Information processing device, method for controlling the information processing device, and printing system

Abstract

To estimate an item to be the cause of an error.SOLUTION: A server device 200 is communicably connected with printers 100. The printers 100 include a first printer 100A and another printer 100N. The server device 200 comprises: a first acquisition unit 211 that, when an error occurs in the first printer 100A, acquires error occurrence information ER indicating the occurrence of the error from the first printer 100A; a second acquisition unit 214 that, when the error occurrence information ER is acquired, acquires a first operation log PL1 indicating a printing operation of the first printer 100A and a normal operation log PLN indicating a printing operation of another printer 100N that normally performs a printing operation; a comparison unit 215 that compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN; and an estimation unit 216 that, based on a result of comparison performed by the comparison unit 215, estimates an item related to the error from items included in the first operation log PL1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to printer errors have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes comparing the operating sound of a printer with the operating sound when the printer is normal or the operating sound when the printer is abnormal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to estimate whether a printer is normal or abnormal, it is difficult to estimate the cause of an error.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment for solving the above problem is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a printing device, wherein the printing device includes a first printing device and other printing devices, and comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires error occurrence information from the first printing device when an error occurs in the first printing device, an error occurrence information indicating that an error has occurred, a second acquisition unit that, when the error occurrence information is acquired, acquires a first operation log indicating the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log indicating the printing operation of the other printing devices that are printing normally, a comparison unit that compares the first operation log with the normal operation log, and an estimation unit that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log based on the comparison result by the comparison unit.

[0006] Another embodiment for solving the above problems is a control method for an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a printing device, wherein the printing device includes a first printing device and other printing devices, and includes: a first acquisition step of acquiring error occurrence information from the first printing device when an error occurs in the first printing device; a second acquisition step of acquiring a first operation log showing the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log showing the printing operation of the other printing devices that are printing normally when the error occurrence information has been acquired; a comparison step of comparing the first operation log with the normal operation log; and an estimation step of estimating an item related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log based on the comparison result in the comparison step.

[0007] Another embodiment for solving the above problems is a printing system comprising a printing device and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the printing device, wherein the printing device includes a first printing device and other printing devices, and the information processing device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires error occurrence information from the first printing device when an error occurs in the first printing device, an operation log that shows the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log that shows the printing operation of the other printing devices that are printing normally when the error occurrence information is acquired; a comparison unit that compares the first operation log with the normal operation log; and an estimation unit that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log based on the comparison result by the comparison unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A side view showing an example of the printer configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control unit of a printer. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of characteristic information. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an operation log. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of server device processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [1. Overall configuration of the printing system] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 1 according to this embodiment. The printing system 1 comprises a printer 100 and a server device 200. The printer 100 includes a first printer 100A and another printer 100N. The other printer 100N is a printer different from the first printer 100A and includes a second printer 100B and a third printer 100C. In other words, the printer 100 includes the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C. Each of the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C is connected to the server device 200 via a network NW, enabling communication. The network NW is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0011] The first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, when the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C are not distinguished, each of them may be referred to as printer 100. Printer 100 corresponds to an example of a "printing device". First printer 100A corresponds to an example of a "first printing device". Second printer 100B and third printer 100C each correspond to an example of a "other printing device". Second printer 100B corresponds to an example of a "second printing device". Third printer 100C corresponds to an example of a "third printing device".

[0012] The printer 100 prints an image onto the recording medium M. In this embodiment, the case where the printer 100 is, for example, a so-called inkjet large-format printer will be described. When an error occurs, the printer 100 sends error information ER to the server device 200. The printer 100 also sends feature information JP and operation log PL to the server device 200. Feature information JP indicates the characteristics of the printer 100. Operation log PL is a log of the printing operation of the printer 100. In this embodiment, we will describe the case where an error occurs in the first printer 100A, but the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C operate normally. Printer 100 will be further explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0013] The feature information JP will be further explained with reference to Figure 5. The feature information JP of the first printer 100A will be referred to as the first feature information JP1, the feature information JP of the second printer 100B will be referred to as the second feature information JP2, and the feature information JP of the third printer 100C will be referred to as the third feature information JP3. The operation log PL will be further explained with reference to Figure 6. The operation log PL for the first printer 100A will be referred to as the first operation log PL1, the operation log PL for the second printer 100B as the second operation log PL2, and the operation log PL for the third printer 100C as the third operation log PL3.

[0014] When the server device 200 receives error information ER from the printer 100, it obtains characteristic information JP and operation log PL from the printer 100. The server device 200 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device". In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the server device 200 receives error information ER from the first printer 100A.

[0015] In this embodiment, the server device 200 is described as being connected to the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C via a wired communication method such as an Ethernet® cable, but is not limited to this. The server device 200 may also be connected to the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi®. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the network NW is a WAN will be described, but it is not limited thereto. The network NW may be, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0016] [2. Configuration of Printer] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the printer 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the printer 100 according to this embodiment. The printer 100 is an inkjet large-format printer that ejects ink onto the recording medium M to form an image on the printing surface of the recording medium M.

[0017] The printer 100 includes a print head 111 that ejects ink onto the recording medium M. The printer 100 performs color printing by ejecting inks of a plurality of colors from the print head 111. For example, the print head 111 ejects five colors of ink, namely yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white, from different nozzles. The number of colors of ink used by the printer 100 is not particularly limited. A platen 112 is disposed at a position facing the print head 111. The platen 112 supports the recording medium M at a position facing the print head 111 on the planar support surface 112A.

[0018] The recording medium M is not particularly limited as long as it is sheet-shaped, and paper, a synthetic resin sheet, cloth, etc. can be used. The recording medium M may be a cut sheet cut to a standard size, but in this embodiment, a configuration using a long recording medium M will be described.

