Printing device, control method therefor and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that regarding a method with which print data of POP, etc., are downloaded from a server and printed by a printing device, in a case where a worker sees a print and finds a clerical error, the worker wants to accurately notify a server manager of data of the clerical error.SOLUTION: A printing device which is connected with a server storing print data over a network and by which the print data are acquired from the server and printing is executed comprises: acquisition means which acquires information identifying print data to request a correction; and transmission means which transmits the information identifying the print data and a correction content to the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device that receives and prints print image data from an image distribution server that distributes the print image data, and a control method and program for the printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is common for stores to use POP and other displays to explain products and to inform customers of product descriptions and prices. When a chain operates many stores, creating a POP product description data for each store is inefficient because each store would have to create similar POPs. For this reason, the chain has a system in which the headquarters creates POP product description data for all stores at once and distributes it to each store. In this type of POP product description data distribution system, the headquarters updates the POP product description data every period. Meanwhile, each store accesses the headquarters' POP product description data distribution server from information devices such as PCs installed in each store to obtain the POP product description data required for that store. The data is then printed on paper using a printer installed in each store, and the completed POP product description data is displayed in the store. There is known a system that communicates with a server that distributes such print image data via a network, receives print image data, and prints the data on each of the printing devices that received the print image data (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-116599 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above POP printing system, POP image data stored in the POP image distribution server is acquired by issuing an acquisition request from each retailer's PC, and the PC issues a print command to a printing device to print. This requires PC operation at each retailer. In that case, PC operation skills are required to perform POP printing, so that knowledge is also required. However, since it is difficult for each retailer to gather personnel with PC operation skills, it is desirable to be able to acquire and print POP print data in a way that does not require PC operation skills. Therefore, a one-button printing function is being considered, which would acquire the required print data from the image distribution server and print it by pressing a button on the printing device at each retailer. This allows even staff at each retail store who do not have the skills to operate a PC to easily print POP print data prepared by the headquarters in the image distribution server 100 with a single button operation. Now, let's consider a case where there is an error in the POP print data. In the past, when there was an error in the POP print data, the PC operator would have been able to discover the error while operating the PC. Also, if an employee discovered an error by looking at the POP printout, they could report it to the PC operator, who could then identify which POP data was incorrect by operating the PC. The retailer could then identify the POP data with the error and inform the administrator who registers the POP print data in the image distribution server at headquarters, allowing the data to be corrected. However, when printing is done at the retail store using the one-button printing function mentioned above, there is no need to operate a PC, so if an error is found in the POP print data, it is difficult for the worker to accurately report it to headquarters. Specifically, even if a worker at the retail store notices an error when looking at a printout of POP print data, it is difficult to tell where the error is. In particular, when multiple POP print data are printed on a single sheet of paper using Nin1 printing, there is an issue of difficulty in telling accurately which POP print data has the error. To provide a mechanism capable of accurately notifying a server administrator of typographical errors when a typographical error is found when looking at a printed matter printed by a printing device using print data downloaded from a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device is connected to a server that stores print data via a network, acquires the print data from the server, and executes printing. The printing device has an acquisition means for acquiring information that identifies the print data to be requested to be corrected, and a transmission means for transmitting the information that identifies the print data and the correction contents to the server. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, when a clerical error is found when looking at a printout produced by printing data downloaded from a server and printed by a printing device, it is possible to accurately notify the server administrator of the clerical error. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment [Diagram 2] Software configuration diagram of an image distribution server according to an embodiment [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Example of print image data synthesis according to an embodiment [Diagram 5] Example of converting print data into each image data and printing it on one page [Figure 6] A diagram explaining how a worker discovers a typing error and identifies the data. [Figure 7A] A screen showing a process in which an identifier is embedded in print data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] A screen showing a process in which an identifier is embedded in print data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Processing flow of the printing device of the first embodiment [Figure 9]Processing flow of the image distribution server of the first embodiment [Figure 10A] A screen showing a process in which an identification character string is embedded in print data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] A screen showing a process in which an identification character string is embedded in print data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Processing flow of the printing device of the second embodiment [Figure 12] Processing flow of the image distribution server of the second embodiment [Figure 13] Screen showing processing by narrowing down from the print data list in the third embodiment [Figure 14] Processing flow of the printing device of the third embodiment [Figure 15] Processing flow of the image distribution server of the third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] · Overall configuration of the printing system The overall configuration of a printing system in which data constituting a printed matter is registered in an image distribution server 100 and a printing device 110 acquires the data from the image distribution server 100, renders print image data, and prints it will be described with reference to FIG. The image distribution server 100 is a server device having a function of registering information combined with data constituting a print image and distributing the information to printing devices. The printing devices 110-112 are printing devices that obtain data from the image distribution server and print it. The image distribution server 100 stores image data to be printed by each printing device, which the printing devices 110-112 obtain and print. Specifically, each printing device 110-112 checks whether the image distribution server 100 has print image data to be printed by the printing device itself, and if there is print image data, it obtains data that constitutes the print image from the image distribution server 100. Then, each printing device synthesizes and forms a print image based on the data received, and prints it on paper. The image distribution server 100 and the printing devices 110-112 are connected via a network 103. The network 103 may be the Internet. Here, it is assumed that the image distribution server 100 is installed at the headquarters of a chain store or the like. It is assumed that the printing devices 110-112 are installed in different stores, and each store acquires and prints the print image data required for each store. Also, there may be cases where each store has multiple printing devices.

