Watch system, printer, and control method of printer

Abstract

To address a situation in which there is a fear that a watch subject may not be cared for in line with his / her daily life.SOLUTION: A watch system is a notification system including a first server, a printer, and an information processor. The printer, after printing print information, can transmit detection information based on a user's operation to the first server. The first server can transmit a notification to the information processor on the basis of the received detection information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a printing apparatus, and a method for controlling the printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a system is known in which a monitoring device is installed at the residence of a person to be monitored, and the person to be monitored is remotely monitored via a network.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-described system may not be able to respond according to the daily life of the person to be monitored, and furthermore, a dedicated device is also required, so the convenience is low.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A monitoring system is a monitoring system including a first server, a printing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus can transmit detection information based on a user's operation to the first server after printing print information, and the first server can transmit a notification to the information processing apparatus based on the received detection information.

[0006] The printing apparatus is communicable with a first server, and includes a printing unit that prints print information, a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation, and a control unit that generates detection information based on the detection by the detection unit after the print information is printed by the printing unit and can transmit the detection information to the first server.

[0007] A control method for a printing apparatus including a printing unit that can communicate with a first server and prints print information, and a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation, wherein after the printing unit prints the print information, detection information is generated based on detection by the detection unit and can be transmitted to the first server.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 1. Configuration of the Notification System and the Printing Apparatus The notification system 1 shown in FIG. 1, which is a monitoring system according to an embodiment, includes at least a first server 10, a printing apparatus 30, and an information processing apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the notification system 1 may include a second server 20. Hereinafter, the notification system 1 will be described as including the second server 20.

[0010] For example, the management company of the first server 10 provides a notification service, which is a monitoring service for a person to be monitored such as an elderly person. The printing apparatus 30 is installed in the home of a person to be monitored such as an elderly person and is used in the daily life of the person to be monitored. The information processing apparatus 40 is a smart device, a tablet terminal, a computer, etc. of a requester who has requested a monitoring service for a person to be monitored from the management company of the first server 10.

[0011] The first server 10 notifies the information processing device 40 based on the detection information of the printing device 30. The requester can know the behavior status of the person under guardianship who is located remotely and uses the printing device 30 according to the notification received by the information processing device 40.

[0012] 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 such as the Internet. Note that the WAN 50 may include a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The first server 10, the second server 20, the printing device 30, and the information processing device 40 are, for example, each assigned a unique IP address (Internet Protocol Address). These devices can communicate with the communication destination by specifying the IP address assigned to the communication destination. Further, they may transmit information by specifying the detailed location such as the directory or file of the transmission destination by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0013] The first server 10 is a server that uses the printing device 30 and the information processing device 40 as clients. The first server 10 includes a first control unit 11, a first communication unit 12, and a first storage unit 13. The first control unit 11 comprehensively controls each part of the first server 10. The first control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) that manages input / output, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) which is a logic circuit, and the like. The CPU is also called a processor.

[0014] The first storage unit 13 includes memories such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a rewritable non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory. 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 it using the RAM of the first storage unit 13 as a working area. For example, the first storage unit 13 stores a program for notifying the information processing device 40 based on the detected information of the received printing device 30, and as will be described later, the first control unit 11 can execute it.

[0015] The first communication unit 12 of the first server 10 is configured to include a circuit capable of communicating wirelessly or wired. Note that the first communication unit 12 has an antenna in the case of wireless communication and a connector in the case of wired communication. The first communication unit 12 can communicate via the WAN 50. Note that when the first server 10 transmits and receives data to and from a communication destination, it is performed by the first communication unit 12. However, for the sake of simplicity in the following description, the transmission and reception by the first communication unit 12 will be 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.

[0016] 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 includes a third control unit 31, a third communication unit 32, and a third storage unit 33. Since these configurations of the printing device 30 are substantially the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the configuration will be omitted. For example, the third storage unit 33 stores a program that generates detection information based on the detection of the detection unit 36 including the third input / output unit 34 and transmits it to the first server 10, and as will be described later, the third control unit 31 can execute it.

