Printer price estimation method, printer price estimation apparatus, and printer price estimation system

Abstract

To estimate a printer price of a target printer in consideration of results of relative state comparison with other printers.SOLUTION: A printer price estimation method for estimating a printer price E of a target printer 10A includes: an acquisition step S101 of acquiring operation information 300 indicating an operation history for a plurality of printers 10; a statistical information generation step S103 of generating statistical information 400 regarding degrees of deterioration of the printers 10 based on the operation history 300 for the printers 10; and a prince estimation step S105 of estimating the printer price E of the target printer 10A based on the statistical information 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer price estimation method, a printer price estimation device, and a printer price estimation system. Specifically, it relates to a printer price estimation method for estimating the printer price of a target printer, a printer price estimation device for estimating the printer price, and a printer price estimation system including the printer price estimation device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recycling support system for calculating the purchase price when recycling an image processing device and the used sales price when selling the image processing device used.

[0003] In this recycling support system, the operation history, copy count, consumable level, failure information, and repair information transmitted from the image processing device are stored in a database system. When the use of the image processing device ends and it is recycled, the purchase price and the used sales price are calculated using the above information stored in the database system and the information regarding the state of the exterior of the image processing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, printer prices such as the purchase price and the used sales price of an image forming apparatus may vary depending on the relative comparison of the state with other image forming apparatuses. For example, if an image forming apparatus has a better state than other image forming apparatuses, the printer price can be set higher than the printer price of the other image forming apparatuses. However, in the recycling support system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printer price has not been calculated in consideration of the result of the relative comparison of the state with other image forming apparatuses.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a printer price estimation method, a printer price estimation apparatus, and a printer price estimation system capable of estimating the printer price of a target printer in consideration of the result of the relative comparison of the state with other printers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The printer price estimation method according to the present invention is a printer price estimation method for estimating the printer price of a target printer. The printer price estimation method includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating an operation history for a plurality of printers, a statistical information creation step of creating statistical information regarding the degree of deterioration of a printer based on the operation information for the plurality of printers, and a price estimation step of estimating the printer price of the target printer based on the statistical information.

[0008] The printer price estimation apparatus according to the present invention is a printer price estimation apparatus for estimating the printer price of a target printer. The printer price estimation apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating an operation history for a plurality of printers, a statistical information creation unit that creates statistical information regarding the degree of deterioration of a printer based on the operation information for the plurality of printers, and a price estimation unit that estimates the printer price of the target printer based on the statistical information.

[0009] According to the printer price estimation method and the printer price estimation device, the statistical information is information regarding the degree of deterioration of a printer created based on the operation information of a plurality of printers. For example, it is considered that when the degree of deterioration is large, the state of the printer is relatively poor, and when the degree of deterioration is small, the state of the printer is relatively good. Here, the state of the target printer can be objectively evaluated from the statistical information in comparison with other printers. Therefore, by estimating the printer price using the statistical information, an objective printer price compared with other printers can be estimated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer price estimation method, a printer price estimation device, and a printer price estimation system capable of estimating the printer price of a target printer in consideration of the result of relative comparison of the state with other printers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

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Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described here are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. In addition, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a printer price estimation system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer price estimation system 1 includes a plurality of printers 10, a server 80, and a printer price estimation device 100. In the printer price estimation system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is a system for calculating the printer price E (see FIG. 10) of the target printer 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the target printer 10A) among the plurality of printers 10. In the printer price estimation system 1, the operation information 300 (see FIG. 9) of the plurality of printers 10 described later is acquired, and the statistical information 400 (see FIG. 13) is created based on these operation information 300. Then, based on the statistical information 400, the printer price E of the target printer 10A is estimated.

[0014] Here, the printer price E refers to the price related to the target printer 10A. The printer price E is, for example, the used sales price when sold as used. However, the printer price E is not limited to the used sales price. For example, it may be the purchase price (in other words, the appraisal price) when a merchant purchases the target printer 10A, the lease price when a merchant leases the target printer 10A to a user, the rental price when a merchant rents the target printer 10A to a user, and so on.

[0015] Hereinafter, the printer 10, the server 80, and the printer price estimation device 100 will be described in order. The number of printers 10 included in the printer price estimation system 1 is three in FIG. 1, but is not particularly limited. The plurality of printers 10 included in the printer price estimation system 1 may have different models or the same model. The locations where the plurality of printers 10 are installed are not particularly limited and may be different locations, or may be arranged to be scattered in Japan or abroad. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the printer 10 will be described. The printer 10 includes the above-described target printer 10A.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 10 taken along the III-III cross-section of FIG. 2. In the drawings related to the printer 10, the reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. Also, the reference sign Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction, and the reference sign X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The sub-scanning direction X intersects (here, is orthogonal to) the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. The sub-scanning direction X is, for example, the front-rear direction. However, these directions are merely defined for convenience and should not be construed in a limiting manner.

[0017] Printer 10 is a so-called inkjet printer. However, the printing method of printer 10 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a dot impact printer, or it may be a laser printer or a thermal printer. Printer 10 is a so-called roll-to-roll type printer, and is configured to move the medium 5 supported by the support base 18 (see FIG. 3) in the sub-scanning direction X without moving the support base 18 in the sub-scanning direction X. However, printer 10 may be a so-called flatbed type printer, and may be configured to move the medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X by moving the support base 18 in the sub-scanning direction X. Further, printer 10 may be a so-called gantry type printer, and the medium 5 itself supported by the support base 18 may not be moved, and the ink head 35 (see FIG. 3) described later may move in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, printer 10 performs printing on medium 5. The type of medium 5 is not particularly limited. For example, medium 5 is a roll-shaped recording paper, that is, so-called roll paper.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a support base 18, a guide rail 20, a carriage 22, a medium conveyance mechanism 25, a head movement mechanism 30, and an ink head 35 (see FIG. 3).

