Printer management method, printer management system, and program

Abstract

To provide a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program that can provide a printer service to a user through simple management. [Solution] A printer management method for managing a printer 12 that prints an image 44 on a medium 42 based on print data includes a first step in which a derivation unit 30 derives a print area value, which is the area printed on the medium 42 by the printer 12; a second step in which a comparison unit 32 compares the print area value derived by the derivation unit 30 with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management unit 34 manages the printer 12 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 32.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, subscription services, in which users pay a fixed monthly fee or similar charge, have become widely popular.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that in a fixed-price printing service using a printer, recording information relating to recording processing when a fixed-price consumables delivery service is executed is stored in a storage unit of the printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-193592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a fixed-price consumables delivery service for printers used in offices and other settings, the consumables, such as paper, are standardized in sizes like A4 and B5, as defined by standards such as JIS (Japan Industrial Standards). Therefore, it is easy to implement a subscription service for printers based on the number of pages printed by the user.

[0006] On the other hand, industrial printing paper and large-format printers do not print on standard-sized paper as described above, but rather on various sizes of paper or non-paper recording media. Therefore, managing consumables is complicated, making it difficult to implement subscription services based on the number of pages printed.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program that can provide printer services to users through simple management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A printer management method according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printer management method for printing an image on a recording medium based on print data, comprising: a first step in which a derivation means derives a print area value, which is the area printed on the recording medium by the printer; a second step in which a comparison means compares the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means. With this configuration, printer services can be provided to users with simple management by using the comparison result between the print area value and a preset setting value.

[0009] In the printer management method, the print area value may be the area value of a single planar area that surrounds the entire print area on the recording medium. With this configuration, the print area value can be easily derived, and the printer usage status by users can be easily managed.

[0010] In the printer management method described above, the print area value may be the sum of the area values ​​of one or more planar regions surrounding each individual image printed on the recording medium. With this configuration, the print area value can be easily derived, and the printer usage status by the user can be easily managed.

[0011] In the printer management method, the deriving unit may display the planar area on a display. With this configuration, the user can easily check the printing area that is the target of the service.

[0012] In the printer management method, the print area value may be an area value of an ink ejection region that forms an image on the recording medium. With this configuration, the print area value can be derived more accurately, and the printer usage status by the user can be easily managed.

[0013] In the printer management method described above, the print area value may be derived based on the amount of recording medium used. This configuration allows for easy derivation of the print area value and easy management of the user's printer usage.

[0014] In the printer management method described above, the user may be presented with an arrangement of the image that results in a smaller planar area. This configuration makes it possible to suppress an increase in the value of the print area to be serviced.

[0015] In the printer management method described above, the management means may stop the printer if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing to the recording medium is in progress. This configuration prevents an increase in the print area value subject to service.

[0016] In the printer management method described above, if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing is being performed on the recording medium, the management unit may stop the printer after printing on the recording medium is completed. With this configuration, the user can obtain the printed material even if the print area value exceeds the set value.

[0017] In the printer management method, the deriving unit may derive the print area value as the sum of the area already printed on the recording medium and the area to be printed on the recording medium, and the comparing unit may compare the sum with the set value. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the print area value exceeds the set value before printing.

[0018] In the printer management method, if the total value exceeds the set value while printing is being performed on the recording medium, the management unit may notify the user before the printer performs printing. With this configuration, the user can recognize whether the print area value will exceed the set value before printing.

[0019] In the printer management method, the management unit may notify the user of the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value. With this configuration, the user can recognize the remaining printing area value until the set value is reached.

[0020] In the printer management method, the management unit may notify the user when the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value, reaches a predetermined value. With this configuration, the user can recognize that the print area value has reached the desired remaining area value.

[0021] In the printer management method, the printer operations that are not included in the calculation of the print area value may be set in advance. With this configuration, the printer operations that are not included in the calculation of the print area value are set in advance, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0022] In the printer management method, the printer operation may be a print operation in which a print error caused by the printer occurs. According to this configuration, by setting the printer operation to be excluded from the service, user satisfaction is increased.

[0023] In the printer management method, the printer may be a plurality of printers, the deriving means derives the sum of the print area values ​​of the plurality of printers, and the comparing means compares the sum with the set value. With this configuration, when a plurality of printers are subject to the service, the sum of the print area values ​​of the plurality of printers is compared with the set value, so that the user can receive the service without having to worry about the print area value and set value of a printer that is used most frequently.

[0024] In the printer management method, the deriving means may be provided in at least one of an information processing device used by a user and the printer. According to this configuration, the information processing device is a terminal device operated by a user that is capable of sending and receiving data to and from the printer, and the printer can be managed together with this information processing device and the printer.

[0025] In the above printer management method, if the print area value is equal to or less than the set value, a flat rate is charged, and if the print area value exceeds the set value, a charge may be made according to the print area value that exceeds the set value.

[0026] In the above printer management method, charges may be made according to the print area value.

[0027] A printer management method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a printer management method for a printer that creates a molded object based on three-dimensional data, comprising: a first step in which a derivation means derives a molded volume value, which is the volume of the molded object created by the printer; a second step in which a comparison means compares the molded volume value derived by the derivation means with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means. With this configuration, printer services can be provided to users with simple management by using the comparison result between the molded volume value and a preset setting value.

[0028] In the printer management method, the object-forming volume value may be a value obtained by multiplying the base area of ​​a three-dimensional region surrounding one or more of the objects by the height of the object. This configuration makes it possible to easily derive the object-forming volume value and easily manage the printer usage status by a user.