[0010] Image distribution server software configuration FIG. 2 shows the software configuration of the image distribution server 100. The image distribution server 100 has a print image data creation unit 207 that generates and transmits print image data. The print image data creation unit 207 has an image data creation unit 202. An image data creation unit 202 creates image data for a print job, and an image data transmission unit 204 transmits the image data to a printing device 110 (hereinafter, a plurality of printing devices will be referred to as "printing device 110" to represent the printing devices) via a network 103. A print job instruction can be sent from the printing device 110, in which case a data receiving unit 203 receives the print instruction from the printing device 110 and starts the print job. Printing instructions can also be given from the image distribution server 100, in which case a print job is started by specifying the printing device 110 via the print instruction unit 201 operated from the operation unit 206. At this time, status information of the printing device giving the print instruction is received from the printing device 110 by a status information receiving unit 2031 in the data receiving unit 203, and a determination is made as to whether or not the printing device is in a state in which printing is possible. The status information includes the branch number to which the printing device 110 belongs, the printer number within that branch, set paper size information, remaining paper amount, printer error status, and other information. The image distribution server 100 is connected to hardware such as a display unit 205 such as a display, and an operation unit 206 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0011] Printing device hardware configuration FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 110 of this embodiment. The printing device 110 has a CPU 301, an eMMC 302, a DRAM 303, a storage device 304, an operation unit 305, a recording unit 306, an image processing unit 307, a reading unit 308, and a communication unit 309, which are communicatively connected via a data bus 310. The CPU 301 is a control unit of the system, and performs overall control of the printing device 110 . The eMMC is made up of flash memory and stores the control program for the CPU 301. The DRAM 303 stores program control variables, etc. The DRAM 303 is a volatile memory that can temporarily store image data processed by the CPU 301, and is also used as a work area for the programs executed by the CPU 301. The storage device 304 is a storage device such as an HDD device, and is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as image data, etc. Data constituting printed matter is stored here. An operation unit 305 is an interface unit for the user that displays information within the device. The recording unit 306 is a device that prints image data on recording paper. Here, the recording unit 306 places toner on the recording paper and fixes the toner to the recording paper by applying pressure with a heated fixing device. Note that the recording unit 306 may use a recording method that uses ink jet such as ink jet, or a method that uses heat to record on thermal paper, etc. An image processing unit 307 synthesizes and draws image data handled in image printing, and performs encoding and decoding processing of the binary image data. The reading unit 308 is a device that uses a scanner to read paper and obtain its image data. The communication unit 309 is an interface between the device and an external communication network. Communication with the image distribution server 100 is performed via the communication unit 309. The processing units are connected to each other via a data bus 310 .

[0012] Print image data composition Next, the contents constituting the print image data will be described. FIG. 4 illustrates data that constitutes a print image registered and stored in the image distribution server 100. The print image data is composed of frame image data 400 and variable data 410 . Frame image data 400 is image data used as a template for a print image. In this example, image data commonly used in POPs installed in stores corresponds to frame image data. Frame image data (frame A 401, frame B 402, frame C 403) are examples of frame image data used for POPs. The variable data 410 is composed of text data such as the product name, price, and comments used in the POP. The variable data 410 used in the POP shown in FIG. 4 stores the items of "product name", "price", "comment", "validity period" of the POP, and "frame" image data to be used. The "frame" item specifies the frame to be used in the print image. The POP image 420 to be printed is composed by combining and synthesizing this specified frame image data 400 with the variable data 410 of the text information of "product name", "price", and "comment". This image processing is performed by the image data creation unit 202 of the image distribution server 100. The image data transmission unit 204 then transmits the created POP image 420 to the printing device 100. The specified frame image data 400 and variable data 410 may be sent from the image distribution server 100 to the printing device 100, and the POP image 420 may be synthesized and drawn in the printing device 100.

