Recording device and system

Abstract

To enable a user to easily grasp how to add an additional function before approving the addition of the additional function in a recording device.SOLUTION: A main screen 120C in a case where a recording device is communicable with a server 100 and an account is not registered, and a main screen 120D in a case where the recording device is communicable with the server 100 and the account is registered have: an external memory selection section 123 for selecting a basic function; a web selection section 121 for selecting an additional function; an application function selection section 122; and an account information selection section 124. On the main screen 120C, the selection sections 121, 122 and 124 are displayed in a state where a selection for executing the additional function cannot be performed. On the main screen 120D, the selection sections 121, 122 and 124 are displayed in a state where the selection for executing the additional function can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device and a system including a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a recording device, Patent Document 1 describes a multifunction device having a number of different functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, a fax function, etc. The multifunction device in Patent Document 1 is designed so that new applications that the multifunction device does not originally have can be added and used by operating an operation button to connect to the Web. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-81485 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a recording device to which additional functions can be added, such as that described in Patent Document 1, the additional functions may be made executable on the recording device if the user gives approval. However, in such a configuration, it may be difficult for the user to understand how the additional function will be added before giving the approval and adding the additional function.

[0005] The present invention provides a recording device that allows a user to easily understand how an additional function will be added before approving the addition of the additional function, and a system including the recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The recording device of the present invention is a recording device equipped with a recording unit, a display unit, an operation unit operated by a user, and a control unit, and controls additional functions that the recording device can execute after the recording device is connected to an external device and after the user's approval, and basic functions that can be executed before the recording device is connected to an external device, and the control unit displays on the display unit a basic function selection unit for selecting the basic function selected by operation of the operation unit, and an additional function selection unit for selecting the additional function selected by operation of the operation unit, and if the approval has not been given, the control unit displays on the display unit the additional function selection unit in a state in which it is not possible to select the additional function, and if the approval has been given, the control unit displays the additional function selection unit on the display unit in a state in which it is possible to select the additional function.

[0007] The system of the present invention is a system comprising a recording device having a recording unit, an external device having a control unit and capable of communicating with the recording device, a display unit capable of communicating with at least one of the recording device and the external device, and an operation unit operated by a user, wherein the recording device is configured to be able to add additional functions in addition to basic functions that can be executed before the recording device and the external device are connected, with the user's approval, and the control unit controls the recording device or the display device to display on the display unit a basic function selection unit for selecting the basic function, which is selected by operation of the operation unit, and an additional function selection unit for selecting the additional function, which is selected by operation of the operation unit, and when the approval has not been given, the control unit displays on the display unit the additional function selection unit in a state in which it is not possible to select the additional function, and when the approval has been given, the control unit displays on the display unit the additional function selection unit in a state in which it is possible to select the additional function. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the present invention, when approval has not been given by the user, the additional function selection section is displayed on the display section in a state in which selection for executing the additional function is not possible. Also, when approval has been given by the user, the additional function selection section is displayed on the display section in a state in which selection for executing the additional function is possible. This makes it easy for the user to understand how the additional function will be added before approving the addition of the additional function. Also, the user can add the additional function after being convinced of its usability. Also, a situation in which an additional function is added but then ended up not being used due to its poor usability is unlikely to occur.

[0009] In addition, it is easy to understand what additional functions will be added before approval. In other words, because the additional functions are displayed on the recording device without being selectable, users have more opportunities to learn about the additional functions and to decide whether or not they are necessary for them. This reduces the probability that users will miss an opportunity to use an additional function because they are unaware of its existence, improving user productivity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a reading unit. [Figure 4] 4A is a view of FIG. 3 as seen from the direction of arrow IV, and FIG. 4B is a view showing the state in which the cover of FIG. 4A is open. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system including a printing apparatus. [Figure 6](a) is a diagram illustrating the main screen when the recording device is not connected to the network, (b) is a diagram illustrating the main screen when the recording device is connected to the network but cannot communicate with the server, (c) is a diagram illustrating the main screen when the recording device is connected to the network and can communicate with the server, and an account has not been registered, and (d) is a diagram illustrating the main screen when the recording device is connected to the network and can communicate with the server, and an account has been registered. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram illustrating an unregistered screen, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an input screen for account registration, and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a registration content confirmation screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an application selection screen. [Figure 9] (a) is a diagram to explain an image data selection screen in the function by the first application, (b) is a diagram to explain a recording setting screen in the function by the first application, (c) is a diagram to explain a completion screen in the function by the first application, and (d) is a diagram to explain an input screen in the function by the first application. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the control unit of the recording device, the control unit of the server, and the external terminal when an image corresponding to image data stored in the external terminal is recorded in the recording device using the function of a first application. [Figure 11] (a) is a diagram for explaining an input screen for a function by the second application, (b) is a diagram for explaining a data format selection screen for the function by the second application, and (c) is a diagram for explaining a resolution setting screen for the function by the second application. [Figure 12] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the control unit of the recording device and the control unit of the server when image data of an image read by the reading unit is attached to an e-mail and sent using the function of the second application. FIG. [Figure 13] (a) is a diagram to explain the data format selection screen for the function by the third application, (b) is a diagram to explain the storage period setting screen for the function by the third application, (c) is a diagram to explain the completion screen for the function by the third application, and (d) is a diagram to explain the input screen for the function by the third application. [Figure 14] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the control unit of the recording device, the control unit of the server, and the external terminal when image data of an image read by the reading unit is saved in the external terminal by the function of the third application. FIG. [Figure 15] (a) is a diagram to explain the recording setting screen, (b) is a diagram to explain the image data selection screen when the recording device cannot communicate with the server, (c) is a diagram to explain the image data selection screen when the recording device can communicate with the server and an account has not been registered, and (d) is a diagram to explain the image data selection screen when the recording device can communicate with the server and an account has been registered. [Figure 16] 1A is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the control unit of the recording device when recording an image corresponding to image data in a first data format, and FIG. 1B is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the control unit of the recording device and the control unit of the server when recording an image corresponding to image data in a second data format. [Figure 17]FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a recording setting screen in an example where high-quality recording cannot be selected in the functions of the first application when an account is not registered; (a) is a diagram illustrating a recording setting screen in an example where some data formats cannot be selected in the functions of the second application when an account is not registered; (c) is a diagram illustrating a recording setting screen in an example where some resolutions cannot be selected in the functions of the second application when an account is not registered; and (d) is a diagram illustrating a recording setting screen in an example where some retention periods cannot be selected when recording using the functions of the third application when an account is not registered. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram illustrating a main screen in which an additional function selection section is not displayed when the recording device is unable to communicate with the server; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0012] <Overall configuration of the recording device> The recording device 1 of this embodiment is a so-called multifunction device that can read documents in addition to recording on recording paper S. As shown in Fig. 1, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment includes a recording unit 2, a feeding unit 3, a discharge unit 4, a reading unit 5, and an operation panel 6 shown in Fig. 2.

