Server, system, and method

Abstract

To provide an external device with information about printing media of multiple devices.SOLUTION: A server includes: a first storage area that stores detection information from multiple devices, each of which includes a print execution unit configured to print an image on a printing medium and a sensor; a generation unit that generates state information about the state of the printing media of the multiple devices using the detection information associated with device identification information; and an output unit that outputs output information including the state information associated with each device identification information item in response to a state information request. The detection information includes information obtained by detecting characteristics of the printing medium using the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a technique for outputting information about a print medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses office equipment such as a copier, facsimile, and printer. When this office equipment receives a request for paper quality information, it causes a paper quality evaluation means to evaluate the paper quality and returns the paper quality evaluation results to the requestor. This allows an operator who is remote from the office equipment to obtain information about the paper quality of the paper used by the office equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-216924 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification discloses a new technology that can provide information about print media of a plurality of devices that have print execution units to an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The techniques disclosed in this specification can be implemented in the following application examples.

[0006] [Application Example 1] A server comprising: a first storage area that stores detection information of a plurality of devices each having a print execution unit that prints an image on a print medium and a sensor, the detection information including information obtained by detecting characteristics of the print medium using the sensor, and stored in association with device identification information that identifies the device; a generation unit that generates status information regarding the status of the print medium of the plurality of devices using the detection information that is associated with the device identification information; and an output unit that outputs output information including the status information associated with each of the plurality of device identification information in response to a status information request.

[0007] According to the above configuration, status information relating to the status of the print media of a plurality of devices is output in response to a status information request, so that information relating to the print media of a plurality of devices can be provided to an external device.

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a server, a system including a server, a device, and a terminal device, a method used in the server or the system, a computer program for realizing the functions of these servers, systems, and methods, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for registering an administrator. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printer information table D3d1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a printing process by an administrator. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of information update processing during print processing by an administrator. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper information table D3d2. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a user registration process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user table D3u. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a printing process by a user. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of an output information generation process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user evaluation information table D3d3. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output image Izm. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of information update processing during printing processing by a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A. First Example: A1. System configuration: 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system according to one embodiment. The system 1000 includes printers 100 (a first printer 100A and a second printer 100B), terminal devices 200 (an administrator terminal device 200A, a first terminal device 200B1, and a second terminal device 200B2), and a management server 300.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first printer 100A is installed in a space visited by unspecified users, such as a rental conference room, coworking space, or coffee shop. The administrator of the first printer 100A (referred to as the first administrator) uses the first printer 100A himself. The first administrator also allows other users to use the first printer 100A. A service provider that operates the management server 300 provides a service that allows other users to use the printers managed by the administrator.

[0012] Printers, printer administrators, and users are registered in advance in the management server 300. Registered users can use printers managed by the administrator. Users are charged according to the use of the printer. The printer administrator is paid a fee according to the use of the printer by the user. The management server 300 is connected to the Internet IT. The management server 300 executes processes for registering printers, administrators, and users, charging, and paying (described later).

[0013] The administrator terminal device 200A is a terminal device of the first administrator of the first printer 100A (for example, a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, etc.). Hereinafter, the administrator terminal device 200A will also be referred to as the administration terminal 200A. The first printer 100A and the administration terminal 200A are connected to a local area network LN. The local area network LN is managed by the first administrator. The local area network LN is connected to the Internet IT via a router (not shown).

[0014] The first terminal device 200B1 and the second terminal device 200B2 are terminal devices of a first user and a second user, respectively (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc.). Each user can use the first printer 100A by connecting their own terminal device to the local area network LN.

[0015] The second printer 100B is a printer managed by an administrator (referred to as the second administrator) different from the first administrator. The second printer 100B is connected to the Internet IT. In this embodiment, the second printer 100B is permitted to be used by a user different from the second administrator.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration will be explained. First, the management terminal 200A, terminal device 200B1, and terminal device 200B2 will be explained. In this embodiment, the management terminal 200A, terminal device 200B1, and terminal device 200B2 have the same hardware configuration. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the management terminal 200A, terminal device 200B1, and terminal device 200B2, they will also be simply referred to as terminal device 200.

[0017] The terminal device 200 has a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a GPS unit 260, and a communication interface 280. These elements are connected to each other via a bus (not shown).

[0018] The display unit 240 is a device configured to display images, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The operation unit 250 is a device configured to receive operations by a user, such as a button, a lever, or a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 240.

[0019] The GPS unit 260 includes a receiver that receives radio waves (GPS signals) transmitted from artificial satellites that make up the GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS unit 260 can acquire location information that indicates the current location based on the received GPS signals. The location information is, for example, coordinate information including latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0020] The communication interface 280 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, it includes one or more interfaces of a wired LAN, an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN, and a mobile phone network interface). In this embodiment, the communication interface 280 is connectable to a local area network LN.

[0021] The processor 210 is a device configured to process data. The processor 210 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on a chip (SoC). The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and the non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0022] The nonvolatile storage device 230 of the user terminal devices 200B1, 200B2 stores a program PG2B. The program PG2B is an application program for using a printer (e.g., the first printer 100A) in cooperation with the management server 300. The program PG2B is an application program for the user, and is provided by the manufacturer of the printer 100 or a service provider. The program PG2B may be stored in the nonvolatile storage device 230 of the terminal device 200 from a server (not shown) via a network, or from a portable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) (not shown) connected to the terminal device 200.

[0023] The nonvolatile storage devices 230 of the terminal devices 200B1 and 200B2 further store user identification information IDb1 and IDb2 and tokens TKb1 and TKb2. These pieces of information are generated by the management server 300 during the user registration process for the management server 300 (details will be described later).

[0024] The nonvolatile storage device 230 of the administrator's management terminal 200A stores a program PG2A. The program PG2A is an application program that uses a printer (e.g., the first printer 100A) in cooperation with the management server 300. The program PG2A is an application program for the administrator, and is provided by the manufacturer of the printer 100 or a service provider. The program PG2A may be stored in the nonvolatile storage device 230 of the management terminal 200A from a server (not shown) via a network, or from a portable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) (not shown) connected to the management terminal 200A.

[0025] The nonvolatile storage device 230 of the management terminal 200A further stores administrator identification information IDa1 and a token TKa1. These pieces of information are generated by the management server 300 during the registration process of the administrator to the management server 300 (details will be described later).

[0026] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 300 will be described. In this embodiment, the management server 300 has a processor 310, a storage device 315, and a communication interface 380. These elements are connected to each other via a bus (not shown). The communication interface 380 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, it includes one or more interfaces of a wired LAN and an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN). The communication interface 380 is connected to the Internet IT. The processor 310 is a device configured to process data (for example, a CPU or SoC). The storage device 315 includes a volatile storage device 320 and a non-volatile storage device 330. The volatile storage device 320 is, for example, a DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 330 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0027] The nonvolatile storage device 330 of the management server 300 stores a program PG3, a printer information table D3d1, a paper information table D3d2, a user evaluation information table D3d3, and a user table D3u associated with the printer information table D3d1. The processor 310 executes the program PG3 to perform various processes for providing services (details will be described later). The program PG3 is uploaded to the management server 300 by a service provider that provides the service. Each of the tables D3d1 to D3d3 and D3u will be described later.

[0028] Next, the first printer 100A and the second printer 100B will be described. Hereinafter, the first printer 100A will also be referred to as printer 100A, and the second printer 100B will also be referred to as printer 100B. The printers 100A and 100B are devices that print images. In this embodiment, the printers 100A and 100B have the same hardware configuration. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the printers 100A and 100B, the alphabetic characters at the end of the reference numerals will be omitted and they will also be simply referred to as printers 100.

[0029] The printer 100 has a processor 110, a storage device 115, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a print execution unit 160, and a communication interface 180. These elements are connected to each other via a bus (not shown).

[0030] The display unit 140 is a device configured to display images, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 150 is a device configured to receive user operations, such as buttons, levers, or a touch panel overlaid on the display unit 140. The communication interface 180 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, it includes one or more interfaces of a wired LAN and an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN). The communication interface 180 of the printer 100A is connected to a local area network LN. The communication interface (not shown) of the printer 100B is connected to the Internet IT.

[0031] The processor 110 is a device configured to process data (e.g., a CPU or an SoC). The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130. The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and the non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0032] The nonvolatile storage device 130 stores a program PG1. The processing executed by the processor 110 in accordance with the program PG1 includes processing for progressing printing in cooperation with the management server 300. The program PG1 is stored in the nonvolatile storage device 130 when the printer 100 is manufactured. The program PG1 may be stored in the nonvolatile storage device 130 of the printer 100 from a server (not shown) via a network, or from a portable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) (not shown) connected to the printer 100.

[0033] The nonvolatile storage device 130 of the printer 100A further stores printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A and operational settings STa1 that indicate print settings used in the past (details will be described later). The printer identification information SID1 is determined for the printer 100A by the manufacturer when the printer 100A is manufactured. The operational settings STa1 are updated in response to printing instructed by an administrator (details will be described later). Although not shown in the figure, the nonvolatile storage device 130 of the printer 100B stores the identification information and status information of the printer 100B.

