Display method and management system

Abstract

To manage the state of printers more properly.SOLUTION: A display method for displaying information on electronic equipment (PC 112 and electronic device 116) in a printing system comprises: an information transmission step of transmitting printer information from a management server 12 to the electronic equipment; and a display step of displaying information based on the printer information on the electronic equipment. The management server 12 manages at least printer status, operation past result, and a printing history, as the printer information, in association with printers 114, transmits, in the information transmission step, at least the printer status, the operation past result, and the printing history from the management server 12 to the electronic equipment, and causes, in the display step, the electronic equipment to display one of the printer status, the operation past result, and the printing history selected in response to user operation.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. Further, 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, by executing a program (application software) for managing the state of the printer on that PC, the state of the printer can be managed. 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 manner. 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] Furthermore, when managing the status of a printer, it is conceivable that various types of information about the printer may need to be managed. In this case, the necessary information may change depending on the task being performed and the printer's status. Therefore, when checking the printer status by obtaining information from a server, it is desirable that the electronic device that displays the information based on that information appropriately displays the information the user wants to see. In response to this, the inventors of this invention have considered a display method for displaying information on an electronic device that obtains information from a server, in which printer status, operational history, and maintenance history are displayed on the electronic device in response to user operation. They have also found that by switching these items on the electronic device, it is possible to present the user with the information necessary for managing the printer's status, for example, and to manage the printer's status efficiently and appropriately.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through further diligent research, discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention. 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 obtained from the management server, the method 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, as printer information, at least the printer status indicating the status of the printer, the printer's operational record, the printer's print history, and the printer's maintenance history, associated with the printer, and in the information transmission step, at least the printer status, the operational record, the print history, and the maintenance history are transmitted from the management server to the electronic device, and in the display step, the printer status, the operational record, the print history, and the maintenance history are displayed on the electronic device in a switchable manner according to user operation.

[0008] With this configuration, for example, information necessary for managing the printer status can be appropriately presented to the user. Furthermore, this allows for efficient and appropriate management of the printer status. In this configuration, the printer status includes at least the following information: the ink set name indicating the ink set used by the printer, ink information regarding the ink used by the printer, the drawing range indicating the area where printing can be performed by the printer, the print length indicating the length of the output printed by the printer, and the amount of waste ink generated by the printer. With this configuration, for example, the printer status can be appropriately displayed. The operational history includes at least the following information: an aggregation of operational information indicating the operating status of the printer, an aggregation of the amount of ink used by the printer, and an aggregation of the printed area, which is the area printed by the printer. With this configuration, for example, the operational history can be appropriately displayed. The print history includes at least the history of the number of prints and the history of past print jobs. With this configuration, for example, the print history can be appropriately displayed. The maintenance history includes at least the date on which a predetermined maintenance was last performed on the printer. With this configuration, for example, the maintenance history can be appropriately displayed.

[0009] Furthermore, in relation to the display of maintenance history, at the display stage, the electronic device may issue at least one of the following: a warning prompting the user to perform maintenance, or a warning prompting the user to replace consumables used in the printer. With this configuration, for example, maintenance-related warnings can be appropriately provided to the user. In this case, consumables used in the printer refer to, for example, replacement parts that wear out with the use of the printer. Also, at the display stage, the electronic device may issue, for example, information on the inventory of consumables. With this configuration, for example, useful information for considering the replenishment of consumables can be provided to the user. Also, at the display stage, based on the inventory status of consumables, for example, the user may be prompted to order consumables. With this configuration, for example, the user can be made to recognize, for example, the need to replenish consumables more appropriately. Also, at the display stage, for example, the electronic device may display whether or not a pre-set recommended maintenance has been performed. With this configuration, for example, the user can be appropriately informed, for example, whether or not the necessary maintenance has been performed. Also, in this case, for example, by showing a guideline for necessary maintenance, the importance of maintenance can be made to the user. Furthermore, this can prevent problems from occurring with the printer, for example.

