Printer, control method for printer, program

Abstract

To solve the problem in that, when a user wants to confirm whether printing has been correctly performed on a sheet, there is a case where it is difficult for the user to confirm it depending on the position or direction of an image printed on the ejected sheet.SOLUTION: In response to a predetermined setting for a user to visually confirm an image printed on a sheet, a recording device 101 controls printing on the sheet so that an orientation of the image printed on the recording medium in a state in which the sheet is ejected for the confirmation and a predetermined orientation of the printer coincides (S502, S503); and starts the ejection in a face-up state regardless of print setting and discontinues the ejection immediately before the ejection is completed (S505). Then, in response to an instruction from a user who has visually confirmed the sheet, the recording device carries the sheet into the device and performs an information protection process for the sheet (S508).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a control method for a printing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a technique for preventing leakage of personal information to third parties by using a shredder or a security stamp on documents or direct mail containing personal information. In addition, there is a method in which a printing device is used to print over the portion of the paper on which personal information is printed.

[0003] Patent document 1 proposes a technology in which, when printing important information, the paper is discharged to a specific output tray, and if the paper is not removed within a specified time after the final page is discharged, the printed matter in the output tray is pulled in and information protection processing is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-284081 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the paper is discharged, the user may want to visually check whether the image, such as personal information, is printed correctly. However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, depending on the position or orientation of the image printed on the discharged paper, it may be difficult for the user to check. For example, if the image is upside down from the user's perspective or is discharged with the print side facing down (face down), it may be difficult for the user to check whether the image is printed correctly, and the accuracy of the check may decrease.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to improve usability when a user checks a print result on a recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a printing device that prints on a recording medium, and is characterized in that it has a control means that controls printing on the recording medium so that, in response to a predetermined setting being made so that a user can visually check the image printed on the recording medium, the orientation of the image printed on the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected for said checking matches a predetermined orientation of the printing device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve usability when a user checks a print result on a recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a recording apparatus showing an example of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an image output change process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the paper ejection is stopped just before completion. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an implementation determination process of information protection processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of information protection processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]5 is a flowchart showing an example of paper processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image switching setting screen when the information protection processing function is enabled. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the printed paper is discharged so that the bottom side of the output image is the bottom side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen for an information protection processing function. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an information protection selection screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining information protection processing printing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a recording device 101 showing an example of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing method of the recording device used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method. The recording device 101 used in this embodiment is a printing device capable of continuous printing. The operation unit 102 is an operation unit (operation panel) that can turn the power of the recording device 101 on and off and change print settings.

[0012] The carriage 103 is a printing unit that ejects ink onto a recording medium (printing medium), such as paper or various sheets, while scanning in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium. The ink tank 104 is a storage unit for ink for forming an image on a recording medium. The transport roller 105 is a transport unit that transports the recording medium. A paper discharge roller 106 is a paper discharge section that discharges the recording medium on which an image has been formed to the outside of the recording apparatus 101 . The paper feed port 107 is a paper feed section that feeds recording media one sheet at a time. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the recording medium will be referred to as "paper."

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 101 shown by a dotted line 108, in which the configuration required for this embodiment is extracted. The recording device 101 in the form shown in FIG. 1 drives the paper feed motor 210 to drive the paper feed roller 207 and feeds paper one by one from the paper feed port 107 where paper can be stacked. The paper 212 can reach the first intermediate roller 206 by ascending along the inclination 208 of the cassette. In addition, by driving the paper feed motor 210, the first intermediate roller 206 and the second intermediate roller 205 also rotate in a direction to convey the paper in the conveying direction 213. Then, by driving the conveying motor 209, the conveying roller 105 and the paper discharge roller 106 are rotated so that the paper advances in the direction 213, and the paper is conveyed below the recording head 214. The rollers are arranged in the following order from the paper feed port 107: the paper feed roller 207, the first intermediate roller 206, the second intermediate roller 205, the conveying roller 105, and the paper discharge roller 106.

[0014] In this embodiment, three rollers are provided that can be driven by the paper feed motor 210, but this may be changed depending on the length of the transport path and the length of the corresponding paper. Furthermore, although the description has been given with a two-motor configuration of the paper feed motor 210 and the transport motor 209, a mechanism for switching the rollers to be driven by a single motor may also be used.

