Information processing device, program, information processing system, and printer monitoring method

Abstract

To perform a notification concerning disconnection of a thermal head at an appropriate timing in accordance with a way to use a printer.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which can communicate with a printer having a thermal head, comprises: a first obtaining part that obtains information about respective resistance values of a plurality of heat generation resistors of a thermal head; a threshold setting part that sets thresholds for performing warning output on the plurality of heat generation resistors before the thermal head is disconnected, in accordance with degrees of change of the resistance values; and an output control part that performs the warning output when the resistance values obtained by the first obtaining part exceed the thresholds set by the threshold setting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, an information processing system, and a printer monitoring method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, printers that measure the resistance value of a heating resistor of a print head (thermal head) are known. Patent Document 1 describes a label printing apparatus in which a resistance value measuring unit measures the resistance value of a heating element, a comparison unit compares the resistance value of the heating element with a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining head breakage of the thermal head, and a notification unit notifies the user of the result of the comparison. This label printing apparatus has a threshold value changing unit that accepts a change in the threshold value from the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the usage methods of printers vary among users, it is not appropriate to uniformly set a threshold value for determining disconnection of the heating resistor of the print head for users. For example, the print layout of labels or the like issued by a user using a printer varies among users, and the degree of wear of each of the plurality of heating resistors of the thermal head varies among users.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to notify a user of disconnection of a thermal head at an appropriate timing according to the usage method of the printer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with a printer having a thermal head, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires information on the resistance value of each of a plurality of heating resistors of the thermal head; a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold value for each of the plurality of heating resistors in accordance with the degree of change in the resistance value, for issuing a warning output before the thermal head breaks; and an output control unit that issues a warning output when the resistance value acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds the threshold value set by the threshold setting unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, notification regarding a disconnection of the thermal head can be provided at an appropriate timing depending on how the printer is used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the system configuration of the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the data structure for a head resistance value database. [Figure 3] This figure shows a conventional example of setting the threshold values ​​for each heating resistor in a thermal head. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of setting the threshold values ​​for each heating resistor in the thermal head in the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of setting the threshold values ​​for each heating resistor in the thermal head in the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the user management database in the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of each device constituting the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a sequence chart showing the operation of the printer maintenance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]This figure shows the system configuration of the printer maintenance system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the user management database in the printer maintenance system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The management server (an example of an information processing device) according to the embodiment sets a threshold for each heating resistor to issue a warning before the thermal head breaks, depending on how the user uses the printer. Here, the printer usage method can be any method that differs from user to user. For example, the printer usage method includes not only the thermal head usage method which differs depending on the print layout of labels etc. issued by the printer, but also the operating mode such as print speed and print density. For example, the thermal head wears out more easily at higher print speeds, and the thermal head wears out more easily at higher print density. The operating mode may also include the difference between thermal transfer printing and direct thermal printing. The degree of wear on the thermal head is affected by the difference in the coefficient of friction between the ink ribbon and the label in contact with the thermal head, depending on whether it is thermal transfer printing or direct thermal printing. The operating mode may also include the number of backfeeds. The degree of wear on the thermal head is also affected by the frequency of forward feed and backfeed. The operating mode may also include the number of continuous print operations (a printing method that prints a specified number of labels continuously) and tear-off operations (an operation that transports the continuous paper to a position where it is manually peeled off after printing a specified number of labels continuously). In tear-off operations, the thermal head tends to wear less due to the longer stop time.

[0010] The impact of such printer usage on the thermal head is reflected in the change in the resistance value of each heating resistor in the thermal head, and can be understood by monitoring the degree of change in the resistance value of each heating resistor. In one embodiment of the printer maintenance system, a threshold is set for each heating resistor to issue a warning before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors in the thermal head. This allows for notification of thermal head breakage at an appropriate time depending on how the printer is used.

[0011] (1) First Embodiment The system configuration of the printer maintenance system (an example of an information processing system) of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The printer maintenance system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a user's printer 3, a user terminal 2, and a management server 5 that manages the status of the printer 3. User terminal 2 is, for example, a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer device, or an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, and is capable of communicating with management server 5 via a network NW. If management server 5 determines that preventive replacement is necessary for parts of printer 3, it notifies, for example, user terminal 2.

[0012] Printer 3 can communicate with management server 5 via a network NW. The network NW can be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Although the printer maintenance system 1 shown in Figure 1 only describes a single printer 3, it is not limited to this, and two or more printers 3 may be able to communicate with management server 5.

