Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printing device, which can quickly notify a user of the fact that allowable printing quantities cannot be increased or should not be increased and make the user recognize the fact.SOLUTION: A printing device is configured to execute: a step S130 of receiving information about values of the number of allowable printing sheets charged from an external server 100; a step S135 of charging a value of a parameter of a charge counter main body in accordance with the received values of the number of allowable printing sheets; and a step S35 of decreasing the values of the charge counter main body in accordance with execution of printing by a printing part 290. A processor 210 is configured to execute a step S215 of determining whether a charge-impossible condition that the charging of the number of allowable printing sheets cannot be executed is satisfied or not and a step S240 of displaying corresponding charge impossible information on a display part 240, when it is determined that the charge impossible condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of executing printing with an allowable printing amount as an upper limit.

Background Art

[0002] A system in which a user pays a fee by a prepaid method and receives a printing service is already known. In such a system, conventionally, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a guaranteed printing amount corresponding to printing authority purchased based on a purchase request by a user's manual operation is added to the allowable printing amount of the printing apparatus, and information regarding the allowable printing amount after the addition is displayed on a portable terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, when a printing process based on a guaranteed printing amount guaranteed by printing authority is completed and the allowable printing amount, which is the upper limit value of printable amount, becomes zero, the user purchases new printing authority, so-called charging. As a result, the guaranteed printing amount guaranteed by the purchased printing authority is added and the allowable printing amount increases, and printing can be continued.

[0005] Here, newly consider the case where, for example, the printing device has deteriorated over time and has fallen into a state where it cannot exhibit predetermined performance, or where some malfunction has occurred. In this case, even if the user purchases a new printing right and increases the allowable printing amount of the printing device, it becomes difficult to perform printing using that allowable printing amount. Therefore, when the printing device is in such a situation, the user should be promptly notified and made aware to refrain from increasing the allowable printing amount by purchasing a printing right. However, with the method of displaying information regarding the allowable printing amount on the terminal device as in the above prior art, there is a problem that the user cannot know the situation that the allowable printing amount should not be increased as described above unless using an application or the like that utilizes the terminal device.

[0006] Also, for example, when an abnormal value is detected in the printing device, or when restrictions regarding the allowable printing amount or the guaranteed printing amount are being executed by the administrator of the printing device or the like, it may be prohibited to increase the allowable printing amount by purchasing a printing right. Furthermore, in the case where the management server connected to the printing device adds the guaranteed printing amount corresponding to the printing right purchased by the user to the allowable printing amount of the printing device, for example, when the printing device becomes offline or the like and information transmission and reception between the printing device and the management server become impossible, increasing the allowable printing amount becomes infeasible. Also in these cases, with the method of displaying information regarding the allowable printing amount on the terminal device as in the above prior art, the user cannot know the situation where the allowable printing amount cannot be increased as described above unless using an application or the like that utilizes the terminal device.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device capable of promptly notifying and making the user aware that the allowable printing amount cannot be increased or should not be increased.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit, a display unit, and a control unit, and is configured to be able to execute printing by the printing unit with the allowable printing amount as an upper limit, and is an object for increasing the allowable printing amount according to the guaranteed printing amount guaranteed by the printing right obtained by purchase. The control unit is configured to execute an increase instruction reception process for receiving an increase instruction for increasing the allowable printing amount from an external device, an increase execution process for increasing the allowable printing amount according to the increase instruction received in the increase instruction reception process, and a decrease execution process for decreasing the allowable printing amount according to the execution of the printing by the printing unit. The control unit is further configured to execute a condition determination process for determining whether or not an increase impossible condition that makes it impossible to increase the allowable printing amount is satisfied, and a first information display process for displaying corresponding increase impossible information on the display unit when it is determined in the condition determination process that the increase impossible condition is satisfied.

[0009] The printing apparatus of the present invention has a printing unit, a display unit, and a control unit. In the present invention, an increase impossible condition that makes it impossible to increase the allowable printing amount is defined in advance. The increase impossible condition is, for example, that the performance of the printing apparatus has reached a predetermined deteriorated state, that a predetermined state defect has occurred in the printing apparatus, that an abnormality related to charging has occurred, that a restriction regarding the allowable printing amount or the guaranteed printing amount is being executed, that information transmission / reception with an external device has become impossible, and the like.

[0010] The control unit determines whether or not the printing apparatus satisfies the above increase impossible condition by executing the condition determination process. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control unit displays corresponding increase impossible information on the display unit in the first information display process. As a result, the user can recognize that the increase of the allowable printing amount is not executable.

[0011] According to the present invention, the user can quickly recognize, by visually recognizing the increase impossible information displayed on the display unit, that the printing apparatus is in a situation where the allowable printing amount cannot be increased or should not be increased.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when the allowable printing amount cannot be increased or should not be increased, the user can be promptly notified and made aware of this fact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Overview of the Printing Service Providing System> An example of the system configuration of a printing service providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The printing service providing system 1 provides a prepaid printing service in which a user who is a customer pays a fee in advance and uses the printing function of the printer 200. In FIG. 1, the printing service providing system 1 includes a management server 100, a printer 200, a mobile terminal 300, and a transaction server 400. These management server 100, printer 200, mobile terminal 300, and transaction server 400 are connected to a network NT including a mobile phone communication line and can communicate with each other. Note that the management server 100 is an example of an external device, and the printer 200 is an example of a printing device.

