Storage medium, recording apparatus, recording system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage medium, a recording apparatus, a recording system. In a configuration in which an operation panel is present on a front surface of an apparatus, it is not possible to perform operation of the apparatus on a back surface side of the apparatus while visually confirming an operation method, and convenience of a user is impaired. A program executed in a portable information terminal in order to operate a recording apparatus provided with a recording unit that records a medium from the portable information terminal, characterized in that the program causes the following step to be executed: based on an event that occurs when the medium is fed from a back surface side of the recording apparatus, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on a display portion of the portable information terminal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on June 16, 2021, with application number 202110667918.1 and entitled "Storage Medium, Recording Apparatus, Recording System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a program executed in a portable information terminal for operating a recording device equipped with a recording unit for recording media. Furthermore, this invention relates to a recording device for recording media. Additionally, this invention relates to a recording system comprising a recording device for recording media and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the recording device. Background Technology

[0003] In recording devices such as printers, as shown in Patent Document 1, most employ a configuration where an operation panel is mounted on the front surface of the device. This configuration includes a display unit on the operation panel for various displays.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-000898

[0005] Recording devices are mostly configured to perform predetermined operations from the back of the device. In the multifunction printer described in Patent Document 1, it is configured to have a paper jam handling cover on the back of the device, and paper jam handling can be performed from the back of the device by opening the cover.

[0006] However, there are cases where users are unaware of how to operate the device from the back. Although there are methods to display the operating methods on the display section of the recording device, as described above, the configuration where the operation panel is located on the front surface of the device makes it impossible to visually confirm the operating methods while operating the device from the back, thus compromising user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The program of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is a program executed in a portable information terminal for operating a recording device having a recording unit for recording a medium from a portable information terminal. The program is characterized in that the following steps are performed: based on an event that occurs when a medium is fed from the rear side of the recording device, information related to the user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display section of the portable information terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, the recording device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; and a feed path for feeding the medium from the rear side of the device body equipped with the recording unit, wherein a control unit for performing various controls of the device body, when communication with a portable information terminal is established, if an event occurring when the medium is fed from the feed path is detected, the control unit notifies the portable information terminal of the detection result.

[0009] Furthermore, the recording system of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a recording device for recording a medium and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the recording device. If the recording device detects an event that occurs when a medium is fed from the back side of the device, it notifies the portable information terminal of the detection result. The portable information terminal receives the notification and displays information related to the user's operation method after the event occurs on a display section provided by the portable information terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A 3D view of the printer from the front side.

[0011] Figure 2 A 3D view of the printer from the front side.

[0012] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the media transport path in a printer.

[0013] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the media transport path in a printer.

[0014] Figure 5 A 3D view of the printer from the back side.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the flip unit.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the connector.

[0017] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating the connection between a printer, a portable information terminal, and a server.

[0018] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating the printer's control system.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of a portable information terminal.

[0020] Figure 11 A timing diagram illustrating the relationship between the controls performed by the printer and portable information terminal and the operations performed by the user.

[0021] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the control process performed by the printer.

[0022] Figure 13 This is an example of a screen that guides users on how to operate the device.

[0023] Figure 14 This is an example of a screen that guides users on how to operate the device.

[0024] Figure 15 This is an example of a screen that guides users on how to operate the device.

[0025] Figure 16 A timing diagram illustrating the relationship between the controls performed by the printer and portable information terminal and the operations performed by the user.

[0026] Figure 17 This is an example of a screen that guides users on how to operate the device.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1: Inkjet printer; 2: Main body; 3: Scanning unit; 3a: Original cover plate; 3b: Original table; 3c: Reading sensor; 3d: Sensor motor; 4: Front surface cover plate; 6: Operation panel; 8: Top surface cover plate; 9: Media outlet; 10: Media cartridge; 11: Pick-up roller; 12A: Inclined support; 12B: Extension support; 13: Feed roller; 14: Auxiliary roller; 15: Transport roller pair; 15a: Transport roller; 15b: Clamping roller; 16: Carriage; 17: Recording head; 18: Media support; 19: Discharge roller pair; 19a: Transport roller; 19b: Clamping roller; 20: Flip roller; 21: Media receiving tray; 22a, 22b, 22c: Driven roller; 23: Connector; 24: Flip roller 49: Adjustment mechanism; 50: Control unit; 51: Carriage motor; 53: Conveyor motor; 54: CPU; 55: Memory; 57: Position detection unit; 58: Rotation detection unit; 59: First medium detection unit; 60: Second medium detection unit; 61: Unit detection unit; 62: Communication unit; 63: Connector detection unit; 64: Human sensor; 70: Control program (SP); 100: Portable information terminal; 101: Control unit; 102: CPU; 103: Memory; 104: Communication unit; 105: Display unit; 110: Application program (AP); 111: Screen; 200: Recording system; 300: Server; 400: Network; T1, T2, T3: Medium feed paths. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in summary.

