Printing system, printing device, method for controlling printing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for a use state to be transmitted to a management server via another device in a state where a printing device cannot communicate with the management server.SOLUTION: Provided is a printing device managed by a management server that manages a use state of a consumable of the printing device subject to a subscription service. The printing device is characterized by having notification means for outputting a notification of information for transmitting the use state of a consumable of the printing device to the management device in a state where the printing device cannot communicate with the management server, and that at a user terminal, the use state is transmitted to the management server in accordance with the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device that prints by consuming consumables, and a printing system that manages the printing device by a management server. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for printing devices such as inkjet recording devices and copiers, there are flat-rate services in which a user pays a fixed fee at regular intervals to a management company that manages the printing device, and can receive services such as the use of various consumables and ordering of various consumables. In such flat-rate services, the printing device and the usage status of the printing device's consumables are transmitted from the printing device via a network to a management server that manages the printing device, and are managed. Therefore, it is preferable to use the flat-rate service of the printing device when the printing device is in a state in which the printing device can communicate with the management server.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that sets an upper limit on the number of pages that can be printed when a printing device is unable to communicate with a management server, and restricts printing if the printing device is unable to communicate with the management server and the number of pages printed exceeds the upper limit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-32194 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration a mechanism for transmitting the usage status to the management server via another device when the printing device is in a state in which it cannot communicate with the management server.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for transmitting usage information to a management server via a separate device when a printing device is unable to communicate with the management server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device managed by a management server that manages the usage status of consumables of printing devices that are subject to a flat-rate service, and is characterized in that when the printing device is unable to communicate with the management server, it has a notification means that outputs a notification of information for sending the usage status of consumables of the printing device to the management server, and at a user terminal, the usage status is sent to the management server in accordance with the information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the printing device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for transmitting usage information to the management server via another device when the printing device is unable to communicate with the management server. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a contract process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of a recording process in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart of an online recording process which is a subroutine of the recording process in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of offline recording processing, which is a subroutine of the recording processing in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a process for continuing printing offline in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on a display unit of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display unit of a host terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An example of a recording system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment does not limit the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential for the solution of the present invention. The relative positions and shapes of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and unless otherwise specified, are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only those. In the following embodiment, printing on a print medium such as paper will be described as recording on a recording medium. A printing device that performs such printing will be described as a recording device. A user terminal that communicates with a server will be described as a host terminal. The host terminal is, for example, a mobile terminal or a smartphone.

[0011] In this embodiment, when the recording device is in a state where it can communicate with the server (also referred to as an online state), it transmits recording information including the number of printed sheets (also referred to as the number of recorded sheets) printed by the recording device to the server. On the other hand, even when the recording device is in a state where it cannot communicate with the server (also referred to as an offline state), recording is possible, but an upper limit on the number of sheets that can be recorded in the offline state is set. Specifically, in the case of a flat-rate service with a recording upper limit of 50 sheets per month, up to 25 sheets can be recorded offline, and when the number of recorded sheets reaches 25, recording in the offline state is restricted. In other words, a number less than the monthly upper limit in the online state is set.

[0012] In the following embodiments, the number of recorded sheets is counted by the recording device. The number of recorded sheets may be the number of sheets of printing paper used for printing, or the number of pages in the data to be printed. In the print settings, there are double-sided printing in which different pages are printed on both sides of one sheet of paper, and "Nin1 printing" in which multiple pages of data are printed on one sheet of paper. When the number of recorded sheets is the number of sheets of paper and the above print settings are performed, the number of recorded sheets that is less than the number of pages in the data to be printed is counted by the recording device. It may also be the number of printed surfaces. The surface of the number of printed surfaces refers to one surface of the output paper. For example, when double-sided printing is performed, it is possible to print two surfaces, the front and back, of one output paper. In other words, when double-sided printing is performed and printing is performed only on the front and back, the number of printed surfaces is counted as two. Note that, even if double-sided printing is set, when printing is performed only on the front side, the number of printed surfaces is counted as one. Even when the above-mentioned "Nin1 printing" is performed, the number of printed surfaces is counted by the number of surfaces of the output paper used for printing.

[0013] <First embodiment> First, a recording system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recording system according to an embodiment.

[0014] <Recording system configuration> The recording system 10 includes a host terminal 14, a server 16, and a recording device 18, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 12. The host terminal 14 outputs recording instructions and various information to the recording device 18. Note that the host terminal 14 is not limited to being connected to the recording device 18 via the network 12, and may be directly connected to the recording device 18 without going through the network 12. Note that the server 16 may be composed of a single server device, or a server system in which a plurality of server devices work together may operate as the server 16.