[0016] <Management Server> The management server 100 is, for example, a server installed and managed by the manufacturer of the printer 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 100 includes a processor 110, a storage device 115, and a communication interface 190. These processor 110, storage device 115, and communication interface 190 are connected to each other via a bus 105 so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

[0017] The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130. The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM and stores various programs and data to be processed. The non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and has a program storage area 131 and a data storage area 132.

[0018] Various programs are stored in the program storage area 131. The various programs include programs related to the prepaid printing service. In the data storage area 132, various information such as the number of charges described later regarding the users who have contracted the prepaid printing service and the printers 200 in use is stored.

[0019] The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU, and executes various programs including the program related to the prepaid printing service stored in the program storage area 131. The processor 110 performs various processes including data communication with the mobile terminal 300, the printer 200, and the transaction server 400 connected to the network NT. The processor 110 executes the purchase of printing rights by the printing service providing system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0020] The communication interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the network NT.

[0021] Note that the storage device 115 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described device elements, and may be configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an HDD, a portable recording medium such as a USB memory detachable from the management server 100, a buffer provided in the processor 110, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Note that the storage device 115 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs in addition to the above examples. Also, non-transitory media are tangible media. The same applies to the storage device 215 of the printer 200 described later.

[0023] <Printer> The printer 200 is owned by, for example, a user who receives the prepaid printing service described above. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 200 includes a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a communication interface 270, and a printing unit 290. These processor 210, storage device 215, display unit 240, operation unit 250, communication interface 270, various sensors 280, and printing unit 290 are connected to each other via a bus 205 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0024] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM, and includes an image data storage area 221 for storing image data to be printed. The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory, and includes a program storage area 232 and a data storage area 233. In the program storage area 232, various programs related to the prepaid printing service based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 described later are stored, for example, as firmware. The processor 210 and the program stored in the program storage area 232 are an example of a control unit. In the data storage area 233, various parameters such as a charge counter_server, a charge counter_main body, and a server notification counter described later regarding the prepaid printing service, and various information such as a charge impossible condition list described later are stored. Note that the information on these parameters related to the prepaid printing service will be described in detail later.

[0025] The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, and is, for example, a CPU. The processor 210 executes various programs stored in the program storage area 232.

[0026] The display unit 240 includes a liquid crystal display in this example and can display various information. The display unit 240 also includes a plurality of LED lamps and can notify the user of necessary information by its light emission state. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives operations by the user. The user can input various instructions into the printer 200 by operating the operation unit 250. The communication interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the network NT.

[0027] The various sensors 280 are sensors for detecting various states inside the printer 200. For example, there are a number of sensors such as a sensor for detecting a paper jam state in a conveyance mechanism (not shown) and a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper in a paper feed tray.

[0028] The printing unit 290 takes out and conveys the paper in the paper feed tray by a conveyance mechanism, and prints an image on the conveyed paper in a predetermined manner. The printing method is not particularly limited, and for example, printing is performed by an inkjet method or a laser method. The printing unit 290 forms an image on the paper using, for example, ink in an ink cartridge or toner in a toner cartridge (not particularly shown) in response to a print job transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 or a print job generated by itself based on an operation at the operation unit 250.

[0029] <Mobile terminal> An example of the system configuration of the mobile terminal 300 is shown in FIG. 2. The mobile terminal 300 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user, for example, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 300 includes a CPU 310, a memory 320, a communication control unit 330 for connecting to the network NT via wireless communication, a touch panel 340, and a mass storage device 350.

[0030] The large-capacity storage device 350 is, for example, a flash memory, and includes a program storage area 351 and a data storage area 352. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 351 as applications, for example. The CPU 310 executes various programs stored in the program storage area 351. The CPU 310 executes various processes including data communication with the management server 100 connected to the network NT. In the data storage area 352, a user ID or the like for identifying a user corresponding to the mobile terminal 300, which is issued based on the above program or the above printing service, is stored.

[0031] The mobile terminal 300 also uses a touch panel 340 that integrally combines a liquid crystal display and a touch pad to display various information and receive various operations by the user. The user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal 300 by operating the touch panel 340.

[0032] Note that, as the mobile terminal 300, other information terminals such as a tablet computer or a desktop PC may be used instead of a mobile phone.

[0033] <Transaction server> As shown in FIG. 1, the transaction server 400 is a server for performing online settlement via the network NT. The transaction server 400 has a processor, a storage device, and a communication interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0034] <Prepaid printing service during normal use> FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the prepaid printing service provided in the case of normal use by the printing service providing system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0035] In this embodiment, the printing service provided by the printing service providing system 1 is a prepaid printing service. The prepaid printing service is a service in which the number of charge sheets guaranteed by the printing right purchased by the user in advance by a purchase request based on charging is added to the allowable number of prints of the target printer 200, and printing processing can be executed on the printer 200 with the allowable number of prints as the upper limit.