[0013] (Example of creating print image data) Next, an example will be described in which print image data registered in the proposed image distribution server 100 is actually printed by the printing device 110 in each retail store. FIG. 5 shows an example of how print data is actually converted into a print image. First, the variable data 410 is registered in the image distribution server 100. Then, each print image data is formed as one piece of image data by combining the frame image data (frame C403) and the variable data 410 as one piece of print image data, and synthesizing the print image data in the image data creation unit 202 of the image distribution server 100. The print image data 510-513 are the print image data that are drawn for each of the print image data that has been formed. The print image data 510-513 that has been created here is often small in size, such as a price tag image, and if it is output directly onto a print sheet, the margins of the paper may go to waste. For this reason, multiple print image data are aggregated and printed Nin1, so that no blank space is left behind when printing. The image data creation unit 202 also forms an image that is actually aggregated into one page, but this may also be done on the printing device 110 side. The print image data 520 shows an example in which four sheets of print image data are formed as an image for aggregate printing onto one print sheet.

[0014] The worker at each retail store receives print image data 520, which is a collection of multiple print data items on one page. Incidentally, there is a case where the image distribution server 100 and the printing device 110 are directly connected and a POP image is printed by a single button operation on the printing device 110. In this case, an operator at each retail store will find an error in the print image data by looking at a printed matter such as the print image data 520 that has been aggregated and printed.

[0015] Corrected errors in print image data Figure 6 shows an example of how the error was discovered. As shown in Fig. 6(a), workers at each retail store only realize that "kyahetsu" is a misspelling of "cabbage" when they look at the aggregated printout 600 such as 520. However, in order to correct this misspelling, they must notify the manager at headquarters who operates the image distribution server 100 which data in the variable data 410 is incorrect, as shown in Fig. 6(b). However, it is difficult to convey the exact data that is incorrect over the telephone or other conversation.

[0016] · The process of scanning and sending identifiers (printing device) [Display screen] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a process of identifying print data containing an error by scanning a code related to an identifier and transmitting the identified data to a server. It is assumed that a plurality of print data are registered in the image distribution server 100 as variable data 700. The variable data 700 has an item of "number" (ID) that can identify each print data. This "number" is converted into an identifier 702 such as a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) and synthesized as a part of the print image data 701 and displayed. When a worker at each retail store looks at the printout of the print image data 701 and notices a clerical error, he or she operates the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 to request that the error be corrected. First, the operator presses a [POP modification request] button 731 on a main menu screen 710 displayed on the touch panel that is the operation unit 305 of the printing apparatus 110 . This will then transition to a POP correction request screen 711, which instructs the worker to place the actual printout 712 for which corrections are to be requested on the scanner. The worker at each retail store follows the instructions, places the printed matter 712 on which the identifier 702 is printed in a scanner, and reads the printed image of the actual printed matter 712 for which correction of the clerical error is to be requested. The printer 110 detects the identifier 702 from the read image, and obtains information (e.g., a "number") for identifying the print data containing the typographical error from the identifier 702. The printer 110 then communicates with the image distribution server 100, and transmits to the image distribution server 100 the information for identifying the print data containing the typographical error. In response, the image distribution server 100 receives variable data 700 related to the identified print data. Then, the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 displays a POP correction request screen 720. An operator at each retail store checks whether the variable data of the print data displayed on the POP correction request screen 720 actually matches the printed matter 712 that has the error. If the image does not match the print image data containing the error, the user presses the [Cancel] button 732 to abort the correction request process and complete the process. Finally, a screen 721 for selecting the requested correction is displayed, and the worker at each retail store selects the type of the error from the options. In this case, "cabbage" is written as "kyahetsu", so the worker checks "The product name is incorrect" and presses the [OK] button 734 to request the correction. By doing so, it becomes possible to communicate which parts of the print image data need to be corrected based on the actual printout.