[0030] The first aspect relates to a program executed in a portable information terminal for operating a recording device equipped with a recording unit for recording a medium from a portable information terminal, characterized in that the program causes the following steps to be performed: based on an event that occurs when a medium is fed from the rear side of the recording device, information relating to a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display section of the portable information terminal.

[0031] According to this method, since the information related to the user's operation method after the event is based on the event that occurs when the medium is fed from the back side of the recording device, the user can easily confirm the operation method when the medium is fed from the back side of the recording device from a visual confirmation perspective, thus improving user convenience.

[0032] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal, the notification indicating that a unit blocking the feed path of the feed medium from the rear side of the recording device has been removed.

[0033] In essence, the removal of a unit that blocks the feed path when feeding media from the rear of the recording device is an indication that the user wishes to feed the media from the rear side of the recording device. In this aspect, since the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal indicating that the removal of a unit that blocks the feed path when feeding media from the rear side of the recording device has been detected, an appropriate operating method adapted to the user's actions can be suggested.

[0034] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal, the notification indicating that a path forming component for forming a feed path for the medium fed from the rear side of the recording device has been installed in the recording device.

[0035] It can be said that the installation of a path-forming component that forms the feed path when feeding media from the rear side of the recording device is an indication that the user intends for the media to be fed from the rear side of the recording device. In this aspect, since the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal, indicating that the path-forming component for forming the feed path is installed on the recording device to form the feed path of the media, it is possible to prompt an appropriate operating method adapted to the user's actions.

[0036] The fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal, the notification indicating that a human sensor located on the rear side of the recording device has detected a human intention.

[0037] The presence of a human sensor located on the back of the recording device indicates that the user may intend to feed the medium from the back of the recording device. In this respect, since the event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal indicating that the human sensor on the back of the recording device has detected a human, it is possible to suggest an appropriate operating method adapted to the user's actions.

[0038] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the information relating to the user operation method includes at least one of still images and moving images.

[0039] According to this aspect, since the information related to the user operation method includes at least one of still images and moving images, the user operation method is visually easy for the user to understand.

[0040] The recording device according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that it comprises: a recording unit for recording a medium; and a feed path for feeding the medium from the rear side of the device body having the recording unit, and a control unit for performing various controls on the device body, which, when communication with a portable information terminal is established, notifies the portable information terminal of the detection result if an event occurring when the medium is fed from the feed path is detected.

[0041] According to this aspect, since the control unit, while establishing communication with the portable information terminal, detects an event occurring when the medium is fed through the feed path, it notifies the portable information terminal of the detection result. Therefore, the portable information terminal can correspondingly display information related to the user's operation method after the event occurs on its display screen. Thus, from a visual confirmation perspective, the user can easily confirm the operation method when the medium is fed from the rear side of the recording device, improving user convenience.

[0042] The recording system involved in the seventh aspect is characterized in that it includes a recording device for recording a medium and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the recording device. If the recording device detects an event that occurs when the medium is fed from the rear side of the device, it notifies the portable information terminal of the detection result. The portable information terminal receives the notification and displays information related to the user's operation method after the event occurs on a display unit provided by the portable information terminal.

[0043] According to this aspect, since the information related to the user's operation method after the event is based on the event that occurs when the medium is fed from the back side of the recording device, the user can easily confirm the operation method when the medium is fed from the back side of the recording device from the perspective of visual confirmation, thus improving the user's convenience.

[0044] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the recording device has an operation panel on one side of its front surface that displays various information, and the same information is displayed on the operation panel of the recording device and the display unit of the mobile information terminal.

[0045] This aspect can improve user convenience.

[0046] The ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the display on the operation panel of the recording device and the display on the display unit of the portable information terminal are synchronized.

[0047] Based on this aspect, user convenience can be further improved.

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0049] The inkjet printer 1 will be described below as an example of a recording device. The inkjet printer 1 will be referred to as printer 1.

[0050] It should be noted that in the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, which is the width direction of the medium being recorded.

[0051] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the device, which is along the media transport direction during recording. The +Y direction is the direction from the back of the device toward the front surface, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back. In this embodiment, the side of the printer 1 with the operation panel 6, i.e., the side in the +Y direction, is the front surface of the device, and the side in the -Y direction is the back of the device.

[0052] The Z-axis direction is along the vertical direction and represents the height of the device. The +Z direction is the vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertical downward direction.

[0053] It should be noted that the direction in which the medium is sent is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction as "upstream."

[0054] Furthermore, in this specification, there are instances where the situation of ejecting ink from the recording head 17 to the medium is referred to as "recording" and instances where it is referred to as "printing." "Printing" is a method of "recording," but in either case, this specification means ejecting ink from the recording head 17 to the medium.

[0055] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 In this printer, the printer 1 has a scanning unit 3, which is an example of an image reading device, on the upper part of the main body 2 of the device for inkjet recording of media. That is, it is configured as a multifunction printer that has the function of reading original documents in addition to inkjet recording. As an example of media, recording paper can be cited.