[0036] The addition of the number of charge sheets to the allowable number of prints is executed, for example, by the processor 110 of the management server 100 by updating the allowable number of prints stored corresponding to each individual printer 200 in the data storage area 132. Further, the addition information is also transmitted to the printer 200 via the network NT, and is updated synchronously in two parameters, the charge counter_server and the charge counter_main body, separately stored in the data storage area 233.

[0037] And each time printing is executed on the printer 200 side, the processor 210 increases the value of the server notification counter in the data storage area 233 by the number of prints, and decreases the value of the charge counter_main body by the same number of prints. Then, the value of the charge counter_main body is transmitted to the management server 100 via the network NT at regular timings, for example, and the allowable number of prints in the data storage area 132 is updated synchronously.

[0038] That is, the parameter value of the allowable number of prints in the management server 100 is the total value of the value of the charge counter_main body synchronized with the printer 200 and the value of the number of charge sheets by charge purchase. Also, the parameter value of the charge counter_server in the printer 200 is the value of the allowable number of prints as it is synchronized with the management server 100, and the parameter value of the charge counter_main body is a value that is subtracted in conjunction with the parameter value of the server notification counter added by the execution of printing.

[0039] In the above prepaid printing service, when printing processing is executed in the printer 200 and the charge counter _ main body, which is the upper limit value that can be printed at that time, becomes zero or decreases, the user performs charging through a new purchase procedure. As a result, the purchased number of printed sheets is added, the allowable number of printed sheets and each charge counter increase, and printing can be continued.

[0040] In the printing service providing system 1 of the present embodiment, as the above-described form of purchasing printing authority, first, it is possible to execute the purchase of printing authority based on the purchase request of the user. The purchase of printing authority based on the user's purchase request is executed when a purchase application for the above printing authority is transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 to the management server 100 according to the user's operation and is received by the management server 100. The purchase of the above printing authority is executed at an arbitrary timing desired by the user. At that time, the user selects any one of a plurality of charge plans with different purchase quantities and purchase amounts, such as 50 printed sheets = 500 yen, 100 printed sheets = 900 yen, 250 printed sheets = 2000 yen, etc., and purchases the corresponding printing authority. The specific electronic settlement process at the time of this purchase is performed by the transaction server 400 in cooperation with the management server 100.

[0041] Here, an example of specific parameter processing executed inside the printer side for the above prepaid printing service will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the printer 200, each parameter of the charge counter _ server, the charge counter _ main body, and the server notification counter is stored in the data storage area 233, and at the start of operation of the printer 200, the values of each parameter are all reset to zero as shown in the figure. In this state, since the charge counter _ main body, which is the printing upper limit in the printer 200, is 0, printing processing cannot be performed even when a printing job is received.

[0042] When the charge process is performed on the management server 100 side with, for example, the allowable number of printed sheets set to A sheets, as shown in Fig. 4(b), in the printer 200, the parameters of the charge counter_server and the charge counter_main body are synchronized with the allowable number of printed sheets and become the value of A sheets. As a result, the user of the printer 200 can continue printing as long as the value of the charge counter_main body does not become zero. That is, when a total of B sheets have been printed since the most recent charge process, as shown in Fig. 4(c), the value of the server notification counter is incremented from 0 to B sheets, and the value of the charge counter_main body is decremented from A sheets to (A - B) sheets, and printing can continue until the value of the charge counter_main body becomes zero (until the value of the server usage counter reaches A sheets).

[0043] When, at the time when a total of B sheets have been printed, the charge process is performed on the management server 100 side to increase, for example, by C sheets, as shown in Fig. 4(d), the allowable number of printed sheets on the management server 100 side becomes the value of (A - B + C) sheets. Then, the parameters of the charge counter_server and the charge counter_main body on the printer 200 side are also synchronized to become the value of (A - B + C) sheets, and the value of the server notification counter is reset to zero. As a result, the printer 200 can continue printing until the value of the charge counter_main body newly becomes zero (until the value of the server usage counter reaches (A - B + C) sheets).

[0044] Note that the above allowable number of printed sheets is an example of the allowable printing amount, the charged number of sheets is an example of the guaranteed printing amount, and the increase instruction of the allowable number of printed sheets received by the printer 200 from the management server 100 is an example of an increase instruction.

[0045] <Charge impossible condition and charge impossible display> Now, newly consider the case where, for example, the printer 200 has deteriorated over time and has fallen into a state where it cannot exhibit its predetermined performance, or where some malfunction has occurred. In this case, even if the user purchases a new printing right and increases the charge counter of the printer 200 (the allowable number of printed sheets of the management server 100), it becomes difficult to perform printing using that charge counter. Therefore, when the printer 200 is in such a situation, the user should be promptly notified and made aware of the need to refrain from increasing the charge counter by purchasing a printing right. However, in the printing service providing system 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, it is not possible to know the situation that the allowable number of printed sheets should not be increased as described above unless an application or the like launched on a specific mobile terminal 300 is used.