[0017] [Printing device processing flow] 8 is a diagram showing a process flow of a method for notifying print data containing an error using an identifier in the printing device 110. The following process is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program stored in the eMMC 302 of the printing device 110. When a worker at each retail store notices an error in the printed POP, the worker at each retail store presses a correction request button on the main menu 710 of the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 to start the correction request process. In S1000, when a POP correction request button 731 is pressed on the main menu screen 710, the printing device 110 displays a screen such as a POP correction request screen 711 that prompts the user to place a printed material 712 for which correction is to be requested on the reading unit 308. In S1001 , when the printed matter 712 is set on the reading unit 308 and the [SCAN] button 735 is pressed, the printed matter 712 to be corrected is read by the reading unit 308 . In S1002, the image processing unit 307 of the printing device 110 analyzes the image of the printed matter 712 read by the reading unit 308, and detects the identifier 702, such as a two-dimensional code, from the scanned image. If the identifier 702 cannot be detected ("No" in S1002), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1003. On the other hand, if the identifier 702 can be detected ("Yes" in S1002), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1004. In step S1003, the CPU 301 displays on the operation unit 305 a message indicating that the identifier 702 capable of identifying the print data of the POP could not be detected, and ends this correction instruction process. On the other hand, if the identifier 702 is detected, in S1004, information for identifying the print data of the POP from the identifier 702 is obtained from the identifier 702. Then, the information for identifying the print data of the POP is sent to the image distribution server 100, and a request is made to transmit information on the identified print data. In S1005, the image distribution server 100 receives the request at the data receiving unit 203, and searches for matching data in the print image data. If there is no print data matching the information identifying the print data in the POP (S1005: No), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1006. If there is print data matching the information identifying the print data (S1005: Yes), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1007. In S1006, the image data transmission unit 204 of the image distribution server 100 notifies the printing device 110, and the printing device 110 displays on the operation unit 305 a message indicating that the POP data was not found, and ends the correction instruction process. On the other hand, if print data matching the information identifying the print data is present, in S1007 the printing device 110 receives the information on that print data, displays the identified POP data on the operation unit 305 on a POP modification request screen 720, and accepts confirmation from the operator. When the operator presses an [OK] button 733, the POP modification request screen 721 is displayed. In the next step S1008 , the CPU 301 accepts the selection of the correction content from the operator on the POP correction request screen 721 of the operation unit 305 . In the next step S1009, the CPU 301 and the printing device 110 notify the image distribution server 100 of the input correction information, and the process ends. The print data to be corrected is identified through the above process flow, and the identified print data can be notified to the administrator at the headquarters who operates the image distribution server 100.

[0018] [Server processing flow] Next, the processing of the image distribution server 100 during processing of the printing device 110 in Fig. 8 will be described with reference to the flow in Fig. 9. This processing is realized by the CPU of the image distribution server 100 executing a program. In S1004 of FIG. 8, the printing device 110 scans the printed matter 712 to detect the identifier 702 such as a two-dimensional code, and the image distribution server 100 transmits to the printing device 110 a request for information on the print data of the POP identified from the identifier 702. In S 1300 , a request for POP print data information is received from the printing device 110 via the status information receiving unit 2031 . In S1301 , the image distribution server 100 transmits print data information of the identified POP from the image data transmission unit 204 to the printing device 110 . In S1302, the image distribution server 100 receives, via the status information receiving unit 2031, the POP information to be modified in the image distribution server 100 and the modification content transmitted by the printing device 110 in S1009. In S1303, the fact that a correction request has been received is displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image distribution server 100, the administrator who operates the image distribution server 100 is notified of the receipt of the correction request, and this process ends. According to the above-described first embodiment, by scanning the identifier printed on a POP printout containing an error, it is possible to notify the server administrator of information for accurately identifying the data on that printout.