[0010] Furthermore, in this configuration, the printing system includes electronic devices, such as user equipment and maintenance equipment. In this case, user equipment can be considered, for example, electronic devices that display information to users of the printer. Maintenance equipment can be considered, for example, electronic devices that display information to maintenance personnel who provide maintenance services to the printer. In this case, at the display stage, whether or not recommended maintenance has been performed should be displayed, for example, on the maintenance equipment. With this configuration, for example, maintenance personnel can be appropriately informed of the printer's status, which is useful for performing maintenance. In this case, for example, when a problem occurs with the printer, it is possible to take appropriate action based on whether or not recommended maintenance has been performed. Also, by having maintenance personnel know the maintenance history, it becomes possible to take appropriate action, for example, to quickly respond to problems. Furthermore, at the display stage, it is preferable to also display whether or not recommended maintenance has been performed on the user equipment. With this configuration, for example, users of the printer can be appropriately shown the guidelines for necessary maintenance.

[0011] Furthermore, in this configuration, the management server accepts user sign-ins, for example, through user authentication via electronic devices. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the user signed in, the system could, for example, have the electronic device issue a warning to the user. This configuration effectively prevents situations where the user remains signed in for an extended period without realizing it. The management server also manages printers, for example, by associating them with their respective users. Additionally, the management server manages printers by dividing them into groups, for example, each containing one or more printers.

[0012] Furthermore, if a management server manages multiple printers associated with users operating electronic devices, at the display stage, the electronic device may display information based on printer information by selecting either a batch display or an individual display from among several display methods, including, for example, a printer-specific display that shows information about each individual printer, a group display that shows information about printers belonging to any group, and a full display that shows information about all printers associated with the user, according to the user's instructions. In this case, the batch display can be considered, for example, a display that combines the printer-specific display, group display, and full display on a single screen. The individual display can be considered, for example, a display that selects one of the printer-specific display, group display, and full display.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, when a management server manages multiple printers associated with a user, it becomes possible to select from multiple methods for displaying printer information. More specifically, in this case, for example, the user can choose between a batch display or an individual display according to their instructions, and the information based on the printers can be displayed on the electronic device, thereby appropriately displaying the information the user needs. Furthermore, this allows for, for example, an accurate understanding of the printer's status.

[0014] 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 shows information about each individual printer, all on a single screen on the electronic device. In this case, the aggregate display could 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 an appropriate understanding of the printer status, for example.

[0015] 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]

[0016] According to the present invention, for example, the status of the printer can be managed more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [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 is a diagram for explaining how to manage printer information in the management server 12. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when listing printers 114 on a PC 112 or the like. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of information to be displayed for multiple printers 114. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of how to change the aggregation period for aggregating the information to be displayed. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that shows more detailed information for a part of the information shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen regarding printer status. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen regarding the operation results of printer 114. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen regarding print history. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen regarding print history. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen regarding maintenance history.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using printers, and includes a management server 12, a user base 14, and an external management unit 16. Except for the points to be described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as a known printing system.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] User site 14 is a site where printing operations are performed in the printing system 10. User site 14 can be considered, for example, as a site where printers managed by the management server 12 are installed. Alternatively, user site 14 can be considered as a site managed by, for example, the administrator of the printers used in the printing system 10. The external management unit 16 is configured to manage at least a part of the printing system 10 from outside user site 14. In this example, the external management unit 16 is a site of a service provider that provides maintenance and other services to printers at user site 14, and provides maintenance and other services to printers at user site 14 based on printer information obtained from the management server 12. The external management unit 16 can be considered as, for example, a site managed by an administrator different from the administrator of user site 14. Furthermore, for user site 14 and external management unit 16, for example, the configuration shown in Figure 2 can be used.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates the specific configuration 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. In this example, the user site 14 is a site that produces printed materials (printed goods) using printers, and has multiple production sites 102 and a management department 104. The production sites 102 are sites where printers are installed. In this example, the production sites 102 have a PC 112, multiple printers 114, and electronic devices 116. The PC 112 is a computer that controls the printing operation of the printers 114. In this example, the PC 112 is a RIP processing computer (RIP-PC), and controls the operation of the printers 114 by supplying the data generated by the RIP processing to the printers 114. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, the operation of multiple printers 114 may be controlled by a single PC 112.