[0046] Also, for example, when an abnormal value is detected in the printer 200, or when a restriction regarding the allowable number of printed sheets or the charged number of sheets is being executed by the administrator of the printer 200 or the like, the charging of the allowable number of printed sheets by purchasing a printing right may be prohibited. Further, when the printer 200 becomes offline or the like and information transmission and reception between the printer 200 and the management server 100 becomes impossible, the charging of the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be executed. In these cases as well, the user cannot know the situation where the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be charged as described above unless an application or the like launched on a specific mobile terminal 300 is used. And not all users who have a legitimate right to use may possess such a mobile terminal 300.

[0047] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the printer 200 itself determines whether or not a non - charge condition that makes the charge process of the allowable number of printed sheets unexecutable is satisfied, and when it is determined that the non - charge condition is satisfied, the corresponding non - charge information is displayed on the display unit 240.

[0048] FIG. 5 schematically shows a non-chargeable condition list listing a plurality of non-chargeable conditions set in the printer 200 in the example of this embodiment. This non-chargeable condition list is table data stored in the data storage area 233 of the printer 200, and in the illustrated example, ten non-chargeable conditions are stored in the order of priority. The priority is a number indicating the order in which the content of the non-chargeable condition is considered critical and significant in terms of the system functions and mechanical soundness of the printer 200, and is also an identification number for uniquely identifying each corresponding non-chargeable condition.

[0049] In the non-chargeable condition list, corresponding to each non-chargeable condition of each priority, items of condition parameters related to the condition and items of its judgment content, items of display messages to be displayed on the display unit 240 when the condition is satisfied, items related to the ease of recovery when recovering from the state where the condition is satisfied, items of recovery conditions, and items of flags for recording whether or not the state where the condition is satisfied has actually been detected are stored.

[0050] Hereinafter, each non-chargeable condition in the illustrated example will be specifically described. The non-chargeable condition with the first priority is related to the product life of the printer 200. When the total number of printed sheets counted cumulatively after the factory shipment of the printer 200 is 30,000 sheets or more, or when the product usage period is 5 years or more, the non-chargeable state is set due to the product life. Therefore, it is difficult for ordinary users to recover, and since it is necessary to replace the main body to continue the prepaid printing service, a message indicating that an inquiry should be made to the call center is displayed.

[0051] The second non-chargeable condition in terms of priority is related to the lifespan of the waste liquid form (waste liquid cleaning sponge). When the number of discharges of ink waste liquid counted cumulatively since the factory shipment of the printer 200 reaches a predetermined number or more, and furthermore, when the waste liquid storage amount at that time is a predetermined amount or more, a non-chargeable state is set due to the necessity of urgently replacing the waste liquid form. In contrast, it is difficult for ordinary users to recover, and since it is necessary to replace the waste liquid form to continue the prepaid printing service, a message indicating that the user should inquire at the call center is displayed. Note that since it is difficult for ordinary users to recover even under the non-chargeable conditions with priorities 2 to 7 in the illustrated example, the user needs to inquire at the call center, but each message in the figure abbreviates it.

[0052] The third non-chargeable condition in terms of priority is related to pin clogging in the print head when the printing unit 290 is of the inkjet type, for example. When a continuous non-discharge state of pins at the same location is detected in 1 / 3 or more of the total number of pins (for example, 140 pins or more in the case of 420 pins) by discharge detection, a non-chargeable state is set due to the necessity of urgently replacing the print head. In contrast, it is difficult for ordinary users to recover, and since it is necessary to replace the print head to continue the prepaid printing service, a message indicating that the user should inquire at the call center is displayed.

[0053] The fourth charge-disabling condition in terms of priority is about the locked state where charge processing cannot be executed when an abnormal value of the charge counter is detected. For example, for the two parameters of the charge counter_main body and the charge counter_server managed on the printer 200 side, from the above-described relationship, the value of the charge counter_main body should always be less than or equal to the value of the charge counter_server. However, if as a result of the comparison, it is determined that the value of the charge counter_main body is greater than the value of the charge counter_server, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the charge processing and the charge-disabled state is set. For ordinary users, it is difficult to recover, and since the operating company of the print service providing system 1 needs to release the locked state of the charge processing to continue the prepaid print service, a message indicating that an inquiry should be made to the call center is displayed.

[0054] The fifth charge-disabling condition in terms of priority is about the locked state where charge processing cannot be executed when an abnormality is detected in the charge processing on the management server 100 side. For ordinary users, it is difficult to recover, and since the operating company of the print service providing system 1 needs to release the locked state of the charge processing to continue the prepaid print service, a message indicating that an inquiry should be made to the call center is displayed.

[0055] The sixth charge-disabling condition in terms of priority is about the locked state where charge processing cannot be executed when the administrator who conducts system management on behalf of the user sets the charge processing to the locked state. For ordinary users, it is difficult to recover, and since the administrator needs to release the locked state of the charge processing to continue the prepaid print service, a message indicating that an inquiry should be made to the administrator is displayed.

[0056] The seventh priority level, the charge disabling condition, is related to the lock state that prevents charge processing when the administrator detects that the cumulative charge amount at that time exceeds a preset upper limit. This is difficult for a normal user to recover from, and since the administrator must release the lock state of the charge processing to continue the prepaid printing service, a message is displayed informing the user that they should contact the administrator.