[0015] The host terminal 14 is also used, for example, to enter into a contract with a management company that manages the flat-rate service via the server 16 for a flat-rate service in which the user uses the consumables of the recording device 18 at fixed intervals for a fixed fee. Specifically, the host terminal 14 holds information about the recording device 18, and when the flat-rate service is contracted, the host terminal 14 outputs to the server 16 the user information and information about the recording device 18 inputted at the host terminal 14. The information about the recording device 18 is, for example, information that identifies the recording device 18. The server 16 also outputs to the host terminal 14, for example, information about the contract for various services provided by the management company that manages the flat-rate service. The host terminal 14 may hold the information about the recording device 18 as described above, or the host terminal 14 may acquire the information from the recording device 18 when the user instructs the host terminal 14 to use the flat-rate service. The host terminal 14 is connected to the recording device 18 via a wired connection such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN, or a wireless connection such as a wireless LAN, and the host terminal 14 obtains the above information from the recording device 18 via these connections.

[0016] The server 16 is managed by a management company that provides flat-rate services, and serves as a management server that manages users and the recording device 18 who use the flat-rate services, and manages the usage of consumables in the recording device 18. The usage of consumables refers to, for example, the number of records, recording information (log) including the number of records, and the remaining ink. In addition, the server 16 exchanges various information with the host terminal 14 to perform contract processing for the flat-rate services. Furthermore, the server 16 outputs to the recording device 18 a value (upper limit of the number of records when offline) to be set as the number of records that can be recorded when the recording device 18 is in an offline state in which it cannot communicate with the server 16. The upper limit of the number of records when offline is a value associated with the contents of the flat-rate service plan. For example, when there are multiple flat-rate services with different service contents, the value is different depending on the type of flat-rate service. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of records when offline may be set to a fixed value depending on the type of flat-rate service, or may be changed depending on the remaining ink in the recording device 18 at the timing when the server 16 and the recording device 18 communicate with each other.

[0017] <Recording device configuration> The recording device 18 performs recording based on image data, based on a job output from the host terminal 14, a PC (not shown), or the like. In this embodiment, the recording device 18 is an inkjet recording device that records by ejecting ink onto a recording medium. Note that the recording device 18 is not limited to an inkjet recording device, and may be of any recording method as long as it is a recording device that consumes consumables to perform recording. For example, it may be a recording device that performs recording by using toner as a consumable.

[0018] 2(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the recording device 18. The recording device 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a program memory 22, a data memory 24, a communication unit 28, a display unit 30, a recording control unit 32, and a recording unit 34. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 42 managed by the CPU 20.

[0019] The CPU 20 is a system control unit, and controls the entire recording device 18. The program memory 22 stores the control program executed by the CPU 20, an embedded OS (operating system) program, and the like. The data memory 24 includes an image memory 26 that holds image data. The data memory 24 also stores various information such as program control variables, and includes various work buffer areas used for processing in the recording control unit 32. The communication unit 28 connects to an external device via a USB or a network. It controls sending and receiving data to and from an external device connected via the network 12. That is, the communication unit 28 connects to a USB or a network and communicates with an external device. The display unit 30 is configured, for example, with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and is capable of displaying characters, figures, and indicators. Examples of information displayed by the display unit 30 include setting information and status information for the recording device 18. The display unit 30 also includes a function for performing input operations using a touch panel method, and is controlled by the CPU 20. It is also possible to configure the display unit 30 so that the user can perform various operations using switches and hard keys. The recording control unit 32 acquires data for recording from the image memory 26 in which image data processed by an image processing unit (not shown) is stored, and controls recording by the recording unit 34.

[0020] The recording unit 34 performs recording under the control of the recording control unit 32. The recording unit 34 includes a detection unit 36 ​​capable of detecting that the installed cartridge (a cartridge that contains ink used for printing) is a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, and a count unit 38 that counts the number of recorded sheets. The detection unit 36 ​​can determine whether the installed cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, for example, from information on a chip provided in the installed cartridge. The recording unit 34 may also include a configuration capable of detecting the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge, the amount of ink consumed by recording, and the like.