[0017] The printing device 30 further includes a printing unit 35. The printing unit 35 is configured to include a printing mechanism (not shown) such as a head and a conveyance roller. The printing device 30 can further include either a third input / output unit 34 or a detection unit 36. Hereinafter, the printing device 30 will be described as being configured to include the third input / output unit 34 and the detection unit 36 as shown in FIG. 1. The third input / output unit 34 including a detection panel which is a second sensor can also be included in the detection unit 36 as a device that performs detection based on the operation of the user.

[0018] The third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 is a user interface for the user who is the person to be monitored. The third input / output unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel display. The third input / output unit 34 includes a display panel which is an output unit for displaying various information, and a detection panel which is an input unit and a second sensor.

[0019] The detection panel is configured to be overlaid on the display panel. The detection panel can detect an operation such as a user's finger by methods such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, or an optical method. 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 stand-alone liquid crystal display, etc. Hereinafter, the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 will also be referred to as the second sensor. 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 did not detect the user's operation. Further, the second detection information may include information assuming that the user did not operate the third input / output unit 34 for a predetermined time.

[0020] The third control unit 31 has a timer and can measure a second time and a first time, which will be described later, both of which are predetermined times. Note that when the printing device 30 uses the detection unit 36 described later as a device that performs detection based on the operation of the user, it does not necessarily have to include the third input / output unit 34.

[0021] The printing device 30 can be provided with a tray (not shown) on which the printed matter printed by the printing unit 35 is placed. The detection unit 36, which is the first sensor included in the printing device 30, can detect the presence or absence of the 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 perform detection based on the user's operation. Hereinafter, the detection unit 36 is also referred to as the first sensor. The detection unit 36 may use an optical sensor or a mechanical switch. The detection unit 36 may be installed in the case (not shown) of the printing device 30 to detect the presence or absence of the printed matter placed on the tray.

[0022] The printing device 30 preferably has a tray having the detection unit 36 and is configured so that a non-shrinking tray can be retrofitted. The detection unit 36 can surely detect the presence or absence of the printed matter placed on the non-shrinking tray. Also, the user can replace and use the tray of the embodiment from an existing tray that shrinks and has no detection unit 36.

[0023] 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 the printed matter. The first detection information may be information indicating that the detection unit 36 has continuously detected the printed matter for a first period of time or more. Also, the first detection information may be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter. Note that when using the above-described third input / output unit 34, the printing device 30 does not necessarily have to be provided with the detection unit 36 as long as it performs detection based on the user's operation.

[0024] Next, the second server 20 is a server that uses the printing device 30 as a client. The second server 20 includes a second control unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a second storage unit 23. Since these configurations of the second server 20 are substantially the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the configurations is omitted. For example, the second storage unit 23 stores a program for transmitting print information to the printing device 30, and as will be described later, it can be executed by the second control unit 21.

[0025] In addition, the second storage unit 23 stores various content information which is print information. Assume that there is a contract for distributing the content information between the administrator of the second server 20 and the user of the printing device 30. The second server 20 transmits the content information to the printing device 30 regularly based on the contract. When the printing device 30 receives the content information, it can print regularly even when there is no print instruction from the user.

[0026] For example, the administrator of the second server 20 is a newspaper company which is also a provider of the content information, and the content information is information related to newspaper articles. The second server 20 transmits the information of newspaper articles to the printing device 30 at a fixed time every morning or evening. The printing device 30 can receive the information of newspaper articles and print at the fixed time. The user of the printing device 30 can read the printed information of newspaper articles at the fixed time. The provider of the content information may be a publishing house, a local government, etc. The content information may be information related to books such as magazines and weekly magazines, as well as information related to local official gazettes, circulars, etc.

[0027] Next, the information processing device 40 is a client using the first server 10 as a server. The information processing device 40 includes a fourth control unit 41, a fourth communication unit 42, and a fourth storage unit 43. Since these configurations of the information processing device 40 are almost the same as those of the first server 10, the description of the configurations is omitted.

