Presentation method, electronic apparatus, program and management system

Abstract

To manage a state of a printer more effectively.SOLUTION: A presentation method for displaying information on an electronic apparatus in a printing system comprising a printer 114, an administrative server 12, and an electronic apparatus (PC112 and electronic device 116), the method comprising: an information transmission stage for transmitting printer information from the administrative server 12 to the electronic apparatus; and a display stage for displaying information based on the printer information on the electronic apparatus, wherein in the display stage, from among a plurality of display types including a printer-specific display, a group display, and a full display, in accordance with a user instruction, either a batch display, in which the printer-specific display, the group display, and the full display are performed on a single screen, or an individual display, in which any one of the display types is selected and displayed, is selected and displayed on the electronic apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method, an electronic device, a program, and a management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, printers such as inkjet printers have been widely used. Further, as a method of controlling the operation of a printer, for example, a method using a PC that performs RIP processing has been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When controlling the operation of a printer using a PC or the like that performs RIP processing, for example, the state of the printer can be managed by executing a program (application software) for managing the state of the printer on the PC. However, depending on the use of the printer or the like, it may be desirable to manage the state of the printer in a more appropriate manner. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display method, an electronic device, a program, and a management system that can solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The inventor of the present application has conducted intensive research on how to manage printers. Instead of simply managing the status of a printer using only a PC for RIP processing or the like, the inventor considered collecting information indicating the status of the printer on a server and obtaining the information from the server to check the status of the printer. With such a configuration, for example, the status of the printer can be checked at various locations, not limited to the location where the printer is installed. Also, thereby, for example, even a person other than the operator who operates the printer can check the status of the printer as needed.

[0006] Regarding printer management, for example, it is conceivable to manage in association with the users of the printer. Further, the inventor of the present application also considered, for example, dividing printers into groups for management. With such a configuration, for example, even when a single user or a single organization as a user is associated with a plurality of printers, the printers can be managed more easily and appropriately. Also, in this case, for an electronic device that performs display for checking the status of the printer, it is conceivable to perform display in a method selected according to, for example, a user's instruction from among a plurality of types of display methods. With such a configuration, for example, when information regarding a plurality of printers is managed on a server, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. Also, thereby, for example, the status of the printer can be managed more appropriately.

[0007] In addition, the inventor of the present application has found the features necessary to obtain such effects through further intensive research and arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing system including a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information indicating the state of the printer, and an electronic device that performs display based on the printer information acquired from the management server. The present invention provides a display method for causing the electronic device to display information, the method including: an information transmission step of causing the management server to transmit the printer information associated with the printer to the electronic device; and a display step of causing the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device in the information transmission step. The management server manages the printer in association with the user of the printer and divides and manages the printer into one or more groups including the printer. When the management server manages a plurality of printers associated with the user operating the electronic device, in the display step, regarding the display manner based on the printer information, for the display manner based on the printer information, there are provided: a per-printer display for displaying information regarding each individual printer; a group display for displaying information regarding the printers included in any one of the groups; and an all-display for displaying information regarding all the printers associated with the user. From among a plurality of types of display manners including these, in response to an instruction from the user, either a batch display for performing the per-printer display, the group display, and the all-display on one screen, or an individual display for selecting and displaying any one of the per-printer display, the group display, and the all-display is selected to cause the electronic device to display information based on the printer information.

[0008] With such a configuration, for example, when a management server manages a plurality of printers associated with a user, regarding the display method based on printer information, it is possible to select from a plurality of methods. Also, in this case, in response to a user's instruction, either batch display that performs printer-by-printer display, group display, and full display on one screen, or individual display that selects and displays any one of printer-by-printer display, group display, and full display, is selected to display information based on printer information on the electronic device. Thus, for example, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. Also, thereby, for example, the state of the printer can be appropriately grasped.

[0009] Also, when a management server manages a plurality of printers associated with a user who operates an electronic device, at the display stage, for example, aggregated display that aggregates and displays information regarding the plurality of printers associated with the user and printer-by-printer display that displays information regarding individual printers may be displayed on the electronic device on one screen. In this case, in the aggregated display, for example, either group aggregated display that aggregates information regarding printers included in the same group or overall aggregated display that aggregates information regarding all printers associated with the user is made to be displayed on the electronic device. Even with such a configuration, for example, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. Also, thereby, for example, the state of the printer can be managed more appropriately.

[0010] Also, in this configuration, the printers associated with the user are grouped, for example, by manual user settings by the user's operation or automatic settings based on preset rules. With this configuration, for example, printers can be appropriately grouped. Also, regarding grouping, for the printers associated with the user, it is also conceivable to group them, for example, for each production line that produces products using the printer or for each product. With this configuration, for example, grouping can be appropriately performed according to how the printers are used. Also, thereby, for example, it is possible to easily total production volume and costs for the production of products using the printers. Also, in this configuration, at the display stage, based on the printer information, it is conceivable to display at least any one of, for example, a printer overview showing the overview of the printer, a printer status showing the status of the printer, the operation record of the printer, and the maintenance history for the printer on the electronic device. With this configuration, for example, the status of the printer can be appropriately confirmed based on the printer information.