[0013] The printer 3 transmits head resistance value data to the management server 5 at regular or irregular timings. The head resistance value data is data indicating the resistance value of each of a plurality of heating resistors included in the thermal head. When the printer 3 transmits the head resistance value data to the management server 5 regularly, it is performed, for example, at intervals of 30 minutes to 2 hours. Thereby, the management server 5 can appropriately recognize the change in the resistance value of each heating resistor of the thermal head.

[0014] In the management server 5, the head resistance value data sequentially received from the printer 3 is managed by a head resistance value database. Fig. 2 shows an example of the data configuration of the head resistance value database. As shown in Fig. 2, the head resistance value database includes information on the resistance value of each heating resistor of the thermal head for each printer ID that identifies each of a plurality of printers to be managed. In the example shown in Fig. 2, for example, an example is shown in which the thermal head has 5000 heating resistors (resistance value positions: 1 to 5000). Specifically, the head resistance value database includes, for example, the initial value [Ω] of the resistance value for each heating resistor, the resistance value [Ω] every hour, the threshold value of the head consumption rate [%] (described later) for performing a warning output before the thermal head breaks, and the like. The management server 5 can set a threshold value for each individual heating resistor of the thermal head.

[0015] Next, an example of setting the threshold value for each heating resistor of the thermal head will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 shows a conventional example of setting the threshold value. Figs. 4 and 5 each show an example of setting the threshold value of the present embodiment. Each figure shows, for example, the resistance value positions of 5000 heating resistors on the horizontal axis, the resistance value [Ω] on the left vertical axis, and the head consumption rate [%] on the right vertical axis.

[0016] The head consumption rate is a value indicating the degree of wear of the thermal head of the printer 3. The head consumption rate is the percentage (%) value of the resistance value of the heating resistor when the resistance value at the start of use of the heating resistor of the thermal head is set to 0% and the resistance value when the heating resistor is determined to be in error (open circuit) is set to 100%. That is, the resistance value of the heating resistor and the head consumption rate correspond to each other. The resistance value when the heating resistor is determined to be in error is, for example, a value so high that the heating resistor cannot perform its original dot printing function. When the head consumption rate reaches 100%, the printer 3 cannot print normally. Therefore, in order to be able to replace the thermal head before the head consumption rate reaches 100%, a threshold value less than 100% is set for the head consumption rate. The management server 5 monitors whether the head consumption rate has reached the threshold value, and when the head consumption rate reaches the threshold value, it notifies the user terminal 2 or the like. Note that the threshold value may include a predetermined range.

[0017] The resistance value of each heating resistor of the thermal head is converted into a head consumption rate by the management server 5. After the printer 3 converts the resistance value of each heating resistor of the thermal head into a head consumption rate, it may transmit the data of the head consumption rate to the management server 5. In the following description, the case of determining whether the head consumption rate exceeds the threshold value will be described, but it is not limited to this. Instead of converting the resistance value of each heating resistor of the thermal head into a head consumption rate, it may be determined whether the resistance value itself exceeds the threshold value.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, in a conventional printer, the threshold value for the head consumption rate of the heating resistor is constant for all heating resistors. In the example of FIG. 3, the initial value of the resistance value of the heating resistor is around 90 Ω. For example, when the resistance value when the heating resistor is determined to be in error is 165 Ω, an example is shown in which the threshold value of the head consumption rate of the heating resistor is uniformly set to 50% (the resistance value is about 135 Ω).

[0019] In this embodiment, the threshold value for the head wear rate of the heating resistor can be set individually for each heating resistor of the thermal head according to how the user uses the printer. For example, in the example in Figure 4, the resistance values ​​of the heating resistors in the thermal head shown under "Latest Data" show that the resistance values ​​of the heating resistors in the central part are higher than those of the heating resistors in other parts. This indicates a printing situation where, for example, the central part of the label issued by printer 3 (an example of a printing medium) is frequently dotted in the direction of the printing line (i.e., the width direction of the label). Thus, in the thermal head of printer 3, if, for example, the heating resistors in the central part are frequently used, the wear (abrasion) of the heating resistors in the central part progresses faster than that of the other parts.

