Printing system, maintenance system, remote maintenance system for printer, computer program, recording medium, and remote maintenance method for the printer

Abstract

To enable user maintenance work based on an instruction from a remote area to effectively function without infringing user privacy.SOLUTION: This printing system comprises: a printer including a printing mechanism for executing a printing process and a housing for accommodating the printing function; an imaging unit detachable from the housing; an image processing unit that executes an image process for an image captured by the imaging unit; and a communication unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to the outside through a communication line. The housing includes a plurality of installation points preset as positions for attaching the imaging unit at a plurality of places. The image processing unit executes, as the image process, a secretizing process for losing visibility of an imaged article in a target region which is a partial region of the image captured by the imaging unit. The target region is preset corresponding to each of the installation points. The communication unit outputs the image which has been subjected to the secretizing process as an output image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the maintenance of a printing device having a printing mechanism and a housing that houses it, and in particular to a technology that enables maintenance work to be supported from a remote location by using images of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices require periodic maintenance to check the condition of mechanical parts and replace consumables. Furthermore, if any abnormalities occur, work must be done to fix the problem. While such work requires knowledge of the device's structure and the work involved, users of printing devices generally lack sufficient knowledge. For this reason, maintenance work is generally entrusted to dedicated technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills. This type of maintenance system, for example, can result in long downtime when a device malfunctions, requiring a technician to arrive on-site and complete the repair work, which can also be expensive.

[0003] To address these issues, it is desirable to establish a system that allows users to perform a certain level of maintenance work without relying on dedicated engineers. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which an imaging unit (multiple cameras or a camera that can move between multiple positions) is built into a liquid ejection device that prints using an inkjet method, and the cause of the malfunction is estimated from images of the nozzles that eject the liquid. With this technology, if the malfunction cannot be resolved even through the recovery operations that the device autonomously performs, the user is notified of this fact and prompted to perform maintenance work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-066601 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the user does not have sufficient knowledge, it is possible to create a system in which the captured image is sent to a service center or technician in charge of the maintenance work, and the user can receive advice on the maintenance work from the technician based on the image.In fact, maintenance services are becoming available in which the user and a technician in a remote location can communicate while sharing images using a mobile phone or other device with an image capture function, and the technician can support the user in the maintenance work.

[0006] If a technician can issue instructions from a remote location and users can perform maintenance themselves based on those instructions, it will be possible to reduce downtime and maintenance costs significantly. Also, if images of various locations within the device can be captured depending on the purpose, it is expected that maintenance work can be performed on those locations.

[0007] The following are some of the problems that can arise, primarily from the user's perspective, in such a maintenance system. First, in order for technicians to accurately grasp the equipment's status, they need to capture images of the equipment from an appropriate field of view. Even if the technician provides instructions for doing so, inexperienced users may not always be able to obtain appropriate images. Furthermore, images may contain content that is not necessary for the maintenance work but that may be related to the user's privacy, such as the background around the equipment, and it is therefore necessary to avoid transmitting such images to external parties.

[0008] For these reasons, in order to enable users to perform maintenance work themselves efficiently and reliably based on instructions from remote locations, it is necessary to ensure that technicians receive accurate images appropriate for the work required, while also respecting the user's privacy.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable users to perform maintenance work effectively based on instructions from a remote location by reliably obtaining images necessary for maintenance work without violating the user's privacy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a printing system comprising a printing device having a printing mechanism that performs printing processing and a housing that houses the printing mechanism, an imaging unit that is detachable from the housing, an image processing unit that performs image processing on an image captured by the imaging unit, and a communication unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to the outside via a communication line.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a maintenance system for a printing device, comprising an imaging unit, an image processing unit that performs image processing on an image captured by the imaging unit, and a communication unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to the outside via a communication line.

[0012] In these inventions, the housing is provided with a plurality of installation points set as positions for attaching the imaging unit, and the image processing unit performs, as the image processing, a secrecy process in which a partial area of ​​the image captured by the imaging unit is set as a target area and the object being imaged within the target area is made invisible, the target areas being set individually in advance corresponding to each of the installation points, and the communication unit outputs the image after the secrecy process as an output image.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer device to execute the following steps: acquiring an image captured by an imaging unit; acquiring information for identifying one of a plurality of installation points pre-installed in a printing device at which the imaging unit was installed when the image was acquired; determining the target area in the image based on the information and a table that associates each of the plurality of installation points with the corresponding target area in the image; performing a secrecy process on the image to make the imaged object in the target area invisible; and outputting the image after the secrecy process to the outside via a communication line.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium having the above-described computer program recorded thereon.

[0015] In the invention configured as described above, the user simply attaches the imaging unit to a preset installation point on the housing of the printing device, significantly reducing the risk of capturing images in an inappropriate field of view. Furthermore, by providing multiple installation points according to the purpose of the maintenance work, it is possible to capture images of each part of the device with a single imaging unit, making it possible to handle multiple types of maintenance work with different purposes.

[0016] On the other hand, to address user privacy concerns, confidentiality processing is performed on a target area, which is a portion of the captured image, and the processed image is transmitted to the outside. The confidentiality processing is a process that makes the imaged object in the target area invisible, so that the image content in the target area cannot be identified in the image transmitted to the outside.

[0017] The area in the image to be subject to confidentiality processing varies depending on the position and orientation of the imaging unit that captures the image. However, in this invention, the position and orientation are determined by attaching the imaging unit to a planned installation point. Therefore, when the imaging unit is attached to one installation point, it is possible to know in advance the location of the area in the image required for maintenance work and the location of other areas that should be confidential. For this reason, by determining the target area to be subject to confidentiality processing for each installation point and selecting and applying an appropriate one depending on the installation position of the imaging unit, it is possible to prevent information related to the user's privacy from being transmitted to the outside for any installation point.

[0018] As described above, the image captured and transmitted externally in the present invention reliably contains image information necessary for performing maintenance work, while excluding information that is not necessary for the work and that may affect the user's privacy. A remote recipient of the image via a communication line, such as a technician with maintenance knowledge, can obtain the information necessary for performing maintenance work from the image without violating the user's privacy. Using this information, the technician can provide appropriate instructions and advice to the user attempting to perform maintenance work. As a result, the user's maintenance work based on instructions from a remote location can be performed effectively.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a remote maintenance system for a printing device, comprising: a printing system having the above-described configuration; an external display device that is remotely located from the printing system and that displays the output image transmitted from the communication unit via the communication line; and a pair of communication devices that can communicate with each other.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a remote maintenance method for a printing device having a printing mechanism that executes printing processing and a housing that houses the printing mechanism, in which a printing system of the above configuration and an external display device that are located remotely from each other are connected to each other so that they can communicate via the communication line, the output image sent from the communication unit via the communication line is displayed on the external display device, and an instructor who can access the external display device and an operator who can access the printing system communicate with each other via a communication device while the operator performs maintenance work on the printing system.

