Printing system, printing device and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is desirable that an instruction is made in consideration of a site at which a printing device is arranged when performing maintenance of the printing device.SOLUTION: A printing device receives command information including one or more commands to make the printing device execute a specific operation. When the command information requires at least driving of a specific first driving component, the printing device performs processing for displaying a permission screen for receiving permission of the driving of the first driving component. The printing device executes the command to drive the first driving component, in response to reception of operation of the permission on the permission screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system, a printing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for causing a remote printing device to perform maintenance processing. A server acquires maintenance information including remaining ink information indicating the amount of ink remaining in the ink container of the printing device, and determines whether or not the maintenance processing can be performed based on the acquired maintenance information. If the server determines that the maintenance processing can be performed, it instructs the printing device to perform the maintenance processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-131631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When attempting to operate the driving parts of a printing device from a remote location during maintenance processing, the following problems arise for customers, service staff, or other workers at the site where the printing device is installed. That is, the operation of the driving parts may be unexpected by the worker. Therefore, when performing maintenance processing on a printing device from a remote location, it is desirable to provide instructions that take into consideration the site where the printing device is located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing system according to the present disclosure comprises a printing device having one or more driving components and performing printing, and a terminal device communicatively connected to the printing device via a network, the terminal device having a command sending processing unit that performs processing to send command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device to perform a specific operation to the printing device, the printing device having a command receiving unit that receives the command information, a permission display processing unit that performs processing to display a permission screen for accepting permission to drive the first driving component when at least the command information requests driving of a specific first driving component, and a command execution unit that executes a command to drive the first driving component in response to accepting a permission operation on the permission screen.

[0006] The printing device according to the present disclosure is a printing device that has one or more driving components and performs printing, and includes: a command receiving unit that receives command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device to perform a specific operation; a permission display processing unit that performs processing to display a permission screen for accepting permission to drive the first driving component when at least the command information requests driving of a specific first driving component; and a command execution unit that executes a command to drive the first driving component in response to accepting a permission operation on the permission screen.

[0007] The program disclosed herein causes a computer of a printing device that has one or more driving components and performs printing to receive command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device to perform a specific operation; when the command information requests driving at least a specific first driving component, display a permission screen for accepting permission to drive the first driving component; and, in response to accepting a permission operation on the permission screen, execute a command to drive the first driving component. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a permission screen displayed on the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a drive specification screen displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection specification screen displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report screen displayed on the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a question input screen displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a question screen displayed on the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating command information according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing a printing system 1 according to a first embodiment. The printing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 100, and one or more printing devices 200. The terminal device 100 is communicably connected to the information processing device 10 via a wired or wireless network. The printing device 200 is communicably connected to the information processing device 10 via a wired or wireless network.

[0011] The information processing device 10 is a computer having a processor, memory, etc. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a server, and is, for example, a cloud server that communicates with the terminal device 100 and the printing device 200 via the Internet. The terminal device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The configuration of the terminal device 100 will be described in detail later.

[0012] The printing device 200 is a device that performs printing, such as a printer. The printing device 200 may also have computer functions. The printing device 200 also has one or more driving components. The driving components are driven to cause the printing device 200 to perform printing processing. The driving components are physically operating components such as motors, actuators, and solenoids. The driving components also include components for transporting media such as paper. The driving components also include components that constitute a carriage, for example. The driving components also include components that constitute a pump, for example.

[0013] The printing device 200 is installed at a customer site, such as a company or store. On the other hand, the terminal device 100 is installed in a remote location away from the customer site. The terminal device 100 is a terminal on the service provider side that provides services such as support services. The support services may be, for example, services related to maintenance or billing for the printing device 200.

[0014] In the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the service provider uses the terminal device 100 to perform maintenance on the printing device 200 installed on-site from a remote location. That is, the service provider performs maintenance by remotely operating the printing device 200 using the terminal device 100. Specifically, a user of the terminal device 100 operates the terminal device 100 to generate command information including a command for causing the printing device 200 to perform a specific operation. When the command information is transmitted to the printing device 200, the printing device 200 executes the command indicated in the command information and performs the specific operation instructed by the command. Hereinafter, a user who remotely operates the printing device 200 using the terminal device 100 will be referred to as an instructor who instructs the remote operation. An example of an instructor is an engineer of the printing device 200, but this is not limited thereto. Details of the command information will be described later. Furthermore, during maintenance, the service provider dispatches service staff to the customer's site or instructs the customer on-site to perform the work. Hereinafter, the on-site service staff working near the printing device 200 and the on-site customers will be referred to as workers.

[0015] The information processing device 10 may be a server that manages the printing device 200. The information processing device 10 may also be a server that stores various types of information. The information processing device 10 may also be a server that relays transmission and reception of various types of information between the terminal device 100 and the printing device 200. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is connected to the printing device 200 via a network so that they can communicate with each other.

[0016] The printing system 1 may also have a plurality of printing devices 200. In this case, the information processing device 10 may manage the plurality of printing devices 200. In this case, the instructor may use the terminal device 100 to remotely perform maintenance processing on the plurality of printing devices 200.

[0017] The information processing device 10 collects and stores device information, which is information related to the printing device 200. The device information may include, for example, log information that records history and the like related to the printing device 200. The device information may also include status information that indicates the status of the printing device 200. The status information may include detection values ​​detected by detection components such as sensors or encoders of the printing device 200. The device information may also include information obtained by the printing device 200 executing command information, as described below. The information processing device 10 transmits the stored device information to the terminal device 100. The information processing device 10 may also store command information to be transmitted to the printing device 200. By storing the device information and command information, the information processing device 10 can store a record of communication between the terminal device 100 and the printing device 200. This makes it easy to check the content of the communication.

[0018] The information processing device 10 may also function as a web server that provides the terminal device 100 with a remote control web service for remote control. In this case, the information processing device 10 has a web application that provides the remote control web service. The terminal device 100 may access the remote control web service using a web browser, and an instructor may operate the terminal device 100 to generate command information using the remote control web service. In this case, the command information may be generated by the information processing device 10. Furthermore, when the instructor operates the terminal device 100 to instruct transmission of command information using the remote control web service, the information processing device 10 transmits the generated command information to the printing device 200. The printing device 200 then receives the command information. In other words, the terminal device 100 performs processing for transmitting the command information to the printing device 200.

[0019] Alternatively, the command information may be generated by the terminal device 100. In this case, the terminal device 100 may have substantially the same functions as the web application that provides the remote control web service described above. The terminal device 100 generates command information when an instructor operates the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 transmits the command information to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 transmits the command information to the printing device 200. The printing device 200 receives the command information. In other words, the information processing device 10 relays the command information transmitted from the terminal device 100 to the printing device 200. In other words, even in this case, the terminal device 100 can be said to perform processing for transmitting the command information to the printing device 200.