[0020] Therefore, for example, the threshold for head wear rate for a group of heating resistors in the central part (region) is set to a lower threshold than the threshold for heating resistors in other parts (regions). Normally, the rate of increase in resistance tends to be larger as the resistance value of a heating resistor increases, and when the resistance value of a heating resistor becomes high, it can reach disconnection (e.g., 100% head wear rate) in a short time. Therefore, for example, the threshold for a group of heating resistors in the central region whose resistance value has increased is set to a relatively low threshold, so that the user can be warned earlier before the thermal head disconnects.

[0021] In the example in Figure 5, the resistance values ​​of the multiple heating resistors in the thermal head shown in "Latest Data" show that the resistance values ​​of the group of heating resistors on the left side are higher than those of the group of heating resistors on the right side. This indicates a printing situation where, for example, the left side of the label printed by printer 3 is frequently dotted in the printing line direction (label width direction). This indicates that, in the thermal head of printer 3, for example, the heating resistors on the left side are used more frequently and wear out faster than other parts. Therefore, for example, the head wear rate for the group of heat-generating resistors in the left-hand portion (region) can be set to a lower threshold than the threshold for heat-generating resistors in other portions (regions), so that the user can be warned earlier before the thermal head breaks.

[0022] In this way, by predicting thermal head disconnection based on the degree of change in resistance values ​​of each heating resistor in the thermal head, which varies depending on how the user uses the printer, and setting a threshold for issuing a warning output for each heating resistor, it becomes possible to notify each printer user at the appropriate time to prevent thermal head disconnection.

[0023] Figures 4 and 5 show an example where the threshold for two or more adjacent heat-generating resistors is set to a different threshold than the threshold for other heat-generating resistors. In this example, the threshold for two or more adjacent heat-generating resistors is set to a lower threshold than the threshold for other heat-generating resistors. Although the management server 5 does not recognize how users use the printer, such as the printing status including the print layout of labels issued by the printer, it can predict head disconnections by monitoring the degree of change in the resistance value of each heat resistor, such as which of the multiple heat resistors in the thermal head is deteriorating. Therefore, by setting thresholds for each heat resistor or for areas containing multiple heat resistors (groups of heat resistors) according to the degree of change in the resistance value of the heat resistors, it is possible to set thresholds that correspond to the print layout issued by the user.

[0024] In one embodiment, the management server 5 may correct the set threshold value for the heat-generating resistor based on printer information acquired from the printer 3 in a timely manner. The printer information includes operational information related to the printer's operation and information about the printing medium, such as the printer's label and ink ribbon. An example of a user management database for managing printer information in the management server 5 is shown in Figure 6.

[0025] Each record in the user management database illustrated in Figure 6 is associated with a user ID and a printer ID, and includes values ​​for the following fields: "Average Print Speed," "Average Print Density," "Continuous Mode Print Count," "Backfeed Count," and "Printing Method." The value in the "Printing Method" field indicates whether the printing method is thermal transfer or direct thermal. The values ​​for average print speed, average print density, continuous mode print count, backfeed count, and printing method are examples of printer operation information. Although not shown in Figure 6, each record may include identification information that identifies the printing medium, such as a label or ink ribbon (in the case of a thermal transfer printer), as it is associated with the printer ID. As mentioned above, since the printer operation information and / or printing medium information can affect the wear of the thermal head, the threshold values ​​for each heating resistor of the thermal head can be corrected based on the printer operation information and / or printing medium information as printer information.

[0026] The management server 5 periodically obtains printer operation information from the printer 3 and updates the user management database. For example, the printer 3 periodically sends information to the management server 5, such as the resistance value of each heating resistor in the thermal head, as well as the print speed, print density, the count value of the number of pages printed in continuous mode, and the count value of the number of backfeeds. The management server 5 statistically processes the print speed and print density obtained from the printer 3 to calculate the average print speed and average print density of the printer 3, and updates the user management database by recording the values ​​of the average print speed, average print density, number of pages printed in continuous mode, and number of backfeeds. The value indicating the printing method is known for each printer and is registered when the printer ID is registered in the user management database. In addition, information on printing media such as labels and ink ribbons may be registered in the user management database by the user or administrator when the labels or ink ribbons are replaced.