[0021] In the invention configured in this way, the image displayed on the external display device can contain information necessary for the maintenance work, as described above, but not contain the user's private information. Therefore, a technician who views the image displayed on the external display device in a remote location can act as an instructor, and a user who is in a position where they can operate the printing system can act as an operator, and the two can carry out maintenance work while communicating with each other via a communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, the mounting position of the imaging unit relative to the printing device is preset as an installation point, thereby preventing the imaging unit from being mounted in an inappropriate position and capturing an image with an inappropriate field of view. Meanwhile, to address the problem of the possibility that information related to the user's privacy may be included in the image, confidentiality processing is performed on the target area of ​​the image set for each installation point, thereby preventing such image information from being transmitted to the outside. Therefore, images necessary for maintenance work can be reliably obtained without violating the user's privacy, and as a result, it is possible to effectively perform maintenance work for the user based on instructions from a remote location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration for executing a remote maintenance method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of a printing device that is a component of a printing system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the position of a print head within a housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting location of an imaging unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the installation point. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the head unit and the installation point during maintenance work. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of privacy protection in this embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating image processing executed in the printing system. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how maintenance work proceeds in a remote maintenance service. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of installation points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Below, we will explain an embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention and an overview of a remote maintenance service using the system. This printing system is centered around a commercial printing device that uses an inkjet printing method, and allows users to perform some of the maintenance work that traditionally required a dedicated service engineer to visit the user. Specifically, the printing system disclosed below combines a camera and a communication device with the printing device, enabling users to perform maintenance work themselves while receiving real-time instructions and advice from a remote service engineer via the communication device, enabling a remote maintenance service.

[0025] In the following description, the person who accesses the printing device and performs maintenance work will be referred to as an "operator." The operator may be the user of the printing device, or a dedicated service engineer dispatched from the printing device's supplier or service center. In the following, such a service engineer may be simply referred to as an "engineer."

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for executing a remote maintenance service, which is one embodiment of a remote maintenance method according to the present invention. This remote maintenance service is realized by connecting a user of a printing device and a service provider that provides maintenance support services for the printing device via a communication line. The user side is provided with a printing system 10 including a printing device 1, and the service provider side is provided with a support system 20 including a service-side computer 6.

[0027] In one embodiment, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 1, a user computer 2, an imaging unit 3, and a mobile phone 4. The user computer 2 is connected to an internet line IN, and the imaging unit 3 is connected to the user computer 2. The mobile phone 4 can be connected to a telephone line TL as needed.

[0028] In order to distinguish between the computer installed on the user's side and the computer installed on the service provider's side, these will be referred to as the "user's computer" and the "service's computer," respectively. However, in the following, when it is deemed possible to distinguish between them, these will sometimes be simply referred to as the "computer."

[0029] As will be described later, in order to realize the remote maintenance service according to this embodiment, it is not essential that the printing device 1 be connected to the computer 2 and the Internet line IN. However, for other purposes, such as enabling the computer 2 to operate and manage the printing device 1 or enabling maintenance such as firmware updates via the Internet line IN, the printing device 1 may be connected to at least one of the computer 2 and the Internet line IN, as indicated by the dashed arrow in the figure. The printing device 1 may also be configured to be able to connect to the Internet via the computer 2.

[0030] The configurations of the printing device 1 and the imaging unit 3 will be described later. The mobile phone 4 is capable of at least voice communication with other communication devices via a telephone line TL provided by a telephone carrier. In this embodiment, a mobile phone is used for conversation between the user and the service provider, but as will be described later, the remote maintenance service in the printing system of the present invention can also be implemented in a form that does not use a mobile phone.

[0031] The (user-side) computer 2 has a hardware configuration equivalent to that of a typical computer device, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, memory 22, storage 23, and interface (IF) section 24. The CPU 21 executes a control program 231 stored in the storage 23 to implement functional blocks such as a camera control section 211 and an image processing section 212 in software. The memory 22 stores data generated by the CPU 21 on a short-term basis. The IF section 24 is responsible for data exchange with external devices and for the UI (user interface). To this end, the IF section 24 includes an input section 241 that accepts operational inputs from the user, and a display section 242 that presents various information to the user.

[0032] The storage 23 is a storage device that stores various data for a long period of time, and may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), etc. The storage 23 stores the control program 231 described above as well as a mask setting table 232, which will be described later.

[0033] The support system 20 on the service provider side is generally installed in a location remote from the printing system 10 on the user side. For example, it can be installed at service centers established by the service provider in various locations. The support system 20 includes a service-side computer 6 and a mobile phone 7. In addition, the service center may also be equipped with a management server 8 for collecting and managing the usage status of the printing device 1 installed on the user side, although this does not directly contribute to the remote maintenance method of the present invention.

[0034] The (service-side) computer 6 also has a hardware configuration equivalent to that of a typical computer device, and includes a CPU 61, memory 62, storage 63, and an interface IF unit 64. The IF unit 64 includes an input unit 641 that accepts operational input from an engineer who operates the computer 6 at the service base, and a display unit 642 that displays various information. As will be described later, the display unit 642 can display images transmitted from the printing system 10 via the Internet line IN.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of a printing device that is a component of the printing system according to the present invention. In FIG. 2 and the following figures, the horizontal X direction, the horizontal Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, and the vertical Z direction are indicated as appropriate. The printing device 1 prints an image on a long, strip-shaped web (substrate) W by ejecting ink onto the web W using an inkjet method while transporting the web W roll-to-roll within a housing 100. The web W is made of paper or film, and is flexible. The printing device 1 includes a control unit 11 that provides overall control of the entire device, and the control required for printing operations on the web W is executed by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0036] The printing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 12 that transports the web W. The transport unit 12 has a feed roller 121 and a take-up roller 122, and transports the web W roll-to-roll by winding the web W unwound by the feed roller 121 onto the take-up roller 122. The transport unit 12 includes a take-up unit 123 between the feed roller 121 and the take-up roller 122 that takes in the web W unwound from the feed roller 121. The take-up unit 123 has two drive rollers 1231, two nip rollers 1232, and an edge position adjustment unit 1234 provided between the two drive rollers 1231. Each drive roller 1231 rotates by the driving force of a motor while winding the web W around it, thereby driving the web W. Two nip rollers 1232 are provided corresponding to the two drive rollers 1231, respectively, and each nip roller 1232 sandwiches the web W between itself and the corresponding drive roller 1231. The edge position adjusting unit 1234 adjusts the position of the edge of the web W in the X direction, which is the width direction of the web W.

[0037] The transport section 12 also has a plurality of support rollers 124 that support the web W between the take-in section 123 and the winding roller 122. These support rollers 124 transport the web W in the Y direction while supporting the web W, onto which ink is ejected by an inkjet system, from below. In particular, the plurality of support rollers 124 are arranged at an incline so that the support rollers 124 on the downstream side in the transport direction (Y direction) of the web W are positioned higher. Therefore, the web W transported by these support rollers 124 is transported at an incline so as to rise as it approaches the Y direction.