[0019] The printer 100 has a feed roller 103 around which the recording medium M is wound in a roll shape. The printer 100 includes a conveyance roller 105 and a conveyance roller 106 that convey the recording medium M fed from the feed roller 103.

[0020] Each of the transport rollers 105 and 106 nips the recording medium M with a pair of rollers and feeds the recording medium M in the transport direction F. The recording medium M printed by the print head 111 is wound onto the take-up roller 108. The transport rollers 105 and 106 are driven by a transport motor (not shown). The feed roller 103 and the take-up roller 108 are driven by the transport motor or another motor. The transport rollers 105 and 106 are arranged along the transport path FW on which the recording medium M is transported in the printer 100, and transport the recording medium M in the transport direction F according to the control of the first control unit 160, which will be described later with reference to Figure 3. The printer 100 includes a relay roller 104 that guides the recording medium M fed out from the feed roller 103 to the transport roller 105, and a relay roller 107 that guides the recording medium M to the take-up roller 108. The relay roller 104 may be composed of multiple rollers. The same applies to the relay roller 107.

[0021] The printer 100 has a colorimeter 121 that measures the color of the recording medium M printed by the print head 111. The colorimeter 121 is located downstream of the print head 111 in the transport direction F and measures the color of the printed image formed on the printed surface of the recording medium M by the ink ejected by the print head 111. Furthermore, a configuration for fixing the ink may be provided between the print head 111 and the colorimeter 121. For example, if the printer 100 prints using UV ink that hardens with ultraviolet light, an ultraviolet irradiation device may be placed downstream of the print head 111 in the transport direction F. In this case, the colorimeter 121 is placed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation device. Alternatively, the printer 100 may have a drying device for drying the ink downstream of the print head 111. In this case, the colorimeter 121 is placed downstream of the drying device.

[0022] In this embodiment, the position where the colorimeter 121 performs color measurement is referred to as the colorimeter position P. The colorimeter position P indicates a position in the transport direction F. In Figure 2, the colorimeter position P is located downstream of the print head 111 and upstream of the transport roller 106 in the transport direction F.

[0023] Here, in the direction perpendicular to the support surface 112A of the platen 112, the side of the print head 111 relative to the recording medium M is described as being above the transport path FW. Each part of the colorimeter 121 is positioned above the transport path FW and faces the surface on the recording medium M from which the print head 111 ejected ink.

[0024] The colorimeter 121 is positioned opposite the support member 131. The support member 131 is located on the opposite side of the recording medium M from the colorimeter 121, i.e., below the transport path FW. The upper surface of the support member 131 is flat, and the upper surface of the support member 131 supports the recording medium M.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the first control device 150 of the printer 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control device 150 of the printer 100. The printer 100 includes a first control device 150. The first control device 150 includes a first control unit 160, a first operating mechanism 170, a first display mechanism 180, and a first communication interface 190. The first control unit 160 includes a first processor 160A and a first memory 160B. The first control unit 160 controls the operation of each part of the printer 100 shown in Figure 2. The print head 111, the colorimeter 121, and various motors (not shown) are connected to the first control unit 160. For example, the print head 111 ejects ink according to instructions from the first control unit 160 to form a printed image on the recording medium M. Furthermore, for example, the colorimeter 121 performs color measurement using a colorimeter element (not shown) in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 160, and outputs the color value to the first control unit 160.

[0026] The first processor 160A consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a microcontroller, etc. The first processor 160A may consist of multiple processors or a single processor. The first processor 160A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each part described later. That is, the first processor 160A may be configured to incorporate the first control program PG1 as a hardware circuit. In this case, for example, the first processor 160A may be composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. The following description explains the case in which the first processor 160A realizes various functions of the first control unit 160 by executing the first control program PG1.

[0027] The first memory 160B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the first processor 160A and data processed by the first processor 160A. The first memory 160B stores the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 160A, and setting data including various setting values ​​related to the printing operation of the printer 100. The first memory 160B has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data non-volatilely. The first memory 160B may include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., as the non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the first memory 160B may also include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the first processor 160A and data to be processed. The first memory 160B may include, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., as the volatile storage area.

[0028] Furthermore, the first control unit 160 is connected to the first operating mechanism 170, the first display mechanism 180, and the first communication interface 190. Furthermore, various sensors that perform detections related to the printing operation of the printer 100 are connected to the first control unit 160. For example, a remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of recording medium M wound on the feed roller 103, and a media sensor that detects the presence or absence of recording medium M at detection positions upstream and downstream of the platen 112 are connected. Various sensors that detect nozzle clogging of the print head 111 may also be connected.

[0029] The first operating mechanism 170 is equipped with various keys, buttons, etc., and accepts operations from the user (for example, the operator of the printer 100). The first operating mechanism 170 then generates an operation signal corresponding to the received operation and outputs the generated operation signal to the first control unit 160. The first display mechanism 180 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various images on the LCD according to instructions from the first control unit 160. The first communication interface 190 includes a connector and an interface circuit and is connected to the first control unit 160. In this embodiment, the first communication interface 190 is, for example, an interface for communicating with the server device 200 in accordance with the Ethernet® standard.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the first control unit 160 includes a print control unit 161, a log generation unit 162, a first communication control unit 163, a setting condition storage unit 164, a first feature storage unit 165, and a first log storage unit 166. Each of these units is realized through the cooperation of software and hardware, for example, when the first processor 160A executes the first control program PG1.

[0031] The setting condition storage unit 164 stores the setting conditions. The setting conditions include the setting values ​​to be set for each part of the printer 100 and the print image data. The setting conditions are read from the setting condition storage unit 164 by the print control unit 161 and set for each part of the printer 100.