[0027] Thermal head degradation due to printer information (such as printer operation information and print media information) often affects the entire heat-generating resistor, regardless of the resistor's position. Therefore, when correcting the threshold for the heat-generating resistor based on printer information, it is best to change the threshold for the entire heat-generating resistor. An example of a correction method is as follows. (a) The higher the average print density, the more easily the thermal head wears down, so the threshold is lowered as a correction is made. (b) Since the thermal head wears out more easily at higher average printing speeds, the threshold is adjusted to lower it. (c) As the number of prints in continuous mode increases, the thermal head is more prone to wear, so the threshold is lowered as a correction is made.

[0028] For example, in the threshold setting example shown in Figure 4, the threshold for the group of heat-generating resistors in the central region is set to 55%, and the threshold for heat-generating resistors in other regions is set to 75%, based on the degree of change in the resistance value of each heat-generating resistor. Furthermore, based on the operation information of the corresponding printer included in the user management database, for example, if the average print density is higher than a predetermined value, the threshold for the group of heat-generating resistors in the central region is corrected to 50%, and the threshold for heat-generating resistors in other regions is corrected to 70%, etc. In this way, by correcting the threshold in consideration of the deterioration of the thermal head based on the printer's operation information, in addition to the degree of change in resistance value due to printing conditions such as print layout, it is possible to warn the user at a more appropriate timing depending on how the printer is used.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the printer maintenance system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of each device constituting the printer maintenance system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the user terminal 2 has a control unit 21, an operation input unit 22, a display unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 21 includes a microprocessor, memory, image buffer memory, etc., and executes a printer management application and displays the execution results on the display unit 23. The printer management application is software configured to communicate with the management server 5, allowing users or administrators of printer 3 to view printer information such as printer operation information and print media information, and to receive warnings regarding printer 3. The operation input unit 22 includes, for example, an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and accepts input from the user to the printer management application. The display unit 23 includes, for example, a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a display driver circuit, and displays the execution results of the printer management application transmitted from the control unit 21. The communication unit 24 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with the management server 5. The printer management application communicates with the management server 5 via the communication unit 24, for example, using HTTPS.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the printer 3 comprises a control unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a display unit 33, a transport unit 34, a printing unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a storage unit 37. The control unit 31 is mainly composed of a microprocessor and controls the entire printer 3 by executing firmware. For example, the control unit 31 converts the print data stored in the storage unit 37 into drawing data and sequentially sends the line data, which is the data for each line of the drawing data, to the printing unit 35. The transport unit 34 and the printing unit 35 perform printing based on line data sequentially sent from the control unit 31. The transport unit 34 includes a platen roller (not shown) and a motor drive circuit and motor (not shown), and transports continuous paper within the printer 3. Continuous paper is, for example, paper with multiple labels temporarily attached to a strip-shaped backing. Based on a transport request from the firmware, the motor drive circuit drives a motor that controls the rotation of the platen roller, thereby transporting the continuous paper. The printing unit 35 includes a thermal head and a head drive circuit (neither of which are shown). The head drive circuit selectively supplies current to each heating resistor of the thermal head based on line data, thereby printing on the label of continuous paper. The control unit 31 calculates the resistance value of each heating resistor by obtaining the voltage or current value of each heating resistor from the thermal head.

[0031] The communication unit 36 ​​is a communication interface that communicates with the management server 5. While the communication protocol between the communication unit 36 ​​and the management server 5 is not limited, MQTT (Message Queueing Telemetry Transport) can be used, for example. MQTT is a lightweight Pub / Sub type data communication protocol. For example, head resistance data, printer operation information, and print media information are transmitted to the management server 5 periodically or at predetermined intervals via the communication unit 36.

[0032] The storage 37 is a non-volatile memory, such as a Solid State Drive (SSD) such as flash memory. The storage 37 stores firmware for controlling print data and printing operations, as well as the resistance values ​​of each heating resistor in the thermal head calculated by the control unit 31, various setting values ​​(for example, print speed setting value, print density setting value), and values ​​indicating various calculation results (for example, the count value of the number of sheets printed in continuous mode, the count value of the number of backfeeds, etc.).

[0033] The management server 5 in this embodiment includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51 is mainly composed of a microprocessor and controls the entire management server 5 by executing a predetermined server program. The storage unit 52 (an example of a storage unit) is a non-volatile memory, such as a large-capacity storage device like an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 52 stores a head resistance value database (head resistance value DB; see Figure 2) and a user management database (user management DB; see Figure 6). The communication unit 53 is a communication interface that communicates between the user terminal 2 and the printer 3. The communication unit 53 communicates between the management server 5 and the printer 3, for example, according to MQTT. The communication unit 53 also communicates between the user terminal 2 and the printer, for example, using HTTPS.