[0021] The recording device 18 outputs the acquired recording information to the server 16. The recording information is a log that summarizes the job mode such as copy and print, the number of recorded sheets, and the recording result, and is generated for each job. If a configuration is provided to detect the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge and the amount of ink consumed, the recording information may include such detection results. The recording information is output by the CPU 20 or the recording control unit 32 via the communication unit 28. The recording information is stored in, for example, the data memory 24. Also, the log in the offline state is stored in the data memory 24, and when the state is switched to the online state, the log is transmitted to the server 16. The log is deleted when transmitted to the server 16. Also, a predetermined capacity that can store the recording information (log) is predetermined in the data memory 24, and an error occurs when the predetermined capacity is reached.

[0022] An example of an error displayed on the display unit 30 of the recording device 18 when a certain condition is satisfied in a situation where the recording device 18 cannot communicate with the server 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. (a) shows an example of a display when the number of recorded sheets recorded in the recording device 18 while offline reaches the upper limit value described above. (b) shows an example of a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the screen when the number of recorded sheets reaches the upper limit value while offline in the recording device 18 and the device is to be continued to be used, i.e., when the button 800 is pressed. (c) shows an example of a screen displaying a passcode to be entered when the number of recorded sheets reaches the upper limit value while offline in the recording device 18 and the device is to be continued to be used. This screen is displayed when the button 814 is pressed on the screen in (b). A detailed description will be given with reference to the flow charts and sequence diagrams in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0023] <Host device configuration> 2(b) is a block diagram of the host terminal 14. The host terminal 14 includes a CPU 50, a program memory 52, a data memory 54, a communication unit 58, a display unit 60, and an imaging unit 62. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 72 managed by the CPU 50.

[0024] The CPU 50 is a system control unit, and controls the entire host terminal 14. The program memory 52 stores the control program executed by the CPU 50, the embedded OS program, and the like. The data memory 54 stores various information such as program control variables, and is provided with various work buffer areas used for processing in the imaging unit 62. The communication unit 58 controls the transmission and reception of data with devices connected to the outside via the network 12 or a telephone line (not shown). In addition, the host terminal 14 has a display unit 60 and an imaging unit 62. The display unit 60 is, for example, an LCD, has a function of performing input operations using a touch panel method, and is controlled by the CPU 50. It can perform various input operations by the user and display the operating status of the host terminal 14. The imaging unit 62 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. The image captured by the imaging unit 62 is temporarily stored in the data memory 54.

[0025] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing examples of what is displayed on the display unit 60 of the host device 14. (a) shows an example of how the passcode used in this embodiment output from the server 16 to the host device 14 is displayed on the screen. A detailed explanation will be given in FIG. 7. (b) shows an example of how the QR code output from the server 16 to the host device 14 is displayed on the screen. A detailed explanation will be given in other embodiments.

[0026] <Contract Processing> In the above configuration, in the recording system 10, the user uses the host terminal 14 to enter into a contract with the management company to use a flat-rate service. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of the contract process for entering into a contract for the flat-rate service. Note that the symbol S in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the sequence. Each process in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3 is performed by the CPU of each device executing a program stored in a storage means.

[0027] First, the host terminal 14 transmits to the server 16 information for signing up for the flat-rate service, which information has been input by the user (S302). Specifically, in S302, various information is repeatedly exchanged between the host terminal 14 and the server 16. The various information exchanged includes contract information for signing up for the flat-rate service, such as user information, information about the recording device 18, and flat-rate service plan information. The information about the recording device 18 includes identification information for the recording device 18.

[0028] Next, the server 16 registers the user and the recording device 18 based on the contract information (S304). That is, the server 16 registers the user information and the information about the recording device 18 as a target that can receive the flat-rate service. After that, the server 16 notifies the host terminal 14 that the contract for using the flat-rate service has been completed (S306). The server 16 also outputs a command to the recording device 18 to activate the function of the flat-rate service (S308), and outputs the number of recordings that can be recorded in an offline state (S310). That is, in S310, the server 16 outputs to the recording device 18 the upper limit of the number of recordings in an offline state that is set as the number of recordings that can be recorded by the recording device 18 in an offline state. In S308, for example, contract information indicating that a contract has been made for the flat-rate service is output to the recording device 18. Then, the contract information is stored in the recording device 18.