[0029] In the printer management method, the object volume value may be the sum of values ​​obtained by multiplying the base areas of one or more three-dimensional regions surrounding each of the objects by the heights of the objects. This configuration makes it possible to easily derive the print area value and easily manage the printer usage by the user.

[0030] In the printer management method, the object-forming volume value may be an area onto which material is discharged to form the object. This configuration makes it possible to derive the object-forming volume value more accurately, and to easily manage the printer usage status by the user.

[0031] A third aspect of the printer management system of the present invention is a management system for a printer that prints an image on a recording medium based on print data, and includes a derivation means that derives a print area value, which is the area that the printer has printed on the recording medium, a comparison means that compares the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset setting value, and a management means that manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a printer management system for managing a printer that forms a model based on three-dimensional data, and includes: a derivation unit that derives a modeling volume value, which is the volume of the model formed by the printer; a comparison unit that compares the modeling volume value derived by the derivation unit with a preset value; and a management unit that manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison unit.

[0033] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a first step in which a derivation means derives a print area value, which is the area printed on a recording medium by a printer that prints an image on the recording medium based on print data; a second step in which a comparison means compares the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means.

[0034] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a first step in which a derivation means derives a modeling volume value, which is the volume of a model formed by a printer that forms a model based on three-dimensional data; a second step in which a comparison means compares the modeling volume value derived by the derivation means with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The present invention aims to provide a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program that can provide printer services to users through simple management. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the printer service system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the server related to the printer service of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing print areas in the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a bounding box that surrounds the entire job as the print area, and (B) shows bounding boxes that surround individual images as the print area. [Figure 4] This figure shows the printing area of ​​the first embodiment, where (A) represents the ejection area of ​​each image as the printing area, and (B) represents the amount of media used as the printing area. [Figure 5] This figure shows the layout advice for the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the printing process flow of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the printer service system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the volume of a formed object according to the second embodiment, in which (A) shows a bounding box that surrounds the entire job as the volume of the formed object, and (B) shows a bounding box that surrounds each individual object as the volume of the formed object. [Figure 9] This figure shows the amount of ink used to form the molded object as the volume of the molded object in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] (First embodiment) A printer service system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic overall view of the printer service system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0038] The printer service system 10 includes a printer 12, a dealer terminal 14, user terminals 16A and 16B, and a server 18. In this embodiment, the printer service system 10 is operated by a dealer who acts as an administrator, and the dealer rents out the printer 12 to users under specified contractual conditions, and the users use the printer 12. The specified contractual conditions are, for example, a subscription contract (hereinafter referred to as a "subscription contract") in which the user pays a fixed monthly fee to the dealer.

[0039] That is, the subscription contract of this embodiment is a contract in which a dealer rents a printer 12 to a user for a fixed fee for a specified period of time, and the printer service system 10 of this embodiment executes a printer management method. Note that, while the dealer and user are, for example, corporations, they are not limited to this and may also be individuals.

[0040] As an example, the printer 12 is a printing device (2D printer) that prints on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as "media") based on print data sent from the user terminals 16A and 16B. The printer 12 is owned by a dealer, but is rented to a user based on a subscription contract and installed, for example, at the user's business premises. As an example, the printer 12 of this embodiment is a large-sized industrial printer that prints on large-sized media that is not included in standards such as JIS. The media may be paper or a flat material other than paper. As an example, the printer 12 is an inkjet printer that forms an image on the media by moving an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the media relative to the media.

[0041] The dealer terminal 14 is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet, and is capable of communicating with the server 18 and the printer 12. The dealer terminal 14 has software (hereinafter referred to as "dealer software") installed for various settings related to printer services and for checking the usage status of the printer 12 that has been lent to the user.

[0042] Server 18 manages various information based on subscription contracts between dealers and users, analyzes the usage status of printers 12 by users, and provides service information based on the analysis results. Server 18 can communicate with dealer terminals 14, user terminals 16A, and other information processing devices.

[0043] The user terminals 16A and 16B are information processing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. The user terminal 16A is capable of communicating with the server 18 and the printer 12 rented to the user.

[0044] User terminal 16A has software installed for using the printer service (hereinafter referred to as "user software"). The user software acquires various information regarding the operating status of printer 12 and sends it to server 18. Communication is possible between user terminal 16B and user terminal 16A.

[0045] User terminal 16B generates print data and sends it to printer 12. In this embodiment, user terminal 16B is, for example, equipped with RIP (Raster Image Processor) software for converting print data into a raster image. Note that there may be more than one user terminal 16B. Also, user terminal 16A may generate print data for printer 12 and send it to printer 12.

[0046] The printer service of this embodiment derives a print area value, which is the area of ​​the media printed by the printer 12, and compares the derived print area value with a preset setting value. The setting value is, in other words, a threshold value for managing the printer 12 based on the print area value. The printer service then manages the printer 12 based on the comparison result.

[0047] Managing the printer 12 means, for example, stopping the printer 12 if the print area value exceeds a set value, or allowing the printer 12 to print even if the set value is exceeded if the user continues to pay. That is, the printer service of this embodiment, for example, charges a flat rate when the print area value is equal to or less than a set value, and charges (pay-per-use) according to the print area value exceeding the set value when the print area value exceeds the set value. The flat rate is a monthly prepayment fee, and the pay-per-use fee is a postpayment fee according to the print area value exceeding the set value.

[0048] In this way, the printer service of this embodiment can provide the user with a printer service through simple management by using the results of comparing the print area value with a preset setting value.

[0049] 2 is a functional block diagram of the server 18 relating to the printer service of this embodiment. The server 18 includes a calculation unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 24.

