JP5104970B2 - Interface module, printing apparatus, program, and maintenance method for printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an interface module connected to a printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users, a printing apparatus, a program, and a printing apparatus maintenance method.

  Conventionally, a printing apparatus connected to a network is often shared and used by a plurality of users (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using the printing device in such a form, it is possible to print the print data of a plurality of users with one printing device, saving space compared to the case of installing a dedicated printing device for each. There is an advantage that the maintenance cost of the printing apparatus can be saved.

JP 2004-220192 A

  By the way, when the maintenance cost of this type of printing apparatus (for example, the cost related to consumables such as ink and paper P and the cost related to replacement parts such as cutters, motors, and gears) is borne for each user, the printing apparatus of each user Since the usage amount is unclear, it is impossible to bear the cost based on the actual usage ratio, which may be an obstacle to operation.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an interface module and a printing apparatus that allow each user to bear a maintenance cost related to the printing apparatus at a ratio based on an actual usage ratio in a printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users. It is an object of the present invention to provide a program and a maintenance method for a printing apparatus.

  An interface module according to the present invention is an interface module that is connected to a host device that generates print data and is connected to a printing device that prints the print data, and that receives print data from the host device. A parameter information acquisition unit that analyzes the received print data and acquires parameter information that is a parameter for calculating a print cost required for printing the print data; and stores the acquired parameter information for each predetermined classification And a parameter information storage means.

  A printing apparatus maintenance method according to the present invention is a printing apparatus maintenance method for printing print data generated by the host apparatus while being connected to the host apparatus. The printing apparatus receives print data from the host apparatus. The received print data receiving step, the received print data is analyzed, the parameter information obtaining step for obtaining parameter information that is a parameter for calculating the printing cost required for printing the print data, and the obtained parameter information And a parameter information storing step for storing each predetermined classification.

  According to these configurations, parameter information serving as a parameter for calculating the printing cost is stored for each predetermined classification, so that the user can calculate the printing cost for each predetermined classification. Therefore, when a plurality of users share a printing apparatus, the parameter information is classified and stored for each user, and the maintenance cost of the printing apparatus is borne at a ratio based on the actual usage ratio of each user. It becomes possible to do.

  In this case, the parameter information preferably includes at least one of the number of print characters, the amount of ink or toner used, the number of automatic cuts, the paper feed amount, the number of print transactions, and the number of communication transactions.

  According to this configuration, at least one of the number of print characters, the amount of ink or toner used, the number of automatic cuts, the amount of paper feed, the number of print transactions, and the number of communication transactions is stored as parameter information for calculating the printing cost. be able to. The “print transaction” represents a predetermined print process such as a process for one receipt, for example, as one processing unit. The “communication transaction” refers to, for example, a period from establishment of communication to release of a connection. A series of flows is expressed as one processing unit.

  Further, in these cases, when the printing apparatus stores maintenance information regarding the usage status or consumption status of the consumable parts used in the printing apparatus, the parameter information acquisition unit replaces the print data with the parameter from the maintenance information. It is preferable to acquire information.

  According to this configuration, since the parameter information for calculating the printing cost is acquired from the maintenance information stored in the printing apparatus, the process of analyzing the received print data can be omitted.

  In these cases, it is preferable to further include parameter information reading means for reading the stored parameter information and printing cost calculation means for calculating the printing cost for each classification based on the read parameter information.

  According to this configuration, the printing cost is automatically calculated for each predetermined classification based on the saved parameter information by the interface module, so that the trouble of manually calculating the printing cost for each classification can be saved.

  In these cases, it is preferable that identification information for identifying the classification of the parameter information is added to the print data, and the parameter information storage means classifies the parameter information based on the identification information.

  According to this configuration, since the parameter information is classified and stored based on the identification information added to the print data, the parameter information can be classified according to the type and format of the print data.

  In this case, when there are a plurality of host devices, it is preferable that the identification information includes host identification information for identifying the host device, and the parameter information storage means classifies the parameter information based on the host identification information. .

  According to this configuration, since the parameter information is classified and stored based on the host identification information for identifying the host device, the parameter information can be classified according to the host device that has received the print data. As an example of the host identification information, an IP address of the host device transmitted together with the print data is assumed.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the print data receiving unit has a plurality of interfaces, and the parameter information storage unit classifies the parameter information based on the interface that has received the print data.

