Care system, printing apparatus, and method for controlling printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a care system, a printing apparatus, and a control method of the printing apparatus, which can solve the problem that the daily life of a person to be cared cannot be coped with. A care system is a notification system including a first server, a printing device capable of transmitting detection information based on an operation of a user to the first server after printing print information, and an information processing device. The first server is capable of transmitting a notification to the information processing apparatus based on the received detection information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a care system, a printing device, and a control method for a printing device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, there has been known a care system that sets a care device in the home of a care recipient and remotely cares for the care recipient via a network.

[0003] The above-described system may not be able to respond in accordance with the daily life of the care recipient, and also requires a dedicated device, so the convenience is low.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-272568 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A care system includes a first server, a printing device, and an information processing device. The printing device can send detection information based on a user's operation to the first server after printing printing information, and the first server can send a notification to the information processing device based on the received detection information.

[0006] A printing device can communicate with a first server and includes: a printing unit that prints printing information; a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation; and a control unit that can generate detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit and send it to the first server after the printing unit has printed the printing information.

[0007] A control method for a printing device can communicate with a first server and includes a printing unit that prints printing information and a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation. In the control method, detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit can be generated and sent to the first server after the printing unit has printed the printing information. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the structure of the notification system.

[0009] Figure 2 A state transition diagram showing the control method of the notification system.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart showing the control method of the printing device when using the first sensor.

[0011] Figure 4 A flowchart showing the control method of the printing device when using the second sensor. Detailed implementation mode

[0012] 1. Structure of the notification system and the printing device

[0013] The care system involved in the implementation mode is Figure 1 As shown, the notification system 1 is configured to include at least a first server 10, a printing device 30, and an information processing device 40. As Figure 1 shown, the notification system 1 may also be configured to further include a second server 20. In the following, the notification system 1 is described as a system configured to include the second server 20.

[0014] For example, the management company of the first server 10 provides care services, i.e., notification services, for care recipients such as the elderly. The printing device 30 is installed in the homes of care recipients such as the elderly and is used in the daily lives of the care recipients. The information processing device 40 is an intelligent device, a tablet terminal, a computer, etc. of the principal who entrusts the management company of the first server 10 to provide care services for the care recipient.

[0015] Based on the detection information of the printing device 30, the first server 10 notifies the information processing device 40. The principal can, based on the notification received by the information processing device 40, learn about the actions of the care recipient who is far away and uses the printing device 30.

[0016] The first server 10, the second server 20, the printing device 30, and the information processing device 40 can communicate with each other via, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) 50 that is the Internet. In addition, the WAN 50 may also include networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0017] The first server 10, the second server 20, the printing device 30, and the information processing device 40 are respectively assigned, for example, unique IP addresses (Internet Protocol Addresses). These devices can specify the IP address assigned to the communication destination and communicate with the communication destination. In addition, these devices can also specify the detailed location of a directory or file, etc. of the sending destination through a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and send information.

[0018] The first server 10 is a server with the printing device 30 and the information processing device 40 as clients. The first server 10 is configured to include a first control unit 11, a first communication unit 12, and a first storage unit 13.

[0019] The first control unit 11 comprehensively controls each part of the first server 10. The first control unit 11 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for managing input and output, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as a logic circuit, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and the like. The CPU is also referred to as a processor.

[0020] The first storage unit 13 is configured to include memories such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) as a rewritable non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory.

[0021] The CPU of the first control unit 11 reads the program stored in the non-volatile memory of the first storage unit 13 and executes the program using the RAM of the first storage unit 13 as a work area.

[0022] For example, a program for notifying the information processing device 40 based on the detected information of the received printing device 30 is stored in the first storage unit 13 and can be executed by the first control unit 11 as described later.

[0023] The first communication unit 12 of the first server 10 is configured to include a circuit capable of communicating wirelessly or wired. In addition, the first communication unit 12 has an antenna in the case of wireless communication and a connector in the case of wired communication.

[0024] The first communication unit 12 can communicate via the WAN 50. In addition, when the first server 10 sends and receives data to and from a communication destination, it is performed by the first communication unit 12. However, hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the case of sending and receiving by the first communication unit 12 is omitted. The same applies to the second communication unit 22 of the second server 20, the third communication unit 32 of the printing device 30, and the fourth communication unit 42 of the information processing device 40 described later.