[0050] The calculation unit 20 is a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and includes a derivation unit 30, a comparison unit 32, a management unit 34, a layout presentation unit 36, and a service information generation unit 38. The functions of the derivation unit 30, the comparison unit 32, the management unit 34, the layout presentation unit 36, and the service information generation unit 38 are realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit 22 provided in the server 18.

[0051] The derivation unit 30 derives the print area value, which is the area printed on the media by the printer 12.

[0052] The comparison unit 32 compares the print area value derived by the derivation unit 30 with a preset value.

[0053] The management unit 34 manages the printer 12 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 32 .

[0054] The layout presentation unit 36 ​​presents to the user an image layout that reduces the print area value (hereinafter referred to as "layout advice").

[0055] The service information generating unit 38 generates service information based on the usage of the printer 12 by the user.

[0056] The storage unit 22 stores programs for executing various processes related to printer services, as well as registration information for dealers, users, and the printer 12, and various other programs and data.

[0057] The communication unit 24 transmits and receives information to and from the dealer terminal 14, the user terminal 16A, and other information processing devices.

[0058] Next, derivation methods 1 to 4 for deriving a print area value by the derivation unit 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Both Figures 3 and 4 show, as an example, a case in which an image 44 is formed on a medium 42 placed on a table 40 (plotting surface). Specifically, the inkjet head of the printer 12 ejects ink based on image data while moving left and right (main scanning direction) across the medium 42, and the medium 42 moves in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

[0059] 3 and 4, the hatched triangular area is an example of an image 44 formed on the medium 42, and four triangles are formed on the medium 42 in one print job. The area value of the area surrounded by the dashed or dot-dash lines is the print area value derived by any of the first to fourth derivation methods. Which of the first to fourth derivation methods is used to derive the print area value may be predetermined in a subscription contract, for example, or may be selected depending on the timing of derivation of the print area value, as in the printing process described below with reference to FIG. 6. In the following description, when print data is used to derive the print area value, this print data may be print data converted to a raster image, or may be print data before or after conversion to a raster image.

[0060] (1st derivation method) As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second derivation methods use the area value of a bounding box 46, which is a planar area indicated by a dashed line, as the print area value. In other words, the area enclosed by the bounding box 46 is the subject of billing. In this embodiment, the bounding box 46 is a polygon, and examples of the bounding box 46 are rectangles such as squares, rectangles, or parallelograms. The shape of the bounding box 46 may be a circle, or may be a shape specified by the user to match the shape of the image 44.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3(A), the print area value calculated by the first derivation method is the area value of a single bounding box 46 that encloses the entire print area for the medium 42. The entire print area is, in other words, the entire print job. Therefore, if multiple images 44 are formed on the medium 42, the bounding box 46 will enclose all of the multiple images 44.

[0062] The area enclosed by the bounding box 46 is derived, for example, based on the print data. That is, the rectangular bounding box 46 is set so as to include the outermost positions of all images 44 represented by the print data. The print data is transmitted from the user terminal 16B or the printer 12 to the server 18 via the user terminal 16A. Note that when the print data is changed, the bounding box 46 shown in FIG. 3A also changes accordingly.

[0063] Furthermore, the area enclosed by the bounding box 46 may be derived based on, for example, image data obtained by photographing the printed medium 42. That is, the area of ​​the image 44 formed on the medium 42 is detected by performing image recognition on the photographed data, and the bounding box 46 is set so as to include the outermost position of all of the images 44. The camera that acquires the photographed data may be installed in the printer 12 or may be installed separately from the printer 12.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the derivation unit 30 displays the area enclosed by the bounding box 46 on a display to allow the user to confirm the printing area that will be charged. The display may be, for example, a display provided in the user terminal 16B or a display provided in the printer 12. For this purpose, the server 18 transmits image data showing the area enclosed by the bounding box 46 to the user terminal 16B or the printer 12 via the user terminal 16A.

[0065] (Second derivation method) As shown in FIG. 3(B), the print area value derived by the second derivation method is the sum of the area values ​​of one or more bounding boxes 46 that surround each individual image 44 printed on the medium 42. In the example of FIG. 3(B), a bounding box 46 is set for each of the four triangular images 44. The print area value is then the sum of the areas of the four bounding boxes 46. The print area value derived by the second derivation method is smaller than that derived by the first derivation method.

[0066] In the second derivation method, similar to the first derivation method, the area enclosed by the bounding box 46 is determined based on the print data or the photographed data. That is, the position and size of each image 44 are detected from the print data or the photographed data, and a rectangular bounding box 46 is set so as to include the outermost position of each image 44. The area enclosed by the bounding box 46 is also displayed on the display of the user terminal 16B or the printer 12.

[0067] (Third derivation method) The print area value calculated by the third derivation method is the area value of the ink ejection region that forms an image on the medium 42, as shown in Figure 4(A). As shown by the region 48 surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 4(A), in the third derivation method, the region where the image is formed is itself used as the print area value. For this reason, the third derivation method results in the smallest print area value compared to the other derivation methods.

[0068] The print area value using the third derivation method may be derived based on print data, for example. That is, the area where an image determined from the print data is formed corresponds to the ink ejection area. The print area value using the third derivation method may also be derived based on image data obtained by photographing the medium 42 on which printing has been performed, for example. Furthermore, the print area value using the third derivation method may be derived based on the ink ejection position in the main scanning direction by the inkjet head and the transport amount (feed width) of the medium 42 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0069] (4th derivation method) The print area value obtained by the fourth derivation method may be derived based on the amount of media 42 used, as shown in Figure 4(B).