[0038] The transport unit 12 further includes a plurality of support rollers 125 that support the web W between the support roller 124 and the winding roller 122, and a drying unit 126 that is disposed between the support rollers 125 and the winding roller 122. The drying unit 126 includes a heat drum 1261 and a support roller 1262 that supports the web W moving from the heat drum 1261 to the winding roller 122. The heat drum 1261 is driven to rotate in accordance with the transport of the web W, and heats the web W with a built-in heater, thereby drying the web W. The transport unit 12 also includes a plurality of support rollers 127 that support the web W moving from the drying unit 126 to the winding roller 122. The transport unit 12 further includes a drive roller 1281 and a nip roller 1282 that are disposed between the support rollers 127 and the winding roller 122. The drive roller 1281 rotates by the driving force of a motor while the web W is wound around it, thereby driving the web W. The nip roller 1282 sandwiches the web W between itself and the drive roller 1281 .

[0039] In this way, the transport unit 12 forms a transport path for the web W by combining multiple rollers, and transports the web 12 along this transport path. Most of the transport path is formed in the internal space SP within the housing 100, but a portion of it, for example, at least one of the pay-out roller 121 and the wind-up roller 122, may be provided outside the housing 100. This improves the ease of attaching and detaching the rolled web W to and from the pay-out roller 121 and the wind-up roller 122.

[0040] The printing device 1 has multiple head units 13 that face from above the web W, which is supported by multiple support rollers 124 inside a housing 1000. Each head unit 13 is equipped with a print head 130 that ejects ink downward from an ejection port (nozzle) provided at the bottom, and deposits the ink onto the web W transported below. For example, color printing is achieved by having the print heads 130 provided in each head unit 13 eject ink of different colors. In this example, six head units 13 are arranged along the transport path, but the number of head units 13 is not limited to this and can be any number. In addition, the combination of types of ink ejected from each print head 130 can also be any combination. Furthermore, multiple print heads may be provided for one head unit.

[0041] Each head unit 13 is also provided with a maintenance unit (not shown) that covers the bottom of the print head 130. Its role is to keep the nozzles of the print head 130 clean and prevent clogging, maintaining a state in which the print head 130 can be quickly used for printing when necessary. As shown in FIG. 2, although the head units 13 are arranged at different tilt angles, their configurations can basically be the same. Therefore, in the following description of the head units 13, no particular distinction is made between the head units.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown below, the print head 130 is movable in the (-X) direction. More specifically, the print head 130 is movable from a position above the web W on the transport path where it can eject ink onto the web W, to a position further away from the web W in the (-X) direction, i.e., where the web W is no longer present below the print head 130.

[0043] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the position of the print head 130 inside the housing 100. As shown in Figure 3(a), inside the housing 100, which houses the main parts of the device in an internal space SP, the print head 130 is positioned above the web W on the transport path. The position of the print head 130 at this time will be referred to as the "first position P1."

[0044] The (-X) side of the housing 100 is the front panel surface where the operator can perform various operations and maintenance work. Part of the front panel also forms an opening 110 with openable doors 102a and 102b, and the operator can access the print head 130 through the opening 110 by opening the doors 102a and 102b.

[0045] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the print head 130 is attached to a pair of frame members 171 extending in the X direction within the housing 100. The frame members 171 are supported by frame support side plates 172 fixed inside the housing 100 so that they can move freely in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 3(b), when an operator opens the doors 102a and 102b and pulls out the print head 130 in the (-X) direction, the frame members 171 move in the (-X) direction along the frame support side plates 172. This pulls the print head 130 out into the external space through the opening 110. As a result, the operator can access the print head 130 from above, below, and laterally to perform necessary tasks. The position of the print head 130 at this time is referred to as the "second position P2."

[0046] Such movement of the head unit 13 is performed when an operator performs maintenance work such as head replacement on the head unit 13, particularly the print head 130. Therefore, this movement can be achieved manually by the operator, and it is not necessarily necessary to provide the device with a drive source for automatically moving the frame member 171.

[0047] In addition, although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted here because this is a common configuration for a printing device, openings for exposing areas requiring maintenance work and doors for opening and closing these openings are provided as appropriate in the housing 100. For example, the drying unit 126 also requires periodic maintenance work, so a door is provided to expose this.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of this printing device. The control unit 11 issues control commands to each of the above-mentioned device components, causing them to perform predetermined operations. For this purpose, the control unit 11 includes a CPU that executes various control programs, a storage device that stores and saves the control programs and various data, a user interface device, and the like. For example, the control unit 11 can be a dedicated hardware built into the printing device 1, or a computer device or workstation with a general hardware configuration. In this case, for example, the user's computer 2 can also function as the control unit 11.

[0049] The control unit 11 controls the transport unit 12, head unit 13, and drying unit 126. A plurality of head units 13 are provided, each of which is equipped with a print head 130 and a maintenance unit 139. The print head 130 is equipped with a discharge nozzle 131, an ink delivery system 132, and a head drive mechanism 133.

[0050] The discharge nozzles 131 are provided below the print head 130 and discharge ink toward the web W passing below. The ink delivery system 132 stores ink to be supplied to the discharge nozzles 131 and delivers ink to the discharge nozzles 131 as needed. The head drive mechanism 133 controls the discharge nozzles 131 to form an image in accordance with a print control signal provided by the control unit 11.

[0051] The maintenance unit 139 is equipped with mechanisms necessary for maintaining the print head 130, and in particular the discharge nozzles 131. For example, the maintenance unit 139 is provided with nozzle caps that cover the discharge openings of the discharge nozzles 131 to prevent the ink from drying, and a nozzle cleaning mechanism that removes any ink remaining on the discharge nozzles 131. Many of these components are well known, so a description of them will be omitted here.

[0052] In addition to these, the printing device 1 is provided with an interlock mechanism 14. The interlock mechanism 14 is provided to ensure safe and reliable operation of the printing device 1, and allows execution of the printing process only when each part of the device is ready. For example, execution of the printing process is restricted if a processing unit that is detachably provided in the device and is essential for executing the printing process is not installed, or if doors 102a, 102b, etc. are not completely closed. Various types of such interlock mechanisms are known, and they can be appropriately selected and used in this embodiment as well.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the imaging unit 3. The imaging unit 3 includes a camera 31 with real-time imaging capabilities and a support mechanism 32 for supporting the camera. It is attached to the housing 100 of the printing device 1 (more specifically, the frame 101 or doors 102a, 102b, etc., of the housing 100). The camera 31 is a typical industrial camera, equipped with an imaging element that converts light incident on the light-receiving surface into an electrical signal and a data output unit that converts the electrical signal into digital image data and outputs it. Here, the camera 31 has a disk-shaped body 312 with a roughly hemispherical protective hood 311, but the shape and configuration of the camera are arbitrary. The body 312 of the camera 31 is also equipped with a pilot lamp 313 that indicates that imaging is in progress. The image data output by the camera 31 is sent to the computer 2.