[0029] Then, the recording device 18 activates the flat-rate service function based on the input information, sets the upper limit of the number of recordings in offline mode (S312), and notifies the server 16 that activation of the flat-rate service function has been completed (S314). That is, in S312, for example, the use mode of the recording device 18 is changed from a normal mode in which recording is performed using a commercially available cartridge to a service mode in which recording is performed using a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service. Also, the upper limit of the number of recordings that can be recorded input from the server 16 when the recording device 18 is in an offline state is set. Note that the upper limit is stored in, for example, the data memory 24. As a result, when the number of recordings in the offline state of the recording device 18 reaches the set upper limit, recording by the flat-rate service is restricted. Note that in the following description, the upper limit of the number of recordings in offline mode set in the recording device 18 is simply referred to as the "upper limit". Also, in S310, the server 16 may output to the recording device 18 a threshold value of the remaining ink amount for automatically ordering an ink cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service. Then, in S312, the recording device 18 may set the threshold value. When the remaining ink amount falls below the threshold value, the recording device 18 displays a warning indicating that the remaining ink amount has fallen below the threshold value. When the information on the remaining ink amount is transmitted to the server 16 and the recording device 18 is notified that the server 16 has performed a process to order an ink cartridge, the warning is released. Note that after the recording device 18 transmits the ink information to the server 16, the server 16 may not transmit a notice to the recording device 18 that the process to order has been performed. In this configuration, the recording device 18 automatically releases the warning indicating that the remaining ink amount has fallen below the threshold value a certain time after displaying the warning. Alternatively, the recording device 18 displays an OK button or the like, and automatically releases the warning when it detects that the user has pressed the OK button. Even in such a configuration, the present invention can be applied to notify the server 16 that the remaining ink level has fallen below the threshold while offline.

[0030] <Recording Processing> In the recording system 10, when the host terminal 14 or the like instructs the recording device 18 to start recording based on a job, the recording process is started. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing routine of the recording process executed by the recording device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of the online recording process, which is a subroutine of the recording process of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing detailed processing contents of the offline recording process, which is a subroutine of the recording process of FIG. 4. The series of processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are performed by the CPU 20 expanding the program code stored in the program memory 22 into the data memory 24 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit. The symbol S in the description of each process means a step in the flowchart. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the contents of the continuation process of recording when offline. The symbol S in the description of each process means a step in the sequence.

[0031] When the recording process is started, first, the CPU 20 judges whether or not the flat-rate service function is enabled (S402). That is, in S402, the CPU 20 judges, for example, whether or not the use mode is set to the service mode. If the use mode is the service mode, it is judged that the flat-rate service function is enabled, and if the use mode is the normal mode, it is judged that the flat-rate service function is not enabled. Alternatively, it is judged whether or not contract information indicating that a flat-rate service has been subscribed to is held in the recording device 18. If it is held, it is judged that the flat-rate service function is enabled, and if it is not held, it is judged that it is not enabled.

[0032] If it is determined in S402 that the flat-rate service function is not enabled, the CPU 20 uses a commercially available cartridge to perform recording (S404) and ends the recording process. In S404, if the detection unit 36 ​​detects that a commercially available cartridge is installed, that is, that the cartridge is not a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, the CPU 20 obtains recording data from the image memory 26 and performs recording based on the data. If the detection unit 36 ​​detects that the installed cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, the CPU 20 ends the recording process by notifying the user that an appropriate cartridge is not installed.

[0033] Also, when it is determined in S402 that the flat-rate service function is enabled, the CPU 20 determines whether the recording device 18 is in an online state capable of communicating with the server 16 (S406). That is, in S406, for example, a signal for confirming whether the recording device 18 is in an online state is output from the recording device 18 via the communication unit 28. Then, when a signal indicating an online state is input from the server 16, the CPU 20 determines that the recording device 18 is in an online state. When the signal is not input for a predetermined period of time, the CPU 20 determines that the recording device 18 is not in an online state, that is, in an offline state. When it is determined in S406 that the recording device 18 is in an online state, the CPU 20 executes an online recording process (S408). When it is determined in S406 that the recording device 18 is not in an online state, the CPU 20 executes an offline recording process (S410).

[0034] Next, the online recording process, which is a subroutine of the recording process, will be described with reference to FIG. 5. When the online recording process of S408 is started, first, the CPU 20 judges whether or not a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is attached (S502). That is, in S502, the CPU 20 judges whether or not a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is attached based on the detection result by the detection unit 36. Note that, in the case where a plurality of cartridges are attached in the recording device 18, for example, when it is detected that all of the plurality of cartridges are cartridges dedicated to the flat-rate service, it is judged in S502 that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is attached. Also, when it is detected that at least one of the plurality of cartridges is not a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, it is judged in S502 that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not attached. Alternatively, in S502, when it is detected that at least one of the plurality of cartridges is a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, it may be judged that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is attached. In this case, if it is detected that none of the multiple cartridges are dedicated cartridges for the flat-rate service, it is determined in S502 that no dedicated cartridge for the flat-rate service is attached.