[0020] Printer main body 11 has a casing extending in the main scanning direction Y. Legs 12 are provided on printer main body 11. Legs 12 support printer main body 11 and extend downward from printer main body 11. Note that the illustration of legs 12 is omitted in FIG. 3.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, an operation panel 13 is provided on the printer main body 11. The operation panel 13 is for the user to perform operations related to printing. Here, the operation panel 13 is provided on the printer main body 11. The operation panel 13 has a display screen 14 on which information such as various settings of the printer 10 is displayed, and operation keys 15. The user can, for example, operate the operation keys 15 to display information on various settings on the display screen 14 or determine information on various settings. In this embodiment, the operation keys 15 are constituted by physical buttons, but may be realized by, for example, a touch panel provided on the display screen 14.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the support base 18 supports the medium 5. Printing is performed on the medium 5 in a state where the medium 5 is supported by the support base 18. Here, the medium 5 is placed on the upper surface of the support base 18. The upper surface of the support base 18 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0023] The printer 10 includes a heater 19 provided on the support base 18. The heater 19 warms the medium 5 supported by the support base 18. Here, the heater 19 is provided on the back surface of a portion of the support base 18 on the downstream side (here, the front side) of the ink head 35. When the heater 19 is driven and the support base 18 is warmed, the medium 5 supported by the support base 18 is warmed. This promotes the drying of the ink ejected onto the medium 5. The position of the heater 19 is not particularly limited. The heater 19 may be arranged, for example, directly below the ink head 35 or on the upstream side of the ink head 35. Further, the heater 19 may be arranged above the support base 18.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 20 is arranged above the support base 18 and extends in the main scanning direction Y. A carriage 22 is engaged with the guide rail 20. The carriage 22 is provided slidably with respect to the guide rail 20. The carriage 22 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 20.

[0025] The medium conveyance mechanism 25 is a mechanism that conveys the medium 5 supported by the support base 18 in the sub-scanning direction X. In the present embodiment, the medium conveyance mechanism 25 includes a pinch roller 26, a grit roller 27, and a feed motor 28. The pinch roller 26 is provided above the support base 18 and below the guide rail 20, and presses the medium 5 from above as shown in FIG. 3. The grit roller 27 is a cylindrical member provided on the support base 18. Here, the grit roller 27 is embedded in the support base 18 with its upper surface portion exposed. The grit roller 27 faces the pinch roller 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the grit roller 27 is connected to the feed motor 28. In FIG. 2, two pinch rollers 26 are arranged, but actually, a plurality of pinch rollers 26 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. Also, two grit rollers 27 are arranged, but actually, a plurality of grit rollers 27 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y so as to be arranged below the pinch rollers 26. The plurality of grit rollers 27 are provided and connected to, for example, a shaft (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction Y. One of the plurality of grit rollers 27, or the feed motor 28 is connected to the shaft.

[0026] Here, the feed motor 28 is driven with the medium 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 26 and the grit roller 27. By driving the feed motor 28, the shaft and the plurality of grit rollers 27 rotate, and the medium 5 supported by the support base 18 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0027] The head movement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 22 and the ink head 35 (see FIG. 3) in the main scanning direction Y. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the head movement mechanism 30 includes left and right pulleys 31a and 31b, a belt 32, and a head motor 33. The left pulley 31a is provided around the left end portion of the guide rail 20. The right pulley 31b is provided around the right end portion of the guide rail 20. The belt 32 is an endless belt and is wound around the left and right pulleys 31a and 31b. The carriage 22 is attached to the belt 32. Here, the head motor 33 is connected to the right pulley 31b. When the head motor 33 is driven, the right pulley 31b rotates and the belt 32 travels. As a result, the carriage 22 and the ink head 35 move in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 20.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the carriage 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink head 35 is provided on the carriage 22. The ink head 35 is supported by the carriage 22 so that its bottom surface is exposed. The number of ink heads 35 is not particularly limited, but here it is four. The four ink heads 35 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y.

[0029] Each ink head 35 has a nozzle surface 36. The nozzle surface 36 constitutes the bottom surface of the ink head 35. A plurality of nozzles 37 through which ink is ejected are formed on the nozzle surface 36. In each ink head 35, the nozzles 37 are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the row of nozzles 37 arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction X is called a nozzle row 38. In the present embodiment, the number of nozzle rows 38 in one ink head 35 is two, but it is not particularly limited.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 are front views of the cap unit 50. In Figure 5, a state where the cap 51 is not attached to the ink head 35 is shown. In Figure 6, a state where the cap 51 is attached to the ink head 35 is shown. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 includes the cap unit 50. The cap unit 50 covers the nozzles 37 and sucks the ink in the ink head 35 from the nozzles 37. As shown in Figure 5, the cap unit 50 includes a cap 51, a capping mechanism 52, and a suction pump 53.

[0031] The cap 51 can be attached to the ink head 35 so as to cover the nozzles 37. Here, "attachment" means a state where the cap 51 is attached to the ink head 35 so as to cover the nozzles 37. "Attachment" includes, as shown in Figure 6, not only a state where the cap 51 fits into the lower part of the ink head 35, but also a state where the end face (here, the upper end face) of the cap 51 contacts the nozzle surface 36 so as to cover the nozzles 37.

[0032] In the present embodiment, one cap 51 is attached to one ink head 35. Therefore, the number of caps 51 is four, which is the same as the number of ink heads 35. The four caps 51 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. The cap 51 has a box-like shape with an open top. The type of material forming the cap 51 is not particularly limited. At least the portion of the cap 51 that contacts the ink head 35 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. Also, an absorber (not shown) such as a sponge may be disposed inside the cap 51. The shape of the opening at the top of the cap 51 corresponds to the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the ink head 35.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the capping mechanism 52 is a mechanism that raises and lowers the cap 51 with respect to the ink head 35. The capping mechanism 52 is a mechanism that attaches and detaches the cap 51 with respect to the ink head 35. In the present embodiment, the capping mechanism 52 is configured to raise and lower a plurality of caps 51 simultaneously without changing the relative positions of the plurality of caps 51.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the capping mechanism 52 includes a support member 55 and a capping motor 56. The support member 55 is a member that supports the cap 51. Here, the support member 55 is a plate-shaped member. The capping motor 56 is connected to the support member 55. When the capping motor 56 is driven, the support member 55 moves up and down. Along with the up and down movement of the support member 55, the plurality of caps 51 move up and down simultaneously.