[0028] The information processing device 40 can be further configured to include a fourth input / output unit 44. Since the configuration of the fourth input / output unit 44 of the information processing device 40 is almost the same as that of the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30, the description of the configuration is omitted. For example, the fourth storage unit 43 stores programs such as applications to be displayed by the fourth input / output unit 44 based on the information received from the first server 10. The fourth control unit 41 can read out and execute an application from the fourth storage unit 43. For example, the fourth control unit 41 can display information such as a notification received from the first server 10 or a warning based on the notification on the output unit of the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0029] 2. Control Method of Notification System The control method of the notification system 1 according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. These controls are 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, respectively. Hereinafter, the description will be made omitting the execution by each control unit.

[0030] The second server 20 periodically transmits print information to the printing device 30 (S101), and the printing device 30 prints the received print information (S102). After printing the print information, the printing device 30 generates detection information based on the user's operation and transmits 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 transmits a notification to the information processing device 40 based on the received detection information (S104). The information processing device 40 can display the received notification.

[0031] When the first server 10 receives the above-mentioned first detection information as detection information from the printing device 30, it can transmit the first detection information to the information processing device 40 as a notification. The information processing device 40 can display the first detection information on the output unit of the fourth input / output unit 44. The first detection information may be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter for a period of time equal to or longer than the first hour after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like.

[0032] Based on the received first detection information, the first server 10 may generate warning information indicating that there may be an abnormality in the user's behavior status as a notification, and transmit it to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the received warning information by the fourth input / output unit 44. The information processing device 40 that has received the first detection information as a notification may generate warning information and display it by the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0033] Similarly, when the first server 10 receives the above-mentioned second detection information as detection information from the printing device 30, it can transmit the second detection information to the information processing device 40 as a notification. The information processing device 40 can display the second detection information by the fourth input / output unit 44. As described above, for example, the second detection information is information indicating that the user has not operated the third input / output unit 34 for more than the second hour after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like.

[0034] Based on the received second detection information, the first server 10 may generate warning information indicating that there may be an abnormality in the user's behavior status as a notification, and transmit it to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 can display the warning information by the fourth input / output unit 44. The information processing device 40 that has received the second detection information as a notification may generate warning information and display it by the fourth input / output unit 44. In this way, the first server 10 can perform so-called push notifications to transmit warning information even without an inquiry from the information processing device 40.

[0035] Note that when the third input / output unit 34 detects a user operation within less than the second hour after the printing device 30 has printed content information or the like, the printing device 30 may generate third detection information indicating that there has been a user operation as detection information and transmit it to the first server 10. Similarly, even when the detection unit 36 of the printing apparatus 30 changes from a state where it detects the printed matter within less than the first hour after printing to a state where it does not detect the printed matter after printing, the printing apparatus 30 may transmit the third detection information to the first server 10. Note that the case where the detection unit 36 of the printing apparatus 30 changes from a state where it detects the printed matter to a state where it does not detect the printed matter is a case where the user takes out the printed matter from the tray.

[0036] The first server 10 can transmit the received third detection information to the information processing apparatus 40 as a notification. Based on the received third detection information, the information processing apparatus 40 can generate normal information indicating that there is no abnormality in the user's behavior status and display it by the fourth input / output unit 44. Based on the received third detection information, the first server 10 can also generate normal information and transmit it to the information processing apparatus 40 as a notification. The information processing apparatus 40 can display the received normal information by the fourth input / output unit 44.

[0037] When the first server 10 receives the third detection information, it may store the third detection information or the normal information in the first storage unit 13 without transmitting it to the information processing apparatus 40. When receiving an inquiry from the information processing apparatus 40 at an arbitrary timing, the first server 10 can read out and return the third detection information or the normal information from the first storage unit 13. In this way, when there is an inquiry from the information processing apparatus 40, the first server 10 can perform so-called push notification to transmit the third detection information or the normal information.

