Printing system, printer, and program

Abstract

To provide a printing system, a printer, and a program capable of collecting information on a usage amount of consumables of the printer.SOLUTION: A printer 17 of a printing system 10 accepts a print instruction (S81), and determines whether or not a paper medium ID 76 capable of identifying a mounted thermal paper sheet 83 is stored (S87). When the printer 17 stores the paper medium ID 76 (S87: YES), the printer executes printing based on the print instruction accepted in S81 (S95). The printer 17 transmits, to the server 11, information about the amount of thermal paper sheets 83 used for printing (S97). If the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76 (S87: NO), it does not execute printing based on the print instruction accepted in S81 (S89).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a printing system, a printer, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various techniques for managing consumables used in printers have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, information regarding the toner consumption amount is stored in the non-volatile memory of a toner cartridge attached to a printer. In the non-volatile memory of the toner cartridge, the serial number of the printer that used the toner cartridge and the toner consumption amount used in that printer are stored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the printer of Patent Document 1 described above, the toner consumption amount of its own device can be managed based on the data stored in the non-volatile memory of the toner cartridge. However, for example, a company's system administrator or accounting staff may want to manage the consumables of multiple printers used in the company. In this case, a technology that can collect and manage information on printer consumables is required.

[0005] This application discloses a technology for solving the above problems, and provides a printing system, a printer, and a program that can collect information regarding the usage amount of printer consumables.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The printing system disclosed in the present application is a printing system including a printer and a terminal device capable of communicating with the printer. The printing system executes a printing instruction reception process for receiving a printing instruction for the printer, a determination process for determining whether the printer holds identification information capable of identifying a consumable of the printer, a printing process for executing printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction reception process by the printer when it is determined in the determination process that the printer holds the identification information, a server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumable used in the printing by the printer to a server, and a restriction process for restricting printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction reception process when it is determined in the determination process that the printer does not hold the identification information.

[0007] Further, the content disclosed in the present application is not limited to implementation as a printing system, and for example, it is also beneficial to implement it as a computer-readable program for a printer and a terminal device capable of communicating with the printer.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the printing system, printer, and program having the above configuration, information regarding the usage amount of the consumable of the printer can be collected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a printing system 10, which is an embodiment in which the printing system according to the present application is embodied, will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printing system 10, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing system 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing system 10 includes a server 11, a management PC 13, a plurality of terminal devices 15, and a plurality of printers 17. Note that, in order to avoid making the drawings complicated, FIG. 2 shows only one terminal device 15 and one printer 17. Also, the printing system 10 may be configured to include one terminal device 15 and one printer 17, may be configured to use a plurality of printers 17 with one terminal device 15, or may be configured to use one printer 17 with a plurality of terminal devices 15.

[0011] For example, a company that uses the printing system 10 lends the terminal device 15 and the printer 17 to users (such as employees in charge of sales). The user can execute printing by the printer 17 by operating the terminal device 15. Further, the server 11 is, for example, a management server that manages the terminal device 15. An administrator of the terminal device 15 and the printer 17 (such as a system administrator of the company) can use the management function of the server 11 and restrict the functions of the terminal device 15 by operating the management PC 13.

[0012] Specifically, the server 11 is, for example, an MDM (Mobile Device Management) server, which is a server that centrally manages a plurality of terminal devices 15 to be managed. The server 11 includes a server control unit 21 and a communication IF (abbreviation for interface) 22. The server control unit 21 and the like can communicate with each other via a communication bus 23. The communication IF 22 is, for example, a LAN interface and is connected to the network 19. The network 19 includes, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet, a LAN, and a mobile communication network such as 4G and 5G.

[0013] The server control unit 21 comprehensively controls the server 11. The server control unit 21 includes a server storage unit 24 and a server CPU 25. The server storage unit 24 is configured by combining, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD. The server storage unit 24 stores a server program 26 and a management DB (abbreviation for database) 27. The server program 26 is a program that causes the server 11 to execute various processes. For example, the server control unit 21 controls access to the server 11 by executing the server program 26 with the server CPU 25. Further, the server control unit 21 executes restrictions on functions of the terminal device 15 that is an MDM management target based on instructions acquired from the management PC 13 by executing the server program 26 with the server CPU 25.

[0014] Still, in the following description, the server control unit 21 that executes the server program 26 on the server CPU 25 may sometimes be described simply by the device name or program name. For example, the description "the server 11 acquires an instruction from the management PC 13 via the communication IF 22" means "the server control unit 21 controls the communication IF 22 by executing the server program 26 on the server CPU 25 and acquires an instruction from the management PC 13 via the communication IF 22". The same applies to the management PC 13 that executes the management program 38 to be described later on the CPU 31, the terminal device 15 that executes the OS program 49 and the application program (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an application) 50 on the terminal CPU 48, and the printer 17 that executes the printer program 71 on the printer CPU 70. Also, in the present application, "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of the server 11 receiving an instruction without making a request is also included in the concept of "the server 11 acquires an instruction".

[0015] The management DB 27 is data for managing the thermal roll paper 81 (see FIG. 4) used in each printer 17 to be described later. FIG. 3 shows the data stored in the management DB 27. As shown in FIG. 3, in the management DB 27, the paper medium ID, the usage amount, the usage amount registration date and time, and the printer ID are stored in association with each other. The paper medium ID is identification information for identifying the thermal roll paper 81. As the paper medium ID, for example, something that can assign unique identification information to a plurality of thermal roll papers 81 to be managed, such as a GUID (Globally Unique Identifier), can be adopted. Also, the paper medium ID is not limited to a GUID, and may be a combination of the number of years since the start of use, such as "2021-0001", and the serial number of the entire printing system 10. Alternatively, when the management DB 27 manages the thermal roll papers 81 of a plurality of companies or organizations, a combination of the identification information of the company, etc. and the serial number may be used as the paper medium ID. Also, the paper medium ID may be the serial number of the printer 17 and the serial number of the thermal roll paper 81 used in that printer 17. Therefore, as the paper medium ID, various identification information capable of identifying the thermal roll paper 81 can be adopted.

[0016] The usage amount is the amount used when using the thermal paper 83 (see FIG. 4) wound around the thermal roll paper 81 indicated by the paper medium ID. The usage registration date and time indicates the date and time when the usage amount was registered from the printer 17 to the server 11. The printer ID is the identification information of the printer 17 that used the thermal roll paper 81 indicated by the paper medium ID. As the printer ID, for example, information that can identify the printer 17 from other printers 17, such as a serial number set by the vendor of the printer 17, can be adopted. Note that the types, formats, etc. of the data stored in the management DB 27 shown in FIG. 3 are just examples. For example, the server 11 may store only the total usage amount in the management DB 27 for one paper medium ID. Also, the server 11 may store in the management DB 27 the date and time when the paper medium ID was registered in the management DB 27, the printer ID of the printer 17 that performed the registration, etc. Further, in addition to the management DB 27, the server 11 may have a database for using the MDM function, for example, a database associating the identification information of the terminal device 15, the functions available on the terminal device 15, etc.

[0017] Next, the management PC 13 will be described. In the following descriptions of the management PC 13, the terminal device 15, and the printer 17, the same contents as those of the server 11 described above will be omitted as appropriate. The management PC 13 is, for example, a notebook or desktop personal computer. The management PC 13 includes a CPU 31, a storage unit 32, a user IF 33, a display 34, and a communication IF 35. The CPU 31, etc. can communicate with each other via a communication bus 37. The management PC 13 executes various processes by executing a management program 38 stored in the storage unit 32 with the CPU 31. The management PC 13 changes the display content of the display 34 in response to an operation input to the user IF 33 (such as a mouse or keyboard). Also, the management PC 13 can be connected to the network 19 via the communication IF 35.

[0018] Next, the terminal device 15 will be described. The terminal device 15 is, for example, a smartphone. Note that the terminal device of the present application is not limited to a smartphone, and may also be a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, or the like. The terminal device 15 includes a terminal control unit 41, a first communication IF 43, a second communication IF 44, and a touch panel 45. The terminal control unit 41 and the like can communicate with each other via a communication bus 46.

[0019] The terminal control unit 41 comprehensively controls the terminal device 15 and includes a terminal storage unit 47 and a terminal CPU 48. The terminal storage unit 47 is configured by combining, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The terminal storage unit 47 stores an OS program 49 and an application 50. The OS program 49 is a program that comprehensively controls the terminal device 15 and provides basic functions and services to the application 50. The OS program 49 is, for example, the Android (registered trademark) OS or the iOS (registered trademark). Also, when the terminal device 15 is a notebook PC, for example, the OS program 49 is the Windows (registered trademark) OS or the like.

[0020] The application 50 is a program provided by, for example, the vendor of the printer 17, and is a program that uses the functions of the OS program 49 and the like to execute operations such as sending a print instruction to the printer 17, acquiring the setting information of the printer 17, and sending a setting instruction to the printer 17. The terminal control unit 41 executes the OS program 49 and the application 50 on the terminal CPU 48 to control the operation of the terminal device 15.

[0021] Therefore, the server program 26 of the server 11 and the management program 38 of the management PC 13 include programs compatible with MDM that can control the terminal device 15 operating on Android (registered trademark) OS or the like. For example, the administrator can operate the management PC 13 and use the MDM function of the server 11 to execute various controls on the terminal device 15. The various controls mentioned here refer to, for example, restrictions on functions such as communication functions in each of the terminal devices 15 to be managed, deletion of data in the terminal device 15, initialization, screen lock, loss lock, and other control restrictions. Note that the server 11 may also be a server capable of at least one of the above-mentioned control restrictions such as function restriction, data deletion, initialization, screen lock, and loss lock.

