Printing device and control method

Abstract

This invention provides a printing apparatus and a control method. Users need to scroll to retrieve desired icons, which presents a problem in terms of workability. The printing apparatus includes: a printing unit for printing; an operation panel for displaying multiple operation keys and handling operations performed by the user; a control unit for controlling the operation panel; and a communication unit for communicating with an external device. The multiple operation keys include user-defined keys, which are registered with the operations performed by the user on the operation panel. When the user performs an operation on the operation panel, the control unit performs storage processing to store operation information based on the operation and registration processing to register the operation information in the user-defined keys.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] A recording device with an operation panel is known. Patent Document 1 describes a printer that has an operation panel displaying various icons. The printer is an example of a recording device. The operation panel includes a first display section and a second display section. The first display section displays icons for various processing menus such as copying and scanning. The second display section is fixed in a predetermined position and displays icons. The user can access icons other than those for the various processing menus by scrolling along the length of the operation panel.

[0003] Users need to scroll to retrieve the desired icon, which presents a challenge in terms of operability.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-59394 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a printing unit for printing; an operation panel for displaying a plurality of operation keys and receiving operations performed by a user; a control unit for controlling the operation panel; and a communication unit for communicating with an external device. The plurality of operation keys include user-defined keys, and the user-defined keys are registered with the operations performed by the user on the operation panel. When the user performs an operation on the operation panel, the control unit performs storage processing to store operation information based on the operation and registration processing to register the operation information in the user-defined keys.

[0006] The control method disclosed herein is a control method for a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a printing unit for performing printing and an operation panel, the operation panel displaying multiple operation keys including user setting keys, and accepting operations performed by the user. In the control method, the operation performed by the user on the operation panel is accepted; operation information based on the operation is stored; and the operation information is registered in the user setting keys. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A diagram showing the general structure of a printer.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the modular structure of a printing system, including a printer.

[0009] Figure 3A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0010] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of a control flow executed using a printer.

[0011] Figure 5 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0012] Figure 6 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0013] Figure 7 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0014] Figure 8 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0015] Figure 9 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0016] Figure 10 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0017] Figure 11 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0018] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating an example of a control flow executed using a printer.

[0019] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an example of a control flow executed using a printer.

[0020] Figure 14 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0021] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating an example of a control flow executed using a printer.

[0022] Figure 16 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0023] Figure 17 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0024] Figure 18 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0025] Figure 19 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0026] Figure 20 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0027] Figure 21 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0028] Figure 22 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0029] Figure 23 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel.

[0030] Figure 24 A diagram showing the overview structure of the control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 The outline structure of printer 10 is shown. Figure 1 Printer 10 is shown in a perspective view. Printer 10 is a serial scanning type inkjet printer. As an example, printer 10 is a large-format printer that prints on media larger than A1 size. Printer 10 receives a printing task from an external printing control unit 70. Printer 10 prints an image on the media by ejecting ink onto the media according to printing data based on the printing task. Printer 10 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus.

[0032] Figure 1 The XYZ coordinate system is shown. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printer 10. The -Z direction is the direction upward from the mounting surface. The +Z direction is the direction upward towards the mounting surface. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the Z-axis. The Y-axis is parallel to the direction in which the storage tray 19C, described later, is installed. The +Y direction is the direction from the front surface 12A of the frame 12, described later, towards the rear surface 12E of the frame 12. The -Y direction is the direction from the rear surface 12E of the frame 12 towards the front surface 12A. The X-axis is perpendicular to both the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The -X direction is the direction from left to right when viewed from above, opposite the front surface 12A. The +X direction is the direction from right to left when viewed from above, opposite the front surface 12A.

[0033] The printer 10 includes a main body 11 and a liquid supply device 19. The main body 11 houses the printing mechanism 20, which will be described later. The liquid supply device 19 houses one or more types of ink. The ink housed in the liquid supply device 19 is supplied to the printing mechanism 20. The main body 11 includes a frame 12, a support frame 13, a supply section 14, a window 17, and a control panel 18.

[0034] The frame 12 is an outer component of the main body 11 of the device. As an example, the frame 12 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, with its width along the X-axis being longer than its depth along the Y-axis. The frame 12 includes a front surface 12A, a top surface 12B, a first side surface 12C, a second side surface 12D, and a rear surface 12E. The front surface 12A is the surface of the frame 12 in the -Y direction. The top surface 12B is the surface of the frame 12 in the -Z direction. The first side surface 12C is the surface of the frame 12 in the -X direction. The second side surface 12D is the surface of the frame 12 in the +X direction. The rear surface 12E is the surface of the frame 12 in the +Y direction.

[0035] The support frame 13 supports the frame 12. Figure 1 The printer 10 shown has two support frames 13. The two support frames 13 are respectively positioned at a +X direction position and a -X direction position on the frame 12. The number of support frames 13 is not limited to two. The number of support frames 13 can be appropriately set. Each support frame 13 includes legs 13A and small casters 13B.

[0036] Leg 13A is positioned in the +Z direction of support frame 13. Leg 13A is a component that extends along the Y-axis.

[0037] The small caster 13B supports the printer 10 in a movable manner. The small caster 13B is located at a position in the +Z direction of the leg 13A. Although Figure 1 The printer 10 shown is equipped with casters 13B, but is not limited to this. The printer 10 may also not have casters 13B.

[0038] The supply unit 14 supports a roll (not shown). The roll is formed by winding strips of paper, cloth, or other media into a cylindrical shape. The supply unit 14 supports the roll in a rotatable manner. The supply unit 14 is positioned in the -Y direction of the printer 10. The supply unit 14 supplies the media wound on the roll to the printing mechanism 20 housed within the frame 12.

[0039] The outlet 16 discharges the medium conveyed within the frame 12. The outlet 16 also discharges the medium that has been printed by the printing mechanism 20. The outlet 16 is located on the front surface 12A of the frame 12. As an example, the medium discharged from the outlet 16 is received in a medium receiving unit (not shown). The medium discharged from the outlet 16 can also be wound up by a winding roll (not shown).

[0040] The window 17 is configured to allow visual inspection of the interior of the frame 12. The window 17 is constructed of a light-transmitting component. The user can inspect the medium being transported within the frame 12 via the window 17. The window 17 is located on the top surface 12B. The window 17 is configured as a rectangle whose width along the X-axis is longer than its length along the Y-axis.

[0041] The control panel 18 accepts various input operations performed by the user. The control panel 18 corresponds to an example of an operation panel. The control panel 18 is disposed on the top surface 12B. The control panel 18 has input functions for accepting various input operations and display functions for displaying various screens, etc. The control panel 18 includes a display panel 18A. The control panel 18 may also have multiple input buttons.

[0042] Display panel 18A displays various images, etc. The various images displayed on display panel 18A will be shown later. As an example, display panel 18A is composed of a display with touch input functionality. The display is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, etc.

[0043] The liquid supply device 19 is configured to be connected to the main body 11. The liquid supply device 19 includes a supply unit main body 19A, a supply unit frame 19B, a storage tray 19C, and a waste liquid storage section 19D.

[0044] The supply unit body 19A houses the storage tray 19C, waste liquid storage section 19D, etc. The supply unit body 19A is positioned in the -X direction of the device body 11. The supply unit body 19A is supported by a cutout (not shown) provided on the device body 11.

[0045] The supply unit frame 19B is an external component of the supply unit body 19A. Multiple insertion ports are provided on the surface of the supply unit frame 19B in the -Y direction.

[0046] A storage tray 19C is installed in the insertion port of the supply unit frame 19B. The storage tray 19C is configured to be detachable and detachable along the Y-axis relative to the insertion port of the supply unit frame 19B. Multiple storage trays 19C are installed in the supply unit frame 19B. Each storage tray 19C is installed in a different insertion port. A liquid supply source is stored in the storage tray 19C. As an example, the liquid supply source is an ink bag for storing ink. The liquid supply source can also be an ink cartridge, ink container, etc. Different colors of ink are stored in the multiple storage trays 19C.

[0047] The waste liquid collection section 19D collects the ink that leaks out of the supply unit frame 19B as waste liquid. The waste liquid collection section 19D is positioned in the +Z direction of the supply unit body 19A. As an example, the waste liquid collection section 19D is a waste liquid tray configured to be detachable from the supply unit frame 19B.

[0048] Figure 2 The modular structure of a printing system 1, including a printer 10, is shown. The printing system 1 includes a printer 10 and a printing control device 70. Although... Figure 2 The printing system 1 shown consists of a printer 10 and a printing control device 70 as separate units, but it is not limited to this. The printer 10 and the printing control device 70 can also be configured as a single unit. Figure 2 A printing system 1 including a printing control device 70 is shown. The printing system 1 may also include multiple printing control devices 70.