[0035] If it is determined in S502 that the cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed, the online recording process is terminated by notifying the user that recording by the flat-rate service cannot be performed because the cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed. This ends the recording process. If it is determined in S502 that the cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is installed, the cartridge is used to perform recording based on the job (S504). In S504, the count unit 38 starts counting the number of recorded sheets at the same time as recording starts. During recording, the count unit 38 continues to count the number of recorded sheets.

[0036] When the recording is completed, the CPU 20 next acquires the recording information (S506) and outputs the recording information to the server 16 (S508). The recording information may include information on various consumables consumed in the recording in S504. For example, information on the number of recorded sheets and information on the remaining amount of ink may be included. The number of recorded sheets in the recording information acquired in S506 is a value obtained by adding up the number of recorded sheets recorded in S504 and the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process (described later) stored in the data memory 24, for example. The server 16 updates the value of the number of recorded sheets associated with the recording device 18 based on the recording information output from the recording device 18. The number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process is the number of sheets recorded in the offline recording process in S410.

[0037] After that, the CPU 20 initializes the value of the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process stored in the data memory 24 (S510), and ends the online recording process. This ends the recording process. The number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process may be stored in a storage area other than the data memory 24. In the online recording process, when it is determined in S502 that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed, the recording process is ended, but this is not limited to this. That is, when it is determined that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed, recording using a commercially available cartridge may be performed. At this time, the CPU 20 may change the usage mode of the recording device 18 from a service mode that uses the flat-rate service to a normal mode. Alternatively, the CPU 20 may display an inquiry screen on the display screen of the recording device 18, inquiring to the user whether to change the usage mode to the normal mode or to install a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service. In this case, when the user instructs to change the mode on the inquiry screen, the CPU 20 changes the usage mode to the normal mode. On the other hand, if an instruction is given to mount a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service, the process of S502 is executed again.

[0038] In this online recording process, after the process of S510, the server 16 may determine whether or not recording by the flat-rate service can be continued. That is, the server 16 determines whether or not the limit on the number of recordings that can be made using the flat-rate service has been reached based on the received recording information, and if it is determined that the limit has been reached, outputs an instruction to the recording device 18 to stop using the flat-rate service. Then, when the recording device 18 receives the instruction to stop using the flat-rate service, it performs a process such as disabling the flat-rate service so that recording by the flat-rate service cannot be performed. At this time, the CPU 20 of the recording device 18 may display on the display screen of the recording device 18 that further printing is possible by paying an additional fee or using a service of a higher plan. Then, the user accesses the server 16 using the host terminal 14 or the like, and instructs the server 16 to agree to paying the additional fee or to switching to the higher plan. Then, the server 16 sets a new, larger number as the upper limit of the number of recordings that can be made by the recording device 18 in the online state. This may allow the recording device 18 to record in the online state until the new upper limit is reached.

[0039] Next, the offline recording process, which is a subroutine of the recording process, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] When the offline recording process of S410 is started, first, the CPU 20 judges whether or not a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is installed (S602). The specific process content of S602 is the same as that of S502 above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is judged in S602 that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed, the offline recording process is terminated by notifying the user that recording is not possible because a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed. This ends the recording process. If it is judged that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is not installed, recording using a commercially available cartridge may be performed as in the recording process in the online state.

[0041] Furthermore, when it is determined in S602 that a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is installed, the CPU 20 starts recording based on the job using that cartridge (S604). When recording starts in S604, the counting unit 38 starts counting the number of recorded sheets. Then, every time the counting unit 38 counts, the CPU 20 adds the count value of the counting unit 38 to the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process stored in the data memory 24, and determines whether or not this added value has reached a set upper limit value (S606).

[0042] Here, in the online recording process, the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process is initialized in S510. Therefore, if the previous recording process immediately preceding the offline recording process being executed is an online recording process, the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process is "0" in S606, so the added value matches the count value. On the other hand, if the previous recording process immediately preceding the offline recording process being executed is an offline recording process, the number of recorded sheets in the offline recording process is "n (n is a natural number)" in S606, so the added value is the value obtained by adding the count value to "n". The set upper limit value is the value set in S312.