[0022] In addition to the MDM function, the server 11 is equipped with a MAM (Mobile Application Management) function. The server 11 can, for example, control the installation of the application 50 on the terminal device 15 and the setting of parameters at the time of installation based on instructions from the management PC 13. Note that the server 11 does not necessarily need to be equipped with the MAM function.

[0023] The first communication IF 43 is a communication interface capable of performing short-range wireless communication conforming to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The terminal device 15 can communicate with the first communication IF 61 of the printer 17 via the first communication IF 43 and can transmit a print instruction or the like to the printer 17. The second communication IF 44 is a communication interface capable of communicating with a network of a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G or performing wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The terminal device 15 is connected to the network 19 via the second communication IF 44. The terminal device 15 can also communicate with the printer 17 via the second communication IF 44 and can transmit a print instruction or the like to the printer 17. Note that the terminal device 15 may be connected to the network 19 by wire. Also, the above-described communication methods are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the communication standard of the first communication IF 43 is not limited to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and may be other short-range wireless communication standards such as NFC. Also, the second communication IF 44 may be configured to be able to communicate with the second communication IF 62 of the printer 17 by, for example, the WFD (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

[0024] Also, the terminal device 15 receives a user's operation input via the touch panel 45. Also, the terminal device 15 displays various information on the touch panel 45. Note that the user IF provided in the terminal device 15 is not limited to the touch panel 45 and may include, in addition to or instead of the touch panel 45, button switches or slide switches. Also, the terminal device 15 may separately include a display device such as an LCD and an input device such as a keyboard.

[0025] Next, the printer 17 will be described. The printer 17 is, for example, a portable printing device that can be carried and prints image data of a print job acquired via wired communication or wireless communication with the terminal device 15. The printer 17 includes a first communication IF 61, a second communication IF 62, a power supply unit 63, a printing unit 64, a user IF 65, an open / close sensor 66, a mounting sensor 73, and a printer control unit 67. The first communication IF 61 and the like can communicate with each other via the communication bus 68.

[0026] The first communication IF 61 is a communication interface capable of performing short-range wireless communication conforming to, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, and communicates with the first communication IF 43 of the terminal device 15. The second communication IF 62 is a communication interface capable of communicating with a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a wired LAN. The printer 17 can be connected to the network 19, for example, by connecting the second communication IF 62 to an access point within a company or at a business trip destination.

[0027] The power supply unit 63 includes, for example, a power supply circuit or a battery that generates power to be supplied from commercial power to each device within the printer 17. For this reason, the printer 17 is a mobile printer capable of performing a printing operation or the like using the battery as a power source even when not connected to a commercial power supply. Note that the power supply unit 63 may be configured to include only one of a power supply circuit or a battery capable of using commercial power. Further, as the printer of the present application, for example, other portable printers such as a label printer or a receipt printer may be used. Further, the printer of the present application may be a stationary printer or a multifunction device having a printing function, a FAX function, a scanner function, and a copy function.

[0028] The printing unit 64 includes, for example, a thermal head or the like, and prints an image on thermal paper 83 (see FIG. 4) by a direct thermal method. FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which a thermal roll paper 81 is attached to a support member 82 of the printer 17. As shown in FIG. 4, a support member 82 for supporting the thermal roll paper 81 is provided within the printer 17. The thermal roll paper 81 is formed by winding a long thermal paper 83 around a roll 85.

[0029] The support member 82 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape and has an insertion portion 82A that is inserted into the hole of the roll 85. The roll 85 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and the support member 82 is inserted into it from the axial direction 87 of the support member 82. The thermal roll paper 81 is rotatably supported by the support member 82 when the support member 82 is inserted into it. The printer 17 conveys the thermal paper 83 pulled out from the thermal roll paper 81 by a conveyance roller (not shown), thereby rotating the thermal roll paper 81 supported by the support member 82 and conveying the thermal paper 83 in the conveyance direction 89. The printer 17 prints an image on the thermal paper 83 conveyed in the conveyance direction 89 by the printing unit 64. The thermal paper 83 is an example of the printing medium of the present application. Note that the printing medium of the present application is not limited to the thermal paper 83. As the printing medium, plain paper, label paper with labels arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction on a long release backing paper, etc. may be used. Also, the printing unit 64 may be configured to print by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0030] The user IF 65 is, for example, a touch panel, a push button switch, etc., and receives operation inputs from the user and displays various types of information. Note that the printer 17 may be configured to include only switches such as a push button switch and a slide switch without a touch panel.

[0031] The opening / closing sensor 66 is a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A (see FIG. 1) of the printer 17 to the printer control unit 67. The printer 17 can, for example, mount or remove the thermal roll paper 81 by opening the opening / closing cover 17A provided at the upper part of the apparatus. The opening / closing sensor 66 includes, for example, a relay switch that is connected or disconnected according to the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A, and outputs a high-level signal to the printer control unit 67 when the opening / closing cover 17A is closed, and outputs a low-level signal to the printer control unit 67 when the opening / closing cover 17A is opened. Thereby, when the user opens and closes the opening / closing cover 17A for mounting or replacing the thermal roll paper 81, the printer control unit 67 can detect the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A based on the signal of the opening / closing sensor 66. Note that the configuration of the above-described opening / closing sensor 66 is an example. For example, the opening / closing sensor 66 may include an infrared sensor that detects the position of the opening / closing cover 17A, and the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A may be detected by the infrared sensor.

[0032] The mounting sensor 73 is a sensor that detects whether or not the thermal roll paper 81 is mounted on the printer 17. The mounting sensor 73 outputs, for example, different signals to the printer control unit 67 depending on whether the thermal roll paper 81 (roll 85) is mounted on the support member 82 or not. As the mounting sensor 73, a relay switch, an infrared sensor, or the like provided at a position where the mounting of the support member 82 can be detected can be adopted. Further, the mounting sensor 73 may include a paper sensor that detects whether or not the thermal paper 83 drawn out from the roll 85 is correctly drawn out to the paper discharge port of the printer 17.

[0033] Also, the printer control unit 67 comprehensively controls the printer 17. The printer control unit 67 includes a printer storage unit 69 and a printer CPU 70. The printer storage unit 69 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, etc. The printer storage unit 69 can store a printer program 71, a mode flag 74, usage data 75, a paper medium ID 76, history data 77, template data 78, and personal information 79. The printer program 71 is, for example, firmware that comprehensively controls each part of the printer 17. The printer control unit 67 executes the printer program 71 with the printer CPU 70 and controls the printing unit 64, etc.

[0034] The mode flag 74 is information indicating on / off of the paper medium management mode (an example of the consumable management mode of the present application). Although details will be described later, in the printer 17 of the present embodiment, when the paper medium management mode is on, it determines whether it holds (stores) the paper medium ID 76 for identifying the thermal roll paper 81, and if it does not hold it, restricts the execution of printing. Also, when the paper medium management mode is on, the printer 17 transmits information on the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used by printing to the server 11. When the paper medium management mode is off, the printer 17 becomes a mode (hereinafter referred to as the normal mode) in which it does not execute the above-described determination process of the paper medium ID 76, the printing restriction process, or the process of transmitting the usage amount to the server 11. The mode flag 74 is set to a value of "1" when the paper medium management mode is on, for example, and is set to a value of "0" when it is off (normal mode).

[0035] The usage data 75 is a value indicating the usage amount of the thermal paper 83. For example, when the printer 17 receives a print instruction from the terminal device 15 or the like and executes printing, it stores the value of the usage amount used for printing for each print (for each print job) in the usage data 75. The value of the usage amount is, for example, the length of the thermal paper 83 conveyed in the conveyance direction 89 shown in FIG. 4 from before the execution of printing to after the execution of printing, and is the length of the thermal paper 83 consumed by printing. The printer 17 can calculate the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 based on, for example, the length and the number of rotations of the outer circumference of a conveyance roller (not shown) that conveys the thermal paper 83. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 17 registers this value of the usage amount in the management DB 27.

[0036] As described in the management DB 27, the paper medium ID 76 is identification information for identifying the thermal roll paper 81. Also, the paper medium ID 76 is the paper medium ID 76 of the thermal roll paper 81 mounted on the printer 17 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the thermal roll paper 81 in use). The printer 17 also appropriately registers the paper medium ID 76 in the management DB 27.

[0037] The history data 77 is data regarding the thermal roll paper 81 that was used in the past before the thermal roll paper 81 in use. FIG. 5 shows an example of the data stored in the history data 77. For example, the history data 77 stores usage history, usage date and time, paper medium ID, and medium information. The usage history is information indicating when the thermal roll paper 81 indicated by the paper medium ID was used. In the history data 77, for example, the data of the previous use one before the thermal roll paper 81 in use and the data of the use two times before are stored. Therefore, the printer 17 retains the information about the thermal roll paper 81 used in the past up to the information two times before in the history data 77. Note that the printer 17 may retain only the information for the past one time in the history data 77, or may retain the information for three or more times in the history data 77.

[0038] The usage date and time is information on the date and time when the thermal roll paper 81 indicated by the paper medium ID was used, for example, information on the date and time when the used thermal roll paper 81 was removed from the printer 17. The paper medium ID is the paper medium ID of the thermal roll paper 81 used in the previous or the penultimate use. The medium information is information regarding the thermal roll paper 81, and information such as the paper width of the thermal paper 83 along the axial direction 87 (see FIG. 4) and the paper type (information indicating paper types such as thermal paper, plain paper, and label paper) is stored. This information is, for example, information on the paper selected by the user through an operation input to the user IF 65 after the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded into the printer 17. Note that the printer 17 may automatically detect the medium information by reading a code or the like added to the thermal roll paper 81.

