Printer and Parts Replacement Incentive Program

Abstract

To provide a printer that can properly extend a time for recommending part-replacement based on a service life set for a conventional part.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a time determining part, a comparing / examining part and a notifying part. The time determining part determines a time for recommending part-replacement, on the basis of trend information showing a deterioration trend of a part in comparison with an operational status of the part, generated from storage of information concerning operation situations collected from a plurality of printers and information concerning a degree of deterioration at the time when the part is disposed. The comparing / examining part compares a time outputted by the time determining part with a service life preset for the part to examine whether recommendation for part-replacement is executed or not. The notifying part notifies information for recommending the part-replacement, on the basis of a compared result by the comparing / examining part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to printers and part replacement recommendation programs. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, each component of a device such as a printer has a lifespan (e.g., a service life) that is determined by specifications and standards. Conventionally, when the end of this lifespan approaches, the device notifies the user that it is time to replace the component. This notification is generally performed by displaying information in the form of images or text on a display device provided in the device, or by uttering information audibly through a speaker or buzzer.

[0003] The lifespan of a part is generally determined without regard to the type of device the part will be incorporated into, and therefore a safety factor is generally assumed. For this reason, when a service technician performs maintenance on a device such as a printer based on the recommendation described above, it is not uncommon for the part to be replaced and discarded with a new one, but it is still in a condition that can withstand a considerable period of use. Premature part replacement recommendations are undesirable for both the user of the device and the service technician performing the maintenance.

[0004] In such circumstances, various technologies have been proposed for detecting or estimating the deterioration (or wear) state of parts and reporting it (for example, Patent Document 1). However, if the lifespan of a printer is determined by an upper limit, such as the number of prints or the rotation speed of the drive system, the deterioration (wear) state may vary between when the printer is operated for a long period of time and when the total of intermittent operation reaches the upper limit, making the timing for recommending replacement inappropriate. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can determine the timing for recommending replacement based on a comprehensive judgment that also includes the operating status of the device.

[0005] However, creating an environment that allows for the timing of replacement recommendations based on the above-mentioned comprehensive judgment would require many challenges, such as changing current routines, and would require costs. For this reason, it is advisable to also consider ways to recover these costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer that can appropriately extend the recommended replacement period for parts based on the lifespans of conventional parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printer of the embodiment includes a timing determination unit, a comparison and review unit, and a notification unit. The timing determination unit determines when to recommend part replacement based on trend information showing the deterioration trend of parts relative to the operating status, which is generated from the accumulation of information on the operating status collected from multiple printers and information on the degree of deterioration of parts at the time of disposal. The comparison and review unit compares the timing output by the timing determination unit with the predetermined lifespan of the part, and considers whether to recommend part replacement. When the time output by the time determination unit is later than the lifespan, the recommendation based on the time is made. The notification unit notifies information recommending replacement of the part based on the results of the comparison and review by the comparison and review unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of electrical connections between the components that make up the printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the timing for recommending part replacement. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional units included in the control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the use of a remote network in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printer 1 according to the embodiment. The printer 1 is, for example, a barcode printer, and is installed and used in the back room of a retail store or mass retailer. The printer 1 includes a print head 3 that prints on paper 2, a platen roller 4 that transports the paper 2 sandwiched between the print head 3 and the print head 3, and a motor 5 that rotates and drives the platen roller 4.

[0010] The print head 3 is, for example, a line thermal head with multiple heating elements arranged in a straight line. One of the indicators directly related to the deterioration (wear) of a line thermal head is the wear of the heating elements due to printing. The degree of wear of the heating elements can be estimated using factors such as the travel distance of the print medium, the quality and thickness of the paper used as the print medium, and the temperature during operation.

[0011] The cylindrical roller surface of the platen roller 4 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. One of the indicators that directly relates to the deterioration (wear) of the platen roller 4 is the wear and deterioration of the roller surface due to printing. The degree of wear and deterioration of the roller surface can be estimated using, for example, the distance traveled by the print medium, the quality and thickness of the paper used as the print medium, and the temperature during operation.

