Maintenance support systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

This system provides maintenance support that can display information regarding the replacement of specified consumable parts at the appropriate time. [Solution] The maintenance support system includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts; a second acquisition means for acquiring the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means and a threshold value; a display means for displaying information for replacing the consumable parts when the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than a first standard degree of wear; and a modification means for changing the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means so that it does not become equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, if the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within a range where the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard degree of wear that is greater than the first standard degree of wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance support system, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] When an error occurs in an image forming apparatus or during maintenance, for example, a skilled operator on the customer side or a maintenance worker from the manufacturer is dispatched to the installation location of the image forming apparatus to perform work. In both cases of the operator and the maintenance worker, it is required to complete the maintenance work in a short time in order to minimize system downtime. Therefore, a maintenance support system is known that displays a work list for maintenance work to the operator and the maintenance worker (hereinafter collectively referred to as workers) to support the maintenance work. As the work list, for example, an error list and a maintenance list are displayed. The error list displays ongoing errors, and the maintenance list displays information on consumable parts that need to be replaced. The worker refers to the displayed work list and performs work in order of priority. The worker can perform maintenance work more efficiently by selecting an item from the work list and checking the service manual describing the work procedure corresponding to that item.

[0003] In image forming apparatuses, it is known to notify a worker that a consumable part needs to be replaced when the consumable part reaches the end of its service life. Patent Document 1 describes displaying consumable parts to be replaced for each category at the timing when it is determined that the remaining amount of the consumable part has reached a predetermined value (threshold value).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The timing for replacing consumable parts may vary. Therefore, it is necessary to notify customers when each consumable part needs to be replaced at the appropriate time.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a maintenance support system, method, and program that can display information for the replacement of predetermined consumable parts at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The maintenance support system according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring a counter value corresponding to the use of a consumable part; a second acquisition means for acquiring the degree of wear of the consumable part based on the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means and a threshold value; a display means for displaying information for replacing the consumable part when the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than a first standard degree of wear; and a modification means for changing the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means so that it does not become equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, if the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within a range where the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard degree of wear that is greater than the first standard degree of wear. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, information regarding the replacement of predetermined consumable parts can be displayed at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the maintenance support system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of an information processing device and a terminal for maintenance services. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the maintenance service terminal and the printing company's system. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the user interface screen. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an exported file. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a configuration including a printing system and a display system. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing a process for displaying component replacement information. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing a process for displaying component replacement information. [Figure 11] This is a diagram for explaining consumption degree conversion. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining consumption degree conversion. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing a configuration including a printing system and a display system. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing a configuration including a printing system and a display system. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of the plurality of features are necessarily essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a maintenance support system according to the present embodiment. The maintenance support system includes a service manual management system 101, a service work record management system 102, a printer system 103, and a maintenance service terminal 107, which are interconnected via a network such as the Internet 100. The printer system 103 and the maintenance service terminal 107 are connected via a local connection 108 such as a local network or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection. Further, a connection 105 between an information processing apparatus 104 and an image forming apparatus 106 may be a local connection such as a local network or a USB connection, or a connection via the Internet.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 106 is controlled by a group of programs operating on the information processing apparatus 104, processes print data according to print settings, and outputs a printed product. The maintenance service terminal 107 acquires the device status and operation information of the image forming apparatus 106 by communicating with the printer system 103. Then, a service tool installed in the maintenance service terminal 107 provides a maintenance support service for maintenance personnel based on the device status and operation information of the image forming apparatus 106. When displaying the service manual for maintenance personnel, the maintenance service terminal 107 can download the service manual from the service manual management system 101 to the maintenance service terminal 107. The service work record management system 102 stores work histories of maintenance personnel, and is connected to the service manual management system 101 via the Internet 100.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 104 and the maintenance service terminal 107. In Figure 2, the CPU 201 executes programs for the OS and various applications stored in the program ROM of ROM 203, or loaded into RAM 202 from the storage unit 210. ROM 203 includes a font ROM and a data ROM. RAM 202 functions as the main memory, work area, etc., of the CPU 201. The input control unit 205 controls input from the input unit 208. The input unit 208 is, for example, a keyboard or a pointing device. The display control unit 206 controls the display on the display unit 209. The input unit 208 and the display unit 209 may be integrated into a single unit, such as a touch panel. The memory control unit 207 controls access to the storage unit 210, which stores boot programs, various applications, font data, etc. The storage unit 210 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The network interface 211 is connected to an external network and performs communication control processing with other devices on the network. Bus 204 connects the CPU 201 to each of the above-mentioned blocks and carries data signals and control signals. Note that the information processing device 104 and the maintenance service terminal 107 may have different configurations.

[0014] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration between the printing company system 103 and the maintenance service terminal 107. First, the functional blocks installed in the information processing device 104 of the printing company system 103 will be explained. The image processing device 300 is an application for controlling the image forming apparatus 106. The image processing device 300 communicates with the image forming apparatus 106 via connection 105. When the image processing device 300 receives a print execution instruction for a print job, the image processing unit 301 converts the print data into image data that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 106, and transfers the image data to the image forming apparatus 106 along with the print execution command. An example of processing performed by the image processing unit 301 is color space conversion. The device information database (DB) 302 holds device information and operational information of the image forming apparatus 106, such as the history of print jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 106, the history of errors that occurred, and counter values ​​representing the amount of consumable parts used. Consumable parts include, for example, ink cartridges and toner cartridges.

[0015] Next, the functional blocks installed in the maintenance service terminal 107 will be described. The maintenance service terminal 107 has the service tool 303 installed. The service tool 303 is an application program that provides maintenance workers with information on functions necessary for the maintenance and inspection of the image forming apparatus 106, service manuals, and recommended maintenance procedures. The service tool 303 includes a device information acquisition unit 304, a worklist identification unit 305, a worklist display unit 306, a service manual storage unit 307, and a service manual downloader 308.