[0035] The suction pump 53 is connected to the cap 51. Here, one suction pump 53 is connected to one cap 51. Therefore, the number of suction pumps 53 is four, which is the same as the number of caps 51. The suction pump 53 is a member that sucks ink, air, etc. inside the cap 51. The type of the suction pump 53 is not particularly limited. The suction pump 53 is, for example, a vacuum pump. The suction pump 53 is connected to the bottom surface of the cap 51 via a tube (not shown), for example. As shown in FIG. 6, when the suction pump 53 is driven with the cap 51 attached to the ink head 35, ink, etc. is sucked out from the nozzles 37 of the ink head 35. The ink, etc. sucked by the suction pump 53 is discarded into a waste liquid tank (not shown) via a tube (not shown), etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cap 51 is disposed at a home position (not shown) located at the right end portion of the guide rail 20. Therefore, by moving the ink head 35 in the main scanning direction Y by the head moving mechanism 30, the relative position of the ink head 35 with respect to the cap 51 in the main scanning direction Y can be changed. By moving the ink head 35 in the main scanning direction Y, the ink head 35 can be disposed at a position where the nozzle surface 36 overlaps the cap 51 in a plan view. Then, in a state where the nozzle surface 36 overlaps the cap 51 in a plan view, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6, when the cap 51 ascends, the cap 51 can be attached to the ink head 35.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a front view of the wiper unit 60. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 10 includes a wiper unit 60. The wiper unit 60 is disposed in the vicinity of the cap 51 and is disposed below the ink head 35. The wiper unit 60 is a mechanism for wiping the nozzle surface 36 of the ink head 35. In this embodiment, the wiper unit 60 includes a wiper 61, a rotating shaft 62, a cleaning liquid tank 63, and a rotating motor 64.

[0038] The wiper 61 is a member for wiping the nozzle surface 36 of the ink head 35. The wiper 61 is a flat plate-shaped member extending in the sub-scanning direction X. The length of the wiper 61 in the sub-scanning direction X is configured to be longer than the length of the ink head 35 in the sub-scanning direction X. The wiper 61 is formed of, for example, rubber. One end of the wiper 61 is connected to the rotating shaft 62. The wiper 61 is configured to be rotatable about the rotating shaft 62. The rotating shaft 62 extends in the sub-scanning direction X. The cleaning liquid tank 63 is a container in which the cleaning liquid is stored and is disposed below the rotating shaft 62. When the tip of the wiper 61 faces downward, the tip portion of the wiper 61 enters the cleaning liquid tank 63 and is immersed in the cleaning liquid. By this, ink or the like attached to the wiper 61 can be removed and the wiper 61 can be cleaned. The rotating motor 64 is connected to the rotating shaft 62 and rotates the wiper 61 together with the rotating shaft 62.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the wiper 61 is disposed at a rotational position such that the tip of the wiper 61 faces upward, the tip of the wiper 61 is disposed at a position slightly higher than the nozzle surface 36 of the ink head 35. Therefore, while the wiper 61 is disposed at such a rotational position, when the ink head 35 is moved in the main scanning direction Y, the nozzle surface 36 can be wiped by the wiper 61. Note that the wiper 61 may be configured to move in the main scanning direction Y with respect to the nozzle surface 36 while being in contact with the nozzle surface 36 of the ink head 35. Further, the direction in which the wiper 61 wipes the nozzle surface 36 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the sub-scanning direction X.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the printer price estimation system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 10 includes a secondary power supply 65. The secondary power supply 65 is provided, for example, in the printer main body 11 (see FIG. 2). By turning on the secondary power supply 65, the printer 10 can be put into a usable state. By turning on the secondary power supply 65, power is supplied to the components constituting the printer 10 (for example, the ink head 35, the medium conveyance mechanism 25, the head movement mechanism 30, etc.), and the printer 10 becomes controllable. By turning off the secondary power supply 65, the printer 10 enters a standby state and printing becomes impossible.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 includes a control device 70. The control device 70 is a device that performs control related to printing and the like. The configuration of the control device 70 is not particularly limited. The control device 70 is, for example, a microcomputer. Although the hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving print data and the like from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as a memory for storing the above program and various data. Here, the control device 70 is provided inside the printer main body 11. However, the control device 70 does not necessarily have to be provided inside the printer main body 11. For example, it may be a computer or the like that is installed outside the printer main body 11 and is communicably connected to a control board (not shown) provided in the printer 10 via wire or wireless.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 70 is communicably connected to an operation panel 13 (specifically, a display screen 14 and operation keys 15), a medium conveyance mechanism 25 (specifically, a feed motor 28), a head movement mechanism 30 (specifically, a head motor 33), an ink head 35, a cap unit 50 (specifically, a capping motor 56 of a capping mechanism 52 and a suction pump 53), and a wiper unit 60 (specifically, a rotation motor 64). The control device 70 is configured or programmed to be able to control the operation panel 13, the medium conveyance mechanism 25, the head movement mechanism 30, the ink head 35, the cap unit 50, and the wiper unit 60. Further, the control device 70 is communicably connected to a heater 19 and a secondary power supply 65. The control device 70 is configured or programmed to be able to control the heater 19 and the secondary power supply 65.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the control device 70 includes a storage unit 71 and an information transmission unit 73. The information transmission unit 73 may be realized by, for example, one or more processors or circuits.

[0044] The information transmission unit 73 transmits information regarding the printer 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation information 300. Here, the information transmission unit 73 transmits the operation information 300 (see FIG. 9) as information regarding the printer 10. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation information 300 is information indicating the operation history of the printer 10, and is information representing the operation state of the printer 10 in time series. The operation information 300 is information from when the printer 10 was delivered. The operation information 300 exists for each printer 10. The operation information 300 includes the start time and end time of an event of the printer 10. Here, the "event of the printer 10" refers to the type of control of the printer 10.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the events of the printer 10 at least include the secondary power OFF 301, printing 302, error 303, maintenance 304, and printing standby 305. The secondary power OFF 301 means turning off the secondary power 65 (see FIG. 8), and is a standby state in which printing by the printer 10 is not possible. When the secondary power is OFF 301, power is not supplied to the components constituting the printer 10 (for example, the ink head 35, the medium conveyance mechanism 25, the head movement mechanism 30, etc.), and it becomes in a state where it cannot be controlled. Printing 302 is to control the ink head 35, the medium conveyance mechanism 25, the head movement mechanism 30, etc., and eject ink from the ink head 35 toward the medium 5 supported by the support base 18 to print an image or the like on the medium 5.

[0046] Error 303 means that during printing 302, a malfunction occurs in printer 10, the operation stops, and printing 302 is interrupted. Error 303 means that the above malfunction of printer 10 has not been resolved and printing 302 cannot be resumed. Maintenance 304 refers to the maintenance of ink head 35. Maintenance 304 includes maintenance that involves consumption of ink from ink head 35. Maintenance 304 includes, for example, suction processing, flushing processing, wiping processing, etc.