[0020] Here, the commands included in the command information can be referred to as remote operation commands because they cause the printing device 200 to perform specific operations via remote control. Furthermore, remote operation commands can cause the printing device 200 to perform special operations that would not be performed in normal printing processes. Therefore, remote operation commands can also be referred to as special commands. Special commands can cause the printing device 200 to perform operations different from those stored in advance in the printing device 200 for normal printing processes. In other words, special commands can cause the printing device 200 to perform operations different from those performed in normal printing processes. In other words, special commands are commands that can be used by the person instructing the printing device, but cannot be used by on-site service staff, customers, or other operators. Here, "normal printing processes" can be, for example, printing processes performed when no malfunctions are occurring in the printing device 200. Furthermore, "operations performed in normal printing processes" can be, for example, operations that can be performed via the operation panel of the printing device 200 or an operator's operation on a terminal device. Here, the worker's terminal device refers to a terminal device not shown in FIG. 1, such as a terminal device used by a customer when sending a print job to the printing device 200 for execution, or a terminal device used by service staff when performing maintenance. Furthermore, "operations performed in normal printing processing" may be, for example, operations that can be performed by an on-site worker near the printing device 200 by actually touching and operating the printing device 200. For example, "operations performed in normal printing processing" include normal paper feeding, normal printing, and normal ink circulation processing.

[0021] In the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, when command information requests the driving of a specific first driving component, the printing device 200 displays a permission screen for accepting permission to drive the first driving component. The permission screen is displayed on a display unit such as an operation panel of the printing device 200. The permission screen is realized, for example, by a GUI (Graphical User Interface) in the printing device 200. The permission screen includes, for example, a message indicating the content of the permission request and a button for performing a permission operation. The on-site worker can consent to the driving of the first driving component by operating the permission screen. In this way, in response to accepting the permission operation on the permission screen, the printing device 200 executes a command to drive the first driving component. This causes the first driving component to be driven.

[0022] When performing maintenance on the printing device 200 remotely, the person instructing the remote location may not be aware of the actual situation on-site. If the instructor instructs the printing device 200 to operate a drive component under such circumstances, the drive component may be operated in a situation not anticipated by the on-site worker. Furthermore, the worker may not be able to use a communication device such as a mobile phone or smartphone on-site. In such cases, it is difficult for the instructor and the worker to communicate using a mobile device. Therefore, it is also difficult for the instructor to inform the worker in advance that a remote operation such as operating a drive component will be performed.

[0023] In contrast, in the first embodiment, with the configuration described above, it is possible to receive permission from the on-site worker before the first drive component is driven by remote operation. Therefore, when performing maintenance processing on the printing device 200 from a remote location, the person instructing at the remote location can give instructions that take the on-site worker into consideration. This provides a sense of security to the on-site worker.

[0024] Here, the command information will be explained. The commands included in the command information are specified by an instructor, who is the user of the terminal device 100, using the terminal device 100. In other words, the commands included in the command information are specified by the instructor operating the terminal device 100. For example, the commands included in the command information are specified by operating an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device 100.

[0025] The instruction screen is a screen for receiving instructions from a user, i.e., an instructor, for generating command information. Specifically, the instruction screen is a screen for specifying elements to be specified by the instructor in the command information. The instruction screen is realized, for example, by a GUI in the terminal device 100. The instruction screen may have GUI elements such as icons, menus, windows, buttons, check boxes, radio buttons, text boxes, text areas, and scroll bars.

[0026] The command information may include, for example, a drive command and an information processing command. Note that the information processing command may include multiple types of commands, as will be described later. The instructor may specify the command to be sent to the printing device 200 and executed by the printing device 200 on a command specification screen displayed on the terminal device 100. The command specification screen is realized, for example, by a GUI on the terminal device 100. The command specification screen is a screen for accepting specification of the command to be sent to the printing device 200 and executed by the printing device 200. Examples of the command specification screen will be described later.

[0027] A drive command is a command requesting the printing device 200 to drive a specific first driving component. When the printing device 200 executes the drive command, the first driving component specified in the drive command is driven. The drive command specifies the first driving component to be driven and specifies the drive amount of the first driving component. The drive amount includes the drive direction of the first driving component. For example, if the first driving component is a motor, the drive amount includes the rotation direction and rotation amount. The instructor may specify the first driving component and drive amount in the drive command by operating a drive specification screen, which is an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device 100. The drive specification screen is realized, for example, by a GUI on the terminal device 100. The drive specification screen is a screen for accepting the specification of the first driving component to be driven from among the multiple driving components of the printing device 200. The drive specification screen is also a screen for accepting the specification of the drive amount of the specified first driving component. Examples of drive specification screens will be described later.

[0028] An information processing command is a command that requests some kind of information processing in the printing device 200. Note that an information processing command does not request the driving of driving parts. When the printing device 200 executes an information processing command, the information processing specified in the information processing command is executed. Furthermore, the printing device 200 transmits information obtained by the executed information processing to the information processing device 10 as device information. The information processing command may include, for example, a log transmission command, an operation result transmission command, a detection command, a report command, and a question command. Furthermore, the information processing command may include a consent screen display command that requests the display of the consent screen described above.

[0029] The log transmission command is a command requesting the transmission of log information. When the printing device 200 executes the log transmission command, the printing device 200 transmits the log information as device information to the information processing device 10. In addition, the log information transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0030] The operation result transmission command is a command requesting information processing to transmit the operation result of the first driving part. When the printing device 200 executes the operation result transmission command, the operation result of the first driving part is transmitted from the printing device 200 to the information processing device 10 as device information. The operation result transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0031] The detection command is a command requesting detection by the detection component of the printing device 200. When the printing device 200 executes the detection command, detection is performed by the first detection component specified in the detection command. Then, the detection result, that is, the detection value, is transmitted from the printing device 200 to the information processing device 10 as device information. The detection result transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information. The detection command specifies the first detection component that is to be detected. The instructor may specify the first detection component in the detection command by operating a detection specification screen, which is an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device 100. The detection specification screen is realized, for example, by a GUI in the terminal device 100. The detection specification screen is a screen for accepting specification of the first detection component that is to be detected among multiple detection components. An example of the detection specification screen will be described later.