[0054] The support mechanism 32 includes a stage section 321 on which the camera 31 is mounted, a clamp section 322 for fixing the camera 31 to the frame 101, and an arm section 323 that connects these together. The stage section 321 has a structure that matches the shape of the camera 31 and holds the camera 31. The camera 31 may be provided detachably with respect to the stage section 321, or may be fixed to the stage section 321 using a fastening member such as a screw.

[0055] The clamp unit 322 is detachably attached to the frame 101 that constitutes the housing 100. Specifically, the clamp unit 322 has a first member 322a and a second member 322b that are movable toward and away from each other, and a fixing screw 322c. The clamp unit 322 is fixed to the frame 101 by tightening the fixing screw 322c with the frame 101 sandwiched between the first member 322a and the second member 322b. In this manner, the imaging unit 3 can be attached to the frame 101.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation location of the imaging unit. The imaging unit 3 is used for maintenance work on the printing device 1, and is installed in the housing 100 of the printing device 1 at that time. A plurality of installation points are set in advance as installation positions of the imaging unit 3 relative to the housing 100. Specifically, positions Pa to Pf shown in Fig. 6 are set as installation points.

[0057] These installation points Pa to Pf are provided on frame 101 of housing 100 of printing device 1, which is shielded by doors 102a and 102b when doors 102a and 102b are closed, but is exposed when doors 102a and 102b are opened. For example, installation point Pa is provided at approximately the center in the Y direction of frame 101a, which is provided along the bottom edge of opening 110 that appears when doors 102a and 102b are opened. Furthermore, four installation points Pb to Pe are provided discretely in the Y direction on frame 101b, which is provided along the top edge of opening 110.

[0058] Furthermore, a reinforcing frame 103 is provided on the rear surface that appears when the doors 102a and 102b are opened, and an installation point Pf is provided at a position on the reinforcing frame 103a of the door 102a that is closer to the opening 110 side.

[0059] By providing the installation points in positions that are exposed when the doors 102a and 102b are open, the imaging unit 3 is attached to the printing device 1 when the doors 102a and 102b are open. In other words, when the doors 102a and 102b are closed and printing processing can be performed, the imaging unit 3 is not attached. This prevents users from feeling uneasy that images are being constantly sent to the outside.

[0060] These installation points Pa to Pf are determined in accordance with the content of maintenance work performed on each print head 130. More specifically, the installation points Pa to Pf are determined so that the position and orientation of the imaging unit 3 are as desired at that time, with the aim of acquiring images necessary to enable a remote engineer to assist the user in performing maintenance work. Instead of or in addition to these, installation points may be set at other locations depending on the purpose for maintenance work on other parts of the device, or for maintenance work of different content.

[0061] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the details of the installation points. Here, installation point Pa will be described as a representative example, but the same applies to the other installation points Pb to Pf. As shown in Fig. 7A, installation point Pa, which is provided on frame 101a, which is part of housing 100, is provided with a rectangular marker 151 that indicates the attachment position of clamp unit 322 of imaging unit 3, a character symbol 152 represented by the alphabet "A" to distinguish installation point Pa from other installation points, and an arrow symbol 153 that indicates the orientation of camera 31.

[0062] These can be fixedly provided in advance by being printed or engraved on the frame 101a, but may also be configured as, for example, a label 150 affixed to the frame 101a. In this way, it becomes possible to set the installation point after the fact and apply the remote maintenance service according to this embodiment to existing printing devices that were shipped without an installation point being clearly indicated.

[0063] For example, when installing the imaging unit 3 at installation point Pa during maintenance work, the operator can accurately install the imaging unit 3 at installation point Pa by aligning the clamp unit 322 with the marker 151 identified by the letter symbol 152 "A," as shown in FIG. 7(b), and fixing the clamp unit 322 so that the camera 31 faces the direction indicated by the arrow symbol 153. This prevents a decrease in work efficiency due to installing the imaging unit 3 in an inappropriate position or direction. Furthermore, the engineer only needs to instruct the operator on which installation point the imaging unit 3 should be installed. Therefore, even a user without detailed knowledge of the equipment can function as an operator in charge of maintenance work.

[0064] Figure 8 shows the relationship between the position of the head unit and the installation point during maintenance work. As shown in Figure 8, each print head 130 is exposed when doors 102a and 102b covering opening 110 are opened, and can be pulled out in the (-X) direction, and ultimately the print head 130 is pulled out from opening 110 into external space. In this state, maintenance work on the print head 130 is possible.

[0065] When the imaging unit 3 is attached to the frame 101a at installation point Pa, the camera 31 is installed so that it faces upward, i.e., has an imaging field of view above. Therefore, the camera 31 can capture images of the lower part of the pulled-out print head 130. On the other hand, for installation point Pb, the imaging unit 3 is attached to the frame 101b so that the camera 31 faces downward, i.e., has an imaging field of view below. Installation point Pb is located directly above the print head 130 furthest to the (+Y) side of the four print heads 130 facing the opening 110. Therefore, at this time, the camera 31 of the imaging unit 3 can capture images of the upper part of that print head 130 from a close distance. The other installation points Pc to Pe on the frame 101b are also located at positions where they can capture images of the other print heads 130 that are installed facing the opening 110 from above.

[0066] Meanwhile, although hidden in the figure, the installation point Pf is set at a position where the imaging unit 3 can capture an image of the maintenance section 139 that is provided below the print head 130 in each head unit 13. In other words, the installation point Pf is provided for the purpose of capturing an image of the maintenance section 139 for maintenance work on the maintenance section 139. In this way, installation points can be set according to the target and purpose of the maintenance work.

[0067] 8, when the imaging unit 3 is attached to any of the installation points, the imaging unit 3 is disposed so as to protrude outward from the frame 101 that is exposed when the doors 102a and 102b are opened. Therefore, when an attempt is made to close the doors 102a and 102b with the imaging unit 3 attached, the operation is restricted by the imaging unit 3. In other words, when the imaging unit 3 is attached to any of the installation points, the doors 102a and 102b cannot be closed.

[0068] The printing device 1 is provided with an interlock mechanism 14, which does not allow printing to be performed unless the doors 102a and 102b are completely closed. This prohibits printing with the imaging unit 3 attached, and also prevents the problem of operating the printing device 1 while forgetting to remove the imaging unit 3. This allows the operator to perform maintenance work safely. Note that it is not necessary for all installation points to meet this condition.

[0069] If the imaging unit 3 is properly installed at the installation point and images can be captured and shared with engineers in remote locations, even users who do not have specialized knowledge of the equipment can act as operators who actually access the equipment and perform maintenance work.