[0056] The scanning unit 3 is configured to rotate relative to the main body 2 of the device, and can acquire data by rotating it. Figure 1 The closed state is shown, and the open state is not shown.

[0057] Scanning unit 3 is equipped with an opening and closing document stage 3b (see reference). Figure 3 The original manuscript cover plate 3a. On the original manuscript tray 3b (refer to...) Figure 3 Below this is a sensor motor 3d extending along the Y-axis (see reference). Figure 9 The reading sensor 3c moves along the X-axis (refer to...) Figure 3 That is, the scanning unit 3 is a flat-panel image reading device.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 of the device has an operation panel 6 on its front surface for setting various operations, recording settings, and previewing recorded images. In this embodiment, the operation panel 6 is configured as a touch panel that displays various information and provides a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") for receiving various setting operations performed by the user. That is, the operation panel 6 functions as a display unit in the printer 1 that displays various information. The user performs various setting operations and executes operations based on the UI displayed on the operation panel 6.

[0059] A front surface cover 4 is provided on the front surface of the device. By opening the front surface cover 4, the medium box 10, the medium outlet 9, the medium receiving tray 21, etc. are exposed.

[0060] A top surface cover 8 is provided on the upper rear surface of the device in an openable and closable manner. By opening the top surface cover 8, the extension support 12B can be extended upwards. It should be noted that the extension support 12B in its retracted state... Figure 3As indicated by the double-dotted line and reference numeral 12B-1, it is located on the back side of the flipping unit 24, which will be described later. Therefore, when the flipping unit 24 is removed, the extended support portion 12B, which is in a retracted state, is pulled upwards.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 The media feed paths in printer 1 will be described below. Printer 1 has a media feed path T1 when media is fed from the media cartridge 10 at the bottom of the device, a media feed path T2 when media is fed from the upper rear of the device, and a media feed path T3 when media is fed from the back of the device (see reference). Figure 4 These are the three media feed paths. Additionally, reference numeral T4 indicates the media transport path between transport roller pair 15 and discharge roller pair 19. Media feed paths T1, T2, and T3 are all connected to media transport path T4.

[0062] In the media transport path T1, the media is fed from the media cartridge 10, which serves as the media container, in the -Y direction via the pick-up roller 11, and is bent and flipped by the flipping roller 20, and then transported in the +Y direction, specifically toward the transport roller pair 15, which serves as the recording head 17 side. Thus, the media feed path T1 includes a bending and flipping path in which the media fed from the media cartridge 10 is bent and flipped by the flipping roller 20.

[0063] Pick-up roller 11 and flip roller 20 will convey motor 53 (see reference) Figure 9 It serves as a power source. It should be noted that driven rollers 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged along the outer periphery of the turning roller 20.

[0064] In the medium feed path T2, the medium, supported at an inclined position by the inclined support 12A and the extended support 12B, is conveyed toward the transport roller pair 15 via the feed roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14. That is, the medium feed path T2 is the path for feeding the medium located at the upper rear of the device. The feed roller 13 and the auxiliary roller 14 carry the transport motor 53 (see reference 15). Figure 9 ( ) as a power source.

[0065] The medium feed path T3 is a path for manually feeding the medium from the back of the device to the front surface. The medium feed path T3 is generally a straight path, and in this embodiment, it extends horizontally. The medium feed path T3 is established by removing the flipping unit 24 from the back side of the device body 2, removing the connector 23 disposed on the flipping unit 24, and... Figure 4 It is installed on the main body 2 of the device in the manner shown. In other words, the flipping unit 24 is a unit that blocks the medium feed path T3 in the installed state.

[0066] Flip unit 24 Figure 5The configuration shown is such that it is removed from the back side of the main body 2 in the -Y direction, and as... Figure 6 The configuration shown is a unit body equipped with a flipping roller 20. At the upper part of the flipping unit 24, in the +Y direction, as... Figure 6 The connector 23 is shown installed. When feeding the medium using the medium feed path T3, the connector 23 is removed from the flip unit 24, as shown. Figure 4 Install it on printer 1 as shown.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, edge guides 23a and 23b are provided in the connector 23. The edge guides 23a and 23b are configured to approach or separate each other via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). The width-direction end of the medium fed through the medium feed path T3 is guided by the edge guides 23a and 23b.

[0068] Return to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transport roller pair 15, which transports the medium to a position opposite to the recording head 17, is configured with a transport roller 15a and a clamping roller 15b. The transport roller 15a is connected to a transport motor 53 (see reference). Figure 9 The clamping roller 15b is configured to move forward and backward relative to the transport roller 15a, and is pressed toward the transport roller 15a by a spring (not shown), and rotates passively while clamping the medium between itself and the transport roller 15a.

[0069] Downstream of the transport roller pair 15, a recording head 17 and a media support 18, as an example of a recording unit, are arranged opposite each other. In this embodiment, the recording head 17 is configured as an inkjet recording head that ejects ink. The media support 18 defines the gap between the recording head 17 and the media by supporting the media.

