JP7839669B2 - Printing apparatus, control method, program, information processing device, and printing system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method, a program, an information processing apparatus, and a printing system.

Some printing machines use rolls of thermal paper. In such machines, a commonly known method involves using sensors to detect when the roll's diameter decreases, thereby detecting the near end of the roll.

The detection method using sensors is designed to account for variations in the diameter and thickness of the paper core of the roll. Therefore, depending on the type of roll paper used, near-end detection may occur even when there is a relatively large amount of usable length remaining.

Against this backdrop, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting the near end of a roll of paper by predicting the remaining length of the roll based on the length of paper used per unit time and a set buffer period, after near-end detection using a sensor.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-26077

However, since the length of paper used per unit time is not always constant, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot detect this accurately. Furthermore, there is a technology that does not notify the user when the sensor detects near-end paper usage, but only after a certain amount of paper has been used. This delay in notification timing also reduces the remaining usable length of paper.

In this technology, it's necessary to pre-determine the remaining length after near-end detection by the sensor. However, since different users use different rolls of paper, the remaining length after near-end detection is often inconsistent. In this case, there's a possibility that more usable length will be left over than expected. Therefore, while it might be possible to allow users to investigate or set the remaining length after near-end detection, this is impractical as it would be cumbersome for users.

Thus, with conventional technology, it was difficult for users to detect the remaining amount of paper in the roll that would trigger near-end notification, and users could not set this value.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can accurately detect the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a diagram showing an example of a printing system configuration. This figure shows various configuration examples related to roll paper. This diagram shows the detection position of the near-end sensor. This diagram shows the differences based on the diameter of the paper roll. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a printing device. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a printing device. This is a flowchart showing the flow of the near-end initial setup process. This is a flowchart showing the flow of near-end notification pre-processing. This is a flowchart showing the process after near-end notification. This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing in a printing system.

The following describes specific examples of the present invention with reference to the drawings.
Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the printing system 10 according to this embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a printing device 100 and an information processing device 200. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 is described using a thermal printer as an example. The information processing device 200 is a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The information processing device 200 includes a communication unit 210 and a control unit 220. In this embodiment, the communication unit 210 communicates with the printing device 100. Various protocols such as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi® are used for communication.

The control unit 220 is implemented by an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The arithmetic unit consists of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memory device includes volatile and non-volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. In addition, it includes display devices such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays (not shown), and user-operated devices such as touch panels and hard keys.

The printing device 100 consists of a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a mechanism unit 130. In this embodiment, the communication unit 110 communicates with the information processing device 200. Various protocols, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, are used for communication, as described above.

The mechanism unit 130 consists of a near-end sensor unit 131, a paper feed unit 132, a paperless sensor unit 133, and a thermal head unit 134. Figure 2 shows examples of each configuration related to roll paper. Specifically, Figure 2 shows examples of the configuration of the paper feed unit 132, the paperless sensor unit 133, and the thermal head unit 134. Figure 2 shows the roll paper along with the paper feed unit 132, the paperless sensor unit 133, and the thermal head unit 134.

The paper feeding unit 132, controlled by the control unit 120, is composed of a stepping motor and transports the thermal paper in the "paper transport direction" shown in the diagram. The thermal head unit 134, controlled by the control unit 120, prints characters or other designs onto the thermal paper. In the following, the term "printing" may be used, but "printing" and "printing" are synonymous.

The paperless sensor unit 133 is configured to detect thermal paper, and determines that there is no paper when thermal paper is no longer detected. The remaining amount of roll paper when thermal paper is no longer detected is the second threshold. As shown in Figure 2, the distance between the paperless sensor unit 133 and the thermal head unit 134 is not zero, but for the sake of clarity, in this embodiment, the second threshold will be assumed to be zero. Note that when the paperless sensor unit 133 determines that there is no paper, it notifies the control unit 120 that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold.

In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 is configured to hold a roll of paper. Therefore, as the diameter of the roll paper decreases with use, the position of the paper core gradually moves downward due to its own weight. The thermal head unit 134 and the paper feed unit 132 are arranged to oppose each other, sandwiching the thermal paper. The paperless sensor unit 133 is located near the paper feed unit 132.

Figure 3 shows the detection position of the near-end sensor unit 131. The near-end sensor unit 131 is located on the side of the paper roll. The left side of the figure shows a relatively large diameter paper roll A, while the right side shows a paper roll B whose diameter has decreased due to use. As shown in Figure 4, when the paper roll has a large diameter, the front of the near-end sensor unit 131 detects either the side of the paper roll or the side of the paper core. Conversely, when the paper roll has a small diameter, the front of the near-end sensor unit 131 detects the hollow portion of the paper core. Therefore, the distance to the detected object when the paper roll has a small diameter is greater than the distance to the detected object when the paper roll has a small diameter.

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

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

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

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

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

The notification unit 125 can notify the information processing device 200. When the information processing device 200 receives notification that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a user-set value, it notifies the user using a display device or the like. Alternatively, the printing device 100 may be equipped with a light-emitting diode (LED) to indicate that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached a user-set value, and the task controlling the LED may be notified that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the user-set value. When the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the user-set value, the task controlling the LED will control it to behave differently than when the remaining amount of roll paper is not at the user-set value, such as by lighting or blinking the LED. The correction unit 126 corrects the length after detection. The correction method will be described later.