[0023] In this example, PC112 is an example of an electronic device that displays information based on printer information acquired from the management server 12, and includes a communication interface and a monitor. In this case, the communication interface can be considered, for example, an example of a communication unit that receives printer information associated with the printer 114 managed by PC112 from the management server 12. The monitor can be considered, for example, an example of a display unit that displays information based on the printer information transmitted from the management server 12. In this case, the display unit can also be considered as including a configuration for controlling the content displayed on the monitor. Furthermore, in this example, PC112 also communicates with the printer 114 to acquire information about the printer 114 and sends it to the management server 12, thereby updating the printer information in the management server 12. In this case, PC112 can also be considered to have a configuration that detects the status of the printer 114 and notifies the management server 12 of it. More specifically, PC112 periodically detects the status of the printer 114 at predetermined timings and updates the printer information in the management server 12 based on the detected status. In this case, PC112 may automatically perform actions such as detecting printer 114 and updating printer information, without requiring user intervention.

[0024] The printer 114 is a printer for producing manufactured goods at the production site 102 and performs printing operations in accordance with the control of the PC 112. In this example, the printer 114 is a color printer that prints using multiple colors of ink. As the printer 114, for example, an inkjet printer with the same or similar configuration as a known inkjet printer can be suitably used.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Furthermore, the PC112, etc., may switch and display multiple types of information according to user operations, as shown in Figures 8 to 12, for example. Figures 8 to 12 show other examples of information displayed by the PC112, etc., regarding the printer 114. In Figures 8 to 12, as in Figure 4, two examples of display screens are shown as examples of display screens, selected according to the electronic device displaying the screen. As shown in these figures, in this example, the PC112, etc., displays information regarding the printer 114, such as printer status, operation history, print history, maintenance history, and settings / manuals, based on printer information received from the management server 12, for example, in response to user instructions. In addition, the PC112, etc., displays detailed information about the printer 114 (printer details) using a tab 202, switching and displaying it according to user operations on tab 202. In this case, tab 202 on the display screen of the PC112, etc., can be thought of as, for example, a switching unit for switching the content to be displayed.

[0057] Furthermore, in order to display this information on a PC 112 or the like, in this example, the management server 12 manages, in association with the printer 114, at least the printer status, the operating history of the printer 114, the print history of the printer 114, the maintenance history for the printer 114, and information related to settings and manuals. Then, as needed, the management server 12 sends printer information, including this information, to the PC 112 or the like. Based on the printer information received from the management server 12, the PC 112 or the like switches and displays this information, for example, according to the user's operation. With this configuration, for example, the information necessary for managing the status of the printer 114 can be appropriately presented to the user. In addition, this makes it possible to manage the status of the printer 114 efficiently and appropriately.

[0058] In this example, the PC112 displays the printer status on the screen, for example, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example of a display screen related to the printer status. In this example, the printer status displayed by the PC112 is information indicating the state of the printer, and at least shows the ink set name indicating the ink set used by the printer 114, ink information about the ink used by the printer 114, drawing range indicating the range in which printing can be performed by the printer 114, print length indicating the length of the output printed by the printer 114, and the amount of waste ink generated by the printer 114. In this example, the PC112 displays this information on a single screen, for example, as shown in the figure, in the printer status tab 202 (printer status tab) related to printer details, divided into items such as ink information, drawing range, print length, and waste ink amount, based on the printer information. In this case, the PC112 displays the ink set name in association with the ink information, within the ink information item. Furthermore, in the ink information section, PC112, etc., displays, for example, the remaining ink level and the ink's expiration date for each ink color used by printer 114. In this case, PC112, etc., displays the remaining ink level as, for example, a percentage display (%) and a direct display of the remaining ink volume (cc). In addition, it displays, for example, the date set as the deadline for properly using the ink. PC112, etc., may also display other information as ink information. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to display the lot number indicating the manufacturing lot from which the ink was produced as ink information. PC112, etc., can also display, for example, the progress of printing on printer 114 as printer status. With this configuration, for example, the remaining time for printing can be measured, allowing the user to perform different tasks or prepare for the next print job according to the completion time of the current print job.