[0032] The report command is a command that requests processing to have an on-site worker transmit a report on the operating status of the printing device 200. Specifically, the report command is a command that requests the display of a report screen that accepts operations for reporting the operating status of the printing device 200, and requests the transmission of the report. When the printing device 200 executes the report command, the report screen is displayed on a display unit such as an operation panel of the printing device 200. Furthermore, when an operator performs an operation on the report screen for reporting, a report corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the printing device 200 to the information processing device 10 as device information. The report transmitted to the information processing device 10 is then transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information. The report screen is realized, for example, by a GUI in the printing device 200. The report screen is a screen for accepting operations for reporting the operating status of the printing device 200. Examples of report screens will be described later.

[0033] The question command is a command requesting processing for the worker to answer a question from the instructor. Specifically, the question command is a command requesting that a question screen be displayed for accepting an answer to the question from the instructor and that the answer be transmitted. The question screen may display the question from the instructor. When the printing device 200 executes the question command, the question screen is displayed on a display unit such as an operation panel of the printing device 200. Furthermore, when the worker performs an operation on the question screen to input an answer to the question, an answer corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the printing device 200 to the information processing device 10 as device information. The answer transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information. The question screen is realized, for example, by a GUI in the printing device 200. The question screen is a screen for accepting an answer from the worker to a question from the instructor, who is the user of the terminal device 100. An example of the question screen will be described later.

[0034] The question content is input by the instructor operating the terminal device 100. The instructor may input the question content in the question command by operating a question input screen, which is an instruction screen displayed on the terminal device 100. The question input screen is realized by, for example, a GUI in the terminal device 100. The question input screen is a screen for receiving the question content of the instructor to the worker. An example of the question input screen will be described later.

[0035] The consent screen display command is a command requesting the display of the consent screen described above. When the printing device 200 executes the consent screen display command, the consent screen is displayed on the display unit of the printing device 200. The consent screen display command includes an instruction to display a message to be displayed on the consent screen and a button for performing a consent operation. Furthermore, when an operator performs an operation for consent on the consent screen, consent information indicating that consent has been received may be transmitted from the printing device 200 to the information processing device 10 as device information. The consent information transmitted to the information processing device 10 may also be transmitted to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0036] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 110. The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 110 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0037] The processing unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 110.

[0038] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 104 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database.

[0039] The communication unit 106 performs processing necessary for the terminal device 100 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 106 performs processing for the terminal device 100 to communicate with the information processing device 10. The communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the terminal device 100 to communicate with the printing device 200.

[0040] The interface unit 110 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 110 accepts data input operations by the user of the terminal device 100 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 110 has a display unit 112 and an operation unit 114. The display unit 112 is, for example, a display device that displays images. The operation unit 114 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that inputs or selects information. The interface unit 110 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 may be physically integrated. The interface unit 110 may also have a speaker and a microphone.

[0041] The terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment includes, as components, an instruction display processing unit 120, an operation receiving unit 130, a command transmission processing unit 140, an information acquisition unit 150, and an information display processing unit 160. These components can be operated by an operating system, which is basic software.

[0042] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0043] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized by using this integrated circuit.

[0044] The instruction display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying the above-mentioned instruction screen on the display unit 112. Specifically, the instruction display processing unit 120 controls the display unit 112 to display the instruction screen on the display unit 112. As a result, the instruction screen is displayed on the display unit 112. Specifically, the instruction display processing unit 120 displays, as the instruction screen, a command specification screen, a drive specification screen, a detection specification screen, or a question input screen, as described above, on the display unit 112.

[0045] When the information processing device 10 provides a remote control web service, the instruction display processing unit 120 may use a function of a web browser to display an instruction screen on the display unit 112. When the information processing device 10 does not provide a remote control web service and command information is generated by the terminal device 100, the instruction display processing unit 120 may generate an instruction screen and display it on the display unit 112.

[0046] The operation accepting unit 130 accepts operations on the instruction screen displayed on the display unit 112 by the instruction display processing unit 120. Specifically, when an instructor performs an operation on the instruction screen using a GUI, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts the specification of information related to a command that corresponds to the operation and is to be sent to the printing device 200. The operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 130, i.e., information related to the command specified by the instructor, is output to the command transmission processing unit 140.

[0047] For example, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts, as an operation on the command specification screen described above, a specification of a command to be sent to the printing device 200. Note that the command information may include multiple commands. In this case, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts, as an operation on the command specification screen, a specification of the multiple commands to be sent to the printing device 200. In this case, the operation accepting unit 130 may also accept, as an operation on the command specification screen, a specification of the order in which the multiple commands are to be executed.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts, as an operation on the above-mentioned drive specification screen, a specification of a first drive component to be driven among the plurality of drive components, and a specification of a drive amount of the specified first drive component. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts, as an operation on the above-mentioned detection specification screen, a specification of a first detection component to be subjected to detection among the plurality of detection components. Furthermore, the operation accepting unit 130 accepts, as an operation on the above-mentioned question input screen, a question content of an instructor to the worker.

[0049] The command transmission processing unit 140 performs processing for transmitting command information to the printing device 200. The command transmission processing unit 140 controls the communication unit 106 to perform processing for transmitting the command information to the printing device 200. Specifically, when a remote operation web service is provided by the information processing device 10, the command transmission processing unit 140 transmits the operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 130 to the information processing device 10. As a result, the information processing device 10 generates command information including one or more commands corresponding to the operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 130.

[0050] Specifically, the information processing device 10 generates command information including one or more commands to be executed by the printing device 200, which are specified by an operation on the command specification screen. Furthermore, when a drive command is specified, the information processing device 10 generates command information including a drive command that specifies a first drive component to be driven and a drive amount, which are specified by an operation on the drive specification screen. Furthermore, when a detection command is specified, the information processing device 10 generates command information including a detection command that specifies a first detection component to be detected, which are specified by an operation on the detection specification screen. Furthermore, when a question command is specified, the information processing device 10 generates command information including a question command indicating the content of the question input by an operation on the question input screen. Furthermore, when multiple commands are specified, the information processing device 10 generates command information including multiple commands.

[0051] Then, the command transmission processing unit 140 performs processing so that the command information generated in the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the printing device 200. For example, the command transmission processing unit 140 may transmit an instruction to the information processing device 10 to transmit the generated command information to the printing device 200.

[0052] Specifically, the command transmission processing unit 140 performs processing for transmitting command information including a command specified by an operation using the instruction screen to the printing device 200. The command transmission processing unit 140 also performs processing for transmitting command information including a drive command requesting drive of a first driving component specified using the drive specification screen to the printing device 200. The command transmission processing unit 140 also performs processing for transmitting command information including a detection command requesting detection by a first detection component specified using the detection specification screen to the printing device 200. The command transmission processing unit 140 also performs processing for transmitting command information including a question command requesting an answer to a question input on the question input screen to the printing device 200.