  According to this configuration, the parameter information is classified and stored for each interface that has received the print data. This is effective, for example, when each user who shares the printing apparatus uses the interface in a fixed manner. Note that the plurality of interfaces need not be physically plural, and even if there is a single physical connector such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a plurality of interface ports are logically provided inside the interface module. It can also be configured to be identifiable as

  In these cases, it is preferable to further include a transmission unit that transmits the read parameter information and / or the calculated printing cost to the host device.

  According to this configuration, the host device can acquire parameter information and / or printing cost. That is, for example, when the host device displays the parameter information and / or printing cost in a visually recognizable manner, each user can easily grasp his / her own parameter information and printing cost in the host device. Further, by configuring the host device to be communicable with a server or the like that can perform payment processing, payment processing can be performed based on the printing cost acquired by the host device.

  A printing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including each unit in the interface module described in any one of the above.

  According to this configuration, in the printing apparatus, parameter information that is a parameter for calculating the printing cost is stored for each predetermined classification, and the printing cost is calculated for each predetermined classification based on the stored parameter information. Is possible. In this case, the interface module may be integrated into the printing apparatus, or the printing apparatus may include a program for realizing each unit in the interface module.

  The program of the present invention causes a computer to function as each means in the interface module described in any one of the above.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program that allows each user to bear the maintenance cost related to the printing apparatus at a ratio based on the actual usage ratio in the printing apparatus shared by a plurality of users.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system. It is a control block diagram of a printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function structure of a module. It is a flowchart which shows a parameter information storage process and a printing cost calculation process. It is a figure which shows an example of parameter information. It is a figure which shows an example of the calculation formula which calculates printing cost.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an interface module, a printing apparatus, a program, and a printing apparatus maintenance method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The interface module of the present invention is connected to a host device and a printing device, and is shared by a plurality of users by analyzing print data received from the host device and calculating a printing cost required for print processing of the print data. It is possible for each user to bear the maintenance cost relating to the printing apparatus to be performed at a rate based on the actual usage rate. Therefore, a printing system including a host device and a printing device equipped with an interface module will be described below as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a host device 100 (three units are displayed in the figure) that generates print data, and print data generated by the host device 100 on a sheet P such as a receipt. The printing apparatus 50 is configured to print.

  The host device 100 includes a POS application 101 for performing settlement processing in a store, a printer driver 102 for controlling printing of the printing device 50, a control unit 103 for controlling the entire host device 100, and the like. The control unit 103 generates payment processing information based on an input from an input device such as the keyboard 104 or the barcode reader 105, displays the information on the display 106, and prints on the paper P based on the generated payment processing information. Generate print data. Further, the POS application 101 of the host device 100 can generate print data for the purpose of advertising to a customer or sales promotion represented by, for example, a coupon in addition to the settlement processing information.

  The printing apparatus 50 has a discharge port 51 through which printed paper P (receipt, coupon, etc.) is discharged on its upper surface, and an interface module 10 having a plurality of network interfaces 11 connected to the host apparatus 100 ( (Hereinafter simply referred to as a module) is mounted, and the module 10 is configured to be detachable from a mounting slot 52 of the printing apparatus 50 main body. Note that the network interface 11 supports serial data transfer such as RS-232 standard, parallel data transfer such as Centronics standard, network connection such as 10Base-T of Ethernet (registered trademark), and data transfer standard such as USB and wireless LAN. (In the example shown, one corresponding to the 10Base-T and USB data transfer standards; the connection cable is not shown). Further, the plurality of network interfaces 11 do not need to be physically plural, and even if there is a single physical connector such as Ethernet, it is logically identified as a plurality of interface ports inside the module 10. It can also be configured.

  The module 10 is provided with the plurality of network interfaces 11 and the operation display indicator 12 described above on the front side thereof. The operation display indicator 12 indicates the operation state of the module 10, and is configured by an LED that lights or blinks. Further, the module 10 includes a control board 13 having memories (see FIG. 2) such as a ROM 16 and a RAM 17 in addition to the CPU 15 at the center, and is connected to the printing apparatus main body (the print control unit 53 and the memory unit 54) at the rear. The connection part 14 (connector) for this is provided. The plurality of network interfaces 11, the connection unit 14, and the operation display indicator 12 are connected to the control board 13 via a bus.