[0070] The carriage 16, equipped with the recording head 17, is configured to reciprocate in the media width direction and is controlled by the control unit 50 (see reference 50). Figure 9 The carriage motor 51 controlled by the ) (refer to) Figure 9 It gains power to move in the X-axis direction.

[0071] It should be noted that the carriage 16 is formed by means of the control unit 50 (see reference 50). Figure 9 The controlled adjustment mechanism 49 (refer to) Figure 9 The recording head 17 can be displaced in the Z-axis direction, and the distance between the recording head 17 and the media support 18 can be adjusted via the adjustment mechanism 49. The adjustment mechanism 49 is, for example, composed of a motor and a cam mechanism (not shown).

[0072] A discharge roller pair 19 is provided downstream of the recording head 17 and the media support section 18. The discharge roller pair 19 is configured with a transport roller 19a and a clamping roller 19b. The transport roller 19a is connected to a conveyor motor 53 (see reference 53). Figure 9 The power source is a clamping roller 19b. The clamping roller 19b is configured to move forward and backward relative to the transport roller 19a, and is pressed towards the transport roller 19a by a spring (not shown), and rotates passively while clamping the medium between itself and the transport roller 19a. The recorded medium is discharged out of the device by the discharge roller pair 19 and supported by the medium receiving tray 21.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 9 The control system in printer 1 will be described.

[0074] The control unit 50 performs various controls on the printer 1, including feeding, conveying, recording, and discharging of the medium in the main body 2, and reading the original document via the scanning unit 3. Signals from the operation panel 6 are input to the control unit 50, and signals for implementing the UI on the operation panel 6 are also sent from the control unit 50 to the operation panel 6.

[0075] The control unit 50 controls the carriage motor 51, the conveyor motor 53, and the sensor motor 3d. In this embodiment, each motor is a DC motor.

[0076] The control unit 50 also receives detection signals from the position detection unit 57, rotation detection unit 58, first medium detection unit 59, second medium detection unit 60, unit detection unit 61, connector detection unit 63, and human sensor 64.

[0077] The position detection unit 57 is a linear encoder used to detect the position of the carriage 16 in the X-axis direction. The rotation detection unit 58 is a rotary encoder used to detect the rotation amount and speed of the conveyor motor 53.

[0078] The unit detection unit 61 is provided in the flipping unit 24 (see reference 24) within the main body 2 of the device. Figure 5 The detection unit 61 is used to detect whether the flipping unit 24 is installed in the main body 2 of the device. In this embodiment, the unit detection unit 61 is composed of a contact sensor.

[0079] It should be noted that if the processing performed by the unit detection unit 61 is not required, the unit detection unit 61 can be omitted.

[0080] The coupling detection unit 63 is provided in the coupling 23 (see reference 2) within the main body 2 of the device. Figure 4 The detection unit 63 is used to detect whether the connector 23 is installed in the main body 2 of the device. In this embodiment, the connector detection unit 63 is composed of a contact sensor.

[0081] It should be noted that if the processing performed by the connector detection unit 63 is not required, the connector detection unit 63 may be omitted.

[0082] Human sensor 64 is located on the back of the main body 2 of the device (see reference). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the human sensor 64 is an infrared sensor that detects changes in the amount of infrared radiation when a person approaches, thereby enabling the control unit 50 to detect when a person approaches the back of the printer 1.

[0083] It should be noted that if the processing using the human sensor 64 is not required, the human sensor 64 can be omitted.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the first medium detection unit 59 is located near the upstream of the feed roller pair 15 and is used to detect the passage of the front and rear ends of the medium. In use... Figure 3 When the media feed path T3 is shown, if the front end of the media inserted by the user passes the detection position of the first media detection unit 59, the control unit 50 emits a "crack" sound from the speaker not shown and starts rotating the transport roller pair 15 to transport the inserted media downstream.

[0085] The first medium detection unit 59 can be composed of a contact or non-contact sensor.

[0086] The second medium detection unit 60 is a detection unit provided on the carriage 16 at a position opposite to the medium, and is used for detecting the edge position of the medium in the Y-axis direction, the edge position in the X-axis direction, etc. The second medium detection unit 60 can be composed of an optical sensor having a light-emitting unit that emits detection light and a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light from the medium.

[0087] The control unit 50 includes a CPU 54 and a memory 55. The CPU 54 performs various processes based on the program stored in the memory 55, controlling various operations in the device body 2 and the scanning unit 3. The memory 55 is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written, storing programs and various parameters used for controlling the device body 2 and the scanning unit 3. The control program stored in the memory 55 (in...) Figure 9 The printer 1 status is communicated to the portable information terminal 100 (described later) as needed by the printer 1 (represented by "SP" in the middle). Additionally, various settings entered by the user via the operation panel 6 are stored in the memory 55.