[0015] The paper conveyed by the paper feed roller 205 is detected by the paper detection sensor 204. After detection, the leading edge position of the paper is calculated based on the drive amount of the paper feed motor 210 and the conveyance motor 209. Then, while the carriage 103 carrying the recording head 214 and the ink tank 104 is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper, an image is formed on the paper by ejecting ink from the recording head 214 (hereinafter referred to as "printing").

[0016] In addition, by driving the paper feed motor 210 even during printing on the paper 211, the next paper 212 can be fed. By feeding the next paper 212 during printing on the paper 211 on which recording has started previously, the printing speed can be improved. The user can also turn the power of the recording device 101 on and off and change print settings by operating the operation unit 102. In addition, by displaying a notification to the user on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 102, it is also possible to notify the user of the status of the recording device 101 and prompt the user to perform an appropriate process.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the recording device 101 in this embodiment. The recording device 101 includes a control unit 302 , a printer unit 312 , and an operation unit 313 . In the control unit 302, the CPU 303 loads a control program recorded in the ROM 305 into the RAM 304, and reads it out when necessary to perform various controls such as power-on control and recording control. The RAM 304 is the main memory of the CPU 303, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for loading various programs stored in the ROM 305. The ROM 305 is, for example, a flash ROM, and stores image data, various programs, and various setting information. Note that in this embodiment, a flash storage or the like is assumed as the ROM 305, but an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk may also be used.

[0018] In the recording device 101, one CPU 303 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (RAM 304), but other configurations are also possible. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described later can be executed by using multiple CPUs, multiple RAMs, ROMs, and storages in cooperation with each other. Also, some of the processes can be executed using hardware circuits.

[0019] An engine interface (hereinafter, "I / F") 307 connects a printer unit 312 and the control unit 302. Image data to be printed by the printer unit 312 is transferred from the control unit 302 via the engine I / F 307, and printed on paper or other medium by the printer unit 312.

[0020] An operation unit I / F 308 connects an operation unit 313 and the control unit 302. The operation unit 313 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, operation keys, and the like, and functions as a reception unit that receives instructions from a user. The USB I / F 309 and the network I / F 310 control communication with a host computer 314 connected to the printing apparatus 101 . The power supply board 311 transforms the power supplied from the power supply 315 via a power cable 318 and supplies the power to the recording device 101. The power supply board 311 may also include a storage battery capable of storing power.

[0021] <Software configuration diagram> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the recording device 101 of this embodiment. Each unit shown in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 303 loading into the RAM 304 a control program for controlling each hardware module stored in the ROM 305 and executing the program.

[0022] The control program of the recording device 101 is roughly divided into three blocks: an application layer 410 that manages applications, a middleware layer 420 for controlling the device via various I / Fs, and an operating system 430 that manages the overall control.

[0023] The roles of each are explained below. The operating system 430 provides basic functions for executing a control program in the control unit 302 . The middleware 420 is composed of a group of software that controls the I / F with the printer and each physical device. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that a printer control module 421 exists as a module that controls the engine I / F 307. Similarly, there is a power supply module 422 that controls the power supply board 311. There is also an IF control module 423 that controls the USB I / F 309 and the network I / F 310, which are devices used for communication with the host computer 314. There is also a UI control module 424 that controls the operation unit I / F 308.

[0024] The application layer 410 operates each device via each middleware to realize functions such as recording that the recording device 101 provides to the user. For example, when the UI control module 424 detects that the user has performed recording via the operation unit 313 and the operation unit I / F 308, the application layer 410 is notified of this. In response to this, the application layer 410 executes a job for recording using a job management application 411.

[0025] The job management application 411 uses a printer control module 421 of the middleware 420 to execute a recording operation by the printer unit 312 . The paper position management application 412 uses the printer control module 421 of the middleware 420 to control the printer unit 312 and manage the leading edge position of the paper in the recording device. Specifically, it calculates the leading edge position from the timing when the paper detection sensor 204 detects the paper 211 and the drive amount of the paper feed motor 210 and the transport motor 209. By calculating the leading edge position of the paper 211, it becomes possible to calculate the rear edge position from the paper length of the paper 211 and to predict the leading edge position of the next paper 212 from the drive amount of the paper feed motor 210.