[0049] The printer 10 includes a control panel 18, a printing mechanism 20, a storage unit 30, a control unit 40, and a communication unit 50. Figure 2 The liquid supply device 19, etc., is omitted in the text.

[0050] The control panel 18 generates input information based on various input operations performed by the user. The control panel 18 sends the input information to the control unit 40. The control panel 18 receives screen data from the control unit 40. The control panel 18 causes the display panel 18A to display screen data. The control panel 18 uses the display panel 18A to display various screens. The control panel 18 receives various setting data from the control unit 40. The control panel 18 sets the functions of various icons 120 displayed on the display panel 18A based on preset setting information. Various icons 120 are displayed on various screens such as the main screen 100.

[0051] Display panel 18A acquires screen data, etc. Based on the screen data, display panel 18A displays various screens, such as the home screen 100 and the settings screen, as described later. Display panel 18A displays one or more icons 120 in each screen. An icon 120 corresponds to an example of an operation key.

[0052] The printing mechanism 20 performs printing on a medium. The printing mechanism 20 corresponds to an example of a printing unit. The printing mechanism 20 has a print head 21 and a medium transport unit 23. The printing mechanism 20 has a roll-to-roll rotation mechanism (not shown), a drying unit, etc. The roll-to-roll rotation mechanism is a mechanism that rotates a roll supported on a supply unit 14 and unwinds the medium wound on the roll. The drying unit dries the ink sprayed onto the medium.

[0053] The print head 21 ejects ink onto the medium. By ejecting ink onto the medium, the print head 21 prints images, etc., onto the medium. The print head 21 ejects one or more types of ink supplied from the liquid supply device 19.

[0054] The media transport unit 23 transports the media wound on the roll body supported by the supply unit 14 to a position opposite the print head 21. The media transport unit 23 transports the media, from which ink has been ejected through the print head 21, toward the discharge port 16. The media transport unit 23 includes multiple transport roller pairs, media support components, etc. The multiple transport roller pairs and media support components are not shown.

[0055] Storage unit 30 stores various information, programs, etc. Storage unit 30 stores firmware and other programs that control printer 10. Storage unit 30 also stores image data displayed on display panel 18A. Storage unit 30 is constructed from semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage unit 30 may also be constructed from magnetic recording media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0056] The control unit 40 is a printer controller that controls the printer 10. The control unit 40 corresponds to one example of a control unit. The control unit 40 controls various units such as the control panel 18, printing mechanism 20, and communication unit 50. As an example, the control unit 40 is a processor with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 40 is composed of one or more processors. The control unit 40 functions as various functional units by executing firmware stored in the storage unit 30. The control unit 40 functions as a display control unit 41, a printing control unit 43, an operating mode control unit 45, and a panel function control unit 47. The control unit 40 can also function as a functional unit other than the display control unit 41, printing control unit 43, operating mode control unit 45, and panel function control unit 47.

[0057] The display control unit 41 controls the display panel 18A included in the control panel 18 so that the display panel 18A displays various screens. The display control unit 41 generates various screen data and sends it to the control panel 18. By sending screen data to the control panel 18, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display various screen data.

[0058] The printing control unit 43 controls the printing mechanism 20, causing the printing mechanism 20 to perform printing. The printing control unit 43 generates printing data based on printing tasks sent from the printing control device 70, etc. The printing task includes a printing execution instruction that causes the printer 10 to perform printing. The printing task corresponds to an example of a printing instruction. The printing control unit 43 sends printing data to the printing mechanism 20. The printing control unit 43 causes the printing mechanism 20 to perform printing by sending printing data to the printing mechanism 20. Upon receiving a printing task sent from the printing control device 70, the printing control unit 43 puts the printing mechanism 20 into a standby state. As an example, the standby state is a state where the printhead 21 can eject ink and the media transport unit 23 can transport media. The standby state corresponds to an example of a printable state.

[0059] The operation mode control unit 45 controls the operation mode of the printer 10. The operation mode control unit 45 sets the operation mode based on input operations performed by the user. The operation mode control unit 45 then operates the printing mechanism 20 and the like according to the set operation mode. The operation mode includes a printing mode and a teaching mode. The operation mode may also include modes other than printing and teaching modes.

[0060] The printing mode is a mode in which the printing mechanism 20 performs various settings or printing actions based on input operations performed by the user on the control panel 18. When the user performs a predetermined input operation on the control panel 18, the operation mode control unit 45 sets the operation mode to printing mode. When the printing mode is set, the printing control unit 43 processes the printing settings set based on the user's input operations. The printing control unit 43 uses the printing settings to operate the printing mechanism 20. The printing control unit 43 can also store the printing settings in the storage unit 30.

[0061] The teach mode is a mode in which the display panel 18A of the control panel 18 displays pre-stored registration information. The teach mode corresponds to an example of the display mode. The registration information is information registered in a manner that establishes a correspondence with the user setting icon 122 described later. The registration information corresponds to an example of operation information. When the user performs a predetermined input operation on the control panel 18, the operation mode control unit 45 sets the operation mode to teach mode. When the teach mode is set, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display the operation steps. When the teach mode is set, the printing control unit 43 does not process printing settings corresponding to the input operation on the control panel 18, nor does it process printing using the printing settings.

[0062] The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting registration process that registers registration information in the user setting icon 122. This setting registration process corresponds to an example of a registration process. When the user performs an input operation, the panel function control unit 47 performs a setting storage process that stores registration information based on the input operation. This setting storage process corresponds to an example of a storage process. The panel function control unit 47 causes the storage unit 30 to store the registration information.

[0063] The registration information includes display registration information and execution registration information. Display registration information is the information that causes the display panel 18A to display a screen. When a user performs an input operation on the user setting icon 122 that has registered display registration information, the display panel 18A displays the screen included in the display registration information. The screen accepts the input operation performed by the user. Execution registration information is the information that causes the printing mechanism 20 to perform actions. When a user performs an input operation on the user setting icon 122 that has registered execution registration information, the printing mechanism 20 performs a predetermined action. The predetermined action may be an adjustment action, a maintenance action, etc. Execution registration information may also include display registration information that causes a predetermined screen to be displayed on the display panel 18A.

[0064] The communication unit 50 is an interface circuit for communicating with the printing control device 70, etc. The communication unit 50 corresponds to one example of a communication unit. The communication unit 50 connects to the printing control device 70, etc., via wired or wireless means according to a predetermined communication protocol. The communication unit 50 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, etc. The wired connector may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, a LAN (Local Area Network) connector, etc. The wireless communication port may be a wireless LAN port, a Bluetooth communication port, etc. Bluetooth is a registered trademark. The communication unit 50 receives printing tasks from the printing control device 70. The communication unit 50 sends the printing results obtained based on the printing tasks to the printing control device 70.

[0065] The printing control device 70 causes the printer 10 to perform printing. The printing control device 70 corresponds to an example of an external device. The printing control device 70 causes the printer 10 to perform printing by sending a printing task to the printer 10. The printing control device 70 can also generate registration information registered in the user setting icon 122 and send it to the communication unit 50. The user causes the printing control device 70 to execute the printer control program and generate registration information. The printing control device 70 sends the generated registration information to the communication unit 50. The communication unit 50 receives the registration information and sends it to the panel function control unit 47. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the registration information and registers it in the user setting icon 122.

[0066] Figure 3 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figure 3 An example of a home screen 100 displayed on a display panel 18A included in the control panel 18 is shown. The home screen 100 is displayed on the display panel 18A under the control of the display control unit 41. The control panel 18 includes a power button 18B and an NFC reader 18C. NFC is short for Near Field Communication.

[0067] The power button 18B accepts input operations performed by the user. When the user performs an input operation on the power button 18B, the power to the printer 10 switches between on and off. Although Figure 3 The power button 18B shown is located inside the control panel 18, but it can also be located in a different position than the control panel 18.

[0068] The NFC reader 18C reads NFC tags embedded in personal identification cards used for user identification. The NFC reader 18C has a tag reading function. By reading the NFC tag, the NFC reader 18C can obtain user identification information used for user identification.

[0069] Display panel 18A displays the home screen 100 under the control of display control unit 41. Display panel 18A includes a first icon display area 111, a second icon display area 113, a status display area 115, an information display area 117, and an environmental information display area 119. Display panel 18A displays various icons 120 and various information in the first icon display area 111, etc.