[0088] The control unit 50 includes a communication unit 62. The communication unit 62 is a communication module for wireless communication with external devices; in this embodiment, it is a communication module for wireless communication using the Wi-Fi method. Wi-Fi is a method for performing wireless communication according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is an international standard. It should be noted that "Wi-Fi" is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

[0089] However, the communication unit 62 is not limited to this; it can also be a communication module that conducts wireless communication via Bluetooth according to the international standard IEEE 802.15.1, or it can be infrared communication or other wireless communication methods. Furthermore, the communication unit 62 can also be configured to include multiple of the above-mentioned communication modules.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, the printer 1 with the above configuration, together with the portable information terminal 100 capable of communicating with the printer 1, constitutes the recording system 200. An example of the portable information terminal 100 is a smartphone. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1 and the portable information terminal 100 can be connected to a network 400, enabling data transmission and reception with a remote server 300 via the network 400.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, the portable information terminal 100 includes a control unit 101 and a display unit 105. In this embodiment, the display unit 105 is configured as a touch panel, which displays various information and implements a UI for receiving various setting operations performed by the user. The user performs various setting operations and executes operations based on the UI displayed on the display unit 105.

[0092] Signals from the display unit 105 are input to the control unit 101, and signals for implementing the UI in the display unit 105 are sent from the control unit 101 to the display unit 105.

[0093] The control unit 101 includes a CPU 102 and a memory 103. The CPU 102 performs various processes based on the program stored in the memory 103 and controls the display unit 105. The memory 103 is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written, storing programs executed by the CPU 102, various parameters, etc. The application program stored in the memory 103 (in...) Figure 10 (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 110, which will be described in detail later, is a procedure that performs the following steps: based on an event that occurs when a medium is fed from the back side of the printer 1, information related to the user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display unit 105.

[0094] It should be noted that, in this specification, "events occurring when feeding media from the back side of printer 1" include: user operations and actions during media feeding from the back side of printer 1, detection of said operations and actions in printer 1, and processing of the result of printer 1 detecting said operations and actions. As will be described in detail later, said operations include removing the flip unit 24 and installing the connector 23, and said actions include the user approaching the back of printer 1. Furthermore, the processing of the result of printer 1 detecting said operations and actions includes notifying the portable information terminal 100 of the detection of said operations and actions.

[0095] The control unit 101 includes a communication unit 104. In addition to a communication module for communication with the mobile device, the communication unit 104 also includes a communication module for wireless communication via Wi-Fi. It should be noted that the communication unit 104 may include a communication module for wireless communication via Bluetooth, or it may include infrared communication or other wireless communication modules. However, the communication unit 104 must be a component capable of establishing communication with at least the printer 1.

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 11 The processing flow performed by the control unit 50 of printer 1 and the control unit 101 of portable information terminal 100 will be explained in conjunction with user operation. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the processing performed by the control unit 50 of printer 1 will be described as the processing performed by printer 1. Similarly, the processing performed by the control unit 101 of portable information terminal 100 will be described as the processing performed by portable information terminal 100.

[0097] If the user performs a connection operation with the printer 1 in the portable information terminal 100 (step S10), the printer 1 and the portable information terminal 100 will perform connection processing (step S11).

[0098] It should be noted that, in order to easily obtain the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password used to identify the Wi-Fi network when the user is on the back of printer 1, for example, it can also be done as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the lower back 2a exposed when the extension support 12B is pulled upward displays a QR code-coded SSID and password. An example of a QR code is the QR code. The name QR code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE.

[0099] Alternatively, the portable information terminal 100 may be configured such that a communication unit for wireless communication via NFC (Near Field Communication) is provided on the back of the printer 1, and the portable information terminal 100 obtains the SSID and password via NFC communication.

[0100] Next, if the user operates the printer 1 application, namely AP110 (refer to...), in the portable information terminal 100... Figure 10 The portable information terminal 100 initiates the startup operation (step S12), and then the portable information terminal 100 starts the AP110 (step S13).

[0101] If the user removes the flip unit 24 from the back side of printer 1 in this state (refer to...) Figure 5 (Step S14) Then, the printer 1 notifies the portable information terminal 100 that it has detected that the flip unit 24 has been removed (Step S15). The printer 1 receives this notification and displays a UI on the portable information terminal 100 that guides the user on how to operate the device in the future (Step S16).

[0102] The UI is as follows Figure 13 The image shown is 111 and Figure 14 As shown in screen 112, it consists of a message guiding the user's operation method, a still or moving image illustrating the operation method, and several operation buttons for receiving user input. For example, in Figure 13 In screen 111, a message "Please remove the connector from the flip unit" is displayed, along with a still image schematically showing the message. Additionally, if in Figure 13 If the user clicks "Next", then... Figure 14 As shown in screen 112, a message "Please install the connector to the printer" is displayed, along with a still image schematically illustrating the message. By including at least one of still images and moving images in the information related to the user's operating method, the user's operating method becomes visually easier to understand for the user.

[0103] It should be noted that when the user presses "Skip", step S22, which will be described later, is performed in this embodiment.