[0026] The processing by the recording device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 15. The processing shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10 is performed by a function realized by the CPU 303 reading a program stored in the ROM 305 into the RAM 304 and executing it.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of print processing by the recording device 101 of this embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 is started based on a print start instruction to the recording device 101. When the recording device 101 receives a print job from the host computer 314 by controlling the USB I / F 309 or the network I / F 310 by the IF control module 423, it starts the print processing of this flowchart.

[0028] First, the recording device 101 feeds paper (S501). In detail, the IF control module 423 notifies the job management application 411 of a print job. The job management application 411 notifies the printer control module 421 of the start of a job. The printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307 to drive the paper feed motor 210. The printer unit 312 drives the paper feed motor 210 to rotate the paper feed roller 207, the first intermediate roller 206, and the second intermediate roller 205 in the paper feed direction 213, thereby feeding paper.

[0029] After completing the process of S501, the job management application 411 instructs the printer control module 421 to execute an image output change process (S502), which will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 6. In the image output change process, the image output is changed so that the user can easily visually check whether the printed matter has been output correctly.

[0030] After completing the process of S502, the job management application 411 instructs the printer control module 421 to print (S503). In response to this instruction, the printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307 to drive the conveyance motor 209. The printer unit 312 drives the conveyance motor 209 to rotate the conveyance rollers 105 and the paper discharge rollers 106 in the paper feed direction 213, convey the paper, and perform printing.

[0031] The printer control module 421 continues the process of S503 until printing on the fed paper is completed (while the result of S504 is No). Then, when the printer control module 421 determines that printing is completed (if the result of S504 is Yes), the process proceeds to S505.

[0032] In S505, the printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307, and as shown in FIG. 7, drives the conveyance motor 209 until just before the paper 1101 is discharged, and then stops it. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the paper ejection is stopped immediately before completion of the paper ejection. 7 is a state in which the print surface of the paper 1101 is exposed outside the recording device 101, the user can visually check whether the paper is printed correctly, and the paper can be reloaded into the recording device 101 to perform mask printing (information protection processing described later) on the paper to mask the information printed on the paper. In other words, the state in FIG. 7 can be said to be a state in which the paper has been discharged in a state in which it can be reloaded into the printing device. Also, some recording devices are configured to be able to reload the paper into the recording device even when the paper has been discharged onto the paper output tray without stopping the paper output immediately before completion of the paper output. In such a configuration, the paper may be discharged onto the paper output tray.

[0033] In S505, regardless of whether the print settings of the print information, etc., are for face-up or face-down ejection, the paper starts to be ejected with the printed side facing up, and is ejected to the state shown in FIG. 7. Since the recording device 101 of this embodiment has a face-up ejection configuration, in S505, there is no need to perform a process such as inverting the paper after printing, and the paper is simply conveyed and ejected with the side on which the image is formed facing up. However, in a device with a face-down ejection configuration, the paper is inverted after printing and ejected to the state shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] After the above-mentioned process of S505 in which the printer unit 312 conveys the paper 1101 to the point immediately before it is discharged, the job management application 411 performs an information protection process execution determination process (S506) which will be described later in Fig. 8. Note that the information protection process is a process of masking the image printed on the paper so that it cannot be seen by a third party, that is, a process of printing on the printed matter to conceal personal information or confidential information on the printed matter. The details will be described later, but the process of having the user select whether to execute this information protection process is included in the information protection process execution determination process of S506.

[0035] Furthermore, in S507, the result of the determination in S506 is confirmed. If it is determined that information protection processing is to be performed (Yes in S507), the job management application 411 advances the process to S508. In S508, the job management application 411 performs information protection printing processing, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 9. Although details will be described later, in the information protection printing processing, a sheet of paper in the state shown in Fig. 7 is pulled (carried in) into the device, a mask is printed on the image printed on the sheet of paper, and the sheet of paper is ejected. When the information protection printing processing in S508 ends, the job management application 411 ends the print job.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined that the information protection process is not to be performed (No in S507), the job management application 411 advances the process to S509. In S509, the job management application 411 instructs the printer control module 421 to perform paper processing, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 10. In this paper processing, the paper in the state shown in Fig. 7 is pulled (carried in) into the device, and the paper is discharged in a paper discharge method based on the print settings such as the print information, i.e., face-up discharge / face-down discharge, or the paper is re-fed for printing the second side.