[0053] Furthermore, when command information is generated by the terminal device 100, the command transmission processing unit 140 may generate the command information by processing substantially similar to the processing by which the information processing device 10 generates command information described above. In this case, the command transmission processing unit 140 generates command information including one or more commands corresponding to content specified by an operation on the instruction screen. The command transmission processing unit 140 then transmits the generated command information to the information processing device 10. The command transmission processing unit 140 then performs processing so that the command information transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the printing device 200. For example, the command transmission processing unit 140 may transmit an instruction to the information processing device 10 to transmit the transmitted command information to the printing device 200. Alternatively, the command transmission processing unit 140 may transmit the command information directly to the printing device 200 without going through the information processing device 10.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 150 acquires device information related to the printing device 200. The information acquisition unit 150 may receive device information stored in the information processing device 10 from the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 150 may receive device information directly from the printing device 200. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 150 may acquire log information. The information acquisition unit 150 may also acquire an operation result of the first driving component. The information acquisition unit 150 may also acquire a detection value by the first detection component obtained by executing a detection command. The information acquisition unit 150 may also acquire a report obtained by executing a report command. The information acquisition unit 150 may also acquire an answer to a question obtained by executing a question command.

[0055] The information acquisition unit 150 may also acquire permission information obtained by an operation on the permission screen. In this case, the command transmission processing unit 140 may transmit a drive command requesting to drive the first driving part, the driving of which is permitted in accordance with the permission information.

[0056] The information display processing unit 160 performs processing for displaying the device information acquired by the information acquisition unit 150. Specifically, the information display processing unit 160 controls the display unit 112 to display the device information acquired by the information acquisition unit 150 on the display unit 112. As a result, the device information is displayed on the display unit 112.

[0057] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 200 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, an interface unit 210, and an operation unit 220. The processing unit 202, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 210, and the operation unit 220 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0058] The processing unit 202 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 210, and the operation unit 220.

[0059] The storage unit 204 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 204 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 204 may include a database.

[0060] The communication unit 206 performs processing necessary for the printing device 200 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 206 performs processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the information processing device 10. The communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the terminal device 100.

[0061] The interface unit 210 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 210 accepts data input operations by a user of the printing device 200 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 210 has a display unit 212 and an operation unit 214. The display unit 212 is a display device that displays images, such as a display. The operation unit 214 is an input device for inputting or selecting information. The interface unit 210 may be configured such that an input device and an output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or touch panel. In this case, the display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 may be physically integrated. The interface unit 210 includes an operation panel. The display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 constitute the operation panel.

[0062] The operating unit 220 is an operating mechanism that realizes the functions of the printing device 200. If the printing device 200 is a printer, the operating unit 220 functions as a printing unit. In this case, the operating unit 220 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a print medium. In this case, the operating unit 220 also includes a print engine. The print engine is a mechanical configuration that prints an image on a print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using toner using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a transport mechanism that transports the print medium.

[0063] The operating unit 220 has one or more driving components 222 and one or more detection components 224. The driving components 222 are components that physically drive the printing device 200. Here, physically driving refers to, for example, a change in the position of some structure that constitutes the driving component 222. As described above, the driving components 222 are, for example, motors, actuators, solenoids, etc. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components for transporting media such as paper. For example, the driving components 222 may include a paper feed motor. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components that constitute a carriage. For example, the driving components 222 may include a carriage motor and a carriage lock mechanism. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components that constitute a pump.

[0064] The detection component 224 is a component that detects the state of the printing device 200. As described above, the detection component 224 is a sensor, an encoder, or the like. For example, the detection component 224 detects the state of the driving component 222. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the number of rotations of the driving component 222, which is a motor. Also, for example, the detection component 224 may detect the amount of ink. Also, for example, the detection component 224 may detect the temperature of a specific location of the printing device 200. Also, for example, the detection component 224 may detect the open / closed state of various covers of the printing device 200.

[0065] The printing device 200 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a command receiving unit 230, a permission display processing unit 240, a command executing unit 250, and an information transmission processing unit 260. Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Each component may also be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0066] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0067] The command receiving unit 230 receives command information. The command receiving unit 230 receives the command information using the communication unit 206. The command receiving unit 230 may receive the command information generated by processing by the terminal device 100 from the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the command receiving unit 230 may receive the command information generated by the terminal device 100 directly from the terminal device 100 without going through the information processing device 10.

[0068] When the command information requests driving of the first driving part, the permission display processing unit 240 performs processing for displaying a permission screen for accepting permission to drive the first driving part. Specifically, when the command information includes a driving command, the permission display processing unit 240 controls the display unit 212 to perform processing for displaying the permission screen on the display unit 212, such as an operation panel. As a result, the permission screen is displayed on the display unit 212. Note that the permission display processing unit 240 displays the permission screen when a driving command is executed, and does not display the permission screen when an information processing command is executed. The permission display processing unit 240 also accepts a permission operation on the permission screen.

[0069] The command execution unit 250 executes the command included in the command information. Here, if the command information includes a drive command, the command execution unit 250 executes the drive command to drive the first drive part in response to receiving a consent operation on the consent screen. Note that if the command information includes a consent screen display command, the command execution unit 250 may execute the consent screen display command, causing the consent display processing unit 240 to perform processing to display the consent screen. Note that if the command information includes a drive command, the consent display processing unit 240 performs processing to display the consent screen, regardless of whether the command information includes a consent screen display command.

[0070] Furthermore, the command executing unit 250 executes the drive command and controls the first driving part specified in the drive command so as to drive the first driving part by the drive amount specified in the drive command. In this way, when the worker has given permission to drive the first driving part, the first driving part can be driven according to the instruction of the instructor.