[0034] The print execution unit 160 is a device that prints images. In this embodiment, the print execution unit 160 is a so-called laser printer. The print execution unit 160 is configured to print images using one or more types of printing material (for example, toner of four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Note that the print execution unit 160 may be a device that prints images using another method (for example, an inkjet printer).

[0035] The configuration of the printer 100 will be further described with reference to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer 100. Figure 2 shows three directions Dx, Dy, and Dz.

[0036] The printer 100 includes a housing 10 that houses the above-described print execution unit 160, and a paper feed tray 30 that is housed in the vertically lower end portion of the housing 10. The top surface of the housing 10 is formed with an inclined surface that functions as a paper output tray 20, and an opening OP for discharging printed paper P to the paper output tray 20. The print execution unit 160 includes a transport unit 50, an exposure unit 51, process units 59C, 59M, 59Y, and 59K for the CMYK toners, and a fixing unit 56.

[0037] The conveying section 50 includes a drive roller 57A, a driven roller 57B, a conveying belt 58, a motor and other rollers not shown, and conveys the paper P along a conveying path SR (Figure 2: dashed line) from the paper feed tray 30 to the paper output tray 20.

[0038] Process units 59C, 59M, 59Y, and 59K are aligned along an upper surface 58A of conveyor belt 58. Process units 59C, 59M, 59Y, and 59K each include a toner cartridge 52C, 52M, 52Y, or 52K containing a corresponding color toner, a developing roller 53C, 53M, 53Y, or 53K, a photosensitive drum 54C, 54M, 54Y, or 54K, and a transfer roller 55C, 55M, 55Y, or 55K. In the following description, the components for the C, M, Y, and K toners will not be distinguished from one another, and the letters C, M, Y, and K at the end of the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0039] The exposure unit 51 can irradiate a laser LZ at any position in the Dy direction on the surface of the photosensitive drum 54. The fixing unit 56 fixes the toner to the paper P by applying pressure and heat to the toner on the paper P using a pair of rollers.

[0040] The surface of the photosensitive drum 54 is uniformly charged by a charger (not shown), and then exposed to a laser LZ emitted from the exposure unit 51. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be printed is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 54 by the exposure.

[0041] The toner contained in the toner cartridge 52 is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 54 via the developing roller 53, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 54 (development). The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 54 is transferred to a sheet of paper P being transported by a transport belt 58. The toner image transferred to the sheet of paper P is fixed by a fixing unit 56, completing the formation of the image.

[0042] A plurality of paper sensors are arranged along the transport path SR for the paper P. Fig. 2 illustrates a paper sensor 40A arranged upstream of the transport belt 58 and a paper sensor 40B arranged downstream of the fixing unit 56. The plurality of paper sensors may be arranged at various positions along the transport path SR, and may include, for example, sensors provided near the paper feed tray 30 and the paper output tray 20.

[0043] The paper sensors 40A and 40B are, for example, transmission-type photoelectric sensors equipped with a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit has a light source and emits light onto the light-receiving unit. The light-receiving unit has a light-receiving element, receives light from the light-emitting unit, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged facing each other across the transport path SR. This allows the paper sensors 40A and 40B to detect the presence or absence of paper P at their positions along the transport path SR. If the transport unit 50 is transporting paper P and no passage of paper P is detected, it is considered that a transport error has occurred in the paper P. In this way, transport errors can be detected based on the detection data from the paper sensors 40A and 40B. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the detection data from the paper sensors 40A and 40B indicates the light transmittance of paper P, so the thickness and defects (scratches, stains, folds, etc.) of paper P can be detected based on the detection data.

[0044] A2. Administrator registration process: 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an administrator registration process. The diagram shows various steps of the administrator terminal device 200A (administration terminal 200A), printer 100A, and management server 300. These steps are executed by the processors 210, 110, and 310 of the administration terminal 200A, printer 100A, and management server 300, respectively. Here, the execution of processing by the processors 210, 110, and 310 is also expressed as the execution of processing by the administrator terminal device 200A, printer 100A, and management server 300. The processing of the administration terminal 200A is performed by an application for the administrator.

[0045] First, the administrator operates the operation unit 250 of the management terminal 200A to cause an administrator registration screen provided by the management server 300 to be displayed on the display unit 240 of the management terminal 200A. Although not shown in the figure, the administrator registration screen includes input fields for various information required for administrator registration (for example, name, email address, desired account name, desired password, credit card number, etc.). The administrator operates the operation unit 250 to input the requested information and registration instructions. After acquiring the information input by the administrator via the administrator registration screen, the management terminal 200A transmits an administrator registration request including the acquired information to the management server 300 at S110.

[0046] In S115, the management server 300 generates management information using information included in the administrator registration request. The management information includes administrator identification information IDa1 and a token TKa1. The administrator identification information IDa1 is an identifier of the administrator and is set to a value unique to the administrator. The token TKa1 is information used to indicate the legitimacy of the administrator and is set to, for example, a random value.

[0047] In S120, the management server 300 registers the generated information IDa1 and TKa1 in the printer information table D3d1.

[0048] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the printer information table D3d1. In this embodiment, the printer information table D3d1 stores printer identification information SID, administrator identification information IDa, token TKa, vacancy flag FLG, performance information Ri, reward information Rj, location information LC, and log LG in association with each other. The log LG stores user identification information LU and event information LE in association with each other.

[0049] The printer identification information SID is an identifier of the printer provided for the service. The administrator identification information IDa and the token TKa are information generated in S115 (FIG. 3). The availability flag FLG is a flag indicating the printer's status (in use or available). The availability flag FLG is a flag indicating whether the printer is available for use. The performance information Ri is information indicating the printer's usage history. In this embodiment, the performance information Ri includes the number of printed sheets and the total number of printed sheets associated with the user identification information. The reward information Rj is information indicating the reward provided to the administrator and is calculated according to the performance information Ri. In this embodiment, the reward information Rj is calculated by multiplying the total number of printed sheets included in the performance information Ri by the unit price RU. The location information LC is information indicating the location of the printer (where the printer is installed), and includes, for example, information indicating the address and name (such as the store name) of the printer's location and location information indicating the printer's location (for example, coordinate information indicating the latitude, longitude, and altitude). The log LG shows the printer's operation history. The log LG includes event information LE indicating various events, including successful printing and the occurrence of an error. In this embodiment, error information related to various errors, including running out of consumables (such as ink or paper P) and transport errors such as paper jams, is recorded in the log LG. Each piece of event information LE is associated with date and time information indicating the date and time the event occurred. In addition, the user identification information LU is the identifier of the person (administrator or user) who instructed the printing process that caused the event.

[0050] In S120 (FIG. 3), the management server 300 associates various pieces of information with the information IDa and TKa (information IDa1 and TKa1 in this case) generated in S115 and adds them to the printer information table D3d1. The new information is set as follows: The vacant flag FLG is set to "vacant." The performance information Ri and the remuneration information Rj are each initialized to zero. The log LG is empty. The printer identification information SID and the location information LC remain unset. Although not shown, the printer information table D3d1 also stores other information related to the administrator (for example, account name, password hash value, credit card number, etc.). The management server 300 uses the information acquired in S110 to register information related to the administrator in the printer information table D3d1.

[0051] In S125, the management server 300 transmits a registration completion notification to the management terminal 200A.

[0052] Next, the administrator operates the operation unit 250 of the management terminal 200A to display a printer registration screen provided by the management server 300 on the display unit 240 of the management terminal 200A. Although not shown, the printer registration screen includes input fields for various information required for printer registration (e.g., the address and store name of the printer 100A's location). The administrator operates the operation unit 250 to input the requested information (including location information LC1) and a registration instruction. After acquiring the information input by the administrator via the printer registration screen, the management terminal 200A transmits a printer registration request including the input information (including at least the location information LC1) to the management server 300 at S130. The location information LC1 includes the address and store name of the printer 100A's location as well as location information of the location (e.g., coordinate information including latitude, longitude, and altitude). The location information is information indicating the location of the printer 100A. The location information is identified by the management terminal 200A performing a search using a known map application based on the address and store name.

[0053] In S135, the management server 300 acquires information for registration (including printer identification information SID1 in this case) from the printer associated with the registration request of S130 (printer 100A in this case). The management server 300 may use any method to identify the printer. For example, the management server 300 may send a one-time password to the management terminal 200A. The one-time password is valid only once and is set to, for example, a random value. The management terminal 200A displays the one-time password on the display unit 240. The administrator inputs the displayed one-time password into the printer 100A by operating the operation unit 150 of the printer 100A. The printer 100A transmits the input one-time password to the management server 300. As a result, the management server 300 recognizes the printer 100A as a printer associated with the registration request. The management server 300 acquires printer identification information SID1 from the identified printer 100A.

[0054] In S140, the management server 300 associates the acquired printer identification information SID1 with the information newly registered in S120 and registers it in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). As a result, the printer identification information SID associated with the administrator identification information IDa1 is set to the identification information SID1.