[0070] If maintenance work is entirely left to engineers dispatched from outside, for example, if a problem occurs in the printing device 1 and printing processing stops, even if the problem is minor, printing processing cannot be resumed until the engineer arrives and takes measures. If users could take measures to resolve the problem themselves, this type of downtime could be significantly reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, by having users take on part of the maintenance work in this way, the frequency of dispatching engineers can be reduced, which can also reduce maintenance costs. Even if a remote maintenance service is provided, it is expected that users will become less reliant on the service as they become familiar with the work by performing it several times. This will further reduce maintenance costs.

[0072] In fact, some services are now being offered to support users in performing maintenance work, for example by allowing users to take images of equipment using a mobile phone with an image capture function and send them to a remote service engineer who can then communicate with the user and provide operational instructions while viewing the images.However, there are problems with this approach, such as the difficulty of accurately instructing users who do not have detailed knowledge on the location where the image should be taken, making it difficult to obtain the images necessary for the work.

[0073] In the printing system 10 of this embodiment, an installation point for attaching the imaging unit 3 is set in advance on the printing device 1. By attaching the imaging unit 3 to the set installation point, the position and posture of the imaging unit 3 are stabilized, making it possible to reliably acquire images necessary for smooth maintenance work.

[0074] Furthermore, there is a concern that inadvertent image capture may result in the transmission of images that are not necessary for maintenance work, particularly images containing content that may affect the user's privacy. Such concerns may discourage users from performing maintenance work themselves. This poses an obstacle to reducing downtime and maintenance costs as described above. To address this issue, the printing system 10 of this embodiment takes the following measures.

[0075] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the concept of privacy protection in this embodiment. For example, if the imaging unit 3 is attached to installation point Pa, as shown in Figure 9(a), the camera 31 will capture an image of the print head 130 facing upward. In this case, the imaging field of view FV of the camera 31 will naturally include the print head 130, but other surrounding objects may also inevitably be included in the imaging field of view FV. This violates the user's privacy.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9(b), the image Im captured by the camera 31 includes an image of the print head 13 viewed from below. Furthermore, various objects in the user facility where the printing device 1 is installed may be reflected in the background region BG. Here, since the imaging unit 3 is attached to a predetermined installation point, the positional relationship between the camera 31 and the print head 130, which is the object to be imaged, is known in advance. Therefore, the area of ​​the image Im occupied by the print head 130 can also be determined in advance. Therefore, by extracting only the area of ​​the image Im occupied by the print head 130, information about the object to be imaged in the background region BG can be prevented from leaking.

[0077] 9(c), a mask M is prepared to cover the area of ​​the image Im that is necessary for the maintenance work, specifically the background area BG other than the area occupied by the print head 130, and only the processed image obtained by applying the mask M to the image Im captured by the camera 31 is transmitted to the outside. This prevents information that is not necessary for the maintenance work from leaking to the outside.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of installation points are prepared. Therefore, the area of ​​the image to be masked (mask setting area) needs to be different for each installation point. Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of installation points and the corresponding mask setting area are associated in advance and stored in the storage 23 as a mask setting table 232. Then, by referring to the mask setting table 232, a mask setting area corresponding to the installation point of the imaging unit 3 is selected and the image is masked. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0079] 10 is a flowchart showing image processing executed in the printing system. This image processing is realized by the CPU 21 of the user-side computer 2 executing the control program 231, and is executed mainly by the camera control unit 211 and image processing unit 212. This processing can be executed by connecting a camera to a computer device with a general hardware configuration. Therefore, the present invention can be embodied as a computer program that represents this processing procedure, or as a recording medium on which that program is recorded.

[0080] When the system recognizes that the camera 31 is connected (step S101), information about the installation point is acquired (step S102). It is desirable that the installation point of the imaging unit 3 is detected automatically, but it may also be instructed by an operator's input via the input unit 241. For example, a user interface can be provided in which a list of candidate installation points is displayed on the display unit 242, and the operator can select from among them.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, since the installation point of the imaging unit 3 is determined depending on the object of the maintenance work and the work content, the mask setting area may be indirectly determined by having the operator specify the object of the maintenance work or the work content. In this way, the CPU 21 can determine which of the multiple installation points the imaging unit 31 is attached to. Furthermore, in a mode in which an engineer instructs the operator from a remote location, the selected installation point may be notified to the user-side computer 2 by reflecting the results of the engineer's operation of the service-side computer 6. Based on the acquired information, the mask setting table 232 is referenced, and a mask setting area corresponding to the installation point is selected from the prepared areas (step S103).

[0082] The camera control unit 211 controls the camera 31 to start capturing images (step S104). When the image Im is acquired (step S105), the image processing unit 212 applies the selected mask M to the image Im to perform a masking process (step S106). As a result, information about the captured object that is unrelated to the maintenance work is erased from the image.

[0083] The processed image (processed image) is first displayed on the display unit 242 of the user-side computer 2 (step S107). This is not an essential requirement, but is a preferable measure in the sense that it allows the user to confirm that the image to be sent externally does not contain private information. When an operation input to allow the image to be sent is received from the operator (step S108), the processed image is further sent from the interface unit 24 to the service-side computer 6 as an output image via the Internet line IN (step S109). Thereafter, steps S105 to S109 are repeatedly executed until the maintenance work is completed and imaging is no longer necessary (step S110). However, step S108 may be omitted at this time.

[0084] During work, users feel uneasy if they cannot tell whether images are being sent externally. In the above process, images are not sent until the operator authorizes the transmission, and an image identical to the output image is displayed on the display unit 242 of the user-side computer 2, thereby eliminating such anxiety. Alternatively, or in addition, while the camera 31 is operating and capturing an image, or at least while the image captured by the camera 31 and masked by the image processing unit 212 is being transmitted, the pilot lamp 513 provided on the camera 31 may be lit to notify the user that image capturing is in progress. This allows the user to easily know whether an image is being transmitted.

[0085] In this way, the images processed by the user's computer 2 and sent via the Internet line IN are images from which information about the object being photographed that is unrelated to the maintenance work has been masked out, thereby preventing information that concerns the user's privacy and is unnecessary for the work from leaking to the outside.

[0086] The engineer can display the output image received via the Internet line IN on the display unit 642 of the computer 6 and observe the status of the printing device 1 located in a remote location. This image is also displayed on the display unit 242 on the user's side, and the operator and engineer can share the screen and communicate using mobile phones 4 and 7, allowing them to carry out maintenance work according to the status of the device.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating how maintenance work is carried out in a remote maintenance service. The remote maintenance service begins when a user of the printing device 1 requests support from an engineer at a remote location, such as a service center. The engineer interviews the user and confirms the details of the required maintenance work. If the work can be performed by the user, the engineer instructs the user on the work required for the user to perform the maintenance work themselves and the installation point where the imaging unit 3 should be attached for that purpose.

[0088] Hereinafter, the user will be the operator who actually performs the maintenance work on the printing device 1. Based on instructions from the engineer, the operator prepares for the work, including installing the imaging unit 3 at the specified installation point. When the operator confirms that the preparation work is complete (for example, step S108 in FIG. 10), the printing system 10 on the operator's side starts sending images to the support system 20 on the engineer's side.