[0070] The usage amount of the media 42 may be calculated based on, for example, the width of the media 42 and the transport distance of the media 42 in the sub-scanning direction, or the user may input the usage amount of the media 42. Furthermore, when the media 42 is placed on the table 40, the table 40 may be equipped with a sensor device such as an electrostatic sensor that detects the state of the electric field or a laser that detects the state of light transmission, and the size (horizontal and width lengths) of the media 42 placed on the table 40 may be detected by the sensor device.

[0071] (Generating layout advice) 5 is a diagram showing the content of layout advice provided by the layout presentation unit 36. Specifically, when multiple images 44 are printed on the medium 42 in one print job, the layout presentation unit 36 ​​presents to the user an arrangement of the images 44 that reduces the area enclosed by the bounding box 46. This allows the printer service of this embodiment to suppress an increase in the print area value that is subject to the service, i.e., the charge.

[0072] Fig. 5(A) is an example of layout advice corresponding to the first derivation method shown in Fig. 3(A), in which the triangle image 44 on the right side in Fig. 3(A) is turned upside down and moved to the left, which reduces the print area value enclosed by the bounding box 46 in the first derivation method.

[0073] Fig. 5(B) is an example of advice corresponding to the second derivation method shown in Fig. 3(B), in which the image 44 is moved in the same way as in Fig. 5(B), and the two triangles on the left and right are treated as a single image and surrounded by a bounding box 46. In the example of Fig. 5(B), the two triangle images 44 are close to each other, so they are recognized as a single image 44, and the two triangle images 44 are surrounded by a single bounding box 46.

[0074] Such layout advice is not appropriate when multiple images 44 are combined to form a single design or painting. However, it is suitable when the images 44 formed on the media 42 are cut out after printing.

[0075] The layout of the images 44 based on the layout advice is displayed on the display of the user terminal 16B or the printer 12. If the user thinks that the layout of the images 44 shown in the layout advice is appropriate, he or she operates an "OK" button or the like displayed on the display, which causes the printer 12 to print the images 44 on the medium 42 in the layout presented as the layout advice.

[0076] (Printer Management) Next, we will explain how the management unit 34 manages the printer 12.

[0077] In this embodiment, the management unit 34 temporarily stops the printer 12 if the print area value exceeds a set value, as an example. Two methods for managing the situation when the print area value exceeds the set value during printing are provided: a first stop process and a second stop process.

[0078] The first stop process stops the printer 12 if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing to media 42 is in progress. This prevents an increase in the print area value subject to service, and the user will not incur any additional charges.

[0079] The second stop process stops the printer 12 after printing on the medium 42 is completed if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing on the medium 42. As a result, even if the print area value exceeds the set value, the user can still obtain the printed matter, but a new charge will be incurred according to the print area value that exceeds the set value.

[0080] Whether to perform the first stop process or the second stop process is selected by the user. Therefore, if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing on the medium 42, a notification prompting the user to select either the first stop process or the second stop process is sent via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12. Also, whether to perform the first stop process or the second stop process may be set in advance.

[0081] Furthermore, the printer service system 10 of this embodiment may estimate, before printing, whether the print area value will exceed a set value. Therefore, the derivation unit 30 of this embodiment derives the print area value as the sum of the area already printed on the medium 42 and the area to be printed on the medium 42. The comparison unit 32 then compares the sum with the set value. Therefore, the storage unit 22 stores the print area value already printed on the medium 42 as a cumulative value.

[0082] If the total value exceeds the set value while printing on the medium 42, the management unit 34 notifies the user (alerts) before the printer 12 performs printing. The notification is given via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12, for example, by displaying the information on a screen, outputting sound or light, or a combination of display, sound, and light. This allows the user to know whether the print area value will exceed the set value before performing the planned printing. The user then selects whether or not to perform printing. If printing is performed, a new charge will be incurred according to the print area value that exceeds the set value.

[0083] The management unit 34 also notifies the user of the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total print area value and the set value. The remaining area value is notified via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12. This allows the user to know the remaining print area value until the set value is reached.

[0084] In addition, the management unit 34 notifies (alerts) the user when the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total print area value and a set value, reaches a preset value. The notification that the preset remaining area value has been reached is sent via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12. This allows the user to recognize that the print area value has reached the desired remaining area value. Note that with large printers like the printer 12 of this embodiment, some users print large areas at once, while others print large quantities of small areas. For this reason, user convenience is enhanced by notifying the user of the remaining area value desired by the user so that the printer 12 can be used by a variety of users.

[0085] (Printer operations not included in the print area calculation) In the printer service system 10 of this embodiment, operations of the printer 12 that are not subject to the derivation of the print area value are preset. In other words, by setting operations of the printer 12 that are not subject to the service, or in other words, charges, the user's satisfaction is increased.

[0086] An example of an operation of the printer 12 that is not subject to service is printing for the purpose of maintenance of the printer 12. Examples of printing for maintenance include printing to clean the nozzles of the inkjet head and printing to check the nozzles to detect nozzle malfunctions. These are not printing operations for forming a user-desired image 44 on the medium 42, and therefore are not subject to derivation of the print area value. Whether the printer 12 is performing the above-mentioned printing for maintenance can be determined, for example, based on the operating mode of the printer 12. In other words, if the printer 12 operates in a maintenance mode for cleaning the nozzles or checking the nozzles, the derivation unit 30 does not derive the print area value.