[0055] This completes the administrator registration process. After this, in S153, the printer 100A reports its status to the management server 300. This report includes printer identification information SID1 and status information ST1. The status information ST1 may include various information related to the status of the printer 100A, such as the remaining amount of ink, the remaining amount of paper P, whether the main body cover (not shown) is open or closed, and any error records. In S156, the management server 300 uses the report to update the log LG in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). For example, if the report indicates the occurrence of an error, the management server 300 adds a record of the error to the log LG associated with the printer identification information SID1. The printer 100A may periodically report its status. Alternatively, instead of the printer 100A reporting its status voluntarily, the management server 300 may request status information from the printer 100A. The printer 100A may then report its status in response to the request. Here, the management server 300 may periodically send a request for status information. As will be described later, when the printer 100A executes a printing process, the printer 100A reports the latest status to the management server 300. Therefore, reporting processes independent of the printing process (for example, process S150 including S153 and S156) may be omitted.

[0056] A3. Printing process by administrator 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of printing processing by an administrator. The various steps of the administrator terminal device 200A (administration terminal 200A), printer 100A, and management server 300 in the diagram are executed by the processors 210, 110, and 310 of the administration terminal 200A, printer 100A, and management server 300, respectively. Here, the execution of processing by the processors 210, 110, and 310 is also expressed as the execution of processing by the administration terminal 200A, printer 100A, and management server 300. The processing of the administration terminal 200A is performed by an application for the administrator.

[0057] In S210, the administrator operates operation unit 250 of management terminal 200A to input a login instruction. The input instruction includes information used in the login process (for example, an account name and password).

[0058] In S215, the management terminal 200A sends the input information to the management server 300. The management server 300 performs authentication for login using information from the management terminal 200A and information for authentication (for example, a hash value of an account name and password (not shown) that have been registered in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4)). Although not shown, if the authentication fails, the management server 300 sends data indicating the authentication failure to the management terminal 200A and ends the process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful, the management server 300 sends the administrator identification information IDa and token TKa (for example, IDa1 and TKa1 in FIG. 4) associated with the login name to the management terminal 200A.

[0059] In S270 after successful login, the administrator inputs a print instruction by operating the operation unit 250 of the management terminal 200A. The print instruction includes a specification of target image data indicating the image to be printed. For example, the target image data may be data stored in the storage device 215 (e.g., non-volatile storage device 230) of the management terminal 200A, a storage device (not shown) (e.g., a USB flash drive) connected to the communication interface 280 of the management terminal 200A, or a storage device of a communication device (e.g., a server (not shown)) that can communicate with the management terminal 200A.

[0060] In S275, the management terminal 200A executes a process to inquire about the contract with the management server 300 in response to the print instruction. S275 includes S275a, S275b, and S275c. In S275a, the management terminal 200A transmits the administrator identification information IDa1 and token TKa1 acquired in S215 to the management server 300. In S275b, the management server 300 verifies the information IDa1 and TKa1 acquired in S275a by referring to the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the management server 300 determines that the verification is successful if the acquired information IDa1 and TKa1 are already registered in the printer information table D3d1. In S275c, the management server 300 transmits data indicating the verification result to the management terminal 200A. Although not shown in the figure, if the verification fails, the management server 300 terminates the process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

[0061] In S282, the management terminal 200A requests print setting information from the printer 100A. In response to the request, the printer 100A transmits the operational settings STa1 to the management terminal 200A. Note that if this print process is the first print process in response to an administrator's instruction, the operational settings STa1 are not stored in the nonvolatile memory device 130 (FIG. 1). In this case, the printer 100A transmits data indicating that the operational settings STa1 have not yet been stored to the management terminal 200A.

[0062] In S285, the management terminal 200A determines the print settings. In this embodiment, the management terminal 200A uses the settings indicated by the operational settings STa1 acquired in S282 as the initial settings (if the operational settings STa1 have not been stored, a predetermined initial setting is used). The management terminal 200A displays the current print settings on the display unit 240. The administrator can change the print settings by operating the operation unit 250. The administrator determines the print settings and inputs an instruction to start printing into the management terminal 200A.

[0063] In S300, the management terminal 200A sends a print instruction to the printer 100A. This instruction includes the target image PIa1, administrator identification information IDa1, token TKa1, and print setting information STax indicating the determined print settings.

[0064] In S305, the printer 100A executes a process to inquire about the contract with the management server 300 in response to the print instruction. The printer 100A transmits its own printer identification information SID1, as well as the administrator identification information IDa1 and token TKa1 acquired in S300 to the management server 300. The management server 300 verifies the acquired information SID1, IDa1, and TKa1. In this embodiment, the management server 300 determines that the verification is successful if the acquired information SID1, IDa1, and TKa1 are associated and registered in the printer information table D3d1. The management server 300 transmits data indicating the verification result to the printer 100A. Although not shown in the figure, if the verification fails, the management server 300 terminates the process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

[0065] In S310, in response to the successful verification in S305, the management server 300 sets the free flag FLG associated with the printer identification information SID1 in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4) to "in use."

[0066] In S320, printer 100A prints target image PIa1 using the data of target image PIa1 and print setting information STax. During printing, printer 100A generates detection data DD using one sensor provided on transport path SR, in this embodiment, paper sensor 40A. The detection data DD, which will be described in detail later, is generated by irradiating light from the light-emitting unit of paper sensor 40A onto paper P being transported, and reading the light that has passed through paper P with the light-receiving unit of paper sensor 40A.

[0067] After printing is performed (S320), in S330 the printer 100A notifies the management server 300 of the printing results. This notification includes printer identification information SID1, administrator identification information IDa1, the number of printed sheets NPa, and result information RSa. If printing is successful, the result information RSa includes information indicating the printing success. The result information RSa also includes information indicating the type of paper P used for printing (e.g., plain paper). If printing fails, the result information RSa includes information indicating the type of error (e.g., out of ink, out of paper, paper jam, etc.). In FIG. 5, printing is successful.

[0068] In S335, the printer 100A transmits to the management server 300 the detection data DD that was generated during printing.

[0069] In S340, the printer 100A updates the operation setting STa1 (FIG. 1) to the print setting information STax indicating the print settings used for printing in S320 (if the operation setting STa1 has not been stored, the operation setting STa1 is newly stored in the non-volatile memory device 130).

[0070] When the management server 300 receives the print result notification (S330), it executes information update processing in S350. The information update processing is processing for updating various pieces of information recorded in the printer information table D3d1, paper information table D3d2, and the like.

[0071] 6 is a flowchart of the information update process during printing processing by the administrator. In S352, the management server 300 changes the available flag FLG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4) to “available.”

[0072] In S353, the management server 300 updates the log LG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). For example, event information LE indicating the print result based on the result information RSa received in S330 and user identification information LU are added to the log LG. The date and time of the event is set to, for example, the date and time the result information RSa was received. The user identification information LU is set to the administrator identification information IDa1 included in the print result notification (S330). Note that the result information RSa may also include information indicating the date and time. In this case, the management server 300 may set the date and time of the event to the date and time indicated by the result information RSa.

[0073] In S354, the management server 300 determines a thickness evaluation value Et of the paper P using the detection data DD already received in S335. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the detection data DD. The detection data DD is time-series data of the amount of received light V detected by the light receiving unit of the paper sensor (e.g., 40A) while the paper P is being transported. In Fig. 7, the detection data DD is shown in a graph with the amount of received light V on the vertical axis and time t on the horizontal axis.

[0074] 7, the position measured by the paper sensor 40A (hereinafter also referred to as the measurement position) is in a state where there is no paper P (also referred to as a paper-absent state). In the range from t1 to t6, the position is in a state where paper P passes through the measurement position (also referred to as a paper-present state).

[0075] Within the ranges of the paper presence state, in the ranges t1 to t2, t3 to t4, and t5 to t6, the portion of the paper P that passes the measurement position is a normal portion with no defects. In the ranges t2 to t3 and t4 to t5, the portion of the paper P that passes the measurement position is a defective portion with a defect.

[0076] The amount of light received V in the paper presence range is the amount of light that has passed through paper P and reached the light receiving unit, and therefore indicates the amount of light transmitted through paper P. Hereinafter, the amount of light that has passed through paper P and reached the light receiving unit will also be referred to as the transmitted amount V. The thicker the paper P, the less light transmits, and the thinner the paper P, the more light transmits, so the transmitted amount V can be used as a value indicating the thickness of paper P. It can be said that the amount of light transmitted V through paper P is a characteristic value of paper P based on the detection data DD.

[0077] 7 is a schematic diagram, and therefore the transmission amounts Ve, Vn, Vd1, and Vd2 in each range are shown as constant values, but in reality, the values ​​vary. Alternatively, FIG. 7 may be interpreted as a diagram showing digital data after quantization.

[0078] The management server 300 identifies the amount of transmission Vn of the normal portion of the paper P as a value indicating thickness. Specifically, the management server 300 identifies a range t1 to t6 of the paper presence state by identifying a range in the detection data DD where the amount of transmission V is smaller than a predetermined threshold Vth. The predetermined threshold Vth is a value determined in advance through experiments. The printer 100A identifies the most frequent value of the amount of transmission V in the range t1 to t6 of the paper presence state as the amount of transmission Vn of the normal portion, i.e., a value indicating thickness.

[0079] The management server 300 converts the transmission amount Vn of the identified normal portion into a thickness evaluation value Et. For example, the management server 300 converts the transmission amount Vn into a thickness evaluation value Et by referring to a conversion table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between the transmission amount Vn of the normal portion and the thickness evaluation value Et for each type of paper P.