[0034] The control unit 51, by executing the server program described above, functions as the following acquisition unit (an example of a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit), threshold setting unit, and output control unit.

[0035] (I) Acquisition Department The acquisition unit acquires head resistance value data from the printer 3, including information on the resistance values ​​of each of the multiple heating resistors in the printer 3's thermal head, and sequentially stores each resistance value in the head resistance value database. The acquisition unit may also acquire printer operation information, print media information, etc., from the printer 3 at predetermined timings and store them in the user management database. (II) Threshold setting section The threshold setting unit sets a threshold for each heat-generating resistor to issue a warning before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in its resistance value. In other words, the threshold is set for each heat-generating resistor according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each heat-generating resistor of the printer 3, which is sequentially stored in the head resistance value database. As mentioned above, the threshold setting unit may also correct the set threshold for the heat-generating resistor based on printer information (such as printer operation information and printing medium information) acquired from the printer 3 in a timely manner. (III) Output control unit The output control unit issues a warning if the resistance value acquired by the acquisition unit exceeds the threshold value set by the threshold setting unit. The output control unit also issues a warning if the resistance value of any one of the multiple heating resistors in the thermal head exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment, the output control unit transmits display data to the printer, as the warning output, to cause the printer's display unit, which has exceeded a threshold, to display warning information.

[0036] Next, an example of the operation of the printer maintenance system 1 will be described with reference to the sequence chart in Figure 8. The sequence chart in Figure 8 shows an example of a printer monitoring method. When a user starts using printer 3 for the first time, the threshold is uniformly set as an initial value for each heating resistor of the thermal head, as shown in the threshold setting example in Figure 3. Also, when a user starts using printer 3 for the first time, the printer ID of printer 3 is registered in the head resistance value database.

[0037] The management server 5 performs a process to acquire information on the resistance values ​​of each heating resistor in the thermal head of the printer 3, for example, periodically (for example, every hour) (step ST1). After a user starts using the printer 3, the management server 5 sends a head resistance value request to the printer 3, and the printer 3 returns head resistance value data, including the latest resistance values ​​of each heating resistor, to the management server 5. Each time the management server 5 receives head resistance value data, it updates the head resistance value database by storing the latest resistance values ​​of each heating resistor included in the head resistance value data in the head resistance value database.

[0038] The management server 5 periodically or sequentially refers to the head resistance value database to determine whether there are any heat-generating resistors with a large change in resistance value (step S2). In other words, a uniform threshold is initially set for each heat-generating resistor, but the degree of change in resistance value can vary greatly from one heat-generating resistor to another depending on the use of the printer 3. Therefore, the server periodically monitors whether there are any heat-generating resistors with a large change in resistance value. The degree of change in resistance is, for example, the rate of change in resistance. When continuously monitoring the degree of change in resistance, it is the difference between the previous value and the latest value of the heat-generating resistor. Therefore, whether or not the degree of change in resistance is large can be determined by comparing the difference between the previous value and the latest value of the heat-generating resistor with a predetermined value. When monitoring the degree of change of the resistor periodically, the rate of change in resistance can be calculated by dividing the difference in resistance between the previous check time and the current check time by the time between the check times, and the determination can be made by comparing that rate of change with a predetermined value.

[0039] If the management server 5 determines that there are no heat-generating resistors with a large change in resistance value, it assumes that the degradation rate of each heat-generating resistor is at a normal rate. Therefore, the management server 5 does not change the initial value of the threshold (step S2: NO), repeats step ST1, and continues to monitor whether or not there are any heat-generating resistors with a large change in resistance value. If the management server 5 determines that there is a heat-generating resistor with a large change in resistance value (step S2: YES), it sets a new threshold (i.e., updates it from the initial value) (step S4). Examples of threshold settings are shown in Figures 4 and 5; for example, the threshold may be set for each heat-generating resistor group (region), or for each individual heat-generating resistor. In this case, the management server 5 may refer to the user management database and adjust the threshold according to the printer information and printing medium information.

[0040] If the management server 5 determines that the resistance value of any of the multiple heat-generating resistors exceeds the threshold (or initial threshold value) set in step S4 for that heat-generating resistor (step S6: YES), it sends a warning message to the user terminal 2 (step S8). The warning message is, for example, a message indicating that the thermal head of the printer 3 needs to be replaced. When the user terminal 2 receives the warning message, it displays a warning (step S10). Alternatively, the warning message may be sent to the printer 3 and displayed on the printer 3. The warning message sent in step S8 is an example of display data used to show warning information on printer 3.