[0019] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, the worker can notify the administrator of the print image data server of the data of the printed matter containing the error by scanning the identifier of the printed image data. In the second embodiment, a method is described in which an identification character string is printed on the printed matter and the worker notifies the server of the identification character string to identify the printed matter containing the error. (Processing to directly input and transmit the data identifier string) [Display screen] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a method for transmitting print data containing a clerical error to a server using an identification character string. 10A, it is assumed that multiple pieces of print data are registered as variable data 800 in the image distribution server 100. A number (ID) field is prepared in the variable data 800 to identify each piece of print data. This number is synthesized and displayed as an identification string 802 as part of the print image data 801. When an operator at each retail store looks at the printout of the print image data 801 and notices a clerical error, he or she operates the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 to make a request to the administrator of the image distribution server 100 to correct the clerical error. Next, the transition of the display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 10B. First, the worker presses the [POP modification request] button 831 on the main menu screen 810 . This causes the screen to transition to a POP correction request screen 811, and the printing device 110 instructs the operator to input an identification character string 802 written on the actual printed matter 812 for which a correction is to be requested. Following the instructions, the worker at each retail store reads the identification string 802 and enters it into the field for entering a number (POPID) on the POP correction request screen 811 from the operation unit 305. The printing device 110 then obtains the identification string 802 as information that can identify the print data that has the typographical error. When the worker presses an [OK] button 813, the printing device 110 communicates with the image distribution server 100 and transmits to the image distribution server 100 the information that can identify the print data that has the typographical error. In response, the image distribution server 100 receives variable data 800 related to the identified print data. Then, the printer 110 displays a POP correction request screen 820 on the operation unit 305. An operator at each retail store checks whether the print data actually matches the printed matter 812 that has the error. If the print image data does not match the error, the user presses the [Cancel] button 832 to abort and terminate this process. If there is a match, pressing the [OK] button 833 causes the printer 100 to display screen 821 prompting the selection of the correction request, and the worker at each retail store selects the type of error from the options. In this case, "cabbage" is written as "kyahetsu", so the worker checks "Product name is incorrect" and presses the [OK] button 834 to make the correction request. By doing so, it becomes possible to communicate which parts of the print image data need to be corrected based on the actual printout.

[0020] [Printing device processing flow] Next, a process flow in the printing device 110 for a method of notifying about print data containing a clerical error using an identification character string will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The following process flow is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program stored in the eMMC 302 of the printing device 110. When an operator at each retail store notices an error in the printed POP, the operator starts the correction request process by pressing a [POP correction request] button 831 on the main menu 810 of the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 . First, in step S1100, when the correction request button is pressed, the printing device 110 displays on the operation unit 305 a POP correction request screen 811 for inputting the identification character string 802 written on the POP printout for which correction is requested. Next, in S1101, the input of the identification character string 802 is accepted on the POP modification request screen 811. In step S1102, the input character string is inspected to check whether it indicates an identification character string for the print data of the POP. As an example of the judgment, since the identification character string 802 is composed of the POP data creation date + ID number, if a character string that is not composed of the date and time of the creation date is input, the arrangement of the character string is checked. If it is determined that the character string is not an identification character string indicating POP print data (S1102: No), CPU 301 advances the process to S1103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the character string is an identification character string indicating POP print data (S1102: Yes), CPU 301 advances the process to S1104. In S1103, a message is displayed on the operation unit 305 indicating that the character string was not appropriate, and this correction request process ends. In S1104, the printing device 110 sends an identification character string that identifies the print data in the POP to the image distribution server 100, and requests the image distribution server 100 to send information about the print data. The image distribution server 100 receives the instruction at the data receiving unit 203, and checks whether the print image data contains corresponding data. In S1105, it is determined whether print data corresponding to the information identifying the print data in the POP exists. If print data corresponding to the information identifying the print data in the POP does not exist (S1105: No), CPU 301 proceeds to S1106, and if corresponding print data exists (S1105: Yes), CPU 301 proceeds to S1107. In S1106, the image data transmission unit 204 of the image distribution server 100 notifies the printing device 110, and the printing device 110 displays on the operation unit 305 that the POP data was not found, and the process ends. On the other hand, if print data exists, in S1107, the printing device 110 receives information about the print data, displays the POP data specified by the operation unit 305 on the POP modification screen 820, and receives confirmation from the user. When the [OK] button 833 is pressed, in S1108, the content of the correction is displayed on the POP correction request screen 821 on the operation unit 305, and a correction instruction is accepted from the user. When the [OK] button 834 is pressed, the printing device 110 notifies the image distribution server 100 of the inputted correction information in S1109. In this manner, the print data to be corrected can be identified, and the administrator at the headquarters who operates the image distribution server 100 can be notified of the print data to be corrected.