[0047] Suction processing means, as shown in FIG. 6, the processing of sucking ink from nozzle 37 with cap 51 attached to ink head 35. Here, in the suction processing, in order to attach cap 51 to ink head 35, capping mechanism 52 is controlled to raise cap 51. With cap 51 attached to ink head 35, suction pump 53 is driven. By driving this suction pump 53, ink is sucked from nozzle 37 and discharged into cap 51. In the suction processing, ink is consumed as ink is discharged from ink head 35 to cap 51.

[0048] Flushing processing is the processing of discharging ink from nozzle 37 of ink head 35 toward cap 51. By executing the flushing processing, foreign substances or solidified ink adhering inside ink head 35 can be discharged from ink head 35. In the flushing processing, ink is consumed as ink is discharged from ink head 35 to cap 51.

[0049] Wiping processing means, as shown in FIG. 7, the processing of wiping the nozzle surface 36 of ink head 35 with wiper 61. Here, with the tip of wiper 61 facing upward, ink head 35 is moved in the main scanning direction Y. At this time, when ink head 35 passes over wiper 61, wiper 61 contacts nozzle surface 36, so that nozzle surface 36 is wiped and ink etc. adhering to nozzle surface 36 is removed.

[0050] The printing standby 305 means a state in which the printer 10 is waiting to start printing. In the printing standby 305, the secondary power supply 65 is in the ON state, and it refers to the time other than printing 302, error 303, and maintenance 304. Note that in the printing standby 305, operations such as adjusting the conveyance amount of the medium 5 by the medium conveyance mechanism 25, or adjusting the landing position of the ink ejected from the ink head 35 to the medium 5 in the forward and return paths in so-called bidirectional printing may be performed.

[0051] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation information 300 includes the start time and the end time in each event of the printer 10 (here, the secondary power supply OFF 301, printing 302, error 303, maintenance 304, printing standby 305, etc.). Note that the start time of an event of the printer 10 may be the same as the end time of another event.

[0052] Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation information 300 includes the printed amount 310 (in other words, the cumulative printed amount 410 (see FIG. 13) described later), and the maintenance time 311 (in other words, the cumulative maintenance time 411 (see FIG. 14) described later). The printed amount 310 is the printed area printed on the medium 5 during printing 302 among the events of the printer 10. However, the printed amount 310 may be the length by which the medium 5 is conveyed. The maintenance time 311 is the time required to execute maintenance 304 (for example, suction processing, flushing processing, wiping processing, etc.) among the events of the printer 10. The maintenance time 311 is the time from the start to the end of maintenance 304.

[0053] As described above, the information transmission unit 73 in FIG. 8 transmits the operation information 300. Note that the destination of the operation information 300 is not particularly limited. Here, the information transmission unit 73 transmits the operation information 300 to the server 80. The information transmission unit 73 transmits, as the operation information 300, the start time or end time of an event to the server 80 when, for example, an event of the printer 10 starts or ends. In addition, when the printing 302 ends, the information transmission unit 73 transmits the printed amount 310 by the printing 302 to the server 80. When the maintenance 304 ends, the information transmission unit 73 transmits the maintenance time 311, which is the time when the maintenance 304 was executed, to the server 80. Note that the timing at which the information transmission unit 73 transmits the operation information 300 is not particularly limited, and for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the operation information 300 regarding the events of the printer 10 that occurred within the predetermined time may be collectively transmitted to the server 80.

[0054] The basic configuration of the printer 10 has been described above. Next, the server 80 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. For example, the printer price estimation system 1 is realized by a so-called cloud computing environment. In this case, the server 80 is a cloud server realized in the cloud computing environment. However, the printer price estimation system 1 may be realized by a so-called client-server environment. In this case, the server 80 is a server realized in the client-server environment. The server 80 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0055] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the server 80 is communicably connected to a plurality of printers 10 (specifically, the control device 70 (see FIG. 8)). Here, the server 80 is communicably connected to the plurality of printers 10 via the Internet 200.

[0056] Here, the server 80 stores information regarding a plurality of printers 10 including the target printer 10A, that is, the plurality of printers 10 provided in the printer price estimation system 1. In the present embodiment, the server 80 stores the operation information 300 of each printer 10. The information transmission unit 73 (see FIG. 8) of each printer 10 transmits the operation information 300 to the server 80. Therefore, the server 80 receives and stores the operation information 300 of each printer 10.

[0057] Next, the printer price estimation device 100 in FIG. 1 will be described. The printer price estimation device 100 is a device that estimates the printer price E (see FIG. 10) for the target printer 10A. Here, the printer price estimation device 100 calculates the printer price E. Specifically, the printer price estimation device 100 creates statistical information 400 (see FIG. 13) based on the operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10. Then, based on the statistical information 400, the printer price E for the target printer 10A is estimated.

[0058] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer price estimation device 100 is configured separately from, for example, the printer 10 and the server 80. However, the printer price estimation device 100 may be configured to be integrated with the server 80, for example. The printer price estimation device 100 is realized by a computer. The computer that realizes the printer price estimation device 100 may be a dedicated computer or a general-purpose computer. The printer price estimation device 100 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0059] The printer price estimation device 100 is communicably connected to the server 80. In the present embodiment, the printer price estimation device 100 is connected to the server 80 via the Internet 200. The printer price estimation device 100 is indirectly communicably connected to the plurality of printers 10 via the server 80. However, the printer price estimation device 100 may be directly connected to the plurality of printers 10 without going through the server 80.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the printer price estimation device 100 includes a device storage unit 101, an acquisition unit 103, a statistical information creation unit 105, a price estimation unit 107, and a notification unit 109. Each unit included in the printer price estimation device 100 may be realized by one or more processors, or may be realized by a circuit.

[0061] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a terminal 120 is communicably connected to the printer price estimation device 100. The terminal 120 is connected to the printer price estimation device 100 via the Internet 200. Although not shown, the terminal 120 may be communicably connected to the printer 10 or the server 80 via the Internet 200. In FIG. 1, the number of terminals 120 is one, but may be plural.