[0032] The first feature storage unit 165 stores feature information JP. Feature information JP indicates the features of the printer 100. Feature information JP includes first feature information JP1, second feature information JP2, and third feature information JP3. The first feature storage unit 165 of the first printer 100A stores the first feature information JP1. The first feature information JP1 represents the features of the first printer 100A. The first feature storage unit 165 of the second printer 100B stores the second feature information JP2. The second feature information JP2 represents the features of the second printer 100B. The first feature storage unit 165 of the third printer 100C stores the third feature information JP3. The third feature information JP3 represents the features of the third printer 100C.

[0033] Here, we will explain the feature information JP with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of feature information JP. As shown in Figure 5, feature information JP includes the serial number 310, model number 320, setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350.

[0034] Serial number 310 is the serial number of printer 100. In other words, serial number 310 is the identification information of printer 100. Furthermore, serial number 310 is assigned according to the date and time when printer 100 was manufactured. Also, serial number 310 indicates the manufacturing lot of printer 100. Serial number 310 is stored in the first feature storage unit 165, for example, at the time of manufacturing of printer 100.

[0035] Model number 320 is the model number of printer 100. Model number 320 indicates the specifications of the hardware and software that constitute printer 100. Model number 320 is stored in the first feature storage unit 165 when printer 100 is manufactured. Model number 320 can be represented, for example, as an 8-digit alphanumeric code. Alternatively, model number 320 can be represented as, for example, a 4-digit alphabet and a 4-digit number. The 4-digit alphabet in model number 320 can indicate, for example, the purpose and type of printer 100. The 4-digit number in model number 320 can indicate the version of printer 100. For example, a higher number is assigned to model number 320 the newer the version of printer 100. In this embodiment, the four-digit alphabet in the model number 320 of the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C are the same. However, the four-digit numbers in the model number 320 of the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C are different from each other.

[0036] The setting value 330 is read from the setting condition storage unit 164 by the print control unit 161 and set in each part of the printer 100. The setting value 330 is updated each time it is set in each part of the printer 100 by the print control unit 161. The setting value 330 defines, for example, the operation of each part of the printer 100. The setting value 330 includes, for example, the setting value for the transport speed of the recording medium M by the transport rollers 105 and 106, the setting value for the tension of the recording medium M between the transport rollers 105 and 106, and the setting value for the tension of the recording medium M between the intermediate roller 107 and the winding roller 108.

[0037] The print data 340 is read from the setting condition storage unit 164 by the print control unit 161 and set on the print head 111. The print data 340 is updated each time it is set on the print head 111 by the print control unit 161. The print data 340 includes, for example, the size of the print image and the printing position of the print image on the recording medium M.

[0038] The environmental information 350 indicates the state of the environment in which the printer 100 is located. The environmental information 350 includes, for example, temperature information and humidity information of the location where the printer 100 is located. The temperature information is acquired by the first control unit 160 from temperature sensors placed around the printer 100 and stored in the first feature storage unit 165. The humidity information is acquired by the first control unit 160 from humidity sensors placed around the printer 100 and stored in the first feature storage unit 165.

[0039] In the following explanation, the serial number 310 of the first printer 100A will be referred to as the first number 311, the serial number 310 of the second printer 100B will be referred to as the second number 312, and the serial number 310 of the third printer 100C will be referred to as the third number 313. Also, the model number 320 of the first printer 100A will be referred to as the first model number 321, the model number 320 of the second printer 100B will be referred to as the second model number 322, and the model number 320 of the third printer 100C will be referred to as the third model number 323.

[0040] Returning to Figure 3, let's explain the configuration of the first control unit 160. The first log storage unit 166 stores operation log PL. Operation log PL is generated by the log generation unit 162, and the generated operation log PL is stored in the first log storage unit 166. Operation log PL includes the first operation log PL1, the second operation log PL2, and the third operation log PL3. The first log storage unit 166 of the first printer 100A stores the first operation log PL1. The first operation log PL1 is generated by the log generation unit 162 of the first printer 100A. The first log storage unit 166 of the second printer 100B stores the second operation log PL2. The second operation log PL2 is generated by the log generation unit 162 of the second printer 100B. The first log storage unit 166 of the third printer 100C stores the third operation log PL3. The third operation log PL3 is generated by the log generation unit 162 of the third printer 100C.

[0041] The print control unit 161 reads the setting conditions stored in the setting condition storage unit 164 and sets them in each part of the printer 100. Then, the print control unit 161 causes the printer 100 to perform a print operation. In addition, if an error occurs in the printer 100, the print control unit 161 generates error occurrence information ER and sends the generated error occurrence information ER to the server device 200. The error occurrence information ER indicates that an error has occurred. The error occurrence information ER may also include information indicating at least one of the type and content of the error that occurred.

[0042] The log generation unit 162 generates an operation log PL, which is a log of the printing operation of the printer 100. The log generation unit 162 generates the operation log PL periodically, for example. The log generation unit 162 also generates the operation log PL in response to instructions from, for example, the server device 200. The log generation unit 162 then stores the generated operation log PL in the first log storage unit 166. The log generation unit 162 also transmits the operation log PL to the server device 200 in response to instructions from the server device 200. The operation log PL will be explained further with reference to Figure 6.

[0043] The first communication control unit 163 controls communication with the server device 200 via the first communication interface 190. For example, the first communication control unit 163 transmits error occurrence information ER, characteristic information JP, and operation log PL to the server device 200.

[0044] [3. Server Device Configuration] Next, the configuration of the server device 200 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the server device 200 includes a second control unit 210, a second operating mechanism 220, a second display mechanism 230, and a second communication interface 240. The second control unit 210 includes a second processor 210A and a second memory 210B. The second control unit 210 controls the operation of each part of the server device 200.