[0016] The device information acquisition unit 304 communicates with the information processing device 104 to acquire device information and operational information stored in the device information DB 302. The worklist identification unit 305 identifies errors and maintenance items that maintenance workers should address based on the information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 304. The worklist display unit 306 displays the errors and maintenance items identified by the worklist identification unit 305 on the screen of the service tool 303. The worklist display unit 306 has the function of displaying service manuals corresponding to the identified errors and maintenance items. Service manuals downloaded to the service manual storage unit 307 are displayed by the worklist display unit 306.

[0017] The service manual downloader 308 retrieves service manual data from the service manual management system 101 via the internet 100 and downloads it to the service manual storage unit 307. The environment at the site where maintenance workers are dispatched may not have access to the internet 100. Therefore, maintenance workers connect their maintenance service terminal 107 to the internet 100 in advance, download the service manual data to the maintenance service terminal 107 using the service manual downloader 308, and then visit the site where the printing company system 103 is located.

[0018] Figure 4 shows an example of a user interface screen displayed by the worklist display unit 306 in Figure 3. A maintenance worker connects the printing company system 103 and the maintenance service terminal 107 at the dispatch site and starts the service tool 303. The service tool 303 has a worklist display unit 306, which allows the maintenance worker to check the worklist of errors and maintenance items to be addressed. Screen 400 is a screen displayed by the worklist display unit 306, which displays the worklist 401 of the maintenance work that the maintenance worker should perform. The worklist 401 consists of an error list 402 related to errors and a maintenance list 403 related to maintenance items.

[0019] Error list 402 consists of a code column 404, a type column 405, and a name column 406. The code column 404 displays a code uniquely assigned to each error, and the name column 406 displays the name of the error. The type column 405 displays type information indicating the level of the error, allowing maintenance workers to recognize the severity of the error and the required level of maintenance worker by referring to the type information. Error list 402 is displayed in order according to the error type information, with more serious errors displayed higher in priority. Links 407 and 408 contain embedded links to open the service manual corresponding to the error selected by the maintenance worker, and the service manual screen shown in Figure 5 (described later) opens upon the maintenance worker's selection.

[0020] The maintenance list 403 for a maintenance item consists of a code column 409, a name column 410, and an estimated remaining days column 411. The code column 409 displays a code uniquely assigned to each maintenance item, and the name column 410 displays the name of that maintenance item. The estimated remaining days column 411 displays the number of days remaining until the deadline for the maintenance work. The maintenance list 403 is displayed in order according to the estimated remaining days, with maintenance items that are closer to their deadline being displayed higher in priority. Links 412 and 413 contain embedded links to open the service manual corresponding to the maintenance item selected by the maintenance worker, and the service manual screen shown in Figure 5, described later, opens upon the maintenance worker's selection.

[0021] Figure 5 shows an example of a service manual stored in the service manual storage unit 307 of the maintenance service terminal 107. Figure 5 shows an example of a service manual displayed when link 407 of the error list 402 is selected, but the screen configuration is the same for service manuals displayed when link 408 of the maintenance list 402 or link 412 or 413 of the maintenance list 403 is selected.

[0022] Service manual 500 consists of related parts 501 and troubleshooting methods 502. Related parts 501 lists the parts related to the error or maintenance item. Troubleshooting methods 502 describe the procedures for addressing the error or maintenance item, and if there are multiple causes for the error or maintenance tasks to be performed, multiple troubleshooting methods are listed, such as troubleshooting methods 504, 505, 506, and 507.

[0023] Figure 6 shows an example of the maintenance plan screen in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the service tool 303 has a function to display the maintenance plan screen shown in Figure 6, in addition to the worklist display unit 306. The worklist display unit 306 may also have a function to display the maintenance plan screen shown in Figure 6. The screen in Figure 6 may be displayed from the home screen displayed by the service tool 303, or it may be displayed from the screen in Figure 4. The maintenance plan 600 consists of a schedule table 601, an update button 602, and an export button 603.

[0024] The leftmost column of schedule sheet 601 includes area 604, which indicates who the schedule sheet is for, and area 605, which displays information about the printer. Area 604 may display, for example, either a service technician or an operator. Area 605 displays the type of printer (image forming apparatus 106), the printer's serial number, and the connection status between the service tool 303 and the printer. For example, the connection status may display "Enabled" if the service tool 303 and the printer are connected, and "Disabled" if they are not connected.

[0025] The second column of Schedule 601 contains Area 606 and Area 607. Area 606 displays today's date, the week number of the year, and the total maintenance work hours required for that week. Area 607 displays individual maintenance tasks, the time required for each task, and the worker performing the task. The total work hours in Area 606 match the total time for the individual maintenance tasks displayed in Area 607.

[0026] The third column of Schedule 601 shows the schedule for next week and includes areas 610 and 611. The fourth column of Schedule 601 shows the schedule for the week after next and includes areas 612 and 613. Areas 610 and 612 are described the same way as in area 606, and areas 611 and 613 are described the same way as in area 607. That is, if there are maintenance tasks listed in each column, they will be displayed in the same way as in the second column of Schedule 601.

[0027] The maintenance tasks displayed in the maintenance list 403 in Figure 4 correspond one-to-one with the maintenance tasks displayed in the maintenance plan 600 in Figure 6. If the value of the estimated remaining days column 411 in the maintenance list 403 in Figure 4 is between 0 and 6 days, the maintenance task is mapped to the second column of the schedule table 601. Similarly, if the value of the estimated remaining days column 411 in the maintenance list 403 in Figure 4 is between 7 and 13 days, it is mapped to the third column of the schedule table 601, and if it is between 14 and 20 days, it is mapped to the fourth column of the schedule table 601. For example, the average daily usage (counter value) for each consumable part may be stored, and the number of days until it reaches 100% from the current wear level may be estimated and set as the value of the estimated remaining days column 411. If there are multiple maintenance tasks in the same week, the maintenance task with the smaller value of the estimated remaining days column 411 will be displayed higher. The update button 602 is a button to display the latest information in the schedule table 601. Additionally, the export button 603 is used to export the information displayed in the schedule table 601 in file format.