[0062] The terminal 120 is a terminal used by a user who uses the printer price estimation device 100. Here, the user refers to a merchant, a user, or the like. A merchant refers to a person (for example, an employee) related to a company that sells, leases, rents, or buys the target printer 10A. A user refers to a person who owns or uses the printer 10. The terminal 120 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a desktop or laptop personal computer used by the user. As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal 120 includes a display screen 121, operation means 122 operated by the user such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a terminal control device 123 configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0063] The configuration of the printer price estimation system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the printer price estimation method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. The printer price estimation method according to the present embodiment is a method for estimating the printer price E of the target printer 10A. In the present embodiment, the printer price estimation method is embodied by the printer price estimation device 100, which is an example of an information processing device in the printer price estimation system 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, when starting the estimation of the printer price E by the printer price estimation method, for example, the user of the printer price estimation device 100 operates the operation means 122 (see FIG. 8) of the terminal 120 to send an estimation start signal from the terminal 120 to the printer price estimation device 100. In this embodiment, for example, the user operates the operation means 122 of the terminal 120 to select a target printer 10A to be appraised from among the plurality of printers 10 included in the printer price estimation system 1. The terminal 120 transmits information about the target printer 10A to the printer price estimation device 100 together with the estimation start signal. The printer price estimation device 100 starts the estimation of the printer price E for the target printer 10A by the printer price estimation method by receiving the estimation start signal and the information about the target printer 10A.

[0065] When the printer price estimation method is started in this way, first, the acquisition step S101 in FIG. 10 is executed. The acquisition step S101 is embodied by the acquisition unit 103 (see FIG. 8) of the printer price estimation device 100. In the acquisition step S101, the acquisition unit 103 acquires operation information 300 indicating the operation history of the plurality of printers 10. Here, the acquisition unit 103 acquires the operation information 300 of each printer 10 from the server 80. The timing at which the acquisition unit 103 acquires the operation information 300 is not particularly limited. For example, the acquisition unit 103 acquires the operation information 300 (specifically, the operation information 300 generated during the acquisition interval) from the server 80 every time a predetermined acquisition interval elapses. However, the acquisition unit 103 may acquire the operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10 from the server 80 in a batch. Here, the operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10 also includes the operation information 300 of the target printer 10A. The operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 103 is stored in the device storage unit 101 in FIG. 8.

[0066] Next, the statistical information creation step S103 in FIG. 10 is executed. In the present embodiment, the statistical information creation step S103 is embodied by the statistical information creation unit 105 (see FIG. 8) of the printer price estimation device 100. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the daily print volume 310 in the operation information 300. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the daily maintenance time 311 in the operation information 300. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the statistical information 400. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the distribution of the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the printer 10 whose cumulative print volume 410 belongs to an arbitrary reference range AR1 (here, the target reference range AR11 (see FIG. 13)). In the statistical information creation step S103, the statistical information creation unit 105 creates statistical information 400 (see FIG. 13) regarding the degradation degree of the printer 10 based on the operation information 300 for a plurality of printers 10. Here, the statistical information 400 is created for a plurality of printers 10 including the target printer 10A and is the statistical information required to estimate the printer price E.

[0067] Here, the "degradation degree of the printer 10" refers to the degree of deterioration of the quality and performance of the printer 10 and refers to the degree of the state of the printer 10. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 is considered a consumable, and it is considered that the higher the degradation degree of the printer 10, the more likely the printer price E is to decrease. For example, if the statistical information 400 shows a statistical result that the degradation degree of the printer 10 is large, the state of the printer 10 is not good, and the printer price E relatively decreases. On the other hand, if the statistical information 400 shows a statistical result that the degradation degree of the printer 10 is small, the state of the printer 10 is good, and the printer price E relatively increases. Thus, in the present embodiment, the printer price E is estimated based on the statistical information 400 regarding the degradation degree of the printer 10.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the statistical information 400 is information created based on the total printed volume 410 of the operation information 300 in a plurality of printers 10 and the total maintenance time 411 of the operation information 300 (see also FIG. 14). Here, the total maintenance time 411 in FIG. 14 is an example of a first characteristic value indicating the degree of deterioration of the printer 10, and the total printed volume 410 in FIG. 13 is an example of a second characteristic value serving as a reference when creating the statistical information 400.

[0069] The total printed volume 410 is the total amount of the printed volume 310 (see FIG. 11) since the start of use in the printer 10. The printed volume 310 is the printed area printed on the medium 5 during printing 302 (see FIG. 9). For example, for the operation information 300 of one printer 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the printed volume 310 is calculated for each predetermined time (here, the date). Then, by adding up the printed volumes 310 for each predetermined time, the total printed volume 410 in the operation information 300 of one printer 10 can be calculated. Note that the total printed volume 410 may be the total amount of the printed volume 310 in an arbitrary period.

[0070] The total maintenance time 411 in FIG. 14 is the sum of the maintenance times 311 (see FIG. 12) since the start of use in the printer 10. The maintenance time 311 is the time required for maintenance 304 (see FIG. 9). For example, for the operation information 300 of one printer 10, as shown in FIG. 12, the maintenance time 311 is calculated for each predetermined time (here, the date). Then, by adding up the maintenance times 311 for each predetermined time, the total maintenance time 411 in the operation information 300 of one printer 10 can be calculated. Note that the total maintenance time 411 may be the sum of the maintenance times 311 in an arbitrary period.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the cumulative maintenance time 411 is long, the number of prints 302 by the printer 10 is large, or the number of maintenance operations 304 for resolving malfunctions of the printer 10 due to the occurrence of errors 303 is large. Therefore, when the cumulative maintenance time 411 is long, it is considered that the deterioration of the printer 10 has progressed and the state of the printer 10 is relatively poor. On the other hand, when the cumulative maintenance time 411 is short, the number of prints 302 by the printer 10 is small, or the number of maintenance operations 304 for resolving malfunctions of the printer 10 due to the occurrence of errors 303 is small. Therefore, when the cumulative maintenance time 411 is short, it is considered that the deterioration of the printer 10 has not progressed relatively and the state of the printer 10 is relatively good. On the other hand, when the cumulative print volume 410 increases, the cumulative maintenance time 411 can become long. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer price E is estimated based on the relationship between the cumulative print volume 410 and the cumulative maintenance time 411. The statistical information creation unit 105 creates statistical information 400 based on the cumulative print volume 410 and the cumulative maintenance time 411. In the statistical information creation step S103, statistical information 400 is created based on the cumulative print volume 410 and the cumulative maintenance time 411.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the statistical information creation unit 105 totals the cumulative maintenance time 411 for each cumulative print volume 410 to create statistical information 400. Here, in FIG. 13, a bar graph and error bars are shown for each reference range AR1 of the cumulative print volume 410. The bar graph and error bars in FIG. 13 indicate the average value and variation (standard error or standard deviation) of the cumulative maintenance time 411 when the cumulative print volume 410 belongs to the reference range AR1, respectively. In the statistical information creation step S103, based on the cumulative print volume 410 and the cumulative maintenance time 411 in a plurality of printers 10, the cumulative maintenance time 411 is totaled for each cumulative print volume 410 to create statistical information 400.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the numerical range of the cumulative print volume 410 is divided into a plurality of reference ranges AR1. Each printer 10 has a cumulative print volume 410 included in any one of the plurality of reference ranges AR1. Therefore, each printer 10 belongs to any one of the plurality of reference ranges AR1.