[0039] Also, the template data 78 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, data of a template used when printing standard documents such as receipts and reports, or data regularly used for documents such as the company logo. The personal information 79 is, for example, data to be inserted into the template or the like, and is information such as the name and affiliation of the user of the printer 17, the customer name, and the customer address. The printer 17 executes printing using, for example, the template and personal information specified in the print job. Alternatively, the printer 17 executes printing using a preset template and personal information based on a predetermined operation on the user IF 65.

[0040] (Mode transition process) Next, the mode transition process executed by the printer 17 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 6. By executing the mode transition process shown in FIG. 6, the printer 17 transitions from the normal mode to the paper medium management mode. For example, in the initial state shipped from the vendor, the value indicating the normal mode is set in the mode flag 74, and the printer 17 starts up in the normal mode. In this state, the printer 17 executes the print instruction acquired via the first communication IF 61 or the second communication IF 62 without making a determination such as that of the paper medium ID 76 described later. Also, in the normal mode, the printer 17 causes the user IF 65 to display a reception screen (not shown) for receiving an instruction to transition to the paper medium management mode based on an operation input to the user IF 65. When the printer 17 displays the reception screen, it starts the process shown in FIG. 6. Note that the condition for starting the process in FIG. 6 is not limited to the condition for displaying the reception screen on the user IF 65. For example, the printer 17 may start the process in FIG. 6 based on an instruction from the application 50 of the terminal device 15. That is, the printer 17 may acquire an instruction to transition to the paper medium management mode from the application 50. In this case, the printer 17 may omit the process of S11 in FIG. 6 and execute the processes after S13 when it acquires an instruction to transition from the application 50.

[0041] Also, the flowcharts in this specification and the sequence diagrams described later basically show the processing of the CPU (server CPU 25, CPU 31, terminal CPU 48, printer CPU 70) according to the instructions described in each program. In the case of FIG. 6, it shows the processing of the printer CPU 70 according to the instructions described in the printer program 71. Also, the processes such as "reception", "determination", and "activation" in the following description represent the processing of the CPU. The processing by the CPU includes hardware control via a program. Also, the "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. And data having substantially the same meaning content but different formats shall be treated as the same data. The same applies to the "information" in this specification.

[0042] First, as shown in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 11 in Fig. 6, when the printer 17 starts the process in Fig. 6, it determines whether or not a transition instruction has been received on the reception screen of the user IF 65 described above. The printer 17 displays, for example, a decision button for deciding to transition to the paper medium management mode and a cancel button on the reception screen of the user IF 65. If the cancel button is operated on the reception screen, the printer 17 makes a negative determination in S11 (S11: NO), ends the process shown in Fig. 6, and switches the screen of the user IF 65 to the standby screen. Alternatively, the printer 17 may end the process in Fig. 6 if no transition instruction is received on the reception screen for a certain period of time (S11: NO).

[0043] On the other hand, when the printer 17 accepts the operation of the decision button on the reception screen (S11: YES), it changes the mode flag 74 (S13). The printer 17 changes the mode flag 74 from a value of "0" indicating the normal mode to a value of "1" indicating the paper medium management mode (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "turning on the mode flag 74"). Next, when the printer 17 turns on the mode flag 74, it activates functions required for the paper medium management mode (S15). The printer 17 activates functions such as the function of issuing a paper medium ID 76, which will be described later (S15). This puts the printer 17 in a state where the paper medium management mode is active (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "paper medium management mode is on"). After executing S15, the printer 17 ends the processing shown in FIG. 6.

[0044] (Mode release process) Next, the mode cancellation process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. By executing the mode cancellation process shown in FIG. 7, the printer 17 shifts from the paper medium management mode to the normal mode (turns off the paper medium management mode). When the printer 17 displays, on the user IF 65, a reception screen (not shown) for receiving an instruction to cancel the paper medium management mode based on an operation input to the user IF 65 in the paper medium management mode, the process shown in FIG. 7 is started. Note that the printer 17 may acquire a mode cancellation instruction from the application 50 of the terminal device 15 in the same manner as the mode transition process in FIG. 6. In this case, when the printer 17 acquires the instruction, it may omit the process of S17 in FIG. 7 and execute the processes after S19.

[0045] First, in S17, the printer 17 determines whether or not an instruction to cancel has been received on the reception screen of the user IF 65. If the cancel button is operated on the reception screen (S17: NO), the process shown in FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, when the printer 17 receives an operation of a decision button for deciding to cancel the paper medium management mode on the reception screen (S17: YES), it turns off the mode flag 74 (S19). That is, the printer 17 changes the mode flag 74 from a value indicating the paper medium management mode to a value indicating the normal mode. Next, when the printer 17 turns off the mode flag 74, it invalidates the functions enabled in S15 of FIG. 6 in accordance with the transition to the paper medium management mode (S21). The printer 17 invalidates functions such as the function of issuing the paper medium ID 76 (S21). Thereby, the printer 17 enters the normal mode.

[0046] Also, when the paper medium management mode is on, the printer 17 deletes the paper medium ID 76 stored in the printer storage unit 69 of its own device, that is, the paper medium ID 76 in use, from the storage area (S23). When the printer 17 executes S23, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends. Note that the printer 17 may leave the paper medium ID 76 in use in the history data 77 without deleting it in accordance with the turn-off of the paper medium management mode. Also, in S23, the printer 17 may delete all the history in the history data 77 together with the deletion of the paper medium ID 76.

[0047] (Notification process) Next, the notification process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. By executing the notification process shown in FIG. 8, the printer 17 checks whether to issue or register the paper medium ID 76. For example, when the opening / closing sensor 66 detects that the opening / closing cover 17A has been opened while the paper medium management mode is on, the printer 17 executes the process shown in FIG. 8 at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the printer 17 may execute the process shown in FIG. 8 at predetermined time intervals while the paper medium management mode is on. Also, for example, when the printer 17 executes the process of S33 described later, it ends the process of executing FIG. 8 at predetermined time intervals.

[0048] Here, as described above, the server 11 manages the thermal roll paper 81 used by each printer 17 in association with the paper medium ID 76 in the management DB 27 (see FIG. 3). Also, as will be described later, when the paper medium management mode is on, the printer 17 does not execute printing based on a print instruction when the paper medium ID 76 is not stored in the printer storage unit 69, that is, when it does not hold the paper medium ID 76 in use. Further, as will be described later, when the thermal roll paper 81 is removed from the printer 17, the printer 17 deletes the paper medium ID 76 in use (see FIG. 14). Therefore, when printing is desired in the paper medium management mode, the user needs to issue a new paper medium ID 76 (see FIG. 10) or register the already issued paper medium ID 76 with the printer 17 (see FIG. 12) when the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded into the printer 17. Thus, by executing the notification process of FIG. 8, the printer 17 checks whether to issue or register the paper medium ID 76 when the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded while the paper medium management mode is on.

[0049] First, in S31, the printer 17 determines whether the opening / closing cover 17A is closed and the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded (S31). Based on the signal obtained from the opening / closing sensor 66, the printer 17 detects that the opening / closing cover 17A is closed, and based on the signal obtained from the loading sensor 73, the printer 17 detects that the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded on the support member 82. If so, the printer 17 makes an affirmative determination in S31 (S31: YES). When the printer 17 makes an affirmative determination in S31 (S31: YES), it executes S33. Also, when the opening / closing cover 17A is not closed or the thermal roll paper 81 is not loaded on the support member 82 even though the opening / closing cover 17A is closed (S31: NO), the printer 17 ends the process shown in FIG. 8. When the opening / closing cover 17A is not closed, the printer 17 re-executes the process from S31 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, the printer 17 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 8 in a state where the opening / closing cover 17A is open.

[0050] In S33, the printer 17 displays the issuance registration reception screen 91 shown in FIG. 9 on the user IF65 and ends the process shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the printer 17 displays a message 93, an issuance button 95, a registration button 97, and a cancel button 99 on the issuance registration reception screen 91. The printer 17 displays characters such as "Do you want to issue a paper medium ID? Do you want to register?" as the message 93. On this issuance registration reception screen 91, the printer 17 receives an instruction to issue or register the paper medium ID 76.

[0051] Still, in S31, when the opening / closing cover 17A was closed and the thermal roll paper 81 was loaded (S31: YES), the printer 17 executed S33. In contrast, for example, the printer 17 may determine S31 based only on the condition that the opening / closing cover 17A is closed, that is, only on the signal from the opening / closing sensor 66. The printer 17 may execute S33 on the condition that the opening / closing cover 17A is closed. In this case, the printer 17 may not be equipped with the loading sensor 73. Also, since the printer 17 does not have the loading sensor 73 and cannot detect whether the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded on the support member 82, for example, a warning such as "Please set the paper if the paper is not set." may be displayed on the issuance registration reception screen 91. Thereby, the thermal roll paper 81 can be more reliably loaded on the printer 17 before executing the ID printing process and the registration process described later.

[0052] (ID printing process) Next, the ID printing process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. By executing the ID printing process shown in FIG. 10, the printer 17 newly issues a paper medium ID 76 for the loaded thermal roll paper 81 and executes registration to the server 11. For example, when the printer 17 executes S33 in FIG. 8 and displays the issuance registration reception screen 91 on the user IF 65, the process shown in FIG. 10 starts.

[0053] Still, the condition for starting the process in FIG. 10 is not limited to the condition for displaying the issuance registration reception screen 91 on the user IF 65. For example, the printer 17 may start the process in FIG. 10 based on an instruction from the application 50 of the terminal device 15. That is, the printer 17 may obtain an issuance instruction for the paper medium ID from the application 50. In this case, the printer 17 may omit the process of S35 in FIG. 10 and execute the processes after S37 when an issuance instruction is obtained from the application 50.

