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

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device, a head management method, and a head management system that enable a manager or the like to grasp information on the presence of a head that has not been recovered. A server (10) is an information processing device that is connected to a printer having a replaceable print head and manages recovery of the print head, and includes: a replacement information acquisition section (16) that acquires replacement information indicating that a print head has been replaced and registers the replacement information in a replacement history; an identification information acquisition section (14) that, in the case where a print head that has been detached by replacement has been recovered, acquires a head ID for identifying the recovered print head and registers the head ID in a recovery history; a determination section (17) that determines whether or not there is a print head that has not been recovered, based on the replacement history and the recovery history; and a notification section (18) that performs notification in the case where it is determined that there is a print head that has not been recovered.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A system for distributing consumables for image forming apparatuses such as printers is known. In the system described in Patent Document 1, when the remaining amount of printer ink is lower than a predetermined value, an order for ink is placed through an ordering server, thereby delivering the ink to the user. The user replaces the used ink with the delivered new ink.

[0003] Furthermore, a system can be implemented that delivers replacement parts to users in case of malfunctions or other issues with the image forming apparatus, allowing for replacement. In such a system, it is preferable that the parts removed during replacement are collected by a sales company or similar entity and either repaired and reused or properly disposed of. However, in cases where users forget to return the parts, there is a possibility that the manager overseeing the collection may not be aware of this situation and thus be unable to collect the parts.

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

[0005] The information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus having a replaceable head and managing the retrieval of the head, and includes: a replacement information acquisition unit that acquires replacement information indicating that the head has been replaced and registers the replacement information in a replacement history; an identification information acquisition unit that, when the head removed by replacement has been retrieved, acquires head identification information for identifying the retrieved head and registers the head identification information in a retrieval history; a determination unit that determines whether there is an unretrieved head based on the replacement history and the retrieval history; and a notification unit that provides a notification when it is determined that there is an unretrieved head.

[0006] The head management method is a head management method for managing the recycling of heads removed from an image forming apparatus having replaceable heads, and includes the following steps: obtaining replacement information indicating that the head has been replaced and registering the replacement information in a replacement history; if the head removed by replacement has been recycled, obtaining head identification information for identifying the recycled head and registering the head identification information in a recycling history; determining whether there are any unrecycled heads based on the replacement history and the recycling history; and issuing a notification if it is determined that there are any unrecycled heads.

[0007] The head management system includes: an image forming apparatus having a replaceable head; and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus and managing the retrieval of the head, wherein the information processing apparatus includes: a replacement information acquisition unit that acquires replacement information indicating that the head has been replaced and registers the replacement information in a replacement history; an identification information acquisition unit that, when the head removed by replacement has been retrieved, acquires head identification information for identifying the retrieved head and registers the head identification information in a retrieval history; a judgment unit that determines whether there is an unretrieved head based on the replacement history and the retrieval history; and a notification unit that notifies the system when it is determined that there is an unretrieved head. 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.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a head management method in the case where the printhead is not recycled. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, the head management system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of the head management system 1 in this embodiment.

[0018] like Figure 1As 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.

[0019] 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 selling these devices. In this embodiment, the sales manager is also responsible for the management of the distribution and return of printheads 66. Therefore, the sales manager is equivalent to a manager. 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. Distribution terminal 40 is a terminal device operated by the distribution manager of the distribution company, and is carried by the distribution manager when distributing 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, distribution 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.

[0020] The following is a detailed description of each part of the head management system 1.

[0021] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the internal structure of printer 60.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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".

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the internal structure of server 10.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 31 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 32. The head management database 32 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.

[0036] 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. The server communication unit 13 is equivalent to a communication unit.

[0037] The server control unit 11, implemented as a functional unit through the head management program 31, includes an identification information acquisition unit 14, a delivery result acquisition unit 15, a replacement information acquisition unit 16, a judgment unit 17, and a notification unit 18. 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 from the printer 60 indicating that the printhead 66 has been replaced. The judgment unit 17 determines the presence or absence of anomalies related to delivery, replacement, and return based on the printhead 66's delivery history, replacement history, and return history. The notification unit 18 sends a notification corresponding to the judgment result of the judgment unit 17 via the server communication unit 13. Details of each of these functional units will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, the server control unit 11, which operates according to the header management program 31, 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 31, will be referred to as the "header management page."

[0039] Figure 4 A block diagram showing the internal structure of each terminal device 20 to 50.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Next, the head management method executed by the head management system 1 will be explained.

[0046] Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figure 5C The 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] After the user connects the printer 60 to the network NW, they access the printhead management page from the 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 the printer 60. This information input through the user terminal 50 is sent to the server 10. The server control unit 11 obtains the input user information and registers it in the printhead management database 32 (step S501), and obtains the input printer information and registers it in the printhead management database 32 in a manner that establishes a correspondence with the user information (step S502).

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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 a replacement printhead 66 (step S404). Preferably, this purchase is made before the printhead 66 malfunctions, rather than after the malfunction has occurred.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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).

