Information processing apparatus, head management method, and head management system

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a head management method, and a head management system that can shorten the period during which an image forming apparatus is unusable. The server (10) is an information processing apparatus connected to a printer and managing the delivery of printheads that can be replaced with printheads installed in the printer, and includes: a replacement information acquisition unit (16) that acquires replacement information from the printer indicating that the printhead installed in the printer has been replaced with the delivered printhead; and a replacement processing unit (17) that instructs the delivery of a new printhead when the replacement information acquisition unit (16) acquires the replacement information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device, a head management method, and a head management system. Background Technology

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, a system for automatically ordering consumables such as printers is known. In the system described in Patent Document 1, a computer that monitors the status of the printer is connected to an ordering server via a network, and sends an email to the ordering server to initiate an automatic order when the remaining ink in the printer falls below a predetermined level. When the ordering server receives the email and processes the order for ink, the ink is delivered to the user. Therefore, the user can receive replacement ink before the printer becomes unusable due to depleted ink.

[0003] However, in systems that deliver replacement parts in response to printer malfunctions, it is difficult to predict in advance when replacement is due, and thus delivery is based on orders from users. Therefore, if an order is placed only when a replacement is needed due to a malfunction, a period of printer unavailability occurs before the part arrives.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-185456 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The information processing apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus and manages the delivery of a second head and a third head that can be replaced with a first head installed in the image forming apparatus. It includes: a replacement information acquisition unit that acquires replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; and a replacement processing unit that instructs the delivery of the third head when the replacement information acquisition unit acquires the replacement information.

[0006] The head management method is a head management method for managing the delivery of a second head and a third head that can be replaced with a first head installed in an image forming apparatus, and includes: a step of obtaining replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; and a step of instructing the delivery of the third head when the replacement information has been obtained.

[0007] The head management system includes: an image forming apparatus; and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus for managing the delivery of a second head and a third head that can be replaced with a first head installed in the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: a replacement information acquisition unit that acquires replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; and a replacement processing unit that instructs the delivery of the third head when the replacement information acquisition unit acquires the replacement information. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of a head management system.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a printer.

[0010] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a server.

[0011] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the terminal device.

[0012] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating the header management method.

[0013] Figure 5B This is a flowchart illustrating the header management method.

[0014] Figure 5C This is a flowchart illustrating the header management method. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, the head management system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of the head management system 1 in this embodiment.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the printhead management system 1 includes a server 10, a sales company terminal 20, a logistics terminal 30, a delivery terminal 40, a user terminal 50, and a printer 60. These devices are interconnected via a network such as the Internet. The printer 60 has a replaceable printhead 66, and the server 10 manages the distribution of the replaceable printhead 66 and the recycling of the printhead 66 removed during replacement.

[0018] Sales company terminal 20 is a terminal device managed by the sales company that sells printers 60 and printheads 66, and is operated by the sales manager responsible for these sales. In this embodiment, the sales manager is also responsible for the management of the distribution and return of printheads 66. Logistics terminal 30 is a terminal device provided by a logistics location that stores the inventory of printheads 66, and is operated by the logistics manager who manages the inventory of printheads 66. Delivery terminal 40 is a terminal device operated by the delivery manager of the delivery company, and is carried by the delivery manager when delivering printheads 66 from the logistics location to the user. User terminal 50 is a terminal device operated by the user who manages printers 60. Hereinafter, sales company terminal 20, logistics terminal 30, delivery terminal 40, and user terminal 50 will also be referred to as terminal devices 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively. Server 10 is the core information processing device constituting the printhead management system 1, which accepts information input from each terminal device 20 to 50 and printer 60, and performs corresponding processing. In addition, server 10 sends various information notifications to terminal devices 20 to 50.

[0019] The following is a detailed description of each part of the head management system 1.

[0020] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the internal structure of printer 60.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the printer 60 includes a printer control unit 61, a printer storage unit 62, a printer communication unit 63, a printer operation unit 64, a printer display unit 65, a print head 66, a transport mechanism 67, a head movement unit 68, and a head detection unit 69. In this embodiment, the printer 60 is an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms images, i.e., performs printing, by ejecting liquid ink from the print head 66. In other words, the print head 66 is an inkjet head.