[0087] Furthermore, printer 12 operations that are not subject to the derivation of print area values ​​are printing errors caused by the printer 12. These printing errors include system errors that cause the printer 12 to stop (freeze) for some reason during printing, mechanical failures that cause the transport of the media 42 in the sub-scanning direction or the movement of the inkjet head in the main scanning direction to stop, clogged inkjet head nozzles or filters, and printing application problems such as RIP errors. If image formation on the media 42 stops midway due to such a printing error, the user will not be able to obtain the printed material. For this reason, prints that have such printing errors are not subject to the derivation of print area values.

[0088] The presence or absence of a printing error is determined, for example, by whether or not a printing error notification is received from printer 12, whether or not a printing completion notification is received from printer 12, or by printing error notifications obtained through big data analysis or AI analysis.

[0089] (If there are multiple printers covered by the contract) For example, a user may be leased multiple printers 12 from a dealer, such as when the user is a parent company and also contracts for printers 12 to be used by its subsidiary. Note that the multiple printers 12 do not necessarily have to be installed at the same business location of the user.

[0090] If a user is loaned multiple printers 12 by a dealer, the derivation unit 30 derives the total value of the print area values ​​of the multiple printers 12, and the comparison unit 32 compares the total value with the set value. The set value may be set according to the number of printers 12 loaned to the user. For example, if a user is loaned two printers A and B and printer A has a large remaining area and printer B has a small remaining area, printer B can use the remaining area of ​​printer A. This allows the user to receive service without having to worry about the print area value and set value of the printer 12 that is used most frequently.

[0091] Furthermore, if the multiple printers 12 include different models, the amount charged when the set value is exceeded may differ for each printer 12. In such cases, the amount charged may be the amount set for the cheapest printer 12, an average amount, or a separate contract regarding the amount charged may be concluded.

[0092] (Generating service information) The server 18 of this embodiment provides service information to the user using data related to printing by the printer 12 and other data. The service information is generated by the service information generation unit 38, and examples of the service information include maintenance timing information and consumable supply delivery information.

[0093] The maintenance timing information is information that indicates the timing of maintenance for the printer 12. The maintenance here refers to, for example, dispatching a worker to the user's business premises to perform maintenance on the printer 12. The service information generation unit 38 determines the timing of maintenance based on the cumulative operating time of the printer 12, the time elapsed since the previous maintenance, etc.

[0094] The consumables delivery information indicates the timing for delivering consumables used in the printer, such as ink and media 42, to the user. The service information generation unit 38 calculates the timing for delivering the consumables to the user by predicting the consumption amount of the consumables used in the printer 12. The consumables delivery information is then sent to a business that handles the consumables, and the business then delivers the consumables to the user.

[0095] (Printing process flow) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing in this embodiment.

[0096] First, in step 100, print data is sent from user terminal 16B to printer 12. Incidentally, if necessary, print data is sent to server 18 via user terminal 16A.

[0097] In the next step 102, the derivation unit 30 derives the print area value of the area to be printed. The derivation of the print area value in step 102 is an estimation of the print area value of the area to be printed, and is performed using the first derivation method, second derivation method, or fourth derivation method described above. The reason for this is that although the print area value derived using the third derivation method is the most accurate, it takes time to derive the print area value. On the other hand, the estimation of the print area value in step 102 indicates a rough estimate of the print area value of the area to be printed, and speed is more important than accuracy of the print area value. For this reason, it is preferable to derive the print area value using the first derivation method, second derivation method, or fourth derivation method, which can derive the print area value more quickly than the third derivation method.

[0098] In the next step 104, the derivation unit 30 reads the total value (cumulative value) of the printed area values ​​stored in the storage unit 22. The derivation unit 30 then adds the total value read from the storage unit 22 to the printed area value derived in step 102 to calculate a total value that takes into account the printed area value to be printed.

[0099] In the next step 106, the comparison unit 32 compares the total value calculated in step 104 with a preset value.

[0100] In the next step 108, the comparison unit 32 determines whether the total value is less than or equal to the set value. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 110; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 116.

[0101] In step 110, the printer 12 prints on the medium 42 based on the print data.

[0102] In step 112, the derivation unit 30 derives the print area value actually printed on the medium 42. The derivation of the print area value by the derivation unit 30 in step 112 is performed using a third derivation method that can derive a more accurate print area value. Note that because deriving the print area value using the third derivation method takes time, the derivation of the print area value using the third derivation method may be performed in parallel with the printer 12 printing on the medium 42.

[0103] In the next step 114, a new total value is calculated by adding the total value (accumulated value) stored in the storage unit 22 to the print area value calculated in step 112. The new total value is stored in the storage unit 22, and the printing process ends.

[0104] In step 116, the management unit 34 notifies the user via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12 that the total value exceeds the set value.

[0105] In the next step 118, the management unit 34 determines whether a print instruction has been input from the user via the user terminal 16B or the printer 12, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the printer 12 does not perform printing, and the print process ends.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0107] For example, in the present embodiment, the derivation unit 30 is provided in the server 18, but this is not limiting, and the derivation unit 30 may be provided in at least one of the user terminal 16B and the printer 12. This makes it possible for the user terminal 16B and the printer 12 to manage the printer 12 even if they are unable to communicate with the server 18. The print area value derived by the user terminal 16B or the printer 12 is sent to and stored in the server 18 after communication with the server 18 becomes possible. The derivation unit 30 may also be provided in the user terminal 16A.

[0108] Furthermore, since the printer 12 is equipped with the derivation unit 30, the printer 12 derives the print area value based on the raster data, and therefore the print area value can be derived regardless of the manufacturer or type of RIP software installed in the user terminal 16B.