[0054] When the printer 17 starts the process shown in FIG. 10, in S35, it determines whether or not an instruction to issue the paper medium ID 76 has been received. When the issue button 95 is operated on the issue registration reception screen 91, the printer 17 makes an affirmative determination in S35 (S35: YES) and executes S37. Also, when the registration button 97 or the cancel button 99 is operated on the issue registration reception screen 91, the printer 17 makes a negative determination in S35 (S35: NO) and ends the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0055] In S37, the printer 17 newly issues a paper medium ID. For example, the printer 17 generates a new GUID using a program for generating a GUID, and sets the generated GUID as the paper medium ID, thereby issuing the paper medium ID. The printer 17 stores the issued paper medium ID in the printer storage unit 69 as the paper medium ID 76 (S39). As a result, the printer 17 is in a state of holding the paper medium ID 76.

[0056] Next, the printer 17 executes printing of the paper medium ID 76 issued in S37 (S41). When the user uses the thermal roll paper 81 for which the paper medium ID 76 has already been issued again, the user can confirm the issued paper medium ID 76 by checking this printed paper medium ID 76.

[0057] When the printer 17 executes S41, it executes a process of registering the paper medium ID 76 issued in S37 to the server 11 (S43). The printer 17 accesses the server 11 and notifies the issued paper medium ID 76. The server 11 stores the paper medium ID 76 acquired from the printer 17 in the management DB 27. At this point, data of the issued paper medium ID 76, for example, the usage amount, the usage amount registration date and time, and the printer ID are not registered (in a blank state). When the registration to the server 11 is completed, the printer 17 ends the process shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the newly issued paper medium ID 76 can be registered in the server 11.

[0058] The method by which the printer 17 acquires the access destination of the server 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the URL of the server 11 or the like may be set in advance in the printer storage unit 69 of the printer 17. Further, the printer 17 may acquire the access destination information of the server 11 from the terminal device 15. Further, the printer 17 may check with the server 11 whether the paper medium ID 76 to be registered has already been registered in the management DB 27. For example, when the printer 17 receives a response indicating that the paper medium ID 76 notified in S43 duplicates the already registered paper medium ID 76, the printer 17 may issue and store the paper medium ID 76 again.

[0059] FIG. 11 shows a printed sheet 101 with the paper medium ID 76 printed on the thermal paper 83. As shown in FIG. 11, the printer 17 prints a message 103 indicating that it is the paper medium ID and the numerical value of the paper medium ID 76 on the sheet 101. Further, the printer 17 prints, as the code information 105 indicating the paper medium ID 76, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) on the sheet 101. Thereby, by reading the code information 105 with the terminal device 15, the paper medium ID 76 can be confirmed on the touch panel 45 of the terminal device 15. Further, the user can register the paper medium ID 76 by operating the terminal device 15 and transmitting the paper medium ID 76 read from the code information 105 to the printer 17. For example, when the user reuses the thermal roll paper 81 that has issued the paper medium ID 76, the user may transmit the paper medium ID 76 read by the terminal device 15 to the printer 17 and execute the registration process described later.

[0060] Further, the printer 17 sets the conveyance direction width 107, which is the width of the sheet 101 in the conveyance direction 89 (see FIG. 4) for conveying the thermal paper 83, to a predetermined width, and prints on the sheet 101. For example, the printer 17 prints such that the conveyance direction width 107 is equal to or less than the length 82B of the outer periphery of the insertion portion 82A of the support member 82 shown in FIG. 4. That is, the length of the sheet 101 in the conveyance direction is set to be equal to or less than the length 82B of the outer periphery of the insertion portion 82A inserted into the roll 85. This makes it easier to roll up the printed sheet 101 and insert it into the roll 85, and facilitates the management of the sheet medium ID 76 during the period when it is not in use.

[0061] Further, the printer 17 prints such that the conveyance direction width 109 along the conveyance direction 89 (see FIG. 4) and the axial direction width 111 along the axial direction 87 (see FIG. 4) of the area where the sheet medium ID 76 and the code information 105 (information related to the identification information of the present application) are printed on the sheet 101 are of a constant size. Therefore, the printer 17 prints such that the size (conveyance direction width 109, axial direction width 111) of the printing area such as the sheet medium ID 76 printed on the thermal paper 83 is constant regardless of the size of the thermal paper 83. Thereby, the sheet medium ID 76 can be printed in a constant character size, and the user can be prevented from misreading the sheet medium ID 76. Also, the code information 105 can be printed in a constant size, and the occurrence of reading errors in the code information 105 can be suppressed. Note that the printer 17 may print only one of the code information 105 and the sheet medium ID 76 in a constant size.

[0062] Also, when the minimum axial direction width among the axial direction widths of the thermal paper 83 that can be attached to the support member 82 is defined as the minimum axial direction width, the printer 17 prints such that the axial direction width 111 is equal to or less than the minimum axial direction width. Thereby, even when the thermal paper 83 (thermal roll paper 81) with the smallest width in the axial direction 87 is attached, it is possible to prevent the printed code information 105 and sheet medium ID 76 from protruding outside the thermal paper 83 in the axial direction 87. Regarding the values and information of the above-described conveyance direction width 107, conveyance direction width 109, and axial direction width 111, for example, they may be set in advance in the printer storage unit 69 by the vendor.

[0063] The configuration of the sheet 101 shown in FIG. 11 is an example. The printer 17 does not necessarily need to print either the paper medium ID 76 or the code information 105 on the sheet 101. Further, even when only the paper medium ID 76 is printed, the terminal device 15 may image the paper medium ID 76, perform character recognition, and read the paper medium ID 76. Further, the code information 105 is not limited to a QR code (registered trademark), and may be other information capable of transmitting the paper medium ID 76 such as a barcode. Further, the printer 17 may print the sheet 101 such that the conveyance direction width 109 is equal to or less than the length 82B of the outer periphery of the roll 85 or equal to or less than the diameter 82C (see FIG. 4) of the insertion portion 82A. Further, the printer 17 may change the conveyance direction width 109 and the axial direction width 111 according to the paper size of the mounted thermal paper 83, without setting the conveyance direction width 109 and the axial direction width 111 to a fixed size. That is, the printer 17 may enlarge or reduce the code information 105 and the message 103 according to the paper size. Further, the printer 17 may receive a designation of the conveyance direction width 107 of the sheet 101 from the application 50.

[0064] (Registration process) Next, the registration process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. By executing the registration process shown in FIG. 12, when the thermal roll paper 81 with the issued paper medium ID 76 is mounted on the printer 17, the printer 17 executes a process of associating the issued paper medium ID 76 with the mounted thermal roll paper 81. For example, when the printer 17 executes S33 in FIG. 8 and displays the issuance registration reception screen 91 on the user IF 65, the process shown in FIG. 12 is started.

[0065] When the printer 17 starts the process shown in FIG. 12, at S51, it determines whether an instruction to register the paper medium ID 76 has been received. When the registration button 97 (see FIG. 9) is operated on the issue registration reception screen 91, the printer 17 makes an affirmative determination at S51 (S51: YES) and executes S53. Also, when the issue button 95 or the cancel button 99 is operated on the issue registration reception screen 91, the printer 17 makes a negative determination at S51 (S51: NO) and ends the process shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, when the cancel button 99 is operated on the issue registration reception screen 91, although the medium management mode is on, the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76. In this state, as will be described later, the printer 17 does not execute printing (S87 in FIG. 15: NO).

[0066] At S53, the printer 17 receives and stores the paper medium ID. For example, when the registration button 97 is operated, the printer 17 displays an input box for inputting the paper medium ID on the user IF65 and receives the paper medium ID. For example, when the thermal roll paper 81 is first loaded into the printer 17, the user causes the printer 17 to execute the ID printing process in FIG. 10 to print the paper 101. The user stores the printed paper 101 in the roll 85 for storage. Alternatively, the user may manage the printed paper 101 and the thermal roll paper 81 separately in some way by associating them. At S53, the user checks the paper medium ID 76 of the printed paper 101 and inputs it using the user IF65. The printer 17 stores the input value as the paper medium ID 76 in the printer storage unit 69 (S53).

[0067] When the printer 17 executes S53, it executes a process of checking the paper medium ID 76 stored in S53 with the server 11 (S55). For example, the printer 17 inquires of the server 11 about the paper medium ID 76 to check whether it is the paper medium ID registered in the management DB 27. If the printer 17 determines that the paper medium ID 76 is not registered in the management DB 27, it may notify an error or the like to prompt the user to re-enter or issue an instruction for the paper medium ID 76. When the printer 17 executes S55, it ends the process shown in FIG. 12.

[0068] Note that the printer 17 does not necessarily need to execute the confirmation process of S55. Also, in S55, the printer 17 may transmit its own printer ID and the paper medium ID 76 to the server 11. Thereby, when the use of the thermal roll paper 81 with the registered paper medium ID 76 is started on the same printer 17 or another printer 17, the server 11 can grasp which printer 17 started the use at the time of the process of S55.

[0069] (Registration process of another example) Note that the condition for starting the registration process in FIG. 12 is not limited to the condition for displaying the issuance registration reception screen 91 on the user IF 65. For example, the printer 17 may start the process in FIG. 12 based on an instruction from the application 50 of the terminal device 15. That is, the printer 17 may acquire a registration instruction for the paper medium ID from the application 50.

