Display methods, electronic devices, programs, and management systems

Abstract

To manage a state of a printer more effectively.SOLUTION: A presentation method for displaying information on an electronic apparatus in a printing system comprising a printer 114, an administrative server 12, and an electronic apparatus (PC112 and electronic device 116), the method comprising: an information transmission stage for transmitting printer information from the administrative server 12 to the electronic apparatus; and a display stage for displaying information based on the printer information on the electronic apparatus, wherein in the display stage, from among a plurality of display types including a printer-specific display, a group display, and a full display, in accordance with a user instruction, either a batch display, in which the printer-specific display, the group display, and the full display are performed on a single screen, or an individual display, in which any one of the display types is selected and displayed, is selected and displayed on the electronic apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method, an electronic device, a program, and a management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, printers such as inkjet printers have been widely used. Also, as a method for controlling the operation of a printer, for example, a method using a PC that performs RIP processing has been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When controlling the operation of a printer using a PC or the like that performs RIP processing, for example, the state of the printer can be managed by executing a program (application software) for managing the state of the printer on that PC. However, depending on the use of the printer or the like, it may be desirable to manage the state of the printer in a more appropriate way. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display method, an electronic device, a program, and a management system that can solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The inventor of this invention conducted extensive research on methods for managing printers. Instead of simply managing the printer status using a PC for RIP processing, the inventor devised a system where information indicating the printer's status is collected on a server, and the printer's status is checked by retrieving this information from the server. This configuration allows the printer's status to be checked in various locations, not just where the printer is installed. Furthermore, this enables individuals other than the printer operator to check the printer's status as needed.

[0006] Regarding printer management, one possible approach is to manage printers in association with their users. Furthermore, the inventors of this invention have considered managing printers by dividing them into groups. With this configuration, printer management can be performed more easily and appropriately, even when, for example, multiple printers are associated with a single user or organization. In this case, it is conceivable that the electronic device displaying the printer status could be configured to display the information in a way that is selected from several types of display methods, for example, according to the user's instructions. With this configuration, for example, when information on multiple printers is managed on a server, the information that the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. This also allows for more appropriate management of the printer status.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through further diligent research, have discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a display method for displaying information on an electronic device in a printing system comprising a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information indicating the status of the printer, and an electronic device that performs a display based on the printer information acquired from the management server, comprising an information transmission step of transmitting the printer information associated with the printer from the management server to the electronic device, and a display step of displaying information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device in the information transmission step on the electronic device, wherein the management server manages the printer in association with the user of the printer, and manages the printer by dividing it into groups including one or more printers, and the user that operates the electronic device When the management server manages multiple printers associated with the user, the display stage is characterized in that, in response to the user's instructions, the electronic device displays information based on the printer information by selecting from among multiple display methods, including a printer-specific display that displays information about each individual printer, a group display that displays information about printers belonging to any group, and a total display that displays information about all printers associated with the user. This selection includes a combined display that displays the printer-specific display, the group display, and the total display on a single screen, and an individual display that selects and displays one of the printer-specific display, the group display, and the total display.

[0008] With this configuration, for example, when a management server manages multiple printers associated with a user, the user can choose from multiple methods for displaying printer information. In this case, the user can choose between a unified display that shows each printer, a group display, and all printers on a single screen, or an individual display that allows the user to select one of these options to display. By displaying information based on printers on the electronic device, the information the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. Furthermore, this allows the user to properly understand the status of the printers, for example.

[0009] Furthermore, if a management server manages multiple printers associated with users operating electronic devices, the display stage may show, for example, an aggregate display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers associated with the user, and a printer-specific display that displays information about each individual printer, all on a single screen on the electronic device. In this case, the aggregate display may show either a group aggregate display that aggregates information about printers in the same group, or a total aggregate display that aggregates information about all printers associated with the user. Even with this configuration, for example, the information the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the electronic device. In addition, this allows for more appropriate management of the printer status, for example.

[0010] Furthermore, in this configuration, printers associated with users can be grouped, for example, by user manual settings based on user operations, or by automatic settings based on pre-set rules. This configuration allows for appropriate grouping of printers. In addition, regarding grouping, it is conceivable to group printers associated with users, for example, by production line that uses the printer to produce materials, or by material. This configuration allows for appropriate grouping according to how the printers are used. This also makes it easier to compile production volume and costs for materials produced using the printers. Furthermore, in this configuration, at the display stage, it is conceivable to display at least one of the following on the electronic device based on the printer information: a printer overview showing the printer's characteristics, a printer status showing the printer's condition, a printer's operating history, and a maintenance history for the printer. This configuration allows for appropriate checking of the printer's status based on the printer information.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention can also be configured to include, for example, electronic devices, programs, and management systems having the same characteristics as described above. In this case, the program can be considered, for example, a program executed on at least one of the management server or the electronic device in order to display information on the electronic device. The management system can be considered, for example, a system for managing printers in a printing system. Even with these configurations, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, for example, the status of the printer can be managed more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the specific configurations of the user site 14 and the external management unit 16. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the user site 14. Figure 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the external management unit 16. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates how printer information is managed on the management server 12. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the display screen when displaying a list of printers 114 on PC 112, etc. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of information that can be displayed for multiple printers 114. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of how to change the aggregation period. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen that shows more detailed information about some of the information related to printer 114. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using a printer and includes a management server 12, a user base 14, and an external management unit 16. Except for the points described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as a known printing system.