[0080] The conversion table is created in advance as follows: The correspondence between the amount of transmission Vn of the normal portion and the thickness of the paper P (unit: micrometers (μm), for example) is experimentally determined. Furthermore, the correspondence between the thickness of the paper P and the thickness evaluation value Et is specified. For example, the reference thickness (e.g., 80 μm, which is the standard thickness) of the paper P (e.g., plain paper) used in the printer 100A is assigned a score of 0, and a predetermined value (e.g., 5 points) is added for every 1 μm difference from the reference thickness to define the thickness evaluation value. For example, if the reference thickness is 80 μm and the predetermined value is 5 points, the thickness evaluation value Et of a thickness of 80 μm is 0 points, the thickness evaluation values ​​Et of 79 μm and 81 μm are 5 points, and the thickness evaluation values ​​Et of 78 μm and 82 μm are 10 points. Then, the correspondence relationship between the transmission amount Vn of the normal portion and the thickness evaluation value Et is determined based on the correspondence relationship between the transmission amount Vn of the normal portion and the thickness of the paper P, and the correspondence relationship between the thickness of the paper P and the thickness evaluation value Et. A conversion table is created that indicates the correspondence relationship between the transmission amount Vn of the normal portion and the thickness evaluation value Et that has been determined.

[0081] As can be seen from the above explanation, the lower the evaluation, the larger the thickness evaluation value Et. The above explanation was given using the example where the number of printed sheets is one, that is, where the detection data DD is data for one sheet of paper P. If the detection data DD is data for multiple sheets of paper P, the average thickness evaluation value of the multiple sheets of paper P is determined as the final thickness evaluation value Et.

[0082] In S355, the management server 300 determines the defect evaluation value Ed of the sheet P using the detection data DD. For example, the management server 300 identifies, as a defective portion, a range within the range t1 to t6 in the paper presence state that has a transmission amount that differs by a predetermined threshold ΔVth or more compared to the transmission amount Vn of the normal portion. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, two ranges are identified as defective portion ranges: a range t2 to t3 having a transmission amount Vd1 and a range t4 to t5 having a transmission amount Vd2. The range t2 to t3 having the transmission amount Vd1 is a range in which the transmission amount is greater than the normal transmission amount, and is therefore considered to indicate, for example, a defective portion with a thin thickness (e.g., a scratch). The range t4 to T5 having the transmission amount Vd2 is a range in which the transmission amount is smaller than the normal transmission amount, and is therefore considered to indicate, for example, a defective portion with a thicker thickness or a color with a high light-blocking property (e.g., a dark color such as black) (e.g., a stain due to the adhesion of foreign matter). Furthermore, in areas where there are shape defects such as bends, abnormalities in the way light is reflected may occur, causing the amount of transmission to be greater than the normal amount of transmission (for example, a transmission amount Vd1 such as t2 to t3) or smaller (for example, a transmission amount Vd2 such as t4 to t5).

[0083] The management server 300 calculates the total measurement time of the identified defective parts (in the example of FIG. 7, (t3-t2)+(t5-t4)), and converts the total measurement time of the defective parts into a defect evaluation value Ed. For example, the management server 300 converts the total measurement time of the defective parts into a defect evaluation value Ed by referring to a conversion table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between the total measurement time of the defective parts and the defect evaluation value Ed.

[0084] The conversion table is created in advance as follows: A correspondence relationship is identified between the length of measurement time by paper sensor 40A (for example, in milliseconds (ms)) and the physical length on paper P (for example, in millimeters (mm)). This correspondence relationship can be identified based on the measurement interval by paper sensor 40A and the speed at which paper P is transported by print execution unit 160. Furthermore, a correspondence relationship is defined between the total physical length of defects on paper P and the defect evaluation value Ed. For example, the correspondence relationship is defined as follows: if the total length of defects on paper P is less than a first reference length (for example, 1 mm), 5 points are assigned; if the total length of defects on paper P is equal to or greater than the first reference length (for example, 1 mm) and less than a second reference length (for example, 10 mm), 10 points are assigned; and if the total length is equal to or greater than the second reference length (for example, 10 mm), 20 points are assigned. Then, the correspondence relationship between the total measurement time of the defective portion and the defect evaluation value Ed is determined based on the correspondence relationship between the length of measurement time by paper sensor 40A and the physical length of paper P, and the correspondence relationship between the total physical length of the defects and the defect evaluation value Ed. A conversion table is created that shows the correspondence relationship between the determined total measurement time of the defective portion and the defect evaluation value Ed.

[0085] As can be seen from the above explanation, similar to the thickness evaluation value Et, the lower the evaluation (the more defects there are), the larger the defect evaluation value Ed. Furthermore, when the detection data DD is data on multiple sheets of paper P, the average value of the defect evaluation values ​​of the multiple sheets of paper P is determined as the final defect evaluation value Ed.

[0086] In S356, the management server 300 calculates a paper evaluation value PP indicating the evaluation of the paper P used for printing by subtracting the thickness evaluation value Et calculated in S354 and the defect evaluation value Ed calculated in S355 from a predetermined reference evaluation value. For example, if the predetermined reference evaluation value is 100, and the thickness evaluation value Et and defect evaluation value Ed are 15 and 20, respectively, the paper evaluation value PP is determined to be 65.

[0087] In S357, the management server 300 updates the paper information table D3d2 and ends the information update process. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the paper information table D3d2. The paper information table D3d2 in Fig. 8 associates and records printer identification information SID, detection date and time information Td, detected sheet count information Pd, detection data DD, thickness evaluation value Et, defect evaluation value Ed, and paper evaluation value PP.

[0088] Specifically, in S357, one row of data in FIG. 8 is newly added to the paper information table D3d2. The added printer identification information SID is the printer identification information SID of the printer (e.g., printer 100A) that sent the detection data DD received in S335 of FIG. 5. The added detection date and time information Td is date and time information when the detection data DD was generated, and for example, information indicating the date and time when the detection data DD was received in S335 of FIG. 5 is used. Furthermore, the thickness evaluation value Et determined in S354 of FIG. 6, the defect evaluation value Ed determined in S355 of FIG. 6, and the paper evaluation value PP calculated in S356 of FIG. 6 are associated with this information SID and Td and recorded in the paper information table D3d2.

[0089] Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation will continue. After printing is performed (S320), in S370 the administrator operates the operation unit 250 of the management terminal 200A to input a logout instruction. In S375, the management terminal 200A proceeds with the logout process by communicating with the management server 300 in accordance with the input instruction. For example, the management server 300 disconnects the communication session with the management terminal 200A. Following the logout process (S375), in S380 the management terminal 200A deletes the information used in the service (here, the administrator identification information IDa1 and token TKa1) from the storage device 215. This reduces the possibility of unintended use of the information IDa1 and TKa1.

[0090] This completes the administrator's printing process. A brief description will now be given of what happens when an error occurs during printing (S320). In this case, a print result notification is sent to the management server 300 in S330, but S335 is not executed, and the detection data DD is not sent to the management server 300. This is because the detection data DD is considered inappropriate for use in evaluating the paper P if an error such as a paper jam occurs. The result information RSa included in the print result notification includes information indicating the occurrence of an error and the type of error. The management server 300 adds event information LE indicating the occurrence of the error indicated by the result information RSa to the log LG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The administrator then performs work to resolve the error (such as replenishing consumables or removing jammed paper). Once the error is resolved, the printer 100A resumes printing in S320. If printing is successful, the processes of S330 to S380 following S320 (successful printing) in FIG. 5 described above are executed.

[0091] A4. User registration process 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a user registration process. Various steps of the first terminal device 200B1 and the management server 300 in the diagram are executed by the processors 210 and 310 of the first terminal device 200B1 and the management server 300, respectively. Here, the execution of processing by the processors 210 and 310 is also expressed as the first terminal device 200B1 and the management server 300 executing processing. The processing of the first terminal device 200B1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the terminal device 200B1) is performed by a user application.

[0092] The first user operates the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200B1 to cause a user registration screen provided by the management server 300 to be displayed on the display unit 240 of the terminal device 200B1. Although not shown, the user registration screen includes input fields for various information required for user registration (for example, name, email address, desired account name, desired password, credit card number, etc.). The user operates the operation unit 250 to input the requested information and instructions for registration. Upon acquiring this information and instructions via the user registration screen, the terminal device 200B1 transmits a user registration request including the acquired information to the management server 300 in S410.

[0093] In S415, the management server 300 generates user information using the information included in the user registration request. The user information includes user identification information IDb1 and a token TKb1. The user identification information IDb1 is a user identifier and is set to a value unique to the user. The token TKb1 is information used to indicate the legitimacy of the user and is set to, for example, a random value.

[0094] In S420, the management server 300 registers the user information including the generated user identification information IDb1 and token TKb1 in the user table D3u.

[0095] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user table D3u. In this embodiment, the user table D3u stores user identification information IDb, token TKb, performance information Rk, cost information Cb, and operation setting information STb in association with each other.

