Printing apparatus, control method, program, information processing device, and printing system

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of accurately detecting a residual amount of a rolled sheet that is set by a user.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a user set value acquisition part for acquiring a user set value indicating a residual amount of a rolled sheet set by a user; a first detection part for detecting that a physical quantity correlated with the residual amount of the rolled sheet has become a first threshold value; a second detection part for detecting that the residual amount of the rolled sheet has become a second threshold value; an after-detecting length acquisition part for acquiring an after-detecting length as a length of the rolled sheet used until the residual amount of the rolled sheet becomes the second threshold value after detecting that the physical quantity becomes the first threshold value; and a notification part for providing notification that the residual amount of the rolled sheet has become a user setting value in the case that a new rolled sheet is used, when length of the rolled sheet used after it is detected that the physical quantity has become the first threshold value, exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the after-detecting length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a printing apparatus that uses roll paper around which thermal paper is wound. In such a printing apparatus, a method of detecting that the diameter of the roll paper has become small by a sensor and detecting the near end of the roll paper is generally known.

[0003] The detection method using a sensor assumes in advance variations in the diameter and thickness of the paper core of the roll paper. Therefore, depending on the type of roll paper used, the near end may be detected even when the remaining available length is relatively large.

[0004] From such a background, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting the near end by predicting the remaining length of the roll paper after detecting the near end by a sensor, using the length of paper used per unit time and a set margin period.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, since the length of paper used per unit time is not often constant, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot detect accurately. Also, there is a technique that does not notify the user even when the sensor detects the near end, and notifies the user of the near end after using a certain amount of paper after the detection. By delaying the notification timing in this way, there is also a technique for reducing the remaining available length.

[0007] In this technology, it is necessary to investigate the remaining length after near-end detection by the sensor in advance. However, since different users use different rolls of paper, the remaining length after near-end detection is often inconsistent. In this case, there is a possibility that more usable length will remain than expected. Therefore, it would be possible to allow users to investigate or set the remaining length after near-end detection, but this is not practical as it would be cumbersome for users to investigate.

[0008] Thus, with conventional technology, it was difficult for users to detect accurately, and users could not set the remaining amount of roll paper that would notify them of the near end.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can accurately detect the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) In view of the above-mentioned problems, a printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user; a first detection unit that detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold; a second detection unit that detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold; a post-detection length acquisition unit that acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold; and a notification unit that, when new roll paper is used, notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user setting value when the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the post-detection length.

[0011] (2) A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a correction unit that corrects the length of roll paper used from the time the length of roll paper used after the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection until the physical quantity reaches the second threshold.

[0012] (3) In view of the above-mentioned problems, a printing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: a user setting value acquisition step of acquiring a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user; a first detection step of detecting that a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a first threshold; a second detection step of detecting that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a second threshold; a post-detection length acquisition step of acquiring the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold; and a notification step of notifying that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user setting value when new roll paper is used and the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the post-detection length.

[0013] (4) In view of the above-mentioned problems, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a printing device, wherein the computer functions as: a user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user; a first detection unit that detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold; a second detection unit that detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold; a post-detection length acquisition unit that acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold; and a notification unit that, when new roll paper is used, notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user setting value when the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the post-detection length.

[0014] (5) In view of the above-mentioned problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that can communicate with a printing device, comprising: a user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user; a usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used in the printing device; a detected length acquisition unit that acquires the detected length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper is notified to have reached a first threshold until when the remaining amount of roll paper is notified to have reached a second threshold; and a notification unit that, when new roll paper is used, the length of roll paper used from the time when the physical quantity is notified to have reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the detected length, notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user setting value.