[0015] The management server 12 is a server that manages printer information, which is information indicating the status of printers used in the printing system 10. In this example, the management server 12 is a cloud server that communicates with other components via a wide-area network such as the Internet, and manages printer information according to a program executed on the cloud. The management server 12 also acquires printer information about printers installed at user sites 14 by communicating with electronic devices installed at user sites 14 via the wide-area network. Furthermore, it supplies printer information to electronic devices installed at user sites 14 and the external management unit 16 by communicating with them via the wide-area network. In addition, the management server 12 causes the electronic devices to display information based on the printer information. The operation of causing electronic devices to display information based on printer information will be explained in more detail later.

[0016] Furthermore, the management server 12 could be, for example, a server provided by a cloud server provider. In this case, the computer functioning as the management server 12 could be considered to be managed by someone different from the administrators of the user site 14 and the external management unit 16. In this case, for example, the server provided by the cloud server provider could be controlled from the external management unit 16 to function as the management server 12. In a modified configuration of the printing system 10, for example, a computer managed by the same administrator as the administrator of the user site 14 or the external management unit 16 could be used as the management server 12. In this case, the management server 12 could be installed, for example, within the user site 14 or the external management unit 16.

[0017] The user base 14 is a base that executes printing operations in the printing system 10. Regarding the user base 14, for example, it can also be considered as a base where printers to be managed by the management server 12 are installed, etc. Also, regarding the user base 14, for example, it can also be considered as a base managed by the administrator of the printers used in the printing system 10, etc. The external management unit 16 is configured to perform management of at least a part of the printing system 10 outside the user base 14. In this example, the external management unit 16 is a base of a business operator that provides services such as maintenance for printers in the user base 14, and based on the printer information obtained from the management server 12, provides services such as maintenance for printers in the user base 14. Regarding the external management unit 16, for example, it can also be considered as a base managed by an administrator different from the administrator of the user base 14, etc. Also, for the user base 14 and the external management unit 16, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be used.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the specific configurations of the user base 14 and the external management unit 16. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the user base 14. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the external management unit 16. In this example, the user base 14 is a base that produces products (printed materials) printed using printers, and has a plurality of production bases 102 and management departments 104. The production base 102 is a base where printers are installed. Also, in this example, the production base 102 has a PC 112, a plurality of printers 114, and an electronic device 116. The PC 112 is a computer that controls the printing operation by the printer 114. Also, in this example, the PC 112 is a computer for RIP processing (RIP-PC), and controls the operation of the printer 114 by supplying the data generated by the RIP processing to the printer 114. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, the operation of a plurality of printers 114 may be controlled by one PC 112.

[0019] Also, in this example, the PC 112 is an example of an electronic device that performs display based on printer information acquired from the management server 12, and has a communication interface and a monitor, etc. In this case, for the communication interface, for example, it can be considered as an example of a communication unit that receives printer information associated with the printer 114 managed in the PC 112 from the management server 12. Also, for the monitor, for example, it can be considered as an example of a display unit that displays information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server 12. In this case, it may be considered as an example of the display unit including a configuration for controlling the display content on the monitor. Also, in this example, the PC 112 further communicates with the printer 114 to acquire information of the printer 114 and transmits it to the management server 12, thereby updating the printer information in the management server 12. In this case, for the PC 112, for example, it can also be considered as having a configuration that detects the status of the printer 114 and notifies the management server 12. More specifically, the PC 112, for example, periodically detects the status of the printer 114 at a predetermined timing, and updates the printer information in the management server 12 based on the detected status. Also, in this case, the PC 112, for example, may automatically execute operations such as detection of the printer 114 and update of the printer information, regardless of, for example, user operations.

[0020] The printer 114 is a printer for producing products at the production site 102, and executes a printing operation according to the control of the PC 112. Also, in this example, the printer 114 is a color printer that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink. As the printer 114, for example, an inkjet printer having the same or similar configuration as a known inkjet printer can be preferably used.