[0041] As described above, the printer maintenance system of one embodiment acquires information on the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors in the printer's thermal head, and sets a threshold value for each heating resistor to issue a warning before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in each resistance value. If the resistance value acquired from the printer exceeds the set threshold value, a warning is issued to the user. This allows for notification of a thermal head break at an appropriate time depending on how the user uses the printer.

[0042] We have described a case in which the threshold value for a heat-generating resistor is lowered when the degree of change in resistance is large, but the amount of threshold reduction can be determined as appropriate. In one embodiment, the greater the degree of change in resistance, the greater the amount of threshold reduction. This makes it possible to detect abnormalities in heat-generating resistors that are close to a break and have a relatively large degree of change in resistance more quickly. Furthermore, for the same heat-generating resistor, the more times it is determined that the degree of change in resistance is large, the greater the reduction in the threshold for that heat-generating resistor may be. If it is determined that the degree of change in resistance is large many times, it is considered that the situation is approaching a break in the wire, so the threshold can be lowered further to detect the abnormality of the heat-generating resistor more quickly. Furthermore, a new threshold may be set even if there are no heat-generating resistors with a large degree of resistance change. For example, the management server 5 can refer to the printer information in the user management database and, if, for example, the print speed or print density is above a predetermined value, or if the sum of some or all combinations of values ​​such as print speed, print density, number of pages printed in continuous mode, and number of backfeeds is above a predetermined value, it can determine that the thermal head is prone to deterioration (wear) and change the threshold for all heat-generating resistors.

[0043] (2) Second embodiment Next, the system configuration of the printer maintenance system 1A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The difference between the printer maintenance system 1A and the printer maintenance system 1 (Figure 1) is that the users U01 and U02 who receive services from the management server 5 are, for example, legal entities such as companies, and two or more employees (actual users) use two or more printers. Note that in Figure 10, "User ID" is an example of user information.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 9, user U01 possesses printers 3-1a, 3-1b, 3-1c, 3-1d, ... and user terminal 2-1. When the management server 5 determines that preventive replacement is necessary for any part of printers 3-1a, 3-1b, 3-1c, 3-1d, ..., it notifies user terminal 2-1, etc. The printers and user terminal 2-1 owned by user U01 can communicate with the management server 5 via access point AP1 and network NW.

[0045] User U02 possesses printers 3-2a, 3-2b, 3-2c, 3-2d, ... and user terminal 2-2. If the management server 5 determines that preventative replacement is necessary for any part of printers 3-2a, 3-2b, 3-2c, 3-2d, ..., it will notify user terminal 2-2, etc. The printers and user terminal 2-2 owned by user U02 can communicate with the management server 5 via access point AP2 and network NW.

[0046] If the management server 5 determines that the thermal head of one of the two or more printers managed for each user needs preventive replacement, it will determine whether the degree of change in the resistance value of the heating resistor in the thermal heads of the other printers falls within a predetermined range relative to a set threshold, and then determine whether the thermal heads need to be replaced. For two or more printers owned by the same user, the usage patterns and purposes of the printers (e.g., print layout and operation method) may be similar, and if the thermal head of one printer is replaced, the management server 5 will determine whether the other printers also need to be replaced, assuming that they may have deteriorated to a similar extent.

[0047] The management server 5 centrally manages two or more printers owned by user U01 and two or more printers owned by user U02 using a user management database. Although not shown, similar to the first embodiment, the management server 5 periodically receives head resistance data, including information on the resistance values ​​of each heating resistor in the thermal head, from each printer, and sequentially updates the head resistance database illustrated in Figure 2. The management server 5 may also have a user management database, similar to that shown in Figure 6. Figure 10 shows an example of the data structure of the user management database in the printer maintenance system 1A. In the printer maintenance system 1A, the control unit 51 of the management server 5 functions as the following acquisition unit, threshold setting unit, and output control unit by executing a server program.

[0048] (I) Acquisition section (an example of the first acquisition section) The acquisition unit acquires head resistance value data, including information on the resistance values ​​of each of the multiple heating resistors in the thermal head, from two or more printers under management, and sequentially stores each resistance value in the head resistance value database for each user. The acquisition unit also acquires printer operation information, print media information, etc., from printer 3 at predetermined timings and stores it in the user management database for each user. Furthermore, the management server 5 does not necessarily have to have a user management database. A user management database accessible from the management server 5 may be maintained by another device (such as a database server).