[0109] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a configuration in which the media 42 is a flat medium such as paper, it is not limited to this. For example, the media 42 may be cylindrical or conical, and the image 44 may be formed on its surface. In this case, the cylindrical or conical media 42 is placed on a rotating device, and the image 44 is formed by the printer 12 while it is rotating. In this configuration, the rotation speed of the media 42 is used as needed when deriving the print area value. Alternatively, the media 42 may be a three-dimensional object, and the image 44 may be formed on the surface of this three-dimensional object. When imaging a three-dimensional media 42 to derive the print area value, for example, the media 42 may be imaged from multiple directions using multiple cameras.

[0110] In this embodiment, a printer service configuration has been described in which a flat rate is charged when the print area value is below a set value, and when the print area value exceeds the set value, charges are made according to the print area value exceeding the set value (metered billing). However, the service is not limited to this configuration. For example, the printer service may be configured to charge according to the print area value (metered billing) rather than a flat rate. In this configuration, the user would set a value, for example, to prevent the cost required for the printer 12 from becoming excessive.

[0111] (Second embodiment) As shown in FIG. 7, the printer service system 10 of this embodiment manages a 3D printer 60 that forms a model based on three-dimensional data (hereinafter referred to as "modeling data").

[0112] The configuration of the printer service system 10 in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the printer 12 is replaced with a 3D printer 60, and the other configurations and functions are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the printer service in this embodiment manages the 3D printer 60 lent to the user based on the result of comparing the build volume value, which is the volume built by the 3D printer 60, with a set value.

[0113] Therefore, in the printer service of this embodiment, the derivation unit 30 derives a modeling volume value, which is the volume of the object modeled by the 3D printer 60, the comparison unit 32 compares the modeling volume value derived by the derivation unit 30 with a preset setting value, and the management unit 34 manages the 3D printer 60 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 32.

[0114] Next, methods 1 to 3 for deriving the build volume value by the derivation unit 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 show a build object 64 that is built on the table 62 of the 3D printer 60. As an example, the 3D printer 60 builds a build object 64 by layering ink, which is the material for the build object 64, by ejecting ink (ultraviolet-curable ink) that will be used as the material for the build object 64, while the inkjet head moves relative to the table 62 in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, based on the build data. The functions of the derivation unit 30 other than the function related to deriving the build volume value are the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, the 3D printer 60 can be of any type, including a 3D printer that builds a build object 64 by extruding a material such as resin filament or pellets, or a 3D printer that builds a build object 64 by using gypsum, resin powder, or metal powder as materials and UV curing or sintering them.

[0115] 8 and 9, the hatched cylinder is an example of the object 64, and two objects 64 with different heights are formed in one modeling job. The volume values ​​of the areas surrounded by dashed lines or dashed-dotted lines are the object volume values ​​derived by any of the first to third derivation methods. Which of the first to third derivation methods is used to derive the object volume value may be predetermined in a subscription contract, for example, or may be selected depending on the timing of derivation of the object volume value, as in the printing process described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0116] (1st derivation method) In the first and second derivation methods, the volume value of a bounding box 68, which is a three-dimensional area indicated by a dashed line as shown in FIG. 8, is used as the printing volume value. In other words, the area enclosed by the bounding box 68 is the subject of charging. In this embodiment, the bounding box 68 is a polyhedron such as a cube, but is not limited to this. The shape of the bounding box 68 may be a cylinder or a shape specified by the user to match the shape of the model 64. The printing volume value may also include the volume of support materials that support protruding portions and floating portions during modeling. In this case, the shape of the bounding box 68 includes the support materials. This allows the administrator to charge for the use of the support materials as well.

[0117] The volume value obtained by the first derivation method is the value obtained by multiplying the base area S of a bounding box 68 that surrounds one or more objects 64 by the height H of the objects 64, as shown in Figure 8(A). In this way, the bounding box 68 surrounds the entirety of one or more objects 64 included in a single printing job.

[0118] The bounding box 68 is derived, for example, based on the printing data. Specifically, the bottom surface of the bounding box 68 is set to include the outermost position of all the printed objects 64 indicated by the printing data. The height of the printed objects 64 indicated by the printing data is set as the height H of the bounding box 68. If the printing job includes multiple printed objects 64 and the heights of the multiple printed objects 64 are different, the height of the highest object may be used as the height H of the bounding box 68, or the average of the heights of the multiple printed objects 64 may be used as the height H of the bounding box 68.

[0119] Furthermore, the area enclosed by the bounding box 68 may, for example, be derived based on photographic data of a completed printed object 64. That is, by performing image recognition on the photographic data, the printed object 64 is detected, the bottom surface of the bounding box 68 is set to include the outermost position of all printed objects 64, and the height of the printed object 64 is set as the height H of the bounding box 68. The camera that acquires the photographic data may be installed on the 3D printer 60 or installed separately from the 3D printer 60.

[0120] Furthermore, the output unit 30 of this embodiment displays the area enclosed by the bounding box 68 on a display so that the user can confirm the build area subject to billing. The display is, for example, the display of the user terminal 16B or the display of the 3D printer 60. For this reason, the server 18 transmits image data indicating the area enclosed by the bounding box 68 to the user terminal 16B or the 3D printer 6012 via the user terminal 16A.

[0121] (Second derivation method) As shown in FIG. 8(B), the printing volume value obtained by the second derivation method is the sum of values ​​obtained by multiplying the base area S of one or more bounding boxes 68 surrounding each of the objects 64 by the height H of each of the objects 64. In the example of FIG. 8(B), a bounding box 68 is set for each of the two cylindrical objects 64. The printing volume value is then calculated as the sum of the volumes of the two bounding boxes 68. The second derivation method results in a smaller printing volume value than the first derivation method. The base area S of the bounding box 68 may also include the base area of ​​the supporting material. This allows the administrator to include the use of the supporting material as a chargeable item.