[0011] Also, as a configuration of the present invention, for example, configurations such as an electronic device, a program, and a management system having the same features as described above can also be considered. In this case, for the program, for example, it can be considered as a program executed in at least either the management server or the electronic device to display information on the electronic device. For the management system, for example, it can be considered as a system that manages printers in a printing system. Even when configured in these ways, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, for example, the status of the printer can be more appropriately managed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using printers, and includes a management server 12, a user site 14, and an external management unit 16. Except for the points to be described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as a known printing system.

[0015] The management server 12 is a server that manages printer information, which is information indicating the state of printers used in the printing system 10. In this example, the management server 12 is a cloud server that communicates with other components via a wide - area network such as the Internet, and manages printer information according to a program executed on the cloud. Also, the management server 12 obtains printer information regarding printers installed at the user site 14, for example, by communicating with electronic devices installed at the user site 14 via a wide - area network. Further, by communicating with the electronic devices provided at the user site 14 and the external management unit 16 via a wide - area network, it supplies printer information to the electronic devices. Moreover, thereby, the management server 12 causes the electronic devices to perform displays based on the printer information. Operations such as causing the electronic devices to perform displays based on the printer information will be described in more detail later.

[0016] Incidentally, as the management server 12, for example, it is conceivable to use a server provided by a cloud server provider. In this case, it can be considered that the computer functioning as the management server 12 is managed by a person different from the administrators of the user site 14 and the external management unit 16. Also, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to make this server etc. function as the management server 12 by controlling the server etc. provided by the cloud server provider from the external management unit 16. Further, in a modification of the configuration of the printing system 10, for example, it is also conceivable to use a computer managed by the same administrator as the administrator of the user site 14 or the external management unit 16 as the management server 12. In this case, the management server 12 may be installed, for example, within the user site 14 or the external management unit 16.

[0017] The user base 14 is a base that executes printing operations in the printing system 10. Regarding the user base 14, for example, it can also be considered as a base where printers to be managed by the management server 12 are installed, etc. Also, regarding the user base 14, for example, it can also be considered as a base managed by the administrator of the printers used in the printing system 10, etc. The external management unit 16 is configured to perform management of at least a part of the printing system 10 outside the user base 14. In this example, the external management unit 16 is a base of a service provider that provides services such as maintenance for printers in the user base 14, and based on the printer information obtained from the management server 12, provides services such as maintenance for printers in the user base 14. Regarding the external management unit 16, for example, it can also be considered as a base managed by an administrator different from the administrator of the user base 14, etc. Also, for the user base 14 and the external management unit 16, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be used.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the specific configurations of the user base 14 and the external management unit 16. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the user base 14. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the external management unit 16. In this example, the user base 14 is a base that produces products (printed materials) printed using printers, and has a plurality of production bases 102 and management departments 104. The production base 102 is a base where printers are installed. Also, in this example, the production base 102 has a PC 112, a plurality of printers 114, and an electronic device 116. The PC 112 is a computer that controls the printing operation by the printer 114. Also, in this example, the PC 112 is a computer for RIP processing (RIP-PC), and controls the operation of the printer 114 by supplying the data generated by the RIP processing to the printer 114. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, the operation of a plurality of printers 114 may be controlled by one PC 112.

[0019] Also, in this example, the PC 112 is an example of an electronic device that performs display based on printer information acquired from the management server 12, and has a communication interface, a monitor, etc. In this case, regarding the communication interface, for example, it can be considered as an example of a communication unit that receives printer information associated with the printer 114 managed in the PC 112 from the management server 12. Also, regarding the monitor, for example, it can be considered as an example of a display unit that displays information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server 12. In this case, it may also be considered as an example of a display unit including a configuration for controlling the display content on the monitor. Also, in this example, the PC 112 further communicates with the printer 114 to acquire information of the printer 114 and transmits it to the management server 12, thereby updating the printer information in the management server 12. In this case, the PC 112 can also be considered to have a configuration for detecting the state of the printer 114 and notifying the management server 12, for example. More specifically, the PC 112 periodically detects the state of the printer 114 at a predetermined timing, for example, and updates the printer information in the management server 12 based on the detected state. Also, in this case, the PC 112 can automatically execute operations such as detection of the printer 114 and update of the printer information, for example, without depending on user operations or the like.

[0020] The printer 114 is a printer for producing products at the production site 102, and executes a printing operation according to the control of the PC 112. Also, in this example, the printer 114 is a color printer that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink. As the printer 114, for example, an inkjet printer having the same or similar configuration as a known inkjet printer can be preferably used.

[0021] The electronic device 116 is an information display device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Also, in this example, the electronic device 116 is also an example of an electronic apparatus and performs display based on printer information acquired from the management server 12. In this case, regarding the communication interface of the electronic device 116, for example, it can be considered as an example of a communication unit. Also, regarding the screen of the electronic device 116, for example, it can be considered as an example of a display unit. In this case, it may also be considered as an example of a display unit including a configuration for controlling the display content on the screen. Also, in this example, the electronic device 116 can be considered as an electronic apparatus or the like that performs display based on printer information without updating the printer information in the management server 12, for example.

