Patent ID: 7574279

Claim:
A controller comprising: communication means for transmitting and receiving data through a communication line; storage means for storing information of an agreement regarding a manufacturing device which is monitored and a first head identification number associated with the agreement; and controlling means for controlling the maintenance and use of the manufacturing device based on the agreement information and monitor data by receiving the monitor data and a warning signal from the manufacturing device through the communication means, updating stored monitor data regarding the manufacturing device using the received monitor data, and recording the updated monitor data in the storage means, the controlling means also outputting data of the manufacturing device, receiving a second head identification number from the manufacturing device, the second head identification number corresponding to an inkjet head mounted on the manufacturing device, comparing the first head identification number stored in the storage means with the second head identification number received from the manufacturing device, and issuing a warning when the head identification numbers do not match; the controlling means being located outside of a manufacturing system site of the manufacturing device; and the warning signal indicating that a breach of the agreement has occurred.