[0012] The motor 5 is, for example, a stepping motor. The degree of deterioration of the motor 5 can be estimated from, for example, the number of rotations, the operation time, the sound emitted during operation, the temperature during operation, and the like.

[0013] The print head 3, platen roller 4, and motor 5 described above are shown as typical examples of consumable parts included in the printer 1. In addition to these, the printer 1 is comprised of many other parts, each with its own set lifespan and subject to wear and deterioration for various reasons. The lifespans described above are determined, for example, by the manufacturer of the part in question, with a predetermined safety margin, and are indicated as specifications or standards.

[0014] Printer 1 constantly records factors that are thought to be the cause of deterioration of the above-mentioned parts, such as the distance traveled by the printing medium, the quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the temperature of each part during operation, the motor rotation speed, operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor.

[0015] The various records described above are collected together with the discarded parts by the service technician who performed the maintenance to replace the parts. The service technician then hands over the collected records and discarded parts to an analyst. The analyst then visually inspects and records the actual degree of deterioration of the discarded parts. The analyst then stores the records of the actual deterioration of the discarded parts, along with records of the factors believed to be the causes of the deterioration of the parts, in a specified information processing device.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical connections between the components of the printer 1. The printer 1 further includes a control unit 7 and a memory unit 8. The control unit 7, memory unit 8, print head 3, motor 5, etc. are connected to each other via a bus line or the like so that they can communicate with each other.

[0017] The storage unit 8 has a storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory, and maintains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 8 stores various programs that can be executed by the control unit 7, as well as setting information such as lifespan information 81 and trend information 82. The lifespan information 81 is information about the lifespan determined by the manufacturer with a predetermined safety factor as part specifications and standards, and is the conventional recommended replacement timing.

[0018] The trend information 82 is generated from the accumulation of information on the operating status collected from multiple printers and information on the degree of deterioration of parts at the time of disposal, and indicates the deterioration trend of parts relative to the operating status. More specifically, the trend information 82 correlates the actual degree of deterioration of discarded parts, as determined and recorded by an analyst through visual inspection or other means, with records of factors that are thought to be the causes of the part deterioration. For example, the trend information 82 indicates the tendency of the degree of impact of factors that are thought to be the causes of deterioration on the actual deterioration. This trend information 82 may be derived, for example, through machine learning or statistical processing.

[0019] The materials used for the machine learning or statistical processing that generates the trend information 82 are records of the actual deterioration of discarded parts collected by service personnel and stored in a designated information processing device by an analyst, as well as records of events that are recorded together with the records and are thought to be the causes of the deterioration of the parts.

[0020] More specifically, when generating the trend information 82, for example, records of factors that are thought to be the cause of component deterioration (such as the travel distance of the printing medium, the quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the temperature of each component during operation, the motor's rotation speed, operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor) are treated as input, and the actual degree of component deterioration (such as the degree of damage) is treated as output and plotted on a graph. By continuing this process and increasing the number of samples, it is believed that the deterioration trend for each factor and the deterioration trend under conditions in which multiple factors overlap will become apparent. The information obtained by this trial (such as a graph or algorithm) is stored in the memory unit 8 as trend information 82. Using this trend information 82, the control unit 7 estimates the degree of deterioration of each component based on the operating status of the printer 1.

[0021] In addition, the printer 1 records from time to time the factors that are thought to be the cause of deterioration of the above-mentioned parts (mileage of the printing medium, quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, temperature of each part during operation, motor rotation speed, operating time, and sound emitted by the motor), and these are stored in a partial area of ​​the memory unit 8.

[0022] The control unit 7 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM stores various programs. The RAM is a workspace for expanding programs and various data. The CPU is an example of a processor installed in the printer 1. The CPU controls each part of the printer 1 in an integrated manner and realizes various functions by expanding and executing programs stored in the ROM and memory unit 8 into the RAM.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the timing for recommending part replacement. In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0024] "A" in Fig. 3 indicates the conventional timing for recommending part replacement. In other words, "A" is the timing for recommending replacement based on the lifespan (e.g., useful life) of the part. The replacement recommendation timing "A" is stored in the storage unit 8 as lifespan information 81. On the other hand, "B" in Fig. 3 indicates the timing for recommending part replacement, which is output based on the operating status as input and trend information 82.