[0122] In the second derivation method, as in the first derivation method, the area surrounded by the bounding box 68 is determined based on the print data or the photographed data. That is, the position and size of each of the objects 64 are detected from the print data or the photographed data, and a rectangular bounding box 68 is set so as to include the outermost position of each of the objects 64. The area surrounded by the bounding box 68 is displayed on the display of the user terminal 16B or the printer 12.

[0123] (Third derivation method) As shown in Fig. 9, the object formation volume value obtained by the third derivation method is a region into which material (ink in this embodiment) is ejected to form the object 64. As shown in the region 70 surrounded by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 9, in the third derivation method, the volume of the object 64 itself is used as the object formation volume value. For this reason, the third derivation method has the smallest object formation volume value compared to the other derivation methods.

[0124] The object volume value obtained by the third derivation method may be derived based on the object modeling data, for example. That is, the object modeling 64 obtained from the object modeling data itself corresponds to the ink ejection area. The object modeling volume value obtained by the third derivation method may be derived based on image data obtained by photographing the object modeling 64 after the completion of its modeling, for example.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0126] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The printer management method by the printer service system 10 of this embodiment is a method for managing a printer 12 that prints an image 44 onto media 42 based on print data, and includes: a first step in which a derivation unit 30 derives a print area value, which is the area printed on media 42 by the printer 12; a second step in which a comparison unit 32 compares the print area value derived by the derivation unit 30 with a preset setting value; and a third step in which a management unit 34 manages the printer 12 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 32. According to this embodiment, printer services can be provided to users with simple management by using the comparison result between the print area value and a preset setting value.

[0127] (2) The print area value in this embodiment may be the area value of a single bounding box 46 that surrounds the entire print area for the medium 42. According to this embodiment, the print area value can be easily derived, and the user's usage of the printer 12 can be easily managed.

[0128] (3) The print area value in this embodiment may be the sum of the area values ​​of one or more bounding boxes 46 surrounding each individual image 44 printed on the medium 42. According to this embodiment, the print area value can be easily derived, and the user's usage of the printer 12 can be easily managed.

[0129] (4) The derivation unit 30 of this embodiment may display on the display the bounding box 46. According to this embodiment, the user can easily check the print area that is the target of the service.

[0130] (5) The print area value in this embodiment may be the area value of the ink ejection region that forms the image 44 on the medium 42. According to this embodiment, the print area value can be derived more accurately, and the user's usage of the printer 12 can be easily managed.

[0131] (6) The print area value of this embodiment may be derived based on the usage amount of the medium 42. According to this embodiment, the print area value can be easily derived, and the usage status of the printer 12 by the user can be easily managed.

[0132] (7) The user may be presented with an arrangement of the image 44 that will result in a smaller bounding box 46. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the print area value that is the subject of the service.

[0133] (8) In this embodiment, the management unit 34 may stop the printer 12 if the print area value exceeds a set value while printing on the medium 42. This embodiment can prevent the print area value subject to service from increasing.

[0134] (9) In this embodiment, if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing on the medium 42, the management unit 34 may stop the printer 12 after printing on the medium 42 is completed. According to this embodiment, the user can obtain the printed material even if the print area value exceeds the set value.

[0135] (10) In this embodiment, the derivation unit 30 may derive the total value of the area already printed on the medium 42 and the area to be printed on the medium 42 as the print area value, and the comparison unit 32 may compare the total value with a set value. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the print area value exceeds the set value before printing.

[0136] (11) In this embodiment, the management unit 34 may notify the user before the printer 12 prints if the total value exceeds the set value while printing on the medium 42. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize whether the print area value exceeds the set value before printing.

[0137] (12) The management unit 34 of this embodiment may notify the user of the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize the remaining print area value until the set value is reached.

[0138] (13) The management unit 34 of this embodiment may notify the user when the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value, reaches a preset value. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize that the print area value has reached the desired remaining area value.

[0139] (14) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the operations of the printer 12 that are not included in the calculation of the print area value may be preset. According to this embodiment, the operations of the printer 12 that are not included in the service are set, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0140] (15) The operation of the printer 12 that is not included in the derivation of the print area value in this embodiment may be printing that has caused a printing error due to the printer 12. According to this embodiment, the operation of the printer 12 that is not included in the service is set, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0141] (16) In this embodiment, there may be multiple printers 12, and the derivation unit 30 may derive the sum of the print area values ​​of the multiple printers 12, and the comparison unit 32 may compare the sum with the set value. According to this embodiment, when multiple printers 12 are subject to service, the sum of the print area values ​​of the multiple printers 12 is compared with the set value, so the user can receive the service without having to worry about the print area value and set value of the printer 12 that is used most frequently.

[0142] (17) The derivation unit 30 of this embodiment may be provided in at least one of the user terminal 16B used by the user and the printer 12. According to this embodiment, the printer 12 can be managed by the information processing device and the printer 12.

[0143] (18) In the printer management method of this embodiment, a flat rate is charged when the print area value is less than or equal to the set value, and if the print area value exceeds the set value, charges may be made according to the print area value exceeding the set value.

[0144] (19) In the printer management method of this embodiment, charges may be made according to the print area value.