[0096] The performance information Rk is information indicating the performance of the printer by the user. In this embodiment, the performance information Rk indicates the correspondence between the printer identification information SID and the number of printed sheets, and the total number of printed sheets. The number of printed sheets may be counted for each print setting. The cost information Cb is information indicating the cost of using the printer, and is calculated according to the performance information Rk. In this embodiment, the cost information Cb is calculated by multiplying the total number of printed sheets in the performance information Rk by the unit price PU. The unit price PU may be set for each print setting. The operation setting information STb is information indicating the print settings when the printer is used. In this embodiment, information indicating the print settings applied the last time the printer was used is recorded as the operation setting information STb.

[0097] In S420 (FIG. 9), the management server 300 associates the user identification information IDb1 and token TKb1 generated in S415 with the performance information Rk, cost information Cb, and operational setting information STb, each having an initial value, and adds them to the user table D3u. The initial values ​​of the performance information Rk and cost information Cb are each zero. The initial value of the operational setting information STb is a value indicating that it is not set. Although not shown in the figure, the user table D3u also stores other information related to the user (for example, account name, password hash value, credit card number, etc.). The management server 300 uses the information acquired in S410 to register information related to the user in the user table D3u.

[0098] In S425, the management server 300 transmits a registration completion notification to the terminal device 200B1. This completes the user registration process. A user who has been registered through this process is also referred to as a registered user. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the user table D3u includes a registered user list, which is a list of user identification information IDb that distinguishes multiple registered users.

[0099] A5. Printing process by the user 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of printing processing by a user. Various steps of the first terminal device 200B1, printer 100A, and management server 300 in the diagram are executed by the processors 210, 110, and 310 of the first terminal device 200B1, printer 100A, and management server 300, respectively. Here, the execution of processing by the processors 210, 110, and 310 is also expressed as the first terminal device 200B1, printer 100A, and management server 300 executing processing. The processing of the terminal device 200B1 is performed by a user application.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first user searches for a printer to print while out. The first user connects the terminal device 200B1 to a network (not shown) (e.g., a mobile phone network). This network is connected to the Internet IT. The terminal device 200B1 can communicate with the management server 300 via this network and the Internet IT. In this state, the first user starts the process of FIG. 11.

[0101] In S510, the user inputs a login instruction by operating operation unit 250 of terminal device 200B1. The input instruction includes information used in the login process (for example, an account name and a password).

[0102] In S515, the terminal device 200B1 transmits the input information to the management server 300. The management server 300 performs authentication for login using information from the terminal device 200B1 and information for authentication (for example, a hash value of an account name and password (not shown) that have been registered in the user table D3u (FIG. 10)). Although not shown, if the authentication fails, the management server 300 transmits data indicating the authentication failure to the terminal device 200B1 and ends the processing. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful, the management server 300 transmits user identification information IDb and a token TKb (for example, IDb1 and TKb1 in FIG. 10) associated with the login name to the terminal device 200B1.

[0103] In S525 after successful login, the first user operates the operation unit 250 to input a printer information viewing instruction. In S530, the terminal device 200B1 transmits a printer information request to the management server 300 in response to the viewing instruction. This printer information request includes the current location information GPI, the user identification information IDb1 and the token TKb1 acquired in S515. The current location information GPI is location information indicating the current location of the terminal device 200B1, and is, for example, coordinate information including latitude, longitude, and altitude. The terminal device 200B1 acquires the current location information GPI using the GPS unit 260 and includes it in the printer information request.

[0104] In response to the printer information request, the management server 300 executes an output information generation process at step 540. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the output information generation process. The output information generation process generates output information to be output as a response to the printer information request.

[0105] In S541, the management server 300 selects multiple target printers from multiple registered printers. Registered printers are printers whose printer identification information SID is recorded in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, target printers are printers located within a predetermined distance from the current location of the terminal device 200B1. The current location of the terminal device 200B1 is indicated by the current position information GPI included in the printer information request, and the locations of registered printers are indicated by the location information LC recorded in the printer information table D3d1. If no target printers are located within the predetermined distance, the predetermined distance may be increased, for example, until at least a predetermined number (e.g., two) of target printers are found. As a result, the selected target printers are printers that are closer to the terminal device 200B1 than printers other than the target printers (also called non-target printers).

[0106] In S542, the management server 300 acquires the paper evaluation value PP for each target printer within the most recent fixed period by referencing the paper information table D3d2 in Fig. 8. The most recent fixed period is the period from a predetermined period (for example, several days to several months) before the present to the present.

[0107] In S543, the management server 300 determines the median of the multiple paper evaluation values ​​PP for each target printer within the most recent fixed period as the current paper evaluation value PPn. Note that instead of the median, other statistical values, such as the average value, may be specified. The current paper evaluation value PPn can be said to be evaluation information that indicates an evaluation of the current condition of the paper P (for example, thickness or the presence or absence of defects).

[0108] In S544, the management server 300 calculates the frequency Ef of transport errors occurring for each target printer within the most recent fixed period. The transport error occurrence history for each target printer within the most recent fixed period is recorded in the log LG of the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The management server 300 calculates the frequency Ef of transport errors occurring for each target printer based on this occurrence history. The occurrence frequency Ef is, for example, the number of transport errors occurring per month.

[0109] In S545, the management server 300 calculates the average value Eu of the user input values ​​for each target printer within the most recent fixed period. The user input value for the target printer is a value that indicates the evaluation of paper P entered by the user, and is the evaluation value for paper P of the target printer. The user input value is obtained from the user evaluation information table D3d3 (FIG. 1).

[0110] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the user evaluation information table D3d3. In this embodiment, the user evaluation information table D3d3 stores printer identification information SID, user identification information IDb, input date and time information TM, and evaluation data ED in association with each other.

[0111] The printer identification information SID is the identification information of the printer to be evaluated. The user identification information IDb is the user identification information IDb of the user who input the evaluation. The input date and time information TM is information indicating the date and time when the evaluation was input. The evaluation data ED includes an evaluation value indicating an evaluation of the printer input by the user who used the printer. The evaluation values ​​included in the evaluation data ED include, for example, an evaluation value of image quality, an evaluation value of paper P, and an evaluation value of printer operation (printing speed and errors). Of these evaluation values, the evaluation value of paper P is the user input value acquired in S545 described above. The evaluation value for each item is expressed on a five-point scale, for example, from 1 to 5 points, with a higher evaluation value indicating a higher evaluation. The evaluation data ED is recorded in the user evaluation information table D3d3 in S667 described below.

[0112] In S545, for each target printer, the evaluation value indicating the evaluation of paper P from the evaluation data ED of each target printer input within the most recent fixed period is acquired as a user input value. Then, for each target printer, an average value Eu of 1 or more user input values ​​is calculated.

[0113] In S546, the management server 300 adjusts the current paper evaluation value PPn determined in S544 for each target printer. Specifically, the current paper evaluation value PPn is adjusted based on the frequency Ef of conveyance errors calculated in S544 and the average value Eu of the user input values ​​calculated in S545.

[0114] For example, if the current paper evaluation value PPn is less than the first reference value Pth and the occurrence frequency Ef is equal to or greater than the second reference value Efr, the management server 300 subtracts a first adjustment value (e.g., 10 points) from the current paper evaluation value PPn. If the paper evaluation value PPn is equal to or greater than the first reference value Pth, or if the occurrence frequency Ef is less than the reference value Efr, the management server 300 does not change the current paper evaluation value PPn.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, if the average value Eu of the user input values ​​is less than the third reference value Eur3, the management server 300 subtracts the second adjustment value (e.g., 5 points) from the current paper evaluation value PPn. If the average value Eu of the user input values ​​is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value Eur4, which is greater than the third reference value Eur3, the management server 300 adds the second adjustment value (e.g., 5 points) to the current paper evaluation value PPn. If the average value Eu of the user input values ​​is equal to or greater than the third reference value Eur3 and less than the fourth reference value Eur4, the management server 300 does not change the current paper evaluation value PPn. Below, when simply referring to the "paper evaluation value PPn," it means the current paper evaluation value PPn adjusted in S546.

[0116] In S547, the management server 300 excludes from the target printers any printers whose paper evaluation value PPn is less than a predetermined threshold value PPth from among the one or more target printers. In other words, the target printers are selected from among printers whose paper evaluation value PPn is equal to or greater than the threshold value PPth. Note that if the paper evaluation values ​​PPn of all target printers are less than the threshold value PPth, then, as an exception, the target printers may not be excluded, or the one target printer with the highest paper evaluation value PPn may remain.

[0117] The above-mentioned reference values ​​Pth, Efr, Eur1, Eur2, and threshold value PPth are all values ​​that are empirically and experimentally determined.

[0118] In S548, the management server 300 generates availability information Ib for each target printer. In this embodiment, the management server 300 references the availability flag FLG associated with the printer identification information SID in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The management server 300 generates availability information Ib indicating the status (in use or available) indicated by the availability flag FLG.

[0119] In S549, the management server 300 generates output information Iz that includes both the paper evaluation value PPn and availability information Ib of each target printer. In this embodiment, the output information Iz is an image that represents the contents of both the paper evaluation value PPn and availability information Ib of each target printer.