[0043] If it is determined in S606 that the added value has not reached the upper limit, it is determined whether or not recording based on the job has ended (S608), and if it is determined that recording has not ended, the process returns to S606. If it is determined in S608 that recording has ended, the recording information is stored in the data memory 24 (S610), and the offline recording process ends. This ends the recording process. In S610, for example, the value of the number of sheets recorded in the offline recording process stored in the data memory 24 is updated to the added value.

[0044] Also, when it is determined in S606 that the added value of the number of recorded sheets has reached the upper limit, the CPU 20 temporarily restricts, that is, stops, recording (S612). At this time, the CPU 20 notifies the user that recording has been restricted in the offline state, and displays FIG. 8(a) on the display unit 30 as guidance for whether or not to release the restriction on recording using the host terminal 14 (S614). If the user does not want to continue recording in S616, the user presses 802 in FIG. 8(a) to decide not to continue recording, and the recording process is terminated. After that, the above-mentioned S610 is performed, and the offline recording process is terminated. If the user wants to continue recording offline in S616, the user presses 800 in FIG. 8(a). When the CPU 20 detects the pressing of the button 800, the CPU 20 performs the process of continuing recording (S618). The process of continuing recording (S618) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. If the CPU 20 determines in S620 that recording can be continued based on the results of this recording continuation process, it releases the recording restriction. That is, it resumes recording (S622). Then, it returns to S606. If the CPU 20 determines in S620 that recording cannot be continued, it ends recording without releasing the recording restriction. Then, it executes the above-mentioned S610 to end the offline recording process.

[0045] When recording is restricted in the offline recording process, the recording device 18 notifies the server 16 of the restriction of recording in the offline recording process together with the recording information at a predetermined timing when the recording device 18 is online. Then, for example, the server 16 determines whether or not continued use of the flat-rate service is possible based on the notification and the recording information, and outputs this determination result to the recording device 18. In this case, when recording is restricted in the offline recording process, the recording device 18 restricts the online recording process and the offline recording process until it receives a determination from the server 16 regarding continued use of the flat-rate service or performs a process for continuing recording and determines that continued use is possible.

[0046] The recording information stored in the data memory 24 is transmitted to the server 16 while the recording device 18 is online and at a timing that does not affect ongoing operations. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted when transmitting information to the server 16 during online recording processing (such as S508). After the recording information is transmitted, the number of recordings for offline recording processing is initialized.

[0047] <Continued recording process> When it is determined that the recording device 18 continues recording while offline, the process of continuing recording while offline is started. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the detailed process of continuing recording while offline executed by the recording system 10. In addition, the symbol S in the description of each process means a step in the sequence. The process of the recording device 18 in the sequence of FIG. 7 is performed by the CPU 20 expanding the program code stored in the program memory 22 into the data memory 24 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps of the recording device 18 in FIG. 7 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit. The process of the host terminal 14 is performed by the CPU 50 expanding the program code stored in the program memory 52 into the data memory 54 and executing it.

[0048] First, the CPU 20 of the recording device 18 generates a passcode (S702). In this embodiment, the passcode is expressed by a random six-digit number, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the passcode may be expressed by alphabets or a mixture of numbers and alphabets. The passcode is updated to a new value each time S702 is performed. Next, various information to be transmitted to the server 16 is encrypted (S704). The various information transmitted to the server includes information for identifying the recording device 18, that is, identification information of the recording device 18, recording information, and the passcode created in S702. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and error information such as when an error occurs in the recording device 18 while offline may be stored in the data memory 24 and included in the various information transmitted to the server. For example, the various information transmitted to the server includes at least one of the number of records in the offline state, the remaining ink amount, and a log. When an error occurs when the number of records in the offline state reaches a predetermined upper limit, when the remaining ink amount falls below a threshold for automatic ordering, or when the upper limit of the capacity that the log can be stored is reached, information on the error is included.

[0049] Next, the various encrypted information and a command for sending to the server 16 are converted into a QR code that can be read by an external device (S706). The command for sending to the server 16 also includes the address information of the server 16. After that, guidance including the converted QR code 810 and FIG. 8(b) are displayed on the display unit 30 (S708). The user follows the guidance of FIG. 8(b) to perform an operation to read the QR code with the imaging unit 62 of the host terminal 14 (S710), and reads the QR code (S712). The host terminal 14 reads the QR code, analyzes the read QR code (S714), and transmits the various encrypted information to the server 16 in response to a transmission command to the server 16 (S716).