[0070] FIG. 13 shows the processing of the terminal device 15 and the printer 17 when a registration instruction is transmitted from the terminal device 15. Note that the arrow pointing downward to the left in FIG. 13 indicates the operation by the user. First, the user attaches the thermal roll paper 81 with the paper medium ID 76 already issued to the printer 17 and closes the opening / closing cover 17A (S61). When the thermal roll paper 81 is attached and the opening / closing cover 17A is closed, for example, in the case where the medium management mode is on, the printer 17 executes S33 in FIG. 8 and causes the user IF 65 to display the issuance registration reception screen 91. When the registration button 97 is operated, the printer 17 shifts to the registration instruction reception state of receiving the paper medium ID 76 from the application 50 while displaying an input box for inputting the paper medium ID 76 on the user IF 65 (S63).

[0071] On the other hand, the terminal device 15 activates the application 50 based on the user's operation and reads the code information 105 of the paper 101. The user operates the terminal device 15 to read the code information 105 (S65). When the reading is successful, the terminal device 15 transmits the paper medium ID 76 indicated by the read code information 105 to the printer 17 (S67). Note that the terminal device 15 may receive the numerical value of the paper medium ID 76 printed on the paper 101 from the user via the touch panel 45 and transmit the received paper medium ID 76 to the printer 17 (S67). Alternatively, the terminal device 15 may retain the paper medium ID 76 registered in the past and the information (paper size, paper type, etc.) of the thermal roll paper 81 with the paper medium ID 76 as a history and accept the selection of the paper medium ID 76 to be transmitted to the printer 17 from among the history.

[0072] When the printer 17 acquires the paper medium ID 76 from the terminal device 15 (application 50) in S67, the printer 17 stores the acquired paper medium ID 76 and confirms it with the server 11 in the same manner as S53 and S55 in FIG. 12. When the confirmation process with the server 11 is completed in S55, the printer 17 notifies the terminal device 15 that the registration has been completed (S69). In this way, the printer 17 can receive the paper medium ID 76 from the terminal device 15 without receiving it via the user IF 65.

[0073] Furthermore, the method of receiving the registration instruction for the paper medium ID 76 is not limited to the above input at the user IF 65 or the reading / input by the terminal device 15. For example, the printer 17 may receive the paper medium ID 76 to be registered from the history data 77. For example, in S53 of FIG. 12, the printer 17 may display the history data 77 on the user IF 65 and receive the selection of the paper medium ID 76.

[0074] (Deletion process) Next, the deletion process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. By executing the deletion process shown in FIG. 14, the printer 17 executes a process of deleting the paper medium ID 76 from the thermal roll paper 81 removed from the printer 17 and transferring it to the history data 77. For example, when the printer 17 detects that the opening / closing cover 17A has been opened, it executes the process shown in FIG. 14 at regular intervals. Also, for example, when the printer 17 executes the process of S73 described later or when the opening / closing cover 17A is closed, it ends the process of executing the process of FIG. 14 at regular intervals.

[0075] When the printer 17 starts the process shown in FIG. 14, in S71, it determines whether the thermal roll paper 81 has been removed. The printer 17 determines whether the thermal roll paper 81 has been removed from the support member 82 based on the signal of the mounting sensor 73. If the thermal roll paper 81 has been removed (S71: YES), the printer 17 executes S73. Also, if the thermal roll paper 81 has not been removed (S71: NO), the printer 17 ends the process shown in FIG. 14 and, if the opening / closing cover 17A is not closed, executes again from S71 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0076] In S73, the printer 17 determines whether or not it has stored the paper medium ID 76 in the printer storage unit 69. That is, the printer 17 determines whether or not the paper medium ID 76 in use is registered. If the printer 17 has not stored the paper medium ID 76 (S73: NO), the process shown in FIG. 14 ends. In this case, the printer 17 does not execute the process of FIG. 14 until, for example, the opening / closing cover 17A is closed and then opened again.

[0077] In S75, the printer 17 updates the history data 77 with the paper medium ID 76 in use. For example, the printer 17 deletes the data of the penultimate use in the history data 77. The printer 17 changes the data of the previous use to the data of the penultimate use. Then, the printer 17 stores the data of the paper medium ID 76 in use as the data of the previous use in the history data 77. When executing S75, the printer 17 registers the date and time when the thermal roll paper 81 was removed, that is, the use date and time, in the history data 77. Also, when the removed thermal roll paper 81 was being used, the information on the paper width and paper type set by the user is registered in the history data 77 as medium information. Thereby, the history data 77 can be updated with the information of the removed thermal roll paper 81.

[0078] When the printer 17 executes S75, it deletes the information of the paper medium ID 76 in use from the printer storage unit 69 (S77, it is deleted from the printer storage unit 69 while leaving it in the history data 77). When the printer 17 executes S77, the process shown in FIG. 14 ends. Thereby, by deleting the information of the paper medium ID 76 in use in response to the removal of the thermal roll paper 81, it is possible to prevent the replaced thermal roll paper 81 from being used in association with the wrong paper medium ID 76.

[0079] Note that the processing content shown in FIG. 14 is an example. For example, the printer 17 does not necessarily need to execute S71 in FIG. 14. When the opening / closing sensor 66 detects that the opening / closing cover 17A has been opened, the printer 17 may execute the processes after S73. In this case, the printer 17 does not necessarily need to be equipped with the mounting sensor 73.

[0080] (Printing process) Next, the printing process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. By executing the printing process shown in FIG. 15, the printer 17 performs printing based on the received printing instruction. For example, when the printer 17 is powered on and the printer CPU 70 executes the printer program 71 to start the system, it starts the process of FIG. 15 regardless of whether it is in the normal mode or the paper medium management mode.

[0081] First, in S81 of FIG. 15, the printer 17 determines whether it has received a printing instruction. For example, when the printer 17 receives a printing instruction from the terminal device 15 via the first communication IF 61 or the second communication IF 62, it makes an affirmative determination in S81 (S81: YES) and executes S83. Alternatively, when the printer 17 receives a printing instruction such as template data 78 based on an operation input from the user IF 65, it makes an affirmative determination in S81 (S81: YES). On the other hand, when the printer 17 does not receive a printing instruction (S81: NO), it ends the process shown in FIG. 15. When the printer 17 ends the process, it re-executes the process from S81.

[0082] In S83, the printer 17 determines whether the paper medium management mode is on. The printer 17 determines the current mode based on the mode flag 74. When the paper medium management mode is off, that is, in the normal mode (S83: NO), the printer 17 executes printing based on the printing instruction received in S81 at the printing unit 64 (S85). When the printer 17 executes the printing, it ends the process shown in FIG. 15 and re-executes the process from S81. Thus, in an environment where the management of the thermal roll paper 81 by the paper medium ID 76 is not performed, by setting the printer 17 to the normal mode, printing can be executed without being restricted by the paper medium ID 76.

[0083] On the other hand, when the paper medium management mode is on (S83: YES), the printer 17 determines whether or not it stores the ID 76 of the paper medium in use (S87). If the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76, it notifies an error without executing printing (S89). For example, when the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded after the paper medium management mode is turned on and the cancel button 99 is selected on the issue registration reception screen 91 shown in FIG. 9, the printer 17 is in a state where it does not store the paper medium ID 76. Therefore, if the printer 17 does not execute the ID printing process of FIG. 10 or the registration process of FIG. 12 even though the thermal roll paper 81 is loaded after the paper medium management mode is turned on, the printer 17 is in a state where it does not store the paper medium ID 76. In such a state, the printer 17 cannot report the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used for printing to the server 11 in association with the paper medium ID 76. For this reason, when the paper medium management mode is on and the paper medium ID 76 is not stored, the printer 17 does not execute printing. In S89, the printer 17 may display, for example, the issue registration reception screen 91 and display a message such as "Printing cannot be performed because the paper medium ID 76 is not registered. Please issue or register the paper medium ID 76." Further, the printer 17 may transmit a printing error to the source of the printing instruction (such as the terminal device 15). When the printer 17 executes S89, it ends the process shown in FIG. 15 and executes the process from S81 again.

[0084] Also, when the printer 17 stores the paper medium ID 76 (S87: YES), it checks whether or not the paper medium ID 76 has been registered in the server 11 (S91). For example, the printer 17 transmits the paper medium ID 76 of its own device to the server 11 and inquires whether or not it is registered in the management DB 27. In the ID printing process of FIG. 10, although a new paper medium ID 76 is issued in S37 and stored in S39, if it cannot be registered due to a network failure or the like in the registration process of S43, the paper medium ID 76 in use becomes unregistered in the management DB 27. Alternatively, the paper medium ID 76 becomes unregistered also when the paper medium ID 76 registered in the management DB 27 disappears for some reason.

[0085] After executing the inquiry of S91, the printer 17 determines the inquiry result (S93). When the paper medium ID 76 is registered in the management DB 27 (S93: YES), the printer 17 executes printing based on the print instruction received in S81 at the printing unit 64 (S95). When the printer 17 completes the printing, it stores the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used in the printing in the usage amount data 75. Further, the printer 17 transmits the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used in the printing to the server 11 and updates the information in the management DB 27 (S97). The printer 17 transmits, for example, the paper medium ID 76, the usage amount (such as how many cm) used in the printing, and the printer ID of its own device to the server 11. The server 11 associates the paper medium ID 76, the usage amount, and the printer ID acquired from the printer 17 and registers them in the management DB 27. Further, the server 11 sets the date and time when the paper medium ID 76 etc. were acquired from the printer 17 as the usage amount registration date and time. Thereby, every time printing is executed by the printer 17, the paper medium ID 76 of the thermal roll paper 81 used in the printing and the usage amount are registered in the management DB 27. When the printer 17 executes S97, it ends the process shown in FIG. 15 and executes the process from S81 again.

[0086] Also, when the printer 17 determines in S93 that the paper medium ID 76 in use is not registered in the management DB 27 (S93: NO), it accesses the server 11 and executes registration in the management DB 27 (S99). When the printer 17 succeeds in the process of registering the paper medium ID 76 in the management DB 27 (S101: YES), it executes printing (S95) and registers the usage amount in the management DB 27 (S97).