The processing flow of the printing device 100 will be explained using a flowchart. The printing device 100 has two main processes. The first process, shown in Figure 5, primarily involves acquiring the detected length. The second process, shown in Figure 6, primarily involves using the acquired detected length to perform near-end notification for the roll paper set in the printing device 100 after the roll paper whose detected length was acquired. Thus, in this embodiment, the first roll paper is used to prepare for near-end notification, and then near-end notifications are performed for subsequent roll papers.

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

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

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

The printing device 100 determines whether the distance d has reached the first threshold due to the use of roll paper (step S303). If the distance d has not reached the first threshold (step S303: NO), the printing device 100 returns to step S302. If the distance d has reached the first threshold (step S303: YES), the printing device 100 starts counting the usage amount B (step S304). Subsequently, the printing device 100 prints or performs paper feeding operations in response to requests from the information processing device 200 or other devices (step S305).

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

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

The printing device 100 initializes the usage amount B to 0 (step S401). The printing device 100 prints or performs paper feeding operations in response to requests from the information processing device 200, etc. (step S402). The printing device 100 determines whether the distance d has reached the first threshold due to the use of roll paper (step S403). If the distance d has not reached the first threshold (step S403: NO), the printing device 100 returns to step S402. If the distance d has reached the first threshold (step S403: YES), the printing device 100 starts counting the usage amount B (step S404). Subsequently, the printing device 100 prints or performs paper feeding operations in response to requests from the information processing device 200, etc. (step S405).

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

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

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

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

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

In the embodiments described above, the paper feed amount B may be corrected because components related to paper feeding, such as gears, expand or contract due to temperature and humidity. For example, a correction coefficient k can be used, where B = k × L × rotation speed. For instance, a standard temperature reference can be established. If the temperature is higher than the reference, the paper feed amount increases, so k can be set to a value less than 1. If the temperature is lower than the reference, the paper feed amount decreases, so k can be set to a value greater than 1. By adjusting the paper feed amount according to the environment in this way, more accurate detection becomes possible.

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the information processing device 200 is equipped with a parameter for counting usage in addition to usage amount B. This parameter allows the device to pre-acquire the usage amount E for one roll of paper. By subtracting E each time usage is notified from the printing device 100, the remaining amount of paper in the roll can be determined. By displaying this remaining amount on the information processing device 200, the user can determine whether printing is possible or not.

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

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

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

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and its equivalents.

10 Printing system 100 Printing devices 110, 210 Communication units 120, 220 Control unit 121 User setting value acquisition unit 122 First detection unit 123 Second detection unit 124 Post-detection length acquisition unit 125 Notification unit 126 Correction unit 130 Mechanism unit 131 Near-end sensor unit 132 Paper feeding unit 133 Paperless sensor unit 134 Thermal head unit 200 Information processing device

Claims (6)

A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user,
A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold,
A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold,
A detection length acquisition unit acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold.
When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained , and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value.
A printing device equipped with a printer. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the length of roll paper used from the time the physical quantity is detected to have reached the first threshold until the physical quantity reaches the second threshold, based on the length of roll paper used from the time the length of roll paper used after the detection of reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length of roll paper used after the detection of reaching the first threshold until the physical quantity reaches the second threshold. A method for controlling a printing device,
A user setting value acquisition step that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user,
A first detection step involves detecting when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold,
A second detection step that detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold,
A post-detection length acquisition step, which acquires the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold,
When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained , and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification step is made to notify that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value.
A control method that includes [a specific feature/method]. A program that makes a computer function as a printing device,
The aforementioned computer,
A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user,
A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold,
A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold,
A detection length acquisition unit acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the remaining amount of roll paper reaches the second threshold.
When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose length after detection has been obtained , and the length of the roll of paper used since the detection of the physical quantity reaching the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the length after detection, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value.
A program to make it work. An information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device,
A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user,
The printing apparatus includes a usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used,
The printing apparatus includes a post-detection length acquisition unit that acquires the post-detection length, which is the length of roll paper used from the time a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper is notified to reach a first threshold until a second threshold is notified.
When a new, unused roll of paper, which was set after the roll of paper whose detected length has been acquired , is used, and the length of the roll of paper used after notification that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the detected length, a notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value.
Equipped with an information processing device. A printing system including a printing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the printing device,
The aforementioned printing apparatus,
A first detection unit detects when a physical quantity correlated with the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a first threshold,
A second detection unit detects when the remaining amount of roll paper reaches a second threshold,
When it is detected that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold, a first notification unit notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold,
When it is detected that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold, a second notification unit notifies the information processing device that the physical quantity has reached the second threshold,
A usage notification unit that notifies the information processing device of the length of roll paper used,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned information processing device is
A user setting value acquisition unit that acquires a user setting value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper set by the user,
A usage amount acquisition unit that acquires the length of roll paper used as notified by the usage amount notification unit,
A detection length acquisition unit acquires the length of roll paper used from the time the first notification unit notifies that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold until the second notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of roll paper has reached the second threshold,
When a new, unused roll of paper is used after the roll of paper whose detected length has been acquired , and the length of the roll of paper used since the first notification unit notified that the physical quantity has reached the first threshold exceeds a reference value obtained by subtracting the user-set value from the detected length, the notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the new roll of paper has reached the user-set value.
A printing system equipped with this system.