[0045] The second processor 210A consists of a CPU, DSP, microcontroller, etc. The second processor 210A may consist of multiple processors or a single processor. The second processor 210A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each part described later. That is, the second processor 210A may be configured to incorporate the second control program PG2 as a hardware circuit. In this case, for example, the second processor 210A may be composed of an ASIC, FPGA, or the like. The following description explains how the second processor 210A implements various functions of the second control unit 210 by executing the second control program PG2.

[0046] The second memory 210B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the second processor 210A and data processed by the second processor 210A. The second memory 210B stores the second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 210A, as well as various image data, setting data, etc., related to the operation of the server device 200. The second memory 210B has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data non-volatilely. The second memory 210B may include, for example, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., as the non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the second memory 210B may also include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the second processor 210A and data to be processed. The second memory 210B may include, for example, RAM, etc., as the volatile storage area.

[0047] Furthermore, the second control unit 210 is connected to a second operating mechanism 220, a second display mechanism 230, and a second communication interface 240.

[0048] The second operating mechanism 220 is equipped with various keys, buttons, etc., and accepts operations from users (for example, the administrator of the server device 200, the designer of the printer 100, the maintenance person for the printer 100, etc.). The second operating mechanism 220 then generates an operation signal corresponding to the received operation and outputs the generated operation signal to the second control unit 210. The second display mechanism 230 includes an LCD or the like, and displays various images on the LCD according to instructions from the second control unit 210. The second communication interface 240 includes a connector and an interface circuit and is connected to the second control unit 210. In this embodiment, the second communication interface 240 is an interface for communicating with the first printer 100A, the second printer 100B, and the third printer 100C, for example, in accordance with the Ethernet® standard.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the second control unit 210 includes a first acquisition unit 211, a third acquisition unit 212, a selection unit 213, a second acquisition unit 214, a comparison unit 215, an estimation unit 216, a second communication control unit 217, a second feature storage unit 218, and a second log storage unit 219. Each of these units is realized through the cooperation of software and hardware, for example, when the second processor 210A executes the second control program PG2.

[0050] The second feature storage unit 218 stores the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3. The first feature information JP1 is acquired from the first printer 100A by the third acquisition unit 212 and stored in the second feature storage unit 218. The second feature information JP2 is acquired from the second printer 100B by the third acquisition unit 212 and stored in the second feature storage unit 218. The third feature information JP3 is acquired from the third printer 100C by the third acquisition unit 212 and stored in the second feature storage unit 218.

[0051] The second log storage unit 219 stores the operation log PL. The operation log PL includes the first operation log PL1 and the normal operation log PLN. The first operation log PL1 is acquired from the first printer 100A by the second acquisition unit 214 and stored in the second log storage unit 219. The normal operation log PLN is the operation log PL of a printer 100 that is operating normally. In this embodiment, the normal operation log PLN is either the second operation log PL2 or the third operation log PL3. The second operation log PL2 is acquired from the second printer 100B by the second acquisition unit 214 and stored in the second log storage unit 219. The third operation log PL3 is acquired from the third printer 100C by the second acquisition unit 214 and stored in the second log storage unit 219.

[0052] The first acquisition unit 211 acquires error occurrence information ER from the first printer 100A when an error occurs in the first printer 100A, indicating that an error has occurred.

[0053] The third acquisition unit 212 acquires the first feature information JP1 from the first printer 100A, the second feature information JP2 from the second printer 100B, and the third feature information JP3 from the third printer 100C. The third acquisition unit 212 then stores the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 in the second feature storage unit 218.

[0054] Based on the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3, the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C for which the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the normal operation log PLN.

[0055] For example, the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 corresponding to the serial number 310 that is closer to the first serial number 311 among the second serial number 312 and the third serial number 313 as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. The first serial number 311 is the serial number 310 of the first printer 100A, the second serial number 312 is the serial number 310 of the second printer 100B, and the third serial number 313 is the serial number 310 of the third printer 100C. In other words, if the second number 312 is closer to the first number 311 than the third number 313, the selection unit 213 selects the second printer 100B as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. Also, if the third number 313 is closer to the first number 311 than the second number 312, the selection unit 213 selects the third printer 100C as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 corresponding to the model 320 that is closer to the first model 321 among the second model 322 and the third model 323 as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. The first model 321 is the model 320 of the first printer 100A, the second model 322 is the model 320 of the second printer 100B, and the third model 323 is the model 320 of the third printer 100C. In other words, if the second model 322 is closer to the first model 321 than the third model 323, the selection unit 213 selects the second printer 100B as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. Also, if the third model 323 is closer to the first model 321 than the second model 322, the selection unit 213 selects the third printer 100C as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 corresponding to the feature information JP that has many items in common with the first feature information JP1 from among the second feature information JP2 and the third feature information JP3, as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. In this case, the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 are, for example, a setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350. In other words, if the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the second feature information JP2 have more items in common with the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the first feature information JP1 than with the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the third feature information JP3, the selection unit 213 selects the second printer 100B as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. Also, if the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the third feature information JP3 have more items in common with the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the first feature information JP1 than with the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the second feature information JP2, the selection unit 213 selects the third printer 100C as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN.

[0058] Here, "common items" refers to items among the components of the setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350 that have similar numerical values. For example, if the item is the set value VS of the transport speed of the recording medium M included in the set value 330, the selection unit 213 determines that it is a "common item" if it satisfies the following equation (1). (VS-VS1) / (VSX-VSN)≦THV (1) Here, the setting value VS is the setting value for the transport speed of the recording medium M in the setting value 330 included in the second feature information JP2 or the third feature information JP3. The setting value VS1 is the setting value for the transport speed of the recording medium M in the setting value 330 included in the first feature information JP1. The maximum value VSX is the maximum transport speed in the printer 100. The minimum value VSN is the minimum transport speed in the printer 100. The speed threshold THV is a threshold used to determine whether the setting value for the transport speed of the recording medium M is a "common item". The speed threshold THV is, for example, "0.05".