[0037] Then, in S510, the job management application 411 determines whether or not the paper ejection process has been performed. If the paper ejection process has not been performed (Yes in S510), the job management application 411 determines that there is still printing to be done on this paper, and returns the process to S502. On the other hand, if the paper discharge process has been performed (Yes in S510), the job management application 411 ends the print job.

[0038] Next, the image output change process shown in S502 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an image output change process, which is started before printing on paper starts.

[0039] First, the printer control module 421 judges whether the image switching setting when the information protection processing function is enabled is valid or invalid (S601). Whether the image switching setting when the information protection processing function is enabled is judged by referring to a value that is set in advance by the operation unit 102 or the host computer 314 connected to the recording device 101 as shown in Fig. 11 and stored in, for example, the ROM 305. Note that instead of the judgment process of S601, the judgment process of S801 in Fig. 8 described later may be performed.

[0040] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that allows a user to set whether or not to switch images when the information protection processing function is enabled. This allows the user to set whether or not to switch images when the information protection processing function is enabled. The set value is stored in, for example, the ROM 305.

[0041] Here, if the image switching setting when the information protection processing function is enabled is disabled (No in S601), the printer control module 421 ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if the image switching setting when the information protection processing function is enabled is enabled (Yes in S601), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S602.

[0042] In step S602 , the printer control module 421 acquires print information from the job management application 411 . In S603, the printer control module 421 determines whether or not double-sided printing is to be performed based on the print information acquired in S602. If it is determined that double-sided printing is to be performed (Yes in S603), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S604. On the other hand, if it is determined that single-sided printing is to be performed (No in S603), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S606.

[0043] In S604, the printer control module 421 determines whether or not the first page has been printed (the first side of the paper has been printed) based on the print information acquired in S602. If the first page has not been printed (No in S604), the printer control module 421 sets the image of the first page as the output image (S605), and advances the process to S606.

[0044] In S606, the printer control module 421 judges whether the paper to be printed is discharged from the bottom side (lower side) of the output image based on the print information. If it is judged that the paper is discharged from the bottom side of the output image (Yes in S606), the printer control module 421 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper is not ejected from the bottom side of the output image (No in S606), the printer control module 421 sets the paper to be ejected from the bottom side (bottom) of the output image (S607). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which the printed paper is discharged from the bottom side (bottom side) of the output image.

[0046] In addition, the recording device 101 of the present embodiment can match the orientation of the image printed on the discharged paper with the orientation (front) of the recording device (which may be the orientation of the operation unit) by discharging the paper to be printed from the "ground" side (bottom) of the output image as shown in FIG. 12. This allows the image printed on the paper to be oriented correctly when viewed from a user standing in front of the recording device 101, making it easier for the user to visually check the image, and is expected to reduce confirmation errors. Note that the configuration is not limited to discharging the paper to be printed from the "ground" side (bottom) of the output image. For example, in a recording device configured to discharge the paper from the left side of the front of the recording device, if the paper is transported in the short direction, the paper to be printed may be set to be discharged from the left side of the output image. In this case, too, the image printed on the paper will be oriented correctly when viewed from a user standing in front of the recording device, making it easier for the user to visually check the image. In addition, the paper ejection may be set so that the orientation of the image printed on the ejected paper matches the orientation specified by the user via the operation unit 102 or the host computer 314 connected to the recording device 101.

[0047] 5, when the paper is conveyed to the position immediately before being discharged in S504, printing is performed on the paper so that the orientation of the image printed on the paper in this state matches the orientation intended by the user when visually checking the image, based on the setting of S607. After the processing of S607, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0048] On the other hand, in S604 above, if the first page has already been printed (Yes in S604), the printer control module 421 sets the image of the second page as the output image (S608), and ends the processing of this flowchart. Note that in the case of the second page, the processing of S606 to S607 is omitted because the processing of S606 to S607 has already been performed for the first page. This processing may be omitted, and the image printed on the paper will be ejected in the correct orientation as viewed by the user. Of course, the processing of S606 to S607 may also be performed in the case of the second page.

[0049] Next, the information protection process execution determination process of S506 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of information protection process execution determination processing by the recording device 101 of this embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart starts after printing on paper.