[0049] (II) Threshold setting section The threshold setting unit can set a common threshold pattern for the thermal heads of multiple printers owned by user U01, for example, in order to output a warning before the thermal head breaks, depending on the degree of change in the resistance value of each heating resistor of the printers 3-1a, 3-1b, 3-1c, 3-1d, ... owned by user U01. Here, "threshold pattern" refers to the type (pattern) of threshold values ​​set for each of the multiple heating resistors in the thermal head. For example, the examples shown in Figures 3 to 5 are different threshold patterns. A "common threshold pattern" is not limited to cases where the threshold values ​​of the heating resistors at corresponding positions on the thermal head are the same for multiple printers, but may also include cases where there are differences that do not substantially affect the ability to issue a warning.

[0050] The multiple printers for which a common threshold pattern is set are not limited to all printers owned by user U01 (i.e., printers 3-1a, 3-1b, 3-1c, 3-1d, ...), but rather a group of printers owned by user U01 that have similar rates of change in thermal head resistance. Printers with similar rates of change in thermal head resistance are likely to have similar usage patterns and purposes, such as printing labels with the same print layout. Therefore, it is advisable to group multiple printers with similar rates of change in thermal head resistance and associate a patterned threshold with each position of the multiple heat-generating resistors in each printer within the grouped printers (printer group). For example, the threshold pattern exemplified in Figure 4 or Figure 5 (a threshold pattern in which the threshold of the heat-generating resistor group in the central or left-hand portion is relatively lower than the others) can be associated with multiple printers within the grouped printers.

[0051] For example, if user U01 owns two or more printers, it is possible to associate a first group of printers with a first threshold pattern and a second group of printers with a different second threshold pattern. In that case, the printer group to which each printer owned by user U01 belongs may be changed according to the usage status of each printer. For example, in the first threshold pattern, the same threshold is set for multiple heating resistors of the thermal head, and in the second threshold pattern, the threshold of the central group of heating resistors is set to be relatively lower than the others. In that case, when a newly purchased printer is first put into use, the degree of change in the resistance values ​​of all the heating resistors of the thermal head of that printer is about the same, so the printer is assigned to the first printer group. After that, the assignment may be changed to the second printer group based on the usage status of the print layout, etc. If one printer belonging to a group of printers exceeds a set threshold and triggers a warning output, the system may also determine whether the other printers in the group have exceeded the threshold for each heat resistor based on the set threshold pattern, or it may determine whether they have exceeded a threshold that takes into account a margin (for example, a threshold obtained by multiplying the threshold before the change by 90%).

[0052] Similarly, the threshold setting unit sets a common threshold pattern for multiple printers owned by user U02, for example, to output a warning before the thermal head breaks, based on the degree of change in the resistance value of each heating resistor in the printers 3-2a, 3-2b, 3-2c, 3-2d, ... owned by user U02. In other words, for multiple printers owned by the same user that have similar usage patterns and purposes (e.g., print layout, operation method, etc.), instead of setting a threshold for each individual printer, a common threshold pattern is set for the group of printers based on the degree of change in the resistance value of each heating resistor.

[0053] In a manner similar to that described in the first embodiment, threshold patterns set for multiple printers may be corrected according to the printer information in the user management database, based on the degree of change in the resistance value of the heating resistor.

[0054] (III) Output control unit The output control unit issues a warning output if the resistance value of any of the printers (printer group) among all the printers owned by the user exceeds a threshold set by the threshold setting unit. For example, if the wear rate of the heating resistor at a specific resistor position on the thermal head of printer 3-1a, one of the printers owned by user U01, exceeds a threshold based on the threshold pattern set for the grouped printers, the management server 5 sends a warning message to user terminal 2-1. In addition, the system also determines whether the resistance value of the heating resistors of the thermal heads of other printers 3-1b, 3-1c, 3-1d, ... falls within a predetermined range relative to the set threshold. Therefore, it is possible to provide notifications regarding thermal head disconnections at an appropriate time depending on how the user uses their printers.