[0059] Furthermore, for example, if the item is the temperature T of the location where the printer 100 is located, which is included in the environmental information 350, the selection unit 213 determines that it is a "common item" if it satisfies the following equation (2). (T-T1) / (TX-TN)≦THT (2) Here, temperature T is the temperature of the location where the printer 100 (second printer 100B or third printer 100C) is placed, as included in the environmental information 350 contained in the second feature information JP2 or the third feature information JP3. Temperature T1 is the temperature of the location where the first printer 100A is placed, as included in the environmental information 350 contained in the first feature information JP1. Maximum value TX is the maximum value of the temperature at the location where the printer 100 is placed. Maximum value TX is, for example, 30°C. Minimum value VSN is the minimum value of the temperature at the location where the printer 100 is placed. Minimum value VSN is, for example, 10°C. Temperature threshold THT is a threshold used to determine whether the temperature at the location where the printer 100 is placed is a "common item". Temperature threshold THT is, for example, "0.1".

[0060] When the second acquisition unit 214 acquires error information ER, it acquires a first operation log PL1 indicating the printing operation of the first printer 100A and a normal operation log PLN indicating the printing operation of another printer 100N that is printing normally. In this embodiment, the other printers 100N are the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C. The second acquisition unit 214 also stores the first operation log PL1 and the normal operation log PLN in the second log storage unit 219. In other words, the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the normal operation log PLN from the printer 100 selected by the selection unit 213 as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN, among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C.

[0061] For example, if the selection unit 213 selects the second printer 100B as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN, the second acquisition unit 214 will perform the following process. That is, the second acquisition unit 214 will acquire the first operation log PL1 from the first printer 100A and acquire the second operation log PL2 as the normal operation log PLN from the second printer 100B. Furthermore, for example, if the selection unit 213 selects the third printer 100C as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN, the second acquisition unit 214 performs the following process. That is, the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the first operation log PL1 from the first printer 100A and acquires the third operation log PL3 as the normal operation log PLN from the third printer 100C.

[0062] The comparison unit 215 compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN. The comparison unit 215 compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN for each item that makes up the operation log PL. In addition, the comparison unit 215 extracts items from the items that make up the operation log PL that show a significant difference between the first operation log PL1 and the normal operation log PLN.

[0063] When an item is expressed numerically, the comparison unit 215 determines, for example, that it is an "item with a significant difference" if it satisfies the following equation (3). ΔP / ΔQ≧THP (3) Here, the difference value ΔP is the difference between the first operation log PL1 and the normal operation log PLN. The range ΔQ is the range of values ​​that the item can take. In other words, the range ΔQ is the difference between the maximum value that the item can take and the minimum value that the item can take. The threshold THP is the threshold used to determine whether or not an item has a significant difference. For example, the threshold THP is "0.5".

[0064] If the item is a measured value of the controlled object, the comparison unit 215 determines, for example, that it is an "item with a significant difference" if it satisfies the following equation (4). ΔAC≧THA (4) Here, the control accuracy difference value ΔAC is the difference between the control accuracy AC1 included in the first operation log PL1 and the control accuracy ACN included in the normal operation log PLN. The control accuracy threshold THA is a threshold used to determine whether or not an item shows a significant difference. For example, the control accuracy threshold THA is "3%".

[0065] If an item cannot be expressed numerically, for example, a condition for determining whether or not it is an "item with a significant difference" can be set in advance, and the comparison unit 215 will determine that it is an "item with a significant difference" if this condition is met.

[0066] Based on the comparison results from the comparison unit 215, the estimation unit 216 estimates items from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 that are related to the error indicated by the error occurrence information ER. The items related to the error indicated by the error occurrence information ER are candidates for the items that caused the error. The estimation unit 216 estimates, for example, that the items extracted by the comparison unit 215 as "items with a significant difference" are items related to the error indicated by the error occurrence information ER. "Items with a significant difference" are items that make up the operation log PL and show a significant difference between the first operation log PL1 and the normal operation log PLN.

[0067] The second communication control unit 217 receives error occurrence information ER, feature information JP, and operation log PL from the printer 100. Specifically, the second communication control unit 217 obtains error occurrence information ER, first feature information JP1, and first operation log PL1 from the first printer 100A. The second communication control unit 217 also obtains second feature information JP2 and second operation log PL2 from the second printer 100B. The second communication control unit 217 also obtains third feature information JP3 and third operation log PL3 from the third printer 100C.

[0068] [4. Operation Log] Next, the operation log PL will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation log PL. As shown in Figure 6, the operation log PL includes a sequence log 410, a memory log 420, a detail log 430, and a control-related memory log 440.

[0069] Sequence log 410 is a log showing the operation sequence of printer 100. Memory log 420 and control-related memory log 440 are logs showing the control behavior of printer 100.

[0070] The detailed log 430 includes the PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control log 431, the ATC (Automatic Tension Control) control log 432, the winding control log 433, the tension log 434, and the colorimetric adjustment log 435.

[0071] The PID control log 431 shows the behavior of PID control with respect to the transport speed of the recording medium M by the transport rollers 105 and 106 of the printer 100. The ATC control log 432 shows the behavior of control with respect to the tension applied to the recording medium M between the transport rollers 105 and 106. The winding control log 433 shows the behavior of control with respect to the tension applied to the recording medium M between the intermediate roller 107 and the winding roller 108. The tension log 434 shows the behavior of tension applied to the recording medium M between the transport rollers 105 and 106. The color measurement adjustment log 435 shows the adjustment result of the color measurement unit 121.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the operation log PL includes a sequence log 410, a memory log 420, a detail log 430, and a control-related memory log 440. The detail log 430 also includes a PID control log 431, an ATC control log 432, a winding control log 433, a tension log 434, and a colorimetric adjustment log 435. Therefore, the estimation unit 216 can estimate the item causing the error from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 215.