[0071] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes an information processing command to perform predetermined information processing. The command execution unit 250 controls the communication unit 206 to perform processing for transmitting information obtained by the information processing. The command execution unit 250 may perform processing for transmitting the information obtained by the information processing to the terminal device 100 as device information related to the printing device 200. For example, the command execution unit 250 may transmit the device information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 206. Then, the command execution unit 250 may transmit a command to the information processing device 10 to transmit the transmitted device information to the terminal device 100. As a result, the information processing device 10 transmits the device information transmitted from the printing device 200 to the terminal device 100. In this way, the command execution unit 250 performs processing so that the device information is transmitted to the terminal device 100 via the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the command execution unit 250 may transmit the device information to the terminal device 100 directly via the communication unit 206, without via the information processing device 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes a log transmission command to collect log information and performs processing for transmitting the collected log information. Specifically, the command execution unit 250 executes the log transmission command to collect log information. Then, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting the collected log information to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0073] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes the operation result transmission command to acquire the operation result of the first driving part, and performs processing for transmitting the acquired operation result. Specifically, the command execution unit 250 executes the operation result transmission command to acquire the operation result of the first driving part. Then, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting the acquired operation result to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0074] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes a detection command and controls the first detection component so that detection is performed by the first detection component specified in the detection command. Then, the command execution unit 250 performs processing to transmit a detection value, which is the detection result obtained by detection by the first detection component. At this time, the command execution unit 250 may perform processing to transmit the detection value to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0075] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes a report command, performs processing for displaying a report screen, and performs processing for transmitting a report in response to an operation on the report screen. Specifically, the command execution unit 250 controls the display unit 212 and performs processing so that the report screen is displayed on the display unit 212. The command execution unit 250 accepts an operation on the report screen by the worker. Note that this operation is an operation for reporting. Then, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting a report in response to the operation on the report screen to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0076] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes a question command, performs processing to display a question screen, and performs processing to transmit an answer corresponding to an operation on the question screen. Specifically, the command execution unit 250 controls the display unit 212 and performs processing to display the question screen on the display unit 212. Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 accepts an operation by the operator on the question screen. Note that this operation is an operation for answering the question. Then, the command execution unit 250 performs processing to transmit an answer corresponding to the operation on the question screen to the terminal device 100 as device information.

[0077] Furthermore, the command execution unit 250 executes the permission screen display command. As a result, the permission display processing unit 240 performs processing to display the permission screen. Furthermore, when a permission operation on the permission screen is accepted, the command execution unit 250 performs processing to transmit permission information indicating that the permission operation has been accepted to the terminal device 100 as device information. Then, after the drive command is received, the command execution unit 250 may execute the drive command as described above.

[0078] Furthermore, when the command information includes multiple commands and specifies the order in which the multiple commands are to be executed in the command information, the command execution unit 250 executes each of the multiple commands in the specified order. Note that, when there is an information processing command that is ordered after the drive command, the command execution unit 250 may execute the information processing command after executing the drive command in response to receiving an approval operation on the approval screen.

[0079] The information transmission processing unit 260 transmits log information autonomously. That is, the information transmission processing unit 260 transmits log information periodically, without depending on the execution of a command. The information transmission processing unit 260 controls the communication unit 206 to transmit the log information to the information processing device 10. The log information transmitted to the information processing device 10 is transmitted to the terminal device 100. Note that the information transmission processing unit 260 may perform processing for transmitting the device information acquired in conjunction with the execution of the above-mentioned command, instead of the command execution unit 250.

[0080] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an instruction method executed by the terminal device 100. The processing shown in Fig. 4 can be realized by the computer of the terminal device 100 executing a program. In other words, the program causes the computer of the terminal device 100 to execute the processing shown in Fig. 4.

[0081] The terminal device 100 acquires the status of the printing device 200 (step S102). Specifically, the information acquisition unit 150 acquires device information indicating the status of the printing device 200. The information acquisition unit 150 may acquire the device information stored in the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit 150 may acquire the device information directly from the printing device 200.

[0082] The terminal device 100 displays an instruction screen (step S104). Specifically, the instruction display processing unit 120 performs processing to display the instruction screen on the display unit 112, as described above. As a result, the display unit 112 displays the instruction screen. The instructor checks the device information acquired in S102 and determines the content of the remote operation to be performed on the printing device 200. Then, the instructor performs an operation on the instruction screen to specify a command to be sent to the printing device 200.

[0083] The terminal device 100 performs a process for transmitting command information (step S106). Specifically, the command transmission processing unit 140 performs a process for transmitting command information including a command specified by an operation using the instruction screen to the printing device 200, as described above. As a result, the command information is transmitted to the printing device 200.

[0084] The terminal device 100 then acquires device information, such as operation results, generated in response to the printing device 200 executing the command included in the command information (S102). The instructor can check the device information, such as operation results, acquired in S102 to confirm the status of the printing device 200. The instructor can then determine the content of the remote operation to be performed on the printing device 200 in accordance with the content of the device information acquired in S102. In this manner, the processes of S102 to S106 are repeated. In this manner, the instructor performs remote operation on the printing device 200.

[0085] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a command execution method executed by the printing device 200. The processing shown in Fig. 5 can be realized by the computer of the printing device 200 executing a program. In other words, the program causes the computer of the printing device 200 to execute the processing shown in Fig. 5.

[0086] The printing device 200 receives the command information (step S202). Specifically, the command receiving unit 230 receives the command information including the command specified by the terminal device 100 as described above.

[0087] The printing device 200 determines whether the command to be executed, which is specified in the command information, is a drive command (step S204). For example, the command receiving unit 230 may determine whether the command information includes a drive command. If the command to be executed is a drive command (YES in S204), the printing device 200 displays a consent screen (step S212). Specifically, as described above, the consent display processing unit 240 controls the display unit 212 to display the consent screen on the display unit 212. Note that the determination corresponding to step S204 may be performed by the terminal device 100, and information regarding whether or not the consent screen needs to be displayed as a result of the determination may be transmitted to the printing device 200. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may perform the determination corresponding to step S204, and information regarding whether or not the consent screen needs to be displayed as a result of the determination may be transmitted to the printing device 200.

[0088] The printing device 200 determines whether a consent operation has been performed on the consent screen (step S214). Specifically, the consent display processing unit 240 determines whether a consent operation on the consent screen has been received. If a consent operation on the consent screen has not been performed (NO in S214), the printing device 200 waits until a consent operation on the consent screen is performed. Note that if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the consent screen was displayed and no consent operation on the consent screen has been performed, the printing device 200 may perform processing to send a notification to the terminal device 100 indicating that no consent operation on the consent screen has been performed.

[0089] If the permission operation is performed on the permission screen (YES in S214), the printing device 200 executes the drive command (step S216). Specifically, as described above, the command execution unit 250 executes the drive command and controls the first drive part specified in the drive command so as to drive the first drive part by the drive amount specified in the drive command.

[0090] On the other hand, if the command to be executed in the command information is not a drive command (NO in S204), the command to be executed is an information processing command. Therefore, the command execution unit 250 executes the information processing command specified in the command information (step S220). In this case, the printing device 200 does not display the consent screen on the display unit 212. However, this does not apply when the command information includes a consent screen display command, which will be described later, and the printing device 200 displays the consent screen on the display unit 212.

[0091] Then, the printing device 200 transmits device information corresponding to the execution result of the command (step S230). Specifically, as described above, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting device information corresponding to the execution result of the command to the terminal device 100. Furthermore, the information transmission processing unit 260 performs processing for transmitting log information to the terminal device 100.