[0089] The image transmitted at this time is an image captured by the camera 31 when the imaging unit 3 is attached at an installation point according to the work content, and furthermore, the image is an image from which any information related to the user's privacy has been erased. Therefore, the imaging field of view FV necessary for the maintenance work is secured, and information unrelated to the work is also excluded.

[0090] The engineer determines the status of the equipment from the images displayed on the display unit 642, and if a problem has occurred, instructs the operator on the work to resolve it. The operator performs the work according to the instructions. If necessary, conversations between the engineer and the operator and work based on those conversations are repeated. During this time, if the operator becomes confused about the work, the engineer can provide advice at any time to expedite the progress of the work.

[0091] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the image displayed on the display unit 242 of the user-side computer 2 and the image displayed on the display unit 642 of the service-side computer 6 are linked with each other with the same content, i.e., a so-called mirrored display. Specifically, for example, when an engineer moves a pointer on the screen by operating the input unit 641, the pointer can be displayed in the same position on the display unit 242 of the user-side computer 2.

[0092] In this way, the engineer can point out on the screen the part that the operator should pay attention to by operating the screen. This makes it possible to communicate more smoothly between the engineer and the operator. A similar function may also be implemented for the operator to direct the message to the engineer.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the imaging field of view FV and imaging magnification of the camera 31 may be changed by an engineer by remotely controlling the camera 31 via the Internet line IN. This allows for the engineer to, for example, enlarge and observe a specific portion of the original image, thereby enabling maintenance work to proceed more efficiently.

[0094] When this operation requires changing the mask setting area in the image, the mask M is changed each time. That is, even if the installation point where the imaging unit 3 is attached is the same, the mask applied may differ depending on the settings of the camera 31. Furthermore, even if the installation point is the same, the mask setting area may differ due to different purposes of the maintenance work.

[0095] In other words, the correspondence between installation points and mask setting areas is not necessarily one-to-one, and there may be cases where there are multiple candidate mask setting areas for one installation point. A mask setting table that corresponds to such cases can be one that associates installation points with the types of maintenance work to be performed by attaching the imaging unit 3 to those positions and the corresponding masks. As with installation points, the types of maintenance work can be instructed to the computer 2, for example, by a user's operational input.

[0096] When the engineer determines that the necessary work has been completed, he / she notifies the operator and instructs them to perform the necessary operations to end the work. In response, the operator removes the image capture unit 3 from the housing 100 and closes the door, allowing the printing process to resume.

[0097] As described above, the printing system 10 of this embodiment can transmit images of the printing device 1 taken by the camera 31 to the outside via the Internet line IN. This allows an engineer in a remote location to receive the images, share them with an operator, and carry out maintenance work while communicating with them.

[0098] The problem of the field of view of the image captured by the operator being unstable when instructed from a remote location is addressed by setting the installation points of the imaging unit 3 in advance in the printing device 1. That is, the position and orientation of the imaging unit 3 at each installation point are clearly indicated, and the engineer can tell the operator which installation point to use. In this way, even an operator without specialized knowledge can install the imaging unit 3 in the correct position and orientation. This makes it possible to reliably capture images of the areas to be captured that are necessary for the work.

[0099] Furthermore, the problem of transmitting images of objects not necessary for the work, especially information related to the user's privacy, is addressed by image processing that applies a mask M that is predefined for each installation point. In other words, content not necessary for the maintenance work is masked from the captured images, and the masked images are transmitted to external engineers. This prevents information related to the user's privacy from leaking to the outside.

[0100] In this embodiment, an installation point is set in advance as the installation position of the imaging unit 3, and once the installation position is determined, the imaging field of view FV of the camera 31 is specified, so it is possible to set in advance the area to be masked according to the installation point. If there are multiple installation points, by setting a mask setting area individually for each, it is possible to perform optimal mask processing according to the installation position of the imaging unit 3.

[0101] The areas of the image to be masked can be predefined for each installation point as described above, but may also be user-configurable. For example, a function may be provided in which, while an image captured by the imaging unit 3 attached to one of the installation points is displayed on the display unit of the user-side computer 2, the user can specify the areas of the image to be masked via the input unit 241. This allows the level of privacy protection to be tailored to the user's wishes.

[0102] By sharing the optimal image for the purpose of the maintenance work and giving instructions from a remote engineer to the operator operating the printing device 1, the operator can perform the work accurately even if he or she does not have detailed knowledge of the structure of the printing device 1. As a result, with this printing system 10, even if printing processing stops due to some kind of abnormality, the user can perform the maintenance work themselves and quickly resolve the abnormality. This reduces the downtime the device is unavailable and, in the long term, reduces the costs required for maintenance services.

[0103] It is expected that as users gain experience performing maintenance work themselves and become proficient in the operations, they will be able to perform maintenance work without the assistance of a service engineer in the future. This will enable users to minimize downtime by having them handle minor problems, and have service engineers handle only those problems that are difficult to handle. This will reduce the workload of service engineers and also reduce maintenance costs.

[0104] Of the maintenance tasks generally required for this type of printing device, those that are relatively simple and low risk and that can be performed by the user include, for example, replacing the print head 130, adjusting the drying unit 126, checking the nozzle surface of the print head 130, and checking for dirt on the nozzle caps in the maintenance unit 139. Depending on the object and purpose of these tasks, installation points can be set for each so that the information needed for the task can be obtained from the captured images.

[0105] As explained above, in the above embodiment, the printing device 1 corresponds to the "printing device" of the present invention, and the conveying unit 12, head unit 13, drying unit 126, etc. collectively correspond to the "printing mechanism" of the present invention. Also, the housing 100 corresponds to the "housing" of the present invention, and the doors 102a and 102b correspond to the "doors" of the present invention. Also, the frame 101 corresponds to the "exposed portion" of the present invention.

[0106] Furthermore, the imaging unit 3 and the image processing unit 212 function as the "imaging unit" and "image processing unit" of the present invention, respectively, and the interface unit 24 functions as the "communication unit" of the present invention. Furthermore, the display unit 242 functions as the "display unit" of the present invention. Furthermore, the interlock mechanism 14 functions as the "interlock mechanism" of the present invention. Furthermore, the pilot lamp 313 provided on the camera 31 functions as the "alarm" of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the multiple head units 13 and the drying unit 126 is an example of the "processing unit" of the present invention.

[0107] The printing device 1, the user computer 2, and the imaging unit 3 together constitute the "printing system" of the present invention. The user computer 2 and the imaging unit 3 together constitute the "maintenance system" of the present invention. The mobile phones 4 and 7 correspond to the "pair of communication devices" of the present invention. The input unit 641 and the display unit 642 in the support system 20 function as the "input device" and the "external display device," respectively. The printing system 10 and the support system 20 together constitute the "remote maintenance system for printing devices" of the present invention. The remote maintenance service shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the "remote maintenance method" of the present invention. Step S106 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the "secrecy processing" of the present invention.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the positions of the installation points Pa to Pf are indicated by visual information such as markers attached to the frame 101, etc. Instead of this, the following aspects are also possible.