[0087] On the other hand, when the printer 17 cannot register the paper medium ID 76 in the management DB 27 due to a network failure or the like (S101: NO), the printer 17 notifies a printing error without executing the print instruction received in S81 (S103), and ends the process shown in FIG. 15. The printer 17 causes, for example, a message such as "Printing could not be executed because the paper medium ID 76 could not be registered in the server 11. Please check the network connection" to be displayed on the user IF 65 or the terminal device 15 that is the source of the print instruction. When the process of FIG. 15 ends, the printer 17 executes the process from S81 again.

[0088] Note that the content, order, etc. of the process shown in FIG. 15 are merely examples. For example, when the registration fails in S101, the printer 17 may request the terminal device 15 to register the paper medium ID 76. That is, the printer 17 executes the registration of the paper medium ID 76 via the terminal device 15, and if the registration is successful, the printer 17 may execute printing (S95). Also, even if the registration fails in S101 (S101: NO), the printer 17 may execute printing (S95). In this case, after a certain period of time has elapsed, such as after the completion of printing, the printer 17 may execute the registration in the management DB 27 of the paper medium ID 76 again. Also, for a plurality of print instructions, even if the registration fails in S101 (S101: NO), the printer 17 sequentially executes the print instructions, and after all the print instructions are completed, the usage amount may be registered in the management DB 27 collectively. Similarly, when the registration fails in S97, the printer 17 may register the usage amount data 75 in the server 11 collectively after a plurality of prints are completed.

[0089] (ID Reprinting Process) Next, the ID reprinting process executed by the printer 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. By executing the ID reprinting process shown in FIG. 16, the printer 17 reprints the paper medium ID of the paper medium ID 76 in use or the history data 77. For example, when the paper medium management mode is on, the printer 17 executes the process shown in FIG. 16 at predetermined time intervals.

[0090] First, when the printer 17 starts the process shown in FIG. 16, it determines whether it has received an instruction to reissue the paper medium ID (S111). For example, the printer 17 receives an instruction to reissue the paper medium ID based on a predetermined operation input to the user IF 65. Alternatively, the printer 17 may receive the reissue instruction from the application 50 of the terminal device 15. If the printer 17 does not receive the reissue instruction (S111: NO), it ends the process shown in FIG. 16 and executes the process from S111 again. Incidentally, the printer 17 may start the process shown in FIG. 16 when a screen for receiving the reissue instruction is displayed based on the operation input of the user IF 65.

[0091] When the printer 17 receives the reissue instruction via the user IF 65 (S111: YES), it displays options for the user IF 65 to select which paper medium ID 76 to reissue (S113). The printer 17 displays a screen for the user IF 65 to select a total of three paper medium IDs, namely the currently used paper medium ID 76 and the two paper medium IDs stored in the history data 77 (S113). Incidentally, the printer 17 may display only the paper medium IDs in the history data 77. Alternatively, the printer 17 may print only the currently used paper medium ID 76 without accepting a selection.

[0092] When the printer 17 executes S113, it determines which of the three displayed paper medium IDs has been selected as the issuance target (S115). If none of the three paper medium IDs are selected (S115: NO), the printer 17 ends the process shown in FIG. 16. Also, when any of the three paper medium IDs are selected (S115: YES), the printer 17 prints the selected paper medium ID for the issuance target in the same manner as S41 in FIG. 10 (S117, see FIG. 11). Similar to S41, the printer 17 may make the size of the paper 101 a constant size, or may make the width of the printing area such as the code information 105 (axial direction width 111, conveyance direction width 109) a constant size. Further, in S117, the printer 17 may print characters or marks such as "reprint" or "re-" on the reprinted paper 101 so that it can be recognized that the printed matter is a reprint. When the printer 17 executes S117, it ends the process shown in FIG. 16 and executes the process from S111 again.

[0093] Incidentally, the management DB 27 is an example of management data. The terminal control unit 41 is an example of a computer. The application 50 is an example of a program. The first communication IF 61 and the second communication IF 62 are examples of communication units. The printer control unit 67 is an example of a control unit. The paper medium ID 76 is an example of identification information. The thermal roll paper 81, the thermal paper 83, and the roll 85 are examples of consumables. The thermal paper 83 is an example of a printing medium. The paper 101 is an example of a printing medium. S33 is an example of a notification process. S37 is an example of an issuance process. S41 is an example of an identification information printing process. S65 is an example of an acquisition process. S67 is an example of a printer transmission process. S53 in FIG. 13 is an example of a registration process. S75 is an example of an update process. S77 is an example of a deletion process. S81 is an example of a printing instruction reception process. S87 is an example of a determination process. S91 is an example of a confirmation process. S95 is an example of a printing process. S97 is an example of a server transmission process. S89 is an example of a restriction process. The ID reprinting process in FIG. 16 is an example of an identification information reprinting process.

[0094] (Effect) According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects are achieved. (1) The printer 17 of the present embodiment executes the process of S81 that receives a print instruction and the process of S87 that determines whether the printer storage unit 69 stores the paper medium ID 76 that can identify the thermal paper 83. Then, when the printer 17 stores the paper medium ID 76 (S87: YES), it executes printing based on the print instruction received in S81 (S95). The printer 17 transmits information regarding the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used for printing to the server 11 (S97). If the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76 as a result of the determination in S87 (S87: NO), it does not execute printing based on the print instruction received in S81 (S89).

[0095] According to this, when the paper medium management mode is on and the paper medium ID 76 is stored, the printer 17 executes printing and registers the usage amount of the thermal roll paper 81 used in the printing in the management DB 27. The system administrator can manage the thermal roll paper 81 used in the printers 17 owned by the company in the management DB 27 and order an appropriate number of replacement thermal roll papers 81 according to the usage amount. Also, even if an employee purchases and uses a thermal roll paper 81 other than the regular thermal roll paper 81 sold by the vendor of the printer 17, such as a thermal roll paper 81 not provided by the company, the usage amount can be managed by setting the paper medium ID 76 for the non-regular thermal roll paper 81.

[0096] Furthermore, when the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76, it does not execute printing even if it receives a print instruction. Therefore, if the paper medium management mode is turned on, it is possible to suppress the use of a thermal roll paper 81 not associated with the paper medium ID 76 (whose location is unknown) in the printer 17. The thermal roll paper 81 (thermal paper 83) consumed by employees and the like can be accurately managed.

[0097] (2) The printer 17 includes a printing unit 64 that executes printing on the thermal paper 83. In the above embodiment, the thermal paper 83 is adopted as a consumable of the present application. According to this, the thermal paper 83 consumed in the printing system 10 can be managed on the server 11 side in association with the paper medium ID 76.

[0098] (3) Based on receiving an instruction to issue a new paper medium ID 76, the printer 17 issues a new paper medium ID 76 (S37) (S35: YES). After executing S37, the printer 17 prints the issued paper medium ID 76 on the thermal paper 83 (S41). According to this, the printer 17 can newly issue and use the paper medium ID 76 based on an issue instruction from the user. Also, by printing the paper medium ID 76, the printer 17 can allow the user to manage the paper medium ID 76 associated with the thermal roll paper 81 in use with the paper 101. When the user uses the issued thermal roll paper 81 again, the user can register and use the paper medium ID 76 with the printer 17 using the printed paper 101. Therefore, even when the issued thermal roll paper 81 is reused with the same printer 17 or another printer 17, the server 11 can manage the usage amount based on the paper medium ID 76.

[0099] (4) The thermal paper 83 is wound around a roll 85. The printing unit 64 has a support member 82 that is inserted into the roll 85 from the axial direction 87 of the roll 85 to support the roll 85, and conveys the thermal paper 83 while rotating the roll 85 to execute printing on the thermal paper 83. The printer 17 prints such that the conveyance direction width 107 in the conveyance direction 89 of the paper 101 on which the paper medium ID 76 is printed is equal to or less than the length 82B of the outer periphery of the support member 82.

[0100] This makes it easier to roll up the printed paper 101 and insert it into the roll 85, and facilitates the management of the paper medium ID 76 during the period when it is not in use. Also, when using it again, the paper medium ID 76 of the paper 101 inside the roll 85 or the paper medium ID 76 of the paper 101 partially pulled out from the roll 85 can be visually confirmed, or the code information 105 can be read by the terminal device 15. Further, for example, when the paper medium ID 76 is printed on a paper such as a label paper that can be pasted, it can be pasted within one circumference of the inner periphery of the roll 85 and can be pasted so as not to overlap inside the roll 85. Incidentally, the printer 17 may print the paper 101 by setting the conveyance direction width 107 to a width equal to or less than the diameter 82C of the insertion portion 82A shown in FIG. 4, for example. This makes it easier to paste the paper 101 on the roll 85 and also makes it easier to read the code information 105 from the paper 101 pasted inside the roll 85.

[0101] (5) The printer 17 prints so that the axial width 111 in the axial direction 87 of the paper medium ID 76 and the code information 105 printed on the paper 101 is equal to or less than the minimum axial width among the axial widths of the thermal paper 83 that can be attached to the support member 82. Thereby, even when the thermal paper 83 (thermal roll paper 81) having the smallest width in the axial direction 87 is attached, it is possible to suppress the printed code information 105 and the paper medium ID 76 from protruding outside the thermal paper 83 in the axial direction 87. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the printed code information 105 and the paper medium ID 76 are cut in the middle.