[0038] The third detection information and the normal information may include information on the date and time when the third input / output unit 34 detected the user's operation. Further, the third detection information and the normal information may include information on the date and time when the detection unit 36 changed from a state where it detected the printed matter to a state where it did not detect the printed matter. The information processing apparatus 40 can display, by the fourth input / output unit 44, the information on these dates and times related to the user's operation on the printing apparatus 30. The requester can know the user's behavior status with respect to the printing apparatus 30 by the information processing apparatus 40. Note that there may be a plurality of information processing apparatuses 40, and for example, they may be possessed by persons other than the requester. The first server 10 can transmit detection information, warning information, normal information, etc. to a plurality of information processing apparatuses 40.

[0039] Note that the printing apparatus 30 may be provided with a scanner (not shown). In this case, the notification system 1 does not necessarily have to include the second server 20. According to the instructions of the user for daily use, the printing apparatus 30 can perform scanning, copying, FAXing, etc. using the scanner. The printing apparatus 30 can detect the detection of the third input / output unit 34 associated with scanning, copying, FAXing, etc., or can detect the detection unit 36. The printing apparatus 30 can generate detection information based on these detections and transmit it to the first server 10.

[0040] Also, when the printing apparatus 30 performs printing alone according to the instructions of the user for daily use, the notification system 1 does not necessarily have to include the second server 20. The same applies when a computer (not shown) connected to the printing apparatus 30 transmits print information such as a document to the printing apparatus 30 for printing instead of the second server 20.

[0041] 3. Control Method of Printing Apparatus With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a control method of the printing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows control in which the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 generates first detection information based on the detection result of the detection unit 36 which is the first sensor and transmits it to the first server 10. FIG. 4 shows control in which the third control unit 31 generates second detection information based on the detection result of the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 which is the second sensor and transmits it to the first server 10. First, with reference to FIG. 3 showing the control related to the first sensor, the control method of the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 will be described. In the following, although the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 executes each control, for simplicity of explanation, it is simply referred to as the third control unit 31 and the printing apparatus 30 is omitted.

[0042] The third control unit 31 determines whether it has received print information from the second server 20 (S201). The third control unit 31 waits until it receives the print information (S201: NO). When the third control unit 31 receives the print information (S201: YES), it causes the printing unit 35 to print the print information (S202). The timer of the third control unit 31 starts timing. At this time, the third control unit 31 may display, via the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, a message prompting the user to take out the printed matter placed on the tray.

[0043] By the way, the third storage unit 33 of the printing apparatus 30 stores setting information related to setting whether to enable or disable transmission of the detection information to the first server 10. The setting information can be input by the user via the third input / output unit 34 of the printing apparatus 30 and stored in the third storage unit 33. For example, when the user will be away for several days due to travel or the like, the user can disable the setting via the third input / output unit 34. When the user returns from travel, the user can enable the setting.

[0044] Note that the setting information may include invalid period information for disabling the setting for a predetermined period. The user can enable the setting and input the invalid period information via the third input / output unit 34 and store it in the third storage unit 33. The third control unit 31 reads out 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 when the timer is timing. If the timed time corresponds to the period of the invalid period information, the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is invalid even if it is valid. On the other hand, if the timed time does not correspond to the period of the invalid period information, the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is valid as set.

[0045] 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. In addition to the printing device 30, the information processing device 40 can also set these settings to the printing device 30 via the WAN 50 by an application. When the expiration period has elapsed, the third control unit 31 may erase the expiration period information in the third storage unit 33. In this case, the third control unit 31 shall leave the setting information of valid or invalid without erasing it.

[0046] The third control unit 31 reads the setting information from the third storage unit 33 and determines whether the setting is valid (S203). When the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is not valid and is invalid (S203: NO), the process ends. The third control unit 31 does not transmit the detection information to the first server 10.

[0047] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is valid (S203: YES), it determines whether the first sensor, which is the detection unit 36, detects the printed matter placed on the tray (S204). When the third control unit 31 determines that the first sensor detects the printed matter (S204: YES), next, it determines whether more than the first hour has elapsed by the timer after the printing of the print information (S205). When the third control unit 31 determines that more than the first hour has not elapsed (S205: NO), it waits until more than the first hour has elapsed while determining whether the first sensor detects the printed matter (S204).