[0057] The eighth highest priority non-chargeable condition is related to the offline state of the printer 200. If the printer 200 detects that it cannot send or receive information with the management server 100, it will enter a non-chargeable state due to the need to return to an online state as soon as possible. However, recovery from this is easy for a normal user, and since it is necessary to return to an online state in order to continue the prepaid printing service, a message is displayed to the effect that the printer should contact a designated network management department or inspect the equipment, and how to do so (not shown).

[0058] The ninth priority recharge disabling condition is related to a jam in the printing unit 290. When the printer 200 detects a jam in the paper transport path, etc., the printer 200 makes the recharge disabling condition due to the need to immediately clear the jam. However, recovery from this is easy for a normal user, and since the jam needs to be cleared to continue the prepaid printing service, a message is displayed to the effect that a recovery operation should be performed, along with instructions on the operation and method for doing so (not shown).

[0059] The charge disable condition with the tenth priority is related to the empty state of the paper feed tray in the printing unit 290. When the printer 200 detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray, it sets the charge disable state as the cause is the urgent need to replenish paper. However, recovery from this is easy for a normal user, and since the paper out error state needs to be resolved in order to continue the prepaid printing service, a message is displayed to the effect that paper should be replenished and the operation and method for doing so (not shown).

[0060] In addition to the charging impossible conditions in the above specific examples, various charging impossible conditions can be set, such as the open state of the main cover or ink cover of the housing of the printer 200, and the removed state of the waste liquid form. It can be applied by registering it in the charging impossible condition list.

[0061] Note that as the classification of the above charging impossible conditions, the charging impossible conditions with priorities 1 to 3 all relate to the fact that the performance of the printer 200 has reached a predetermined deteriorated state in common. Also, the charging impossible conditions with priorities 4 and 5 all relate to the fact that the printer 200 has detected abnormal values in common. Further, the charging impossible conditions with priorities 6 and 7 all relate to the fact that restrictions on the allowable number of printed sheets or the number of charged sheets are being executed in common. Also, the charging impossible condition with priority 8 relates to the fact that information transmission and reception with the management server 100 are impossible. Further, the charging impossible conditions with priorities 9 and 10 and the charging impossible conditions for each cover open state and the removed state of the waste liquid form all relate to the fact that a predetermined state failure has occurred in the printer 200 in common.

[0062] Here, when the processor 210 of the printer 200 in the present embodiment determines that none of the above 10 charging impossible conditions are satisfied, as shown in FIG. 6, a description indicating that it is in a chargeable state (in the figure, "·Chargeability status: Yes" in the display mode of black characters) and a corresponding message are displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 240. Also, the LED lamp L1 of the display unit 240 emits light in green indicating that printing is possible, and the LED lamp L2 emits light in green indicating that charging is possible. However, when it is determined that any one of the above 10 charging impossible conditions is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 7, a description indicating that it is in a non-chargeable state (in the figure, "·Chargeability status: No" in the display mode of black-filled and white-outlined) and all the corresponding messages of the charging impossible conditions that satisfy the conditions are displayed on the display unit 240. Also, the LED lamp L1 of the display unit 240 emits light in orange indicating that printing is impossible, and the LED lamp L2 emits light in orange indicating that charging is impossible.

[0063] When displaying corresponding messages for a plurality of (two in this example) non-chargeable conditions as shown in the illustrated example, they are displayed in a list format that enumerates individual windows W1 and W2 in the order of priority. In the illustrated example, a plurality of windows W1 and W2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Although not particularly illustrated, if all the windows W do not fit on the screen, they are displayed so as to be switchable by scrolling. The description of the message corresponding to each non-chargeable condition includes information about the cause of the non-chargeable state, the ease of recovery, and the method for eliminating the cause. Note that the second corresponding message in the illustrated example corresponds to the non-chargeable condition of a paperless error, and as shown in the illustration, the method for eliminating the cause may be guided to a separate page (not particularly illustrated) by pressing a dedicated button 241 for display. When all non-chargeable conditions are eliminated, the description and corresponding message in the chargeable state shown in FIG. 6 are also displayed to indicate that the elimination has been made.

[0064] Note that the above non-chargeable condition is an example of an increase-infeasible condition, the description and message corresponding to the chargeable state are examples of increase-feasible information and completion-of-elimination information, the cause of each non-chargeable condition is an example of infeasible cause information, the ease of recovery and the method for eliminating the cause are examples of elimination information, and the method for eliminating the cause is an example of elimination method information.

[0065] <Control Procedure> To realize the above processing in this embodiment, an example of the control procedure executed by the processor 210 of the printer 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. When the user performs an operation to cause the printer 200 to execute some job in a state where a prepaid printing service is provided, the flow of FIG. 8 starts.

[0066] First, the charge update process is executed in step S100. This charge update process synchronizes and updates the charge counter_server, charge counter_main body, and server notification counter, which are parameters on the printer 200 side, and the allowable number of prints, which is a parameter on the management server 100 side, so as to reflect the most recent print job by the user and the execution details of the charge process (see FIG. 9 described later).

[0067] Next, it proceeds to step S5, and determines whether the content instructed to be executed by the user's operation is a print job. If it is not a print job, the determination is not satisfied (S5: NO), and it proceeds to step S8 to execute the process of a job other than the instructed print and ends this flow.