[0015] (6) In view of the above-mentioned problems, a printing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a printing system including a printing device and an information processing device that can communicate with the printing device, wherein the printing device includes a first detection unit that detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold, a second detection unit that detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold, a first notification unit that notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold when it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold, a second notification unit that notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the second threshold when it is detected that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold, and a usage notification unit that notifies the information processing device of the length of roll paper used, wherein the information processing device is configured to respond to the user A printing system comprising: a user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set; a usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used as notified by the usage amount notification unit; a detected length acquisition unit that acquires the detected length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time the first notification unit notifies that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the second notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold; and a notification unit that, when new roll paper is used, notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user setting value when the length of roll paper used from the time the first notification unit notifies that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user setting value from the detected length. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of a printing system configuration. [Figure 2] This figure shows various configuration examples related to roll paper. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the detection position of the near-end sensor. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the differences based on the diameter of the paper roll. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a printing device. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing the process flow of a printing device. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the process flow of near-end initial setting processing. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the process flow of pre-near-end notification processing. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the process flow of post-near-end notification processing. [Figure 10] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process of a printing system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, specific configuration examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [[ID=?]] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a printing device 100 and an information processing device 200. In the present embodiment, the printing device 100 will be described by taking a thermal printer as an example. The information processing device 200 is a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The information processing device 200 includes a communication unit 210 and a control unit 220. The communication unit 210 performs communication with the printing device 100 in the present embodiment. Various protocols such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wifi (registered trademark) are used for communication.

[0018] The control unit 220 is realized by an arithmetic device and a storage device. The arithmetic device is hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The storage device is a volatile storage device or a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory. In addition, a display device such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display (not shown), a touch panel, and an operation device that accepts operations by a user such as hard keys are also provided. It seems there is a small issue with the tag "[[ID=?]]" in your original text. It should probably be a consecutive number like the others. But I've translated the text as accurately as possible based on the provided content.

[0019] The printing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a mechanism unit 130. In this embodiment, the communication unit 110 communicates with the information processing device 200. For communication, various protocols such as Bluetooth and Wifi are used as described above.

[0020] The mechanism unit 130 includes a near-end sensor unit 131, a paper feed unit 132, a paperless sensor unit 133, and a thermal head unit 134. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each configuration example related to the roll paper. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing configuration examples of the paper feed unit 132, the paperless sensor unit 133, and the thermal head unit 134. In FIG. 2, a roll paper is shown together with the paper feed unit 132, the paperless sensor unit 133, and the thermal head unit 134.

[0021] The paper feed unit 132 is configured of a stepping motor or the like and conveys the thermal paper in the "paper conveyance direction" shown in the figure under the control of the control unit 120. The thermal head unit 134 prints characters or the like on the thermal paper under the control of the control unit 120. In the following, the expression "printing" may be used, but "printing" and "print" are synonymous.

[0022] The paperless sensor unit 133 is configured to be able to detect the thermal paper and determines that there is no paper when the thermal paper is no longer detected. The remaining amount of the roll paper when the thermal paper is no longer detected is the second threshold value. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance between the paperless sensor unit 133 and the thermal head unit 134 is not zero, but in this embodiment, for the sake of easy explanation, the second threshold value is described as zero. Note that when the paperless sensor unit 133 in FIG. 2 determines that there is no paper, it notifies the control unit 120 that the remaining amount of the roll paper has reached the second threshold value.

[0023] The printing apparatus 100 in this embodiment is configured to hold a roll of paper. As the diameter of the roll of paper decreases with use, the position of the paper core gradually moves downward due to its own weight. The thermal head section 134 and the paper feed section 132 are arranged to oppose each other with the thermal paper in between. The paperless sensor section 133 is also provided near the paper feed section 132.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the detection position of the near-end sensor unit 131. The near-end sensor unit 131 is located on the side of the roll paper. The left side of the figure shows roll paper A, which has a relatively large diameter, and the right side shows roll paper B, which has a smaller diameter due to use. As shown in Figure 4, when the roll paper has a large diameter, the front of the near-end sensor unit 131 detects the side of the roll paper or the side of the paper core. On the other hand, when the roll paper has a small diameter, the front of the near-end sensor unit 131 detects the hollow part of the paper core. Therefore, the distance to the detected object when the roll paper has a small diameter is greater than the distance to the detected object when the roll paper has a small diameter.

[0025] Using this, the near-end sensor unit 131 determines that it has detected the near end when the paper core reaches the detection position due to its own weight as the roll paper is used. Therefore, the "physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper" in this embodiment is the distance d from the bottom surface to the position of the paper core. The distance at which the paper core reaches the detection position is the first threshold. In this way, the near-end sensor unit 131 detects that the physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the first threshold. When the near-end sensor unit 131 detects that the first threshold has been reached, it notifies the control unit 120 that the first threshold has been reached.