[0102] (6) The printer 17 prints so that the sizes of the paper medium ID 76 and the code information 105 printed on the paper 101 are constant regardless of the size of the thermal paper 83. Thereby, the paper medium ID 76 can be printed in a constant character size, and it is possible to suppress the user from misreading the paper medium ID 76. Also, the code information 105 can be printed in a constant size, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of reading errors of the code information 105.

[0103] (7) After executing the ID printing process of FIG. 10, the printer 17 prints the printed paper medium ID 76 and the code information 105 on the paper 101 in response to an instruction from the user (see FIG. 16). According to this, when the user loses the paper 101 or the like, the user can reprint the paper 101 and manage it. It is possible to prevent the paper medium ID 76 of the thermal roll paper 81 from becoming unknown. Also, it is not necessary to newly issue the paper medium ID 76 again in response to loss. On the server 11 side, different two or more paper medium IDs 76 are not assigned to the same thermal roll paper 81, and management becomes easy.

[0104] (8) In S117 of FIG. 16, the printer 17 prints information (characters or marks such as "reprint") indicating that the already printed paper medium ID 76 or the like has been printed again on the paper 101. According to this, by looking at the reprinted paper 101, it is possible to determine whether it is the reprinted paper medium ID 76. Even if a lost paper 101 is found, it is possible to confirm that it is the lost paper 101 by comparing the two papers 101.

[0105] (9) The terminal device 15 may acquire the paper medium ID 76 from the paper medium ID 76 and the code information 105 printed on the paper 101 (S65). The terminal device 15 transmits the paper medium ID 76 acquired in S65 to the printer 17 (S67). The printer 17 registers the paper medium ID 76 acquired in S67 in its own device (S53 of FIG. 13). According to this, using a QR code (registered trademark) or character recognition technology, the paper medium ID 76 can be acquired by the terminal device 15 from the paper 101, and registered from the terminal device 15 to the printer 17. The user can execute the registration by operating the terminal device 15.

[0106] (10) The printer 17 includes an opening / closing cover 17A and an opening / closing sensor 66 that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A. The printer 17 can replace the thermal roll paper 81 with the opening / closing cover 17A open. When the opening / closing sensor 66 detects that the opening / closing cover 17A has been closed (S31: YES), it prompts the issuance or registration of the paper medium ID 76 (S33). According to this, the printer 17 can prompt the user for issuance or registration according to the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 17A, that is, when it is highly likely that the thermal roll paper 81 has been replaced.

[0107] (11) The printer 17 includes a mounting sensor 73 that detects the presence or absence of the thermal roll paper 81 mounted. Based on the detection by the opening / closing sensor 66 that the opening / closing cover 17A has been closed and the detection by the mounting sensor 73 that the thermal roll paper 81 has been mounted (S31: YES), the printer 17 executes S33. According to this, when not only the opening / closing cover 17A has been opened and closed but also the thermal roll paper 81 is mounted on the support member 82, the user can be prompted for issuance and the like. In other words, when the opening / closing cover 17A has been closed but the thermal roll paper 81 is not mounted, it is possible to suppress unnecessarily prompting the user for issuance and the like.

[0108] (12) When the printer 17 detects based on the mounting sensor 73 that the thermal roll paper 81 has been removed (S71: YES), it deletes the paper medium ID 76 in use (S77). By deleting the information of the paper medium ID 76 in use in response to the removal of the thermal roll paper 81, it is possible to prevent the replaced thermal roll paper 81 from being used in association with the wrong paper medium ID 76.

[0109] (13) Further, when the printer 17 is configured not to include the mounting sensor 73, when it detects that the opening / closing cover 17A has been opened based on the opening / closing sensor 66, it may execute a process of deleting the paper medium ID 76 in use. Accordingly, by deleting the information of the paper medium ID 76 in use in response to the opening of the opening / closing cover 17A, it is possible to prevent the replaced thermal roll paper 81 from being used in association with the wrong paper medium ID 76.

[0110] (14) The printer 17 has history data 77 of the paper medium ID 76 previously held by the own device. The printer 17 updates the history data 77 based on the information of the paper medium ID 76 in use before deleting the paper medium ID 76 in use (S75). According to this, the history data 77 can be updated in accordance with the removal of the thermal roll paper 81 and the deletion of the paper medium ID 76.

[0111] (15) In the case of the normal mode (S83: NO), the printer 17 does not execute the determination process of S87, the server transmission process of S97, and the restriction process of S89. The printer 17 can switch between this normal mode and a paper medium management mode (an example of the consumable management mode of the present application). According to this, depending on whether or not the thermal roll paper 81 is managed by the paper medium ID 76, that is, depending on the user's usage environment, the mode can be selected and the printer 17 can be used. For example, for users who do not want to impose restrictions by the paper medium ID 76, the usability can be improved by allowing them to use it in the normal mode.

[0112] (16) In S97, the printer 17 may transmit information regarding the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 to the server 11 via the terminal device 15. According to this, for example, when the printer 17 is not connected to the network 19 at a business trip destination or the like, the usage amount can be registered to the server 11 via the terminal device 15. As a method of transmitting the usage amount from the printer 17 to the terminal device 15, communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, and Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) can be used.

[0113] (17) The server 11 has a management DB 27 that stores the paper medium ID 76. When the printer 17 makes an affirmative determination in S87 (S87: YES), it checks with the server 11 whether the paper medium ID 76 in use is registered in the management DB 27 (S91). As a result of the process in S91, if the paper medium ID 76 is registered in the management DB 27 (S93: YES), the printer 17 executes printing (S95). Also, even if the printer 17 stores the paper medium ID 76, if the paper medium ID 76 is not registered in the management DB 27 (S93: NO), the printer 17 does not execute printing based on the print instruction (S103). According to this, printing can be permitted only when it is registered not only in the printer 17 but also in the server 11. The server 11 can more reliably manage the usage amount of the thermal roll paper 81 and the like.

[0114] (Modification example) As described above, the specific examples of the present application have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. Modification examples of the above embodiments are listed below. For example, in the above embodiment, the print instruction reception process, determination process, printing process, server transmission process, restriction process, identification information printing process, identification information reprinting process, notification process, deletion process, confirmation process, etc. of the present application may be executed by a device other than the printer 17. For example, the process in which the terminal device 15 executes the application 50 and receives a print instruction from the user can be considered as the print instruction reception process of the present application. Also, for example, the terminal device 15 may execute the application 50 and perform a process of inquiring the printer 17 as to whether it stores the paper medium ID 76, that is, a determination process. Further, for example, when the terminal device 15 executes the application 50 and determines as a result of the inquiry that the printer 17 stores the paper medium ID 76, it may send a print instruction to the printer 17 to cause the printer 17 to execute printing, that is, it may execute a printing process. Also, for example, the terminal device 15 may execute the application 50 and perform a process of obtaining information on the usage amount of the thermal paper 83 used by printing from the printer 17 after printing and sending it to the server 11, that is, a server transmission process. Further, for example, when the terminal device 15 executes the application 50 and determines that the printer 17 does not store the paper medium ID 76, it may not send the print instruction received from the user to the printer 17, that is, it may execute a restriction process. In this case, the terminal device 15 may notify the user of an error or the like. Therefore, part or all of the printing process described in FIG. 15 may be executed by the terminal device 15 by the application 50.

[0115] Further, the terminal device 15 may execute the application 50 and execute some or all of the ID printing process shown in FIG. 10. For example, the terminal device 15 may receive an instruction to issue the paper medium ID 76 via the touch panel 45, generate a GUID, and issue the paper medium ID 76 (S37). Further, the terminal device 15 may execute a process of storing the newly issued paper medium ID 76 in the printer 17 (S39) or a process of registering it with the server 11 (S43). Further, when causing the printer 17 to print the paper medium ID 76, the terminal device 15 may set an adjustment such as making the conveyance direction width 107 82B or less in length in the print settings and instruct the printer 17. Therefore, the terminal device 15 may execute adjustments of the conveyance direction width 107, the conveyance direction width 109, and the axial direction width 111. Further, the terminal device 15 may execute the application 50 and execute some or all of the ID reprinting process shown in FIG. 16. For example, the terminal device 15 may execute a process of receiving a reprint instruction (S111), a process of displaying on the touch panel 45 the paper medium ID (options) to be printed (S113), a process of causing the printer 17 to print the selected paper medium ID (S117), etc. Further, the terminal device 15 may acquire information on the open / close sensor 66 and the mounting sensor 73 from the printer 17 and execute the notification process shown in FIG. 8. When the terminal device 15 detects based on the information of the mounting sensor 73 that the thermal roll paper 81 has been removed, the terminal device 15 may send an instruction to the printer 17 to delete the paper medium ID 76, that is, execute the deletion process of the present application.

[0116] Further, as the restriction process of the present application, it is not limited to the process of canceling printing, but it may be a process of printing only a part (such as the top page) and printing errors and warnings together. Further, although the printer 17 was able to switch between the normal mode and the paper medium management mode, it may be configured such that it cannot be switched and the paper medium management mode is always on. That is, the printer 17 may be configured to always execute a determination process based on the paper medium ID 76. Also, in the above embodiment, mainly, the user IF 65 receives instructions to start the mode transition process (FIG. 6), the mode cancellation process (FIG. 7), the ID printing process (FIG. 10), the registration process (FIG. 12), the deletion process (FIG. 14), and the ID reprinting process (FIG. 16). However, instructions to start each process by the application 50 of the terminal device 15 may also be received. Further, the printing system 10 may be configured to receive start instructions with only one of the user IF 65 or the application 50. Also, in the above embodiment, thermal paper 83 is adopted as the consumable of the present application, but it is not limited thereto. The consumable of the present application may be other printing media such as plain paper and label paper. Further, the consumable is not limited to the printing media, and for example, parts such as an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge, and a photoreceptor drum that are used and consumed in the printer 17 can be adopted. The printer 17 may not include the history data 77.