[0025] Next, the printing device 30 is a client that uses the first server 10 and the second server 20 as servers. The printing device 30 is configured to include a third control unit 31, a third communication unit 32, and a third storage unit 33. Since these structures of the printing device 30 are basically the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the structures is omitted.

[0026] For example, a program for generating detection information based on the detection by a detection unit 36 including a third input / output unit 34 and sending it to the first server 10 is stored in the third storage unit 33, and as will be described later, it can be executed by the third control unit 31.

[0027] The printing device 30 further includes a printing unit 35. The printing unit 35 is configured to include printing mechanisms such as a head and conveying rollers (illustrations are omitted).

[0028] The printing device 30 may further include any one of the third input / output unit 34 and the detection unit 36. Hereinafter, as Figure 1 shown, the printing device 30 is described as being configured to include the third input / output unit 34 and the detection unit 36.

[0029] The third input / output unit 34 having a detection panel as a second sensor can also be included in the detection unit 36 as a part for detecting operations based on the user.

[0030] The third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 is a user interface for a user who is a care recipient.

[0031] The third input / output unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel display. The third input / output unit 34 includes a display panel as an output unit for displaying various kinds of information and a detection panel as an input unit and a second sensor.

[0032] The detection panel is configured to overlap with the display panel. The detection panel can detect operations of a user's finger or the like by methods such as the capacitive method, the resistive film method, and the optical method.

[0033] In addition, in the third input / output unit 34, the input unit may be a keyboard, a mouse, a button, etc., and the output unit may be a standing liquid crystal display, etc. In addition, hereinafter, the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 is also referred to as the second sensor.

[0034] For example, the detection information based on the user's operation is second detection information including information that the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 does not detect the user's operation. In addition, the second detection information may also include information that the user has not operated the third input / output unit 34 for a predetermined time.

[0035] The third control unit 31 includes a timer and is capable of measuring a predetermined time, namely, a second time and a first time described later.

[0036] In addition, when the printing device 30 uses the detection unit 36 described later as a device for detecting operations based on the user, the third input / output unit 34 may not be provided.

[0037] The printing device 30 may include a tray (not shown) for placing the printed matter printed by the printing unit 35.

[0038] The first sensor of the printing device 30, that is, the detection unit 36, can detect whether there is printed matter placed on the tray. That is, the detection unit 36 can detect whether the user has taken out the printed matter placed on the tray and can detect operations based on the user. In addition, hereinafter, the detection unit 36 will also be referred to as the first sensor.

[0039] The detection unit 36 can use an optical sensor or a mechanical switch. It can also be set that the detection unit 36 is provided on the chassis (not shown) of the printing device 30 and detects the presence or absence of printed matter placed on the tray.

[0040] Preferably, the printing device 30 is configured to be able to be equipped with a non-shrinking tray, and this tray has the detection unit 36.

[0041] The detection unit 36 can accurately detect the presence or absence of printed matter placed on the non-shrinking tray. In addition, the user can replace the existing tray without the detection unit 36 and that shrinks with the tray of the embodiment for use.

[0042] For example, the detection information based on the user's operation is the first detection information including information indicating that the detection unit 36 has detected printed matter. The first detection information may also be information indicating that the detection unit 36 has continuously detected printed matter for a first time or more. In addition, the first detection information may also be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter.

[0043] In addition, when the printing device 30 uses the above-mentioned third input / output unit 34 as a device for detecting operations based on the user, the detection unit 36 may not be provided.

[0044] Next, the second server 20 is a server with the printing device 30 as a client. The second server 20 is configured to include a second control unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a second storage unit 23. Since these structures of the second server 20 are basically the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the structures is omitted.

[0045] For example, a program for sending print information to the printing device 30 is stored in the second storage unit 23 and can be executed by the second control unit 21 as described later.

[0046] In addition, various content information as print information is stored in the second storage unit 23. It is assumed that there is a protocol for transmitting the content information between the administrator of the second server 20 and the user of the printing device 30. The second server 20 periodically sends the content information to the printing device 30 based on the protocol.

[0047] When the printing device 30 receives the content information, it can perform printing periodically even without a print instruction from the user.

[0048] For example, the administrator of the second server 20 is a newspaper company as the provider of the content information, and the content information is information related to news reports. The second server 20 sends the news report information to the printing device 30 at a specified time every morning or every evening. The printing device 30 can receive the news report information and perform printing on time. The user of the printing device 30 can read the printed news report information on time.