[0028] Figure 7 shows an example of a file generated when the export button 603 of the maintenance plan 600 is pressed. For example, it is exported as a tabular file, and file 700 contains a list number (No) column 701, a printer serial number column 702, a maintenance work details column 703, and a work time column 704. The work time column 704 displays the work time in minutes. The format of the exported file is, for example, a CSV file.

[0029] Figure 8 shows a block configuration related to the display of parts replacement in a maintenance support system. In Figure 8, the maintenance support system includes a printing system 800 and a display system 801. The printing system 800 and the display system 801 are connected by a network 802. Network 802 corresponds to a local connection 108. However, network 802 may be the Internet. The printing system 800 corresponds to the printer system 103 in Figure 3. The display system 801 corresponds to the maintenance service terminal 107 (service tool 303) in Figure 3.

[0030] The display system 801 consists of a data receiving unit 811, a threshold value storage unit 812, a data comparison unit 813, and a display unit 814. The data receiving unit 811 corresponds to the device information acquisition unit 304 in Figure 3. The display unit 814 corresponds to the worklist display unit 306 in Figure 3. The threshold value storage unit 812 and the data comparison unit 813 correspond to the worklist identification unit 305 in Figure 3.

[0031] The data receiving unit 811 receives operational information from the printing system 800, including counter values ​​for consumable parts and identification information for consumable parts. The counter values ​​for consumable parts include, for example, the amount of ink used in an ink cartridge and the amount of toner used in a toner cartridge. The identification information for consumable parts includes, for example, the name of the consumable part and its serial number. The threshold value storage unit 812 stores two types of threshold values: a threshold value for the counter value of each consumable part and a display threshold value used to determine whether or not to display it on the display system. The threshold value for the counter value of each consumable part is the value at which the wear level reaches 100%. The display threshold value used to determine whether or not to display it on the display system is a threshold value used to indicate that it is time to replace the consumable part. The display threshold value can be set uniformly regardless of the type of consumable part.

[0032] The data comparison unit 813 first calculates the degree of wear from the counter value of the consumable part received by the data receiving unit 811 and the threshold value of the counter value for each consumable part stored in the threshold value storage unit 812. Then, the data comparison unit 813 compares the calculated degree of wear with the display threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 812. Based on the comparison result from the data comparison unit 813, the display unit 814 displays the replacement information for the consumable part in the maintenance list 403.

[0033] When determining whether or not to display consumable part replacement information to maintenance workers using a display threshold, the information is displayed when the degree of wear exceeds the display threshold. For products with a large number of consumable parts, some products may use a fixed threshold common to all consumable parts. Also, even if the display threshold itself is variable rather than fixed, some products may use the same value common to all consumable parts. In such cases, if expensive consumable parts such as print heads are included among the normal consumable parts, the replacement information for consumable parts will be displayed in the maintenance list when the degree of wear exceeds the same threshold as for normal consumable parts. When print head replacement information is displayed in the maintenance list, maintenance workers will have to replace the print head. If the frequency of replacing expensive consumable parts such as print heads increases unnecessarily, the cost of replacing consumable parts will increase.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, replacement information for certain consumable parts is displayed at an appropriate time. This helps to suppress the increase in replacement costs for consumable parts.

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process for displaying replacement information for consumable parts in this embodiment. The process in Figure 9 is realized, for example, when the CPU 201 of the maintenance service terminal 107 reads a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executes it.

[0036] In S901, the CPU 201 receives counter values ​​and identification information of consumable parts from the printing system 800 via the data receiving unit 811. If there are multiple consumable parts, counter values ​​are received for all of them.

[0037] In S902, the CPU 201 uses the data comparison unit 813 to acquire the counter value of each consumable part that has been received, one for each consumable part.

[0038] In S903, the CPU201 calculates the degree of wear based on the counter value of the consumable part acquired in S902 and the threshold value of the corresponding consumable part's counter value stored in the threshold storage unit 812. The degree of wear is calculated, for example, by formula (1).

[0039] Wear and tear (%) = (Counter value of the removed consumable part / Threshold value of the counter value of the corresponding part) × 100 ... (1) In S904, the CPU 201 uses the data comparison unit 813 to compare the wear level calculated in S903 with the display threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 812, and determines whether it is equal to or greater than the display threshold. If it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than the display threshold, the process returns to S902 and obtains the counter value for the next consumable part. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is equal to or greater than the display threshold, the process proceeds to S905.

[0040] In S905, the CPU 201 displays replacement information for the relevant part using the display unit 814. Here, the maintenance list 403 shown in Figure 4 is displayed. Alternatively, the maintenance plan 600 shown in Figure 6 may be displayed. In S906, the CPU 201 determines whether or not processing has been performed for all consumable parts' counter values. If it is determined that processing has not been performed for all consumable parts' counter values, the process from S902 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that processing has been performed for all consumable parts' counter values, the process shown in Figure 9 is terminated.

[0041] The printing system 800 includes a counter information acquisition unit 803, a consumable parts wear degree calculation unit 804, a consumable parts wear degree storage unit 805, a threshold value storage unit 806, a threshold value comparison unit 807, a consumable parts wear degree conversion unit 808, a data generation unit 809 for the display system, and a data transmission unit 810.