[0070] The first icon display area 111 is the area for displaying one or more icons 120. The first icon display area 111 is displayed when a screen other than the homepage screen 100 is displayed. Icons 120 configured within the first icon display area 111 are always displayed. Although Figure 3 The first icon display area 111 shown is composed of a single area, but is not limited to it. The first icon display area 111 can also be divided into multiple areas. The position of the first icon display area 111 can be set appropriately. Figure 3 The first icon display area 111 shown displays the homepage icon 121 and the user settings icon 122. The first icon display area 111 can also display icons 120 other than the homepage icon 121 and the user settings icon 122.

[0071] Icon 120 accepts input operations performed by the user. When icon 120 accepts an input operation performed by the user, control panel 18 generates input information and sends the input information to control unit 40. The input information includes at least one of display instruction data and action instruction data. Display instruction data is data that causes display panel 18A to display a display screen associated with icon 120. Action instruction data is data that causes printing mechanism 20 to perform an action associated with icon 120.

[0072] The homepage icon 121 is used to perform input operations when the user places the screen to be displayed on the display panel 18A onto the homepage screen 100. The homepage icon 121 is an example of icon 120. The homepage icon 121 can be lit or turned off. When the homepage icon 121 is lit, it accepts input operations performed by the user. When the homepage icon 121 is turned off, it is not used to perform input operations by the user. When the user performs an input operation on the homepage icon 121, the homepage screen 100 is displayed on the display panel 18A.

[0073] User setting icon 122 is configured to register input operations performed by the user on control panel 18. User setting icon 122 is an example of icon 120. User setting icon 122 corresponds to an example of user setting key. Registration information is registered in user setting icon 122 based on the control of panel function control unit 47. User setting icon 122 accepts input operations performed by the user. When the user performs an input operation on user setting icon 122, display control unit 41 causes control panel 18 to display at least a portion of the input operation based on the registration information. Alternatively, when the user performs an input operation on user setting icon 122, printing control unit 43 executes the operation of printing mechanism 20 based on the registration information.

[0074] The second icon display area 113 is an area for displaying one or more icons 120. The icons 120 displayed in the second icon display area 113 may or may not be displayed when a screen other than the homepage screen 100 is displayed. Although Figure 3 The second icon display area 113 shown is composed of a single area, but is not limited to it. The second icon display area 113 can also be divided into multiple areas. The position of the second icon display area 113 can be appropriately set. The second icon display area 113 displays the setting menu icon 123, the interior lighting icon 124, the function selection icon 125, the maintenance icon 126, the manual link icon 127, and the warning notification icon 128.

[0075] The setting menu icon 123 is used when the user wants the display panel 18A to display the setting menu. Setting menu icon 123 is an example of icon 120. The setting menu is a screen that displays a list of various settings related to the printing mechanism 20. These settings include adjustments to the gap between the media support member and the print head 21. When the user performs an input operation on setting menu icon 123, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display the setting menu.

[0076] The internal lighting icon 124 is input when the user wants to turn the internal lighting on or off. The internal lighting icon 124 is an example of icon 120. An internal lighting system (not shown) is provided inside the frame 12 of the printer 10. When the user inputs the internal lighting icon 124, the internal lighting will turn on or off. When the internal lighting is on, the user can easily visually inspect the interior of the frame 12 via the window 17. The user can then check the status of the media being transported inside the frame 12 via the media transport section 23.

[0077] The function selection icon 125 is input when the user wants to display the registration function menu screen 105 on the display panel 18A. Function selection icon 125 is an example of icon 120. When the user performs an input operation on function selection icon 125, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display the registration function menu screen 105. The registration function menu screen 105 displays the registration information names corresponding to the registration information described later in a list format. The registration function menu screen 105 corresponds to an example of a selection list. Details regarding the registration function menu screen 105 will be described later.

[0078] The maintenance icon 126 is input when the user wants the display panel 18A to display the maintenance menu list. Maintenance icon 126 is an example of icon 120. When the user inputs on maintenance icon 126, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display a maintenance menu list (not shown). The maintenance menu list contains one or more maintenance items related to maintenance operations such as cleaning components and replacing consumables. When the user selects a maintenance item from the maintenance menu list, the maintenance operation related to the selected item can be performed.

[0079] The manual link icon 127 is input when a user wants to access the online manual. The manual link icon 127 is an example of icon 120. When the user inputs information about the manual link icon 127, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display a QR code. The QR code contains address information that allows direct access to the online manual. When the user scans the QR code using a smartphone or similar device, the online manual is displayed on the smartphone. The user can then verify the online manual.

[0080] The warning notification icon 128 is input when the user wants to display a warning notification on the display panel 18A. When the printing control unit 43 generates a warning notification, the display control unit 41 assigns a predetermined identifier to the warning notification icon 128. When the user inputs an action on the warning notification icon 128, which has been assigned a predetermined identifier, the display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display a warning overview screen containing one or more warning notification names. When the user inputs an action on a warning notification name included in the warning overview screen, the display control unit 41 displays the warning notification corresponding to the warning notification name on the display panel 18A. The user can then confirm the warning notification.

[0081] The status display area 115 is used to display notifications, warnings, and other information regarding the status of the printer 10. For example, the status display area 115 may display whether the printer 10 is in standby mode or waiting for a print job. The status display area 115 can also display the latest warning notifications. Users can visually confirm the status of the printer 10 by checking the status display area 115.

[0082] Information display area 117 displays various information related to printer 10. Information display area 117 displays media information, consumable information, etc. The information displayed in information display area 117 is preset.

[0083] The environmental information display area 119 displays environmental information about the environment where the printer 10 is located. This environmental information includes temperature, humidity, and time. Temperature and humidity are measured by temperature and humidity sensors (not shown). The time is displayed as the time recorded using a timing unit (not shown).

[0084] Figure 4 An example of a control flow executed using printer 10 is shown. Figure 4 The control flow of the panel function control unit 47 of the control unit 40 when performing setting storage processing and setting registration processing is shown. Figure 4 The control flow is illustrated in the form of a flowchart. The control flow corresponds to an example of a control method. Figure 4 The control flow of the panel function control unit 47 in accepting user identification information before performing setting storage processing is shown.

[0085] In step S101, printer 10 accepts the start operation. Control panel 18 accepts the start operation as an input operation performed by the user. The start operation is an input operation that instructs the panel function control unit 47 to start the setting storage process and the setting registration process. The setting storage process is the process of generating and storing registration information registered in the user setting icon 122. The setting registration process is the process of registering registration information in the user setting icon 122. The start operation corresponds to an example of a registration start operation. As an example, the start operation is a long press operation on the user setting icon 122. The start operation is not limited to a long press operation on the user setting icon 122. The start operation can be set appropriately.

[0086] After accepting the request and initiating the operation, printer 10 displays the administrator information input screen 101 in step S103. The administrator information input screen 101 accepts user identification information for user identification. The administrator information input screen 101 corresponds to an example of an identification information input screen. As an example, the user identification information includes a personal identification number and a password. The user identification information corresponds to an example of identification information. The display control unit 41 of control unit 40 causes display panel 18A to display the administrator information input screen 101. Display panel 18A displays the administrator information input screen 101.

[0087] After displaying the administrator information input screen 101, printer 10 identifies whether the user is an administrator in step S105. An administrator is a user with pre-defined permissions to change certain settings among multiple settings on printer 10. Administrator information is pre-stored in storage unit 30 in association with a personal identification number and password. As an example, control unit 40 uses the personal identification number and password entered into administrator information input screen 101 to identify whether the user is an administrator. When control unit 40 identifies the user as an administrator, printer 10 proceeds to step S107 (step S105: Yes). When control unit 40 identifies the user as not an administrator, printer 10 ends the setting storage process and setting registration process (step S105: No). Printer 10 does not allow users who are not administrators to register the user setting icon 122.

[0088] Figure 5 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figure 5 An example of an administrator information input screen 101 displayed on display panel 18A is shown. Figure 5 This indicates that a display panel 18A, which includes an administrator information input screen 101, is displayed on the homepage 100. The display method of the administrator information input screen 101 is not limited to an overlay display on the homepage 100. The display method of the administrator information input screen 101 can be appropriately configured. The administrator information input screen 101 includes an ID input field 101A, a password input field 101B, an OK button 101C, and a back button 151.

[0089] ID input field 101A processes and displays the Personal Identification Number (PIN) entered by the user. The user enters the PIN in ID input field 101A. The user enters the PIN using an input button or a soft keyboard (not shown) displayed on display panel 18A.