[0022] By using the production base 102 with such a configuration, for example, in the PC 112 and the electronic device 116, display based on printer information can be appropriately performed. Also, the PC 112 can appropriately update the printer information in the management server 12, for example. The specific configuration of the production base 102 is not limited to the illustrated configuration and may vary in various ways. For example, the number of printers 114 managed by the PC 112 may be one or three or more. Also, the number of PCs 112 and electronic devices 116 in one production base 102 may be plural. Also, the number of the PC 112, the printer 114, and the electronic device 116, and the number of printers 114 managed by one PC 112 may be different for each production base 102. Also, the number of production bases 102 is not limited to the illustrated number and can be appropriately changed. Also, as the production base 102, for example, a configuration in which the number of printers 114 in the printing system 10 is only one can also be considered.

[0023] Also, as described above, in this example, the user base 14 further includes a management department 104 in addition to the plurality of production bases 102. The management department 104 is configured to manage the plurality of production bases 102 and has a PC 112. And in this example, the PC 112 in the management department 104 is also an example of an electronic device that performs display based on printer information acquired from the management server 12. More specifically, for example, the PC 112 is a computer for administrators for the entire user base 14 and, similar to the PC 112 in the production base 102, performs display based on printer information acquired from the management server 12. Regarding the PC 112 in the management department 104 as well, for example, it can be considered as an electronic device or the like that performs display based on printer information without updating the printer information in the management server 12.

[0024] In this example, the external management unit 16 includes a marketing department 106 and a support department 108. The marketing department 106 is a department that provides articles and information related to the printer 114 to the users of the printer 114 at the user base 14. In this case, as the provision of articles related to the printer 114, for example, it is conceivable to sell ink, media, etc. Also, for example, in cooperation with the marketing department 106, it is also conceivable to sell consumables, etc. that are replaced during the maintenance of the printer 114. The support department 108 is a department that provides maintenance services, etc. to the users of the printer 114. Also, in this example, the marketing department 106 and the support department 108 have a PC 112. The PC 112 in the marketing department 106 and the support department 108 is also an example of an electronic device that performs display based on the printer information acquired from the management server 12. In this case, in the marketing department 106, by performing display based on the printer information on the PC 112, for example, it becomes possible to carry out marketing activities according to the state of the printer 114. Also, in the support department 108, by performing display based on the printer information on the PC 112, for example, it becomes possible to easily and appropriately grasp the state of the printer 114 without having to visit the production base 102 where the printer 114 is installed. Also, as a result, for example, it becomes possible to reduce the number of visits to the production base 102 and to provide higher-quality maintenance services at low cost.

[0025] Here, as described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, based on the printer information managed by the management server 12, information is displayed on the PC 112, which is an example of an electronic device, and the electronic device 116. Such an operation can be considered, for example, as an example of the operation of a display method for displaying information on an electronic device. Also, in this case, the operation of transmitting printer information from the management server 12 to the PC 112 or the electronic device 116 (hereinafter referred to as the PC 112 etc.) can be considered, for example, as an example of the operation in the information transmission stage. Regarding the information transmission stage, it can be considered, for example, as a stage of causing the printer information associated with the printer 114 to be transmitted from the management server 12 to the PC 112 etc. Also, the operation of causing the PC 112 etc. to perform a display based on the printer information transmitted from the management server 12 can be considered, for example, as an example of the operation in the display stage. Regarding the display stage, it can be considered, for example, as a stage of causing the PC 112 etc. to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server 12 to the electronic device in the information transmission stage etc.

[0026] Also, in the PC 112 etc., for the display based on the printer information, it can be considered to be performed, for example, by a web browser (Internet browser). In this case, the management server 12 communicates with the PC 112 etc. using a predetermined protocol such as the HTTP protocol, and in response to a request from the PC 112 etc., transmits data for displaying a web page to the PC 112 etc. And in this case, the sending of this data from the management server 12 to the PC 112 etc. can be considered, for example, as sending printer information etc. Also, in this case, in the PC 112 etc., by displaying the display based on the data sent from the management server 12 on the web browser, a display based on the printer information is performed. Depending on the configuration of the PC 112 etc., a display based on the printer information may be performed using, for example, a dedicated application program without using a web browser.

[0027] Also, in the printing system 10 of this example, the operation of displaying information on the PC 112 or the like can be considered to be executed by a program executed in at least one of the management server 12 or the PC 112 or the like. In this case, the process of transmitting information from the management server 12 to the PC 112 or the like according to this program can be considered, for example, as an example of an information transmission process. Also, the process of causing the PC 112 or the like to perform a screen display can be considered, for example, as an example of a display process. Also, in this example, for example, it can be considered that the management server 12 causes the PC 112 or the like to display information by sending data from the management server 12 according to a program executed in the management server 12. Also, for example, it can also be considered that, according to a program executed in the PC 112 or the like, a display based on printer information is being performed in the PC 112 or the like. Also, depending on the way of thinking about the relationship between the configuration and operation of the printing system 10 and the program, for example, it can also be considered that information is being displayed on the PC 112 or the like by the functions of both the program executed in the management server 12 and the program executed in the PC 112 or the like.