[0042] The counter information acquisition unit 803 acquires the counter values ​​and identification information of all consumable parts within the printing system 800. The threshold value storage unit 806 stores three types of threshold values: a threshold value for the counter value of each consumable part, a display threshold value for determining whether or not to display it on the display system, and a threshold value for expensive parts such as the print head.

[0043] The threshold values ​​for counter values ​​for each consumable part and the display threshold values ​​used to determine whether or not to display them on the display system are the same as the information stored in the threshold value storage unit 812. Therefore, the printing system 800 copies the information stored in the threshold value storage unit 812 to the threshold value storage unit 806 via the network 802. Alternatively, the printing system 800 may access the threshold value storage unit 812 at the time it needs to refer to these two types of threshold values ​​and obtain them.

[0044] The threshold value storage unit 806 also stores threshold values ​​for expensive consumable parts. These threshold values ​​for expensive parts are set to be larger than the display threshold values ​​used to determine whether or not to display something on the display system. Examples of threshold values ​​for expensive consumable parts include the threshold value for the print head, which is a predetermined threshold value for a specific consumable part.

[0045] The wear degree calculation unit 804 for consumable parts calculates the wear degree of the consumable part from the counter value acquired by the counter information acquisition unit 803 and the threshold value of the counter value for each consumable part stored in the threshold value storage unit 806.

[0046] The consumable parts wear degree storage unit 805 stores the wear degree of the consumable parts calculated by the consumable parts wear degree calculation unit 804.

[0047] The threshold comparison unit 807 compares the wear level of consumable parts stored in the wear level storage unit 805 with the display threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 806 and the threshold for expensive consumable parts.

[0048] The wear degree conversion unit 808 for consumable parts converts the wear degree of the consumable part based on the comparison result from the threshold comparison unit 807. The wear degree conversion will be described later.

[0049] The data generation unit 809 for the display system generates data that the display system 801 can display on the display unit 814 based on operational information such as counter values. For example, the data generation unit 809 for the display system generates data in XML file format based on the name of a consumable part and a counter value.

[0050] The data transmission unit 810 transmits the counter value of the consumable part corresponding to the degree of consumable part converted by the consumable part wear degree conversion unit 808 to the display system 801 via the network 802.

[0051] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process for generating data for the display system, which is executed in the printing system 800. The process in Figure 10 is realized, for example, when the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 reads a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executes it.

[0052] In S1001, the CPU 201 obtains counter values ​​and identification information for all consumable parts in the printing system 800 using the counter information acquisition unit 803. The process in S1001 is performed periodically, for example, every 6 hours. Alternatively, it may be performed by clicking an update button (not shown) located on the user interface screen displayed on the printing system 800. The update button may also be a physical key.

[0053] In S1002, the CPU 201 obtains the counter value of each consumable part one by one using the consumable part wear degree calculation unit 804.

[0054] In S1003, the CPU 201 calculates the degree of wear of consumable parts using the wear degree calculation unit 804, based on the counter value of the consumable part obtained in S1002 and the threshold value of the corresponding consumable part's counter value stored in the threshold value storage unit 806. The CPU 201 stores the calculated degree of wear in the wear degree storage unit 805. The degree of wear is calculated, for example, as shown in equation (2).

[0055] Wear and tear (%) = (Counter value of the removed consumable part / Threshold value of the counter value of the corresponding part) × 100 ... (2) In S1004, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a wear conversion is necessary using the threshold comparison unit 807. The processing in S1004 will be described later. If it is determined that a wear conversion is not necessary, the process returns to S1002 and obtains the counter value of the next consumable part. If it is determined that a wear conversion is necessary, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0056] In S1005, the CPU 201 performs a wear degree conversion using the wear degree conversion unit 808 for consumable parts. The process in S1005 will be described later. In S1006, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has performed processing for all consumable parts' counter values. If it is determined that it has not performed processing for all consumable parts' counter values, it repeats the process from S1002. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has performed processing for all consumable parts' counter values, it proceeds to S1007.

[0057] In S1007, the CPU 201 generates data for the display system 801 using the data generation unit 809 for the display system. The CPU 201 generates the data, for example, as an XML file, so that the display system 801 can display the counter values ​​of consumable parts on the display unit 814. The generated XML file contains tags that include the counter name (name of consumable part) and the counter value.

[0058] In S1008, the CPU 201 transmits the data generated in S1007 to the display system 801 via the data transmission unit 810. After that, the process shown in Figure 10 is terminated.

[0059] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the wear degree conversion performed in S1005. First, if the wear degree calculated in S1003 is not based on the counter value of an expensive consumable part, it is determined in S1004 that a wear degree conversion is not necessary. In that case, the process returns to S1002, and the counter value of the next consumable part is obtained. On the other hand, if the wear degree calculated in S1003 is based on the counter value of an expensive consumable part, it is determined in S1004 that a wear degree conversion is necessary, and the process proceeds to S1005. That is, in S1004, if the consumable part being evaluated is an expensive consumable part, it is determined that a wear degree conversion is necessary; if the consumable part being evaluated is not an expensive consumable part, it is determined that a wear degree conversion is not necessary. The expensive consumable part for which a wear degree conversion is determined to be necessary may be a predetermined consumable part, and can be identified based on the identification information of the consumable part.

[0060] The horizontal axis in Figure 11 represents the degree of wear (%). The degree of wear for each consumable part is calculated using equation (2). Immediately after replacing a consumable part, the counter value of that consumable part is zero, so the degree of wear is 0% (degree of wear 1100 in Figure 11). When the counter value of a consumable part reaches the same value as the threshold value of the counter value for each consumable part stored in the threshold storage unit 806, the degree of wear becomes 100% (degree of wear 1101 in Figure 11). The degree of wear of a consumable part in use will be a value between 0% and 100%.