  Next, the control configuration of the module 10 and the printing apparatus 50 (main body) will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the module 10 includes an operation display indicator 12, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16, and a RAM (Random Access) in addition to the plurality of network interfaces 11 and the connection unit 14 described above. Memory) 17, which are connected to an input / output interface 19 via an internal bus 18. The ROM 16 stores a control program for controlling various processes such as a print data analysis process and a print cost calculation process, which will be described later, by the CPU 15.

  The input / output interface 19 incorporates a logic circuit that complements the functions of the CPU 15 and handles interface signals with various peripheral circuits, and print data and control data received from the host device 100 are processed as they are or after being processed. The data and control signals output from the CPU 15 to the internal bus 18 are output to the respective units as they are or are processed in conjunction with the CPU 15 while being taken into the bus 18. With the above configuration, the CPU 15 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the module 10 via the input / output interface 19 in accordance with the control program in the ROM 16, and in the RAM 17 based on the input various signals and data. These various data are processed, and various signals and data are output to each part in the module 10 via the input / output interface 19, thereby controlling various processes such as transfer (transmission / reception) of print data. The operation indicator 12 is constituted by an LED, and is lit when some processing is performed in the module 10 and blinks when an error occurs.

  The printing apparatus 50 (main body) includes a printing control unit 53, a memory unit 54, a printing unit 55 having a printing head (not shown), a paper feeding unit 56 that feeds paper in synchronization with printing in the printing unit 55, and a paper P The cutting part 57 which cut | disconnects is provided. The memory unit 54 includes a reception buffer (not shown) that receives print data and various control commands transferred from the module 10, and parameter information PI (see FIG. 5; described later) for calculating a printing cost related to the printing process. The cutting unit 57 includes an automatic cutter for automatically cutting the paper P based on the cut command and a predetermined operation by the operator as a trigger. A manual cutter (not shown) for manually cutting the paper P is provided. Then, the print control unit 53 performs print control by expanding the data stored in the reception buffer into a data format that can be transferred to the printing unit 55. The parameter information block 54a is composed of a nonvolatile memory.

  Furthermore, the functional configuration of the module 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the module 10 includes a print data receiving unit 21, a parameter information acquiring unit 22, a parameter information storing unit 23, a parameter information reading unit 24, a printing cost calculating unit 25, and a transmitting unit 26. The print data receiving unit 21 receives print data generated in the host device 100.

  The parameter information acquisition unit 22 analyzes the received print data, and acquires parameter information PI (see FIG. 5) for calculating the printing cost for printing the print data. The parameter information storage unit 23 stores the parameter information PI acquired by the parameter information acquisition unit 22 in the parameter information block 54a in the printing device 50 (main body) memory unit 54 for each predetermined classification. The parameter information reading means 24 outputs the parameter information PI stored in the parameter information block 54a so that it can be processed inside the reading module 10. The printing cost calculation unit 25 calculates the printing cost for each predetermined classification based on a predetermined calculation formula (see FIG. 6) using the read parameter information PI as a parameter. Note that the parameter information block 54 a serving as the storage destination of the parameter information PI may be configured in the RAM 17 of the module 10.

  The transmission unit 26 transmits the read parameter information PI and / or the calculated printing cost to the host device 100. The print data receiving means 21 and the transmitting means 26 are mainly composed of a plurality of network interfaces 11 (see FIG. 2), and the other means are such that the CPU 15 processes various data according to the control program in the ROM 16, This is realized by cooperating with the input interface 19 or the like.

  Next, a series of flow of parameter information storage processing and printing cost calculation processing executed in the module 10 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). As shown in FIG. 5A, in the parameter information storing process, first, the print data receiving unit 21 receives the print data (S01), then the parameter information acquiring unit 22 analyzes the print data, and the analysis result is obtained. Obtained as parameter information PI (S02). Further, the parameter information storage unit 23 stores the acquired parameter information PI for each predetermined classification (S03).