[0050] First, the job management application 411 judges whether the information protection processing function is enabled or disabled (S801). Whether the information protection processing function is enabled or disabled is judged by referring to a value that is set in advance by the operation unit 102 or the host computer 314 connected to the printing apparatus 101 as shown in Fig. 13 and stored in, for example, the ROM 305. Alternatively, the value set by the information protection processing function depending on the ink ejection status from the print head 214 (the "disabled" setting in the case of normal ejection, and the "enabled" setting in the case of non-ejection) may be referred to.

[0051] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which the user can set the information protection processing function to be enabled or disabled. This allows the user to set the information protection processing function. The set value is stored in, for example, the ROM 305.

[0052] If the information protection processing function is "invalid" (No in S801), the job management application 411 holds information that the information protection processing is "not implemented" (S806), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0053] On the other hand, if the information protection processing function is “enabled” (Yes in S801), the job management application 411 displays an information protection implementation selection screen such as that shown in FIG. 14 on the host computer 314 connected to the operation unit 102 or the recording device 101 (S802). 14 is a diagram showing an example of an information protection implementation selection screen when the information protection processing function is enabled. Via this screen, the user can select whether or not to implement information protection processing.

[0054] The job management application 411 continues S802 until "protect information" or "do not protect information" is selected on the information protection implementation selection screen displayed on the operation unit 102 or the host computer 314 connected to the recording device 101 (while "No" in S803). Then, when it is determined that "protect information" or "do not protect information" has been selected on the information protection implementation selection screen ("Yes" in S803), the job management application 411 determines whether to implement information protection (S804).

[0055] Here, if “Protect information” is selected on the information protection implementation selection screen, the job management application 411 determines that information protection will be implemented (Yes in S804), retains the information that the information protection process is “Implemented” (S805), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0056] On the other hand, if “Do not protect information” is selected on the information protection implementation selection screen, the job management application 411 determines that information protection will not be implemented (No in S804), retains the information that the information protection processing is “not implemented” (S806), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0057] Next, the information-protected printing process in S508 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of information protection printing processing by the recording apparatus 101 of this embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is started when information protection is performed after printing on paper.

[0058] First, the job management application 411 instructs the printer control module 421 to perform a paper pull-in operation (S901). The printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307 to drive the transport motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210. The printer unit 312 drives the transport motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210 to rotate the transport roller 105, the paper discharge roller 106, the first intermediate roller 206, and the second intermediate roller 205 in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213. As a result, the paper is transported in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213, and the paper pull-in operation is performed.

[0059] The printer control module 421 continues S901 until the paper detection sensor 204 detects the leading edge of the printing surface of the paper (while S902 is No). Then, when the printer control module 421 determines that the paper detection sensor 204 has detected the leading edge of the printing surface of the paper (S902 is Yes), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S903.

[0060] In S903, the job management application 411 executes information protection printing to the printer control module 421. In information protection printing, a process of masking the portion where personal information is written is performed internally, and then the masked data is printed according to the data memory for printing. Here, the information protection printing will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining information protection processing printing. Here, as an example of information-protected printing, a case where information-protected printing is performed on postcard-type paper as shown in FIG. 15(a) will be shown. The paper is postcard-type and contains the recipient's name, address number, and the sender's name and address. In the information protection printing, the job management application 411 first performs an internal process of masking the portion of the postcard-type image where personal information is to be written, as shown in FIG. 15(b). After that, the job management application 411 saves the mask data (mask pattern for concealing personal information and confidential information) as shown in Fig. 15(b) in the data memory for printing. When printing is performed according to the data memory for printing, the output result is as shown in Fig. 15(c). In other words, the personal information and confidential information on the printed matter are concealed by being overwritten with the mask pattern.

[0062] Returning now to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. After starting the information protection printing in S903, the printer control module 421 continues S903 until the information protection printing is completed (while S904 is No). Then, when the printer control module 421 determines that the information protection printing is completed (S904 is Yes), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S905.