[0068] On the other hand, if a print job is instructed in step S5 above, the determination is satisfied (S5: YES), and the charge update process is executed in step S100. Then in step S10, it determines whether the charge counter_main body at that time is greater than a predetermined value (0 or a small value), in other words, whether the number of charge sheets available for executing the print job remains at a predetermined value. If the charge counter_main body is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the determination is not satisfied (S10: NO), and the charge unavailable information display process is executed in step S200. The charge unavailable information display process is a process of determining whether each charge unavailable condition set in the charge unavailable condition list is satisfied, and displaying on the display unit 240 messages, recoverability, etc. corresponding to all the charge unavailable conditions determined to be satisfied at that time (see FIG. 10 described later). After the execution of the charge unavailable information display process, it proceeds to S15.

[0069] On the one hand, if the charge counter_main body in step S10 is greater than a predetermined value, the determination is satisfied (S10: YES), and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, for example, it is determined whether the charge counter_main body has become zero, for example, whether the replacement of the waste liquid form is necessary, whether the replacement of the head is necessary, whether a paper feed jam state or an empty state of the paper feed tray has occurred, etc., that is, whether a predetermined state failure in the printer 200 has occurred. If a state failure has occurred, the determination is satisfied (S15: YES), and at step S20, a print error indicating that the print job cannot be executed due to the corresponding state failure is displayed on the display unit 240, and this flow ends.

[0070] On the other hand, if no state failure has occurred, the determination is not satisfied (S15: NO), and the print job instructed by the user is executed at step S25. Note that in this step S25, the print job is executed for only one sheet of paper.

[0071] Next, the process proceeds to step S30, the value of the server notification counter is incremented (increased by one), and in the next step S35, the value of the charge counter_main body is decremented (decreased by one).

[0072] Next, the process proceeds to step S40, and it is determined whether the instructed print job has been completed for all its sheets or whether a predetermined cancel operation has been input. If the print job has been completed or a cancel operation has been input, the determination is satisfied (S40: YES), and this flow ends. On the other hand, if the print job has not been completed yet and no cancel operation has been input, the determination is not satisfied (S40: NO), and the process returns to step S100 immediately after step S5.

[0073] Next, the procedure when executing the charge update process in step S100 above will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0074] First, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the printer 200 is in an online state connected to the network NT. If the printer 200 is not connected to the network NT and is in an offline state, the determination is not satisfied (S105: NO), and the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether or not the value of the charge counter_main body (abbreviated as "CC_main body" in the figure) is greater than the value of the charge counter_server (abbreviated as "CC_server" in the figure). If the value of the charge counter_main body is less than or equal to the value of the charge counter_server, the determination is not satisfied (S110: NO), and this flow ends.

[0075] On the other hand, if the value of the charge counter_main body is greater than the value of the charge counter_server, in other words, if the values of the two parameters are in a relationship that should not originally exist, the determination is satisfied (S110: YES), and the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, it is considered that some abnormality may have occurred, and the charge process is set to a locked ON state where the charge process is impossible, and this flow ends.

[0076] On the other hand, in the determination of step S105 above, if the printer 200 is in an online state connected to the network NT, the determination is satisfied (S105: YES). In step S120, the value of the server notification counter at that time is notified to the management server 100, and in the next step S125, the value of the server notification counter is reset to zero. Next, in step S130, the value of the allowable number of printed sheets at that time is acquired from the management server 100, and in the next step S135, the acquired value of the allowable number of printed sheets is substituted into the charge counter_main body and the charge counter_server, respectively.

[0077] Next, in step S140, it is determined whether or not there is a notification from the management server 100 that a new charge process has been executed. If a new charge process has not been executed, the determination is not satisfied (S140: NO), and this flow ends. On the other hand, if a new charge process has been executed, the determination is satisfied (S140: YES), and in step S145, it is displayed on the display unit 240 that there has been a charge process, and this flow ends.

[0078] Next, the procedure when executing the charge impossible information display process in step S200 above will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0079] First, in step S205, reset the value of reference variable N to 1. Next, move to step S210, refer to the charge impossible condition list, and obtain the determination content of the charge impossible condition ranked Nth in terms of priority. Then, in step S215, determine whether the obtained charge impossible condition is satisfied. If it is not satisfied, turn off the corresponding flag in step S220. If it is satisfied, turn on the corresponding flag in step S225.

[0080] Next, move to step S230, and determine whether the value of reference variable N has reached 10, in other words, whether the determination for all set charge impossible conditions has been completed. If the value of reference variable N is still less than 10, the determination is not satisfied (S230: NO), increment the value of reference variable N in step S233, and then return to step S210. On the other hand, if the value of reference variable N is 10, the determination is satisfied (S230: YES), and move to step S235. In step S235, determine whether all the flags in the charge impossible condition list are OFF. If there is even one ON among the flags in the charge impossible condition list, the determination is not satisfied (S235: NO), and move to step S240. In step S240, as illustrated in FIG. 7, display the charge impossible state on the display unit 240, and list-display a window W describing information such as the display message, ease of recovery, and elimination method of the charge impossible condition for which the flag is ON, in the order of priority. Then, end this flow.