[0021] The electronic device 116 is, for example, an information display device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. In this example, the electronic device 116 is also an example of an electronic device, and it displays information based on printer information obtained from the management server 12. In this case, the communication interface of the electronic device 116 can be considered, for example, an example of a communication unit. The screen of the electronic device 116 can be considered, for example, an example of a display unit. In this case, the display unit can also be considered to include the configuration for controlling the content displayed on the screen. Furthermore, in this example, the electronic device 116 can be considered, for example, an electronic device that displays information based on printer information without updating the printer information in the management server 12.

[0022] By using a production site 102 with this configuration, for example, the PC 112 and electronic device 116 can appropriately display information based on printer data. Furthermore, the PC 112 can appropriately update printer information in the management server 12. The specific configuration of the production site 102 is not limited to the illustrated configuration and may vary in various ways. For example, the number of printers 114 managed by the PC 112 may be one or three or more. Also, the number of PCs 112 and electronic devices 116 in a single production site 102 may be multiple. The number of PCs 112, printers 114, and electronic devices 116, as well as the number of printers 114 managed by a single PC 112, may differ for each production site 102. The number of production sites 102 is also not limited to the illustrated number and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a production site 102 with a configuration in which, for example, the printing system 10 has only one printer 114.

[0023] Furthermore, as described above, in this example, user site 14 also includes a management department 104 in addition to multiple production sites 102. The management department 104 is configured to manage the multiple production sites 102 and has a PC 112. In this example, the PC 112 in the management department 104 is also an example of an electronic device that displays information based on printer information obtained from the management server 12. More specifically, for example, the PC 112 is a computer for the administrator of the entire user site 14 and, like the PC 112 in the production site 102, displays information based on printer information obtained from the management server 12. The PC 112 in the management department 104 can also be considered, for example, an electronic device that displays information based on printer information without updating the printer information on the management server 12.

[0024] In this example, the external management unit 16 also has a marketing department 106 and a support department 108. The marketing department 106 is responsible for providing items and information related to the printer 114 to users of the printer 114 at user sites 14. In this case, the provision of items related to the printer 114 could include, for example, the sale of ink and media. Alternatively, it could also sell consumables that are replaced during maintenance of the printer 114, in cooperation with the marketing department 106. The support department 108 is responsible for providing maintenance services to users of the printer 114. In this example, both the marketing department 106 and the support department 108 have PCs 112. The PCs 112 in the marketing department 106 and the support department 108 are also examples of electronic devices that display information based on printer information obtained from the management server 12. In this case, by displaying information based on printer information on the PCs 112 in the marketing department 106, it becomes possible to conduct marketing activities tailored to the status of the printer 114, for example. Furthermore, by displaying printer information on PC 112 in the support department 108, the status of printer 114 can be easily and appropriately understood without having to visit production site 102 where printer 114 is installed. This also makes it possible to reduce the number of visits to production site 102 and to provide higher quality maintenance services at a lower cost.

[0025] Here, as described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, information is displayed on PC 112 and electronic device 116, which are examples of electronic devices, based on printer information managed by the management server 12. Such operation can be considered, for example, as an example of a display method operation for displaying information on electronic devices. In this case, the operation of sending printer information from the management server 12 to PC 112 or electronic device 116 (hereinafter referred to as PC 112, etc.) can be considered, for example, as an example of an operation at the information transmission stage. The information transmission stage can be considered, for example, as the stage in which printer information associated with printer 114 is sent from the management server 12 to PC 112, etc. Furthermore, the operation of causing PC 112, etc. to display information based on the printer information sent from the management server 12 can be considered, for example, as an example of an operation at the display stage. The display stage can be considered, for example, as the stage in which information based on the printer information sent from the management server 12 to the electronic device at the information transmission stage is displayed on PC 112, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, on PC112 and the like, displaying information based on printer data could be done, for example, using a web browser (internet browser). In this case, the management server 12 communicates with PC112 and the like using a predetermined protocol such as the HTTP protocol, and sends data to PC112 and the like to display a web page in response to a request from PC112 and the like. In this case, sending this data from the management server 12 to PC112 and the like can be thought of as sending printer information, for example. In this case, PC112 and the like perform printer data-based display by displaying the data sent from the management server 12 using a web browser. Depending on the configuration of PC112 and the like, it may also be possible to perform printer data-based display using, for example, a dedicated application program instead of a web browser.