[0090] The password input field 101B accepts the password entered by the user. The password input field 101B may or may not display the password. The user enters the password using the input button or the soft keyboard.

[0091] The OK button 101C accepts input from the user. When the user inputs information to the OK button 101C, the control panel 18 sends the entered personal identification number and password to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 uses the sent personal identification number and password to verify whether the user is an administrator.

[0092] The return button 151 accepts input from the user. When the user inputs information to the return button 151, the control panel 18 hides the administrator information input screen 101. Input of the user's personal identification number and password is stopped. The printer 10 ends the setting storage and setting registration processes.

[0093] Although Figure 5 An administrator information input screen 101 is shown, allowing users to input a personal identification number and password via a soft keyboard or similar means; however, it is not limited to this. The administrator information input screen 101 may also include a read instruction that causes the NFC reader 18C to read an NFC tag embedded in a personal identification card used for user identification. The NFC tag includes a personal identification number and a password. When the user causes the NFC reader 18C to read the NFC tag based on the read instruction, the personal identification number and password are sent to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 uses the personal identification number and password sent from the NFC reader 18C to determine whether the user is an administrator.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S107, printer 10 determines whether the home screen 100 is being displayed on display panel 18A. User setting icon 122 is displayed in the first icon display area 111. When display panel 18A is displaying a screen other than the home screen 100, the user can perform input operations on user setting icon 122. When display panel 18A is displaying a screen other than the home screen 100, control panel 18 does not accept input operations on user setting icon 122. When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 proceeds to step S109 (step S107: Yes). When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is not displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 ends setting storage processing and setting registration processing (step S107: No). When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is not displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 can also cause display panel 18A to display a message indicating a return to home screen 100.

[0095] In step S109, printer 10 begins setting storage processing. The panel function control unit 47 stores the input operations performed by the user on the control panel 18 after the start of operation, as well as the display screens displayed based on these input operations, as registration information. The registration information includes one or more input operations and one or more display screens. When the user performs an input operation on the control panel 18, the display panel 18A displays the display screen according to the input operation. While setting storage processing is being executed, the panel function control unit 47 stores the setting information set using the control panel 18 as registration information. While setting storage processing is being executed, the printing mechanism 20 does not perform various actions based on input operations, such as setting actions and maintenance actions. Setting actions include actions such as moving the position of components based on setting information.

[0096] When printer 10 begins setting and storing data, it accepts input operations performed by the user in step S111. Control panel 18 accepts input operations for various icons 120 displayed on the main screen 100, etc. Panel function control unit 47 acquires the input operations for the icons 120 as input information. The input information includes at least one of display instruction data and action instruction data. Panel function control unit 47 generates registration information including at least one of display instruction data and action instruction data. When the input information includes display instruction data, panel function control unit 47 acquires screen data of the display screen shown according to the input operation for the icon 120. Panel function control unit 47 generates registration information including the screen data.

[0097] When printer 10 receives an input operation, it determines whether it is in standby mode in step S113. When printer 10 receives a print job from print control device 70 during the setting storage process, it puts print mechanism 20 into standby mode. When print mechanism 20 is in standby mode, setting storage process is forcibly stopped. Panel function control unit 47 stops setting storage process before it is forcibly stopped due to printing action of print mechanism 20. By stopping setting storage process when it is determined that print mechanism 20 is in standby mode, panel function control unit 47 can prevent the interruption of setting storage process under unexpected timing. When panel function control unit 47 determines that print mechanism 20 is in standby mode, printer 10 ends setting storage process (step S113: Yes). Printer 10 does not perform setting registration process. When panel function control unit 47 determines that print mechanism 20 is not in standby mode, printer 10 proceeds to step S115 (step S113: No).

[0098] In step S115, printer 10 determines whether the input operation is a termination operation. Control panel 18 determines whether the input operation was performed by the user and thus terminated. A termination operation is an input operation that indicates to panel function control unit 47 the end of the setting storage process and the end of the setting registration process. One example of a termination operation corresponding to a registration termination operation is a long press operation on the user setting icon 122. The termination operation is not limited to a long press operation on the user setting icon 122. The termination operation can be appropriately set. When panel function control unit 47 determines that the input operation is not a termination operation, printer 10 proceeds to step S117 (step S115: No). When panel function control unit 47 determines that the input operation is a termination operation, printer 10 proceeds to step S119 (step S115: Yes).

[0099] In step S117, printer 10 temporarily stores the registration information. Panel function control unit 47 temporarily stores the input information corresponding to the input operation on icon 120 in storage unit 30. When the input information includes display instruction data, panel function control unit 47 includes the screen data of the display screen shown according to the input operation in the registration information and temporarily stores it. After temporarily storing the registration information, printer 10 returns to step S111. When panel function control unit 47 determines that printing mechanism 20 is in standby mode in step S113, it deletes the temporarily stored registration information from storage unit 30.

[0100] In step S119, printer 10 performs a setup registration process. Panel function control unit 47 stores registration information, including at least one of input information and screen data, in a predetermined storage area of ​​storage unit 30, and ends the setup storage process. Panel function control unit 47 then performs a setup registration process to register the registration information in user setting icon 122. After performing the setup storage process and the setup registration process, printer 10 ends the process.

[0101] The predetermined storage area can also be configured to store more than one piece of registration information. When configured to store multiple pieces of registration information in a predetermined storage area, the user performs the setting registration process using the registration function menu screen 105. As an example, after the setting storage process is completed, the panel function control unit 47 displays the registration function menu screen 105. The user selects registration information by referring to the registration function menu screen 105. The panel function control unit 47 registers the selected registration information in the user setting icon 122. The setting registration process can also be executed using a different control flow than the setting storage process. When the setting storage process and the setting registration process are executed using different flows, Figure 4 The control flow shown will terminate without performing the configuration and registration process. The control flow that performs the configuration and registration process will be described later.

[0102] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 It shows in Figure 4 An example of a display screen shown in the control flow diagram. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The icon 120 representing the input operation performed by the user is virtually displayed using the identifier image Mk. The identifier image Mk is not displayed on the control panel 18.

[0103] Figure 6 The homepage screen 100 is displayed on the display panel 18A. Users can access it through... Figure 4 In step S101, a predetermined input operation is performed on the homepage screen 100, thereby initiating the setting storage process and setting registration process. As an example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the user performs a predetermined input operation on the user setting icon 122. The user performs a start operation by long-pressing the user setting icon 122. While the display panel 18A is displaying the home screen 100, the control panel 18 processes the start operation.

[0104] Figure 7 The homepage screen 100 displayed on the display panel 18A is shown. After the user performs the start operation, the homepage screen 100 is displayed. Figure 4 The input operation is performed in step S111. As an example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the user performs an input operation on the settings menu icon 123. The control panel 18 generates settings menu input information indicating that the user has performed an input operation on the settings menu icon 123. The settings menu icon 123 has an option to activate when an input operation is performed. Figure 8The settings menu display screen 102 shows the functions. The control panel 18 generates settings menu display indication data that causes the settings menu display screen 102 to be displayed. The control panel 18 generates settings menu input information containing the settings menu display indication data. The control panel 18 sends the settings menu input information to the control unit 40. The panel function control unit 47 of the control unit 40 obtains the settings menu input information and performs temporary storage processing of the settings menu input information.

[0105] Figure 8 A settings menu display screen 102 is shown on the display panel 18A. When a user performs an input operation on the settings menu icon 123, the control panel 18 causes the display panel 18A to display the settings menu display screen 102. The settings menu display screen 102 displays multiple icons 120, including the printer maintenance icon 129. Figure 8 Label printer maintenance icon 129 as "Printer Repair".

[0106] As an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the user performs an input operation on the printer maintenance icon 129. The control panel 18 generates printer maintenance input information indicating that an input operation has been performed on the printer maintenance icon 129. The printer maintenance icon 129 has the function of […]. Figure 9 The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 is used to display the function. The control panel 18 generates maintenance menu display instruction data that causes the printer maintenance menu display screen 103 to be displayed. The control panel 18 generates printer maintenance input information containing the maintenance menu display instruction data. The control panel 18 sends the printer maintenance input information to the control unit 40. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the printer maintenance input information and performs temporary storage processing of the printer maintenance input information.

[0107] The settings menu display screen 102 includes a first back button 151a. The first back button 151a is an example of the back button 151. The back button 151 corresponds to an example of the back key. When a user performs a back button input operation on the first back button 151a, the control panel 18 processes the back button input operation. The back button input operation is an example of an input operation and corresponds to an example of a back key indication operation. When the control panel 18 processes the back button input operation on the first back button 151a, it causes the display panel 18A to display the main screen 100.