[0049] The provider of the content information can be a publishing house, a local government, etc. The content information can be information related to official notices in the region, circular bulletins, etc. in addition to books such as magazines and weekly publications.

[0050] Next, the information processing device 40 is a client with the first server 10 as the server. The information processing device 40 is configured to include a fourth control unit 41, a fourth communication unit 42, and a fourth storage unit 43. Since the structures of these components of the information processing device 40 are basically the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the structures is omitted.

[0051] The information processing device 40 can be configured to further include a fourth input / output unit 44. Since the structure of the fourth input / output unit 44 of the information processing device 40 is basically the same as that of the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30, the description of the structure is omitted.

[0052] For example, programs such as application programs for display by the fourth input / output unit 44 based on the information received from the first server 10 are stored in the fourth storage unit 43. The fourth control unit 41 can read the application program from the fourth storage unit 43 and execute it.

[0053] For example, the fourth control unit 41 can display information such as notifications received from the first server 10 or warnings based on the notifications on the output unit of the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0054] 2. Control Method of the Notification System

[0055] In Figure 2 Figure 2 shows a control method of the notification system 1 according to an embodiment. In addition, these controls are respectively executed by the second control unit 21 of the second server 20, the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10, and the fourth control unit 41 of the information processing device 40. Hereinafter, the description of execution by each control unit is omitted.

[0056] The second server 20 periodically sends print information to the printing device 30 (S101), and the printing device 30 prints the received print information (S102).

[0057] After printing the print information, the printing device 30 generates detection information based on the user's operation and sends it to the first server 10 (S103). The detection information is information based on the detection by the detection unit 36 including the third input / output unit 34. The first server 10 sends a notification to the information processing device 40 based on the received detection information. The information processing device 40 can display the received notification.

[0058] When receiving the above first detection information as the detection information from the printing device 30, the first server 10 can send the first detection information as a notification to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the first detection information through the output unit of the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0059] The first detection information may be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter for more than the first time after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like.

[0060] The first server 10 may also generate warning information indicating that there may be an abnormality in the user's action status as a notification based on the received first detection information and send it to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the received warning information through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0061] It may also be set that the information processing device 40 that has received the first detection information as a notification generates warning information and displays it through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0062] Similarly, when receiving the above second detection information as the detection information from the printing device 30, the first server 10 can send the second detection information as a notification to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the second detection information through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0063] As described above, for example, the second detection information means that after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like, the user has not operated the third input / output unit 34 for more than a second period of time.

[0064] The first server 10 may also generate a warning message indicating that there may be an abnormality in the user's behavior status as a notification based on the received second detection information, and send it to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the warning message through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0065] It may also be set that the information processing device 40 that has received the second detection information as a notification generates a warning message and displays it through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0066] In this way, the first server 10 can perform a so-called push notification that sends a warning message even without a query from the information processing device 40.

[0067] In addition, after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like, when the third input / output unit 34 detects the user's operation before the second period of time has elapsed, the printing device 30 may generate third detection information indicating that the user has performed an operation as detection information, and send it to the first server 10.

[0068] Similarly, after printing, when the detection unit 36 of the printing device 30 changes from detecting the state of the printed matter to not detecting the state of the printed matter before the first period of time has elapsed, the third detection information may be sent to the first server 10. In addition, the situation where the detection unit 36 of the printing device 30 changes from detecting the state of the printed matter to not detecting the state of the printed matter is the situation where the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray.

[0069] The first server 10 can send the received third detection information to the information processing device 40 as a notification. The information processing device 40 can generate normal information indicating that there is no abnormality in the user's behavior status based on the received third detection information, and display it through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0070] The first server 10 can also generate normal information based on the received third detection information, and send it to the information processing device 40 as a notification. The information processing device 40 can display the received normal information through the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0071] When the first server 10 receives the third detection information, it can also store the third detection information or the no-abnormality information in the first storage unit 13 without sending it to the information processing device 40. When receiving a query from the information processing device 40 at an arbitrary timing, the first server 10 can read out the third detection information or the no-abnormality information from the first storage unit 13 and make a response.

[0072] In this way, the first server 10 can perform a so-called pull notification of sending the third detection information or the no-abnormality information when there is a query from the information processing device 40.