[0081] On the other hand, in the determination of step S235, if all the flags in the charge impossible condition list are OFF, the determination is satisfied (S235: YES), and in step S245, as shown in FIG. 6, it is displayed on the display unit 240 that the printer is in a chargeable state, and this flow ends. When returning from the non-chargeable state to the chargeable state, it is preferable to display "The printer has returned to a chargeable state." instead of "The printer is currently in a chargeable state." in FIG. 6.

[0082] Incidentally, in the above, step S130 is an example of an increase instruction reception process, step S135 is an example of an increase execution process, the procedure of step S35 is an example of a decrease execution process, step S215 is an example of a condition determination process, and as shown in FIG. 7, step S240 of displaying the non-chargeable state on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 240 or displaying the non-chargeable state on the LED lamp L2 of the display unit 240 is an example of a first information display process, and step S240 of displaying the non-chargeable cause information on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 240 as shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a third information display process, step S245 of displaying the chargeable state on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 240 or displaying the chargeable state on the LED lamp 2 of the display unit 240 is an example of a second information display process, and step S245 of displaying the state of returning to the chargeable state on the liquid crystal display of the display unit 240 is an example of a fourth information display process.

[0083] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in the printer 200 of the present embodiment, charge impossible conditions for making it impossible to execute the charge of the allowable print count in the management server 100 are defined in advance. The charge impossible conditions are, for example, that the performance of the printer 200 has reached a predetermined deteriorated state, that a predetermined state defect has occurred in the printer 200, that an abnormality has occurred in the charge process of the printer 200, that restrictions on the allowable print count or charge count are being executed, that information transmission and reception with the management server 100 has become impossible, and the like.

[0084] By executing step S215, the processor 210 of the printer 200 determines whether the printer 200 satisfies the non-chargeable condition. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, in step S240, the corresponding non-chargeable information is displayed on the display unit 240. As a result, the user can recognize that charging the allowable number of printed sheets is not executable.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, by visually recognizing the non-chargeable information displayed on the display unit 240, the user can quickly recognize that the printer 200 is in a situation where the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be charged or should not be charged.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment, when it is determined that none of the non-chargeable conditions are satisfied, in step S245, the corresponding chargeable state information is displayed on the display unit 240. As a result, by visually recognizing the chargeable state information displayed on the display unit 240, the user can quickly recognize that the printer 200 is in a situation where the allowable number of printed sheets can be charged.

[0087] In particular, in this embodiment, the non-chargeable state and the chargeable state are displayed in different display modes from each other, such as black-filled and white-outlined characters and black characters in this example. As a result, based on the display on the display unit 240, the user can easily distinguish and recognize whether the printer 200 is in a situation where the allowable number of printed sheets can be charged, or in a situation where the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be charged or should not be charged.

[0088] Further, in particular in this embodiment, the non-chargeable condition is satisfied when any of a plurality of causes is present, and when it is determined in step S215 that the non-chargeable condition is satisfied, information representing the content of the cause(s) among the plurality of causes is displayed on the display unit 240 in step S240. Thereby, the user can recognize the reason why the printer 200 cannot charge the allowable number of printed sheets or should not be charged, by visually recognizing the cause of non-chargeability displayed on the display unit 240.

[0089] Further, in particular in this embodiment, when it is determined in step S215 that the non-chargeable condition is satisfied due to the presence of a plurality of causes, in step S240, information on a plurality of causes respectively representing the content of each of the existing causes is individually displayed in a plurality of windows W on the display unit 240. Thereby, when there are a plurality of reasons why the printer 200 cannot charge the allowable number of printed sheets or should not be charged, the user can surely identify and recognize those plurality of reasons on each of the plurality of screens.

[0090] Further, in particular in this embodiment, when it is determined in step S215 that the non-chargeable condition is satisfied due to the presence of a plurality of non-chargeable causes among the plurality of causes, in step S240, the content of each of the existing causes is displayed on the display unit 240 in a list display mode arranged in an order according to a predetermined priority order. Thereby, when there are a plurality of reasons why the printer 200 cannot charge the allowable number of printed sheets or should not be charged, for example, they can be displayed so as to be prominent in order from the one with the highest priority. Thereby, the user can be made to recognize the important ones among the plurality of causes as the top priority.

[0091] Also, in particular, in this embodiment, when it is determined in step S215 that the non-chargeable condition is satisfied, in step S240, the resolution information regarding the elimination of the existing cause is displayed on the display unit 240 together with the cause information. As a result, the user can recognize, by visually checking the resolution information displayed on the display unit 240, what the user should do to resolve the situation where the allowable number of printed sheets in the printer 200 cannot be charged or should not be charged, and the like.

[0092] Also, in particular, in this embodiment, the non-chargeable condition includes at least one of the following: the performance of the printer 200 has reached a predetermined deteriorated state, a predetermined malfunction has occurred in the printer 200, the printer 200 has detected an abnormal value, a restriction regarding the allowable number of printed sheets or the number of charges is being executed, and information transmission / reception with the management server 100 has become impossible. According to this, the user can recognize the details of the cause of why the printer 200 is in a situation where the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be charged or should not be charged.