[0028] Also, as can be understood from the above description and the like, in this example, it can be considered that at least a part of the configuration in the printing system 10 manages the printer 114. Therefore, for example, at least a part of the printing system 10 can be considered, for example, as a management system or the like that manages the printer 114 in the printing system 10. In this case, this management system can be considered, for example, as a configuration including the management server 12 in the printing system 10. Also, it may be considered that the management system further includes a configuration other than the management server 12. In this case, for example, it can be considered that the management system further includes the PC 112 or the like.

[0029] Next, the printer information and the like managed by the management server 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining how the printer information is managed in the management server 12, and an example of items managed in association with the printer information is shown in a simplified manner. In this example, the management server 12 is a server accessed from the user base 14, the external management unit 16 (see FIG. 1), etc., and manages the printer information while identifying the users of the printer 114 (see FIG. 2) by user authentication.

[0030] More specifically, in this example, the management server 12 manages the correspondence relationship between the user and the printer 114 by associating user information for identifying a pre-registered user with a printer ID for identifying the printer 114. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of printers 114 with printer IDs bbb1 to 5 are associated with one user whose user information is aaa1 or one organization as a user. In this case, the association between the user information and the printer 114 can be considered as an example of the association between the user and the printer 114. Also, when the user information indicates an organization, the organization can be considered as the user or the like identified by the user information. Also, a printer 114 with a printer ID of bbb6 is associated with the user whose user information is aaa2. In the actual management server 12, it is conceivable to manage the association between more users and the printer 114.

[0031] Also, when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with one user or one organization as a user as in this example, it is conceivable to manage the plurality of printers 114 by grouping them. More specifically, for example, when the user base 14 has a plurality of production bases 102 (see FIG. 2), it is conceivable to group the printers 114 for each printer 114 installed in the same production base 102. Also, in the production base 102, for example, when there are a plurality of operators who perform operations according to the instructions of a user to whom a plurality of printers 114 are associated, it is also conceivable to divide them into groups for each operator. Therefore, in this example, the management server 12 enables the management of the plurality of printers 114 by grouping them by associating a group with the printer ID. For example, in the case shown in the figure, a plurality of printers 114 with printer IDs bbb1 to 3 belong to group X. A plurality of printers 114 with printer IDs bbb4 to 5 belong to group Y. Also, the printer 114 with printer ID bbb6 belongs to group Z.

[0032] Also, in this example, the management server 12 associates printer information with each printer 114 identified by the printer ID. As the printer information, various information regarding the state and past history of the printer 114 can be used. According to this example, for example, the printer information corresponding to the printer 114 can be appropriately managed. Also, thereby, for example, the management of the printer 114 can be appropriately performed using the printer information. Also, in this case, on the PC 112 or the like, it is conceivable to display a list of printers 114 associated with the user and the state of the printer 114 based on the printer information. Also, in this case, on the PC 112 or the like, in relation to the display of the state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is conceivable to display a list of printers 114.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a list of printers 114 is displayed on a PC 112 or the like, and shows examples of two types of display screens selected according to the electronic device on which the screen is displayed. More specifically, in the figure, the left diagram shows an example of a display screen when displaying on a large screen, for example, when using a personal computer or the like as the PC 112 or the electronic device 116. The right diagram shows an example of a display screen when displaying on a narrow screen, for example, when using a smartphone or the like as the electronic device 116. Also, in this case, for both the left and right screen display examples, it can be considered that substantially the same content is being displayed according to the purpose of the screen display.

[0034] Also, in this example, when causing the PC 112 or the like to perform a screen display, the user who operates the PC 112 or the like performs user authentication with respect to the management server 12 (see FIG. 1) to sign in to the management server 12. Then, on the PC 112 or the like, information regarding the printer 114 associated with the user authenticated by the user authentication is displayed on the screen. Also, in this case, on the display screen for displaying the list of printers 114, the PC 112 or the like arranges and displays, for example, as shown in the figure, information indicating the printer 114 associated with the user. More specifically, for example, in the case shown in FIG. 4, the PC 112 or the like displays the name, model, and operating status of the printer 114 for all printers 114 associated with the user. In this case, for the name of the printer 114, it can be considered, for example, as the printer name determined by the user to identify the printer 114 or the like. Also, for the operating status, it can be considered, for example, as information indicating what state the printer 114 is in in relation to the printing operation. More specifically, in this example, as the operating status, information indicating whether it is in the middle of printing, standby, error stop, or offline is used. In this case, for being in the middle of printing, it can be considered, for example, as the state where printing is being executed in the printer 114. For standby, it can be considered, for example, as the state where the printer 114 is waiting in a state where printing can be started. For error stop, it can be considered, for example, as the state where the printer 114 has stopped due to some error. For offline, it can be considered, for example, as the state where the state of the printer 114 could not be obtained. Also, for offline, it can also be considered, for example, as the state where the management server 12 cannot grasp the latest state of the printer 114. In this case, for offline, it can be considered, for example, as the state where the power of the printer 114 is not turned on, or the state where the state of the printer 114 cannot be grasped due to problems with the communication path or the management server 12 or the like. Also, in this example, for offline, it can also be considered, for example, as the state where the latest state of the printer 114 could not be obtained from the management server 12.