[0073] The third detection information and the no-abnormality information may include information on the date and time when the third input / output unit 34 detects the operation of the user. In addition, the third detection information and the no-abnormality information may also include information on the date and time when the detection unit 36 changes from detecting the state of the printed matter to not detecting the state of the printed matter.

[0074] The information processing device 40 can display the above-mentioned date and time information related to the user's operation on the printing device 30 through the fourth input / output unit 44. The principal can learn about the action status of the user on the printing device 30 through the information processing device 40.

[0075] In addition, there may be multiple information processing devices 40. For example, they may be held by people other than the principal. The first server 10 can send detection information, warning information, no-abnormality information, etc. to the multiple information processing devices 40.

[0076] In addition, the printing device 30 may be equipped with a scanner (not shown). In this case, the notification system 1 may not need to include the second server 20.

[0077] According to the instructions of the user in daily use, the printing device 30 can use the scanner for scanning, copying, faxing, etc. The printing device 30 can perform the detection of the third input / output unit 34 along with scanning, copying, faxing, etc., or can perform the detection of the detection unit 36. The printing device 30 can generate detection information based on these detections and can send it to the first server 10.

[0078] In addition, according to the instructions of the user in daily use, when the printing device 30 performs printing alone, the notification system 1 may not need to include the second server 20. The same applies to the case where a computer (not shown) connected to the printing device 30 sends printing information such as documents to the printing device 30 for printing instead of the second server 20.

[0079] 3. Control Method of Printing Device

[0080] Refer toFigure 3 , Figure 4 , a control method for the printing device 30 involved in the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 It shows the control in which the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30 generates first detection information based on the detection result of the first sensor, i.e., the detection unit 36, and sends it to the first server 10. Figure 4 It shows the control in which the third control unit 31 generates second detection information based on the detection result of the second sensor, i.e., the input unit of the third input / output unit 34, and sends it to the first server 10.

[0081] First, with reference to Figure 3 showing the control related to the first sensor, the control method of the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30 will be described. In addition, hereinafter, various controls are executed by the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30, but for simplicity of description, it is only referred to as the third control unit 31 and the printing device 30 is omitted.

[0082] The third control unit 31 determines whether printing information has been received from the second server 20 (S201). The third control unit 31 stands by (S201: No) until the printing information is received. When the third control unit 31 receives the printing information (S201: Yes), it prints the printing information through the printing unit 35 (S202). The timer of the third control unit 31 starts timing.

[0083] At this time, the third control unit 31 can also display to the user through the output unit of the third input / output unit 34 so that the user can take out the printed matter placed on the tray.

[0084] Setting information related to setting whether to make the detection information sent to the first server 10 valid or invalid is stored in the third storage unit 33 of the printing device 30. The setting information can be input by the user through the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 and can be stored in the third storage unit 33.

[0085] For example, when the user is away for several days due to travel or the like, the user can make the setting invalid through the third input / output unit 34. When the user returns from travel or the like, the user can make the setting valid.

[0086] In addition, the setting information may also include a predetermined period and invalid period information for making the setting invalid. The user can make the setting valid through the third input / output unit 34 and input the invalid period information, and store it in the third storage unit 33.

[0087] The third control unit 31 reads the setting information and the invalid period information included in the setting information from the third storage unit 33, and compares it with the time measured by the timer. If the measured time is within the period corresponding to the invalid period information, even if it is set to be valid, the third control unit 31 determines that it is set to be invalid. On the other hand, if the measured time is not within the period corresponding to the invalid period information, the third control unit 31 determines that it is valid as set.

[0088] In this way, the third control unit 31 can determine whether the setting is valid or invalid based on the setting information and the invalid period information included in the setting information.

[0089] In addition, in addition to the printing device 30, the information processing device 40 can also perform these settings on the printing device 30 by using an application program and via the WAN 50.

[0090] It can also be set that the third control unit 31 deletes the invalid period information in the third storage unit 33 when the invalid period has elapsed. In such a case, the third control unit 31 is set not to delete but to retain the setting information of valid or invalid.

[0091] The third control unit 31 reads the setting information from the third storage unit 33 and determines whether the setting is valid (S203).

[0092] When the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is not valid but invalid (S203: No), the process ends. The third control unit 31 does not send the detection information to the first server 10.

[0093] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is valid (S203: Yes), it determines whether the detection unit 36, i.e., the first sensor, detects the printed matter placed on the tray (S204).