[0108] Figure 9A printer maintenance menu display screen 103 is shown on the display panel 18A. When a user performs an input operation on the printer maintenance icon 129, the control panel 18 causes the display panel 18A to display the printer maintenance menu display screen 103. The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 displays multiple icons 120, including the head cleaning icon 131. Figure 9 Label the printhead cleaning icon 131 as "Printer head cleaning".

[0109] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the user performs an input operation on the head cleaning icon 131. The control panel 18 generates head cleaning input information indicating that an input operation has been performed on the head cleaning icon 131. The head cleaning icon 131 has an option to activate when an input operation is performed. Figure 10 The function shown is displayed on the head cleaning selection display screen 104. The control panel 18 generates maintenance menu display instruction data that causes the head cleaning selection display screen 104 to appear. The control panel 18 generates printer maintenance input information containing the maintenance menu display instruction data. The control panel 18 sends the printer maintenance input information to the control unit 40. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the printer maintenance input information and performs temporary storage processing of the printer maintenance input information.

[0110] The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 includes a second return button 151b. The second return button 151b is an example of the return button 151. When a user performs a return button input operation on the second return button 151b, the control panel 18 processes the return button input operation. Upon processing the return button input operation on the second return button 151b, the control panel 18 displays the settings menu display screen 102 on the display panel 18A.

[0111] Figure 10 A head cleaning selection display screen 104 is shown on the display panel 18A. When a user performs an input operation on the head cleaning icon 131, the control panel 18 causes the display panel 18A to display the head cleaning selection display screen 104. The head cleaning selection display screen 104 displays multiple icons 120, including the powerful cleaning icon 132.

[0112] As an example, such as Figure 10As shown, the user performs an input operation on the powerful cleaning icon 132. The control panel 18 generates powerful cleaning input information indicating that an input operation has been performed on the powerful cleaning icon 132. The powerful cleaning icon 132 has the function of causing the printing mechanism 20 to perform a predetermined cleaning process when the input operation is performed. The control panel 18 generates powerful cleaning execution instruction data to perform the predetermined cleaning process. The control panel 18 generates powerful cleaning input information containing the powerful cleaning execution instruction data. The control panel 18 sends the powerful cleaning input information to the control unit 40. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the powerful cleaning input information and performs temporary storage processing on the powerful cleaning input information.

[0113] The printer head cleaning selection display screen 104 includes a third return button 151c. The third return button 151c is an example of the return button 151. When a user performs a return button input operation on the third return button 151c, the control panel 18 processes the return button input operation. Upon processing the return button input operation for the third return button 151c, the control panel 18A displays the printer maintenance menu display screen 103.

[0114] Figure 11 A head cleaning selection display screen 104 is shown on the display panel 18A. The user can select the head cleaning option via... Figure 4 In step S111, a predetermined input operation is performed on the head cleaning selection display screen 104, thereby executing the setting registration process. As an example, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the user performs a predetermined input operation on the user-defined icon 122. The user performs a long press on the user-defined icon 122 to end the operation. The control panel 18 processes the end operation.

[0115] As an example, such as Figure 10As shown, after the user performs an input operation on the powerful cleaning icon 132, the user performs an end operation. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the temporarily stored setting menu input information, printer maintenance input information, and powerful cleaning input information. The panel function control unit 47 generates cleaning execution registration information, including the setting menu input information, printer maintenance input information, and powerful cleaning input information, as registration information. The cleaning execution registration information is an example of execution registration information. The cleaning execution registration information is information for instructing the print head 21 to perform powerful cleaning. The panel function control unit 47 generates the cleaning execution registration information based on the input operations performed on the control panel 18 after the start operation. The panel function control unit 47 generates the cleaning execution registration information based on the input operations performed on the control panel 18 before the end operation. The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting storage process to store the cleaning execution registration information. The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting registration process to register the cleaning execution registration information in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 30. The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting registration process by registering the cleaning execution registration information in a predetermined storage area, thereby registering the cleaning execution registration information in the user setting icon 122.

[0116] like Figure 10 As shown, the user can also end the operation before performing an input operation on the powerful cleaning icon 132. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the temporarily stored setting menu input information and printer maintenance input information. The panel function control unit 47 generates cleaning display registration information, including the setting menu input information and printer maintenance input information, as registration information. The cleaning display registration information is an example of display registration information. The cleaning display registration information is information for selecting the display screen 104 to clean the display head of the display panel 18A. The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting storage process to store the cleaning display registration information. The panel function control unit 47 performs a setting registration process to register the cleaning display registration information in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 30. By registering the cleaning display registration information in the predetermined storage area, the panel function control unit 47 performs a setting registration process to register the cleaning display registration information in the user setting icon 122.

[0117] The printer 10 includes a printing mechanism 20 for printing, a control panel 18 that displays multiple icons 120 and is subject to input operations performed by the user, a control unit 40 that controls the control panel 18, and a communication unit 50 that communicates with the printing control device 70. The multiple icons 120 include user setting icons 122 that register input operations performed by the user on the control panel 18. When the user performs an input operation on the control panel 18, the control unit 40 performs setting storage processing to store registration information based on the input operation, and setting registration processing to register the registration information in the user setting icons 122.

[0118] By providing a user-defined icon 122, it becomes easier for the user to retrieve the desired icon 120. Alternatively, by providing a user-defined icon 122, it becomes easier for the user to instruct the printing unit 20 to perform desired actions such as head cleaning.

[0119] The input operations include a start operation performed on the user-defined icon 122. Registration information is preferably generated based on the input operations performed on the control panel 18 after the start operation.

[0120] By pre-setting the start operation, users can easily perform configuration storage and configuration registration processes.

[0121] Input operations include a termination operation for the user-defined icon 122. Registration information is preferably generated based on input operations performed on the control panel 18 prior to the termination operation.

[0122] By pre-setting the end operation, users can easily perform configuration storage and configuration registration processes.

[0123] The control panel 18 preferably displays the administrator information input screen 101, which accepts user identification information for user identification.

[0124] Printer 10 can identify whether the user is the administrator of printer 10.

[0125] The control unit 40 processes user identification information input to the administrator information input screen 101 by the user. Preferably, the control unit 40 performs setting storage processing and setting registration processing after processing the user identification information.

[0126] Printer 10 enables users acting as administrators to perform configuration storage and configuration registration processes.

[0127] The communication unit 50 receives printing tasks that cause the printing mechanism 20 to perform printing. When a printing task is received via the communication unit 50 during the setting and storage process, the control unit 40 preferably puts the printing mechanism 20 into a standby state and stops the setting and storage process.

[0128] The printer 10 can prevent unexpected interruption of the setting storage process by pausing the setting storage process at a timed interval when transitioning to standby mode.

[0129] The communication unit 50 receives registration information. The control unit 40 preferably implements a setting registration process that registers the registration information received via the communication unit 50 in the user setting icon 122.

[0130] Users can use the printing control device 70 to perform setting registration processing.

[0131] The control process is executed using a printer 10, which includes a printing mechanism 20 for printing and a control panel 18 for displaying multiple icons 120, including a user-defined icon 122, and for accepting input operations performed by the user. The printer 10 accepts input operations performed by the user on the control panel 18, stores registration information based on the input operations, and registers the registration information in the user-defined icon 122.

[0132] By registering the information in the user-defined icon 122, it becomes easy for the user to retrieve the desired icon 120. Alternatively, it becomes easy for the user to instruct the printing unit 20 to perform desired actions such as head cleaning.

[0133] Figure 12 An example of a control flow executed using printer 10 is shown. Figure 12 The control flow of the panel function control unit 47 when performing setting storage processing and setting registration processing is shown. Figure 12 The control flow is shown in the form of a flowchart. Figure 12 This illustrates a control flow where user identification information is received midway through the setting and storage process performed by the panel function control unit 47. By receiving user identification information midway through the setting and storage process, the printer 10 enables users without administrator privileges to register certain functions in the user setting icon 122.

[0134] In step S201, printer 10 accepts the start operation. Control panel 18 accepts the input operation performed by the user as the start operation.

[0135] After accepting the start operation, printer 10 determines in step S203 whether the home screen 100 is displayed on display panel 18A. As an example, when display panel 18A is displaying a screen other than the home screen 100, control panel 18 does not accept input operations for user setting icon 122. When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 proceeds to step S205 (step S203: Yes). When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is not displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 ends setting storage and setting registration processes (step S203: No). When control panel 18 determines that display panel 18A is not displaying the home screen 100, printer 10 may also cause display panel 18A to display a message instructing a return to home screen 100.