[0021] [Server processing flow] Fig. 12 shows the operation flow of the image distribution server 100 in the operation flow of Fig. 11. This process is realized by the CPU of the image distribution server 100 executing a program. In S1400, the image distribution server 100 detects the identification character string 802 input in S1104, and receives a request for information on the print data of the POP identified therefrom from the printing device 110 via the status information receiving unit 2031. In S 1401 , the image distribution server 100 searches for and acquires print data information of the specified POP, and sends it to the printing device 110 from the image data transmission 204 . In S1402 , the image distribution server 100 receives from the status information receiving unit 2031 the POP information to be modified from the printing device 110 to the image distribution server 100 and the modification content. In S1403, the fact that a correction request has been received is displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image distribution server 100, the administrator who operates the image distribution server 100 is notified of the fact that a correction request has been received, and this process ends.

[0022] [Embodiment 3] (Processing to convey print data using a filtered display) [Display screen] 13 is a diagram showing the transition of a display screen regarding a method of notifying print data containing a clerical error by using a narrowed-down display of print data. As in the second embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of print data are registered as variable data 800 in the image distribution server 100. When an operator at each retail store looks at the printed matter and notices a clerical error, he or she operates the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 to make a request to correct the clerical error. First, the operator presses the [POP modification request] button 931 on the main menu screen 910 . The printing device 110 then communicates with the image distribution server 100, acquires a list of print data, and displays a POP modification request screen 901 on the operation unit 305. Since there are too many print data items to select in this state, the user presses the [Refine] button 932. Next, a POP modification request screen 902 is displayed, which prompts the user to narrow down the results by the creation date and time of the print data or by keyword. In this example screen, a screen for narrowing down the results by the creation date and time or by keyword is displayed, and on this screen, the search is performed using the creation date and time that is checked as a condition. When the worker at each store sets the narrowing down conditions and presses the [OK] button 933, a POP correction request screen 911 is displayed so that the worker can specify the print data for which the error is to be corrected. If it does not match the print image data containing the error, the user presses the "Cancel" button 934 to abort and end the correction request process. If it does match, the user presses the "OK" button 935. Once the print data has been identified, a screen 912 is displayed prompting the user to select the type of correction to be requested, and the worker at each retail store selects the type of error from the options. In this case, "cabbage" has been written as "kahetsu," so the user checks "product name is incorrect" to request the correction. By doing so, it becomes possible to communicate which parts of the print image data need to be corrected based on the actual printout.

[0023] [Printing device processing] 14 is a diagram showing an operational flow of a method for notifying print data containing a clerical error by using a print data refinement display in the printing device 110. The following flow is executed by the CPU 301 of the printing device 110 by executing a program stored in the eMMC 302. When an operator at each retail store notices an error in the printed POP, the operator presses a [POP correction request] button 931 on the main menu 900 of the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110 to start the correction request process. When the [POP modification request] button 931 is pressed in S1200, the printing device 110 requests the image distribution server 100 to send a list of print data of the printed POP. The data receiving unit 203 of the image distribution server 100 receives the instruction, and transmits a list of print image data from the image data transmitting unit 204 to the printing device 110 . In step S1201, the printing apparatus 110 displays a list of print data of the acquired POP on the operation unit 305 as in the POP modification request screen 901. In S1202, the printing device 110 acquires information for identifying the print data selected by the operator by searching for the print data of the POP to be corrected from the list of print data of the displayed POP. If there are too many options and the user is unable to identify the print data of the POP ("No" in S1202), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1203. On the other hand, if the user is able to identify the print data ("Yes" in S1202), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1206. In S1203, it is determined whether or not the [Refine] button 932 on the screen 902 has been pressed. If it is determined that the [Refine] button 932 has been pressed (YES in S1203), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1205. In S1205, based on the narrowing down conditions set by the operator of each retail store, the print data of the POP is displayed on the narrowing down operation unit 305, and the process returns to S1202. On the other hand, if the print data of the POP to be modified is not found, that is, if the [Cancel] button 934 is accepted ("No" in S1203), the CPU 301 advances the process to S1204. In S1204, the printing apparatus 110 displays on the operation unit 305 a message indicating that the revision request has been canceled, and ends the revision request process. On the other hand, if print data of the POP to be modified is found in S1202, the printing device 110 requests the image distribution server 100 to acquire information on the specified POP data in S1206. In the next step S1207, the print data of the corresponding POP received from the image distribution server 100 is displayed on the screen 911 of the operation unit 305, and a confirmation is received from the retail store worker. When the worker presses the [OK] button 935 on the POP modification request screen 911, the CPU 301 proceeds to the next step S1208. In step S1208, the correction contents are displayed on the operation unit 305 as shown on screen 912, and correction instructions are received from the operator. In S1209, the printing device 110 notifies the image distribution server 100 of the input correction information, and the process ends.