[0059] Furthermore, in the drawing range section, PC112, etc., displays, for example, the width and length of the drawing range. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure as the effective drawing width and effective drawing length, it is conceivable to display the effective width and length as the range in which printing can be performed by the printer 114. Also, in the print length section, PC112, etc., displays, for example, the length of the print output (output length) produced in the immediately preceding print job, as shown in the figure. In the waste ink amount section, PC112, etc., displays, for example, the amount of waste ink generated by the printer 114. In this case, PC112, etc., displays the amount of waste ink by, for example, showing a ratio (percentage) to the capacity of the waste ink storage section (e.g., waste ink tank) in the printer 114. According to this example, for example, useful information for managing the status of the printer 114 can be appropriately displayed as the printer status.

[0060] Furthermore, PC112, etc., displays the operating history of printer 114 on the screen, for example, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of a display screen related to the operating history of printer 114. In this example, based on the printer information, PC112, etc., displays information that shows at least the following as the operating history of printer 114: an aggregation of operation information indicating the operating status of printer 114, an aggregation of the amount of ink used by printer 114, and an aggregation of the printed area, which is the area printed by printer 114. In addition, in this example, PC112, etc., displays this information on a single screen, divided into items of usage history, ink usage, and printed area, in the operating history tab 202 (operating history tab) related to printer details, as shown in the figure.

[0061] In this case, under the usage history section, PC112, etc., displays an aggregate of operation information. As explained above, the operating status of printer 114 can be considered as printing, standby, error stopped, or offline. In this case, as an aggregate of operation information, PC112, etc., displays an aggregate of the following, for example, as shown in the figure: the printing period when printer 114 was printing, the standby period when printer 114 was in standby mode, the error stopped period when printer 114 was stopped due to an error, and the offline period when printer 114 was offline. The aggregates of these periods can be considered, for example, as an aggregate of the time spent in each operating state. More specifically, the aggregate of the printing period can be considered as an aggregate of the period during which printer 114 was actually printing. The aggregate of the standby period can be considered as an aggregate of the period during which the printer was in standby mode. The aggregate of the error stopped period can be considered as an aggregate of the period during which printer 114 was stopped due to an error. The aggregate of the offline period can be considered as an aggregate of the period during which information about printer 114 could not be obtained. With this configuration, for example, the operating status of printer 114 can be properly monitored.

[0062] Furthermore, in this example, the PC112, etc., displays bar graphs and pie charts showing the time spent in each of the multiple states (operating states) of the printer 114, as an aggregation of the operating status, for example, as shown in the figure. With this configuration, the PC112, etc. can appropriately display information that makes it easy to understand the operating status. In addition, this allows for an appropriate aggregation of the operating status of the printer 114. In this case, the PC112, etc., can directly show the time for each operating state using bar graphs, for example, and show the ratio of time for each operating state using pie charts, for example.

[0063] Furthermore, in the ink usage section, PC112 etc. displays the total ink usage for printer 114. In this example, PC112 etc. displays a line graph and a bar graph as the ink usage summary, for example, as shown in the figure. In this case, PC112 etc. displays, for example, the ink usage for each color over time using the line graph. Also, for example, the total ink usage for each color over a period using the bar graph. Furthermore, in the print area section, PC112 etc. displays the total print area for printer 114. In this example, PC112 etc. displays, for example, the print length, print area, and cost as the print area summary, for example, as shown in the figure. In this case, the print area summary can be considered as a parameter that increases according to the amount of media consumed, for example. According to this example, useful information for managing the status of printer 114 can be appropriately displayed as, for example, the operating performance of printer 114.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in this example, PC112, etc., displays the period setting unit 224 on the display screen of the operational performance tab. In this case, the period setting unit 224 is the part that accepts the user's specification of the aggregation period. In this example, PC112, etc., accepts the user's specification of the aggregation period (display period) for the aggregation of printer operating status, ink usage, and print area using the period setting unit 224. When the period setting unit 224 receives the period specification from the user, PC112, etc., displays the above aggregation according to the specified period. With this configuration, for example, the operational performance of printer 114 can be displayed more appropriately according to the period selected by the user.