[0109] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing other configuration examples of the installation point. Note that installation point Pa is taken as an example here, but the same can be applied to other installation points. In the example shown in FIG. 12(a), a bracket 155 is attached in advance to installation point Pa on frame 101a as a "holding member" that holds image capture unit 3a. An engagement portion 324 provided on the image capture unit 3a side in place of clamp portion 32 engages with bracket 155, thereby fixing image capture unit 3a at a predetermined position relative to frame 101a.

[0110] 12(b), a positioning pin 326 provided on the clamp portion 32b of the imaging unit 3b engages with a hole 156 provided at the installation point Pa, thereby fixing the imaging unit 3b to a predetermined position relative to the frame 101a. In other words, the hole 156 provided in the frame 101a functions as the "engagement portion" of the present invention.

[0111] These configurations make it difficult to attach the imaging unit to a location other than the installation point, reducing the risk of the imaging unit being attached in an inappropriate position. Furthermore, the position and posture of the imaging unit when attached can be more accurately reproduced. Even in these cases, it is desirable to also include character symbols 157 to distinguish each installation point from the others.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, the user (operator) operating the printing device 1 and the service engineer in a remote location communicate using a mobile phone. However, if the operator and engineer can communicate using a function that allows voice communication along with images via the Internet line IN, for example, a mobile phone is not necessarily required. In this case, the computers 2 and 6 that handle the voice communication function via the Internet line IN function as the "communication device" of the present invention. Furthermore, by using Internet telephony, a telephone line can be eliminated. Furthermore, the "communication line" of the present invention is not limited to an Internet line, and various types of communication lines, such as a telephone line, can be used.

[0113] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the functions of the camera control unit and image processing unit are realized by installing the control program 231 in the user-side computer 2. However, these functions may be installed in the control unit 11 of the printing device 1. In that case, a separate computer device is not necessarily required on the user side. Also, as described above, the functions of the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 may be integrated into the user-side computer 2.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, not only is the image transmitted from the printing system 10 to the support system 20 masked, but the image displayed on the user's display unit 242 is also masked. While this is preferable in terms of sharing images between the operator and the engineer, privacy protection measures are not necessarily required on the user (operator) side. For this reason, the image before masking may be displayed on the user's display unit 242. Also, for example, when adjusting the camera position, an unmasked image may be displayed to improve workability, while a masked image may be displayed after adjustment to share with the engineer. In any case, it is necessary to prevent unmasked images from being transmitted to the outside.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the secrecy processing performed on an area of ​​the image captured by the camera 31 that is not required for maintenance work as a target area is a masking process that shields the target area. However, from the viewpoint of privacy protection, any process that irreversibly reduces the visibility of the captured object in the target area to the extent that it cannot be identified may be used. For example, well-known mosaic processing, blurring processing, etc. may be performed as the secrecy processing.

[0116] For example, in the remote maintenance service of the above embodiment, the entire maintenance work is carried out through dialogue between the operator and the engineer. However, for example, for routine tasks, guidance may be provided by a tutorial function executed by the printing device 1 or the user's computer 2.

[0117] For example, if it has been determined which processing unit requires maintenance work, the user can be guided, without waiting for instructions from an engineer, by using a tutorial function that includes a graphic display as needed, as to which installation point to attach the imaging unit 3. This allows maintenance work to begin immediately after communication with the engineer is established, further improving work efficiency.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, although the printing device 1 in the above embodiment performs printing using an inkjet method, the printing method is not limited to this and can be any method. For example, the same remote maintenance service as described above can also be implemented for electrophotographic printing devices. Furthermore, the printing target is not limited to a continuous web as described above, but can also be, for example, sheet-like recording paper. Furthermore, the transport mode is not limited to roller transport as described above, but can also be another transport method, such as belt transport.

[0119] As described above with reference to specific embodiments, in the printing system according to the present invention, for example, at least a portion of the housing is a door that can be opened and closed, and at least one installation point may be provided in an exposed portion of the housing that is covered by the door when it is closed and exposed when it is open. With this configuration, the imaging unit is attached only when maintenance work is being performed, eliminating the user's concern that images may be constantly being transmitted.

[0120] In this case, an interlock mechanism may be further provided that allows operation of the printing mechanism when the door is closed but restricts operation of the printing mechanism when the door is open, and that restricts the closing of the door when an imaging unit is attached to the exposed portion. With this configuration, the door cannot be closed when the imaging unit is attached, and the interlock mechanism is activated, preventing the printing mechanism from operating during maintenance work. This also prevents the operational error of forgetting to remove the imaging unit.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, a display unit may be further provided that displays an image containing the same content as the output image. With this configuration, the person operating the printing device and the person issuing instructions at a remote location can share the same image, making it possible to more smoothly carry out maintenance work that involves interaction between the two parties.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, an input unit may be further provided to receive an input for specifying one of the installation points at which the imaging unit is to be attached. In order to determine the target area to be confidentialized, the image processing unit needs to know at which installation point the imaging unit is to be attached. By providing the input unit, it becomes possible to receive such information from the user.

[0123] For example, the housing may be provided with visual information that visually indicates each installation point to the user. With this configuration, the user can identify the installation points based on the visual information. This allows the user to properly install the imaging unit.

[0124] Alternatively or additionally, for example, each of the installation points may be provided with a holding member that holds the imaging unit in a predetermined orientation, or with an engagement portion that determines the orientation of the imaging unit by engaging with at least a part of the imaging unit. With such a configuration, the positions at which the imaging unit can be attached are mechanically limited, thereby preventing the imaging unit from being attached in an inappropriate position or orientation.

[0125] For example, the printing mechanism may have at least one processing unit that is subject to maintenance by the user, and may be configured so that the processing unit is included in the imaging field of view of an imaging unit attached to one of multiple installation points. With this configuration, maintenance work on the processing unit can be performed using an image that includes the processing unit in the imaging field of view. Examples of such processing units include a print head that prints by ejecting ink from nozzles and a drying unit that dries ink that has adhered to the print medium.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, if the imaging field of view of the imaging unit attached to at least one installation point can be changed, it is preferable to set a target area for each imaging field of view. Even if the imaging units are attached to the same installation point, if the imaging fields of view are different, the area in the image to be confidentially processed will change. Changing the target area accordingly makes it possible to more reliably protect the user's privacy.

[0127] Furthermore, as a confidentiality process, it is possible to apply a masking process that masks the target area, a mosaic process for the target area, a blurring process for the target area, etc. By using these processes, it is possible to make the imaged object in the target area unidentifiable, that is, to make it invisible.