[0061] In S1005, the degree of wear conversion is performed as follows. Here, as an example, we assume that the print head is an expensive consumable part. The counter value of the print head at the start of use is zero. Here, the threshold value of the printer's recording head counter value stored in the threshold storage unit 806 is set to 10000. Also, an example of a display threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 806 is set to 80%, and an example of a threshold for expensive parts stored in the threshold storage unit 806 is set to 90%. The display threshold is a threshold used in common for consumable parts to display replacement information, and is the first standard degree of wear. On the other hand, the threshold for expensive parts is a threshold used for a given consumable part to display replacement information, and is the second standard degree of wear. Here, the second standard degree of wear is greater than the first standard degree of wear. As the print head is used, the counter value increases. Here, let's assume that the counter value of the print head is 8420. In that case, the degree of wear is 8420 / 10000 × 100 = 84.20 (%). In this embodiment, the first standard wear rate is set to 80% and the second standard wear rate is set to 90%. However, other values ​​are acceptable as long as the condition that the second standard wear rate is greater than the first standard wear rate is met, and these values ​​are not limited to those above.

[0062] In Figure 11, the wear level 1102 indicates the position on the horizontal axis of the display threshold of 80% stored in the threshold storage unit 806. Similarly, the wear level 1103 in Figure 11 indicates the position of the threshold of 90% for expensive parts, also stored in the threshold storage unit 806. As mentioned above, the threshold for expensive parts is always a higher value than the display threshold. If the wear level of a consumable part in use is 0% or more but less than 80% (0% or more but less than the first reference wear level), the wear level is converted to 0% by changing the counter value of that part to zero. In other words, if the counter value of a consumable part in use is less than the counter value corresponding to the first reference wear level, the wear level is converted to 0% by changing the counter value of that part to zero.

[0063] Similarly, if the wear level of a consumable part in use is 80% or more but less than 90% (above the first standard wear level and below the second standard wear level), the wear level is converted to 0% by changing the counter value of that part to zero. In other words, if the counter value of a consumable part in use is above the counter value corresponding to the first standard wear level and below the counter value corresponding to the second standard wear level, the wear level is converted to 0% by changing the counter value of that part to zero.

[0064] If the wear level of a consumable part in use is 90% or higher (above the second standard wear level), the counter value for that part will remain unchanged and the wear level conversion will not be performed.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, if the degree of wear of a consumable part in use is less than the threshold for expensive parts (range 1104 in Figure 11), a wear degree conversion is performed to set the wear degree to 0% by changing the counter value of that consumable part to zero. If the degree of wear of a consumable part in use is greater than or equal to the threshold for expensive parts (range 1105 in Figure 11), no wear degree conversion is performed. In other words, in that case, the counter value of the consumable part remains unchanged, and the wear degree is calculated.

[0066] In the example above, the print head wear level is 84.20%, which falls within the range shown in Figure 11, range 1104. Therefore, the wear level conversion converts the wear level from 84.20% to 0%. In other words, the print head counter value changes from 8420 to 0.

[0067] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displaying counter values. In addition to the worklist display unit 305, the service tool 303 has a display unit that displays data (counter values ​​and identification information) acquired by the device information acquisition unit 304. Although such a display unit is not shown in Figure 3, it may be included in the worklist display unit 305. In that case, the value of the wear rate (%) column 1208 is reflected in the maintenance list 403. That is, if the value of the wear rate (%) column 1208 exceeds the display threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 812, the corresponding consumable part is displayed in the maintenance list 403.

[0068] The counter value display screen 1200 consists of a title 1201, data creation date 1202, location of consumable parts 1203, counter value list 1204, and a download button 1209. The location of consumable parts 1203 describes the system configuration so that maintenance workers can identify the location of consumable parts. The counter value list 1204 is a list created for each location of consumable parts 1203. The counter value list 1204 includes an ID column 1205, a description column 1206, a counter value 1207, and a wear percentage (%) column 1208. The first row of the counter value list 1204 shows the print head counter value 8420 and wear percentage 84%. The wear percentage (%) column 1208 displays the calculated wear percentage as an integer value rounded down to the first decimal place. This value is the value in the example above, and if no wear percentage conversion is performed, it will be displayed as shown in Figure 12. The download button 1209 is a function that downloads the contents displayed on the counter value display screen 1200 to a file. The file can be downloaded as a text file, Excel file, or other format.

[0069] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displaying counter values ​​after the wear conversion has been performed. In Figure 13, the counter value display screen 1300, title 1301, data creation date 1302, location of consumable parts 1303, counter value list 1304, and download button 1309 correspond to the counter value display screen 1200, title 1201, data creation date 1202, location of consumable parts 1203, counter value list 1204, and download button 1209 in Figure 12, respectively. Figure 13 differs from Figure 12 in that the print head counter value is 0 instead of 8420, and the wear level has changed from 84% to 0%.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the wear level conversion is performed, the counter value of the consumable part becomes zero and is transmitted to the display system 801. Then, according to the flowchart in Figure 9, it is determined whether or not to display replacement information. The display threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 812 and the display threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 806 are the same value, for example, 80%. Therefore, even if the counter value of the print head in the printing system 800 is 8420, it will not be displayed on the display unit 814 of the display system 801 as a value exceeding the display threshold value. On the other hand, if the counter value of the printer's recording head in the printing system 800 exceeds 9000, that value (9000) will be displayed on the display unit 814 of the display system 801, and replacement information will be displayed. With such a configuration, for certain consumable parts, the timing at which maintenance workers are notified of the need to replace the consumable part can be delayed, and the increase in replacement costs can be suppressed.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the conversion of wear levels in this embodiment. The wear levels 1400 to 1403 in Figure 14 are the same as those explained for wear levels 1100 to 1103 in Figure 11, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0072] In this embodiment, if the wear level of a consumable part in use is 0% or more and less than the first reference wear level (range 1404 in Figure 14), the counter value of the consumable part is left as is and no wear level conversion is performed. If the wear level of a consumable part in use is greater than or equal to the first reference wear level and less than the second reference wear level (range 1405 in Figure 14), the maximum value that does not result in a wear level greater than or equal to the first reference wear level is set as the counter value of that consumable part and a wear level conversion is performed. In the above example, since the first reference wear level is 80%, the counter value is set to 7999, which is 1 less than the counter value of 8000 that results in a wear level of 80% for the consumable part. At this time, the wear level becomes 79%, which is rounded down to the first decimal place. In other words, it is set to the maximum value less than the first reference wear level within the range of significant digits of the wear level. If the wear level of a consumable part in use is equal to or greater than the second standard wear level (range 1406 in Figure 14), the counter value of the consumable part remains unchanged and no wear level conversion is performed, similar to the case where the wear level is 0% or greater but less than the first standard wear level.