[0027] Furthermore, in the printing system 10 of this example, the operation of displaying information on the PC 112, etc., can be considered to be performed by a program executed on at least one of the management server 12 or the PC 112, etc. In this case, the process of sending information from the management server 12 to the PC 112, etc., according to this program can be considered, for example, an example of information transmission processing. Also, the process of displaying the screen on the PC 112, etc., can be considered, for example, an example of display processing. In this example, for example, the management server 12 can be considered to display information on the PC 112, etc., by sending data from the management server 12 to the PC 112, etc., according to a program executed on the management server 12. Also, for example, it can be considered that the PC 112, etc., displays information based on printer information according to a program executed on the PC 112, etc. Furthermore, depending on how the configuration and operation of the printing system 10 are considered to be related to the program, it can also be considered that the information is displayed on the PC 112, etc., through the functions of both the program executed on the management server 12 and the program executed on the PC 112, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, as can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, it can be considered that the printer 114 is managed by at least a part of the configuration of the printing system 10. For example, at least a part of the printing system 10 can be considered as a management system that manages the printer 114 in the printing system 10. In this case, this management system can be considered as a configuration that includes a management server 12 in the printing system 10. Alternatively, the management system may be considered to include configurations other than the management server 12. In this case, for example, the management system may be considered to include a PC 112.

[0029] Next, we will explain in more detail the printer information managed by the management server 12. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating how printer information is managed by the management server 12, and it shows a simplified example of items managed in association with printer information. In this example, the management server 12 is a server accessed from user sites 14 and the external management unit 16 (see Figure 1), and it manages printer information while identifying the user of printer 114 (see Figure 2) through user authentication.

[0030] More specifically, in this example, the management server 12 manages the correspondence between users and printers 114 by associating user information, which identifies pre-registered users, with printer IDs, which identify printers 114. For example, in the case shown in Figure 3, multiple printers 114 with printer IDs bbb1 to bbb5 are associated with one user or one organization whose user information is aaa1. In this case, the association between user information and printers 114 can be considered an example of a user-to-printer association. Furthermore, when user information indicates an organization, it can be considered as a user identified by the user information for that organization. Also, printer 114 with printer ID bbb6 is associated with a user whose user information is aaa2. In an actual management server 12, it is conceivable to manage the association between users and printers 114 for even more users.

[0031] Furthermore, as in this example, when multiple printers 114 are associated with a single user or a single organization as a user, it is conceivable to manage the multiple printers 114 by dividing them into groups. More specifically, for example, if a user site 14 has multiple production sites 102 (see Figure 2), it is conceivable to group the printers 114 according to the printers 114 installed at the same production site 102. Also, if, for example, there are multiple operators at a production site 102 who perform work according to the instructions of a user to whom multiple printers 114 are associated, it is conceivable to divide them into groups according to the operators. Therefore, in this example, the management server 12 makes it possible to manage multiple printers 114 by dividing them into groups by associating groups with printer IDs. For example, in the case shown in the figure, the multiple printers 114 with printer IDs bbb1 to 3 belong to group X. The multiple printers 114 with printer IDs bbb4 to 5 belong to group Y. Furthermore, printer 114, whose printer ID is bbb6, belongs to group Z.

[0032] In this example, the management server 12 associates printer information with each printer 114 identified by its printer ID. Various types of information can be used as printer information, such as the status and past history of the printer 114. According to this example, for example, printer information corresponding to printer 114 can be properly managed. Furthermore, this allows for proper management of printer 114 using the printer information. In this case, the PC 112, etc., could display a list of printers 114 associated with the user, as well as the status of the printers 114, based on the printer information. In this case, the PC 112, etc., could also display a list of printers 114, for example, as shown in Figure 4, in relation to the status display.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of a display screen when a list of printers 114 is displayed on a PC 112 or the like, and shows two examples of display screens that can be selected according to the electronic device displaying the screen. More specifically, in the figure, the left figure shows an example of a display screen when displaying on a large screen, such as when using a personal computer as the PC 112 or electronic device 116. The right figure shows an example of a display screen when displaying on a narrow screen, such as when using a smartphone as the electronic device 116. In this case, it can be considered that both the left and right screen display examples display substantially the same content, depending on the purpose of the screen display.

[0034] Furthermore, in this example, when displaying information on a PC 112, etc., the user operating the PC 112, etc., performs user authentication with the management server 12 (see Figure 1) to sign in to the management server 12. Then, the PC 112, etc. displays information on the screen related to the printer 114 associated with the authenticated user. In this case, on the display screen that shows a list of printers 114, the PC 112, etc. displays information indicating the printer 114 associated with the user, for example, as shown in the figure. More specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the PC 112, etc. displays the name, model, and operating status of all printers 114 associated with the user. In this case, the name of the printer 114 can be considered as, for example, a printer name determined by the user to identify the printer 114. The operating status can be considered as, for example, information indicating what state the printer 114 is in in relation to the printing operation. More specifically, in this example, the operating state will be information indicating whether it is printing, waiting, stopped due to error, or offline. In this case, printing can be considered, for example, as the state in which printer 114 is performing printing. Waiting can be considered, for example, as the state in which printer 114 is waiting and ready to start printing. Stopped due to error can be considered, for example, as the state in which printer 114 has stopped due to some error. Offline can be considered, for example, as the state in which the status of printer 114 could not be obtained. Offline can also be considered, for example, as the state in which the management server 12 does not know the latest status of printer 114. In this example, offline can be considered, for example, as the printer 114 is not powered on, or as the state of printer 114 cannot be obtained due to a problem with the communication path or the management server 12.