[0022] The printer control unit 61 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and it operates according to a program (not shown) stored in the printer storage unit 62, thereby controlling the operation of the printer 60.

[0023] The printer storage unit 62 is composed of a storage device such as a memory. In addition to storing the aforementioned program, it also stores various setting data and printer IDs, which serve as identification information for identifying each printer 60. The printer ID is equivalent to device identification information.

[0024] The printer communication unit 63 includes various interface circuits for implementing communication with external devices. In this embodiment, the printer communication unit 63 includes interface circuits for implementing communication via a network NW.

[0025] The printer operation unit 64 is composed of operation buttons, etc., and receives input operations performed by the user and transmits them to the printer control unit 61. The printer display unit 65 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), etc., and displays information based on the control of the printer control unit 61. Alternatively, the printer operation unit 64 may be an integrated structure with the printer display unit 65, such as a touch panel.

[0026] Multiple nozzles for ejecting ink are formed in the print head 66. The print head 66 ejects ink supplied from an ink can (not shown) to a printing medium (not shown) under the control of the printer control unit 61.

[0027] The transport mechanism 67, under the control of the printer control unit 61, transports the printing medium placed on the printer 60 in a predetermined transport direction by causing the printing medium to pass through the position where ink is ejected from the print head 66. The head moving unit 68, under the control of the printer control unit 61, causes the print head 66 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction that intersects the transport direction.

[0028] The printer control unit 61 performs a main scan by ejecting ink from the nozzles of the print head 66 while moving the print head 66 in the main scanning direction, thereby forming a raster line of dots arranged along the main scanning direction on the printing medium. Furthermore, by alternately performing this main scan and a sub-scan that moves the printing medium along the transport direction, the printer control unit 61 can eject ink over a larger area of ​​the printing medium. The printer control unit 61 controls the above-described operation based on printing data supplied from the user terminal 50 or another computer (not shown), thereby forming an image on the printing medium based on the printing data.

[0029] Depending on the usage of the printer 60, malfunctions such as foreign objects clogging the nozzles may occur in the printhead 66. Therefore, the printhead 66 is designed to be replaceable, allowing repair personnel such as sales companies or users who have received pre-requisite training to replace it. When the printhead 66 is replaced by the user, costs and time can be reduced compared to having it replaced by a sales company. Hereinafter, the replacement of the printhead 66 by a user who has received pre-requisite training will be referred to as "self-repair".

[0030] The printhead detection unit 69 detects the printhead 66 mounted on the printer 60 under the control of the printer control unit 61. Specifically, a non-volatile memory (not shown) is installed in the printhead 66, and a header ID, which serves as identification information for identifying each printhead 66, is written into the memory. The printhead detection unit 69 is connected to this memory and detects the printhead 66 by reading the header ID from the memory. Furthermore, the printhead detection unit 69 can detect if the printhead 66 has been replaced based on the read header ID. In addition, a QR code (registered trademark) with the header ID written into it is also installed in the printhead 66. The header ID is equivalent to header identification information.

[0031] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the internal structure of server 10.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, server 10 is configured, for example, by a general-purpose computer, and includes a server control unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server communication unit 13. The server storage unit 12 and the server communication unit 13 are connected to the server control unit 11 via a bus or the like.

[0033] The server control unit 11 is configured to include memory such as a CPU, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The server control unit 11 operates according to an OS (Operating System, not shown) and various applications stored in the server storage unit 12, thereby controlling the operation of the server 10 and performing various tasks based on requests from the terminal devices 20 to 50 (actually clients) and the printer 60.

[0034] The server storage unit 12 is composed of storage devices such as hard disk drives and SSDs (Solid State Drives), and stores the aforementioned OS and various applications. Among the applications stored in the server storage unit 12 is a head management program 18 that manages the delivery, replacement, and recycling of the printhead 66. Furthermore, the server storage unit 12 in this embodiment stores a head management database 19. The head management database 19 stores various information related to users, printers 60, and printheads 66 that are to be delivered, in a mutually corresponding manner. This information constitutes the delivery history, replacement history, and recycling history of the printhead 66.