[0136] In step S205, printer 10 begins setting and storing the data. The panel function control unit 47 stores the input operations performed by the user on the control panel 18 after the start of operation, as well as the display screens displayed through the input operations, as registration information.

[0137] When the setting and storage process begins, the printer 10 accepts the input operation performed by the user in step S207. The control panel 18 accepts input operations for various icons 120 displayed on the main screen 100, etc. The panel function control unit 47 obtains the input operation for the icons 120 as input information.

[0138] When printer 10 receives an input operation, it checks whether it is in standby mode in step S209. When a print job is received from print control device 70 during setting storage processing, printer 10 puts print mechanism 20 into standby mode. When panel function control unit 47 detects that print mechanism 20 is in standby mode, printer 10 ends setting storage processing (step S209: Yes). Printer 10 does not perform setting registration processing. When panel function control unit 47 detects that print mechanism 20 is not in standby mode, printer 10 proceeds to step S211 (step S209: No).

[0139] In step S211, printer 10 determines whether the input operation is a termination operation. Control panel 18 determines whether the input operation was performed by the user and has reached termination. When panel function control unit 47 determines that the input operation is not a termination operation, printer 10 proceeds to step S213 (step S211: No). When panel function control unit 47 determines that the input operation is a termination operation, printer 10 proceeds to step S221 (step S211: Yes).

[0140] In step S213, printer 10 determines whether the icon 120 to which input operation has been performed is an administrator-defined icon. Icon 120 includes administrator-defined icons and user-defined icons. Administrator-defined icons are those associated with functions that can be set by users with administrator privileges. User-defined icons are those associated with functions that can be set by users without administrator privileges. Panel function control unit 47 determines whether the icon 120 to which input operation has been performed is an administrator-defined icon. When panel function control unit 47 determines that the icon 120 to which input operation has been performed is not an administrator-defined icon, printer 10 proceeds to step S215 (step S213: No). When panel function control unit 47 determines that the icon 120 to which input operation has been performed is an administrator-defined icon, printer 10 proceeds to step S217 (step S213: Yes).

[0141] In step S215, printer 10 temporarily stores the registration information. Panel function control unit 47 temporarily stores the input information corresponding to the input operation for icon 120 in storage unit 30. After temporarily storing the registration information, printer 10 returns to step S207.

[0142] In step S217, printer 10 displays the administrator information input screen 101. Display control unit 41 causes display panel 18A to display the administrator information input screen 101. Display panel 18A displays the administrator information input screen 101.

[0143] After displaying the administrator information input screen 101, printer 10 processes user identification information in step S219. Upon receiving user identification information, panel function control unit 47 aborts the setting storage process. Panel function control unit 47 terminates the setting storage process without storing user identification information. Panel function control unit 47 does not register registration information containing user identification information in user setting icon 122. This improves the security of printer 10.

[0144] In step S221, printer 10 performs a setting registration process. Panel function control unit 47 stores the registration information in a predetermined storage area of ​​storage unit 30 and ends the setting storage process. Panel function control unit 47 registers the registration information in user setting icon 122. After performing the setting storage process and the setting registration process, printer 10 ends the process.

[0145] If the administrator information input screen 101 is displayed while the user is performing an input operation, the control unit 40 preferably suspends the setting storage process and does not perform the setting registration process. The printer 10 does not register the registration information containing user identification information in the user setting icon 122. This improves the security of the printer 10.

[0146] Figure 13 An example of a control flow executed using printer 10 is shown. Figure 13 The control flow of the panel function control unit 47 when performing setting registration processing is shown. Figure 13 The control flow is shown when setting registration processing is performed at a different time than setting storage processing. Figure 13 The control flow using the registration function menu screen 105 is shown.

[0147] In step S301, printer 10 accepts input for function selection icon 125. The user... Figure 3 The user performs an input operation using the function selection icon 125 included in the homepage 100. When the user performs an input operation using the function selection icon 125, the control panel 18 processes the input operation.

[0148] After receiving an input operation for the function selection icon 125, the printer 10 displays the registration function menu screen 105 in step S303. The display control unit 41 causes the display panel 18A to display the registration function menu screen 105. The display panel 18A displays the registration function menu screen 105.

[0149] Figure 14 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figure 14 An example of a registration function menu screen 105 displayed on a display panel 18A is shown. The registration function menu screen 105 contains one or more setting storage icons 133.

[0150] The setting storage icon 133 is an example of icon 120. The setting storage icon 133 is associated with registration information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​storage unit 30. The setting storage icon 133 corresponds to an example of a selection menu. As an example, multiple setting storage icons 133 include a head cleaning icon 131. The head cleaning icon 131 is associated with registration information that causes the display panel 18A to display the head cleaning selection display screen 104.

[0151] like Figure 13 As shown, after displaying the registration function menu screen 105, printer 10 accepts the input operation in step S305. Control panel 18 accepts the input operation for setting storage icon 133.

[0152] When printer 10 receives an input operation for setting storage icon 133, it performs setting registration processing in step S307. Panel function control unit 47 obtains registration information associated with setting storage icon 133. Panel function control unit 47 registers the registration information in user setting icon 122. By providing a registration function menu screen 105, the user can appropriately register information in user setting icon 122.

[0153] The control panel 18 displays a registration function menu screen 105 containing a setting storage icon 133 associated with the registration information. When the user selects the setting storage icon 133, the control unit 40 preferably performs a setting registration process to register the registration information associated with the setting storage icon 133.

[0154] Users can store multiple registration information entries and appropriately register the registration information in the user-defined icon 122.

[0155] Figure 15 An example of a control flow executed using printer 10 is shown. Figure 15 This illustrates the control flow when a user performs an input operation on the user-defined icon 122. Figure 15 The control flow for making the printer 10 operate is shown based on the registration information registered in the user setting icon 122.

[0156] In step S401, printer 10 accepts the execution start operation. Printer 10 accepts the execution start operation as an input operation. The execution start operation is an input operation that causes an action to be performed based on the registration information registered in the user setting icon 122. As an example, the execution start operation is a short press operation on the user setting icon 122. In the execution start operation, an input operation different from the start operation is preset.

[0157] When printer 10 receives and executes the start operation, it checks in step S403 whether registration information is registered in user setting icon 122. When control unit 40 determines that registration information is registered in user setting icon 122, printer 10 proceeds to step S411 (step S403: Yes). When control unit 40 determines that no registration information is registered in user setting icon 122, printer 10 proceeds to step S405 (step S403: No).

[0158] In step S405, printer 10 determines whether registration information is stored in storage unit 30. Control unit 40 determines whether registration information is stored in storage unit 30 by referring to a predetermined storage area of ​​storage unit 30. When control unit 40 determines that registration information is stored in storage unit 30, printer 10 proceeds to step S407 (step S405: Yes). When control unit 40 determines that no registration information is stored in storage unit 30, printer 10 ends processing (step S405: No). When no registration information is stored in storage unit 30, control unit 40 may also display a message indicating that no registration information is stored in storage unit 30 on display panel 18A. After displaying the message, control unit 40 ends processing.

[0159] In step S407, printer 10 causes display panel 18A to display the registration function menu screen 105. Display panel 18A... Figure 14 The registration function menu screen 105 is displayed as shown. By displaying the registration function menu screen 105, the printer 10 prompts the user to register the registration information in the user setting icon 122.

[0160] After displaying the registration function menu screen 105 on the display panel 18A, the printer 10 accepts input operations for the registration function menu screen 105 in step S409. The control unit 40 accepts input operations for any of the multiple icons 120 displayed on the registration function menu screen 105. When the user performs an input operation for icon 120, the panel function control unit 47 registers the registration information associated with icon 120 in the user-defined icon 122. The printer 10 proceeds to step S411 (step S409: Yes). If the user does not perform an input operation for icon 120 within a preset time range, the printer 10 ends the process (step S409: No). The printer 10 may also end the process after displaying a message indicating that the timeout has occurred on the display panel 18A.

[0161] In step S411, printer 10 determines whether the registration information registered in the user setting icon 122 is display registration information. When control unit 40 determines that the registration information is display registration information, it causes display panel 18A to display the screen based on the display registration information. Printer 10 proceeds to step S413 (step S411: Yes). When the registration information is not display registration information, control unit 40 determines that the registration information is execution registration information. Printer 10 proceeds to step S415 (step S411: No).