[0073] Figure 15 shows an example of a screen displaying counter values ​​after the wear conversion has been performed. In Figure 15, the counter value display screen 1500, title 1501, data creation date 1502, location of consumable parts 1503, counter value list 1504, and download button 1509 are the same as the descriptions for the counter value display screen 1300, title 1301, data creation date 1302, location of consumable parts 1303, counter value list 1304, and download button 1309 in Figure 13, respectively, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0074] Figure 15 differs from Figure 13 in that the printhead counter value listed in counter value list 1504 is 7999 and the wear level is 79%. In the wear level conversion of this embodiment, the printhead counter value increases up to 7999 until just before the wear level reaches the display threshold of 80%. When the printhead wear level is 80% or more but less than 90%, the counter value is fixed at 7999 and the wear level is fixed at 79%. Subsequently, when the printhead wear level reaches 90% or more, the counter value becomes 9000 or more, and that counter value is displayed in counter value list 1504. In this embodiment, the printhead counter value increases from 0 to 7999 and is fixed at 7999, and then a counter value of 9000 or more is displayed. Therefore, the user can be made aware of the change in the printhead wear level.

[0075] Next, we will describe other examples of screens that display counter values ​​using Figures 16 and 17.

[0076] Figure 16 shows another example of a screen displaying counter values. In the screen of Figure 16, the degree of wear is visualized using data bars. The counter value display screen 1600, title 1601, data creation date 1602, location of consumable parts 1603, counter value list 1604, and download button 1609 in Figure 16 are the same as the descriptions in Figure 15 for the counter value display screen 1500, title 1501, data creation date 1502, location of consumable parts 1503, counter value list 1504, and download button 1509, respectively, so their descriptions are omitted. Figure 16 differs from Figure 15 in that the degree of wear (%) column 1608 of the counter value list 1604 displays not only the degree of wear as an integer value truncated to the first decimal place, but also that integer value as a data bar 1610. The data bar 1610 allows the user to easily visually recognize the degree of wear.

[0077] Figure 17 shows another example of a screen that displays counter values. In the screen of Figure 17, changes in wear are visualized by changes in the color of the data bars. The counter value display screen 1700, title 1701, data creation date 1702, location of consumable parts 1703, counter value list 1704, and download button 1709 in Figure 17 are the same as the descriptions of the counter value display screen 1600, title 1601, data creation date 1602, location of consumable parts 1603, counter value list 1604, and download button 1609 in Figure 16, respectively, so their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, if the actual wear is 80% or more of the display threshold and less than 90% of the threshold for expensive parts, the counter value of that consumable part becomes 7999 due to wear conversion. Figure 17 differs from Figure 16 in that the color of the data bar 1710 changes according to the actual wear value. Specifically, for example, the color of the data bar 1710 is changed to orange when the wear level is 80% or more but less than 85%, and to pink when the wear level is 85% or more but less than 90%. In this way, even if the same wear level value (79%) is displayed in the counter value list 1704, the color of the data bar 1710 can be used to let the user know how close it is to the time to replace the consumable part. In the above example, a pink data bar 1710 indicates that the time to replace the consumable part is closer than an orange data bar. In this embodiment, when generating data in the data generation unit 809 for the display system of the printing system 800, the data is generated including the color information of the data bar 1710 based on the processing result of the consumable part wear level conversion unit 808. The data transmission unit 810 then transmits the data including the color information of the data bar 1710 to the display system 801.

[0078] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily make the user aware of changes in the degree of wear of consumable parts and how close it is to the time for replacement.

[0079] [Third Embodiment] The differences between this embodiment and the first and second embodiments will be described below. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the wear degree conversion unit 808 of consumable parts performs wear degree conversion based on the comparison result of the threshold comparison unit 807. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the ability to perform wear degree conversion can be controlled. In this embodiment, the mode in which wear degree conversion is performed based on the comparison result of the threshold comparison unit 807 is called the threshold control mode.

[0080] Figure 18 shows an example of a settings screen that allows switching between enabling and disabling the threshold control mode in this embodiment. Figure 18 shows the state where the threshold control mode is enabled. In this embodiment, the threshold control mode is enabled by default. The settings screen 1800 includes a mode selection button 1801, a save button 1802, and a cancel button 1803. The threshold control mode is switched between enabled and disabled by selecting either enabled or disabled using the mode selection button 1801. After selecting with the mode selection button 1801, pressing the save button 1802 saves the selected content and closes the settings screen 1800. If the cancel button 1803 is pressed, the selected content is not saved and the settings screen 1800 closes.

[0081] The CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 executes the process shown in Figure 10 if the mode selected by the mode selection button 1801 on the setting screen 1800 is "enabled". On the other hand, if it is "disabled", it does not execute processes S1004 and S1005 in Figure 10. In that case, S1006 is executed after S1003.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to control whether or not to perform wear-out conversion based on settings made by the user.