[0053] The identification information acquisition unit 14 of server 10 acquires the sent header ID and registers it in the delivery history of the header management database 32 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 the header management database 32, 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 is associated with the printer information, the header ID registered in the delivery history is associated with the printer ID contained in the corresponding printer information. In other words, 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).

[0054] 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 32 in a way that establishes a correspondence with the user information of the user who made the purchase order (step S506).

[0055] 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 32 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.

[0056] Next, the judgment unit 17 of server 10 determines whether the printhead 66 has been delivered to the correct delivery destination based on the delivery history (step S508). Specifically, the judgment unit 17 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 header ID of the delivered printhead 66). Then, if the delivery destination address does not match (step S508: No), the judgment unit 17 determines that a delivery-related anomaly has occurred, i.e., a misdelivery has occurred. Then, the notification unit 18 of server 10 notifies the sales company terminal 20 of 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 print head 66 is delivered to the correct delivery destination (step S508: Yes), the server control unit 11 performs the processing after step S510.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 32 (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.

[0060] Next, the judgment unit 17 of server 10 retrieves the delivery history of the printhead 66 corresponding to the sent printhead ID from the printhead management database 32 (step S511). Then, the judgment unit 17 determines whether the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60 is correct based on the obtained delivery history (step S512). Specifically, the judgment unit 17 determines whether the combination of printhead ID and printer ID sent as replacement information is consistent with the combination of printhead ID and printer ID that has established a correspondence in the delivery history. Then, if the combination is incorrect (step S512: No), that is, if the printhead ID and printer ID sent as replacement information do not correspond, the judgment unit 17 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the combination of printhead 66 and printer 60, that is, a misinstallation has occurred. Then, the notification unit 18 of server 10 notifies the sales company terminal 20 of the misinstallation (step S513). Upon receiving the notification, the sales manager takes measures such as contacting the user to address the misinstallation (step S106). Alternatively, the notification unit 18 may notify the user terminal 50 or printer 60, in addition to the sales company terminal 20, of the erroneous installation. In this case, the user can be informed of the erroneous installation as quickly as possible. On the other hand, if the printhead 66 and printer 60 are correctly combined (step S512: Yes), the server control unit 11 executes the processing after step S514.

[0061] 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 installed and has a corresponding relationship 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, etc.

[0062] 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 32 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] Next, we will explain the situation where printhead 66 was not recycled.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the head management method in the case where the printhead 66 is not recycled. The flowchart includes steps S121 representing the work of the sales manager of the sales company, steps S221 and S222 representing the work of the logistics manager of the logistics base, steps S421 to S425 representing the work of the user, and steps S521 to S524 representing the work of the server 10.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the judgment unit 17 of the server 10 periodically or irregularly determines whether there are any unrecovered printheads 66 (step S521). Specifically, the server control unit 11 determines whether there are any unrecovered printheads 66, i.e., printheads 66 not registered in the recovery history, among the printheads 66 that have been removed through replacement, based on the replacement history and recovery history of the printhead management database 32. Then, if it is determined that there are no unrecovered printheads 66 (step S521: No), the process ends.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are unrecovered printheads 66 (step S521: Yes), the determination unit 17 determines, based on the replacement history, whether there are any printheads 66 among the unrecovered printheads 66 that have been removed since being replaced and for which a predetermined period has elapsed (step S522). The predetermined period is set to, for example, a period of several weeks, taking into account factors such as the number of days required for the delivery of the printheads 66. Then, if it is determined that there are no printheads 66 for which the predetermined period has elapsed (step S522: No), the process ends.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a printhead 66 that has exceeded the predetermined period (step S522: Yes), the notification unit 18 notifies the sales company terminal 20 and the user terminal 50 of the existence of unrecovered printhead 66 (step S523). Upon receiving the notification, the sales manager of the sales company contacts the corresponding user regarding the existence of unrecovered printhead 66 (step S121).

[0068] When the user receives a notification from server 10 or a contact from the sales manager, they confirm whether the printhead 66 has been delivered (step S421). If delivery has been completed (step S421: Yes), the user contacts the sales manager to confirm delivery (step S422). In this case, the sales manager and the logistics manager wait for the arrival of the delivered printhead 66.

[0069] On the other hand, if the printhead 66 has not yet been delivered (step S421: No), the user determines whether the printhead 66 will be delivered later (step S423). Then, if it will be delivered (step S423: Yes), the user delivers the printhead 66 to the logistics location (step S424). When the logistics manager receives the printhead 66, while accessing the printhead management page from the logistics management terminal 30, the manager uses the camera unit 26 of the logistics management terminal 30 to photograph the QR code installed on the surface of the received printhead 66. When this photographing is performed, the logistics management terminal 30 reads the printhead ID from the image obtained by photographing the QR code and sends the printhead ID to the server 10 (step S221). The identification information acquisition unit 14 of the server 10 obtains the sent printhead ID, that is, the printhead ID of the received printhead 66, and registers it in the collection history of the printhead management database 32 in a way that establishes a correspondence with the user's user information (step S524). Afterwards, the logistics manager takes appropriate measures such as repairing or discarding the recovered printhead 66 (step S222).