[0035] The server communication unit 13 includes various interface circuits for communicating with external devices. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 13 includes interface circuits for implementing communication via network NW, and is capable of communicating with each terminal device 20 to 50 and the printer 60 via network NW.

[0036] The server control unit 11, implemented as a functional unit through the head management program 18, includes an identification information acquisition unit 14, a delivery result acquisition unit 15, a replacement information acquisition unit 16, and a replacement processing unit 17. The identification information acquisition unit 14 acquires the head ID of the printhead 66 from each terminal device 20 to 50 and the printer 60 during the process from delivery of the printhead 66 to the user until its return. The delivery result acquisition unit 15 acquires the actual delivery destination address from the delivery terminal 40 when the printhead 66 is delivered to the user. The replacement information acquisition unit 16 acquires replacement information indicating that the printhead 66 has been replaced from the printer 60. The replacement processing unit 17 performs processing corresponding to the delivery result and replacement result of the printhead 66. Details of each of these functional units will be described later.

[0037] Furthermore, the server control unit 11, which operates according to the header management program 18, also functions as a web server, causing each terminal device 20 to 50, acting as a client, to display a predetermined web page. Personnel and users operating each terminal device 20 to 50 can access this web page and input various information, thereby sending this information to the server 10. Hereinafter, the web page displayed by the server control unit 11, which operates according to the header management program 18, will be referred to as the "header management page."

[0038] Figure 4 A block diagram showing the internal structure of each terminal device 20 to 50.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, each terminal device 20 to 50 is composed of a personal computer or a portable terminal such as a tablet computer. Terminal devices 20 to 50 include a terminal control unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a terminal communication unit 23, a terminal operation unit 24, a terminal display unit 25, and a camera unit 26.

[0040] The terminal control unit 21 is configured with a memory including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and operates based on an OS (not shown) and various applications stored in the terminal storage unit 22, thereby controlling the operation of the terminal devices 20 to 50. The terminal storage unit 22 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive, SSD, or memory, and stores not only the aforementioned OS and various applications, but also various types of data. The terminal communication unit 23 includes various interface circuits for communication with external devices. In this embodiment, the terminal communication unit 23 includes interface circuits for implementing communication via a network NW.

[0041] The terminal operation unit 24 comprises a keyboard and indicating devices, etc., and receives input operations performed by various personnel and users, transmitting them to the terminal control unit 21. The terminal display unit 25 comprises a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc., and displays images controlled by the terminal control unit 21. Alternatively, the terminal operation unit 24 may be integrated with the terminal display unit 25, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, it may be a structure where the terminal operation unit 24 and the terminal display unit 25 are separate from the main body of the terminal devices 20 to 50, such as a desktop computer.

[0042] The imaging unit 26 includes a camera and outputs the captured image to the terminal control unit 21. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 26 is used for capturing QR codes. However, the sales terminal 20 and the user terminal 50 may not include the imaging unit 26.

[0043] In the terminal storage unit 22 of this embodiment, a web browser or similar program capable of displaying web pages supplied from the server 10 is installed as an application. Furthermore, as described above, the terminal devices 20 to 50 can be desktop or laptop personal computers, or portable terminals. However, since the delivery terminal 40 is a terminal device carried by the delivery manager during delivery, it is envisioned to be a portable terminal. Moreover, each terminal device 20 to 50 is not limited to general-purpose devices and can also be a device specifically designed for the head management system 1.

[0044] Next, the head management method executed by the head management system 1 will be explained.

[0045] Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figure 5CThe flowchart illustrates the head management method. This flowchart includes steps S101 to S106 representing the work of the sales manager of the sales company, steps S201 to S204 representing the work of the logistics manager of the logistics hub, steps S301 to S303 representing the work of the delivery manager of the delivery company, steps S401 to S408 representing the work of the user, and steps S501 to S514 representing the work of the server 10.

[0046] like Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the sales manager of the sales company sells printer 60 to the user (step S101) and enters into a self-repair maintenance contract with the user (steps S102, S401). This maintenance contract is an agreement between the user, who has received pre-determined education regarding the replacement of printhead 66, and the user agrees to implement the replacement.