[0025] Figure 3(a) shows a case where part replacement recommendation time "B" using trend information 82 is later than the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A." Figure 3(b) shows a case where part replacement recommendation time "B" using trend information 82 is earlier than the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A."

[0026] Generally, the conventional timing "A" for recommending part replacement is based on a setting that takes into account a safety factor, so the timing "B" for recommending part replacement using trend information 82 generated from the actual degree of deterioration of parts replaced in the past is generally expected to be later than timing "A," as shown in Figure 3(a). However, depending on the usage conditions of the printer 1, there may be cases where timing "B" for recommending replacement comes earlier than timing "A," as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0027] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functional units included in the control unit 7. The control unit 7 functions as various functional units such as a timing determination unit 71, a comparison and examination unit 72, and a notification unit 73 by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 8.

[0028] The timing determination unit 71 determines the timing for recommending part replacement based on the trend information 82. More specifically, the timing determination unit 71 receives the operating status up to that point in time as an input, and outputs the part replacement recommendation timing "B" at that point in time based on the trend information 82. This part replacement recommendation timing "B" is a dynamic value that fluctuates depending on the operating status history up to the point in time when it is output.

[0029] For example, if printer 1 continues to operate at a moderate rate with low usage until a certain value is output, but then usage suddenly increases and the usage becomes more intense, part replacement recommendation time "B" for the next output may indicate a time earlier than the previous value. Conversely, part replacement recommendation time "B" may change to indicate a time later than the previous value because the printer 1's operating status suddenly becomes more relaxed.

[0030] The comparison and examination unit 72 compares the part replacement recommendation timing "B" output by the timing determination unit 71 with the conventional part replacement recommendation timing "A" to examine whether or not to recommend part replacement.

[0031] For example, the comparison and review unit 72 may recommend part replacement when part replacement recommendation time "B" arrives, based on feedback of the actual degree of deterioration of the part, and prioritize this time over the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A."

[0032] Furthermore, the comparison and examination unit 72 may prioritize extending the life of the part and only make a recommendation based on the part replacement recommendation time "B" if the part replacement recommendation time "B" is later than the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A." This means that if the part replacement recommendation time "B" is earlier than the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A," no recommendation will be made until the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A" arrives. This example is used in the control flow example described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0033] Furthermore, the comparison and examination unit 72 may be configured to recommend replacement of parts at the part replacement recommendation time "B" if the user of the printer 1 has paid a fee or has other rights and has set such rights. This can contribute to the recovery of the costs incurred in generating the trend information 82.

[0034] The notification unit 73 notifies information recommending part replacement based on the results of the comparison and review unit 72. More specifically, when the comparison and review unit 72 determines that part replacement is recommended, the notification unit 73 notifies the user that it is time to replace the part using a display device, speaker, or buzzer provided in the printer 1.

[0035] Through the above operations, the control unit 7 optimizes the timing for recommending part replacement. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit 7. This processing starts when the printer 1 is started.

[0036] In this process, a portion of the storage unit 8 is used as an area for storing various variables. In addition, in this process, the current values ​​of factors that are thought to be the cause of part deterioration and the current value of part replacement recommendation time "B" based on trend information 82 are treated as various variables. In addition, the initial value of the current value of part replacement recommendation time "B" is set to the conventional part replacement recommendation time "A."

[0037] The control unit 7 first determines whether it is time to check each part (step S1). In step S1, when it is a predetermined period before the part replacement recommendation period "B" for each part, the control unit 7 determines that the check time has come (Yes in step S1) and proceeds to step S2. This "predetermined period" is a period sufficient for replacing the target part. If the control unit 7 determines that it is not time to check, it waits in step S1 (No in step S1).