[0063] In S905, the printer control module 421 ejects the paper. In detail, the printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307, and drives the conveyance motor 209 until the paper is ejected, thereby rotating the conveyance rollers 105 and the paper ejection rollers 106 in the paper feed direction 213. As a result, the paper is conveyed in the paper feed direction 213, and the paper is ejected from the recording device 101. After the processing of S905, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0064] Next, the paper processing in S509 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of paper processing by the recording device 101 of this embodiment. Paper processing refers to processing for reversing paper within the recording device 101 or discharging the paper outside the recording device 101 according to the paper discharge side and printing status based on the print information. The processing of this flowchart is started when information protection is not performed after printing on the paper.

[0065] First, the printer control module 421 acquires print information from the job management application 411 (S1001). Then, the printer control module 421 determines whether or not double-sided printing is to be performed based on the print information acquired in S1001 (S1002). If it is determined that double-sided printing is to be performed (Yes in S1002), the printer control module 421 determines whether double-sided printing has been performed based on the print information acquired in S1001 (S1003).

[0066] If double-sided printing has been performed (Yes in S1003), the printer control module 421 determines whether the ejection surface is specified to be face-up based on the print information acquired in S1001 (S1004). Here, if the ejection surface is specified to face up (Yes in S1004), the printer control module 421 inverts the paper since the paper is currently facing down (S1005). In detail, the printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307 to drive the conveyance motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210. The printer unit 312 drives the conveyance motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210 to rotate the conveyance roller 105, the paper ejection roller 106, the first intermediate roller 206, and the second intermediate roller 205 in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213. This conveys the paper in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213 and inverts the paper. After the process of S1005, the printer control module 421 ejects the paper (S1006) and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0067] On the other hand, if the ejection side is not specified to be face up in S1004 above (No in S1004), the printer control module 421 ejects the paper as it is (S1006) since the paper is currently face down, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0068] If both sides have not been printed (No in S1003), the printer control module 421 reverses the paper to print the second side since only the first side has been printed (S1008). In detail, the printer control module 421 controls the printer unit 312 via the engine I / F 307 to drive the conveyance motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210. The printer unit 312 drives the conveyance motor 209 and the paper feed motor 210 to rotate the conveyance roller 105, the paper discharge roller 106, the first intermediate roller 206, and the second intermediate roller 205 in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213. This conveys the paper in the opposite direction to the paper feed direction 213 and reverses the paper. After the process of S1008, the printer control module 421 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0069] If it is determined that the printing is not double-sided (No in S1002), the printer control module 421 determines whether the ejection surface is specified to be face-down based on the print information acquired in S1001 (S1007). If the ejection surface is specified to face down (Yes in S1007), the printer control module 421 ejects the paper (S1006) and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0070] On the other hand, if the ejection surface is not specified to face down (No in S1007), the printer control module 421 advances the process to S1005.

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user wants to check whether or not concealed information such as personal information has been printed correctly on paper printed by a recording device, the paper discharged for checking can be discharged so that the top and bottom of the image printed on the paper is in the correct orientation as seen by the user. Also, the paper can be discharged so that the printed surface faces upward. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the user to check the printed matter, and it is expected that checking errors will be reduced. In this way, it is possible to facilitate the checking operation when the user visually checks the printing on the recording medium. This is expected to improve checking accuracy and usability.

[0072] In the case of hold printing, in which printing of a print job received from the host computer 314 is started in response to an operation from the operation unit 313 of the recording device 101 (e.g., user authentication using a password or IC card), the image switching setting when the information protection processing function is enabled (settings as shown in Figure 11) and the information protection function setting (settings as shown in Figure 13) may be enabled.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, in the case of double-sided printing, the user is allowed to select "protect information" / "do not protect information" for both sides. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the side to be protected (only the first side, only the second side, or both sides) is set in the print settings of a print job or the like. If only the first side is set, the process proceeds to S506 after printing the first side, and to S509 after printing the second side. If only the second side is set, the process proceeds to S506 after printing the second side, and to S509 after printing the first side.

[0074] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which the user is allowed to select between "protect information" and "not protect information" for both sides as in this embodiment, if the user selects "protect information" for the second side, after performing information protection printing on the second side, the paper may be further inverted and information protection printing on the first side may also be performed. In other words, in the information protection printing process for the second side, a mask pattern may be printed on both sides. This makes it possible to protect information on both sides even if the first side is printed correctly and the second side is not printed correctly.