[0050] When the server 16 receives the encrypted information, it decrypts the encrypted information so that the various information can be obtained (S718). From the decrypted information, it obtains information that identifies the recording device 18, and checks the contract information of the flat-rate service that is associated with the information that identifies the recording device 18 and that is managed by the server 16 (S720). When the corresponding contract information is checked, it obtains the recording information from the decrypted information, and updates the usage information of the consumables that correspond to the recording device 18 and are managed by the server based on the information contained in the recording information (S722). Thereafter, it may be determined whether or not recording by the flat-rate service can be continued, as in the online recording process. That is, based on the recording information, it is determined whether or not the limit on the number of recordings that can be made using the flat-rate service has been reached, and if it is determined that the limit has not been reached, it obtains a passcode from the decrypted information and transmits the passcode to the host terminal 14 (S724). When the host terminal 14 receives the passcode, it displays FIG. 9(a) on the display unit 609 (S726). When the user has finished reading the QR code in S712, he or she presses 814 in Fig. 8(b). When the recording device 18 detects that 814 has been pressed, it displays the passcode input screen in Fig. 8(c) (S732). If the user wishes to interrupt the process, he or she can also interrupt the process by pressing 812 in Fig. 8(b).

[0051] In FIG. 8(c), 820 indicates a form for inputting a passcode, and 822 indicates a numeric keypad for inputting the passcode. The user checks the passcode displayed on the host terminal 14 (S728), and uses the numeric keypad 822 to input the passcode to the recording device 18 (S730). When the recording device 18 receives the input of the passcode, it compares the passcode generated in S702 with the passcode input in S730, and if they match, it initializes the value of the number of sheets recorded by the recording process in the offline state (S734). That is, the same process as when the online recording process is performed is performed, the number of sheets recorded in the offline recording process becomes "0", the print restriction error is released, and recording in the offline state can be continued. The display unit 30 may display a message that recording can be continued.

[0052] If it is determined in S722 that the limit on the number of records available for the flat-rate service has been reached, the CPU 20 of the recording device 18 may display a notification screen indicating this on the display unit 30. Alternatively, the host terminal 14 may be notified that the flat-rate service should be discontinued.

[0053] Also, the QR code in S708 may not include a passcode, and in S724 a fixed passcode that is predefined and stored in the recording device 18 may be transmitted. In that case, the passcode is transmitted in advance from the server 16 to the recording device 18 in S310 and S312 and stored therein.

[0054] 8(b) is displayed on the display unit 30 and a certain time has elapsed, or if the passcode is entered a certain number of times but does not match, the continuation of the recording process may be interrupted and a message to that effect may be displayed on the display unit 30. In other words, if a certain time has elapsed with the display unit 30 displaying FIG. 8(b), the recording device 18 may be controlled so as not to accept the entry of a passcode.

[0055] If the passcode is not input to the recording device 18 even though it is displayed in S726, an inconsistency will occur between the recorded information in the server 16 and the recorded information in the recording device 18. In addition, when reading the QR code in S712, if the display unit 30 is dirty or the camera performance of the host terminal 14 is poor, the reading may be erroneously recognized and the recorded information may be inaccurate. Therefore, the recorded information in the server resulting from the continuous recording process during offline may be stored as provisional recorded information separately from the recorded information managed online. In that case, the next time the server goes online, the provisional recorded information may be compared with the recorded information transmitted online to become the official recorded information. If an inconsistency is found as a result of the comparison, the recorded information acquired online may be given priority and the information may be updated.

[0056] As described above, in the recording system 10, the number of recordings in the offline recording process is initialized by using the host terminal 14, and it becomes possible to continue the recording process in the offline state. Therefore, even if the recording device 18 remains offline, it becomes possible to appropriately manage the recording by the recording device 18.

[0057] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the method is such that various information to be transmitted to the server 18 is displayed as a QR code on the display unit 30 of the recording device 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any method may be used as long as the host terminal 14 can obtain various information of the recording device 18 to transmit to the server 16. That is, the recording unit 34 may record a QR code on a recording medium, and the recorded recording medium may be read by the host terminal 14. For example, in the case of a recording device equipped with a display that does not support the display of QR codes, it is better to use the method of recording on a recording medium. Also, when the recording device 18 and the host terminal 14 can be connected by short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth, or by a wired connection such as USB, the necessary information may be transmitted and received using a method that allows the connection.