[0074] The statistical information creation unit 105 in FIG. 8 calculates the average value and variation of the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the printers 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in the reference range AR1 for each reference range AR1, and creates statistical information 400. Here, the average value and variation of the cumulative maintenance time 411 of one or more printers 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in an arbitrary reference range AR1 are calculated as the statistical information 400. Here, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 is the average of the cumulative maintenance times 411 of one or more printers 10 belonging to an arbitrary reference range AR1. As described above, in the statistical information creation step S103 in FIG. 10, the statistical information creation unit 105 calculates the average value and variation of the cumulative maintenance time 411 of one or more printers 10 belonging to the reference range AR1 for each reference range AR1 in the cumulative print volume 410, and creates the statistical information 400.

[0075] Next, the price estimation step S105 in FIG. 10 is executed. In this embodiment, the price estimation step S105 is implemented by the price estimation unit 107 (see FIG. 8) of the printer price estimation device 100. In the price estimation step S105, the price estimation unit 107 estimates the printer price E of the target printer 10A based on the statistical information 400 created in the statistical information creation step S103.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, among a plurality of reference ranges AR1 in FIG. 13, a histogram showing the distribution of the cumulative maintenance time 411 of a plurality of printers 10 having a cumulative print volume 410 included in the target reference range AR11 is shown. Here, it is assumed that the cumulative print volume 410 of the target printer 10A is included in the target reference range AR11 in FIG. 13. The price estimation unit 107 in FIG. 8 calculates the degradation index C of the target printer 10A by comparing the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A with the average cumulative maintenance time 412, which is the average value of the cumulative maintenance times 411 of the printers 10 whose cumulative print volume 410 belongs to the target reference range AR11. In this embodiment, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 is used as a statistical value for calculating the degradation index C. Note that, as a statistical value used for calculating the degradation index C, the variation (for example, standard deviation) of the cumulative maintenance times 411 of the printers 10 whose cumulative print volume 410 belongs to the target reference range AR11 may be used. Here, the degradation index C is calculated based on the statistical information 400 and is an index value indicating the degree of degradation of the printer 10. The degradation index C is a value calculated based on the difference between the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A and the average cumulative maintenance time 412 in the target reference range AR11. In this embodiment, the price estimation unit 107 estimates the printer price E of the target printer 10A based on the degradation index C.

[0077] Here, the degradation index C is calculated based on the difference between the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A and the average cumulative maintenance time 412. For example, when the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A is X, the average cumulative maintenance time 412, which is the average value of the cumulative maintenance times 411 in the target reference range AR11 to which the target printer 10A belongs, is μ, and the standard deviation of the cumulative maintenance times 411 in the target reference range AR11 is σ, the degradation index C of the target printer 10A is calculated by the following formula (1). Here, it is assumed that the histogram in FIG. 14 is a normal distribution. C = (μ - X) / σ ···(1)

[0078] In this embodiment, for example, when the deterioration index C is a positive value, in FIG. 14, the target printer 10A is distributed on the minus side (the left side in FIG. 14) of the average cumulative maintenance time 412. When the deterioration index C is a positive value, it means that the target printer 10A tends to have a shorter cumulative maintenance time 411 compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. The tendency for the cumulative maintenance time 411 to be short means that the number of times maintenance 304 (see FIG. 9) is required is less compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. When the number of times maintenance 304 is required is less for the same cumulative print volume 410 (in other words, the cumulative print volume 410 included in the same target reference range AR11), the degree of deterioration is small, and the state of the target printer 10A is evaluated to be relatively good. Therefore, when the deterioration index C is a positive value, the target printer 10A is evaluated to be in a relatively better state and have a relatively higher printer price E compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410.

[0079] On the other hand, for example, when the deterioration index C is a negative value, in FIG. 14, the target printer 10A is distributed on the plus side (the right side in FIG. 14) of the average cumulative maintenance time 412. When the deterioration index C is a negative value, it means that the target printer 10A tends to have a longer cumulative maintenance time 411 compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. Here, the tendency for the cumulative maintenance time 411 to be long means that the number of times maintenance 304 is required is more compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. When the number of times maintenance 304 is required is more for the same cumulative print volume 410, the degree of deterioration is large, and the state of the target printer 10A is evaluated to be relatively not good. Therefore, when the deterioration index C is a negative value, the target printer 10A is evaluated to be in a relatively worse state and have a relatively lower printer price E compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410.

[0080] In this embodiment, the price estimation unit 107 estimates the printer price E using the deterioration index C of the target printer 10A. For example, when the new product sales price of the target printer 10A is N and the coefficients are α and β, the printer price E is calculated by the following formula (2). E = (α × C + β) × N ···(2) Here, both coefficients α and β are greater than 0, and (α × C + β) is set to an arbitrary value such that the value is between 0 and 1. The coefficients α and β are values appropriately set according to, for example, when the printer price E is a used product sales price, a purchase price (in other words, an appraisal price), a lease price, a rental price, etc.

[0081] Here, when the deterioration index C becomes larger in the positive direction, the degree of deterioration of the target printer 10A is small, and the state is relatively good, in the above formula (2), the value of (α × C + β) approaches 1. Therefore, when the deterioration index C becomes larger in the positive direction, the printer price E becomes a price close to the new product sales price N and becomes a relatively high price. On the other hand, when the deterioration index C becomes larger in the negative direction, the degree of deterioration of the target printer 10A is large, and the state is not relatively good, in the above formula (2), the value of (α × C + β) approaches 0. Therefore, when the deterioration index C becomes larger in the negative direction, the printer price E becomes a price greatly reduced from the new product sales price N and becomes a relatively low price.

[0082] After the printer price E of the target printer 10A is estimated in this way, next, the notification process S107 in FIG. 10 is executed. In this embodiment, the notification process S107 is realized by the notification unit 109 (see FIG. 8) of the printer price estimation device 100. In the notification process S107, the notification unit 109 notifies the user of the printer price E of the target printer 10A estimated in the price estimation process S105.