[0035] Furthermore, in this example, PC112, etc., can also display a list of printers 114 according to their status using tab 202. In this case, PC112, etc., displays a list of printers 114 in the status associated with tab 202, depending on the user's operation of selecting tab 202. More specifically, in the case shown in the figure, PC112, etc., displays tabs 202 for switching between displaying all, standby, printing, error stopped, and offline. In this case, when tab 202 corresponding to all is selected, all printers 114 associated with the user are displayed. When any other tab 202 is selected, printers 114 associated with the user that are in the status corresponding to the selected tab 202 are displayed. With this configuration, for example, the status of printers 114 managed by the user can be easily and appropriately checked.

[0036] Furthermore, in this example, PC112, etc., can also display more detailed information about printer 114 based on printer information received from management server 12. In this case, for example, information based on printer information can be displayed on PC112, etc., for printer 114 selected by the user from a list of printers 114. Alternatively, as a way of displaying information about printer 114, for example, all printers 114 associated with the user or printers 114 included in a group can be selected together, and information about multiple printers 114 can be displayed on PC112, etc., as shown in Figures 5-7.

[0037] Figures 5-7 show examples of display screens shown on PC112, etc., illustrating examples of information displayed based on printer information for multiple printers 114 selected by the user. Figure 5 shows an example of information displayed for multiple printers 114. Figure 6 shows an example of how to change the aggregation period for aggregating the displayed information. Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen that shows more detailed information for some of the information related to printer 114. For illustrative purposes, Figures 5-7 only show examples of screens corresponding to one of the two types of screen displays shown in Figure 4.

[0038] Furthermore, as indicated by the text "Organizational Printer Summary" in the figures, Figures 5 and 6 show the status of printers 114 summarized within a single organization. In this case, printers 114 within a single organization can be considered, for example, printers 114 managed in association with the same user on the management server 12. The display screen for organizational printer summary can be considered, for example, an example of a display screen shown by a PC 112, etc., in response to user instructions when multiple printers 114 are associated with a single user or a single organization as a user. The fact that multiple printers 114 are associated with a single user or a single organization as a user can be considered, for example, when multiple printers 114 are registered in association with the same user on the management server 12.

[0039] In this example, the PC 112, etc., displays a screen related to the aggregation of printers within the organization, for example, as shown in the figure, which has a display target selection unit 222 and a period setting unit 224. In this case, the display target selection unit 222 is a selection unit for selecting the printers 114 to be aggregated in the items displayed on the screen by the PC 112, etc. More specifically, in this example, if multiple printers 114 are associated with a user, the display target selection unit 222 accepts from the user to select one of the following for the printers 114 to be aggregated: for example, all printers 114, grouped printers 114, or individual printers 114. In this case, all printers 114 can be considered, for example, all printers 114 associated with the user operating the PC 112, etc. The user operating the PC 112, etc. can be considered, for example, a user who has signed in to the management server 12 in order to operate the PC 112, etc. Also, grouped printers 114 can be considered, for example, at least some of all printers and printers 114 belonging to the same group. Each printer 114 can be thought of as, for example, an individual printer 114 included in all printers 114. Also, Figures 5 and 6 show a state where all groups are selected in the display target selection unit 222. In this case, the selection of all groups can be thought of as corresponding to the selection of all printers 114.

[0040] The PC112, etc., displays a screen based on printer information in at least one of the following ways: full display, group display, and printer-specific display, depending on the user's selection in the display target selection unit 222. In this case, full display can be thought of as displaying information about all printers 114 associated with the user, for example. Group display can be thought of as displaying information about printers 114 included in any group, for example. Printer-specific display can be thought of as displaying information about individual printers 114, for example. In this example, full display is the screen display performed when all printers 114 are selected. Group display is the screen display performed when grouped printers 114 are selected. Printer-specific display is the screen display performed when individual printers 114 are selected. Furthermore, if the management server 12 manages multiple printers 114 associated with the user operating the PC112, etc., the PC112, etc., selects which of the multiple display methods, including full display, group display, and printer-specific display, to perform based on the user's instructions. In this case, this selection can be thought of as a choice to perform at least one of the following: display all, display groups, and display per printer.