[0104] Next, if the user sets the connector 23 on the printer 1 (step S17), the printer 1 will notify the portable information terminal 100 that the connector 23 has been set (step S18). Upon receiving this notification, the portable information terminal 100 will further display a UI indicating the user's subsequent operating methods (step S19). This UI may be, for example, like... Figure 15As shown in screen 113, it is configured to include a message that “Please insert the paper before the ‘crack’ sound” and a still image that schematically shows the message.

[0105] In contrast, if the user places the media on the media feed path T3 of printer 1 (step S20), printer 1 notifies portable information terminal 100 that the media has been placed (step S21). Upon receiving this notification, portable information terminal 100 displays the print setting UI on display unit 105 (step S22). This print setting UI provides settings for media size, type, and recording quality. Media types include, for example, plain paper and glossy paper, and recording quality includes, for example, "plain" and "clean".

[0106] If the user makes various printing settings and selects "OK" (step S23), the portable information terminal 100 sends the operation information to the printer 1 (step S24). The printer 1 receives this information and records the media and ejects the recorded media (step S25). If this is completed, the printer 1 notifies the portable information terminal 100 that printing is finished (step S26), and the portable information terminal 100 receives this and displays a UI asking for confirmation to continue printing (step S27). A UI is provided here for the user to select between "Continue printing?" and "End?".

[0107] If the user selects to continue printing, the process returns to step S19. If the user selects to end printing (step S29), the portable information terminal 100 displays a UI on the display unit 105 instructing the user on subsequent operations. For example, this might instruct the user to remove the connector 23 from the printer 1, then install the removed connector 23 onto the flip unit 24, and then install the flip unit 24 back onto the printer 1.

[0108] When the operation guidance in step S29 ends or if the user chooses to skip the operation guidance, the portable information terminal 100 displays the main screen on the display unit 105 (step S30).

[0109] Reference Figure 12 right Figure 11 The processing flow of printer 1 in step S25 will be explained. If operation information is received from portable information terminal 100, printer 1 determines the first media detection unit 59 (refer to...). Figure 4The system checks whether media has been detected (step S101). If no media is detected (No in step S101), an alarm is issued (step S105). This alarm may include, for example, a beeping sound from a speaker (not shown) on the printer 1, or a warning display indicating that no media has been installed on the operation panel 6 on the printer 1. Alternatively, the information indicating that no media has been installed may be sent to the portable information terminal 100. The portable information terminal 100 receives this information and may also display a warning indicating that no media has been installed on the display unit 105.

[0110] On the other hand, if a medium is detected ("Yes" in step S101), recording of the medium is performed (step S102), and the recorded medium is ejected (step S103). Then, a notification indicating the end of printing is sent to the portable information terminal 100 (step S104 and...). Figure 11 Step S26).

[0111] As explained above, AP110 is a program executed in the portable information terminal 100 for operating the printer 1 from the portable information terminal 100, which performs the following steps (in Figure 11 Steps S16, S19, and S29 are executed based on events that occur when the media is fed from the back side of printer 1. Figure 11 In steps S15 and S18), information related to the user's operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display unit 105 of the portable information terminal 100.

[0112] Furthermore, if printer 1 detects an event occurring when media is fed from media feed path T3 while communication with portable information terminal 100 is established ( Figure 11 In steps S14 and S17, the detection is notified to the portable information terminal 100. Figure 11 Steps S15 and S18 in the process.

[0113] Furthermore, in the recording system 200 including printer 1 and a portable information terminal 100 capable of communicating with printer 1, if printer 1 detects an event occurring when a medium is fed from the rear side of the device ( Figure 11 In steps S14 and S17, the detection is notified to the portable information terminal 100. Figure 11 In steps S15 and S18, the portable information terminal 100 receives the notification and displays information related to the user's operation method after the event occurs on the display unit 105 of the portable information terminal 100.

[0114] Therefore, from a visual confirmation perspective, users can easily confirm the operation method when feeding media from the back side of printer 1, thus improving user convenience.

[0115] Furthermore, from AP100's perspective, the aforementioned event is a notification from printer 1 to portable information terminal 100. Figure 11 In step S15), the notification indicates that a situation has been detected in which the unit body of the medium feed path T3, which is blocked as the feed path when the medium is fed from the back side of the printer 1, namely the flipping unit 24, has been removed.

[0116] That is, it can be said that the removal of the flip unit 24 from the back side of the printer 1 is an indication that the user wishes to feed the media from the back side of the printer 1. Moreover, since the above event is a notification from the printer 1 to the portable information terminal 100, indicating that the flip unit 24 has been detected to have been removed from the back side of the printer 1, it can prompt the appropriate operating method adapted to the user's actions.

[0117] Furthermore, from AP100's perspective, the aforementioned event is a notification from printer 1 to portable information terminal 100. Figure 11 In step S18), the notification indicates that the connector 23, which is the path forming component of the forming medium feed path T3, has been installed to the printer 1.