[0092] Next, specific examples of screens displayed on the terminal device 100 or the printing device 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a permission screen P1 displayed on the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The permission screen P1 is displayed on the display unit 212, such as an operation panel, of the printing device 200 by the permission display processing unit 240. The permission screen P1 displays a message PM11 indicating the content of the permission request and an "OK" button PB11 for accepting the permission operation. The message PM11 is a message for informing the on-site worker that a driving component will be driven. The message PM11 may also indicate the name of the first driving component to be driven, such as a carriage motor. When the worker touches the "OK" button PB11, the permission operation is performed. In response to this, the command execution unit 250 controls the first driving component to drive the first driving component.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen W1 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The instruction screen W1 is displayed on the display unit 112, such as a display, of the terminal device 100 by the instruction display processing unit 120. The instruction screen W1 illustrated in FIG. 7 is the command specification screen described above. The instruction screen W1 displays a drive command specification button WB11 for specifying a drive command and an information processing command specification button WB12 for specifying an information processing command. When an instructor clicks the drive command specification button WB11, a drive command is specified. When an instructor clicks the information processing command specification button WB12, an information processing command is specified. Note that in the example of FIG. 7, a command is specified using a button on a GUI, but the instruction screen W1 may also be configured to allow a command to be specified using a check box or radio button. Alternatively, the instruction screen W1 may display a text box or text area, and the instructor may specify a command by inputting the command to be specified in the text box or text area. This also applies to other instruction screens described later.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a drive specification screen W2 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The drive specification screen W2 is displayed on the display unit 112, such as a display, of the terminal device 100 by the instruction display processing unit 120. The drive specification screen W2 displays drive part specification buttons WB2A and WB2B for specifying the drive part to be driven, drive direction specification buttons WB21 and WB22 for specifying the drive direction, and a rotation speed specification area WT21 for specifying the rotation speed. The same number of drive part specification buttons as the number of drive parts included in the printing device 200 may be displayed. The drive part specification button WB2A is a button for specifying drive part A. When the instructor clicks the drive part specification button WB2A, drive part A is specified as the drive part to be driven. The drive part specification button WB2B is a button for specifying drive part B. When the instructor clicks the drive part specification button WB2B, drive part B is specified as the drive part to be driven. The drive direction specification button WB21 is a button for specifying that the specified drive part rotates forward. When the instructor clicks the drive direction designation button WB21, the rotation direction of the designated drive part is designated as forward rotation. Also, the drive direction designation button WB22 is a button that designates the designated drive part to rotate in the reverse direction. When the instructor clicks the drive direction designation button WB22, the rotation direction of the designated drive part is designated as reverse rotation. The rotation speed designation area WT21 is a text box for inputting the number of rotations. When the instructor inputs a number in the rotation speed designation area WT21, the number of rotations of the designated drive part is designated as that number. For example, when "3" is input in the rotation speed designation area WT21, the drive part is designated to rotate three times.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen W3 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The instruction screen W3 is displayed on the display unit 112, such as a display, of the terminal device 100 by the instruction display processing unit 120. The instruction screen W3 illustrated in FIG. 9 is the command designation screen described above. The instruction screen W3 is a screen for designating which of a plurality of information processing commands should be executed. The instruction screen W3 may be displayed when the information processing command designation button WB12 is clicked on the instruction screen W1 illustrated in FIG. 7. The instruction screen W3 displays a log transmission command designation button WB31, an operation result transmission command designation button WB32, a detection command designation button WB33, a report command designation button WB34, and a question command designation button WB35. The instruction screen W3 may also display an authorization screen display command designation button WB36.

[0096] The log transmission command designation button WB31 is a button for designating a log transmission command. When the instructor clicks the log transmission command designation button WB31, the log transmission command is designated as the command to be executed.

[0097] The operation result transmission command designation button WB32 is a button for designating an operation result transmission command. When the instructor clicks the operation result transmission command designation button WB32, the operation result transmission command is designated as the command to be executed.

[0098] The detection command specification button WB33 is a button for specifying a detection command. When the instructor clicks the detection command specification button WB33, the detection command is specified as the command to be executed.

[0099] The report command designation button WB34 is a button for designating a report command. When the instructor clicks the report command designation button WB34, the report command is designated as the command to be executed.

[0100] The question command specification button WB35 is a button for specifying a question command. When the instructor clicks the question command specification button WB35, the question command is specified as the command to be executed.

[0101] The consent screen display command designation button WB36 is a button for designating the consent screen display command. When the instructor clicks the consent screen display command designation button WB36, the consent screen display command is designated as the command to be executed. In this case, the consent screen P1 illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 212 of the operation panel or the like of the printing device 200. By designating the consent screen display command in this manner by the instructor, the printing device 200 can also display the consent screen P1 on the display unit 212 regardless of whether the command to be executed designated in the command information is a drive command, that is, regardless of the determination in step S204 described above.

[0102] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detection specification screen W4 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The detection specification screen W4 may be displayed when the detection command specification button WB33 is clicked on the instruction screen W3 illustrated in FIG. 9. The detection specification screen W4 is displayed on the display unit 112, such as a display, of the terminal device 100 by the instruction display processing unit 120. The detection specification screen W4 displays detection component specification buttons WB4A and WB4B for specifying the detection component to be detected. The number of detection component specification buttons displayed may be equal to the number of detection components included in the printing device 200. The detection component specification button WB4A is a button for specifying detection component A. When the instructor clicks the detection component specification button WB4A, detection component A is specified as the detection component to be detected. The detection component specification button WB4B is a button for specifying detection component B. When the instructor clicks the detection component specification button WB4B, detection component B is specified as the detection component to be detected.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report screen P2 displayed on the printing apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. The report screen P2 may be displayed when the report command designation button WB34 is clicked on the instruction screen W3 illustrated in FIG. 9 . The report screen P2 is displayed on the display unit 212, such as an operation panel, of the printing apparatus 200 by the command execution unit 250. The report screen P2 displays a message PM21 indicating the content of the report request and report buttons PB21 and PB22 for accepting a report operation. The message PM21 is a message for prompting an on-site worker to report whether a driving component has operated. The message PM21 may indicate the name of a first driving component, such as a carriage motor, that should be driven. The report button PB21 is a button for reporting that a driving component has operated. When the worker touches the report button PB21, an operation for reporting that the driving component has operated is performed. In response to this, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting a report indicating that the first driving component has operated. Furthermore, the report button PB22 is a button for reporting that a driving part did not operate. When the worker touches the report button PB22, an operation for reporting that the driving part did not operate is performed. In response to this, the command execution unit 250 performs processing for transmitting a report indicating that the first driving part did not operate.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a question input screen W5 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The question input screen W5 can be displayed when the question command designation button WB35 is clicked on the instruction screen W3 illustrated in FIG. 9. The question input screen W5 is displayed on the display unit 112, such as a display, of the terminal device 100 by the instruction display processing unit 120. The question input screen W5 displays a message WM51 prompting the user to ask a question and a text area WT51 for entering the question. The user enters the question as a character string in the text area WT51. Then, a question command indicating the content of the question entered in the text area WT51 is transmitted to the printing device 200 by processing of the command transmission processing unit 140.