[0041] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of screen displays for PC112, etc., where one of the following is selected: all display, group display, or display per printer. In Figures 5 and 6, PC112, etc., displays a summary of printer operation history for all printers 114 (printers 114 in all groups). The summary of operation history displays usage history, ink usage, and print area. The summary of printer 114 usage history can be thought of as a summary of the operating status of printer 114, for example. In this example, PC112, etc., displays the time and percentage of each state (standby, printing, error stopped, and offline) during the summary period, for example, as shown in the figure. The summary of ink usage can be thought of as a summary of the amount of ink used by the printer 114 being summarized, for example. In this example, PC112, etc., displays the total usage and cost for each ink set during the period, for example, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, PC112 and similar devices display additional buttons for each ink set to show more detailed information. The summary of print area can be thought of as, for example, the sum of the area printed by the target printer 114. In this example, PC112 and similar devices display the print length, print area, and cost as a summary of the print area, for example, as shown in the figure. With this configuration, for example, when multiple printers 114 are associated with a single user or organization as a user, the status of multiple printers 114 can be appropriately grasped as needed. In addition, this makes it easier and more appropriate to manage printers 114, for example.

[0042] Furthermore, in the screen displays shown in Figures 5 and 6, the aggregation period for information regarding the printer 114 can be changed using the period setting unit 224. The period setting unit 224 is a setting unit for setting the aggregation period for items displayed on the screen display of the PC 112, etc. The period setting unit 224 can also be thought of as a configuration for receiving the period specification in the user interface (UI) of the PC 112, etc. In this example, the period setting unit 224 sets the aggregation period by receiving the method of setting the period and the specification of the period from the user, as shown in Figure 6, for example. With this configuration, for example, the aggregation period desired by the user can be set appropriately. In addition, this makes it possible to check the status of the printer 114, for example, more appropriately.

[0043] Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, PC112, etc., displays buttons to show more detailed information for each ink set regarding the aggregation of ink usage. When a button corresponding to any ink set is pressed by the user, PC112, etc., displays more detailed information about the ink set, for example, as shown in Figure 7. With this configuration, for example, cost management related to ink can be performed more appropriately.

[0044] Here, we will explain in more detail how the screen display on PC112, etc., is performed. In this example, if multiple printers 114 are associated with the user, PC112, etc., receives instructions from the user to select whether to target all printers 114, grouped printers 114, or individual printers 114, as described above. With this configuration, for example, the printer 114 on which information is displayed can be appropriately changed depending on what the user wants to check. Furthermore, this allows, for example, when information about multiple printers 114 is managed by the management server 12, the information that the user needs can be appropriately displayed on PC112, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 5 illustrates an example of how information can be displayed on the PC112, etc., by selecting one of the display methods corresponding to all display, group display, and printer-specific display. In contrast, the PC112, etc. may display information in a different way than shown in Figure 5, etc., depending on, for example, the user's selection. In this case, the PC112, etc. may, for example, select whether to display the information as a list (all at once) or individually, according to the user's instructions. More specifically, in this example, the PC112, etc. displays information based on printer information by selecting either all display or individual display according to the user's instructions, regarding the display methods of all display, group display, and printer-specific display. In this case, all display can be considered as, for example, a display that shows all display, group display, and printer-specific display on a single screen. Individual display can be considered as, for example, a display that selects and displays one of all display, group display, and printer-specific display.

[0046] Furthermore, in this case, displaying multiple items on a single screen on PC112, etc., can be considered as displaying them in a way that allows them to be treated as a single screen on PC112, etc. For example, when displaying a web browser screen on PC112, etc., it can be considered as displaying a screen that corresponds to a single screen in the web browser. Also, a single screen in a web browser can be considered as, for example, the range that can be displayed without navigating to another page. The range that can be displayed without navigating to another page can be considered as, for example, the range that can be displayed without changing the URL. According to this example, when the management server 12 manages multiple printers 114 associated with a user, the method of displaying printer information can be appropriately selected from multiple methods depending on the purpose, such as checking the information. Furthermore, this makes it possible to show the user the information they need more appropriately.