[0048] When the third control unit 31 continuously determines that the first sensor detects the printed matter (S204: YES) and determines that more than the first hour has elapsed (S205: YES), it generates the first detection information, transmits it to the first server 10 (S206), and ends the process. When transmitting the first detection information, it is the case where the first sensor of the printing device 30 has detected the printed matter for more than the first hour. 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 hour. As described above, the first detection information may be information indicating that the first sensor has detected a printed matter for a first period of time or longer. Further, the first detection information may be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray.

[0049] On the other hand, when the third control unit 31 determines that the first sensor has not detected a printed matter (S204: NO), the process ends. In this case, it is a case where the detection unit 36 of the printing apparatus 30 has changed from a state where a printed matter was detected to a state where no printed matter is detected before the first time. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray before the first time.

[0050] Next, a control method of the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 will be described while referring to FIG. 4 showing control related to the second sensor which is an input unit of the third input / output unit 34. The third control unit 31 determines whether or not it has received print information from the second server 20 (S301). The third control unit 31 waits until it receives the print information (S301: NO). When the third control unit 31 receives the print information (S301: YES), it prints the print information by the printing unit 35 (S302). The timer of the third control unit 31 starts timing.

[0051] The third control unit 31 displays, by the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, instruction information for prompting the user to take out the printed matter placed on the tray. Furthermore, the third control unit 31 also displays, by the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, instruction information for prompting the user to input that the printed matter has been taken out to the input unit of the third input / output unit 34 after taking out the printed matter from the tray.

[0052] The user can visually check the printed matter printed by the printing apparatus 30 and placed on the tray, further visually recognize the instruction information displayed on the output unit of the third input / output unit 34, take out the printed matter from the tray, and perform an operation on the input unit of the third input / output unit 34. Note that a speaker may be provided at the output section of the third input / output section 34 of the printing apparatus 30 to notify the user of the instruction information by voice or the like.

[0053] The third control unit 31 reads the setting information from the third storage unit 33 and determines whether the setting is valid (S303). If 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 transmit the detection information to the first server 10.

[0054] On the other hand, if the third control unit 31 determines that the setting is valid (S303: YES), it determines whether the second sensor has detected a user operation indicating that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray (S304). If the third control unit 31 determines that the second sensor has detected a user operation (S304: YES), the process ends. When ending the process, the third control unit 31 erases the instruction information displayed on the third input / output section 34.

[0055] In this case, it is a case where the input section of the third input / output section 34 has detected an input indicating that the user has taken out the printed matter from the tray before the second time described later. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter. Even if the user has not taken out all the printed matter placed on the tray and even if one sheet remains, the third control unit 31 can determine that the user has taken out the printed matter by the third input / output section 34.

[0056] On the other hand, if the third control unit 31 determines that the second sensor has not detected a user operation (S304: NO), next, it determines whether or not the second time has elapsed after printing the print information by the timer (S305). If the third control unit 31 determines that the second time has not elapsed (S305: NO), it waits until the second time has elapsed while determining whether the second sensor has detected a user operation (S304).

[0057] When the third control unit 31 continuously fails to detect an operation by the user with the second sensor (S304: NO) and determines that a second period of time or more has elapsed (S305: YES), the third control unit 31 generates second detection information and transmits it to the first server 10 (S306), and then ends the process. When ending the process, the third control unit 31 may erase the instruction information displayed on the third input / output unit 34.

[0058] When transmitting the second detection information, it is the case where the third input / output unit 34 of the printing device 30 fails to detect an operation by the user for a second period of time or more. The third control unit 31 can determine that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray. As described above, the second detection information may be information indicating that the third input / output unit 34 has not detected an operation by the user for a second period of time or more. Further, the second detection information may be information indicating that the user has not taken out the printed matter.