[0047] After the user connects to the network NW by setting up printer 60, they access the printhead management page from user terminal 50 and input user information (step S402) and printer information (step S403). The user information includes the user's name or the name of the organization to which the user belongs, the address of the delivery destination for the replacement printhead 66, and the user's email address. The printer information includes the printer model name and printer ID of printer 60. This information input through user terminal 50 is sent to server 10. Server control unit 11 obtains the input user information and registers it in printhead management database 19 (step S501), and obtains the input printer information and registers it in printhead management database 19 in a manner that establishes a correspondence with the user information (step S502).

[0048] Subsequently, the sales manager accesses the header management page from the sales company terminal 20 and performs an operation to enable the self-repair function of the registered printer 60 (step S103). The server control unit 11 accepts the above operation, appends information indicating that the self-repair is enabled to the printer information, and updates the printer information (step S503).

[0049] When self-repair becomes effective, the user can purchase a replacement printhead 66. The user accesses the printhead management page from the user terminal 50 and authorizes the purchase of the replacement printhead 66 (step S404). Preferably, this purchase is made before the printhead 66 malfunctions, rather than after the malfunction occurs. Therefore, the initial replacement printhead 66 can also be delivered after the self-repair contract is signed, without waiting for the user's purchase authorization.

[0050] When the server control unit 11 receives a purchase order from a user, it notifies the sales company terminal 20 of the information indicating that a purchase order has been made (step S504). Upon receiving the notification, the sales manager instructs the logistics management terminal 30 to deliver the print head 66 to the user from the sales company terminal 20 (step S104).

[0051] Upon receiving the instruction, the logistics manager selects one printhead 66 from the inventory of printheads 66 to be the intended recipient. At the logistics location, each printhead 66 is stored in a packaging box, and a QR code identical to the one on the printhead 66 is affixed to the surface of the packaging box—that is, a QR code containing the header ID of the stored printhead 66. When the logistics manager accesses the header management page from the logistics terminal 30 and uses the camera unit 26 of the logistics terminal 30 to photograph the QR code affixed to the packaging box of the selected printhead 66, the logistics terminal 30 reads the header ID from the image obtained from the photographed QR code and sends the header ID to the server 10 (step S201).

[0052] The identification information acquisition unit 14 of server 10 acquires the sent header ID and registers it in the delivery history of header management database 19 in a way that establishes a correspondence with the user information of the user who made the purchase order (step S505). The acquisition and registration of the header ID is performed before the delivery of the printhead 66. The header ID registered in step S505 can be referenced later as a history of delivery instructions. In addition, in header management database 19, since the user information includes the address of the delivery destination, the header ID registered in the delivery history is associated with the address of the delivery destination where the printhead 66 should be delivered. Furthermore, since the user information and printer information are associated, the header ID registered in the delivery history is associated with the printer ID contained in the corresponding printer information. That is, the printer 60 that should have the printhead 66 installed is determined through this registration. In other words, the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60 is determined. Afterwards, the logistics manager arranges the delivery of the printhead 66 to the delivery company (step S202).

[0053] The delivery manager retrieves the printed header 66 of the delivery recipient from the logistics location and delivers it to the destination (step S301). Upon arrival at the destination and before delivering the printed header 66 to the user, the delivery manager, while accessing the header management page from the delivery terminal 40, uses the camera unit 26 of the delivery terminal 40 to photograph the QR code on the packaging box of the printed header 66. Upon completion of the photograph, the delivery terminal 40 reads the header ID from the image obtained from the photographed QR code and sends it to the server 10 (step S302). The identification information acquisition unit 14 of the server 10 obtains the sent header ID and registers it in the delivery history of the header management database 19 in a way that establishes a correspondence with the user information of the user who made the purchase order (step S506).

[0054] Furthermore, when the delivery manager accesses the head management page from the delivery management terminal 40, they input the address of the delivery destination as information about the actual delivery destination (step S303). The delivery result acquisition unit 15 of the server 10 acquires the input delivery destination address and registers it in the delivery history of the head management database 19 by establishing a correspondence with the user information of the user who made the purchase order (step S507). The head ID and the delivery destination address registered in steps S506 and S507 can be referenced later as part of the completed delivery history.