[0070] On the other hand, if the printhead 66 is not delivered due to reasons such as handling the printhead 66 itself (step S423: No), the user will contact the sales manager regarding the non-delivery of the printhead 66 (step S425). Upon receiving this contact, the sales manager will, for example, access the printhead management page from the sales company terminal 20 and set the printhead management database 32 so that the printhead 66 will no longer be retrieved as uncollected.

[0071] As explained above, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment.

[0072] (1) According to this embodiment, since the existence of unrecycled printheads 66 is determined based on the replacement history and recycling history of printheads 66, and if unrecycled printheads 66 exist, a notification is made to the sales company terminal 20 and the user terminal 50, the sales manager and the user can be informed of the existence of unrecycled printheads 66.

[0073] (2) According to this embodiment, since a notification is made when there is a printhead 66 among the unrecovered printheads 66 that has been in transit for a predetermined period since it was removed, the situation where a notification is made even though the printhead is in transit for recovery can be suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sales company terminal 20 is equivalent to the first terminal device, and the user terminal 50 is equivalent to the second terminal device. Additionally, step S510 is equivalent to obtaining replacement information and registering it in the replacement history; steps S514 and S524 are equivalent to obtaining head identification information and registering it in the recycling history; step S521 is equivalent to determining whether there are any unrecycled heads; and step S523 is equivalent to issuing a notification. Furthermore, if the printing head 66 installed before replacement in step S407 is considered the first head, then the replaced printing head 66 is equivalent to the second head.

[0075] The above implementation method can also be modified in the following ways.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the reading of the header ID (step S302) and the input of the delivery destination address (step S303) performed by the delivery supervisor can also be omitted. In this case, although it may not be possible to detect the misdelivery immediately after delivery, it can be detected as a misinstallation when the printhead 66 is replaced.

[0077] In the above embodiment, notifications and instructions issued by the notification unit 18 of the server 10 can be implemented via a web page or by other means such as email. Similarly, communication between the sales company and the user is not particularly limited to this means.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Although only one printer 60 is connected to the head management system 1 in the above embodiment, multiple printers 60 can also be connected. Furthermore, the multiple printers 60 can be managed by the same user or by different users.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Symbol Explanation

[0084] 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…Judgment unit; 18…Notification unit; 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; 31…Head management program; 32…Head management database; 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 having a replaceable head, and managing the retrieval of said head, wherein, The information processing device includes: The replacement information acquisition unit acquires replacement information indicating that the head has been replaced and registers the replacement information in the replacement history. The replacement information includes head identification information of the newly installed head and device identification information of the image forming apparatus that has completed the replacement of the head. The identification information acquisition unit acquires head identification information for identifying the recycled head when the head that was removed by replacement has been recycled, and registers the head identification information for identifying the recycled head in the recycling history. The judgment unit determines whether there are any unrecovered heads based on the replacement history and the recovery history; The notification department will issue a notification if it is determined that the unrecovered head exists; The delivery result acquisition unit, upon receiving the head at the user who replaced it, obtains the actual delivery destination address and registers the address in the delivery history in a manner that establishes a correspondence with the user information of the user who made the purchase order. The judgment unit determines the presence or absence of anomalies related to delivery, replacement, and recycling based on the delivery history, the replacement history, and the recycling history. If the determination unit determines that there are unrecovered heads, it determines whether there are any heads among the unrecovered heads that have been in existence for a predetermined period of time since they were removed. The notification is executed when a header indicating that a predetermined period has elapsed.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a first terminal device operated by an administrator who manages the retrieval of the head. The notification unit sends the notification to the first terminal device via the communication unit.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The communication unit is capable of communicating with a second terminal device operated by a user who has replaced the head. The notification unit sends the notification to the second terminal device via the communication unit.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The unrecovered heads are those whose head identification information used to identify the recovered heads was not registered in the recovery history.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The head is an inkjet head that ejects liquid.

6. A head management system, comprising: An image forming apparatus having a replaceable head; The information processing apparatus of claim 1 is connected to the image forming apparatus and manages the retrieval of the head.

7. A head management method performed by a head management system according to claim 6, the head management method managing the retrieval of a head removed from an image forming apparatus having a replaceable head, wherein, The head management method includes: The process of obtaining replacement information indicating that the head has been replaced and registering the replacement information in the replacement history, wherein the replacement information includes head identification information of the newly installed head and device identification information of the image forming apparatus that has completed the replacement of the head; In the case where the head that was removed by replacement has been recycled, the process involves obtaining head identification information for identifying the recycled head and registering the head identification information for identifying the recycled head in the recycling history. The process of determining whether there are any unrecovered heads based on the replacement history and the recycling history; The process of issuing a notification when it is determined that the unrecovered head exists, wherein, If it is determined that there are unrecovered heads, it is determined whether there are any heads among the unrecovered heads that have been in existence for a predetermined period of time since they were removed. The notification is implemented if the header of the predetermined period has elapsed.

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