[0047] Furthermore, when displaying groups, PC112, etc., displays, for example, group summary information or information about individual printers 114 belonging to the group, depending on the user's selection. In this case, group summary information can be thought of as, for example, summary information for printers 114 included in the same group. Information about individual printers 114 belonging to the group can be thought of as, for example, information for each printer 114 included in the group. With this configuration, information about groups can be displayed appropriately according to the user's wishes, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, the PC112, etc., may display both a summary display for group-based aggregations and a printer-specific display for individual printers 114 on a single screen, depending on the user's selection. In this case, the summary display can be considered, for example, a display summarizing information about multiple printers 114 associated with the user. The printer-specific display can be considered, for example, a display of information about individual printers. Also, in this case, the summary display is not limited to group-based displays, etc., but may also display summaries for all printers 114, for example. More specifically, in this case, the PC112, etc., displays at least one of the group summary display and the overall summary display, depending on the user's selection. Also, the group summary display can be considered, for example, a display summarizing information about printers 114 included in the same group. The overall summary display can be considered, for example, a display summarizing information about all printers 114 associated with the user. Also, in this case, the PC112, etc., may, for example, display only one of the group summary display and the overall summary display as the summary display, depending on the user's instructions. For example, it is conceivable to display both group summaries and overall summaries as summary displays, depending on the information desired by the user. With this configuration, for example, the information the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the PC 112, etc. Furthermore, this allows for a more accurate understanding of the status of the printer 114, for example.

[0049] In this example, the printers 114 associated with users can be grouped, for example, by user manual settings based on user operations, or by automatic settings based on pre-set rules. This configuration allows for appropriate grouping of the printers 114. In this case, for automatic grouping, it is conceivable to group printers 114 according to at least one of the following: how the printers 114 are used, when the printers 114 were introduced, the maintenance history of the printers 114, the operating performance of the printers 114, or the production targets set for the printers 114. These grouping criteria can also be applied to manual grouping. Furthermore, focusing on how the printers 114 are used, for example, the printers 114 associated with users can be grouped, for example, by production line that uses the printers 114 to produce goods, or by goods produced. This configuration allows for appropriate grouping according to how the printers 114 are used. This also makes it easier to compile production volume and costs for goods produced using the printers 114.

[0050] As described above, according to this example, for example, by displaying printer information obtained from the management server 12 on the PC 112, the status of the PC 112 can be appropriately understood. Furthermore, when multiple printers 114 are associated with a user, the information the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the PC 112 by using display methods such as displaying all, displaying groups, and displaying each printer. In addition, this makes it possible to easily and appropriately understand the status of multiple printers 114, for example.

[0051] Furthermore, regarding the information displayed based on print information, PC112, etc., may display information other than that shown in Figure 5, etc. More specifically, PC112, etc., may display at least one of the following based on printer information: a printer overview showing an overview of the printer, a printer status showing the printer's condition, the printer's operating history, and the printer's maintenance history. In this case, for example, on the screen for selecting which display screen to show as shown in Figure 5, etc., it is conceivable to make it possible to select the display of other information. With this configuration, for example, the status of printer 114 can be checked more appropriately based on printer information.

[0052] Furthermore, the above explanation described the use of an inkjet printer as the printer 114 in the printing system 10. However, a printer other than an inkjet printer may be used as the printer 114 in the printing system 10. In addition, it is also conceivable to use a 3D printer as the printer 114 in the printing system 10. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a display method for displaying information on an electronic device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10...Printing system, 102...Production site, 104...Administrative department, 106...Marketing department, 108...Support department, 112...PC, 114...Printer, 116...Electronic device, 12...Management server, 14...User site, 16...External management department, 222...Display target selection department, 224...Period setting department

Claims

1. A display method for causing information to be displayed on an electronic device in a printing system comprising a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information relating to the printer, and an electronic device that displays information based on the printer information obtained from the management server, An information transmission step in which the printer information associated with the printer is transmitted from the management server to the electronic device, A display stage in which information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device during the information transmission stage is displayed on the electronic device. Equipped with, In the aforementioned display stage, Summary display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers associated with a user, Printer-specific display that displays information about each of the aforementioned printers and Display on the aforementioned electronic device on a single screen, Furthermore, in the summary display, The multiple printers associated with the aforementioned user are divided into groups containing one or more of the aforementioned printers, and a group summary display is provided which aggregates information about the printers included in the same group. A total summary display of all information related to the aforementioned printer associated with the aforementioned user, and A display method characterized by causing the electronic device to display one of the following.

2. A display method for causing information to be displayed on an electronic device in a printing system comprising a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information relating to the printer, and an electronic device that displays information based on the printer information obtained from the management server, An information transmission step in which the printer information associated with the printer is transmitted from the management server to the electronic device, A display stage in which information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device during the information transmission stage is displayed on the electronic device. Equipped with, Regarding the method of displaying information based on the printer information of multiple printers associated with the user operating the electronic device during the aforementioned display stage, A printer-specific display that shows information about each of the aforementioned printers, A group display that displays information about the printers included in a group that includes one or more of the aforementioned printers, From among several display methods, including a full display that shows all information about the printer associated with the user, the user can choose to display the information in accordance with the user's instructions. A combined display that shows the printer-specific display, the group display, and the entire display on a single screen, Individual displays, which can be selected and displayed from the printer-specific display, group display, and all-view displays. Select one of the options and display it on the electronic device. A display method characterized in that the multiple printers associated with the user are divided into groups by user manual settings performed by the user, or by automatic settings based on pre-set rules.