[0073] In this embodiment, the case in which the operation log PL includes a PID control log 431, an ATC control log 432, a winding control log 433, a tension log 434, and a colorimetric adjustment log 435 as the detailed log 430 is described, but it is not limited to this. The first operation log PL1 may include other logs in addition to the PID control log 431, ATC control log 432, winding control log 433, a tension log 434, and a colorimetric adjustment log 435 as the detailed log 430. Furthermore, the contents of the logs acquired as the operation log PL may be set in the printer 100 by a user (for example, the designer of the printer 100, the maintenance person for the printer 100, etc.) via the server device 200. In this case, user convenience can be improved.

[0074] In this embodiment, we will describe a case where the operation log PL includes a sequence log 410, a memory log 420, a detailed log 430, and a control-related memory log 440, but it is not limited to this. The operation log PL only needs to include at least a sequence log 410, a memory log 420, and a control-related memory log 440, because the sequence log 410, the memory log 420, and the control-related memory log 440 allow us to grasp an overview of the printer 100's behavior.

[0075] [5. Processing of the control unit] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the processing of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200 will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server device 200. Figure 7 illustrates the case where the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C that acquires the normal operation log PLN, based on the serial number 310 and model number 320.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, first, in step S101, the first acquisition unit 211 determines whether or not it has acquired error occurrence information ER from the first printer 100A. If the first acquisition unit 211 determines that it has not acquired error information ER (step S101; NO), the process enters a waiting state. If the first acquisition unit 211 determines that it has acquired error information ER (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103. Then, in step S103, the third acquisition unit 212 acquires the first feature information JP1 from the first printer 100A, the second feature information JP2 from the second printer 100B, and the third feature information JP3 from the third printer 100C.

[0077] Next, in step S105, the selection unit 213 determines whether the second model 322 is closer to the first model 321 than to the third model 323. The first model 321 is the model 320 of the first printer 100A, the second model 322 is the model 320 of the second printer 100B, and the third model 323 is the model 320 of the third printer 100C. If the selection unit 213 determines that the second type 322 is closer to the first type 321 than the third type 323 (step S105; YES), the process proceeds to step S117. If the selection unit 213 determines that the second type 322 is not closer to the first type 321 than the third type 323 (step S105; NO), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the selection unit 213 determines whether the third type 323 is closer to the first type 321 than the second type 322. If the selection unit 213 determines that the third type 323 is closer to the first type 321 than the second type 322 (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. If the selection unit 213 determines that the third type 323 is not closer to the first type 321 than the second type 322 (step S107; NO), the process proceeds to step S109. For example, if both the second type 322 and the third type 323 are of the same type as the first type 321, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0078] Then, in step S109, the selection unit 213 determines whether the second number 312 is closer to the first number 311 than the third number 313. The first number 311 is the serial number 310 of the first printer 100A. The second number 312 is the serial number 310 of the second printer 100B. The third number 313 is the serial number 310 of the third printer 100C. If the selection unit 213 determines that the second number 312 is closer to the first number 311 than the third number 313 (step S109; YES), the process proceeds to step S117. If the selection unit 213 determines that the second number 312 is not closer to the first number 311 than the third number 313 (step S109; NO), the process proceeds to step S111. Then, in step S111, the selection unit 213 determines that the third number 313 is closer to the first number 311 than the second number 312. Next, in step S113, the selection unit 213 selects the third printer 100C as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. Next, in step S115, the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the third operation log PL3 from the third printer 100C as the normal operation log PLN. Then, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0079] If the answer is YES in step S105, or YES in step S109, then in step S117, the selection unit 213 selects the second printer 100B as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. Next, in step S119, the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the second operation log PL2 from the second printer 100B as the normal operation log PLN. Next, in step S121, the comparison unit 215 compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN. Next, in step S123, the estimation unit 216 estimates items from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 that are related to the error indicated by the error occurrence information ER, based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 215. After that, the process ends.

[0080] Step S101 corresponds to an example of the "first acquisition step." Steps S115 and S119 correspond to an example of the "second acquisition step." Step S121 corresponds to an example of the "comparison step." Step S123 corresponds to an example of the "estimation step."

[0081] Figure 7 illustrates a case where the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C that acquires the normal operation log PLN, based on the serial number 310 and model number 320, but is not limited to this case. The selection unit 213 should select the printer 100 from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C, based on the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3, for which the second acquisition unit 214 acquires the normal operation log PLN. The selection unit 213 may, for example, select a printer 100 from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C that the second acquisition unit 214 will use to acquire the normal operation log PLN, based on the setting values ​​330 to environmental information 350 included in the feature information JP. The selection unit 213 may, for example, select a printer 100 from among the second feature information JP2 and the third feature information JP3 that corresponds to a feature information JP with many items in common with the first feature information JP1, as the printer 100 that will acquire the normal operation log PLN.

[0082] [6. Structure and Effects] As described above, the server device 200 of this embodiment is a server device 200 that is communicatively connected to the printer 100, and the printer 100 includes a first printer 100A and other printers 100N, and comprises a first acquisition unit 211 that acquires error occurrence information ER from the first printer 100A when an error occurs in the first printer 100A, a second acquisition unit 214 that acquires a first operation log PL1 showing the printing operation of the first printer 100A and a normal operation log PLN showing the printing operation of the other printers 100N that are printing normally when the error occurrence information ER is acquired, a comparison unit 215 that compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN, and an estimation unit 216 that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 215.