[0083] [Fourth Embodiment] The differences from the first to third embodiments will be explained below. In Figure 8, the printing system 800 corresponds to the printing company system 103. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the wear degree conversion unit for consumable parts and the data generation unit for the display system are each configured as separate devices.

[0084] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the block configuration of the maintenance support system related to the display of parts replacement in this embodiment. The printing system 1900 in Figure 19 corresponds to the printing company system 103 in Figure 3, and the display system 1902 corresponds to the maintenance service terminal 107 in Figure 3. The PC 1901 corresponds to a PC (not shown: general-purpose information processing device) newly installed between the printing company system 103 and the maintenance service terminal 107 in Figure 3. The counter information acquisition unit 1903, the consumable parts wear degree calculation unit 1904, the consumable parts wear degree storage unit 1905, the threshold value storage unit 1906, the threshold value comparison unit 1907, and the consumable parts wear degree conversion unit 1908 of the printing system 1900 are the same as described in the counter information acquisition unit 803, the consumable parts wear degree calculation unit 804, the consumable parts wear degree storage unit 805, the threshold value storage unit 806, the threshold value comparison unit 807, and the consumable parts wear degree conversion unit 808 in Figure 8, respectively, so their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the printing system 1900 includes a data transmission unit 1909, which transmits data on which the wear degree conversion of consumable parts has been performed by the wear degree conversion unit 1908 to the PC 1901.

[0085] In this embodiment, PC1901 includes a data receiving unit 1910 and receives data transmitted by the data transmission unit 1909 after the wear-to-wear conversion has been performed. The data generation unit 1911 for the display system of PC1901 is the same as described in the data generation unit 809 for the display system in Figure 8, so its description is omitted. In this embodiment, PC1901 includes a data transmission unit 1912 and transmits the data generated by the data generation unit 1911 for the display system to the display system 1902. The display system 1902 in Figure 19 is the same as described in the display system 801 in Figure 8, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the wear degree conversion unit 1908 for consumable parts and the data generation unit 1911 for the display system can be configured as separate devices.

[0087] [Fifth Embodiment] The differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be explained below. In Figure 8, the printing system 800 was described as corresponding to the printing company system 103. In this embodiment, the device corresponding to a PC (not shown) newly installed between the printing company system 103 in Figure 3 and the maintenance service terminal 107 will be described as including a consumable parts wear rate conversion unit.

[0088] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the block configuration of the maintenance support system related to the display of parts replacement in this embodiment. The printing system 2000 in Figure 20 corresponds to the printing company system 103 in Figure 3, and the display system 2002 corresponds to the maintenance service terminal 107 in Figure 3. The PC 2001 corresponds to a PC (not shown) newly installed between the printing company system 103 and the maintenance service terminal 107 in Figure 3. The counter information acquisition unit 2003 of the printing system 2000 is the same as described in the counter information acquisition unit 803 in Figure 8, so its description is omitted. In this embodiment, the printing system 2000 includes a data transmission unit 2004, which transmits data including counter values ​​of all consumable parts in the printing system 2000 to the PC 2001.

[0089] In this embodiment, PC2001 includes a data receiving unit 2005 and receives data transmitted by the data transmission unit 2004, which includes counter values ​​for all consumable parts in the printing system 2000. The consumable part wear calculation unit 2006, consumable part wear storage unit 2007, threshold value storage unit 2008, threshold value comparison unit 2009, consumable part wear conversion unit 2010, and display system data generation unit 2011 of PC2001 are the same as described in Figure 8 for the consumable part wear calculation unit 804, consumable part wear storage unit 805, threshold value storage unit 806, threshold value comparison unit 807, consumable part wear conversion unit 808, and display system data generation unit 809, respectively, so their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, PC2001 includes a data transmission unit 2012 and transmits the data generated by the display system data generation unit 2011 to the display system 2002. The display system 2002 in Figure 20 is the same as the display system 801 in Figure 8, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, the wear degree conversion unit for consumable parts and the data generation unit for the display system can be configured in PC2001. Specifically, for example, the block configuration of PC2001 shown in Figure 20 may be implemented as software.