[0120] 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image (also referred to as output image Izm) represented by output information Iz. In this embodiment, output image Izm includes a map, a marker indicating the location of the target printer on the map, a paper evaluation value PPn of the target printer, and an information image showing availability information Ib.

[0121] Fig. 14 shows an example in which the target printers are printer 100A and printer 100B. The output image Izm in Fig. 14 includes a current position marker Mc indicating the current position of terminal device 200B1, a first marker Md1 indicating printer 100A, and a second marker Md2 indicating printer 100B.

[0122] A first status image DI1 representing the status of printer 100A is placed near first marker Md1, and a second status image DI2 representing the status of printer 100B is placed near second marker Md2. Each status image DI1, DI2 represents a paper evaluation value PPn and availability information Ib. In the example of FIG. 14, the paper evaluation value PPn is represented visually by five stars in an easy-to-understand manner. Specifically, the status images DI1, DI2 indicate a higher evaluation value as the number of filled-in areas of the five stars increases. Availability information Ib is represented by the character string "available" or "in use."

[0123] The management server 300 generates an output image Izm by arranging the markers Mc, Md1, and Md2 and the status images DI1 and DI2 on a map image prepared in advance. The position of the current position marker Mc on the map is based on the current value information GPI included in the printer information request. The positions of the markers Md1 and Md2 on the map are based on the location information LC (FIG. 4).

[0124] In S550, the management server 300 transmits the output information Iz to the terminal device 200B1. In S555, the terminal device 200B1 displays the output image Izm represented by the output information Iz on the display unit 240 (FIG. 14). By observing the displayed output image Izm, the first user can recognize the location of the target printer, the paper evaluation value PPn, and the availability information Ib.

[0125] In S560, the first user selects a printer based on the target printer's location, paper evaluation value PPn, and availability information Ib. For example, the first user may select a target printer with a good paper evaluation value PPn. The first user may also select a target printer with availability information Ib indicating "available," or may select a target printer located close to the first user. The first user travels to the location of the selected printer. Here, it is assumed that printer 100A (FIG. 1) is selected. After traveling to the location, the first user performs procedures to use printer 100A. For example, the first user obtains settings for connecting terminal device 200B1 to the local area network LN from the administrator of printer 100A. Then, the first user connects terminal device 200B1 to the local area network LN. This enables terminal device 200B1 to communicate with both printer 100A and management server 300.

[0126] In S570, the first user inputs a print instruction by operating the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200B1. As with the print instruction in S270 of Fig. 5, the input instruction includes image designation information.

[0127] In S575, the terminal device 200B1 executes a process to inquire about the contract with the management server 300 in response to the print instruction. S575 includes S575a, S575b, and S575c. In S575a, the terminal device 200B1 transmits user identification information IDb1 and token TKb1 to the management server 300. In S575b, the management server 300 verifies the information IDb1 and TKb1 acquired in S575a by referring to the user table D3u (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the management server 300 determines that the verification is successful if the acquired information IDb1 and TKb1 are already registered in the user table D3u. In S575c, the management server 300 transmits operation setting information STb1 associated with the verified user identification information IDb1 to the terminal device 200B1. If this print process is the first print process instructed by the first user, the operational setting information STb1 is not registered in the user table D3u. In this case, the management server 300 transmits data indicating that the operational setting information is not registered to the terminal device 200B1. Although not shown, if the verification fails, the management server 300 notifies the terminal device 200B1 of the verification failure instead of S575c, and ends the process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

[0128] In S585, the terminal device 200B1 determines the print settings. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200B1 uses the settings indicated by the operation setting information STb1 acquired in S575 as the initial settings (if the operation setting information STb1 is not registered, a predetermined initial setting is used). The terminal device 200B1 displays the current print settings on the display unit 240. The first user can change the print settings by operating the operation unit 250. The first user determines the print settings and inputs an instruction to start printing to the terminal device 200B1.

[0129] In S600, the terminal device 200B1 transmits a print instruction to the printer 100A. This instruction includes data of the target image PIb1, user identification information IDb1, a token TKb1, and print setting information STbx indicating the determined print settings.

[0130] In S605, the printer 100A executes a process to inquire about the contract with the management server 300 in response to the print instruction. The printer 100A transmits its own printer identification information SID1, as well as the user identification information IDb1 and token TKb1 acquired in S600, to the management server 300. The management server 300 verifies the acquired information SID1, IDb1, and TKb1. In this embodiment, the management server 300 determines that the verification is successful if the acquired information SID1 is already registered in the printer information table D3d1 and the information IDb1 and TKb1 are already registered in the user table D3u. The management server 300 transmits data indicating the verification result to the printer 100A. Although not shown in the figure, if the verification fails, the management server 300 terminates the process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

[0131] In S610, in response to the successful verification in S605, the management server 300 sets the free flag FLG associated with the printer identification information SID1 in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4) to "in use."

[0132] In S620, printer 100A prints target image PIb1 using the data for target image PIb1 and print setting information STbx. It is assumed here that printing is successful. During printing, similar to S320 in FIG. 5, printer 100A generates detection data DD using one sensor provided on conveyance path SR, in this embodiment, paper sensor 40A.

[0133] After printing is performed (S620), in S630 the printer 100A notifies the management server 300 of the printing results. This notification includes printer identification information SID1, user identification information IDb1, number of printed sheets NPb, result information RSb, and print setting information STbx. If printing is successful, the result information RSb includes information indicating that printing was successful. The result information RSb further includes information indicating the type of paper P used for printing (for example, plain paper). If printing fails, the result information RSb includes information indicating the type of error. In FIG. 11, printing is successful.

[0134] In S640, the printer 100A transmits to the management server 300 the detection data DD that was generated during printing.

[0135] In S650, the management server 300 executes information update processing, which is processing for updating various pieces of information recorded in the printer information table D3d1, paper information table D3d2, user table D3u, and the like.

[0136] 15 is a flowchart of the information update process during printing by a user. In S652, similar to S352 in Fig. 6, the management server 300 changes the available flag FLG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (Fig. 4) to "available."

[0137] In S653, similar to S353 in Fig. 6, the management server 300 updates the log LG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (Fig. 4). For example, event information LE and user identification information LU indicating the print result based on the result information RSb received in S630 are added to the log LG. The method for adding the event information LE is similar to S353 in Fig. 6. The user identification information LU is set to the user identification information IDb1 received in S630.

[0138] In S654, the management server 300 calculates the paper evaluation value PP using the detection data DD already received in S340. The paper evaluation value PPn is calculated by executing S354 to S356 in Fig. 6 described above. That is, the management server 300 determines the thickness evaluation value Et and the defect evaluation value Ed using the detection data DD (S354, S355), and calculates the paper evaluation value PP using the thickness evaluation value Et and the defect evaluation value Ed (S356).

[0139] In S655, similar to S357 in Fig. 6, the management server 300 updates the paper information table D3d2 (Fig. 8). Specifically, one row of data in Fig. 8 is newly added to the paper information table D3d2. For example, the thickness evaluation value Et, defect evaluation value Ed, and paper evaluation value PP determined in S654 are recorded in the paper information table D3d2 in association with the printer identification information SID of the printer that sent the detection data DD and the detection date and time information Td indicating the date and time the detection data DD was received.

[0140] In S656, the management server 300 updates the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). Specifically, the number of printed sheets NPb is added to the number of printed sheets associated with the user identification information IDb1 of the first user in the performance information Ri associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A, thereby updating the total number of printed sheets.

[0141] In S657, the management server 300 updates the user table D3u (FIG. 10). Specifically, the number of printed sheets NPb is added to the number of printed sheets associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the performance information Rk associated with the user identification information IDb1 of the first user, thereby updating the total number of printed sheets. In addition, the operation setting information STb associated with the user identification information IDb1 is set in the printing setting information STbx.

[0142] In S658, the management server 300 executes the billing process. In this embodiment, the cost information Cb associated with the user identification information IDb1 in the user table D3u (FIG. 10) is recalculated using the performance information Rk updated in S657.

[0143] In S659, the management server 300 executes the reward process. In this embodiment, the reward information Rj associated with the printer identification information SID1 in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4) is recalculated using the performance information Ri updated in S656. When the reward process is completed, the information update process in FIG. 15 is also completed.

[0144] Returning to Figure 11, the explanation will continue. After sending the print instruction (S600), in S660, terminal device 200B1 displays an evaluation input screen (not shown) on display unit 240. The evaluation input screen is a screen for the user to input an evaluation of the printer (e.g., 100A) to which the print instruction was sent, i.e., the printer used by the user. In this embodiment, via the evaluation input screen, evaluation values ​​on a five-point scale (1 to 5 points) can be input for evaluation of image quality, evaluation of paper P, and evaluation of printer operation (printing speed and errors).

[0145] In S662, the first user operates the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200B1 to input an evaluation of the printer 100A that the user used into the evaluation input screen. When the terminal device 200B1 acquires the evaluation input by the user via the evaluation input screen, in S665 the terminal device 200B1 associates evaluation data ED indicating the acquired evaluation with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A that is the subject of evaluation and the user identification information IDb1 of the first user who made the evaluation, and transmits the evaluation data ED to the management server 300.