[0093] Also, in particular, in this embodiment, when it is determined in step S215 that the non-chargeable condition is satisfied, in step S240, the information representing the method for eliminating the existing cause is displayed on the display unit 240. As a result, the user can recognize, by visually checking the information on the elimination method displayed on the display unit 240, what method should be taken to resolve the situation where the allowable number of printed sheets in the printer 200 cannot be charged or should not be charged.

[0094] Further, in particular in this embodiment, after it is determined in step S215 that the charging impossible condition is satisfied, if the cause is resolved, information on the chargeable state indicating the resolution is displayed on the display unit 240 in step S245. As a result, the user can recognize that the situation where the allowable number of printed sheets cannot be charged or should not be charged in the printer 200 has been resolved, and that the allowable number of printed sheets can be charged by purchasing the printing right, by visually recognizing the information on the completion of the resolution displayed on the display unit 240.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the non-chargeable state and the chargeable state are displayed on the display unit 240 of the liquid crystal panel in different text notation modes, and the chargeability and non-chargeability are displayed using the LED lamp L2. However, either the text display or the lighting of the LED lamp L2 may be used alone without both. The lighting of the LED lamp L2 may be, for example, a lamp that can switch the emission colors of red and green independently to distinguish between chargeable and non-chargeable, or a dedicated lamp corresponding to each distinction between chargeable and non-chargeable may be used to distinguish them by causing one of them to emit light.

[0096] Also, in the above embodiment, as counters related to charging, a charge counter_server, a charge counter_main body, and a server notification counter are used, but it is not limited to this. For example, the printer 200 may be provided with a total charge number and a total print number, and the difference between the total charge number and the total print number may be counted as the allowable number of printed sheets.

[0097] Also, in the above, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the flowcharts, and procedures may be added, deleted, or the order may be changed within the scope not departing from the gist and technical idea of the invention.

[0098] Also, in addition to what has been already described above, the methods according to the above embodiments and each modification example may be used in appropriate combination.

[0099] Incidentally, although not exemplified one by one, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1 Printing service providing system 100 Management server (an example of an external device) 200 Printer (an example of a printing device) 210 Processor (an example of a control unit) 240 Display unit 250 Operation unit 290 Printing unit 300 Mobile terminal 400 Transaction server W1, W2 Windows NT Network

Claims

1. A printing unit, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the printing unit is configured to be able to execute printing up to an allowable printing amount, and the printing apparatus is an object to increase the allowable printing amount according to a guaranteed printing amount guaranteed by a printing right obtained by purchase, the control unit is configured to execute: an increase instruction reception process for receiving an increase instruction to increase the allowable printing amount from an external device; an increase execution process for increasing the allowable printing amount according to the increase instruction received in the increase instruction reception process; and a decrease execution process for decreasing the allowable printing amount according to the execution of the printing by the printing unit, the control unit is further configured to execute: a condition determination process for determining whether or not an increase impossible condition that makes it impossible to execute an increase in the allowable printing amount is satisfied; and a first information display process for displaying corresponding increase impossible information on the display unit when it is determined in the condition determination process that the increase impossible condition is satisfied, a printing apparatus.

2. The control unit is further configured to execute a second information display process for displaying corresponding increase possible information on the display unit when it is determined in the condition determination process that the increase impossible condition is not satisfied, the printing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit is configured to display the increase impossible information and the increase possible information in different display modes, the printing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. The increase impossible condition is satisfied when having any of a plurality of increase impossible causes, the control unit is further configured to execute, when it is determined in the condition determination process that the increase impossible condition is satisfied, a third information display process for displaying, on the display unit, impossible cause information representing the content of the increase impossible cause among the plurality of increase impossible causes, the printing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined in the condition determination process that the increase impossible condition is satisfied because there are a plurality of the increase impossible causes among the plurality of increase impossible causes, individually display, on a plurality of screens on the display unit, a plurality of impossible cause information respectively representing the content of each of the increase impossible causes in the third information display process, the printing apparatus according to Claim 4.

6. The control unit is configured to, [[ID=451 ​ ​ ​ ​ When it is determined in the above-described condition determination process that the non-increasable condition is satisfied because there are a plurality of non-increasable causes among the plurality of non-increasable causes, in the third information display process, the content of each of the non-increasable causes is displayed on the display unit in a display mode along a preset priority order. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The control unit When it is determined in the condition determination process that the non-increasable condition is satisfied, in the third information display process, the resolution information regarding the resolution of the non-increasable cause that it has is displayed on the display unit together with the non-cause information. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The non-increasable condition is At least one of the following: the performance of the printing apparatus has reached a predetermined deteriorated state; a predetermined state defect has occurred in the printing apparatus; the printing apparatus has detected an abnormal value; a restriction regarding the allowable printing amount or the guaranteed printing amount is being executed; and information transmission / reception with an external device has become impossible. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

9. The control unit further When it is determined in the condition determination process that the non-increasable condition is satisfied, a third information display process of displaying, on the display unit, resolution method information indicating a resolution method for the non-increasable cause that it has is configured to execute. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The control unit further After it is determined in the condition determination process that the non-increasable condition is satisfied, when the non-increasable cause that it has is resolved, a fourth information display process of displaying, on the display unit, resolution completion information indicating that the cause has been resolved is configured to execute. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.

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