[0038] The control unit 7 acquires the values ​​of various counters and stores them in the memory unit 8 (step S2). Here, the various counters are counters that observe fluctuations that are considered to be the cause of component deterioration, such as counters for the travel distance of the print medium, the number of rotations of the motor, and the operating time. These counters may be mechanical or software-based. Similarly, the acquisition targets in step S2 may include the set values ​​for the quality and thickness of the paper used as the print medium, the temperature of each component during operation, and the volume of the sound emitted by the motor, which are also considered to be the cause of component deterioration.

[0039] Next, the control unit 7 receives the various values ​​acquired in step S2 and outputs the part replacement recommendation time "B" at this point in time based on the trend information 82 (step S3). The control unit 7 then determines whether the part replacement recommendation time "B" output in step S3 has already been reached (step S4). If the part replacement recommendation time "B" has already been reached (or exceeded), the control unit 7 proceeds to step S5.

[0040] In step S5, the control unit 7 determines whether the part replacement recommendation time "B" output in step S3 has exceeded the conventional lifespan (part replacement recommendation time "A"). If the part replacement recommendation time "B" has exceeded the conventional lifespan (Yes in step S5), the control unit 7 outputs an alert recommending part replacement (step S6). That is, the control unit 7 functions as the notification unit 73 to notify the user that it is time to replace the part.

[0041] In step S4, if it is determined that the part replacement recommendation time "B" output in step S3 has not yet arrived (No in step S4), the part replacement recommendation time "B" is updated to a new value (step S7), and the process returns to step S1.

[0042] In step S5, if the part replacement recommendation time "B" output in step S3 has not exceeded the previous lifespan (part replacement recommendation time "A") (No in step S5), the control unit 7 returns the process to step S1.

[0043] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment can recommend part replacement at a time that is more in line with the actual situation than in the past. In other words, while conventionally, replacement was recommended at a time based on the predetermined lifespan (usable period, etc.) of each part, this embodiment makes it possible to estimate the degree of deterioration of a part based on the usage status of the device (printer 1) in which the part is incorporated. This makes it possible to recommend part replacement at an appropriate time beyond the conventional lifespan.

[0044] In this way, the printer 1 of this embodiment can appropriately extend the time for recommending part replacement based on the lifespan of conventional parts.

[0045] For the sake of convenience, this embodiment has been described as collecting records of possible causes of part deterioration and accumulating records of actual deterioration of discarded parts by analysts. However, after trend information 82 has already been generated from these records, or in printer 1 in which trend information 82 has already been incorporated, collection of records, etc. may not be necessary.

[0046] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described. Since this embodiment is a modification of the previous embodiment (first embodiment), only the differences from the previous embodiment will be described, and a detailed description of the common parts will be omitted.

[0047] 6 is a diagram illustrating the use of a remote network in a modified example. A system 100 shown as an example in this embodiment is configured with an information processing device 101, a network 102, store servers 201, 301, 401, a LAN (Local Area Network) 202, printers 211, 212, 213, etc.

[0048] Printers 211, 212, and 213 are similar to printer 1 in the previous embodiment and are installed in the back yard of a retail store or a mass merchandiser. These printers 211 to 213 are connected to a store server 201 via a LAN 202. The store server 201 is connected to an information processing device 101 via a network 102.

[0049] Similarly, the store server 301 and the store server 401 are connected to a plurality of printers 1 via a LAN, and are connected to an information processing device 101 via a network 102.

[0050] The network 102 is, for example, a virtual dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that uses a communication line such as the Internet. The information processing device 101 is, for example, a server device configured as a computer, and stores various types of information so that they can be used.

[0051] In the previous embodiment, it was explained that the information accumulated to generate trend information 82, including items that are thought to be the cause of component deterioration (such as the mileage of the printing medium, the quality and thickness of the paper used as the printing medium, the temperature of each part during operation, the motor rotation speed, operating time, and the sound emitted by the motor), is collected from printer 1 by a service technician, but in this embodiment, collection is not performed by a service technician.

[0052] The printer 1 (211-213) of this embodiment performs the following processing as a function of the control unit 7 by executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 8. That is, the printer 1 associates information recorded in the storage unit 8 (matters that are thought to be the cause of component deterioration) with information that allows the printer 1 to be individually identified, and transmits this information to the store server 201 as appropriate. The transmission is performed, for example, when the printer 1 is started up.