[0128] Furthermore, for example, the imaging unit may have an alarm that notifies the user that imaging is in progress. By explicitly indicating that imaging is in progress by the alarm, it is possible to alleviate the user's anxiety that the image may be transmitted at an undesired time.

[0129] In addition, in the remote maintenance system for a printing device according to the present invention, it is preferable that one of the pair of communication devices is located together with the printing system and the other is located together with the external display device. With this configuration, the operator who actually performs the maintenance work on the printing system and the person at the remote location who gives instructions by viewing the images transmitted to the external display device can communicate via the communication devices as the work progresses.

[0130] For example, the printing system may further include a display unit that displays an image containing the same content as the output image. With this configuration, the operator and the person giving instructions at a remote location can share the same image, allowing for smoother maintenance work that involves interaction between the two.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, an input device that is operated integrally with the external display device and accepts human operation may be further provided. In this case, operation input to the input device may enable operation of the image displayed on the display unit via the communication unit. Alternatively, operation input to the input device may enable operation of the imaging unit via the communication unit. By providing a function for remotely operating some of the functions of the printing system in this way, for example, a skilled technician may directly operate the printing system in place of an operator with little knowledge, allowing maintenance work to proceed efficiently.

[0132] Furthermore, in the remote maintenance method for a printing device according to the present invention, for example, a setting point may be set for each type of maintenance work to be performed by an operator. The type of maintenance work will require different objects to be imaged, different imaging fields, etc. By setting a setting point for each type of maintenance work, it becomes possible to provide a remote maintenance service using images for those maintenance works. [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] The present invention is applicable to various printing devices, and is particularly suitable for industrial printing devices that require maintenance work by service engineers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Printing device (printing system) 2. User computer (printing system, maintenance system) 3. Imaging unit (printing system, maintenance system) 4,7 Mobile phone (one pair of communication devices) 10. Cabinet 12 Conveyor 13 Head Unit 14 Interlock mechanism 24 Interface section (communication section) 100 Printing Systems 101 Frame (exposed area) 102a, 102b Doors 126 Drying section (processing unit, printing mechanism) 130 Print head (processing unit, printing mechanism) 200 Support System 212 Image processing section 242 Display section 313 Pilot lamp (alarm) 641 Input section (input device) 642 Display section (external display device)

Claims

1. a printing device having a printing mechanism that executes a printing process and a housing that houses the printing mechanism; an imaging unit that is detachable from the housing; an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image captured by the imaging unit; a communication unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to the outside via a communication line; Equipped with the housing is provided in advance with a plurality of installation points set as positions for attaching the imaging unit; the image processing unit performs, as the image processing, a secrecy process for making an object to be imaged in a target area invisible, the target area being a partial area of ​​the image captured by the imaging unit; the target area is individually set in advance corresponding to each of the installation points, The communication unit outputs the image after the confidentiality processing as an output image.

2. At least a part of the housing is a door that can be opened and closed freely, The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the installation points is provided in an exposed portion of the housing that is covered by the door when the door is closed and that is exposed when the door is open.

3. The printer further includes an interlock mechanism that allows operation of the printing mechanism when the door is closed, and restricts operation of the printing mechanism when the door is open, The printing system according to claim 2 , wherein the image capturing unit restricts the closing movement of the door when the image capturing unit is attached to the exposed portion.

4. The printing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays an image containing the same content as the output image.

5. The printing system according to claim 1 , further comprising an input unit that receives an input for specifying one of the plurality of installation points at which the imaging unit is to be attached.

6. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is provided with visual information that visually indicates each of the installation points to a user.

7. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the installation points is provided with a holding member that holds the imaging unit in a predetermined position.

8. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the installation points is provided with an engagement portion that determines the attitude of the imaging unit by engaging with at least a part of the imaging unit.

9. the printing mechanism has at least one processing unit that is subject to user maintenance; The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is included in an imaging field of view of the imaging unit attached to any one of the plurality of installation points.

10. The printing system according to claim 9 , wherein the printing mechanism includes a print head as the processing unit, the print head performing printing by ejecting ink from nozzles.

11. The printing system according to claim 9 , wherein the printing mechanism includes, as the processing unit, a drying section that dries ink that has adhered to the print medium.

12. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging field of view of the imaging unit attached to at least one of the installation points can be changed and set, and the target area is set for each imaging field of view.

13. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the confidentiality processing includes a masking process for masking the target area, a mosaic process for the target area, or a blurring process for the target area.

14. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the image capturing unit includes an alarm that notifies a user that image capturing is being performed.

15. 1. A maintenance system for a printing device, comprising: An imaging unit; an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image captured by the imaging unit; a communication unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to the outside via a communication line; Equipped with the imaging unit is detachably attachable to a plurality of installation points provided in advance on a housing of the printing device; the image processing unit performs, as the image processing, a secrecy process for making an object to be imaged in a target area invisible, the target area being a partial area of ​​the image captured by the imaging unit; the target area is individually set in advance corresponding to each of the installation points, The communication unit outputs the image after the secrecy processing as an output image.

16. On the computer device, acquiring an image captured by an imaging unit; acquiring information for identifying one of a plurality of installation points provided in advance in the printing device at which the imaging unit was installed when the image was acquired; determining the target area in the image based on the information and a table associating each of the plurality of installation points with a corresponding target area in the image; a step of performing a secrecy process on the image to make the imaged object in the target area invisible; outputting the image after the confidentiality processing to the outside via a communication line; A computer program that executes

17. A computer-readable recording medium having the computer program according to claim 16 recorded thereon.

18. The printing system of claim 1 ; an external display device that is located remotely from the printing system and that displays the output image transmitted from the communication unit via the communication line; A pair of communication devices that can communicate with each other A remote maintenance system for a printing device, comprising:

19. 20. The remote maintenance system for a printing device of claim 18, wherein one of the pair of communicators is located with the printing system and the other is located with the external display device.

20. 20. The remote maintenance system for a printing device according to claim 18, wherein the printing system further comprises a display unit that displays an image containing the same content as the output image.

21. an input device that is operated integrally with the external display device and that accepts human operations; 19. The remote maintenance system for a printing device according to claim 18, wherein an image displayed on the display unit can be operated via the communication unit by operating the input device.

22. 22. The printing device remote maintenance system according to claim 21, wherein the imaging unit can be operated via the communication unit by operation input to the input device.

23. 1. A remote maintenance method for a printing device having a printing mechanism that executes a printing process and a housing that houses the printing mechanism, comprising: The printing system according to claim 1 and an external display device, which are located remotely from each other, are communicably connected via the communication line; displaying the output image transmitted from the communication unit via the communication line on the external display device; A remote maintenance method for a printing device, in which an instructor who can access the external display device and an operator who can access the printing system communicate with each other via a communication device, and the operator performs maintenance work on the printing system.

24. 24. The remote maintenance method for a printing device according to claim 23, wherein the installation point is set for each type of maintenance work that the operator is to perform.

Images