[0035] Also, in this example, the PC 112 etc. can also display a list of the printers 114 for each state of the printer 114 by means of the display using the tab 202. In this case, the PC 112 etc. display a list of the printers 114 in the state associated with the tab 202 in response to the operation of the user who selects the tab 202. More specifically, in the case shown in the figure, the PC 112 etc. all display the tab 202 for switching the display among standby, printing, error stop, and offline. In this case, when the tab 202 corresponding to all is selected, all the printers 114 associated with the user are displayed. Also, when other tabs 202 are selected, among the printers 114 associated with the user, the printers 114 in the state corresponding to the selected tab 202 are displayed. With such a configuration, for example, regarding the printers 114 managed by the user, their states etc. can be easily and appropriately confirmed.

[0036] Also, in this example, the PC 112 etc. can also display more detailed information regarding the printer 114 based on the printer information received from the management server 12. In this case, for example, regarding the printer 114 selected by the user from the list of the printers 114, it is conceivable to cause the PC 112 etc. to display the information based on the printer information. Also, as the display of the information regarding the printer 114, for example, by collectively selecting all the printers 114 associated with the user, the printers 114 included in the group, etc., as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 for example, the information regarding a plurality of printers 114 may be caused to be displayed on the PC 112 etc.

[0037] Figs. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of a display screen to be displayed on the PC 112 or the like, and showing an example of information to be displayed based on printer information regarding a plurality of printers 114 selected by the user. Fig. 5 shows an example of information to be displayed regarding the plurality of printers 114. Fig. 6 shows an example of how to change the aggregation period for aggregating the information to be displayed. Fig. 7 shows an example of a display screen showing more detailed information for a part of the information regarding the printer 114. For the sake of illustration, in Figs. 5 to 7, only an example of a screen corresponding to one of the two types of screen displays shown in Fig. 4 is illustrated.

[0038] Also, as shown by the text "Intra-organization printer aggregation" in the figure, Figs. 5 and 6 show the states of the printers 114 aggregated by the printers 114 within one organization. In this case, for the printers 114 within one organization, for example, they can be considered as printers 114 or the like that are managed in association with the same user in the management server 12. Also, regarding the display screen of the intra-organization printer aggregation, for example, it can be considered as an example of a display screen that the PC 112 or the like displays in response to a user's instruction when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with one user or one organization as a user. Regarding the fact that a plurality of printers 114 are associated with one user or one organization as a user, for example, it can be considered that a plurality of printers 114 are registered in association with the same user in the management server 12.

[0039] Also, in this example, the PC 112 or the like displays a screen having a display target selection unit 222 and a period setting unit 224, for example, as shown in the figure, as a screen display related to the organization-internal printer aggregation. In this case, the display target selection unit 222 is a selection unit for selecting the printer 114 to be aggregated among the items to be displayed in the screen display by the PC 112 or the like. More specifically, in this example, when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with the user, the display target selection unit 222 receives, from the user, a selection of any one of, for example, all the printers 114, the grouped printers 114, and the individual printer 114, regarding the printer 114 to be aggregated. In this case, regarding all the printer 114, it can be considered, for example, as all the printer 114 or the like associated with the user operating the PC 112 or the like. Regarding the user operating the PC 112 or the like, it can be considered, for example, as the user or the like who has signed in to the management server 12 to operate the PC 112 or the like. Also, regarding the grouped printer 114, it can be considered, for example, as at least a part of all the printers and the printer 114 or the like belonging to the same group. Regarding the individual printer 114, it can be considered, for example, as the individual printer 114 or the like included in all the printer 114. Also, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a state where all the groups are selected in the display target selection unit 222. In this case, regarding the selection of all the groups, it can be considered, for example, as corresponding to the selection of all the printer 114.

[0040] In response to the user's selection in the display target selection unit 222, the PC 112 or the like performs a screen display based on the printer information for at least one of full display, group display, and per-printer display. In this case, for the full display, for example, it can be considered to display information regarding all the printers 114 associated with the user. For the group display, for example, it can be considered to display information regarding the printers 114 included in any one group. For the per-printer display, for example, it can be considered to display information regarding the individual printers 114. Also, in this example, the full display is a screen display performed when all the printers 114 are selected. The group display is a screen display performed when the grouped printers 114 are selected. The per-printer display is a screen display performed when the individual printer 114 is selected. Further, when the management server 12 manages a plurality of printers 114 associated with the user operating the PC 112 or the like, the PC 112 or the like selects which one to perform from among a plurality of display methods including full display, group display, and per-printer display for the display method based on the printer information according to the user's instruction. In this case, for this selection, for example, it can be considered to be a selection to perform at least one of full display, group display, and per-printer display.