[0055] In the printer maintenance system of this embodiment, if the same user owns two or more printers, a common threshold pattern is set for the thermal heads of multiple printers based on the degree of change in the resistance value of the thermal heads. A warning is issued if any of the multiple heating resistors in any of the printers exceed the threshold value based on the threshold pattern set commonly for all printers. If a single user uses multiple printers in a similar manner, it is assumed that the thermal heads of those printers will degrade at a similar rate. However, even among the same user, there is variation in how printers are used. Therefore, by considering the degree of resistance change in multiple printers and setting a common threshold pattern for multiple printers, it is possible to create a highly accurate threshold that absorbs the variations in usage.

[0056] Although embodiments of the information processing apparatus, program, information processing system, and printer monitoring method of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the control unit 31 of the printer 3 may function as part or all of the management server 5. While the description has described a case where the management server 5 centrally manages the head resistance database and the user management database, this is not the only case. These databases may be stored in a distributed manner across the management server 5, the printer 3, or a database server (not shown). The multiple functions of the control unit 31 of the printer 3 and the multiple functions of the control unit 51 of the management server 5 described above are merely examples, and these functions may be appropriately distributed or coordinated between the printer 3 and the management server 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1.1A…Printer maintenance system 2…User terminal 21... Control Unit 22... Operation input section 23...Display section 24... Communications Department 3…Printer 31…Control Unit 32... Operation input section 33…Display section 34…Conveyor Unit 35...Printing section 36... Communications Department 37…Storage 5…Management Server 51... Control Unit 52...Storage 53... Communications Department NW...Network

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printer having a thermal head, A first acquisition unit acquires information on the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors of the thermal head, A threshold setting unit sets a threshold for issuing a warning output before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors, for each of the multiple heating resistors. An output control unit that outputs a warning when the resistance value acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds the threshold set by the threshold setting unit, Equipped with an information processing device.

2. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printer having a thermal head, A first acquisition unit acquires information on the resistance values ​​of each of the multiple heating resistors of each thermal head of each of the multiple printers, which are associated with user information that identifies the user and information on the multiple printers used by the user. A threshold setting unit sets a threshold for issuing a warning output before the thermal head of each of the aforementioned printers breaks, according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the aforementioned heating resistors in each printer, for each of the aforementioned heating resistors in each printer. An output control unit that outputs a warning to the plurality of printers when the resistance value of any of the plurality of printers acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a threshold set by the threshold setting unit, Equipped with an information processing device.

3. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold values ​​for two or more heat-generating resistors that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of heat-generating resistors to different threshold values ​​from the threshold values ​​for the other heat-generating resistors. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a second acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the following: operation information relating to the operation of the printer, and print media information relating to the printing medium of the printer. The threshold setting unit corrects the threshold based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The output control unit transmits, as the warning output, display data to the printer that causes the printer's display unit to display warning information if the threshold has been exceeded. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold value for the heat-generating resistors included in the first region among the regions in which the plurality of heat-generating resistors are arranged to a value lower than the threshold value for the heat-generating resistors included in the second region other than the first region, which have lower resistance values ​​than the heat-generating resistors included in the first region. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The degree of change in the resistance value is the rate of change of the resistance value, The threshold setting unit determines whether or not to change the threshold for each of the plurality of heat-generating resistors by comparing the rate of change with a predetermined value at predetermined intervals. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A procedure for obtaining information on the resistance values ​​of each of the multiple heating resistors of a printer having a thermal head, A procedure for setting a threshold value for issuing a warning before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors, A procedure for outputting a warning when the resistance value obtained by the aforementioned acquisition procedure exceeds the threshold, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

9. An information processing system comprising a printer having a thermal head and an information processing device capable of communicating with the printer, The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition unit that acquires information on the resistance values ​​of each of the multiple heating resistors of the thermal head from the printer, A threshold setting unit sets a threshold for issuing a warning output before the thermal head breaks, according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors, for each of the multiple heating resistors. The system includes an output control unit that outputs a warning to the printer when the resistance value acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a threshold value set by the threshold setting unit, The printer is equipped with a display unit that displays the warning output. Information processing system.

10. A method for monitoring a printer having a thermal head, Information on the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors of the thermal head is obtained. A threshold for issuing a warning before the thermal head breaks is set for each of the multiple heating resistors according to the degree of change in the resistance value of each of the multiple heating resistors. If the acquired resistance value exceeds the threshold value, a warning output is generated. A printer monitoring method equipped with [features / equipment].

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