[0053] The store server 201 transmits the above-mentioned various information (information about possible causes of component deterioration and information that allows individual recognition of the printer 1) received from the subordinate printer 1 to the information processing device 101 as appropriate. The timing of transmission is, for example, daily.

[0054] The service technician collects the discarded parts and hands them over to an analyst along with information that can individually identify the printer 1. The analyst determines the actual degree of deterioration of the discarded parts by visual inspection or the like, associates the individually identifiable information with information on the printer 1 that matches the information, and records the information in the information processing device 101.

[0055] With this configuration, information about possible causes of part deterioration, which is recorded by each printer 1 (211-213) at any time, is automatically sent by the printer 1 itself to the store server 201, 301, 401 of the store to which the printer 1 belongs, and each store server 201, 301, 401 then sends it to the information processing device 101. This makes it possible to collect and store information about possible causes of part deterioration from multiple printers 1 without the need for a service technician. This is also advantageous as it simplifies the work of analysts in charge of recording.

[0056] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0057] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0058] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Printer, 2...Paper, 3...Print head, 4...Platen roller, 5...Motor, 7...control unit, 71...timing determination unit, 72...comparison and examination unit, 73...notification unit, 8...Storage section, 81...Lifespan information, 82...Trend information, 100...system, 101...information processing device, 102...network, 201, 301, 401...store servers, 202...LAN, 211-213...printers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0060] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-019080

Claims

1. a timing determination unit that determines when to recommend replacement of a part based on trend information that indicates a deterioration trend of the part relative to the operating status, the trend information being generated from an accumulation of information on the operating status collected from a plurality of printers and information on the degree of deterioration of the part at the time of disposal; a comparison and examination unit that compares the time output by the timing determination unit with a predetermined lifespan of the part to consider whether or not to recommend replacement of the part, and that makes a recommendation based on the time when the time output by the timing determination unit is later than the lifespan; a notification unit that notifies information recommending replacement of the part based on the result of the comparison and examination unit; A printer comprising:

2. a timing determination unit that determines when to recommend replacement of a part based on trend information that indicates a deterioration trend of the part relative to the operating status, the trend information being generated from an accumulation of information on the operating status collected from a plurality of printers and information on the degree of deterioration of the part at the time of disposal; a comparison and examination unit that compares the time output by the time determination unit with a predetermined lifespan of the part to consider whether or not to recommend replacement of the part, and that makes a recommendation based on the time output by the time determination unit when a setting indicating that the user holds the right is made; a notification unit that notifies information recommending replacement of the part based on the result of the comparison and examination unit; A printer comprising:

3. The computer that the printer is equipped with, a timing determination unit that determines when to recommend replacement of a part based on trend information that indicates a deterioration trend of the part relative to the operating status, the trend information being generated from an accumulation of information on the operating status collected from a plurality of printers and information on the degree of deterioration of the part at the time of disposal; a comparison and examination unit that compares the time output by the timing determination unit with a predetermined lifespan of the part to consider whether or not to recommend replacement of the part, and that makes a recommendation based on the time when the time output by the timing determination unit is later than the lifespan; a notification unit that notifies information recommending replacement of the part based on the result of the comparison and examination unit; A parts replacement recommendation program to ensure that the system functions as a

4. The computer that the printer is equipped with, a timing determination unit that determines when to recommend replacement of a part based on trend information that indicates a deterioration trend of the part relative to the operating status, the trend information being generated from an accumulation of information on the operating status collected from a plurality of printers and information on the degree of deterioration of the part at the time of disposal; a comparison and examination unit that compares the time output by the time determination unit with a predetermined lifespan of the part to consider whether or not to recommend replacement of the part, and that makes a recommendation based on the time output by the time determination unit when a setting indicating that the user holds the right is made; a notification unit that notifies information recommending replacement of the part based on the result of the comparison and examination unit; A parts replacement recommendation program to ensure that the system functions as a

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