[0041] Also, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of a case where, for the screen display of the PC 112 or the like, any one of full display, group display, and per-printer display is selected and displayed. Further, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the PC 112 or the like displays the total of the operation results of the printers for all the printers 114 (printers 114 of all groups). Also, as the total of the operation results, the total of the usage results, the ink usage amount, and the printed area are displayed. Regarding the total of the usage results of the printer 114, for example, it can be considered as the total of the operating states of the printer 114 or the like. Also, in this example, the PC 112 or the like displays, as the total of the operating states, for example, as shown in the figure, the time and ratio in each state of standby, printing, error stop, and offline during the total period. Regarding the total of the ink usage amount, for example, it can be considered as the total of the amount of ink used in the printer 114 to be totaled or the like. Also, in this example, the PC 112 or the like displays, as the total of the ink usage amount, for example, as shown in the figure, the usage amount and cost for each ink set in the period total. Also, the PC 112 or the like further displays buttons for showing more detailed information for each ink set. Regarding the total of the printed area, for example, it can be considered as the total of the area printed by the printer 114 to be totaled or the like. Also, in this example, the PC 112 or the like displays, as the total of the printed area, for example, as shown in the figure, the print length, the printed area, and the cost. With such a configuration, for example, when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with one user or one organization as a user, the states of the plurality of printers 114 can be appropriately grasped as needed. Also, thereby, for example, the management of the printer 114 or the like can be performed more easily and appropriately.

[0042] Also, in the screen displays shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, regarding the aggregation period of information about the printer 114, it is possible to change it using the period setting unit 224. The period setting unit 224 is a setting unit for setting the aggregation period for performing aggregation in the items displayed in the screen display on the PC 112 or the like. Regarding the period setting unit 224, for example, it can also be considered as a configuration for receiving the specification of the period in the user interface (UI) on the PC 112 or the like. Also, in this example, as shown in FIG. 6 for example, the period setting unit 224 performs the setting of the aggregation period by receiving the method of setting the period and the specification of the period from the user. With this configuration, for example, the user can appropriately set the aggregation period as desired. Also, thereby, for example, the status of the printer 114 can be more appropriately confirmed.

[0043] Also, as described above, in this example, the PC 112 or the like further displays buttons for showing more detailed information for each ink set regarding the aggregation of the ink usage amount. And when a button corresponding to any ink set is pressed by the user, the PC 112 or the like displays more detailed information regarding the ink set as shown in FIG. 7 for example. With this configuration, for example, cost management and the like regarding the ink can be more appropriately performed.

[0044] Here, the method of performing the screen display on the PC 112 or the like will be described in more detail. In this example, when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with the user, the PC 112 or the like receives an instruction from the user to select whether to target all the printers 114, the grouped printers 114, or the individual printer 114 as described above. With this configuration, for example, the printer 114 to be the target for displaying information can be appropriately changed according to the content the user wants to confirm. Also, thereby, for example, when managing information regarding a plurality of printers 114 by the management server 12, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed on the PC 112 or the like.

[0045] Also, in FIG. 5 and the like, an example is illustrated in which, regarding the way of displaying information on the PC 112 or the like, one of the ways of displaying corresponding to full display, group display, and display for each printer is selected for display. On the other hand, the PC 112 or the like may further display information in a way different from that in FIG. 5 or the like, for example, according to the user's selection or the like. In this case, the PC 112 or the like selects, for example, whether to display information in a list (batch) or individually according to the user's instruction. More specifically, in this example, the PC 112 or the like selects either batch display or individual display according to the user's instruction regarding the ways of full display, group display, and display for each printer, and displays information based on the printer information. In this case, for batch display, for example, it can be considered as a display that performs full display, group display, and display for each printer on one screen. For individual display, for example, it can be considered as a display that selects and displays any one of full display, group display, and display for each printer.

[0046] Also, in this case, regarding the display of a plurality of items on one screen on the PC 112 or the like, for example, it can be considered that the display is performed in a state that can be treated as one screen on the PC 112 or the like. For example, when performing screen display on the PC 112 or the like using a web browser, it can be considered that a display corresponding to one screen of the web browser is performed. Also, for one screen of the web browser, for example, it can be considered as a range that can be displayed without page movement. Regarding the range that can be displayed without page movement, for example, it can be considered as a range that can be displayed without changing the URL. According to this example, when the management server 12 manages a plurality of printers 114 associated with the user, regarding the way of display based on the printer information, for example, an appropriate selection can be made from a plurality of methods according to the purpose of checking information or the like. Also, thereby, for example, the information required by the user can be more appropriately shown to the user.

[0047] Also, when performing group display, the PC 112 or the like displays, for example, information on the aggregation of groups or information on individual printers 114 belonging to the group according to the user's selection. In this case, the information on the aggregation of groups can be considered, for example, as information obtained by aggregating the printers 114 included in the same group. The information on individual printers 114 belonging to the group can be considered, for example, as information for each printer 114 included in the group. With this configuration, for example, information on the group can be appropriately displayed according to the user's wishes.