[0065] Furthermore, PC112 and similar devices display the print history on a screen, for example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 show examples of display screens related to the print history. In this example, PC112 and similar devices display information that, based on printer information, includes at least the history of the number of prints and the history of previously executed print jobs as part of the print history. PC112 and similar devices also display this information on a single screen, for example, as shown in the figure, in the Print History tab 202 (Print History tab) related to printer details, divided into the items of "Number of Prints" and "Print History." In this case, in the "Number of Prints" item, PC112 and similar devices display, for example, a graph showing the change in the number of prints over time. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, it is conceivable to display a graph showing the number of prints per day. Furthermore, in the "Print History" item, PC112 and similar devices display information about previously executed print jobs in a list. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, it is conceivable to display the start date and time, end date and time, print result, job name, and print length for each print job. In this example, PC112 also displays a button associated with the print job to display details of the print job. When this button is pressed by the user, PC112 displays more detailed information about the print job, for example, by displaying the screen shown in Figure 11. PC112 also displays more detailed information about the print job, such as the start date and time, end date and time, print result, job name, print time, resolution, number of passes, ink usage, print width, and print length, as shown in the figure. In addition, it displays the ink usage for each color, for example. According to this example, useful information for managing the status of printer 114 can be appropriately displayed, for example, as a print history.

[0066] Furthermore, PC112, etc., displays the maintenance history on the screen, for example, as shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 shows an example of a display screen related to the maintenance history. The maintenance history can be thought of as information that at least indicates the date on which the prescribed maintenance was last performed on printer 114. In this example, PC112, etc., displays information related to the maintenance history based on the printer information. In addition, information related to the maintenance history is displayed on a single screen, for example, in the maintenance history tab 202 (maintenance history tab) for printer details, divided into ink information and consumables information items, as shown in the figure.

[0067] As explained above, in this example, the printer 114 could be, for example, an inkjet printer. In this case, maintenance of the inkjet head equipped with the printer 114 is considered particularly important. Therefore, in this example, the PC 112, etc., displays the maintenance history for at least some of the maintenance performed in relation to the inkjet head in the ink information section. In this case, the PC 112, etc., displays, for example, the date on which the last maintenance was performed (the last maintenance execution date) for predetermined maintenance such as head cleaning, head maintenance, and station maintenance, as shown in the figure.

[0068] In this example, PC112, etc., displays information regarding the status of consumables used in the printer 114 in the consumables information section. In this case, the consumables to be displayed in this section can be considered, for example, replacement parts that wear out with the use of the printer 114. These consumables can also be considered, for example, parts that are replaced as needed during maintenance of the printer 114. Furthermore, such consumables can be considered, for example, parts that constitute a part of the printer 114. Parts that constitute a part of the printer 114 can be considered, for example, parts that are not consumed during the printing operation, such as ink or media, but are continuously attached to a predetermined position in the printer 114. In Figure 12, as an example of consumables, information regarding a wiper used for maintenance of the inkjet head is displayed. In addition, in the consumables information section, PC112, etc., displays, for example, the status of the consumables. In this case, the status of the consumables could be, for example, the date on which the consumable was last replaced or the period during which the consumable has been used. Furthermore, the status of the consumables could also be, for example, the degree of wear and tear on the consumables. In this example, useful information for managing the status of printer 114 can be appropriately displayed, for example, as a maintenance history.

[0069] Furthermore, in the maintenance history tab, PC112, etc., may display additional warnings (alerts) regarding maintenance and consumables. In this case, PC112, etc., could be instructed to issue at least one of the following: a warning prompting maintenance to be performed (maintenance execution alert), and a warning prompting the replacement of consumables used in printer 114 (consumable replacement alert). With this configuration, for example, maintenance-related warnings can be appropriately provided to the user.