[0162] In step S413, printer 10 accepts input operations for the display screen. The display screen, which is displayed based on the display registration information, contains one or more icons 120. Control panel 18 accepts input operations for icons 120. When a user performs an input operation for icon 120, control panel 18 accepts the input operation. Printer 10 obtains information about the function associated with icon 120 and proceeds to step S415 (step S413: Yes). If the user does not perform an input operation for icon 120 within a preset time range, printer 10 ends processing (step S413: No). Printer 10 may also end processing after displaying a message indicating that the timeout has occurred on display panel 18A.

[0163] In step S415, printer 10 determines whether printing mechanism 20 can perform an action. Control unit 40 determines whether printing mechanism 20 can perform an action based on execution registration information. As an example, when the execution registration information is cleaning execution registration information, it determines whether printing mechanism 20 can perform strong cleaning. Control unit 40 determines whether printing mechanism 20 can perform a function associated with icon 120 that has received an input operation on the display screen. When control unit 40 determines that printing mechanism 20 can perform an action, printer 10 proceeds to step S417 (step S415: Yes). When control unit 40 determines that printing mechanism 20 cannot perform an action, printer 10 ends the process (step S415: No).

[0164] In step S417, printer 10 causes printing mechanism 20 to perform an action. Control unit 40 causes printing mechanism 20 to perform an action based on the execution registration information. Alternatively, control unit 40 causes printing mechanism 20 to perform a function associated with icon 120 on the display screen where an input operation has been performed. Printer 10 performs the action based on the registration information registered in user setting icon 122 and ends the process.

[0165] As an example, when the registration information is cleaning display registration information, and the user performs an execution start operation targeting the user-defined icon 122, the control unit 40 causes the display panel 18A to display the head cleaning selection display screen 104 based on the cleaning display registration information. The execution start operation corresponds to an example of an instruction operation. The cleaning display registration information corresponds to an example of third-screen display information. The display panel 18A displays the head cleaning selection display screen 104. The head cleaning selection display screen 104 corresponds to an example of a third screen.

[0166] The printhead cleaning selection display screen 104 is the display screen shown on the display panel 18A when a printhead cleaning selection operation is received as an input operation for the printhead cleaning icon 131. The printhead cleaning icon 131 corresponds to an example of a second operation key. The printhead cleaning selection operation corresponds to an example of a second user instruction. The printhead cleaning icon 131 is included in the printer maintenance menu display screen 103. The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 corresponds to an example of a second screen.

[0167] The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 is the display screen shown on the display panel 18A when a printer maintenance selection operation is received as an input operation to the printer maintenance icon 129. The printer maintenance icon 129 corresponds to an example of a first operation key. The printer maintenance selection operation corresponds to an example of a first user instruction. The printer maintenance icon 129 is included among a plurality of icons 120 displayed on the settings menu display screen 102. The settings menu display screen 102 corresponds to an example of a first screen.

[0168] The settings menu display screen 102 is a display screen that is displayed on the display panel 18A when an input operation is received for the settings menu icon 123 included in the home screen 100.

[0169] The cleaning display registration information includes setup menu input information and printer maintenance input information. The setup menu input information includes user input operations for the setup menu icon 123. The printer maintenance input information includes printer maintenance selection operations, maintenance menu display indication data for printer maintenance menu display screen 103, head cleaning selection operations, and maintenance menu display indication data for head cleaning selection display screen 104.

[0170] The printer head cleaning selection display screen 104 includes a third return button 151c. The third return button 151c is an example of the return button 151. The printer head cleaning selection display screen 104, displayed based on an input operation to the user setting icon 122, accepts the return button input operation as an input operation to the third return button 151c. When the control panel 18 accepts the return button input operation to the third return button 151c included in the printer head cleaning selection display screen 104, it causes the display panel 18A to display the printer maintenance menu display screen 103. By displaying the printer maintenance menu display screen 103, it becomes easier for the user to access the display screen related to the registration information registered in the user setting icon 122.

[0171] The control panel 18 displays a setting menu display screen 102, a printer maintenance menu display screen 103, and a head cleaning selection display screen 104. The setting menu display screen 102 displays multiple icons 120, including a printer maintenance icon 129. The printer maintenance menu display screen 103 includes a head cleaning icon 131 displayed when a printer maintenance selection operation is received for the printer maintenance icon 129. The head cleaning selection display screen 104 includes a third return button 151c displayed when a head cleaning selection operation is received for the head cleaning icon 131. The registration information includes cleaning display registration information that includes input operations and the display of the head cleaning selection display screen 104. The input operations include printer maintenance selection operations and head cleaning selection operations. The control unit 40 displays the head cleaning selection display screen 104 when it receives an execution start operation for the user setting icon 122, which has registered cleaning display registration information. Preferably, when the control unit 40 receives a return button input operation for the third return button 151c included in the head cleaning selection display screen 104, it causes the printer maintenance menu display screen 103 to be displayed.

[0172] By displaying the printer maintenance menu display screen 103, the user can easily access the display screen related to the registration information registered in the user settings icon 122.

[0173] Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 An example of a basic settings screen 106 displayed on display panel 18A is shown. Basic settings screen 106 is displayed on display panel 18A when an input operation is performed on a basic settings icon included in a main settings screen (not shown). The main settings screen is displayed on display panel 18A when an input operation is received on an icon 120 related to main settings included in settings menu display screen 102.

[0174] The basic settings screen 106 displays multiple icons 120, including the teach mode setting icon 134. Although Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 The teach mode setting icon 134 shown is included in the basic settings screen 106, but is not limited to it. The configuration of the teach mode setting icon 134 can be set appropriately.

[0175] The teach mode setting icon 134 accepts input operations performed by the user. When the user performs an input operation on the teach mode setting icon 134, the operation mode control unit 45 switches the operation mode to teach mode or printing mode. The teach mode setting icon 134 includes a mode setting switch 134a. The mode setting switch 134a is configured to accept input operations performed by the user.

[0176] When a user performs an input operation on the teaching mode setting icon 134 or the mode setting switch 134a, the action mode will be switched to teaching mode or printing mode. Figure 16 The basic settings screen 106 is shown when the teach mode is not set. When the operation mode is not the teach mode but the printing mode, the mode setting switch 134a becomes a display mode indicating that the teach mode is off. Figure 17 The basic settings screen 106 is shown when the teach mode is set. When the operation mode is teach mode, the mode setting switch 134a displays a mode indicating that the teach mode is on.

[0177] Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 21 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 The outline structure of control panel 18 is shown. Figures 18 to 24 An example of the display screen shown when the teach mode is set for the action mode is shown. Figures 18 to 24 An example of displaying head adjustment registration information, as one example of registration information, is shown on display panel 18A. The head adjustment registration information is an example of executing registration information. The head adjustment registration information contains execution instructions to perform position adjustment of the print head 21.

[0178] When the operation mode control unit 45 switches the operation mode from printing mode to teaching mode, the printer 10 is set to teaching mode. When the user performs an information display start operation on the control panel 18 as an input operation, the display panel 18A displays the registration information.

[0179] Figure 18 This shows the display screen shown when a user initiates an information initiation operation. Display panel 18A displays home screen 100. Home screen 100 includes icon indicator images 155.

[0180] Icon indicator image 155 shows icon 120 for user input operations when adjusting the position of printhead 21 is performed. Although Figure 18Icon indicator image 155 is shown in dashed lines, but is not limited to this. The display method of icon indicator image 155 is not limited as long as it can recognize the icon 120 for which the user performs an input operation.

[0181] exist Figure 18 In this context, icon indicator image 155 is displayed on the settings menu icon 123. By displaying icon indicator image 155 on the settings menu icon 123, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operations is the settings menu icon 123. When an input operation is performed on the settings menu icon 123, the following will be displayed: Figure 19 The settings menu display screen 102 is shown. It can also be displayed after the main screen 100, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 19 The settings menu shown is screen 102.

[0182] Figure 19 A settings menu display screen 102 is shown on the display panel 18A after the home screen 100, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The settings menu display screen 102 includes the icon indicator image 155.

[0183] exist Figure 19 In this context, icon indicator image 155 is displayed on media setting icon 135. By displaying icon indicator image 155 on media setting icon 135, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operations is media setting icon 135. Media setting icon 135 is associated with the function of displaying media setting selection screen 107 on display panel 18A. When input operations are performed on media setting icon 135, the display... Figure 20 The media setting selection screen 107 is shown. It can also be displayed after the setting menu display screen 102, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 20 The media setting selection screen shown is 107.