[0048] Also, the PC 112 or the like may display, on one screen, for example, an aggregation display related to aggregation in group units or the like and a per-printer display related to individual printers 114 according to the user's selection. In this case, the aggregation display can be considered, for example, as a display obtained by aggregating information on a plurality of printers 114 associated with the user. The per-printer display can be considered, for example, as a display of information on individual printers. Also, in this case, the aggregation display is not limited to, for example, a display for each group, and a display of the aggregation for all printers 114 may be performed. More specifically, in this case, the PC 112 or the like performs, in the aggregation display, for example, at least one of a group aggregation display and an overall aggregation display according to the user's selection. Also, the group aggregation display can be considered, for example, as a display obtained by aggregating information on the printers 114 included in the same group. The overall aggregation display can be considered, for example, as a display obtained by aggregating information on all printers 114 associated with the user. Also, in this case, the PC 112 or the like performs, for example, only one of the group aggregation display and the overall aggregation display as the aggregation display according to the user's instruction. Also, for example, depending on the information desired by the user or the like, it is also conceivable to perform both the group aggregation display and the overall aggregation display as the aggregation display. With this configuration, for example, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed by the PC 112 or the like. Also, thereby, for example, the state of the printer 114 can be grasped more appropriately.

[0049] Also, in this example, the printers 114 associated with the user are grouped, for example, by manual settings by the user or automatic settings based on preset rules. With this configuration, for example, the printers 114 can be appropriately grouped. Also, in this case, for the grouping in automatic settings, for example, it is conceivable to group according to at least any one of the usage of the printer 114, the introduction time of the printer 114, the maintenance history of the printer 114, the operation record of the printer 114, the production target set for the printer 114, etc. Also, for the grouping from these viewpoints, the same can be done for the grouping in manual settings. Also, for example, when focusing on the usage of the printer 114, for the printers 114 associated with the user, it is conceivable to group them, for example, for each production line that produces products using the printer 114 or for each product. With this configuration, for example, the grouping can be appropriately performed according to the usage method of the printer 114, etc. Also, thereby, for example, for the production of products using the printer 114, the total production volume and cost aggregation, etc. can be facilitated.

[0050] As described above, according to this example, for example, by performing a display on the PC 112 or the like based on the printer information acquired from the management server 12, the state of the PC 112 or the like can be appropriately grasped. Also, when a plurality of printers 114 are associated with the user, etc., by using display methods such as full display, group display, and per-printer display, the information required by the user can be appropriately displayed on the PC 112 or the like. Also, thereby, for example, the states of a plurality of printers 114 can be easily and appropriately grasped.

[0051] Also, regarding the information to be displayed based on the print information, the PC 112 etc. may display other information, not limited to the information illustrated in FIG. 5 etc. More specifically, the PC 112 etc. may display at least any one of, for example, a printer overview showing an overview of the printer, a printer status showing the status of the printer, the operation results of the printer, and the maintenance history for the printer, based on the printer information. In this case, for example, on a screen etc. where a selection is made to perform the display of the display screen shown in FIG. 5 etc., it is conceivable to make it possible to select the screen display regarding other information. With such a configuration, for example, based on the printer information, the status of the printer 114 can be more appropriately confirmed.

[0052] Also, in the above, regarding the printer 114 used in the printing system 10, for example, the use of an inkjet printer has been described. However, as the printer 114 used in the printing system 10, a printer other than an inkjet printer may be used. Also, as the printer 114 used in the printing system 10, for example, the use of a 3D printer etc. is also conceivable.

Industrial Applicability

[0053] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a display method for displaying information of an electronic device.

Explanation of Signs

[0054] 10... printing system, 102... production base, 104... management department, 106... marketing department, 108... support department, 112... PC, 114... printer, 116... electronic device, 12... management server, 14... user base, 16... external management department, 222... display target selection unit, 224... period setting unit

Claims

1. In a printing system including a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information about the printer, and an electronic device that performs display based on the printer information acquired from the management server, a display method for causing the electronic device to display information, comprising: an information transmission step of causing the management server to transmit the printer information associated with the printer to the electronic device; a display step of causing the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device in the information transmission step; and comprising: Regarding the display method based on the printer information of a plurality of the printers associated with a user who operates the electronic device in the display step, a per-printer display for displaying information about each of the printers; a group display for displaying information about the printers included in a group including one or more of the printers; and from among a plurality of types of display methods including an all-display for displaying information about all the printers associated with the user, in response to an instruction from the user, a batch display for performing the per-printer display, the group display, and the all-display on one screen; and an individual display for selecting and displaying any one of the per-printer display, the group display, and the all-display; selecting any one of the above and causing the electronic device to display the same, characterized in that it is a display method.

2. In a printing system including a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information about the printer, and an electronic device that performs display based on the printer information acquired from the management server, a display method for causing the electronic device to display information, comprising: an information transmission step of causing the management server to transmit the printer information associated with the printer to the electronic device; a display step of causing the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device in the information transmission step; and comprising: In the display step, a totalized display for totalizing and displaying information about a plurality of the printers associated with a user; and a per-printer display for displaying information about each of the printers; displaying the above on one screen on the electronic device, and in the totalized display, Dividing the plurality of printers associated with the user into groups each including one or more of the printers, and performing a group aggregation display in which information regarding the printers included in the same group is aggregated, and an overall aggregation display in which information regarding all the printers associated with the user is aggregated characterized in that any one of the displays is caused to be performed on the electronic device.