3. A display method for causing information to be displayed on an electronic device in a printing system comprising a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information relating to the printer, and an electronic device that performs a display based on the printer information obtained from the management server, An information transmission step in which the printer information associated with the printer is transmitted from the management server to the electronic device, A display stage in which information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device during the information transmission stage is displayed on the electronic device. Equipped with, Regarding the method of displaying information based on the printer information of multiple printers associated with the user operating the electronic device during the aforementioned display stage, A printer-specific display that shows information about each of the aforementioned printers, A group display that displays information about the printers included in a group that includes one or more of the aforementioned printers, From among several display methods, including a full display that shows all information about the printer associated with the user, the user can choose to display the information in accordance with the user's instructions. A combined display that shows the printer-specific display, the group display, and the entire display on a single screen, Individual displays, which can be selected and displayed from the printer-specific display, group display, and all-view displays. Select one of the options and display it on the electronic device. A display method characterized in that the multiple printers associated with the user are divided into groups according to the production line that produces the product using the printer, or according to the product.

4. A display method for causing information to be displayed on an electronic device in a printing system comprising a printer, a management server that manages printer information which is information relating to the printer, and an electronic device that performs a display based on the printer information obtained from the management server, An information transmission step in which the printer information associated with the printer is transmitted from the management server to the electronic device, A display stage in which information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device during the information transmission stage is displayed on the electronic device. Equipped with, Regarding the method of displaying information based on the printer information of multiple printers associated with the user operating the electronic device during the aforementioned display stage, A printer-specific display that shows information about each of the aforementioned printers, A group display that displays information about the printers included in a group that includes one or more of the aforementioned printers, From among several display methods, including a full display that shows all information about the printer associated with the user, the user can choose to display the information in accordance with the user's instructions. A combined display that shows the printer-specific display, the group display, and the entire display on a single screen, Individual displays, which can be selected and displayed from the printer-specific display, group display, and all-view displays. Select one of the options and display it on the electronic device. A display method characterized in that, in the display stage, the electronic device displays at least one of the following based on the printer information: a printer overview showing an overview of the printer, a printer status showing the state of the printer, the printer's operating history, and the maintenance history for the printer.

5. An electronic device that displays information related to a printer, based on printer information, A communication unit that receives the printer information associated with the aforementioned printer from a management server, A display unit that displays information based on the printer information received from the management server, Equipped with, If multiple printers are managed and are associated with the user operating the electronic device, Summary display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers associated with the aforementioned user, Printer-specific display that displays information about each of the aforementioned printers and The above display unit is shown on a single screen, Furthermore, in the summary display, The multiple printers associated with the aforementioned user are divided into groups containing one or more of the aforementioned printers, and a group summary display is provided which aggregates information about the printers included in the same group. An electronic device characterized by displaying either a summary display of all information related to the printer associated with the user, or a total summary display.

6. A program that displays information based on printer information related to a printer on an electronic device, Information transmission process that transmits the printer information associated with the aforementioned printer from the management server to the electronic device, A display process that causes the electronic device to display information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server to the electronic device. This is performed by at least one of the management server or the electronic device. In the aforementioned display process, Summary display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers associated with a user, Printer-specific display that displays information about each of the aforementioned printers and Display on the aforementioned electronic device on a single screen, Furthermore, in the summary display, The multiple printers associated with the aforementioned user are divided into groups containing one or more of the aforementioned printers, and a group summary display is provided which aggregates information about the printers included in the same group. A total summary display of all information related to the aforementioned printer associated with the aforementioned user, and A program characterized by causing the electronic device to display one of the following.

7. A management system for managing a printer in a printing system that includes a printer, The system includes a management server that manages printer information, which is information related to the aforementioned printer. The printing system comprises the printer, the management server, and an electronic device that displays information based on the printer information obtained from the management server, and the management system constitutes at least a part of the printing system. Summary display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers associated with a user, Printer-specific display that displays information about each of the aforementioned printers and Display on the aforementioned electronic device on a single screen, Furthermore, in the summary display, The multiple printers associated with the aforementioned user are divided into groups containing one or more of the aforementioned printers, and a group summary display is provided which aggregates information about the printers included in the same group. A total summary display of all information related to the aforementioned printer associated with the aforementioned user, and A management system characterized by causing the electronic device to display one of the following.

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