corresponding to the operating conditions. The comparison and inspection unit compares the second suggested date output by the date determination unit with the first suggested date based on the predetermined service life of the component, and checks whether any component replacement recommendations have been implemented. as well as The notification department, based on the inspection results of the comparison inspection department, provides information on recommended component replacement, wherein the comparison inspection department makes a recommendation based on the second recommendation date if the second recommendation date is later than the first recommendation date. If the comparison and inspection unit makes a recommendation based on the first recommendation date, instead of the second recommendation date, when the second recommendation date is earlier than the first recommendation date.

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