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in the printing cost calculation process, the parameter information reading unit 24 first reads the stored parameter information PI (S11), and uses the read parameter information PI as a parameter. The calculation unit 25 calculates the printing cost for each predetermined classification (S12). Further, the parameter information PI read by the transmission unit 26 and / or the calculated printing cost is transmitted to the host device 100 (S13). This printing cost calculation process is preferably executed periodically, for example, every month or every quarter. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that parameter information PI and printing cost are transmitted to the host device 100 in response to a request from the host device 100.

  Here, the parameter information PI will be described in detail. As described above, the parameter information PI is stored in the parameter information block 54a of the printing apparatus 50 (main body) memory unit 54 for each predetermined classification. The parameter information PI shown in FIG. 5A is added to, for example, print data, and “command A” indicating that the print data is data for receipt printing based on an identification command for identifying the print data. , And print data is classified and stored as “command B” indicating that it is data for coupon printing.

  The parameter information PI includes parameters such as a communication transaction number 31, a communication data amount 32, a print transaction number 33, a print data amount 34, a paper feed amount 35, an auto-cut number 36, and a paper usage amount 37. The number of communication transactions 31 is the number of processing times when a series of flow from establishing communication for printing and receiving print data to releasing the connection is one transaction, and the communication data amount 32 is the host device 100. Is the cumulative number of data bytes received through communication with. The number of print transactions 33 is the number of processes when a predetermined print process such as a receipt or a coupon is processed as one transaction.

  The print data amount 34 is an accumulation representing the amount of data to be printed, for example, in dot units. In this embodiment, the print data amount 34 is divided into character data and image (graphic) data and accumulated. The paper feed amount 35 is an accumulation in which, for example, the paper feed amount executed by the paper feed unit 56 in association with the printing process by the printing unit 55 is expressed in millimeters. The auto-cut count 36 is the number of auto-cut processes performed by the cutting unit 57 after the printing process. The paper usage 37 is an accumulation representing the amount of paper P required for printing, for example, in millimeters.

  That is, the parameter information acquisition unit 22 determines the above-described from the analysis result of various commands (cut command, graphic command, etc.) included in the print data received from the host device 100 and the communication information (communication transaction number, data byte number, etc.). Get each parameter of. The “communication transaction” is not limited to the above example, and may be based on, for example, a packet unit or a data unit. Further, the communication data amount 32 may count the number of data packets instead of accumulating the number of data bytes. Further, the print data amount 34 may be calculated as an ink discharge amount based on the number of ink discharges, particularly when the printing apparatus 50 employs an ink jet method.

  In the above example, the parameter information PI is classified based on the identification command added to the print data. However, the parameter information PI is not limited to this identification command. For example, the parameter information PI is classified for each host device 100 that has received the print data. Or the parameter information PI may be classified for each network interface 11. In other words, the configuration may be such that the parameter information PI is classified based on communication information (for example, the IP address or reception port number of the host device 100) included in the received print data. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is naturally possible to classify the parameter information PI by hierarchizing each interface, each host device, and each command. That is, a plurality of classifications may be combined as classification conditions.

  When maintenance information (not shown) regarding the usage status or consumption status of consumable parts used in the printing apparatus 50 is stored in the memory unit 54 of the printing apparatus 50, the parameter information acquisition unit 22 The parameter information PI may be acquired from the maintenance information and stored in the parameter information block 54a. Specifically, when print data is received, firstly, classification information for classifying the parameter information PI is acquired from the print data, and the current value of the maintenance information is referred to and temporarily stored. When the print process (one print transaction process) is completed, the current value of the maintenance information is referred to and stored again. Then, the difference between the maintenance information referred to when the print data is received and the maintenance information referred to when the printing is completed is acquired as parameter information PI and stored in the parameter information block 54a. According to this configuration, the print data analysis process by the parameter information acquisition unit 22 can be omitted.

  Furthermore, the printing cost calculation process performed by the printing cost calculation unit 25 will be described with a specific example. (A) to (e) shown in FIG. 6 exemplify calculation formulas for calculating the printing cost using the above-described parameters.