[0094] When the third control unit 31 determines that the first sensor has detected the printed matter (S204: Yes), then, it uses the timer to determine whether more than the first time has elapsed after the printing information is printed (S205).

[0095] When the third control unit 31 determines that more than the first time has not elapsed (S205: No), it determines whether the first sensor has detected the printed matter (S204), and stands by until more than the first time has elapsed.

[0096] When the third control unit 31 determines that the first sensor continuously detects the printed matter (S204: Yes), and more than the first time has elapsed (S205: Yes), it generates the first detection information and sends it to the first server 10 (S206), and then ends the process.

[0097] The case of sending the first detection information is the case where the first sensor of the printing device 30 has detected the printed matter for more than the first period of time. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray for more than the first period of time.

[0098] As described above, the first detection information may be information meaning that the first sensor has detected the printed matter for more than the first period of time. In addition, the first detection information may also be information meaning that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray.

[0099] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the first sensor has not detected the printed matter (S204: No), the process ends.

[0100] This case is the case where the detection unit 36 of the printing device 30 has changed from the state of detecting the printed matter to the state of not detecting the printed matter before reaching the first period of time. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray before reaching the first period of time.

[0101] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the control related to the input unit, i.e., the second sensor, of the third input / output unit 34,

[0102] the control method of the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30 will be described.

[0103] The third control unit 31 determines whether it has received the printing information from the second server 20 (S301). The third control unit 31 stands by (S301: No) until it receives the printing information. When the third control unit 31 receives the printing information (S301: Yes), it prints the printing information by the printing unit 35 (S302). The timer of the third control unit 31 starts timing.

[0104] In addition, the third control unit 31 also displays, through the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, instruction information to prompt the user to take out the printed matter placed on the tray.

[0105] The user can visually observe the printed matter printed by the printing device 30 and placed on the tray, and then visually confirm the instruction information displayed on the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, take out the printed matter from the tray, and operate the input unit of the third input / output unit 34.

[0106] In addition, it may be provided that the output unit of the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 has a speaker, and the instruction information is notified to the user by voice or the like.

[0107] The third control unit 31 reads the setting information from the third storage unit 33 and determines whether the setting is valid (S303).

[0108] When the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is not valid and is invalid (S303: No), the process ends. The third control unit 31 does not send the detection information to the first server 10.

[0109] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is valid (S303: Yes), it determines whether the second sensor has detected the following operation of the user (S304), where the operation of the user is an input meaning that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray.

[0110] When the third control unit 31 determines that the second sensor has detected the operation of the user (S304: Yes), the process ends. When ending the process, the third control unit 31 deletes the instruction information displayed on the third input / output unit 34.

[0111] This is the case where, before reaching the second time described later, the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 has detected an input meaning that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter.

[0112] Assume that even when the user has not taken out all the printed matter placed on the tray and at least one sheet remains, the third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter through the third input / output unit 34.

[0113] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the operation of the user has not been detected by the second sensor (S304: No), then it uses a timer to determine whether the second time or more has elapsed after the printing information is printed (S305).

[0114] When the third control unit 31 determines that the second time or more has not elapsed (S305: No), it determines whether the second sensor has detected the operation of the user (S304), and stands by until the second time or more has elapsed.

[0115] When the third control unit 31 determines that the operation of the user has not been continuously detected by the second sensor (S304: No), and the second time or more has elapsed (S305: Yes), it generates second detection information and sends it to the first server 10 (S306), and ends the process. When ending the process, the third control unit 31 may also delete the instruction information displayed on the third input / output unit 34.

[0116] The situation of sending the second detection information is when the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 has not detected the operation of the user for more than a second period of time. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray.

[0117] As described above, the second detection information can be information indicating that the third input / output unit 34 has not detected the operation of the user for more than a second period of time. In addition, the second detection information can also be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter.

[0118] As described above, the care system, i.e., the notification system 1 of the embodiment, includes the first server 10, the printing device 30, and the information processing device 40. The printing device 30 can, after printing the print information, send detection information based on the operation of the user to the first server 10. The first server 10 can send a notification to the information processing device 40 based on the received detection information.

[0119] According to the above-described notification system 1, it is possible to perform responses that conform to the daily life of the care recipient, and there is no need for a dedicated device, which is highly convenient.