[0026] Returning to Figure 1, the control unit 120 will be described. The control unit 120 consists of a user-set value acquisition unit 121, a first detection unit 122, a second detection unit 123, a post-detection length acquisition unit 124, a notification unit 125, and a correction unit 126. The control unit 120 is implemented by an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The arithmetic unit is hardware such as a CPU, ASIC, or FPGA. The memory device is a volatile or non-volatile memory device such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory.

[0027] The user setting acquisition unit 121 acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user. The user setting acquisition unit 121 may acquire the user setting value set by the user in the information processing device 200, for example, from the information processing device 200. The first detection unit 122 detects, upon notification from the near-end sensor unit 131, that a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a first threshold. The second detection unit 123 detects, upon notification from the paperless sensor unit 133, that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a second threshold.

[0028] The post-detection length acquisition unit 124 acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time the distance d is detected to reach the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold. The method of acquisition will be described later.

[0029] The notification unit 125 notifies the user that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user-set value (hereinafter also referred to as "near-end notification") when a new roll of paper is used and the length of the roll paper used since the detection of the distance d reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the detected length. Here, "new roll paper" refers to unused roll paper set in the printing device 100 after the roll paper whose detected length has been acquired by the detected length acquisition unit 124. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the same type of roll paper is set each time. Whether or not the roll paper has been replaced is determined by an open / close sensor (not shown) that detects the opening and closing of the cover that stores the roll paper. For example, if the cover is opened and the near-end sensor unit 131 does not detect that the distance d has reached the first threshold, it may be determined that a new roll of paper has been set.

[0030] The notification unit 125 can notify the information processing device 200. When the information processing device 200 is notified that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a user-set value, it notifies the user using a display device or the like. Alternatively, the printing device 100 may be equipped with a light-emitting diode to indicate that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a user-set value, and the task controlling the light-emitting diode may be notified that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a user-set value. When the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a user-set value, the task controlling the light-emitting diode controls it to light up or blink, or to behave in a manner different from when the remaining amount of roll paper has not reached a user-set value. The correction unit 126 corrects the length after detection. The correction method will be described later.

[0031] The processing flow of the printing device 100 will be explained using a flowchart. The printing device 100 has two main processes. In the first process shown in Figure 5, the detection length is mainly acquired. In the second process shown in Figure 6, the detection length is mainly used to provide near-end notification to the roll paper set in the printing device 100 after the roll paper for which the detection length was acquired. Thus, in this embodiment, the first roll paper is used to prepare for near-end notification, and then near-end notification is provided to the second and subsequent roll papers.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing flow of the printing device 100. In Figure 5, the printing device 100 acquires the user-defined value A (step S101). The printing device 100 performs the near-end initial setup process to acquire the detected length as described above, starting from a state where an unused roll of paper is set (step S102), and then terminates the process. Details of the near-end initial setup process will be described later. After the process shown in Figure 5, when a new unused roll of paper is set in the printing device 100, the process shown in Figure 6 is performed.

[0033] In Figure 6, the printing device 100 performs near-end notification pre-processing (step S201). Details of the near-end notification pre-processing will be described later. The printing device 100 then issues a near-end notification (step S202). This allows the user to recognize that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user-set value. The printing device 100 then performs near-end notification post-processing (step S203) and terminates the process. Details of the near-end notification post-processing will be described later.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the near-end initial setup process (step S102). The printing device 100 initializes the usage amount B to 0 (step S301). Here, the usage amount refers to the amount of roll paper used. The usage amount is converted from the rotation speed of the stepping motor in the paper feeding unit 132 to the length of the roll paper. For example, if the length of roll paper used per rotation is L, the usage amount B can be calculated as: usage amount B = L × rotation speed. The printing device 100 prints or performs paper feeding operations in response to requests from the information processing device 200 or the like (step S302).

[0035] The printing device 100 determines whether the distance d described above has reached the first threshold due to the use of roll paper (step S303). If the distance d has not reached the first threshold (step S303: NO), the printing device 100 returns to step S302. If the distance d has reached the first threshold (step S303: YES), the printing device 100 starts counting the usage amount B (step S304). Thereafter, the printing device 100 prints or feeds paper according to the request of the information processing device 200 or the like (step S305).

[0036] The printing device 100 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold due to the use of roll paper (step S306). If the remaining amount of roll paper has not reached the second threshold (step S306: NO), the printing device 100 returns to step S304. If the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold (step S306: YES), the printing device 100 substitutes the amount used B into the detected length C (step S307) and terminates the process. Thus, the detected length is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the near-end notification pre-processing (step S201). This near-end detection pre-processing is performed with a newly loaded, unused roll of paper, as described above.