[0024] Through the above-mentioned procedure, it becomes possible to notify the administrator of the image distribution server 100 of the print data of the POP that needs to be modified. Upon receiving this modification request, the administrator of the image distribution server 100 modifies the print data of the POP. Once the modification is complete, a notification that the modification is complete is sent to the operation unit 305 of the printing device 110, and an operator at each retail store can reprint the modified POP print data by pressing a POP print button in the main menu such as 710.

[0025] [Processing on the server] Fig. 15 shows the operation flow of the image distribution server 100 in the operation flow of Fig. 14. This process is realized by the CPU of the image distribution server 100 executing a program. First, in S1500, the image distribution server 100 receives a request for sending a list of POP print data from the printing device 110 via the status information receiving unit 2031. In step S 1501 , the image distribution server 100 searches for the list of print data information in the POP, and sends it to the printing device 110 from the image data transmission 204 . In S1502 , the image distribution server 100 receives, from the status information receiving unit 2031 , the POP information to be modified and the modification contents to be modified from the printing device 110 to the image distribution server 100 . In S1503, the fact that a correction request has been received is displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image distribution server 100, the administrator who operates the image distribution server 100 is notified of the fact that a correction request has been received, and this process ends. In this embodiment, the printing device performs the narrowing process from the list of print data, but the print data may be narrowed down on the server side by sending the narrowing conditions set by the operator to the image distribution server. In that case, the narrowed down print data list is sent again to the printing device, and the printing device displays it so that it can be selected.

[0026] (Other Examples) 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. The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. [Configuration 1] A printing device that is connected to a server that stores print data via a network, acquires the print data from the server, and executes printing, An acquisition unit for acquiring information for identifying the print data to be modified; A transmission means for transmitting information for identifying the print data and the correction contents to a server. A printing device comprising: [Configuration 2] The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data by scanning an identifier printed on the print material. 2. The printing device according to configuration 1. [Configuration 3] The identifier is a two-dimensional code. 3. The printing device according to configuration 2. [Configuration 4] The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data by an operator inputting an identification character string printed on the print. 2. The printing device according to configuration 1. [Configuration 5] The identification character string is composed of the creation date of the data and the data number. 5. The printing device according to configuration 4. [Configuration 6] a first display means for receiving from the server information on the print data specified by the information for specifying the print data transmitted to the server and displaying the information; 6. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Configuration 7] a second display means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to select print data for which a correction request is to be made from a list of print data received from the server; The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data of the selected print data. 2. The printing device according to configuration 1. [Configuration 8] The second display means displays the list of print data by filtering the list based on the set conditions. 8. The printing device according to configuration 7. [Configuration 9] The condition is the creation date and time of the data or a keyword. 9. The printing device according to configuration 8. [Method 1] A control method for a printing device that is connected to a server that stores print data via a network, acquires the print data from the server, and executes printing, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring information for identifying the print data to be modified; A transmission step of transmitting information for identifying the print data and the correction contents to a server. A method for controlling a printing device. [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to execute the printing device control method described in Method 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 100 Image distribution server 110,111,112 Printing device 113 Network

Claims

1. A printing device that is connected to a server that stores print data via a network, acquires the print data from the server, and executes printing, An acquisition unit for acquiring information for identifying the print data to be modified; A transmission means for transmitting information for identifying the print data and the correction contents to a server. A printing device comprising:

2. The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data by scanning an identifier printed on the print material.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The identifier is a two-dimensional code.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data by an operator inputting an identification character string printed on the print.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

5. The identification character string is composed of the creation date of the data and the data number.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. a first display means for receiving from the server information on the print data specified by the information for specifying the print data transmitted to the server and displaying the information; 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer.

7. a second display means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to select print data for which a correction request is to be made from a list of print data received from the server; The acquiring means acquires information for identifying the print data of the selected print data.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

8. The second display means displays the list of print data by filtering the list based on the set conditions.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The condition is the creation date and time of the data or a keyword.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. A control method for a printing device that is connected to a server that stores print data via a network, acquires the print data from the server, and executes printing, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring information for identifying the print data to be modified; A transmission step of transmitting information for identifying the print data and the correction contents to a server. A method for controlling a printing device.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the printing device control method according to claim 10.

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