[0146] When the management server 300 receives the evaluation data ED, in S667 it updates the user evaluation information table D3d3 (FIG. 13). Specifically, one row of data in FIG. 13 is newly added to the user evaluation information table D3d3. For example, the printer identification information SID1, user identification information IDb1, and evaluation data ED received in S665 are associated with input date and time information TM1 indicating the date and time the evaluation data ED was received, and are recorded in the user evaluation information table D3d3.

[0147] In S670, after inputting the printer evaluation, the first user inputs a logout instruction by operating the operation unit 250 of the terminal device 200B1. In S675, the terminal device 200B1 proceeds with the logout processing by communicating with the management server 300 in accordance with the input instruction. The logout processing in S675 is the same as the logout processing in S375 (FIG. 5). Following the logout processing (S675), in S680 the terminal device 200B1 deletes the information used in the service (here, the user identification information IDb1 and the token TKb1) from the storage device 215. This reduces the possibility of unintended use of the information IDb1 and TKb1.

[0148] This completes the printing process. A brief description will now be given of the case where an error occurs during printing (S620). In this case, a print result notification is sent to the management server 300 in S630, but S640 is not executed, and detection data DD is not sent to the management server 300. The print result notification includes information indicating the occurrence of an error and the type of error. The management server 300 adds event information LE indicating the occurrence of the error indicated by the result information RSb to the log LG associated with the printer identification information SID1 of the printer 100A in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The first user then performs work to resolve the error (such as replenishing consumables or removing jammed paper). After the error is resolved, the printer 100A performs printing again in S620. If printing is successful, the processes of S630 to S680 following S620 (printing success) in FIG. 11 described above are executed.

[0149] According to the present embodiment described above, the management server 300 generates paper evaluation values ​​PPn, which are information about the condition (e.g., the presence or absence of defects and the thickness) of paper P in multiple target printers (e.g., printers 100A and 100B), using the detection data DD associated with the printer identification information SID of the target printers (S354 to S356 in FIG. 6, S642 to S656 in FIG. 12). In response to a printer information request (S530 in FIG. 22), the management server 300 outputs output information Iz including paper evaluation values ​​PPn associated with each of the multiple printer identification information SIDs (S540 and S550 in FIG. 11). As a result, information about the condition of paper P in multiple printers (specifically, the current paper evaluation values ​​PPn) is output in response to the printer information request, so that information about the condition of paper P in multiple printers (e.g., printers 100A and 100B) can be provided to an external device (e.g., terminal device 200B1). As a result, for example, the user of the terminal device 200B1 can select an appropriate printer to use by looking at the output information Iz (output image Izm).

[0150] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printers 100A and 100B are managed by and used by an administrator (FIGS. 3 and 5). The printers 100A and 100B are also used by registered users who are different from the administrator and who are pre-registered users (FIGS. 9 and 11). The management server 300 also stores a user table D3u including a registered user list, which is a list of user identification information IDb identifying registered users (S420 in FIG. 9, FIG. 10). When the management server 300 receives a printer information request (S530 in FIG. 11) from the terminal device 200B1 in association with the user identification information IDb1 included in the user table D3u, the management server 300 transmits output information Iz to the terminal device 200B1 (S515, S550). As a result, for example, by transmitting output information Iz to the terminal device 200B1 used by the registered user, information about paper P for the multiple printers 100A and 100B can be provided to the registered user.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 associates location information LC, including location information indicating the locations of printers 100A and 100B, with printer identification information SID and stores it in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The management server 300 transmits to the terminal device 200B1 output information Iz (output image Izm (FIG. 14)), including information (specifically, markers Md1 and Md2) based on the location information LC (printer location information) associated with each of the multiple printer identification information SIDs. As a result, for example, information indicating the locations of multiple printers 100A and 100B is transmitted to the terminal device 200B1, which is convenient, for example, when searching for a device used by a registered user.

[0152] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the printer information request includes current value information GPI indicating the location of the terminal device 200B1. The management server 300 uses the current value information GPI and the location information LC of the target printer to select a target device from among multiple printers (S541 in FIG. 12). The selected target printer is a printer that is closer to the terminal device 200B1 than the non-target devices. As a result, information about paper P for printers close to the registered user's current location can be provided to the registered user.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 includes the current paper evaluation value PPn in the output information Iz (S549 in FIG. 12, FIG. 14). The management server 300 selects a target device from among the multiple registered printers whose evaluation of paper P is above the standard, that is, from printers whose current paper evaluation value PPn is above the threshold value PPth (S547 in FIG. 12). As a result, information about printers whose evaluation of paper P is above the standard can be provided to the registered user.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the paper evaluation value PPn is information based on the thickness evaluation value Et and the defect evaluation value Ed (S354 to S356 in FIG. 7). As described above, the thickness evaluation value Et is an evaluation value determined based on a comparison between the thickness of the paper P based on the detection data DD and a predetermined reference thickness. The defect evaluation value Ed is an evaluation value determined based on a comparison between the total length of defects in the paper P based on the detection data DD and a predetermined reference length. As a result, evaluation information regarding the thickness and defects of the paper P can be provided to registered users.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 stores error information regarding a transport error that occurred in the transport unit 50 in association with the printer identification information SID in the printer information table D3d1 (FIG. 4). The management server 300 adjusts the paper evaluation value PPn based on the error information regarding the transport error (S544, S546 in FIG. 12). The management server 300 outputs output information Iz including the adjusted paper evaluation value PPn (S549 in FIG. 12). The condition of the paper P also affects transport errors. In this embodiment, the paper evaluation value PPn is adjusted based on transport error information, so more useful information regarding the paper P can be provided.

[0156] More specifically, the management server 300 identifies the frequency Ef of transport errors in the target printer based on the error information recorded in the log LG (S544 in FIG. 12). If the pre-adjustment paper evaluation value PPn is less than the first reference value Pth and the transport error frequency Ef is equal to or greater than the second reference value Efr, the management server 300 adjusts the paper evaluation value PPn so that the post-adjustment paper evaluation value PPn indicates a lower evaluation than the pre-adjustment paper evaluation value (S546 in FIG. 12). When paper quality is low—for example, when the thickness is significantly different from the standard or when there are excessive defects such as stains or creases—the frequency of transport errors is likely to increase. For this reason, when the evaluation of the paper evaluation value PPn based on the paper sensor 40A is low and the frequency of transport errors is high, there is a high possibility that there is a serious problem with the paper P. In this embodiment, the paper evaluation value PPn can be appropriately adjusted so that the paper evaluation value PPn of paper P that may have a serious problem indicates a low evaluation. This makes it possible to provide registered users with more effective information about paper P.

[0157] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management server 300 associates evaluation data ED, including user input values ​​indicating paper evaluations entered by registered users of printers 100A and 100B, with printer identification information SID and stores the data in the user evaluation information table D3d3 (FIG. 13, S662 to S667 of FIG. 11). The management server 300 adjusts the paper evaluation value PPn based on the user input values ​​(S545 and S546 of FIG. 12). The management server 300 outputs output information Iz, including the adjusted paper evaluation value PPn (S549 of FIG. 12). Because there may be defects in paper P that are difficult to detect with the paper sensor 40A, it may be preferable to reflect the evaluation of paper P entered by the user in the paper evaluation value PPn rather than a paper evaluation value PPn based solely on detection data DD. In this embodiment, according to the above configuration, the paper evaluation value PPn is adjusted based on user input values ​​indicating the evaluation of paper P entered by the user, so more effective information about paper P can be provided to registered users.

[0158] As can be seen from the above explanation, the detection data DD is an example of detection information, the paper evaluation value PPn is an example of status information, the paper information table D3d2 (FIG. 8) is an example of the first storage area, the user table D3u (FIG. 10) is an example of the second storage area, the printer information table D3d1 is an example of the third and fourth storage areas, and the user evaluation information table D3d3 is an example of the fifth storage area.

[0159] B. Variations: (1) In the above embodiment, the management server 300 transmits the output information Iz to the terminal device 200B1 in response to a printer information request including the registered user identification information IDb. Alternatively, the output information Iz may be transmitted in response to a request from a terminal device of an unregistered user. In this case, for example, information on paper types for printers that can be used without user registration, such as printers installed in convenience stores, is provided to the user.

[0160] (2) In the above embodiment, data indicating the output image Izm including markers Md1 and Md1 based on the position information of the target printer is used as the output information Iz. This is not a limitation, and the output information Iz may be information in various forms. For example, the output information Iz may be a list of the identification information and paper evaluation values ​​PPn of the target printer. In this case, the output information Iz may include a list of the identification information and paper evaluation values ​​PPn of all registered printers. An application on the terminal device may then select which printer's paper evaluation value PPn to provide to the user.

[0161] (3) In the above embodiment, printers whose paper evaluation value PPn is less than the threshold value PPth are excluded from the target printers (S547 in FIG. 12). Alternatively, all or some of the printers whose paper evaluation value PPn is less than the threshold value PPth may be selected as target printers. For example, the printer closest to terminal device 200B1 may always be selected as the target printer, regardless of whether its paper evaluation value PPn is less than the threshold value PPth.