[0055] Afterwards, the server control unit 11 determines whether the printhead 66 has been delivered to the correct delivery destination based on the delivery history (step S508). Specifically, the server control unit 11 determines whether the delivery destination address entered by the delivery manager (i.e., the delivery destination address obtained by the delivery result acquisition unit 15) matches the delivery destination address contained in the user information (i.e., the delivery destination address that has been associated with the printhead ID of the delivered printhead 66). Then, if the delivery destination address does not match (step S508: No), the server 10's replacement processing unit 17 notifies the sales company terminal 20 of the delivery destination error, i.e., the misdelivery, (step S509). Upon receiving the notification, the sales manager contacts the logistics manager or delivery manager to implement a redelivery or other response to the misdelivery (step S105). On the other hand, if the printhead 66 has been delivered to the correct delivery destination (step S508: Yes), the server control unit 11 executes the processing after step S510.

[0056] When the printhead 66 is delivered, the user stores it until it malfunctions when installed in the printer 60 (step S405). While using the printer 60 daily, the user determines whether the printhead 66 has malfunctioned based on printing results, etc. (step S406). If the printing results are satisfactory and the printhead 66 has not malfunctioned (step S406: No), the user continues to use the printer 60 and repeatedly checks for malfunction. On the other hand, if the printhead 66 is determined to have malfunctioned (step S406: Yes), the user replaces the malfunctioning printhead 66 with a replacement printhead 66 that has been delivered (step S407).

[0057] When replacing the printhead 66, the user removes the faulty printhead 66 from the printer 60 with the power off and installs the delivered and stored printhead 66 onto the printer 60. Then, when the power to the printer 60 is turned on, the printer 60 restarts. First, the printhead detection unit 69 reads the printhead ID from the memory of the newly installed printhead 66. Then, the printer 60 sends the read printhead ID along with its own printer ID to the server 10. Here, the printhead ID and printer ID sent by the printer 60 represent replacement information indicating that the printhead 66 replacement is complete. In other words, the replacement information includes the printhead ID of the installed printhead 66 and the printer ID of the printer 60, indicating that the printhead 66 replacement is complete.

[0058] The replacement information acquisition unit 16 of server 10 acquires the header ID and printer ID sent as replacement information, and registers the header ID and printer ID in the replacement history of the header management database 19 (step S510). Specifically, the replacement information acquisition unit 16 registers the acquired header ID, i.e., the header ID of the newly installed printhead 66 and the header ID of the printhead 66 installed before replacement, in the replacement history in a way that establishes a correspondence with the acquired printer ID.

[0059] Afterwards, the server control unit 11 determines whether the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60 is correct based on the sent header ID and printer ID (step S511). Then, if the combination is incorrect (step S511: No), that is, if the header ID and printer ID sent as replacement information do not match, the replacement processing unit 17 of the server 10 notifies the sales company terminal 20 of the error in the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60, i.e., the misinstallation has occurred (step S512). Upon receiving the notification, the sales manager takes measures such as contacting the user to address the misinstallation (step S106). Alternatively, the replacement processing unit 17 may notify the user terminal 50 or printer 60 of the misinstallation in addition to notifying the sales company terminal 20. In this case, the user can be informed of the misinstallation as quickly as possible. On the other hand, if the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60 is correct (step S511: Yes), the server control unit 11 performs the processing after step S513.

[0060] In addition, in the above text, the situation where "the head ID and the printer ID do not correspond" includes not only the case where a printhead 66 that has been associated with a different printer 60 is installed, but also the case where the head ID contained in the replacement information is not registered in the delivery history, and the case where the head ID cannot be read from the installed printhead 66.

[0061] Next, the replacement processing unit 17 of server 10 instructs the logistics terminal 30 to deliver a new printhead 66 that can be installed on printer 60 (step S513). This printhead 66 is one that can be used for the next replacement and will be installed if the printhead 66 after this replacement fails. When the logistics terminal 30 receives the delivery instruction, it also repeats the work after step S201 above for the newly delivered printhead 66.