[0091] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0092] This embodiment includes a maintenance support system, method, and program. (Item 1) A first acquisition means for obtaining a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition means for acquiring the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired by the first acquisition means, If the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, a display means for displaying information for replacing the consumable part is provided. If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the modification means modifies the consumable degree obtained by the second acquisition means so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree, within the range where the counter value obtained by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree. A maintenance support system characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The maintenance support system according to item 1, characterized in that, if the consumable part is the predetermined consumable part and the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear, the display means is controlled to display information for replacing the consumable part. (Item 3) The maintenance support system according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the display means displays the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means as information for replacing the consumable parts. (Item 4) The maintenance support system according to item 3, characterized in that the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is a value in the range from 0% to 100% corresponding to the threshold. (Item 5) The maintenance support system according to item 4, characterized in that, when the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the modification means changes the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means to 0% if the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear. (Item 6) The maintenance support system according to item 4, characterized in that, when the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the change means changes the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means to a predetermined value less than the first standard degree of wear, within the range where the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is greater than or equal to the counter value corresponding to the first standard degree of wear and less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear. (Item 7) The maintenance support system according to item 6, characterized in that the predetermined value is the maximum value less than the first reference wear level in the number of significant digits of the wear level obtained by the second acquisition means. (Item 8) The maintenance support system according to item 6 or 7, characterized in that, if the counter value obtained by the first acquisition means is in a range less than the counter value corresponding to the first reference degree of wear, the changing means does not change the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means. (Item 9) The maintenance support system according to any one of items 6 to 8, characterized in that the display means displays the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means or the degree of wear changed by the modification means by the length of a bar. (Item 10) The maintenance support system according to item 9, characterized in that the display means changes the color of the bar in response to a change in the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means within a range that is greater than or equal to the counter value corresponding to the first standard wear level and less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard wear level. (Item 11) The system further comprises a setting means for setting whether to enable or disable the changes made by the aforementioned modification means, The maintenance support system according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that when the change by the change means is enabled, the change by the change means is performed if it has been set by the setting means. (Item 12) The maintenance support system according to item 11, characterized in that if the change by the change means is disabled, the change by the change means will not be performed even if the consumable part is the predetermined consumable part. (Item 13) The maintenance support system according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the display means displays information regarding the maintenance of the consumable parts as information for replacing the consumable parts. (Item 14) The aforementioned maintenance support system is The system further comprises a generation means that generates data for display by the display means based on the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means, The display means, when the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, displays information for the replacement of the consumable part based on the data for display by the display means, which is generated by the generation means. A maintenance support system according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 15) The aforementioned maintenance support system includes a printing system, an information processing device, and a display system. The printing system comprises the first acquisition means, the second acquisition means, and the modification means. The information processing device comprises the generation means, The display system comprises the display means, A maintenance support system as described in item 14, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 16) The aforementioned maintenance support system includes a printing system, an information processing device, and a display system. The printing system comprises the first acquisition means, The information processing device comprises the second acquisition means, the modification means, and the generation means. The display system comprises the display means, A maintenance support system as described in item 14, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) A method performed in a maintenance support system, The first acquisition step involves obtaining a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition step is to acquire the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired in the first acquisition step, If the degree of wear obtained in the second acquisition step is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, a display step is performed to display information for replacing the consumable part, If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within the range where the counter value obtained in the first acquisition step is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree, the modification step is to change the consumable degree obtained in the second acquisition step so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree. A method characterized by having the following: (Item 18) A first acquisition means for obtaining a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition means acquires the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired by the first acquisition means. A generation means that generates data for displaying information for replacing the consumable part when the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear. If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within the range where the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree, the changing means changes the consumable degree acquired by the second acquisition means so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree. A program that makes a computer function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 103 Printing company system: 104 Information processing device: 106 Image forming machine: 107 Maintenance service terminal: 201 CPU: 202 RAM: 203 ROM

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition means for acquiring the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired by the first acquisition means, If the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, a display means for displaying information for replacing the consumable part is provided. If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the modification means modifies the consumable degree obtained by the second acquisition means so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree, within the range where the counter value obtained by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree. A maintenance support system characterized by having the following features.

2. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the consumable part is the predetermined consumable part and the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear, the display means is controlled to display information for replacing the consumable part.

3. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means displays the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means as information for replacing the consumable parts.

4. The maintenance support system according to claim 3, characterized in that the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is a value in the range from 0% to 100% corresponding to the threshold.

5. The maintenance support system according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the modification means changes the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means to 0% if the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear.

6. The maintenance support system according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, the modification means changes the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means to a predetermined value less than the first standard degree of wear if the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is greater than or equal to the counter value corresponding to the first standard degree of wear and less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard degree of wear.

7. The maintenance support system according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined value is the maximum value less than the first reference wear level in the number of significant digits of the wear level obtained by the second acquisition means.

8. The maintenance support system according to claim 6, characterized in that, if the counter value obtained by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to the first reference degree of wear, the changing means does not change the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means.

9. The maintenance support system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display means displays the degree of wear acquired by the second acquisition means or the degree of wear changed by the modification means by the length of a bar.

10. The maintenance support system according to claim 9, characterized in that the display means changes the color of the bar in response to a change in the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means within a range that is greater than or equal to the counter value corresponding to the first standard wear level and less than the counter value corresponding to the second standard wear level.

11. The system further comprises a setting means for setting whether to enable or disable the changes made by the aforementioned modification means, The maintenance support system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the change by the change means is enabled, the change by the change means will be performed when set by the setting means.

12. The maintenance support system according to claim 11, characterized in that if the setting means is set to disable the change made by the change means, the change will not be made by the change means even if the consumable part is the predetermined consumable part.

13. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means displays information regarding the maintenance of the consumable parts as information for replacing the consumable parts.

14. The aforementioned maintenance support system is The system further comprises a generation means that generates data for display by the display means based on the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means, The display means, when the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, displays information for replacing the consumable part based on the data for display by the display means, which is generated by the generation means. The maintenance support system according to feature 1.

15. The aforementioned maintenance support system includes a printing system, an information processing device, and a display system. The printing system comprises the first acquisition means, the second acquisition means, and the modification means. The information processing device comprises the generation means, The display system comprises the display means, The maintenance support system according to feature 14.

16. The aforementioned maintenance support system includes a printing system, an information processing device, and a display system. The printing system comprises the first acquisition means, The information processing device comprises the second acquisition means, the modification means, and the generation means. The display system comprises the display means, The maintenance support system according to feature 14.

17. A method performed in a maintenance support system, A first acquisition step involves obtaining a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition step is to acquire the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired in the first acquisition step, If the degree of wear obtained in the second acquisition step is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear, a display step is performed to display information for replacing the consumable part, If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within the range where the counter value obtained in the first acquisition step is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree, the modification step is to change the consumable degree obtained in the second acquisition step so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree. A method characterized by having the following:

18. A first acquisition means for acquiring a counter value corresponding to the use of consumable parts, A second acquisition means acquires the degree of wear of the consumable parts based on the counter value and threshold value acquired by the first acquisition means. A generation means that generates data for displaying information for replacing the consumable parts when the degree of wear obtained by the second acquisition means is equal to or greater than the first standard degree of wear. If the consumable part is a predetermined consumable part, within the range where the counter value acquired by the first acquisition means is less than the counter value corresponding to a second standard consumable degree that is greater than the first standard consumable degree, the changing means changes the consumable degree acquired by the second acquisition means so that it does not exceed the first standard consumable degree. A program that makes a computer function.

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