  For example, when parameters belonging to the classification of “command A” shown in FIG. 5A are used, as shown in FIG. 6A, the auto cutter replacement cost is calculated by dividing the number of auto cuts by the auto cutter life. By multiplying, the replacement cost of the auto cutter for the classification of “command A”, that is, the replacement cost of the auto cutter related to the receipt printing process is calculated. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the difference between the number of print transactions and the number of auto-cuts, that is, the number of manual cuts divided by the manual cutter life, is multiplied by the manual cutter replacement cost to obtain “command A”. The replacement cost of the manual cutter for each category is calculated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, a1 (paper feed amount), b1 (ink use amount), which are coefficients representing the contribution ratio of the “command A” to the paper feed amount, the ink use amount, and the auto-cut count, By multiplying the sum of each of c1 (auto-cut times) by the unit price of power consumption, the amount of power cost to be supplied to the printing apparatus 50 for the classification of “command A” is calculated. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4D, a2 (paper feed amount) and b2 (ink use amount) which are coefficients representing the contribution ratio of the “command A” to the paper feed amount, the ink use amount, and the auto-cut count. , C2 (number of times of auto cut) is multiplied by the maintenance unit price to calculate the maintenance cost burden associated with the printing apparatus 50 for the classification of “command A”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5E, a3 (paper feed amount), b3 (ink use amount), which are coefficients representing the contribution ratio of the “command A” to the paper feed amount, the ink use amount, and the auto-cut count, By multiplying the sum of each multiplied by c3 (number of auto-cuts) by the count period from the previous cost calculation to the current cost calculation, divided by the product lifetime and the replacement cost of the printing device 50 The amount of purchase funds for the next purchase of the printing apparatus 50 for the classification of “command A” is calculated.

  Note that the coefficients (a1 to c3) representing the above-described contribution rates reflect not only the ratio of the cost calculation target classification to the total sum of all classifications, but also the predetermined contribution ratio specific to each classification. A dedicated coefficient is prepared for each printing cost. In addition, it goes without saying that the printing cost for the classification of “command B”, that is, the printing cost for the coupon printing process is calculated by performing the above calculation using the parameters belonging to the classification of “command B”.

  Accordingly, since the printing cost for the receipt printing process and the printing cost for the coupon printing process are calculated based on the actual processing ratio, the store side bears the cost for the receipt printing process, and the coupon printing process Even when the issuer that issues the coupon bears the operation, the store and the issuer can bear the maintenance cost of the printing apparatus 50 fairly.

  It should be noted that the “ink usage” in the above calculation formula can be calculated based on the print data amount 34 included in the parameter information PI. In addition, constants such as auto cutter life, auto cutter replacement cost, manual cutter life, manual cutter replacement cost, power consumption unit price, maintenance maintenance unit price used in the above calculation are programs for calculating printing costs (printing cost calculation means Instead of the configuration incorporated in 25), the configuration may be such that the printing cost calculation means 25 stores the data in the memory unit 54 of the printing apparatus 50 and reads them from the memory unit 54. According to this configuration, the module 10 can be mounted on a plurality of printing apparatuses 50 having different specifications.

  Further, the printing cost calculated by the module 10 is not limited to the printing cost calculated by the calculation formula shown in FIG. 6, and various printing costs can be calculated according to the actual situation. For example, each burden amount related to the operation cost of the network may be calculated using the number of communication transactions, the number of communication data, and the like as parameters.

  Further, it is preferable that the parameter information PI is reset when the printing cost calculation process is completed. Alternatively, instead of reset, each value of the parameter information PI at the time when the cost calculation process is completed may be stored, and a difference from the value at the time when the next cost calculation process is performed may be used as a cost calculation parameter. Of course, the stored parameter information PI and / or the calculated printing cost can be printed out by the printing apparatus 50 and output.

  Furthermore, an application example of the parameter information PI and / or printing cost transmitted from the transmission unit 26 to the host device 100 will be described. For example, it can be assumed that the parameter information PI and / or printing cost received by the host device 100 is displayed on the display 106 so as to be visible. With this configuration, the user can easily confirm the parameter information PI and / or the printing cost using the host device 100. At this time, the user may designate a desired classification in the host apparatus 100, and the module 10 may transmit only the parameter information PI and / or printing cost of the designated classification to the host apparatus 100.

  Further, the printing device 50 or the host device 100 is configured to be able to communicate with a payment processing server capable of payment processing, and the printing cost calculated for each classification and the payment information of each classification such as credit information are displayed on the printing device 50. Alternatively, the payment processing may be automatically performed by the host device 100 transmitting to the payment processing server. According to this configuration, it is possible to simplify processing for charging maintenance costs for users corresponding to each category.