[0062] Furthermore, when the user finishes replacing the printhead 66, the removed printhead 66 is delivered to the logistics center (step S408). That is, the printhead 66 is recycled by the logistics center. Upon receiving the printhead 66, the logistics manager, while accessing the printhead management page from the logistics terminal 30, uses the camera unit 26 of the logistics terminal 30 to photograph the QR code mounted on the surface of the recycled printhead 66. During this photographing, the logistics terminal 30 reads the printhead ID from the image obtained from the photographed QR code and sends this printhead ID to the server 10 (step S203). The identification information acquisition unit 14 of the server 10 obtains the sent printhead ID, i.e., the printhead ID of the recycled printhead 66, and registers it in the recycling history of the printhead management database 19 in a way that establishes a correspondence with the user's user information (step S514). Afterwards, the logistics manager takes appropriate measures such as repair or disposal of the recycled printhead 66 (step S204).

[0063] As explained above, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment.

[0064] (1) According to this embodiment, since a new printhead 66 will be delivered for the next replacement when the printhead 66 is replaced, the period during which the printer 60 is unusable can be shortened compared to the case where the purchase procedure is carried out after a failure of the printhead 66.

[0065] (2) According to this embodiment, if the combination of the head ID and printer ID sent after the replacement of the print head 66 is different from the combination determined before delivery, the server 10 will notify the sales company terminal 20. Therefore, the sales manager can be aware that a misinstallation may have occurred.

[0066] (3) According to this embodiment, since the delivery destination that was established with the printing head 66 before delivery is different from the actual delivery destination, the server 10 will notify the sales company terminal 20. Therefore, the sales manager can be aware of the possibility of misdelivery.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the printhead 66 installed before replacement in step S407 is designated as the first head, then the replaced printhead 66 is equivalent to the second head, and the next replacement printhead 66 delivered according to the delivery instruction in step S513 after replacement is equivalent to the third head. The second and third heads have the same structure as the first head, and can be replaced with it. Moreover, step S510, which obtains and registers the head ID sent as replacement information from the printer 60, is equivalent to the process of obtaining replacement information, and step S513, which instructs the delivery of a new printhead 66 after replacement, is equivalent to the process of instructing the delivery of the third head.

[0068] The above implementation method can also be modified in the following ways.

[0069] Although in the above embodiment, the replacement processing unit 17 of the server 10 instructs the delivery of the next replacement printhead 66 after the replacement of the printhead 66 has been performed and the replacement information has been obtained, the timing of instructing the delivery is not limited to immediately after obtaining the replacement information. For example, the delivery instruction can be given after a predetermined period has elapsed since the replacement information was obtained. The predetermined period can be, for example, a few days or a few weeks.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the notifications and instructions issued by the replacement processing unit 17 of the server 10 can be implemented via a web page or by other means such as email.

[0071] Although in the above embodiment, the sales company, logistics hub, and distribution company participate in the distribution of the printed head 66, this is not a limitation. For example, one organization may perform the functions of two or three of the organizations. In this case, two or three of the sales company terminal 20, logistics terminal 30, and distribution terminal 40 may be the same. Alternatively, other organizations such as agents may perform some of the functions of the three organizations.

[0072] Although in the above embodiments, the user information includes the address of the delivery destination as the delivery destination information, and the delivery result acquisition unit 15 of the server 10 obtains the address of the delivery destination entered by the delivery manager as the delivery destination information, the delivery destination information is not limited to an address as long as it can identify the delivery destination. For example, if the delivery destination is an organization such as a company, it can be the name of the organization or location information represented by latitude and longitude.

[0073] Although the delivery of the replaceable printhead 66 has been described in the above embodiment, it can also be applied to the delivery of components other than the printhead 66, such as a cover that protects the printhead 66 when not in use, a filter disposed in the ink flow channel, etc.