[0070] More specifically, in this case, PC112, for example, displays whether or not pre-configured recommended maintenance has been performed. If the recommended maintenance has not been performed, PC112, for example, could issue a warning prompting maintenance. With this configuration, the user can be appropriately informed, for example, whether or not necessary maintenance has been performed. In this case, for example, by showing a guideline for necessary maintenance, the user can be made aware of the importance of maintenance. This can also help prevent problems with the printer in advance. Furthermore, by issuing a warning prompting maintenance, it becomes possible to ensure that maintenance is performed more reliably. In addition, PC112, for example, could issue a warning prompting replacement of consumables based on pre-configured replacement timings or the condition of the consumables. In this case, for example, PC112, for example, could be made to notify the user of consumable inventory information. With this configuration, for example, useful information for considering the replenishment of consumables can be appropriately presented to the user. In this case, PC112, for example, could prompt the user to order consumables based on the status of consumable inventory. This configuration allows users to better recognize, for example, the need to replenish consumables.

[0071] As explained above, in this example, PC112, etc., is an example of an electronic device that displays information based on printer information received from the management server 12. In this case, in addition to PC112, etc., at the user site 14 where printing is performed using printer 114, it is also conceivable that the display may be performed by PC112, etc., in the external management unit 16. In this case, PC112, etc., at the user site 14 can be considered, for example, an example of user equipment. User equipment can be considered, for example, an electronic device that displays information to users using printer 114. PC112, etc., in the external management unit 16 can be considered, for example, an example of maintenance equipment. Maintenance equipment can be considered, for example, an electronic device that displays information to maintenance personnel who provide maintenance services for printer 114.

[0072] In this case, the external management unit 16 can display maintenance history and other information to users who check information on PCs such as PC 112, which can be used, for example, to provide maintenance services for the printer 114. More specifically, in this case, by displaying the maintenance history as described above on PCs such as PC 112 used as maintenance equipment, it is possible to easily and appropriately determine whether recommended maintenance has been performed, even from a location far from the printer 114. This also allows maintenance personnel to appropriately inform them of the printer's status, which is useful for performing maintenance. Furthermore, in this case, when a problem occurs with the printer 114, for example, it becomes easy and appropriate to take action based on whether or not recommended maintenance has been performed. Moreover, by knowing the maintenance history, maintenance personnel can, for example, respond to problems quickly. In addition, it is also useful to display the maintenance history, such as whether or not recommended maintenance has been performed, not only on PCs such as PC 112 used as maintenance equipment, but also on PCs such as PC 112 used as user equipment. With this configuration, for example, users of the printer 114 can also be appropriately shown the necessary maintenance guidelines as described above.

[0073] Although not shown in the diagram, PC112, etc., displays information related to settings and manuals in response to user operations on tab 202. In this case, PC112, etc., displays information indicating the settings of printer 114 and information related to the printer 114's manual, based on the printer information. According to this example, various information related to printer 114 can be appropriately displayed on PC112, etc. Furthermore, in the above, Figures 8 to 12 were used to explain examples of detailed information displayed mainly for one printer 114. However, the detailed information about printer 114 is not limited to information about one printer 114; information about multiple printers 114 may also be displayed on PC112, etc. In this case, for example, information aggregated for printers 114 included in the same group regarding the same or similar items as shown in Figures 8 to 12, or information aggregated for all printers 114 associated with the same user, can be displayed on PC112, etc.

[0074] More specifically, as explained above, in this example, the management server 12 manages printers 114 in association with the users of printers 114. Furthermore, it manages printers 114 by dividing them into groups containing one or more printers 114. When the management server 12 manages multiple printers 114 associated with users operating PCs 112, etc., PCs 112, etc., may display information based on printer information in the same or similar manner as shown in Figures 8-12, using at least one of the following display methods: per-printer display, group display, and all-printer display. In this case, PCs 112, etc., display information based on print information in the same manner as explained using Figures 5-7, for example, according to the user's selection, using at least one of the per-printer display, group display, and all-printer display methods.