[0083] Note that the notification destination to which the notification unit 109 notifies the printer price E of the target printer 10A is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 109 may notify the printer price E of the target printer 10A to the terminal 120 (see FIG. 1) used by the user. For example, the notification unit 109 transmits the printer price E of the target printer 10A to the terminal control device 123 (see FIG. 8) of the terminal 120. The terminal control device 123 displays the printer price E of the target printer 10A on the display screen 121.

[0084] The user can know the printer price E of the target printer 10A by visually checking the display screen 121 of the terminal 120.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer price estimation system 1 includes a printer price estimation device 100 and a plurality of printers 10 communicably connected to the printer price estimation device 100 via the Internet 200. The printer price estimation method is a method for estimating the printer price E of the target printer 10A, and as shown in FIG. 10, includes an acquisition step S101, a statistical information creation step S103, and a price estimation step S105. In the acquisition step S101, the acquisition unit 103 of the printer price estimation device 100 in FIG. 8 acquires operation information 300 (see FIG. 9) indicating the operation history of the plurality of printers 10. In the statistical information creation step S103, the statistical information creation unit 105 of the printer price estimation device 100 in FIG. 8 creates statistical information 400 (see FIG. 13) regarding the degradation degree of the printer 10 based on the operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10. In the price estimation step S105, the price estimation unit 107 of the printer price estimation device 100 in FIG. 8 estimates the printer price E of the target printer 10A based on the statistical information 400. Here, the statistical information 400 is information regarding the degradation degree of the printer 10 created based on the operation information 300 of the plurality of printers 10. For example, it is considered that when the degradation degree is large, the state of the printer 10 is relatively poor, and when the degradation degree is small, the state of the printer 10 is relatively good. In this embodiment, the state of the target printer 10A can be objectively evaluated from the statistical information 400 as compared with other printers 10. Therefore, by estimating the printer price E using the statistical information 400, an objective printer price E as compared with other printers 10 can be estimated.

[0086] In this embodiment, the operation information 300 includes the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the printer 10, which is an example of the first characteristic value indicating the degree of degradation. In the statistical information creation step S103 of FIG. 10, statistical information 400 regarding the cumulative maintenance time 411, which includes a statistical value (here, the average cumulative maintenance time 412) calculated based on the cumulative maintenance time 411 of a plurality of printers 10, is created. In the price estimation step S105 of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 14, the printer price E of the target printer 10A is estimated by comparing the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A with the average cumulative maintenance time 412. Here, if the cumulative maintenance time 411 is long, it is considered that the number of times of maintenance 304 is relatively large, and in that case, it is considered that the degree of degradation is large. Therefore, the cumulative maintenance time 411 can be a value indicating the degree of degradation. Also, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 based on the cumulative maintenance time 411 of a plurality of printers 10 can be a reference value indicating the degree of degradation. Thus, by comparing the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A with the average cumulative maintenance time 412 and finally estimating the printer price E, it is possible to estimate the printer price E taking into account the degree of degradation (in other words, the state of the printer 10) based on the average cumulative maintenance time 412.

[0087] In this embodiment, the operation information 300 includes the cumulative print volume 410 which is an example of the second characteristic value serving as a standard when creating the statistical information 400. In the statistical information creation step S103 of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 13, the numerical range of the cumulative print volume 410 is divided into a plurality of reference ranges AR1. Then, based on the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the printer 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in the reference range AR1 (here, the target reference range AR11) to which the cumulative print volume 410 of the target printer 10A belongs, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 is calculated to create the statistical information 400. Here, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 is the average of the cumulative maintenance times 411 of the printers 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in the reference range AR1 (here, the target reference range AR11) to which the cumulative print volume 410 of the target printer 10A belongs. Here, the printers 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in the target reference range AR11 are considered to be a collection of printers 10 that are printed at the same frequency. Therefore, by comparing the average cumulative maintenance time 412 calculated based on the cumulative maintenance times 411 of the printers 10 that are printed at the same frequency as the target printer 10A with the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A, the printer price E can be estimated taking into account the degree of relative deterioration of the target printer 10A with respect to the printers 10 that are printed at the same frequency.

[0088] In this embodiment, in the price estimation step S105 of FIG. 10, the printer price E of the target printer 10A is estimated based on the difference between the cumulative maintenance time 411 of the target printer 10A and the average cumulative maintenance time 412 (here, the average cumulative maintenance time 412 of the target reference range AR11). By this, the printer price E can be estimated taking into account the degree of deterioration of the target printer 10A with respect to the average cumulative maintenance time 412 of the target reference range AR11.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the cumulative maintenance time 411 was the sum of the maintenance times 311 in all types of maintenance 304. However, the cumulative maintenance time 411 may be the sum of the maintenance times 311 in the maintenance 304 that is likely to affect the state of the printer 10 among all types of maintenance 304. Here, the maintenance 304 that is likely to affect the state of the printer 10 is, for example, the maintenance 304 performed when an error 303 occurs and printing 302 is interrupted, that is, the maintenance 304 performed to eliminate a malfunction of the printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as the maintenance 304 after the error 303), or the maintenance 304 performed after so-called test printing (hereinafter referred to as the maintenance 304 after test printing). The test printing may include, for example, in bidirectional printing, a test printing for adjusting the ejection position of the ink ejected when the ink head 35 moves from one side to the other in the main scanning direction Y and the ejection position of the ink ejected when the ink head 35 moves from the other side to one side in the main scanning direction Y. Further, the test printing may include a test printing for detecting ejection failure of the nozzles 37 of the ink head 35.

[0090] If the frequencies of such maintenance 304 after the error 303 and the maintenance 304 after test printing are high, it can be said that the printer 10 is in a state where malfunctions are likely to occur. Therefore, it can be determined that the state of the printer 10 is not good. Thus, by setting the sum of the maintenance times 311 in the maintenance 304 after the error 303 and the maintenance 304 after test printing as the cumulative maintenance time 411, the state of the printer 10 can be more appropriately evaluated, and then the printer price E can be estimated.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example of the first characteristic value indicating the degree of deterioration of the printer 10 was the cumulative maintenance time 411. However, the first characteristic value is not limited to the cumulative maintenance time 411. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the statistical information 400A according to a modification, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the distribution of the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A of the printer 10 in which the cumulative print volume 410 belongs to an arbitrary reference range AR1 (here, the target reference range AR11 (see FIG. 15)) in the modification. As shown in FIG. 16, the first characteristic value indicating the degree of deterioration of the printer 10 may be the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A.