[0105] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a question screen P3 displayed on the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The question screen P3 can be displayed when the question command designation button WB35 is clicked on the instruction screen W3 illustrated in FIG. 9. The question screen P3 is displayed on the display unit 212, such as an operation panel, of the printing device 200 by the command execution unit 250. The question screen P3 displays a message PM31 indicating the content of the question and a text area PT31 for inputting an answer to the question. The content displayed in the message PM31 corresponds to the content entered in the text area WT51 of the question input screen W5 illustrated in FIG. 12. The worker enters the answer to the question as a character string in the text area PT31. In response to this, the command execution unit 250 performs processing to transmit the answer to the question.

[0106] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating command information 300 according to the first embodiment. The command information 300 illustrated in Fig. 14 includes a plurality of commands. The command information 300 illustrated in Fig. 14 also specifies the order in which the plurality of commands are to be executed.

[0107] Specifically, the command information 300 includes an information processing command 302 to be executed first. The information processing command 302 is a log transmission command. The command information 300 also includes an information processing command 304 to be executed second. The information processing command 304 is an acceptance screen display command. The command information 300 also includes a drive command 306 to be executed third. The drive command 306 is a drive command requesting carriage lock release. The command information 300 also includes a drive command 308 to be executed fourth. The drive command 308 is a drive command requesting three rotations of the carriage motor. The command information 300 also includes an information processing command 310 to be executed fifth. The information processing command 310 is a detection command or an operation result transmission command requesting transmission of encoder values. The command information 300 also includes an information processing command 312 to be executed sixth. The information processing command 312 is a log transmission command. The command information 300 also includes an information processing command 314 to be executed seventh. The information processing command 314 is a report command that requests a report of the operating status.

[0108] When command information 300 is sent from the terminal device 100 to the printing device 200 via the information processing device 10, the printing device 200 first executes information processing command 302 and transmits log information. Next, the printing device 200 executes information processing command 304 to display the consent screen. When the consent operation is performed on the consent screen, the printing device 200 executes drive command 306 to unlock the carriage, and then executes drive command 308 to rotate the carriage motor three times. In this way, when the command information 300 includes multiple drive commands, only the consent screen display command may be executed before the first drive command. Alternatively, when the command information 300 includes multiple drive commands, the consent screen display command may be executed before each of the multiple drive commands. Note that even if the command information 300 does not include information processing command 304 for displaying the consent screen, the printing device 200 can display or hide the consent screen on the display unit 212 by executing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, i.e., the process of determining whether the command information includes a drive command.

[0109] Next, the printing device 200 executes information processing command 310 and transmits the encoder value. Next, the printing device 200 executes information processing command 312 and transmits log information. Next, the printing device 200 executes information processing command 314 and displays a report screen. Then, when a report operation is performed on the report screen, the printing device 200 transmits the report. In this way, an information processing command that is ordered after a drive command may be executed when the consent screen display command before the drive command is executed, the consent operation is performed, and the drive command is executed.

[0110] As described above, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the terminal device 100 performs processing to transmit command information to the printing device 200, the command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device 200 to perform a specific operation. The printing device 200 then receives the command information and, if the command information requests the driving of at least a specific first driving component, performs processing to display a permission screen. The printing device 200 then executes a command to drive the first driving component in response to receiving a permission operation on the permission screen. This configuration prevents a driving component from being driven in an unexpected situation by an on-site worker when a supervisor remotely operates the printing device 200 during maintenance processing. Therefore, when performing maintenance processing on the printing device 200 from a remote location, the supervisor at the remote location can provide instructions that take the on-site situation into consideration.

[0111] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment may perform processing for displaying an instruction screen for accepting a user's instruction operation for generating command information. The terminal device 100 then performs processing for transmitting command information, including a command specified by an operation using the instruction screen, to the printing device 200. The terminal device 100 may also perform processing for displaying a drive specification screen for accepting specification of a first driving part to be driven among the plurality of driving parts. The terminal device 100 then performs processing for transmitting command information, including a command requesting driving of the first driving part specified using the drive specification screen, to the printing device 200. The terminal device 100 may also perform processing for displaying a drive specification screen for accepting specification of a drive amount for the specified first driving part. The terminal device 100 then performs processing for transmitting command information, including a command requesting driving the first driving part by the drive amount specified using the drive specification screen, to the printing device 200. This configuration allows a remote instructor to easily specify commands to be transmitted to the printing device 200.

[0112] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the commands may include a drive command requesting the drive of a first drive component and an information processing command requesting information processing in the printing device 200 but not requesting the drive of any drive component. The printing device 200 may display a permission screen when a drive command is executed, but may not display a permission screen when an information processing command is executed. Even if information processing is performed in the printing device 200 in a situation unexpected by the on-site worker, the drive component is not driven, so the impact on the worker is minimal and the likelihood of a problem for the worker is low. Therefore, there is little need to obtain permission from the on-site worker before information processing is performed by remote control in the printing device 200. This configuration therefore prevents the permission screen from being displayed excessively, thereby preventing the maintenance process from taking too long.

[0113] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the command information may include multiple commands. When the command information includes a drive command, the printing device 200 performs processing to display the consent screen. The command information may also specify the order in which multiple commands are executed. The printing device 200 executes an information processing command that follows the drive command in the command information after executing the drive command in response to receiving a consent operation on the consent screen. The information processing command may also include a consent screen display command that requests the display of the consent screen. The printing device 200 performs processing to display the consent screen by executing the consent screen display command. This configuration allows the instructor to flexibly execute commands according to the status of the maintenance processing.

[0114] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the information processing command may include a report command requesting the display of a report screen for receiving an operation for reporting the operating status of the printing device 200 and requesting the transmission of a report. The printing device 200 then executes the report command to display the report screen and performs processing for transmitting a report in response to the operation on the report screen. This configuration allows the instructor to easily obtain a report on the operating status of the drive components from an on-site worker, without relying on the detection content of the detection components of the printing device 200. Therefore, the instructor can determine the content of the next remote operation to be performed based on the report from the worker. This allows efficient maintenance processing via remote operation.