[0145] (20) The printer management method of this embodiment is a method for managing a 3D printer 60 that fabricates an object 64 based on three-dimensional data, and includes: a first step in which a derivation unit 30 derives a fabrication volume value, which is the volume of the object 64 fabricated by the 3D printer 60; a second step in which a comparison unit 32 compares the fabrication volume value derived by the derivation unit 30 with a preset value; and a third step in which a management unit 34 manages the 3D printer 60 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 32. According to this embodiment, printer services can be provided to users with simple management by using the comparison result between the fabrication volume value and a preset value.

[0146] (21) The build volume value in this embodiment may be the value obtained by multiplying the bottom area S of one bounding box 68 surrounding one or more build objects 64 by the height H of the build objects 64. According to this embodiment, the build volume value can be easily derived, and the usage status of the 3D printer 60 by the user can be easily managed.

[0147] (22) The build volume value in this embodiment may be the sum of the values ​​obtained by multiplying the bottom area S of one or more bounding boxes 68 surrounding each individual build object 64 by the individual height H of the build object 64. According to this embodiment, the print area value can be easily derived, and the usage status of the 3D printer 60 by the user can be easily managed.

[0148] (23) The build volume value in this embodiment may also be the region 70 from which material is extruded to form the object 64. According to this embodiment, the build volume value can be derived more accurately, and the user's usage of the 3D printer 60 can be easily managed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 10 Printer Service System 12 Printers 16 servers 30 Derivation part (derivation means) 32 Comparison section (comparison means) 34 Management Department (Management Means) 42 Media (recording media) 46 Bounding Box (Planar Area) 60 3D printer (printer) 64 Sculptures 68 Bounding Box (3D Area)

Claims

1. A method for managing a printer that prints an image on a recording medium based on print data, comprising: a first step in which a print area value, which is an area printed on the recording medium by the printer, is derived by a deriving means; a second step in which a comparison means compares the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset value; a third step in which management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means; A printer management method including:

2. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the print area value is the area value of one planar area that surrounds the entire print area on the recording medium.

3. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the print area value is a sum of area values ​​of one or more planar regions surrounding each individual image printed on the recording medium.

4. 4. The printer management method according to claim 2, wherein the deriving means displays the planar area on a display.

5. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the print area value is an area value of an ink ejection region for forming an image on the recording medium.

6. The printer management method according to claim 1 , wherein the print area value is derived based on the amount of usage of the recording medium.

7. 4. The printer management method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of presenting to the user an arrangement of the image that reduces the flat area.

8. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein said management means stops said printer when said print area value exceeds said set value during printing on said recording medium.

9. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the management means stops the printer after printing on the recording medium is completed if the print area value exceeds the set value while printing on the recording medium is in progress.

10. the deriving means derives a print area value as a sum of an area already printed on the recording medium and an area to be printed on the recording medium; The comparison means compares the total value with the set value. The printer management method according to claim 1 .

11. 11. The printer management method according to claim 10, wherein the management unit notifies the user before the printer starts printing if the total value exceeds the set value while printing is being performed on the recording medium.

12. 11. The printer management method according to claim 10, wherein the management unit notifies the user of the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value.

13. 11. The printer management method according to claim 10, wherein the management unit notifies the user when the remaining area value, which is the difference between the total value and the set value, reaches a preset value.

14. The printer management method according to claim 1 , wherein operations of the printer that are not subject to the derivation of the print area value are preset.

15. 15. The printer management method according to claim 14, wherein the printer operation is printing in which a printing error caused by the printer occurs.

16. The printer is a plurality of printers, the deriving means derives a total value of the printing area values ​​of the plurality of printers; The comparison means compares the total value with the set value. The printer management method according to claim 1 .

17. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the deriving unit is provided in at least one of an information processing device used by a user and the printer.

18. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein a flat rate is charged when the print area value is equal to or less than the set value, and when the print area value exceeds the set value, a charge is made according to the print area value that exceeds the set value.

19. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein charging is performed according to the print area value.

20. A management method for a printer that forms a model based on three-dimensional data, comprising: a first step in which a deriving unit derives a modeling volume value, which is the volume of the object modeled by the printer; a second step in which a comparison unit compares the modeling volume value derived by the derivation unit with a preset value; a third step in which management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means; A printer management method including:

21. The printer management method according to claim 20 , wherein the object volume value is a value obtained by multiplying the base area of ​​one three-dimensional region surrounding one or more of the objects by the height of the object.

22. The printer management method according to claim 20 , wherein the object volume value is a sum of values ​​obtained by multiplying the base areas of one or more three-dimensional regions surrounding each of the objects by the heights of the objects.

23. The printer management method according to claim 20 , wherein the modeling volume value is a region onto which material is discharged to form the model.

24. A management system for a printer that prints an image on a recording medium based on print data, a deriving means for deriving a print area value which is an area where the printer has printed on the recording medium; a comparison means for comparing the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset value; a management unit that manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison unit; A printer management system comprising:

25. A management system for a printer that forms a model based on three-dimensional data, a derivation unit that derives a modeling volume value that is the volume of the object modeled by the printer; a comparison means for comparing the object volume value derived by the derivation means with a preset value; a management unit that manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison unit; A printer management system comprising:

26. On the computer, a first step in which a deriving means derives a print area value, which is an area printed on a recording medium by a printer that prints an image on the recording medium based on print data; a second step in which a comparison means compares the print area value derived by the derivation means with a preset value; a third step in which management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means; A program to execute.

27. On the computer, a first step in which a deriving unit derives a modeling volume value, which is a volume of an object modeled by a printer that models a model based on three-dimensional data; a second step in which a comparison unit compares the modeling volume value derived by the derivation unit with a preset value; a third step in which management means manages the printer based on the comparison result by the comparison means; A program to execute.

Images