[0120] The printing device 30 of the embodiment can communicate with the first server 10 and includes: a printing unit 35 that prints the print information; a detection unit 36 that performs detection based on the operation of the user; and a third control unit 31 that can, after the printing unit 35 has printed the print information, generate detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit 36 and send it to the first server 10. In addition, the third input / output unit 34 can be included in the detection unit 36.

[0121] According to the above-described printing device 30, it is possible to perform responses that conform to the daily life of the care recipient, which is highly convenient.

[0122] A control method for the printing device 30 of the embodiment that can communicate with the first server 10 and includes a printing unit 35 that prints the print information and a detection unit 36 that performs detection based on the operation of the user can, after the printing unit 35 has printed the print information, generate detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit 36 and send it to the first server 10. In addition, the third input / output unit 34 can be included in the detection unit 36.

[0123] According to the above-described control method of the printing device 30, it is possible to perform corresponding actions that conform to the daily life of the care recipient, which is highly convenient.

[0124] As described above, the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and changes, replacements, deletions, etc. can be made as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

[0125] For example, the first server 10 may also have the function of the second server 20 that sends print information. In such a case, the notification system 1 may not have the second server 20 either.

[0126] In addition, the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30 may also sequentially send the detection results of the detection unit 36, i.e., the first sensor, to the first server 10 as status information, and the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 judges the detection results of the first sensor. Moreover, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may also have a timer to measure time and judge whether a first period of time has elapsed.

[0127] The first control unit 11 of the first server 10 can judge, instead of the printing device 30, that the detection unit 36 of the printing device 30 has detected a printed matter for more than the first period of time. The first control unit 11 can judge that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray. In such a case, the first server 10 can notify the information processing device 40 of this meaning.

[0128] Similarly, the third control unit 31 of the printing device 30 may also sequentially send the detection results of the input unit of the third input / output unit 34, i.e., the second sensor, to the first server 10 as status information, and the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 judges the detection results of the second sensor. Moreover, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may also have a timer to measure time and judge whether a second period of time has elapsed.

[0129] The first control unit 11 of the first server 10 can judge, instead of the printing device 30, that the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 has not detected the operation of the user for more than the second period of time. In such a case, the first control unit 11 can judge that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray. The first server 10 can notify the information processing device 40 of this meaning.

[0130] Reference Signs

[0131] 1... Notification system; 11... First control unit; 12... First communication unit; 13... First storage unit; 20...

[0132] Second server; 21... Second control unit; 22... Second communication unit; 23... Second storage unit; 30... Printing device; 31... Third control unit; 32... Third communication unit; 33... Third storage unit; 34... Third input / output unit; 35... Printing unit; 36... Detection unit; 40... Information processing device; 41... Fourth control unit; 42... Fourth communication unit; 43... Fourth storage unit; 44... Fourth input / output unit; 50... WAN.

Claims

1. A care system comprising a first server, a printing device and an information processing device, The printing device can transmit detection information based on the user's operation to the first server after printing the print information. The first server can send a notification to the information processing device based on the received detection information.

2. The care system according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising a second server, the second server transmitting content information as the printing information, The printing device can transmit the detection information to the first server after printing the content information received from the second server.

3. A printing device capable of communicating with a first server and comprising: a printing unit that prints printed information; a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation; The control unit can generate detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit after the print information is printed by the printing unit, and transmit the detection information to the first server.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The first server is capable of sending a notification to the information processing device based on the detection information, The printing information is content information received from the second server, The control unit may transmit the detection information to the first server after the printing unit prints the content information received from the second server.

5. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The detection unit is a first sensor capable of detecting a printed matter printed by the printing unit. After the print information is printed by the printing unit, when the first sensor continues to detect the printed matter for a first period of time or longer, the control unit transmits first detection information as the detection information to the first server.

6. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The detection unit is a second sensor capable of detecting the user's operation. After the print information is printed by the printing unit, when the second sensor does not detect the user's operation for a second period of time or longer, the control unit transmits second detection information as the detection information to the first server.

7. A method for controlling a printing device, the printing device being capable of communicating with a first server and comprising a printing unit for printing print information and a detection unit for detecting an operation by a user, wherein: After the print information is printed by the printing unit, detection information based on the detection performed by the detection unit can be generated and transmitted to the first server.

8. The control method of a printing device according to claim 7, wherein: The first server is capable of sending a notification to the information processing device based on the detection information, The printing information is content information received from the second server, After the printing unit prints the content information received from the second server, the detection information can be transmitted to the first server.

Images