[0184] Figure 20 A media setting selection screen 107 is shown on the display panel 18A after the settings menu display screen 102, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The media setting selection screen 107 includes the icon indicator image 155.

[0185] exist Figure 20In this context, icon indicator image 155 is displayed over print adjustment icon 136. Print adjustment icon 136 is associated with the function of displaying print adjustment screen 108 on display panel 18A. By displaying icon indicator image 155 over print adjustment icon 136, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operation is print adjustment icon 136. When an input operation is performed for print adjustment icon 136, it will be displayed... Figure 21 The printing adjustment screen 108 shown. It can also be displayed after the media setting selection screen 107, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 21 The printing adjustment screen shown is 108.

[0186] Figure 21 A print adjustment screen 108 is shown on the display panel 18A after the media setting selection screen 107, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The print adjustment screen 108 includes the icon indicator image 155.

[0187] exist Figure 21 In this context, icon indicator image 155 is displayed above head position adjustment icon 137. Head position adjustment icon 137 is associated with the function of displaying the first head position adjustment screen 109 on display panel 18A. By displaying icon indicator image 155 above head position adjustment icon 137, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operations is head position adjustment icon 137. When an input operation is performed on head position adjustment icon 137, the following is displayed: Figure 22 The first head position adjustment screen 109 is shown. It can also be displayed after the print adjustment screen 108, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 22 The first head position adjustment screen shown is 109.

[0188] Figure 22 A first head position adjustment screen 109 is shown on the display panel 18A after the print adjustment screen 108, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The first head position adjustment screen 109 includes the icon indicator image 155.

[0189] exist Figure 22 In this configuration, icon indicator image 155 is displayed above standard setting icon 138. Standard setting icon 138 is associated with the function of displaying the second head position adjustment screen 141 on display panel 18A. By displaying icon indicator image 155 above standard setting icon 138, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operations is standard setting icon 138. When an input operation is performed for standard setting icon 138, the following will be displayed: Figure 23The second head position adjustment screen 141 is shown. It can also be displayed after the first head position adjustment screen 109, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 23 The second head position adjustment screen 141 is shown.

[0190] Figure 23 A second head position adjustment screen 141 is shown on the display panel 18A after the first head position adjustment screen 109, which includes an icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The second head position adjustment screen 141 includes the icon indicator image 155.

[0191] exist Figure 23 In this context, icon indicator image 155 is displayed over light-colored media setting icon 139. Light-colored media setting icon 139 is associated with the function of adjusting the position of printhead 21 for light-colored media. By displaying icon indicator image 155 over light-colored media setting icon 139, it indicates that the icon 120 for performing input operations is light-colored media setting icon 139. When an input operation is performed for light-colored media setting icon 139, the following is displayed: Figure 24 The head adjustment input screen 142 is shown. It can also be displayed after the second head position adjustment screen 141, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed on the display panel 18A at a predetermined time. Figure 24 The head adjustment execution input screen 142 is shown.

[0192] Figure 24 The image shows a head adjustment execution input screen 142 displayed on the display panel 18A after the second head position adjustment screen 141, which includes the icon indicator image 155, has been displayed. The head adjustment execution input screen 142 is a display screen confirming the execution of the head position adjustment of the print head 21. The head adjustment execution input screen 142 includes a return button 151 and a start button 153. When an input operation is performed in printing mode, the start button 153 performs the head position adjustment action of the print head 21. The return button 151 changes the display of the second head position adjustment screen 141.

[0193] In the display mode where the display panel 18A displays head adjustment registration information, when... Figure 24 The process ends after the head adjustment execution input screen 142 is displayed. When the user performs a predetermined input operation, the printer 10 ends the display of various screens in the teaching mode. The printer 10 may also end the display of various screens in the teaching mode after the head adjustment execution input screen 142 has been displayed for a predetermined period. By checking the various screens displayed in the teaching mode, the user can confirm the operation steps, display screens, etc., related to the registration information.

[0194] Preferably, the control unit 40 causes the control panel 18 to operate in a teach mode in which the registration information registered using the setting registration process is displayed on the control panel 18.

[0195] Users can confirm the operation steps and display screens related to registration information by checking the various screens displayed in the teaching mode.

[0196] Symbol Explanation 1… Printing system; 10… Printer; 11… Main body of the device; 12… Frame; 12A… Front surface; 12B… Top surface; 12C… First side; 12D… Second side; 12E… Rear surface; 13… Support frame; 13A… Legs; 13B… Casters; 14… Supply unit; 16… Discharge port; 17… Window; 18… Control panel; 18A… Display panel; 18B… Power button; 18C… NFC reader; 19… Liquid supply device; 19A… Supply unit main body; 19B… Supply unit frame; 19C… Storage tray; 19D… Waste liquid collection unit; 20… Printing… 21…Print head; 23…Media transport unit; 30…Storage unit; 40…Control unit; 41…Display control unit; 43…Print control unit; 45…Operation mode control unit; 47…Panel function control unit; 50…Communication unit; 70…Print control device; 100…Home screen; 101…Administrator information input screen; 101A…ID input field; 101B…Password input field; 101C…OK button; 102…Setting menu display screen; 103…Printer maintenance menu display screen; 104…Head cleaning selection display screen; 105…Registration function menu screen 106…Basic settings screen; 107…Media settings selection screen; 111…First icon display area; 113…Second icon display area; 115…Status display area; 117…Information display area; 119…Environmental information display area; 120…Icons; 121…Home icon; 122…User settings icon; 123…Settings menu icon; 124…Internal lighting icon; 125…Function selection icon; 126…Maintenance icon; 127…Manual link icon; 128…Warning notification icon; 129…Printer maintenance icon; 131…Printer head cleaning icon; 132… …Powerful cleaning icon; 133…Settings storage icon; 134…Teach mode setting icon; 134a…Mode setting switch; 135…Media setting icon; 136…Printing adjustment icon; 137…Head position adjustment icon; 138…Standard setting icon; 139…Light media setting icon; 141…Second head position adjustment screen; 142…Head adjustment execution input screen; 151…Return button; 151a…First return button; 151b…Second return button; 151c…Third return button; 153…Start button; 155…Icon indicator image; Mk…Identifier image.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: The printing department is responsible for carrying out printing. The operation panel displays multiple operation keys and processes user-initiated operations. The control unit controls the operation panel; The communications department communicates with external devices. The plurality of operation keys include user-defined keys, for which operations performed by the user on the operation panel are registered. When the user performs the operation on the operation panel, the control unit performs storage processing to store operation information based on the operation and registration processing to register the operation information in the user setting key.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The operation panel displays a selection list containing selection menus associated with the operation information. When the user selects from the selection menu, the control unit performs a registration process to register the operation information associated with the selection menu.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The operation includes a registration start operation performed on the user-defined key. The operation information is generated based on the operations performed on the operation panel after the registration begins.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The operation includes ending the registration process for the user-defined key. The operation information is generated based on the operations performed on the operation panel before the registration is completed.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The operation panel displays the identification information input screen, which accepts the identification information of the user.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The control unit accepts the identification information input to the identification information input screen by the user, and performs the storage processing and the registration processing after accepting the identification information.

7. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, If the identification information input screen is displayed while the user is performing the operation, the control unit stops the storage process and does not perform the registration process.

8. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The communication unit receives printing instructions that cause the printing unit to perform the printing. When the control unit receives the printing instruction via the communication unit during the storage process, it causes the printing unit to switch to a printable state and stops the storage process.

9. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit causes the operation panel to operate in a display mode, which displays the operation information registered using the registration process.

10. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The operation panel displays a first screen, a second screen, and a third screen. The first screen displays multiple operation keys, including a first operation key. The second screen displays a second operation key when a first user instruction is received for the first operation key. The third screen displays a back button when a second user instruction is received for the second operation key. The operation information is third-screen display information that includes the operation and the display of the third screen. The operation includes the first user instruction and the second user instruction. When the control unit receives an instruction operation for the user setting key that is registered with the third screen display information, it displays the third screen; and when it receives a return key instruction operation for the return key included in the third screen, it displays the second screen.

11. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The communication unit receives the operation information. The control unit performs the registration process of registering the operation information received using the communication unit into the user setting key.

12. A control method for a printing apparatus, wherein, The printing apparatus includes a printing unit for performing printing and an operation panel. The operation panel displays multiple operation keys, including user-defined keys, and processes operations performed by the user. In the control method, The operation performed by the user on the operation panel is accepted; Store the operation information based on the operation; and The operation information is registered in the user setting key.

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