3. The method of display according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of printers associated with the user are divided into the groups by user manual setting by the operation of the user or by automatic setting based on a preset rule.

4. The method of display according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of printers associated with the user are divided into the groups for each production line that produces products using the printers or for each of the products.

5. In the display stage, based on the printer information, causing the electronic device to display at least any one of a printer overview indicating an overview of the printer, a printer status indicating a status of the printer, an operation record of the printer, and a maintenance history for the printer. The method of display according to claim 1 or 2.

6. An electronic device that performs display based on printer information which is information regarding a printer, a communication unit that receives the printer information associated with the printer from a management server, a display unit that displays information based on the printer information received from the management server, comprising When a plurality of the printers associated with a user who operates the electronic device are managed, regarding the manner of display based on the printer information, a per-printer display that displays information regarding each individual printer, a group display that displays information regarding the printers included in a group including one or more of the printers, From among a plurality of types of display manners including an overall display that displays information regarding all the printers associated with the user, in response to an instruction from the user, a batch display that performs the per-printer display, the group display, and the overall display on one screen, and an individual display that selects and displays any one of the per-printer display, the group display, and the overall display characterized in that any one of them is selected and displayed on the display unit.

7. An electronic device that performs display based on printer information, which is information regarding a printer, comprising: a communication unit that receives, from a management server, the printer information associated with the printer; a display unit that displays information based on the printer information received from the management server; and wherein, when a plurality of the printers associated with the user who operates the electronic device are managed, a totalized display that totalizes and displays information regarding the plurality of printers associated with the user; and a per-printer display that displays information regarding each individual printer are displayed on the display unit on a single screen, and, in the totalized display, the plurality of printers associated with the user are divided into one or more groups each including one or more printers, and a group totalized display that totalizes information regarding the printers included in the same group; and an electronic device characterized by performing either a group totalized display or an overall totalized display that totalizes information regarding all the printers associated with the user.

8. A program for causing an electronic device to display information based on printer information, which is information regarding a printer, the program causing: an information transmission process for transmitting, from a management server to the electronic device, the printer information associated with the printer; and a display process for causing the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device to be executed by at least one of the management server or the electronic device, and regarding a display method based on the printer information of a plurality of the printers associated with the user who operates the electronic device in the display process, a per-printer display that displays information regarding each individual printer; a group display that displays information regarding the printers included in a group including one or more printers; and an overall display that displays information regarding all the printers associated with the user, and in response to an instruction from the user, a batch display that performs the per-printer display, the group display, and the overall display on a single screen; and an individual display that selects and displays any one of the per-printer display, the group display, and the overall display are selected and caused to be displayed on the electronic device.

9. A program for causing an electronic device to display information based on printer information related to a printer, an information transmission process for causing the printer information associated with the printer to be transmitted from a management server to the electronic device, and a display process for causing the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device are executed by at least one of the management server or the electronic device, in the display process, a total display for aggregating and displaying information related to a plurality of the printers associated with a user, and a per-printer display for displaying information related to each of the printers are caused to be displayed on the electronic device on one screen, and, in the total display, a plurality of the printers associated with the user are divided into groups each including one or more of the printers, and a group total display for aggregating information related to the printers included in the same group, and a total total display for aggregating information related to all of the printers associated with the user are caused to be displayed on the electronic device in either of the displays, characterized by a program.

10. A management system for managing a printer in a printing system including the printer, comprising a management server for managing printer information which is information related to the printer, the printing system is a system including the printer, the management server, and an electronic device for performing a display based on the printer information acquired from the management server, and the management system is a system constituting at least a part of the printing system, regarding a display method based on a plurality of the printer information associated with a user who operates the electronic device, a per-printer display for displaying information related to each of the printers, a group display for displaying information related to the printers included in a group including one or more of the printers, and a full display for displaying information related to all of the printers associated with the user, from among a plurality of types of display methods, in response to an instruction from the user, a batch display for performing the per-printer display, the group display, and the full display on one screen, and an individual display for selecting and displaying any one of the per-printer display, the group display, and the full display are selected and caused to be displayed on the electronic device, characterized by a management system.

11. A management system that manages the printer in a printing system including a printer, comprising a management server that manages printer information which is information about the printer, wherein the printing system is a system including the printer, the management server, and an electronic device that performs display based on the printer information acquired from the management server, and the management system is a system that constitutes at least a part of the printing system, a summary display that aggregates and displays information about a plurality of the printers associated with a user, a per-printer display that displays information about each of the printers, are caused to be displayed on the electronic device on one screen, and, in the summary display, the plurality of printers associated with the user are divided into one or more groups each including one or more printers, and a group summary display that aggregates information about the printers included in the same group, and a total summary display that aggregates information about all the printers associated with the user are caused to be displayed on the electronic device, characterized by a management system.

Images