  As described above, according to the module 10 of the present embodiment, the parameter information that is a parameter for calculating the printing cost is stored for each predetermined classification, and the printing cost for each classification is set using the stored parameter information PI as a parameter. When the printing apparatus is shared by a plurality of users, the parameter information PI is classified and stored for each user, so that the maintenance of the printing apparatus 50 is performed at a ratio based on the actual usage ratio of each user. It becomes possible to bear each expense. Furthermore, since the printing cost is automatically calculated for each predetermined classification based on the stored parameter information PI, it is possible to save the trouble of manually calculating the printing cost for each classification.

  The module 10 of this embodiment is configured to be integrated into the printing apparatus 50, but may be configured to be connected between the host apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 50 via a cable, such as an adapter. .

  In this embodiment, the print data generated by the POS application of the host device 100 is described as an example of the configuration in which the printing device 50 prints on the paper P. However, the types of print data generated by the host device 100 are as follows. It doesn't matter. Further, the host device 100 that generates print data may be an external server that is connected to the printing device 50 via, for example, the Internet.

  Moreover, it is also possible to provide each part (each function) of the module 10 shown in the above example as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in a recording medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  Furthermore, by storing the above program in the printing apparatus 50, the above-described units may be realized by the printing apparatus alone.

  In addition, the apparatus configuration and processing steps of the printing system 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, regardless of the above-described embodiments.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 10 ... Interface module, 11 ... Network interface, 15 ... CPU, 21 ... Print data receiving means, 22 ... Parameter information acquisition means, 23 ... Parameter information storage means, 24 ... Parameter information reading means, 25 ... Printing Cost calculation means, 26 ... transmission means, 50 ... printing apparatus, 54a ... parameter information storage block, 100 ... host apparatus, PI ... parameter information.

Claims (8)

An interface module connected to a host device that generates print data by a POS application and connected to a printing device that prints a receipt and a coupon based on the print data;
Print data receiving means for receiving print data to which an identification command for identifying the print data is added from the host device;
A parameter information acquisition unit that analyzes the received print data and acquires parameter information that is a parameter for calculating a printing cost required for printing the print data;
Based on the identification command added to the print data, the acquired parameter information is issued by a coupon issuing company as to whether the print data is data for receipt printing based on payment processing information generated by the POS application. and parameter information storage means for storing classified by whether the data for coupon printing to,
Parameter information reading means for reading the saved parameter information;
Based on the read parameter information, a printing cost calculation unit that calculates a printing cost for a receipt printing process and a printing cost for a coupon printing process,
An interface module characterized by comprising: The print data receiving means has a plurality of interfaces,
Connected to a plurality of the host devices,
2. The interface module according to claim 1, wherein the parameter information storage unit classifies and stores the parameter information for receipt printing and coupon printing for each interface and each host device.   3. The parameter information includes at least one of the number of print characters, the amount of ink or toner used, the number of automatic cuts, the amount of paper feed, the number of print transactions, and the number of communication transactions. The described interface module. When the printing device stores maintenance information regarding the usage status or consumption status of consumable parts used in the printing device,
4. The interface module according to claim 1, wherein the parameter information acquisition unit acquires the parameter information from the maintenance information instead of the print data. 5. The interface module according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the calculated printing cost to the host device. 6. 6. A printing apparatus comprising: each means in the interface module according to claim 1. 6. A program for causing a computer to function as each means in the interface module according to claim 1. Is connected to a host apparatus that generates print data by the POS application, a maintenance method for a printing apparatus for printing receipts and coupons based on those indicia printing data,
The printing device is
A print data receiving step of receiving print data to which an identification command for identifying the print data is added from the host device;
A parameter information acquisition step of analyzing the received print data and acquiring parameter information that is a parameter for calculating a printing cost required for printing the print data;
Based on the identification command added to the print data, the acquired parameter information is issued by a coupon issuing company as to whether the print data is data for receipt printing based on payment processing information generated by the POS application. a parameter information storage step of storing classified by whether the data for coupon printing to,
A parameter information reading step for reading the stored parameter information;
Based on the read parameter information, a printing cost calculation step for calculating a printing cost for a receipt printing process and a printing cost for a coupon printing process,
The maintenance method of the printing apparatus characterized by performing this.

Images