[0075] In this case as well, the PC112, etc., can select either a batch display or an individual display for, for example, per-printer display, group display, and all-printer display, according to the user's instructions. This allows the PC112 to display information based on printer information using either a batch display or an individual display method. In this case, per-printer display can be considered, for example, the display of information about each individual printer 114. Group display can be considered, for example, the display of information about printers 114 included in any group. All-printer display can be considered, for example, the display of information about all printers 114 associated with the user. Batch display can be considered, for example, a display that combines per-printer display, group display, and all-printer display on a single screen. Individual display can be considered, for example, a display that selects one of per-printer display, group display, or all-printer display and displays it individually. With this configuration, for example, when the management server 12 manages multiple printers 114 associated with a user, the system can select from multiple methods for displaying information based on printer data. In this case, the system can select either a batch display or an individual display according to the user's instructions, and display information based on the printer information on the PC 112. For example, the PC 112 can appropriately display the information the user needs. This also allows for a better and more accurate understanding of the printer 114's status.

[0076] Furthermore, if the management server 12 manages multiple printers 114 associated with a user operating PC112, etc., PC112, etc. may display, on a single screen, an aggregate display that aggregates and displays information about multiple printers 114 associated with the user, and a printer-specific display that displays information about each individual printer 114, with respect to the same or similar matters as shown in Figures 8 to 12. In this case, PC112, etc. may display at least one of the following in the aggregate display: a group aggregate display and a total aggregate display, depending on the user's selection. In this case as well, the group aggregate display can be considered, for example, a display that aggregates information about printers 114 included in the same group. Similarly, the total aggregate display can be considered, for example, a display that aggregates information about all printers 114 associated with the user. In this case as well, PC112, etc. may display only one of the group aggregate display and the total aggregate display as the aggregate display. Alternatively, it may display both the group aggregate display and the total aggregate display as the aggregate display, depending on the information desired by the user. With this configuration, for example, information that the user needs can be appropriately displayed on the PC 112, etc. Furthermore, this allows for a more accurate understanding of the printer 114's status, for example.

[0077] Furthermore, PC112, etc., may also display various other information and warnings not mentioned above. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to issue a warning to the user regarding continued sign-in (sign-in continuation alert). More specifically, as can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, the management server 12 is a server accessed from user sites 14, etc., and manages printer information while identifying users through user authentication. The management server 12 also accepts user sign-ins through user authentication via PC112, etc. In this case, signing in to the management server 12 can be thought of as, for example, signing in to the management screen (dashboard) of the management server 12 via a program executed on PC112, etc. And in this case, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user signed in, it is conceivable to have PC112, etc., issue a warning to the user that the sign-in is continuing. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the user from remaining signed in for a long period of time without realizing it. Furthermore, if data is being sent (uploaded) from PC112, etc. to the management server 12 in the background, a notification may be sent to PC112, etc., after a certain period of time has elapsed, informing it that data is being uploaded in the background. These warnings and notifications could be sent to PC112, etc., for example, as toast notifications. With this configuration, warnings and notifications can be appropriately provided to the user. In addition, when displaying specific information included in various printer information, it is possible to filter out data for items that the user does not need within the specific information that the user wants to check. With this configuration, for example, the necessary data can be made easier for the user to see.

[0078] 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]

[0079] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a display method for displaying information on an electronic device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10...Printing System, 102...Production Site, 104...Administrative Department, 106...Marketing Department, 108...Support Department, 112...PC, 114...Printer, 116...Electronic Devices, 12...Management Server, 14...User Site, 16...External Management Department, 202...Tabs, 222...Display Target Selection Department, 224...Period Setting Department

Claims

1. 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 obtained from the management server, wherein a display method is used to cause information to be displayed on the electronic device, 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, The management server provides, as printer information, at least: The printer status, which indicates the status of the aforementioned printer, The operating history of the aforementioned printer, The print history of the aforementioned printer, They manage, In the information transmission stage, at least the printer status, the operational history, and the print history are transmitted from the management server to the electronic device. A display method characterized in that, in the display stage, the printer status, the operating history, and the print history are displayed on the electronic device in a manner that can be switched according to user operation.

2. The aforementioned printer status is: The ink set name indicating the ink set used in the aforementioned printer, Ink information relating to the ink used in the aforementioned printer, The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is information that at least indicates the following.