[0083] According to this configuration, the first operation log PL1 is compared with the normal operation log PLN, and based on the results, items related to the error are estimated from among the items contained in the first operation log PL1. Therefore, by comparing the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN, it is possible to appropriately estimate the items related to the error from among the items contained in the first operation log PL1. Thus, it becomes possible to estimate the items that caused the error.

[0084] Furthermore, the other printer 100N includes a second printer 100B and a third printer 100C, and when error occurrence information ER is acquired, it includes a third acquisition unit 212 that acquires first characteristic information JP1 indicating the characteristics of the first printer 100A, second characteristic information JP2 indicating the characteristics of the second printer 100B, and third characteristic information JP3 indicating the characteristics of the third printer 100C, and a selection unit 213 that selects the printer 100 from the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C that acquires the normal operation log PLN based on the first characteristic information JP1, the second characteristic information JP2, and the third characteristic information JP3. According to this configuration, based on the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3, the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN is selected from among the second printer 100B and the third printer 100C. Therefore, by appropriately setting the items that constitute the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3, the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN can be appropriately selected. Consequently, an appropriate normal operation log PLN can be acquired.

[0085] Furthermore, each of the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 includes at least one of the following: the serial number 310 of the printer 100, the model number 320 of the printer 100, the setting value 330 for the printer 100, the print data 340 indicating the image to be printed by the printer 100, and the environmental information 350 indicating the environment in which the printer 100 is located. According to this configuration, each of the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 includes at least one of the following: the serial number 310 of the printer 100, the model number 320 of the printer 100, the setting value 330 for the printer 100, the print data 340 indicating the image to be printed by the printer 100, and the environmental information 350 indicating the environment in which the printer 100 is located. Therefore, the printer 100 from which the normal operation log PLN is acquired can be appropriately selected. Consequently, the correct normal operation log PLN can be acquired.

[0086] Furthermore, each of the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 includes the serial number 310 of the printer 100, and the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 that is closer to the serial number 310 of the first printer 100A (first number 311) from among the serial number 310 of the second printer 100B (second number 312) and the serial number 310 of the third printer 100C (third number 313), as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. In this configuration, the printer 100 closer to the first printer 311 among the second printer 312 and the third printer 313 is selected as the printer 100 from which the normal operation log PLN is acquired. Therefore, since printer 100 with serial number 310, which is close to the first serial number 311, is selected as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN, the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN can be properly selected. Consequently, the correct normal operation log PLN can be acquired.

[0087] Furthermore, each of the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 includes the model number 320 of the printer 100, and the selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 that is closer to the model number 320 of the first printer 100A (first model number 321) from among the model number 320 of the second printer 100B (second model number 322) and the model number 320 of the third printer 100C (third model number 323), as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. According to this configuration, among the second type 322 and the third type 323, the printer 100 that is closer to the first type 321 is selected as the printer 100 from which the normal operation log PLN is acquired. Therefore, since printer 100 of model 320, which is close to the first model 321, is selected as the printer 100 that acquires the normal operation log PLN, the printer 100 that acquires the normal operation log PLN can be appropriately selected. Thus, an appropriate normal operation log PLN can be acquired.

[0088] Furthermore, each of the first feature information JP1, the second feature information JP2, and the third feature information JP3 includes at least one of the following: a setting value 330 for the printer 100, print data 340 indicating the image to be printed by the printer 100, and environmental information 350 indicating the environment in which the printer 100 is located. The selection unit 213 selects the printer 100 corresponding to the feature information among the second feature information JP2 and the third feature information JP3 that has many items in common with the first feature information JP1, as the printer 100 from which to acquire the normal operation log PLN. In this configuration, the printer 100 corresponding to the feature information that has many items in common with the first feature information JP1 among the second feature information JP2 and the third feature information JP3 is selected as the printer 100 from which the normal operation log PLN is acquired. Therefore, in order to select a printer 100 that corresponds to feature information with many items in common with the first feature information JP1 as the printer 100 that acquires the normal operation log PLN, the printer 100 that acquires the normal operation log PLN can be appropriately selected. Consequently, an appropriate normal operation log PLN can be acquired.

[0089] The control method for the server device 200 of this embodiment is a control method for the server device 200 that is communicatively connected to a printer 100, wherein the printer 100 includes a first printer 100A and other printers 100N, and includes: a first acquisition step of acquiring error occurrence information ER from the first printer 100A when an error occurs in the first printer 100A; a second acquisition step of acquiring a first operation log PL1 indicating the printing operation of the first printer 100A and a normal operation log PLN indicating the printing operation of other printers 100N that are printing normally when the error occurrence information ER is acquired; a comparison step of comparing the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN; and an estimation step of estimating an item related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 based on the comparison result in the comparison step. The control method for the server device 200 of this embodiment provides the same effects and advantages as the server device 200 of this embodiment.

[0090] The printing system 1 of this embodiment comprises a printer 100 and a server device 200 that is communicatively connected to the printer 100, wherein the printer 100 includes a first printer 100A and other printers 100N, and the server device 200 comprises: a first acquisition unit 211 that acquires error occurrence information ER from the first printer 100A when an error occurs in the first printer 100A, a second acquisition unit 214 that acquires a first operation log PL1 showing the printing operation of the first printer 100A and a normal operation log PLN showing the printing operation of other printers 100N that are printing normally when the error occurrence information ER is acquired, a comparison unit 215 that compares the first operation log PL1 with the normal operation log PLN, and an estimation unit 216 that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log PL1 based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 215. The printing system 1 of this embodiment provides the same effects and advantages as the server device 200 of this embodiment.