[0058] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the user directly inputs the passcode transmitted from the server 16 into the recording device 18, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be implemented in any manner as long as the information transmitted from the server 16 to the host terminal 14 can be input into the recording device 18. That is, if the connection is possible via short-distance wireless communication or a wired connection as shown in Modification 1, the necessary information may be input using a method that allows connection. Also, if the recording device 18 has a scanner function, the server 16 may encode the passcode into a QR code and output it to the host terminal 14. In that case, the display unit 60 of the host terminal 14 may display (b) of FIG. 9, and the passcode may be input by reading it using the scanner function of the recording device 18.

[0059] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the number of recorded sheets is used as the predetermined information representing the amount of recording made using consumables in order to manage offline recording, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as the predetermined information representing the amount of recording used to manage offline recording, for example, the recording surface area, the ink discharge length, or the offline time may be used. Recording information (log) may also be used. Various known techniques can be used for the configuration of counting the recording surface area, the ink discharge amount, and the offline time. Note that the number of recorded sheets, the recording area, and the ink discharge amount may be used not only when managing offline recording, but also when managing online recording.

[0060] The present invention may also be applied to management in which when the remaining ink level falls below a predetermined value, the remaining ink level is transmitted to a server and ink is automatically ordered. The recording device 18 determines whether the remaining ink level falls below a predetermined value while in an offline state. If it determines that the ink level has fallen below a predetermined value, a QR code including information about the remaining ink level is displayed along with a warning. The remaining ink level may then be transmitted to the server 16 in the same manner as in the above embodiment via a host terminal that reads the QR code. Then, as in the above embodiment, the recording device 18 cancels the warning when it receives input of a passcode.

[0061] In addition, the number of sheets recorded, the recording area, the ink discharge amount, and the offline time may be selected as the predetermined information for managing the offline recording, and the recording in the flat-rate service may be managed based on the selected requirement. Furthermore, the offline recording may be managed based on at least any two of the above four requirements. In this case, the recording may be restricted when one of the multiple requirements reaches the upper limit value set for each of the requirements. Alternatively, the recording may be restricted when all of the multiple requirements reach the upper limit value set for each of the requirements. In this way, by configuring the device 18 to be able to use multiple requirements as requirements for managing the recording, the recording in the flat-rate service may be managed appropriately according to the type of the recording device 18.

[0062] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC or FPGA) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10. Recording System 14 Host terminal 16 Server 42 Recording device system bus 72 Host terminal system bus

Claims

1. A printing device that is managed by a management server that manages the usage status of consumables of printing devices that are subject to a flat-rate service, a notification unit that outputs a notification of information for transmitting a usage status of a consumable of the printing device to the management server when the printing device cannot communicate with the management server; In the user terminal, the usage status is transmitted to the management server according to the information. A printing device comprising:

2. The notification is output together with an error when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the printing device cannot communicate with the management server, The code input unit may further include a code input unit for resetting the error. The user terminal receives the code from the management server after transmitting the usage status to the management server.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. the usage status includes the number of printed sheets printed by the printing device when the printing device cannot communicate with the management server; The predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined number.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. The printing device further includes a recording means for recording a printing log, The usage status includes the log, The predetermined condition is satisfied when the volume of logs recorded in a state in which the printing device cannot communicate with the management server reaches the volume that can be recorded by the recording means.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

5. The usage status includes a remaining amount of the consumable item, The predetermined condition is met when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below a predetermined value while the printing device is unable to communicate with the management server.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

6. The notification unit outputs the notification of the information by displaying it on a display unit of the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

7. The notification means outputs the notification of the information by printing it.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

8. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the information includes a QR code including identification information of the printing device, the usage status, the address of the management server, and a command to transmit the usage status to the address of the management server.

9. 3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the accepting unit accepts input of the code for a predetermined time after the notification of the information is output, and does not accept input of the code after the predetermined time has elapsed.

10. A method for controlling a printing device managed by a management server that manages usage status of consumables of a printing device that is a target of a flat-rate service, comprising: a notification step of outputting a notification of information for transmitting a usage status of a consumable of the printing device to the management server when the printing device cannot communicate with the management server; In the user terminal, the usage status is transmitted to the management server according to the information. A control method comprising:

11. A printing device that is managed by a management server that manages the usage status of consumables of the printing device that is subject to the flat-rate service, a program for causing the printing device to function as a notification unit that outputs a notification of information for transmitting a usage status of a consumable of the printing device to the management server when the printing device cannot communicate with the management server, In the user terminal, the usage status is transmitted to the management server according to the information. A program characterized by:

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