[0059] As described above, the notification system 1, which is a monitoring system according to the embodiment, includes the first server 10, the printing device 30, and the information processing device 40. After printing the printing information, the printing device 30 can transmit detection information based on an operation by the user to the first server 10. The first server 10 can transmit a notification to the information processing device 40 based on the received detection information. According to the above-described notification system 1, it is possible to respond according to the daily life of the person to be monitored, and furthermore, a dedicated device is not required, and the convenience is high.

[0060] The printing device 30 according to the embodiment is communicable with the first server 10, and includes a printing unit 35 that prints printing information, a detection unit 36 that detects an operation based on an operation by the user, and a third control unit 31 that generates detection information based on the detection by the detection unit 36 after the printing unit 35 prints the printing information and can transmit the detection information to the first server 10. Note that the detection unit 36 may include the third input / output unit 34. According to the above-described printing device 30, it is possible to respond according to the daily life of the person to be monitored, and the convenience is high.

[0061] A control method for a printing apparatus 30 according to an embodiment, which is communicable with a first server 10 and includes a printing unit 35 that prints print information and a detection unit 36 that performs detection based on a user's operation, can generate detection information based on detection by the detection unit 36 after printing the print information by the printing unit 35 and is capable of transmitting the detection information to the first server 10. Note that the detection unit 36 may include a third input / output unit 34. According to the control method for the printing apparatus 30 described above, it is possible to respond according to the daily life of the person to be monitored, and the convenience is high.

[0062] As described above, the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the first server 10 may have a function of a second server 20 that transmits print information. In this case, the notification system 1 may not include the second server 20.

[0063] Also, the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 may sequentially transmit the detection result of the first sensor, which is the detection unit 36, to the first server 10 as status information, and the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may determine the detection result of the first sensor. Further, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may have a timer to measure time and determine whether one hour or more has elapsed. The first control unit 11 of the first server 10 can determine that the detection unit 36 of the printing apparatus 30 has detected a printed matter for one hour or more, instead of the printing apparatus 30. The first control unit 11 can determine that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray. In this case, the first server 10 can notify the information processing apparatus 40 to that effect.

[0064] Similarly, the third control unit 31 of the printing apparatus 30 may sequentially transmit the detection result of the second sensor, which is the input unit of the third input / output unit 34, to the first server 10 as status information, and the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may determine the detection result of the second sensor. Further, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 may have a timer to measure time and determine whether two hours or more have elapsed. Instead of the printing apparatus 30, the first control unit 11 of the first server 10 can determine that the third input / output unit 34 of the printing apparatus 30 has not detected a user operation for two hours or more. In this case, the first control unit 11 can determine that the user has not taken out the printed matter from the tray. The first server 10 can notify the information processing apparatus 40 to that effect.

Explanation of Signs

[0065] 1…Notification system, 11…First control unit, 12…First communication unit, 13…First storage unit, 20…Second server, 21…Second control unit, 22…Second communication unit, 23…Second storage unit, 30…Printing apparatus, 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 apparatus, 41…Fourth control unit, 42…Fourth communication unit, 43…Fourth storage unit, 44…Fourth input / output unit, 50…WAN.

Claims

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

2. Further including a second server that transmits content information as the print information, wherein the printing device can transmit the detection information to the first server after printing the content information received from the second server. The monitoring system according to claim 1.

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

4. The first server can transmit a notification to the information processing device based on the detection information, the print information is content information received from a second server, and the control unit can transmit the detection information to the first server after printing the content information received from the second server by the printing unit. The printing device according to claim 3.

5. The detection unit is a first sensor capable of detecting a printed matter printed by the printing unit, and when the first sensor continuously detects the printed matter for a first time or more after printing the print information by the printing unit, the control unit transmits first detection information as the detection information to the first server. The printing device according to claim 3.

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

7. A control method for a printing device capable of communicating with a first server, including a printing unit that prints print information and a detection unit that performs detection based on a user's operation, wherein detection information based on detection by the detection unit is generated after printing the print information by the printing unit and can be transmitted to the first server.

8. The first server can send a notification to the information processing device based on the detection information, the print information is content information received from a second server, The control method of a printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein after printing the content information received from the second server by the printing unit, the detection information can be transmitted to the first server.

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