[0092] The cumulative ink consumption amount 411A is the total amount of ink consumption since the start of use in the printer 10. The ink consumption amount here refers to the amount of ink consumed in the maintenance 304 (for example, suction processing, flushing processing). This ink consumption amount (in other words, the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A) is included in the operation information 300 of each printer 10. For example, for the operation information 300 of one printer 10, the ink consumption amount is calculated every predetermined time (here, the date). Then, by adding up the ink consumption amounts for each predetermined time, the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A in the operation information 300 of one printer 10 is calculated. Note that the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A may be the total amount of ink consumption in an arbitrary period.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 15, the statistical information 400A created by the statistical information creation unit 105 in FIG. 8 may be information showing the relationship between the cumulative print volume 410 and the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A in a plurality of printers 10. In this case, the statistical value may be the average cumulative ink consumption amount 412A that is the average value of the cumulative ink consumption amounts 411A of the printers 10 in which the cumulative print volume 410 belongs to the target reference range AR11. The average cumulative ink consumption amount 412A is the average of the cumulative ink consumption amounts 411A of one or more printers 10 having the cumulative print volume 410 included in an arbitrary reference range AR1 (for example, the target reference range AR11).

[0094] In this modification example, in the above formula (1), the price estimation unit 107 in FIG. 8 sets X as the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A of the target printer A, μ as the average cumulative ink consumption amount 412A which is the average value of the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A of the target reference range AR11 to which the target printer 10A belongs, and σ as the standard deviation of the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A of the target reference range AR11 to which the target printer 10A belongs, and the deterioration index C can be calculated.

[0095] When the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A is a positive value, in FIG. 16, the target printer 10A is distributed on the minus side (the left side in FIG. 16) from the average cumulative ink consumption amount 412A. When the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A is a positive value, it means that the target printer 10A tends to have a smaller cumulative ink consumption amount 411A compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. The tendency of having a smaller cumulative ink consumption amount 411A means that the number of times maintenance 304 is required tends to be less compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. When the number of times maintenance 304 is required is less for the same cumulative print volume 410, the degree of deterioration is small, and the state of the target printer 10A is evaluated to be relatively good. Therefore, when the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption amount 411A is a positive value, the target printer 10A is evaluated to have a relatively better state and a relatively higher printer price E compared to other printer 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410.

[0096] On the one hand, when the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption 411A is a negative value, in FIG. 16, the target printer 10A is distributed on the positive side (the right side in FIG. 16) with respect to the average cumulative ink consumption 412A. When the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption 411A is a negative value, it means that the target printer 10A tends to have a larger cumulative ink consumption 411A compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. When there is a tendency for the cumulative ink consumption 411A to be large, the number of times maintenance 304 is required increases compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410. Therefore, the degree of deterioration is large, and the state of the target printer 10A is evaluated to be relatively poor. Thus, when the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption 411A is a negative value, the target printer 10A is evaluated to be in a relatively poorer state and the printer price E is relatively lower compared to other printers 10 belonging to the same target reference range AR11 with the same cumulative print volume 410.

[0097] Even in the case of this modification example, the printer price E can be estimated by substituting the deterioration index C into the above formula (2).

[0098] Also, in the above embodiment, the statistical information 400, 400A may be created for each environment where the printer 10 is installed. "For each environment" means, for example, for each country. That is, the statistical information 400, 400A may be created for each country where the printer 10 is installed.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the deterioration index C may be an index comprehensively evaluating the deterioration index C based on the above cumulative maintenance time 411, the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption 411A, and the like. For example, for the deterioration index C based on the cumulative maintenance time 411, the deterioration index C based on the cumulative ink consumption 411A, and the like, different weighting factors (in this case, the factors may be negative or positive) may be multiplied, and the sum of the values may be used as the overall deterioration index C. In this case, whether the state of the target printer 10A is good or not may be evaluated according to whether the overall deterioration index C is a positive value or a negative value. Even in this case, the printer price E can be estimated by substituting the overall deterioration index C into the above formula (2).

Explanation of Signs

[0100] 1 Printer price estimation system 10 Printer 10A Target printer 80 Server 100 Printer price estimation device 103 Acquisition unit 105 Statistical information creation unit 107 Price estimation unit 109 Notification unit 300 Operation information 400 Statistical information 410 Cumulative print volume (second characteristic value) 411 Cumulative maintenance time (first characteristic value) 412 Average cumulative maintenance time (statistical value) S101 Acquisition step S103 Statistical information creation step S105 Price estimation step S107 Notification step C Deterioration index E Evaluation value

Claims

1. A printer price estimation method for estimating the printer price of a target printer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating the operation history of a plurality of printers; a statistical information creation step of creating statistical information regarding the degree of deterioration of the printer based on the operation information for the plurality of printers; a price estimation step of estimating the printer price of the target printer based on the statistical information; A printer price estimation method including the above steps.

2. The operation information includes a first characteristic value indicating the degree of the deterioration degree, In the statistical information creation step, the statistical information regarding the first characteristic value, which includes a statistical value calculated based on the first characteristic value in the plurality of printers, is created. In the price estimation step, the printer price of the target printer is estimated by comparing the first characteristic value of the target printer with the statistical value. The printer price estimation method according to claim 1.

3. The operation information includes a second characteristic value serving as a reference when creating the statistical information. In the statistical information creation step, the numerical range of the second characteristic value is divided into a plurality of reference ranges, and the statistical value is calculated based on the first characteristic value of the printers having the second characteristic value included in the reference range to which the second characteristic value of the target printer belongs, and the statistical information is created. The printer price estimation method according to claim 2.

4. In the statistical information creation step, the average of the first characteristic values of the printers having the second characteristic value included in the reference range to which the second characteristic value of the target printer belongs is calculated as the statistical value. The printer price estimation method according to claim 3.

5. The first characteristic value is the cumulative maintenance time of the printer. The printer price estimation method according to claim 2.

6. The second characteristic value is the cumulative print volume of the printer. The printer price estimation method according to claim 3.

7. In the price estimation step, the printer price of the target printer is estimated based on the difference between the first characteristic value of the target printer and the statistical value. The printer price estimation method according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. A printer price estimation device for estimating the printer price of a target printer, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation history of a plurality of printers; A statistical information creation unit that creates statistical information regarding the degree of deterioration of a printer based on the operation information for the plurality of printers; A price estimation unit that estimates the printer price of the target printer based on the statistical information; A printer price estimation device comprising the above.

9. The printer price estimation device according to claim 8; A plurality of printers communicably connected to the printer price estimation device via the Internet; A printer price estimation system comprising the above.

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