[0075] Also, instead of the information protection printing process in S508 in Fig. 5, other post-processing related to information protection may be performed. For example, the paper may be sent to a device such as a shredder and then shredded into small pieces.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve usability when a user checks the results of printing on a recording medium.

[0077] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0078] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0079] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A printing device that prints on a recording medium, A printing device characterized by having a control means for controlling printing on a recording medium so that, in response to a predetermined setting being made for a user to visually check an image printed on the recording medium, the orientation of the image printed on the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected for said checking matches a predetermined orientation of the printing device. (Configuration 2) The printing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that when the control means ejects the recording medium for the confirmation, the control means controls the recording medium to be ejected with the printed side facing up, regardless of whether the print setting of the print job is face-up or face-down ejection. (Configuration 3) 3. The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device is an orientation corresponding to a front of the printing device. (Configuration 4) 3. The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device is the orientation of an operation unit of the printing device. (Configuration 5) 3. The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device is an orientation specified by a user. (Configuration 6) In the ejection for confirmation, the recording medium is ejected in a state in which it can be carried into the printing device; A printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the specified setting has been made, the printing device further comprises a processing means for, in response to a user instruction, carrying the recording medium ejected for the confirmation into the printing device, and printing a mask pattern on the recording medium to conceal information printed on the recording medium. (Configuration 7) The printing apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein in the ejection for the confirmation, the ejection of the recording medium is stopped immediately before the ejection is completed. (Configuration 8) The printing device described in configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the processing means controls so that when the mask pattern is printed on the first side of the recording medium in a print job with double-sided printing setting, printing is not performed on the second side of the recording medium. (Configuration 9) The printing device described in configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the processing means controls so that when the mask pattern is printed on the second side of the recording medium in a print job with double-sided printing setting, the mask pattern is also printed on the first side of the recording medium. (Configuration 10) A printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the specified setting is effective when the received print job is a print job that is held in the printing device and executed in response to user operation from an operation unit of the printing device. (Method 1) A method for controlling a printing device that prints on a recording medium, comprising: A control method for a printing device, comprising a control step of controlling printing on a recording medium so that, in response to a predetermined setting being made for a user to visually check an image printed on the recording medium, the orientation of the image printed on the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected for said checking matches a predetermined orientation of the printing device. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 101 Recording device 303 CPU 304 RAM 305 ROM 312 Printer Division 410 Application 411 Job Management Application 412 Paper Position Management Application 421 Printer Control Module

Claims

1. A printing device that prints on a recording medium, A printing device characterized by having a control means for controlling printing on a recording medium so that, in response to a predetermined setting being made for a user to visually check an image printed on the recording medium, the orientation of the image printed on the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected for said checking matches a predetermined orientation of the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when ejecting the recording medium for the confirmation, the control means controls the recording medium to be ejected with the printed side facing up, regardless of whether the print setting of the print job is face-up or face-down ejection.

3. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device corresponds to a front of the printing device.

4. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device is the orientation of an operation unit of the printing device.

5. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined orientation of the printing device is an orientation designated by a user.

6. In the ejection for confirmation, the recording medium is ejected in a state in which it can be carried into the printing device; A printing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the specified setting has been made, the printing device further comprises a processing means for, in response to a user instruction, loading the recording medium ejected for confirmation into the printing device, and printing a mask pattern on the recording medium to conceal information printed on the recording medium.

7. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in the ejection for the confirmation, the ejection of the recording medium is stopped immediately before the ejection is completed.

8. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing means controls so that when the mask pattern is printed on the first side of the recording medium in a print job with double-sided printing setting, printing is not performed on the second side of the recording medium.

9. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing means controls the printing of the mask pattern on the first side of the recording medium when the mask pattern is printed on the second side of the recording medium in a print job set for double-sided printing.

10. A printing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specified setting is effective when the received print job is a print job that is held in the printing device and executed in response to user operation from an operation unit of the printing device.

11. A method for controlling a printing device that prints on a recording medium, comprising: A control method for a printing device, comprising a control step of controlling printing on a recording medium so that, in response to a predetermined setting being made for a user to visually check an image printed on the recording medium, the orientation of the image printed on the recording medium when the recording medium is ejected for said checking matches a predetermined orientation of the printing device.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the units of the printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images