[0115] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the information processing command may include an operation result transmission command requesting information processing for transmitting the operation result of the first driving part. The printing device 200 then executes the operation result transmission command and performs processing for transmitting the operation result. With this configuration, the operation result of the driving part can be obtained at the timing desired by the instructor without relying on contact from an on-site worker. Therefore, maintenance processing can be performed efficiently by remote operation.

[0116] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the information processing command may include a question command that requests the display of a question screen for receiving a response to a question from an instructor, who is a user of the terminal device 100, and the transmission of the response to the question. The printing device 200 then executes the question command to display the question screen and performs processing to transmit the response in response to an operation on the question screen. This configuration allows on-site workers to communicate with other on-site workers without using communication devices. Therefore, maintenance processing can be performed efficiently by remote operation.

[0117] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment may perform processing for displaying a detection specification screen for accepting designation of a first detection component to be detected among the plurality of detection components of the printing device 200. Then, the terminal device 100 performs processing for transmitting command information including a command requesting detection by the first detection component designated using the detection specification screen to the printing device 200. With this configuration, the instructor can arbitrarily designate the detection component to be detected. Therefore, maintenance processing can be performed efficiently by remote operation.

[0118] Although the above-described embodiment describes performing maintenance processing by remote operation, it is also possible to incorporate a self-diagnostic function into the main body of the printing device 200, allowing on-site workers to perform maintenance processing alone. Meanwhile, as in the present embodiment, new maintenance processing flows can be tested by communicating between a remote instruction and an on-site worker. Furthermore, multiple patterns of flow can be tested by having the worker notify the status of the printing device 200 using the command information described above. Then, once a satisfactory flow has been established, the printing device 200 may be equipped with a self-diagnostic function capable of executing this flow.

[0119] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the order of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be omitted.

[0120] Furthermore, the printing system 1 does not necessarily have to include the information processing device 10. In this case, the terminal device 100 is directly connected to the printing device 200 via a network so that they can communicate with each other. In this case, the terminal device 100 acquires device information directly from the printing device 200 via the network. In this case, the terminal device 100 generates command information and transmits the command information directly to the printing device 200 via the network.

[0121] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1...printing system, 10...information processing device, 100...terminal device, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...communication unit, 110...interface unit, 112...display unit, 114...operation unit, 120...instruction display processing unit, 130...operation reception unit, 140...command transmission processing unit, 150...information acquisition unit, 160...information display processing unit, 200...printing device, 202...processing unit, 204...storage unit, 206...communication unit, 210...interface unit, 212...display unit, 214...operation unit, 220...operation unit, 222...driving component, 224...detection component, 230...command receiving unit, 240...permission display processing unit, 250...command execution unit, 260...information transmission processing unit

Claims

1. a printing device having one or more drive components for printing; a terminal device communicably connected to the printing device via a network; and The terminal device a command transmission processing unit that performs processing for transmitting command information, including one or more commands for causing the printing device to execute a specific operation, to the printing device; and The printing device a command receiving unit that receives the command information; a permission display processing unit that, when the command information requests driving of at least a specific first driving part, performs processing to display a permission screen for receiving permission to drive the first driving part; a command execution unit that executes a command to drive the first driving part in response to receiving an approval operation on the approval screen; having Printing system.

2. The terminal device an instruction display processing unit that performs processing to display an instruction screen for receiving an instruction operation from a user for generating the command information; and the command transmission processing unit performs processing for transmitting the command information including a command specified by an operation using the instruction screen to the printing device. The printing system of claim 1 .

3. The printing device has a plurality of driving components, the instruction display processing unit performs processing for displaying a drive designation screen for receiving designation of the first driving part to be driven among the plurality of driving parts; the command transmission processing unit performs processing for transmitting the command information, which includes a command requesting the driving of the first driving part specified using the driving specification screen, to the printing device. The printing system according to claim 2 .

4. the instruction display processing unit performs processing for displaying the drive specification screen for receiving specification of a drive amount of the specified first driving part, the command transmission processing unit performs processing for transmitting the command information, which includes a command requesting that the first driving component be driven by a drive amount specified using the drive specification screen, to the printing device. The printing system according to claim 3 .

5. The command a drive command requesting the first drive component to be driven; an information processing command that requests information processing in the printing device but does not request driving of the driving parts; Including, the permission display processing unit displays the permission screen when the drive command is executed, and does not display the permission screen when the information processing command is executed. The printing system of claim 1 .

6. The command information includes a plurality of commands, the permission display processing unit performs processing for displaying the permission screen when the command information includes the drive command. The printing system according to claim 5 .

7. The command information specifies an order in which the plurality of commands are to be executed, When the command information includes an information processing command that is later in order than the drive command, the command execution unit executes the information processing command after executing the drive command in response to receiving an approval operation on the approval screen. The printing system according to claim 6 .

8. the information processing command includes a consent screen display command requesting display of the consent screen, the consent display processing unit performs processing for displaying the consent screen in response to the consent screen display command being executed by the command execution unit. The printing system according to claim 5 .

9. the information processing command includes a report command that requests the display of a report screen for accepting an operation for reporting the operating status of the printing device and requests the transmission of a report; The command execution unit Execute the report command to display the report screen; performing processing for transmitting a report in response to an operation on the report screen; The printing system according to claim 5 .

10. the information processing command includes an operation result transmission command requesting information processing for transmitting an operation result of the first driving part; the command execution unit executes the operation result transmission command and performs processing for transmitting the operation result. The printing system according to claim 5 .

11. the information processing command includes a question command for displaying a question screen for receiving an answer to a question from a user of the terminal device and requesting transmission of the answer to the question, The command execution unit executes the question command to display the question screen; performing a process for transmitting an answer in response to an operation on the question screen; The printing system according to claim 5 .

12. the printing device has a plurality of detection components for detecting a state of the printing device; the instruction display processing unit performs processing for displaying a detection designation screen for receiving designation of a first detection component that is to be subjected to detection among the plurality of detection components; the command transmission processing unit performs processing for transmitting the command information, which includes a command requesting detection by the first detection part specified using the detection specification screen, to the printing device. The printing system according to claim 2 .

13. 1. A printing device having one or more drive components for printing, comprising: a command receiving unit that receives command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device to perform a specific operation; a permission display processing unit that, when the command information requests driving of at least a specific first driving part, performs processing to display a permission screen for receiving permission to drive the first driving part; a command execution unit that executes a command to drive the first driving part in response to receiving an approval operation on the approval screen; A printing device comprising:

14. a computer of a printing device having one or more drive components and performing printing; receiving command information including one or more commands for causing the printing device to perform a particular operation; a process for displaying a permission screen for receiving permission to drive a specific first driving part when the command information requests driving of the first driving part; a process of executing a command to drive the first driving part in response to receiving an approval operation on the approval screen; A program that executes the following.

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