[0038] The printing device 100 initializes the usage amount B to 0 (step S401). The printing device 100 prints or feeds paper in response to requests from the information processing device 200 or the like (step S402). The printing device 100 determines whether the distance d described above has reached the first threshold due to the use of roll paper (step S403). If the distance d has not reached the first threshold (step S403: NO), the printing device 100 returns to step S402. If the distance d has reached the first threshold (step S403: YES), the printing device 100 starts counting the usage amount B (step S404). After that, the printing device 100 prints or feeds paper in response to requests from the information processing device 200 or the like (step S405).

[0039] The printer 100 determines whether the amount used B exceeds a reference value (CA) obtained by subtracting the user-set value A from the detected length C (step S406). If the amount used B does not exceed the reference value (CA) (step S406: NO), the printer 100 returns to step S404. If the amount used B exceeds the reference value (CA) (step S406: YES), the printer 100 terminates the process.

[0040] Here, we will explain the meaning of the reference value (CA). The detected length C is the remaining amount of roll paper after detection by the near-end sensor unit 131. The user-set value A indicates the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user. Therefore, the reference value (CA) indicates the length of time from when it is detected by the near-end sensor unit 131 until the remaining amount reaches the user-set value A. Thus, when the usage amount B matches the reference value (CA), the remaining amount of roll paper becomes the user-set value. Therefore, in the next step S202, after the near-end detection pre-processing (step S201) has been performed, a near-end notification is made.

[0041] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of near-end notification post-processing (step S203). The printer 100 initializes usage amount B to 0 (step S501). The printer 100 starts counting usage amount B (step S502). The printer 100 performs a paper feeding operation (step S503).

[0042] The printer 100 determines whether the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold by the paper feeding operation (step S504). If the remaining amount of roll paper has not reached the second threshold (step S504: NO), the printer 100 returns to step S503, that is, it continues the paper feeding operation. If the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold (step S504: YES), the printer 100 determines whether the amount used B is approximately the same as the user-set value A (step S505). The reason for determining whether the amount used B is approximately the same as the user-set value A is that the amount used B changes depending on the environment such as temperature and humidity. Therefore, values ​​α and β that allow for changes in the amount used B are defined, and if the user-set value A exists within the range (B-α, B+β), it is determined that the amount used B is approximately the same as the user-set value A. If the amount used B is approximately the same as the user-set value A (step S505: YES), the printer 100 terminates the process.

[0043] On the other hand, if the amount used B is not approximately the same as the user-set value A (step S505: NO), the printing device 100 corrects the detected length C (step S505) and terminates the process. The correction method is to set the new detected length C to the value obtained by subtracting (AB) from the original C (C ← C - (AB)). This means that if AB > 0, it means that C was longer than its original length by AB, so by subtracting AB, the length of C can be corrected to its original length. On the other hand, if AB < 0, it means that C was shorter than its original length by BA, so by adding BA, the length of C can be corrected to its original length. By performing this correction, the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user can be detected with high accuracy.

[0044] In the embodiments described above, the amount of paper feed, such as gears, may expand or contract due to temperature and humidity, so the amount of paper feed B may be corrected. For example, a correction coefficient k can be used, where the amount of paper feed B = k × L × rotation speed. For example, a standard temperature standard can be set, and if the temperature is higher than the standard, the paper feed amount will be longer, so k can be set to a value less than 1. If the temperature is lower than the standard, the paper feed amount will be shorter, so k can be set to a value greater than 1. By adjusting the amount of paper feed according to the environment in this way, detection can be performed with greater accuracy.

[0045] (modified version) The above-described embodiment may also be performed using the information processing device 200. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the printing system 10 when the above-described embodiment is performed using the information processing device 200. In this modified example, the printing device 100 notifies the information processing device 200 of the amount of roll paper used each time the amount changes. In Figure 10, this notification of the amount of roll paper used is omitted to avoid complexity.

[0046] The information processing device 200 obtains a user setting value A set by the user (step S601). The information processing device 200 initializes the usage amount B (step S602). The printer 100 sends a first threshold detection notification to the information processing device 200 indicating that the distance d has reached the first threshold (step S603). Upon receiving the first threshold detection notification, the information processing device 200 starts counting the usage amount B (step S604). From this point onward, until the second threshold detection notification described later is received, the information processing device 200 updates the usage amount B as needed each time the printer 100 notifies it of the usage amount.