[0091] [7. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above illustrate one aspect of the present invention and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0092] In this embodiment, for convenience, the case in which the printing system 1 includes three printers 100 will be described, but it is not limited to this. The printing system 1 may include four or more printers 100. Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case where the other printer 100N includes a second printer 100B and a third printer 100C, but is not limited to this. The other printer 100N may include three or more printers 100.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the printer 100 is an inkjet large-format printer is described, but it may also be a so-called business printer or a home printer. Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where the "information processing device" is a server device 200, it is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0094] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case where the feature information JP includes a manufacturing number 310, a model number 320, a setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350, but is not limited to this. The feature information JP only needs to include at least one of the manufacturing number 310, a model number 320, a setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350. For example, the feature information JP may consist of a manufacturing number 310 and a model number 320. Alternatively, for example, the feature information JP may consist of a setting value 330, print data 340, and environmental information 350. Also, the feature information JP may include, for example, an operation log PL.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the processing units in the flowchart of Figure 7 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200, and the present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more processing units. Also, it may be divided so that one processing unit contains even more processing. In addition, the order of the processing may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] Furthermore, the functional units shown in Figures 3 and 4 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional unit be implemented individually; it is also possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. In addition, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. Moreover, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the printer 100 and the server device 200 can also be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0097] Furthermore, the functional blocks of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200 shown in Figure 4 can be realized by having the second processor 210A, which is provided in the second control unit 210 of the server device 200, execute the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 210B. This second control program PG2 can also be stored on a recording medium that is readable by a computer. Magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices can be used as recording media. Specifically, portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray® Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media can be used. The recording media may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device provided by the second control unit 210 of the server device 200. Furthermore, the second control program PG2 can be stored in another server device, and the second control program PG2 can be downloaded from the other server device to the second control unit 210 of the server device 200 to realize the functional block of the second control unit 210 of the server device 200. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1...Printing system, 100...Printer (printing device), 100A...First printer (first printing device), 100B...Second printer (other printing device, second printing device), 100C...Third printer (other printing device, third printing device), 100N...Other printer (other printing device), 111...Print head, 121...Colorimeter, 200...Server device (information processing device), 210...Second control unit, 211...First acquisition unit, 212...Third acquisition unit, 213...Selection unit, 214...Second Acquisition unit, 215...Comparison unit, 216...Estimation unit, 217...Second feature storage unit, 218...Second log storage unit, 310...Serial number, 320...Model number, 330...Setting value, 340...Print data, 350...Environmental information, ER...Error occurrence information, JP...Feature information, JP1...First feature information, JP2...Second feature information, JP3...Third feature information, PG2...Second control program, PL...Operation log, PL1...First operation log, PL2...Second operation log, PL3...Third operation log, PLN...Normal operation log.

Claims

1. An information processing device that is communicatively connected to a printing device, The printing apparatus includes a first printing apparatus and other printing apparatuses. The aforementioned other printing apparatus includes a second printing apparatus and a third printing apparatus. When an error occurs in the first printing device, a first acquisition unit acquires error information from the first printing device indicating that an error has occurred, When the aforementioned error occurrence information is obtained, a third acquisition unit acquires first characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the first printing device, second characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the second printing device, and third characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the third printing device. A selection unit that, based on the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information, selects a printing device from among the second and third printing devices that acquires a normal operation log indicating the printing operation of the other printing device that is performing normal printing operations, When the aforementioned error occurrence information is obtained, a second acquisition unit acquires a first operation log indicating the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log. A comparison unit that compares the first operation log with the normal operation log, The system includes an estimation unit that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log based on the comparison results from the comparison unit, Each of the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information includes environmental information indicating the environment in which the printing device is located. Information processing device.

2. Each of the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information further includes at least one of the following: the serial number of the printing device, the model of the printing device, the setting value for the printing device, and print data indicating the image to be printed by the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The selection unit selects a printing device from among the second and third feature information that has many items in common with the first feature information as the printing device for acquiring the normal operation log. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A control method for an information processing device that is connected to a printing device in a communicative manner, The printing apparatus includes a first printing apparatus and other printing apparatuses. The aforementioned other printing apparatus includes a second printing apparatus and a third printing apparatus. If an error occurs in the first printing device, a first acquisition step is to acquire error information indicating that an error has occurred from the first printing device, When the aforementioned error occurrence information is obtained, a third acquisition step is performed to acquire first characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the first printing device, second characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the second printing device, and third characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the third printing device. A selection step of selecting a printing device from among the second and third printing devices that is performing normal printing operations and which acquires a normal operation log indicating the printing operation of the other printing device that is performing normal printing operations, based on the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information; When the aforementioned error information is obtained, a second acquisition step is performed to obtain a first operation log indicating the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log. A comparison step of comparing the first operation log with the normal operation log, The estimation step includes estimating items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log, based on the comparison results in the comparison step, Each of the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information includes environmental information indicating the environment in which the printing device is located. A method for controlling an information processing device.

5. A printing system comprising a printing device and an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the printing device, The printing apparatus includes a first printing apparatus and other printing apparatuses. The aforementioned other printing apparatus includes a second printing apparatus and a third printing apparatus. The aforementioned information processing device is When an error occurs in the first printing device, a first acquisition unit acquires error information from the first printing device indicating that an error has occurred, When the aforementioned error occurrence information is obtained, a third acquisition unit acquires first characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the first printing device, second characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the second printing device, and third characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the third printing device. A selection unit that, based on the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information, selects a printing device from among the second and third printing devices that acquires a normal operation log indicating the printing operation of the other printing device that is performing normal printing operations, When the aforementioned error occurrence information is obtained, a second acquisition unit acquires a first operation log indicating the printing operation of the first printing device and a normal operation log. A comparison unit that compares the first operation log with the normal operation log, The system includes an estimation unit that estimates items related to the error from among the items included in the first operation log based on the comparison results from the comparison unit, Each of the first feature information, the second feature information, and the third feature information includes environmental information indicating the environment in which the printing device is located. Printing system.

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