[0118] That is, it can be said that the fact that the connector 23 has been installed on the printer 1 is an indication that the user wishes to feed the media from the back side of the printer 1. Moreover, since the above event is a notification from the printer 1 to the portable information terminal 100, indicating that the connector 23 has been installed on the printer 1, it can prompt the appropriate operating method adapted to the user's behavior.

[0119] Next, refer to Figure 16 Other embodiments of the processing performed on printer 1 and portable information terminal will be described.

[0120] about Figure 16 Steps S40 to S43, due to... Figure 11 Steps S10 to S13 are the same, so their explanations are omitted below.

[0121] In this embodiment, when a user approaches the back of printer 1 (step S44), if printer 1 passes the human sensor 64 (refer to...) Figure 5 , Figure 9 If this situation is detected, the printer 1 will notify the portable information terminal 100 of this (step S45).

[0122] Therefore, upon receiving this, the portable information terminal 100 displays a UI (step S46) indicating the user's subsequent operation methods. This UI is, for example, as shown below. Figure 17As shown in screen 114, it consists of a message that reads "Please remove the flip unit from the printer" and a still image that schematically illustrates the message.

[0123] Conversely, if the user removes the flip unit 24 from the printer 1 (step S47), the printer 1 will notify the portable information terminal 100 that it has detected that the flip unit 24 has been removed (step S48). Regarding the subsequent steps S49 to S63, since they are consistent with the reference... Figure 11 The steps S16 to S30 are the same, so their descriptions are omitted below.

[0124] As described above, even in this embodiment, AP110, which is a program executed in the portable information terminal 100 for operating the printer 1 from the portable information terminal 100, also performs the following steps (in Figure 16 Steps S46, S49, S52, and S62 are executed: based on an event that occurs when the medium is fed from the back side of the printer 1, information related to the user's operation method after the event is displayed on the display unit 105 of the portable information terminal 100.

[0125] Therefore, from a visual confirmation perspective, users can easily confirm the operation method when feeding media from the back side of printer 1, thus improving user convenience.

[0126] Moreover, in this embodiment, the aforementioned event is a notification from the printer 1 to the portable information terminal 100, indicating that the human sensor 64 located on the back side of the printer 1 has detected a person.

[0127] That is, it can be said that the presence of a human sensor 64 located on the back side of printer 1 indicates that the user may wish to feed media from the back side of printer 1. Moreover, since the aforementioned event is a notification from printer 1 to portable information terminal 100, indicating that the human sensor 64 located on the back side of printer 1 has detected a human, it is possible to prompt an appropriate operating method adapted to the user's actions.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, it can also be carried out in the following manner as appropriate.

[0129] (1) The user operation method can be displayed not only on the display unit 105 of the portable information terminal 100, but also on the operation panel 6 of the printer 1. In this case, the information displayed on both can be the same. This improves the convenience for the user.

[0130] Furthermore, the display on the display unit 105 of the portable information terminal 100 and the display on the operation panel 6 of the printer 1 can be synchronized. For example, it can be configured so that when one switches screens, the other screen switches at the same time. This further improves user convenience.

[0131] (2) Information related to the user's operation method can be stored in the memory 103 of the portable information terminal 100, or it can be stored in the memory 55 of the printer 1. In this case, the portable information terminal 100 obtains information related to the user's operation direction from the printer 1 via wireless communication. Alternatively, information related to the user's operation method can be stored in... Figure 8 In this case, the portable information terminal 100 obtains information related to the user's operating direction from the server 300 via the network 400.

[0132] (3) As events that occur when the medium is fed from the back side of the printer 1, the following are listed as examples: removing the flip unit 24 from the printer 1, installing the connector 23 to the printer 1, and the user approaching the printer 1. However, it goes without saying that this is not the only one.

[0133] For example, the situation where the user selects the medium feed path T3 as the medium feed path in the portable information terminal 100 can also be considered as the above event.

[0134] (4) In the above embodiment, the user's approach to the back of the printer 1 is detected by the human sensor 64. However, for example, it can also be configured such that the printer 1 detects the angle of the portable information terminal 100 relative to the printer 1 based on the incident angle of the radio waves received from the portable information terminal 100, and determines that the user has approached the back of the printer 1 if it can be determined that the portable information terminal 100 is located in a position further in the -Y direction than the back of the printer 1.

[0135] (5) In the above embodiment, the application program AP110 in the portable information terminal 100 is set to be started by the user. However, it can also be set to automatically start AP110 based on an event that occurs when the portable information terminal 100 feeds the medium from the back side of the printer 1.

[0136] (6) User operations performed from the rear of the device can include not only feeding the media via the media feed path T3, but also handling paper jams. After removing the media clogging the device, the flipping unit 24 is detached from the device body 2. Furthermore, since the control unit 50 of the printer 1 can detect paper jams based on the detection information from the first media detection unit 59 or the second media detection unit 60, it can notify the portable information terminal 100 when it detects a paper jam. The portable information terminal 100 receives this notification and displays the method for removing the clogged media on the display unit 105.