[0117] The configuration of the printing system 10 in the above embodiment is an example. For example, the printing system 10 may not include the management PC 13. Further, the printing system 10 may not include the server 11 (MDM server) that manages the terminal device 15. Also, as the information processing terminal of the present application, the terminal device 15 which is a smartphone is adopted, but it is not limited thereto. As the information processing device, terminals such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, and a tablet PC can be adopted. Also, as the control unit of the present application, the printer control unit 67 including the printer storage unit 69 is adopted, but the control unit of the present application may not include a storage unit. Also, the printer 17 has a configuration including the first communication IF 61 and the second communication IF 62 as the communication unit of the present application, but a configuration including only one of them may also be used. Further, the terminal device 15 may have a configuration including only one of the first communication IF 43 or the second communication IF 44. Also, the server 11 may manage at least one terminal device 15 in the management DB 27. Further, a configuration in which a plurality of terminal devices 15 can communicate with one printer 17 may be used, or a configuration in which only one terminal device 15 can communicate with one printer 17 may be used. The printer 17 does not necessarily need to have the template data 78 and the personal information 79. Also, the storage unit that stores each program (server program 26, management program 38, OS program 49, application 50, printer program 71) is not particularly limited, and it may be a ROM, a flash memory, etc. of each storage unit. Further, the storage unit that stores each program may be a computer-readable storage medium. As the computer-readable storage medium, in addition to the above examples, recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM may be adopted.

Explanation of Signs

[0118] 10 Printing system, 17 Printer, 17A Opening / closing cover, 15 Terminal device, 27 Management DB (management data), 41 Terminal control unit (computer), 50 Application (program), 61 First communication IF (communication unit), 62 Second communication IF (communication unit), 64 Printing unit, 66 Opening / closing sensor, 67 Printer control unit (control unit), 73 Mounting sensor, 76 Paper medium ID (identification information), 81 Thermal roll paper (consumable), 82 Support member, 82B Length, 83 Thermal paper (consumable, printing medium), 85 Roll (consumable), 87 Axial direction, 89 Conveying direction, 101 Paper (printing medium), 107 Conveying direction width.

Claims

1. A printer, A terminal device capable of communicating with the printer, A printing system comprising: The printing system includes: A print instruction receiving process for receiving a print instruction for the printer, A determination process for determining whether the printer holds identification information capable of identifying consumables of the printer, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, a printing process for executing printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction receiving process by the printer, A server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumables used by the printing of the printer to a server, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the printer does not hold the identification information, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction receiving process, Executes, The printer, Includes a printing unit that executes printing on a printing medium, The consumable is, The printing medium, The printing system, An issuance process for issuing new identification information based on receiving an instruction to issue new identification information, After executing the issuance process, an identification information printing process for printing information related to the issued identification information on the printing medium by the printer, Executes, The terminal device, An acquisition process for acquiring information related to the identification information from the printing medium printed by the identification information printing process, A printer transmission process for transmitting information related to the identification information acquired in the acquisition process to the printer, Executes, The printer, A printing system that executes a registration process of registering and holding the identification information acquired by the printer transmission process in the own device.

2. The printing medium is wound around a roll, The printing unit has a support member that is inserted into the roll from the axial direction of the roll to support the roll, and in the printing process, the printing medium is conveyed while rotating the roll, and printing on the printing medium is executed. The printing system In the identification information printing process, the printer prints so that the conveyance direction width in the conveyance direction of the printing medium on which the information related to the identification information is printed is equal to or less than the length of the outer circumference of the support member. The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The printing medium is wound around a roll, The printing unit has a support member that is inserted into the roll from the axial direction of the roll to support the roll, and in the printing process, the printing medium is conveyed while rotating the roll, and printing on the printing medium is executed. The printing system In the identification information printing process, the printer prints so that the axial width in the axial direction of the information related to the identification information printed on the printing medium is equal to or less than the minimum axial width among the axial widths of the printing medium that can be mounted on the support member. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the identification information printing process, the printer prints so that the size of the information related to the identification information printed on the printing medium is constant regardless of the size of the printing medium.

5. After executing the identification information printing process, in response to an instruction from the user, an identification information reprinting process is executed to print information related to the printed identification information on the printing medium by the printer. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the identification information reprinting process, information indicating that information related to the identification information that has already been printed has been printed again is printed on the printing medium. The printing system according to claim 5.

7. A printer, A terminal device capable of communicating with the printer, A printing system comprising: The printing system, A printing instruction receiving process for receiving a printing instruction for the printer, A determination process for determining whether the printer holds identification information that can identify consumables of the printer, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, a printing process is executed by the printer to perform printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction receiving process, A server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumables used in the printing by the printer to the server, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the printer does not hold the identification information, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction receiving process is performed, is executed, The printer, An open / close cover, An open / close sensor for detecting opening and closing of the open / close cover, is provided with, The consumables can be replaced with the open / close cover open, and based on detecting that the open / close cover has been closed by the open / close sensor, a notification process for prompting issuance or registration of the identification information is executed. A printing system.

8. The printer, It is provided with a mounting sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the mounting of the consumable. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein when the opening / closing sensor detects that the opening / closing cover is closed and the mounting sensor detects that the consumable is mounted, the notification process is executed.

9. The printer The printing system according to claim 8, wherein when the mounting sensor detects that the consumable has been removed based on the mounting sensor, a deletion process of deleting the identification information held in the own device is executed.

10. The printer The printing system according to claim 7, wherein when the opening / closing sensor detects that the opening / closing cover is opened based on the opening / closing sensor, a deletion process of deleting the identification information held in the own device is executed.

11. The printer It has history data of the identification information previously held in the own device. The printing system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein before executing the deletion process, an update process of updating the history data with the identification information being held is executed.

12. The printer The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein it is possible to switch between a normal mode in which the determination process, the server transmission process, and the restriction process are not executed and a consumable management mode in which the determination process, the server transmission process, and the restriction process are executed.

13. The printer The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in the server transmission process, information regarding the usage amount of the consumable is transmitted to the server via the terminal device.

14. The server It has management data for storing the identification information. The printing system If, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, a confirmation process is executed to confirm with the server whether the held identification information is registered in the management data. If, as a result of the confirmation process, the identification information is registered in the management data, the printing process is executed. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein even if, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, if the identification information is not registered in the management data, printing based on the print instruction is not executed.

15. A printing unit, A communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal device, A control unit, comprising: The control unit: A print instruction reception process for receiving a print instruction, A determination process for determining whether it holds identification information capable of identifying consumables of its own device, If, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the identification information is held, a printing process for executing printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process at the printing unit, A server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumables used by the printing of the printing unit to a server via the communication unit, If, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the identification information is not held, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process, executes: The printing unit: Executes printing on a printing medium, The consumables are: The printing medium, The control unit: An issuance process for issuing new identification information based on receiving an instruction to issue new identification information, After executing the issuance process, an identification information printing process for printing information related to the issued identification information on the printing medium by the printing unit, is executed, The terminal device, An acquisition process for acquiring information related to the identification information from the printing medium printed by the identification information printing process, A transmission process for transmitting information related to the identification information acquired in the acquisition process to the communication unit, is executed, The control unit, A printer that executes a registration process of registering and holding the identification information acquired by the transmission process in its own device.

16. A printing unit, A communication unit, An opening / closing cover, An opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover, A control unit, is provided, The control unit, A printing instruction reception process for receiving a printing instruction, A determination process for determining whether or not identification information capable of identifying consumables of its own device is held, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the identification information is held, a printing process for executing printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction reception process by the printing unit, A server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumables used by the printing of the printing unit to a server via the communication unit, As a result of the determination process, when it is determined that the identification information is not held, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the printing instruction received in the printing instruction reception process, A printer that can replace the consumables with the opening / closing cover open, and executes a notification process for prompting the issuance or registration of the identification information based on detecting that the opening / closing cover has been closed by the opening / closing sensor.

17. A computer-readable program for a terminal device capable of communicating with a printer, causing the computer to execute a print instruction reception process for receiving a print instruction for the printer, a determination process for determining whether the printer holds identification information capable of identifying the printer's consumables, if, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, a print process for causing the printer to execute printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process, a server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumables used in the printing by the printer to a server, if, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer does not hold the identification information, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process, and the printer includes a printing unit that executes printing on a printing medium, the consumable is the printing medium, causing the computer to execute an issuance process for issuing new identification information based on receiving an instruction to issue new identification information, after executing the issuance process, an identification information printing process for printing information related to the issued identification information on the printing medium by the printer, an acquisition process for acquiring information related to the identification information from the printing medium printed in the identification information printing process, a printer transmission process for transmitting information related to the identification information acquired in the acquisition process to the printer, and the printer executes a registration process for registering and holding the identification information acquired in the printer transmission process in its own device.

18. A computer-readable program for a terminal device capable of communicating with a printer, wherein the computer executes a print instruction reception process for receiving a print instruction for the printer, a determination process for determining whether the printer holds identification information capable of identifying a consumable of the printer, if, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer holds the identification information, a print process for causing the printer to execute printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process, a server transmission process for transmitting information regarding the usage amount of the consumable used in the printing of the printer to a server, if, as a result of the determination process, it is determined that the printer does not hold the identification information, a restriction process for restricting printing based on the print instruction received in the print instruction reception process, and the printer includes an open / close cover and an open / close sensor for detecting opening and closing of the open / close cover, and the consumable can be replaced with the open / close cover open, and the computer is caused to acquire information of the open / close sensor from the printer and execute a notification process for prompting issuance or registration of the identification information when it is detected based on the information of the open / close sensor that the open / close cover has been closed.

Images