[0162] (4) In the above embodiment, the paper thickness and the presence or absence of defects are evaluated as the paper condition. However, this is not limiting, and various other factors may also be evaluated. For example, the color (e.g., whiteness), humidity (moisture content, dryness), stiffness, gloss, smoothness (degree of unevenness, surface roughness), and ink absorption rate of the paper may also be evaluated.

[0163] (5) In the above embodiment, the detection data DD is generated using the paper sensor 40A, which is a transmissive photoelectric sensor. Various other sensors may be used to generate the detection data DD, depending on the elements to be evaluated. For example, a colorimetric sensor may generate detection data indicating the color of the paper. A reflective photoelectric sensor may evaluate the gloss (reflectance) of the paper. A high-resolution camera or optical sensor may also be used. In this case, detection data DD may be generated that evaluates various elements such as minute surface irregularities, color, the presence or absence of scratches, and material. An infrared sensor or humidity sensor may also generate detection data indicating the humidity or dryness of the paper P.

[0164] (6) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sensor used to generate the detection data DD also serves as a sensor for detecting transport errors, but it may also be a dedicated sensor for evaluating the paper. Furthermore, the paper is read by the sensor before an image is printed on the paper P (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the detection data DD may be generated by reading printed paper with the sensor. In this case, for example, the state of toner adhesion on the printed paper, the state of ink drying, and the degree of bleeding may be evaluated using the detection data DD.

[0165] (7) In the above embodiment, the sensor reads the paper P while the paper P is being transported for printing. However, this is not limiting. For example, when the paper P is placed in a tray, the paper P may be read by a sensor installed in the tray, and the detection data DD may be generated. Alternatively, if the target printer is a multifunction peripheral equipped with a scanner, the scanner may be used as the sensor that generates the detection data DD. In this case, the administrator may operate the scanner to read the paper P and generate scan data, and the multifunction peripheral may send the scan data to the management server 300 as detection data DD.

[0166] (8) In the above embodiment, the evaluation information for the paper P included in the output information Iz is only one type of paper evaluation value PPn. Alternatively, the output information Iz may include evaluation values ​​for each printer for multiple items such as the thickness of the paper P, the presence or absence of defects, and color. Also, the availability information Ib may be omitted from the output information Iz. Furthermore, the output information Iz may include other information, such as an evaluation value that evaluates the frequency of errors such as transport errors and paper outages.

[0167] (9) The calculation method of the paper evaluation value PPn may also be changed as appropriate. For example, the paper evaluation value PPn may be calculated using a point-addition method in which the closer the thickness of the paper P is to the ideal value, the more points are added to the initial point, and the fewer defects there are on the paper P, the more points are added to the initial point. Also, one or both of the adjustments of the paper evaluation value PPn based on the frequency Ef of conveyance errors and the user input value entered by the user may be omitted.

[0168] (10) The output information Iz may be output in various ways. For example, the processor 310 of the management server 300 may output the output information Iz by a message addressed to the user. The message may be so-called email or Short Message Service (SMS). The message may also be a message of a messaging system that transmits and receives information between multiple users.

[0169] (11) In the above embodiment, paper P is used as the print medium. Instead, other print media, such as resin film or fabric, may be used.

[0170] (12) The system may have various configurations, including a server, one or more devices, and one or more user terminal devices. For example, the second terminal device 200B2 and the second printer 100B may be omitted from the system 1000 of FIG. 1. Furthermore, an administrator may use a device, such as the first printer 100A, by directly operating the device. In this case, the management terminal 200A may be omitted.

[0171] (13) Multiple devices (e.g., computers) that can communicate with each other via a network may share some of the data processing functions of a server and collectively provide the functions of the server (a system comprising these devices corresponds to a server).

[0172] In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, the function of generating output information Iz (S543) in Fig. 11 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0173] Furthermore, when some or all of the functions of the present disclosure are realized by a computer program, the program can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium). The program can be used in a state stored on the same or a different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) from when it was provided. The "computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but can also include internal storage devices within a computer, such as various ROMs, and external storage devices connected to a computer, such as a hard disk drive.

[0174] The above-described examples and modifications can be combined as appropriate. The above-described examples and modifications are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1000...system, 100A, 100B...printer, 110...processor, 115...storage device, 120...volatile storage device, 130...non-volatile storage device, 140...display unit, 150...operation unit, 160...print execution unit, 180...communication interface, 200A, 200B1, 200B2...terminal device, 210...processor, 215...storage device, 220...volatile storage device, 230...non-volatile storage device, 240...display unit, 250...operation unit, 260...GPS unit, 280...communication interface, 300...management server, 310...processor, 315...storage device, 320...volatile storage device, 330 ...nonvolatile memory device, 380...communication interface, 40A, 40B...paper sensor, 50...conveyor unit, 51...exposure unit, 52...toner cartridge, 53...developing roller, 54...photosensitive drum, 55...transfer roller, 56...fixing unit, 58...conveyor belt, D3d1...printer information table, D3d2...paper information table, D3d3...user evaluation information table, D3u...user table, DD...detection data, ED...evaluation data, IT...internet, Iz...output information, LN...local area network, P...paper, PG1, PG2A, PG2B, PG3...program, PPn...paper evaluation value

Claims

1. a server, a first storage area for storing detection information of a plurality of devices each including a print execution unit that prints an image on a print medium and a sensor, the detection information including information obtained by detecting characteristics of the print medium using the sensor, and stored in association with device identification information that identifies the device; a generating unit that generates status information relating to the status of the print medium of the plurality of devices using the detection information associated with the device identification information; an output unit that outputs output information including the state information associated with each of the plurality of device identification information in response to a state information request; A server comprising:

2. 2. The server of claim 1, the device is managed by and used by an administrator; The device is further used by a registered user who is a user different from the administrator and who is a user who has been registered in advance; the server further includes a second storage area for storing a registered user list, which is a list of user identification information for identifying the registered users; The server, wherein the output unit transmits the output information to the terminal device when the status information request transmitted in association with the user identification information included in the registered user list is received from the terminal device.

3. The server according to claim 2, further comprising: a third storage area for storing device location information indicating a location of the device in association with the device identification information; The output unit further transmits the output information including information based on the device position information associated with each of the plurality of pieces of device identification information to the terminal device.

4. 4. The server according to claim 3, the status information request includes terminal location information indicating a location of the terminal device; the server further comprises a selection unit that selects a target device from among the plurality of devices using the terminal location information and the device location information, the target device including a device that is closer to the terminal device than a non-target device different from the target device; The output unit transmits the output information, which includes information based on the state information and the device position information associated with the device identification information of the target device, to the terminal device.

5. 5. The server according to claim 4, the condition information includes evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the condition of the print medium; The selection unit selects the target device from among the plurality of devices whose evaluation of the print medium is equal to or exceeds a standard.

6. 2. The server of claim 1, the condition information includes evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the condition of the print medium; The evaluation information is the information is based on an evaluation determined based on a comparison between a characteristic value of the printing medium based on the detection information and a predetermined reference value; A server including information based on an assessment of at least one of the thickness of the receiving medium and defects in the receiving medium.

7. 7. The server according to claim 6, the print execution unit includes a transport unit that transports the sheet-shaped print medium; The server further a fourth storage area that stores error information relating to a transport error of the print medium that has occurred in the transport unit of the device in association with the device identification information; a first evaluation adjustment unit that adjusts the evaluation information based on the error information; Equipped with The output unit outputs the output information including the adjusted evaluation information.

8. 8. The server according to claim 7, The first evaluation adjustment unit Identifying the frequency of occurrence of the transport error in the device based on the error information; A server adjusts the evaluation information so that the evaluation information after adjustment indicates a lower evaluation than the evaluation information before adjustment when the evaluation of the printing medium indicated by the evaluation information before adjustment is less than a first standard and the frequency of occurrence of the transport error is equal to or greater than a second standard.

9. 7. The server according to claim 6, The server further a fifth storage area for storing input information indicating an evaluation of the printing medium input by a user of the device in association with the device identification information; a second evaluation adjustment unit that adjusts the evaluation information based on the input information; Equipped with The output unit outputs the output information including the adjusted evaluation information.

10. 1. A system comprising: a plurality of devices each including a print execution unit for printing an image on a print medium and a sensor; A server; a terminal device including a display unit; Equipped with The server a first storage area for storing detection information of a plurality of the devices, the detection information including information obtained by detecting characteristics of the print medium using the sensor, and the detection information being stored in association with device identification information that identifies the device; a generating unit that generates status information relating to the status of the print medium of the plurality of devices using the detection information associated with the device identification information; an output unit that outputs output information including the state information associated with each of the plurality of device identification information in response to a state information request; Equipped with The terminal device a receiving unit that receives the output information from the server by transmitting the state information request to the server; a display control unit that displays the state information of the plurality of devices on the display unit based on the output information; A system comprising:

11. 1. A method for outputting information, comprising: a first step of acquiring detection information of a plurality of devices each having a print execution unit that prints an image on a print medium and a sensor, the detection information including information obtained by detecting characteristics of the print medium using the sensor, and acquired in association with device identification information that identifies the device; a second step of generating status information relating to the status of the printing medium of the plurality of devices using the detection information associated with the device identification information; a third step of outputting output information including the status information associated with each of the plurality of device identification information in response to a status information request; A method comprising:

Images