3. The aforementioned printer status is: The drawing area indicates the range in which printing can be performed by the aforementioned printer, The print length, which indicates the length of the output printed by the aforementioned printer, The amount of waste ink generated in the aforementioned printer, The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is information including at least one of the following.

4. The aforementioned operational record is, The aggregation of operational information indicating the operating status of the aforementioned printer, The total amount of ink used by the aforementioned printer, The total printing area, which is the area printed on by the aforementioned printer, and The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is information that at least indicates the following.

5. The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that the print history is information that at least indicates the history of print jobs executed in the past.

6. The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that the print history is information that at least indicates the history of the number of prints.

7. The printer information includes the maintenance history for the printer, and the maintenance history is information regarding predetermined maintenance for the printer. The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the display stage, the electronic device is made to issue at least one of the following: a warning prompting the execution of the maintenance, and a warning prompting the replacement of consumables used in the printer.

8. The display method according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the display stage, the electronic device is made to notify the inventory information of the consumables.

9. The display method according to claim 8, characterized in that, at the display stage, the user is prompted to place an order for the consumables based on the inventory status of the consumables.

10. The display method according to claim 7, characterized in that, at the display stage, the electronic device displays whether or not the pre-set recommended maintenance has been performed.

11. The printing system includes the electronic equipment, User device, which is an electronic device that displays information to the user using the printer, The maintenance equipment is an electronic device that displays information to a maintenance worker who provides maintenance services to the printer. Equipped with, The display method according to claim 10, characterized in that, at the display stage, at least the maintenance equipment is used to display whether or not the recommended maintenance has been performed.

12. The management server manages the printers in association with the users of the printers, and manages the printers by dividing them into groups that include one or more of the printers. If the management server manages multiple printers associated with the user operating the electronic device, then at the display stage, 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 Display on the aforementioned electronic device on a single screen, Furthermore, in the summary display, A group summary display that 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 The display method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device displays one of the following.

13. 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 obtained from the management server, wherein a display method is used to cause information to be displayed on the electronic device, 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, The management server provides, as printer information, at least: The printer status, which indicates the status of the aforementioned printer, The operating history of the aforementioned printer, They manage, In the information transmission stage, at least the printer status and the operational record are transmitted from the management server to the electronic device. In the aforementioned display stage, the printer status and the operational history are displayed on the electronic device. 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. A display method characterized by selecting one of the above and displaying information based on the printer information on the electronic device.

14. 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 indicating the status of 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. The management server provides, as printer information, at least: The printer status, which indicates the status of the aforementioned printer, The operating history of the aforementioned printer, The print history of the aforementioned printer, They manage, At a minimum, the printer status, the operational history, and the print history are transmitted to the electronic device. A management system characterized by displaying the printer status, the operating history, and the print history on the electronic device in a manner that can be switched according to user operation.

15. The aforementioned printer status is: The ink set name indicating the ink set used in the aforementioned printer, Ink information relating to the ink used in the aforementioned printer, The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that it is information that at least indicates the following.

16. The aforementioned printer status is: The drawing area indicates the range in which printing can be performed by the aforementioned printer, The print length, which indicates the length of the output printed by the aforementioned printer, The amount of waste ink generated in the aforementioned printer, The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that it is information including at least one of the following.

17. The aforementioned operational record is, The aggregation of operational information indicating the operating status of the aforementioned printer, The total amount of ink used by the aforementioned printer, The total printing area, which is the area printed on by the aforementioned printer, and The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that it is information that at least indicates the following.

18. The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that the print history is information that at least indicates the history of print jobs executed in the past.

19. The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that the print history is information that at least indicates a history of the number of prints.

20. The printer information includes the maintenance history for the printer, and the maintenance history is information regarding predetermined maintenance for the printer. The management system according to claim 14, characterized in that the electronic device is made to issue at least one of the following: a warning prompting the execution of the aforementioned maintenance, and a warning prompting the replacement of consumables used in the printer.

21. The management system according to claim 20, characterized in that the electronic device is used to notify the inventory information of the consumables.

22. The management system according to claim 20, characterized in that it displays on the electronic device whether or not the pre-set recommended maintenance has been performed.

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