[0047] The printing device 100 sends a second threshold notification to the information processing device 200 indicating that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold (step S605). When the information processing device 200 receives the first threshold detection notification, it obtains the length C after detection (step S606). When a new roll of paper is set, the printing device 100 sends a roll paper replacement notification to the information processing device 200 indicating that a new roll of paper has been set (step S607). When the information processing device 200 receives the roll paper replacement notification, it initializes the usage amount B (step S602). From this point onward, until the usage amount B exceeds a reference value (CA) obtained by subtracting the user-set value A from the length C after detection, the information processing device 200 updates the usage amount B as needed each time the printing device 100 notifies it of the usage amount.

[0048] The information processing device 200 issues a near-end notification (step S611) when the amount of usage B exceeds a reference value (CA) obtained by subtracting the user-set value A from the detected length C (step S610). As described above, a near-end notification can also be issued by the information processing device 200, which is able to communicate with the printing device 100, performing the processing.

[0049] Furthermore, the information processing device 200 is equipped with a parameter for counting usage in addition to usage amount B. Using this parameter, the usage amount E for one roll of paper is obtained in advance, and the remaining amount of paper in the roll can be determined by subtracting E each time the usage amount is notified from the printing device 100. By displaying this remaining amount on the information processing device 200, the user can determine whether or not printing is possible.

[0050] The above-described embodiment allows the user to set a user-defined value for near-end notification. Furthermore, because the amount of usage can be counted accurately, near-end notification can be accurately performed even if the user sets a relatively short value for the user-defined value. In addition, since the amount of usage detected by the near-end sensor unit 131 is used, near-end notification can be accurately performed regardless of the diameter and thickness of the paper core of the roll paper. Moreover, unlike conventional technology, the user does not need to investigate the remaining length after near-end detection, so near-end notification can be accurately performed without causing the user any inconvenience.

[0051] The program for executing the processing of the printing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs (Solid State Drives) built into computer systems. The image processing program may also be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0052] The functions of the printing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the functions may be implemented by recording a program for implementing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may only implement a part of the functions described above, and may also be able to implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0053] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 10 Printing Systems 100 Printing equipment 110, 210 Communications Department 120, 220 Control Unit 121 User setting value acquisition unit 122 First detection unit 123 Second detection unit 124 Detection and length acquisition unit 125 Notification Department 126 Correction section 130 Mechanism section 131 Near-end sensor section 132 Paper feeding section 133 Paperless sensor unit 134 Thermal head section 200 Information Processing Devices

Claims

1. A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user, A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold, A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold, A detection length acquisition unit acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold. When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained, and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value. A printing device equipped with a printer.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached a first threshold until the length of roll paper used after the length of roll paper used exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length of roll paper used after the physical quantity has reached a second threshold, according to the length of roll paper used after the physical quantity has reached a second threshold.

3. A method for controlling a printing device, A user setting value acquisition step that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user, A first detection step involves detecting when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold, A second detection step that detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold, A post-detection length acquisition step is to acquire the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold. When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained, and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification step is made to notify that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value. A control method that includes [a specific feature / method].

4. A program that makes a computer function as a printing device, The aforementioned computer, A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user, A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold, A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold, A detection length acquisition unit acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold. When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained, and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value. A program to make it work.

5. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device, A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user, The printing apparatus includes a usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used, The printing apparatus includes a post-detection length acquisition unit that acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper is notified to reach a first threshold until a second threshold is notified. When a new, unused roll of paper, which was set after the roll of paper whose detected length has been acquired, is used, and the length of the roll of paper used after notification that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the detected length, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value. Equipped with an information processing device.

6. A printing system including a printing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the printing device, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold, A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold, When it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold, a first notification unit notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold, When it is detected that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold, a second notification unit notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the second threshold, A usage notification unit that notifies the information processing device of the length of roll paper used, Equipped with, The aforementioned information processing device is A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user, A usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used as notified by the usage amount notification unit, A detection length acquisition unit acquires the length of roll paper used from the time the first notification unit notifies that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the second notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold, When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose detected length has been acquired, and the length of the roll of paper used since the first notification unit notified that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the detected length, the notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value. A printing system equipped with this system.

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