[0137] Furthermore, when a paper jam is detected inside the device, if the portable information terminal 100 receives a notification from the printer 1 indicating that a user is approaching the back of the printer 1, it will not display the operation method related to the feeding of the medium using the medium feed path T3, but will instead prioritize displaying the paper jam handling method.

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A storage medium, characterized by, A program is stored, which is executed in a portable information terminal to operate a recording device provided with a recording unit that records a medium from the portable information terminal, The program causes the following to be executed: based on an event that occurs when a medium is fed from a back side of a device main body provided with the recording unit, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on a display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal that indicates that the medium fed from the back side of the recording device is detected by a medium detection portion, The program further causes the following to be executed: based on an event that a unit body that clogs a feeding path of the medium fed from the back side of the recording device is detected to be detached, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal.

2. A storage medium, characterized by A program is stored, which is executed in a portable information terminal to operate a recording device provided with a recording unit that records a medium from the portable information terminal, The recording device has a first medium feeding path when a medium is fed from a medium cassette of a bottom portion of a device main body provided with the recording unit, a second medium feeding path when a medium is fed from a rear upper portion of the device main body, and a third medium feeding path when a medium is fed from a back side of the device main body, The program causes the following to be executed: based on an event that occurs when the medium is fed from the third medium feeding path, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on a display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal that indicates that selection of the third medium feeding path is detected, The program further causes the following to be executed: based on an event that a unit body that clogs a feeding path of the medium fed from the back side of the recording device is detected to be detached, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal.

3. The storage medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The program further causes the following to be executed: based on an event that indicates that preparation for feeding is completed by a path forming portion that forms a feeding path of the medium fed from the back side, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal.

4. The storage medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The program further causes the following to be executed: based on an event that a human sensor provided on a back side of the recording device detects a human, information about a user operation method after the event occurs is displayed on the display portion of the portable information terminal, The event is a notification from the recording device to the portable information terminal.

5. The storage medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information related to the user operation method after the event includes at least either one of a still image and a moving image.

6. A recording apparatus characterized by comprising: provided with: a recording unit that records a medium; and a feeding path that feeds the medium from a back surface side of a device main body provided with the recording unit, a control unit that performs various controls of the device main body, in a state where communication with a portable information terminal is established, if an event that occurs when the medium is fed from the feeding path is detected, notifies a result of the detection to the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal receives the notification, and causes information related to a user operation method after the event to be displayed on a display portion provided in the portable information terminal, the event is an event that a unit body that clogs the feeding path of the medium fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detached, after the medium fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detected by a medium detection portion, a roller that feeds the medium is rotated.

7. A recording apparatus characterized by comprising: provided with: a recording unit that records a medium; a first medium feeding path when a medium cassette provided at a bottom of a device main body provided with the recording unit feeds the medium; a second medium feeding path when the medium is fed from a rear upper portion of the device main body; and a third medium feeding path when the medium is fed from a back surface of the device main body, a control unit that performs various controls of the device main body, in a state where communication with a portable information terminal is established, if an event that occurs when the medium is fed from the feeding path is detected, notifies a result of the detection to the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal receives the notification, and causes information related to a user operation method after the event to be displayed on a display portion provided in the portable information terminal, the event is an event that a unit body that clogs the third medium feeding path is detached, after the medium fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detected by a medium detection portion, a roller that feeds the medium is rotated.

8. A recording system characterized by comprising: including a recording device that records a medium and a portable information terminal that can communicate with the recording device, the recording device, if an event that occurs when the medium is fed from a back surface side of the recording device is detected, notifies a result of the detection to the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal receives the notification, and causes information related to a user operation method after the event to be displayed on a display portion provided in the portable information terminal, the event is an event that a unit body that clogs the feeding path of the medium fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detached, after the medium fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detected by a medium detection portion, a roller that feeds the medium is rotated.

9. A recording system characterized by comprising: including a recording device that records a medium and a portable information terminal that can communicate with the recording device, the recording system has a first medium feeding path when a medium cassette provided at a bottom of a device main body provided with a recording unit feeds the medium, a second medium feeding path when the medium is fed from a rear upper portion of the device main body, and a third medium feeding path when the medium is fed from a back surface of the device main body, A control unit that performs various controls of the device main body, in a state where communication with the portable information terminal is established, if detecting an event that occurs when a medium is fed from the feeding path, notifies the portable information terminal of the result of the detection, the portable information terminal receives the notification, and causes information about a user operation method after the event occurs to be displayed on a display portion provided in the portable information terminal, The event is an event in which a unit body that clogs the third medium feeding path is unloaded, After the medium that is fed from the back surface side of the recording device is detected by a medium detection portion, a roller that feeds the medium is caused to rotate.

10. The recording system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The recording device is provided with an operation panel that displays various information on the device front surface side, and the operation panel provided in the recording device and the display portion provided in the portable information terminal display the same information.

11. The recording system according to claim 10, wherein Display in the operation panel provided in the recording device and display in the display portion provided in the portable information terminal are synchronized.

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