[0074] Although the delivery of the replaceable printhead 66 has been described in the above embodiment, it can also be applied to the delivery of components other than the printhead 66, such as a cover that protects the printhead 66 when not in use, a filter disposed in the ink flow channel, etc.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the printer 60 is an apparatus for printing images on a printing medium, and can also be a serial printer, a landscape printer, a line printer, a page printer, etc. Furthermore, the printing method is not limited to inkjet; it can also be thermal, click-to-print, laser, etc. That is, the print head 66 is not limited to an inkjet print head; it can also be a thermal print head or other types of print heads. Furthermore, the printer 60 only needs to have at least the function of printing on a printing medium; it can also be a multifunction printer with functions other than printing. Additionally, the printer 60 is not limited to an apparatus for printing on a two-dimensional medium; it can also be an apparatus for printing on a medium with a three-dimensional curved surface.

[0076] Symbol Explanation

[0077] 1…Head management system; 10…Server; 11…Server control unit; 12…Server storage unit; 13…Server communication unit; 14…Identification information acquisition unit; 15…Delivery result acquisition unit; 16…Replacement information acquisition unit; 17…Replacement processing unit; 18…Head management program; 19…Head management database; 20…Sales company terminal; 21…Terminal control unit; 22…Terminal storage unit; 23…Terminal communication unit; 24…Terminal operation unit; 25…Terminal display unit; 26…Photography unit; 30…Logistics responsible terminal; 40…Delivery responsible terminal; 50…User terminal; 60…Printer; 61…Printer control unit; 62…Printer storage unit; 63…Printer communication unit; 64…Printer operation unit; 65…Printer display unit; 66…Print head; 67…Conveying mechanism; 68…Head movement unit; 69…Head detection unit; NW…Network.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, which manages the delivery of a second head and a third head replaceable by a first head installed in the image forming apparatus, wherein, The information processing device includes: The replacement information acquisition unit acquires replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; The replacement processing unit, upon obtaining the replacement information from the replacement information acquisition unit, instructs the delivery of the third head; The identification information acquisition unit acquires the recycling head identification information used to identify the first recycled head and registers it in the recycling history. The replacement information includes head identification information of the installed second head and device identification information of the image forming apparatus on which the second head is installed. The first head, the second head, and the third head are inkjet heads that eject liquid.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The identification information acquisition unit acquires head identification information for identifying the second head before the second head is delivered. The head identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit is associated with the device identification information before the second head is delivered. The device identification information is used to identify the image forming apparatus that should be fitted with the second head. The replacement processing unit issues a notification if the device identification information included in the replacement information does not correspond to the head identification information included in the replacement information.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The identification information acquisition unit acquires head identification information for identifying the second head before the second head is delivered. The information processing device also includes a delivery result acquisition unit that obtains information about the actual delivery destination to which the second head was delivered. The head identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit is used to establish a correspondence between the head identification information and the information of the delivery destination to which the second head should be delivered before the second head is delivered. The replacement processing unit issues a notification if the delivery destination information obtained by the delivery result acquisition unit differs from the delivery destination information for which a correspondence has been established with the head recognition information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The replacement processing unit instructs the delivery of the third head after a predetermined period has elapsed since the replacement information was obtained.

5. A head management method that manages the delivery of a second head and a third head that are interchangeable with a first head installed in an image forming apparatus, wherein, The head management method includes: The process of obtaining replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; Upon obtaining the replacement information, the process of instructing the delivery of the third head is carried out; The process of obtaining recycling head identification information for identifying the first recycled head and registering it in the recycling history; The process in which the replacement information includes head identification information of the installed second head and device identification information of the image forming apparatus on which the second head is installed; The process of making the first head, the second head, and the third head into inkjet heads that eject liquid.

6. A head management system, comprising: Image forming apparatus; An information processing device connected to the image forming apparatus, which manages the delivery of a second head and a third head that are interchangeable with the first head installed in the image forming apparatus. in, The information processing device includes: The replacement information acquisition unit acquires replacement information from the image forming apparatus indicating that the first head has been replaced with the second head; The replacement processing unit, upon obtaining the replacement information from the replacement information acquisition unit, instructs the delivery of the third head; The identification information acquisition unit acquires the recycling head identification information used to identify the first recycled head and registers it in the recycling history. The replacement information includes head identification information of the installed second head and device identification information of the image forming apparatus on which the second head is installed. The first head, the second head, and the third head are inkjet heads that eject liquid.

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