[0013] The recording unit 2 is provided inside the recording device 1, and is a unit that records an image on the recording paper S. The recording unit 2 will be described in detail later. The feeding unit 3 feeds the recording paper S to the recording unit 2. The discharge unit 4 is a unit that discharges the recording paper S on which recording has been performed by the recording unit 2. The reading unit 5 is a unit that reads the image. The reading unit 5 will be described in detail later.

[0014] The operation panel 6 is, for example, a touch panel. As described later, various selection sections are displayed on the operation panel 6 to allow the user to make a selection, and the user can select the selection section by touching the portion of the operation panel 6 where each selection section is displayed. In this embodiment, the operation panel 6 is an integrated unit of the "display section" and "operation section" of the present invention. Also, instead of the operation panel 6, a display section such as a liquid crystal display and an operation section such as buttons may be provided separately. In this case, the selection section displayed on the display section is selected based on the user's operation of the operation section.

[0015] <Recording Division> Next, a detailed description will be given of the recording unit 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the recording unit 2 includes a first carriage 11, an inkjet head 12, a platen 13, and transport rollers 14 and 15.

[0016] The first carriage 11 is supported by two guide rails 21, 22 extending in a horizontal scanning direction. In the following description, the right and left sides of the scanning direction are defined as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The first carriage 11 is connected to a first carriage motor 86 shown in Fig. 5 via a belt or the like (not shown). When the first carriage motor 86 is driven, the first carriage 11 moves in the scanning direction along the guide rails 21, 22.

[0017] The inkjet head 12 is mounted on a first carriage 11. The inkjet head 12 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on a nozzle surface 12a, which is the lower surface of the inkjet head 12. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged horizontally in a transport direction perpendicular to the scanning direction to form a nozzle row 9, and on the nozzle surface 12a, four nozzle rows 9 are aligned in the scanning direction. Black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 10 in that order, starting from the nozzles constituting the nozzle row 9 on the right side in the scanning direction.

[0018] The platen 13 is disposed below the inkjet head 12 and faces the multiple nozzles 10. The platen 13 extends over the entire length of the recording paper S in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper S from below. The transport roller 14 is disposed upstream of the inkjet head 12 and the platen 13 in the transport direction. The transport roller 15 is disposed downstream of the inkjet head 12 and the platen 13 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 14 and 15 are connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 5 via gears (not shown) and the like. When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 14 and 15 rotate and the recording paper S is transported in the transport direction.

[0019] In the recording unit 2, a recording pass in which the inkjet head 12 ejects ink from the multiple nozzles 10 while driving the first carriage motor 86 to move the first carriage 11 in the scanning direction, and a transport operation in which the transport motor 87 is driven to transport the recording paper S with the transport rollers 14, 15 in the transport direction are repeatedly performed, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S fed from the feeding unit 3. The recording paper S on which the image has been recorded is discharged to the discharge unit 4.

[0020] <Reading section> As shown in FIGS. 3, 4(a) and 4(b), the reading section 5 includes a mounting table 31, a reading unit 33, a cover 34 and an ADF 35.

[0021] The mounting table 31 is a transparent, substantially rectangular parallelepiped member made of a material such as glass, and is disposed on the upper part of the recording apparatus 1.

[0022] The reading unit 33 is located below the mounting table 31. The reading unit 33 has a second carriage 41, a light emitting unit 42, and a plurality of light receiving units 43.

[0023] The second carriage 41 extends over the entire length of the mounting table 31 in the transport direction. The second carriage 41 is supported on a guide rail (not shown) so as to be movable in the scanning direction. The second carriage 41 is connected to a second carriage motor 88 shown in FIG. 5 via a belt (not shown) or the like. When the second carriage motor 88 is driven, the second carriage 41 moves in the scanning direction along a guide rail (not shown).

[0024] The light-emitting unit 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the second carriage 41. The light-emitting unit 42 irradiates light of three colors, red, green, and blue, toward the placement platform 31. The light-receiving units 43 are disposed on the upper surface of the second carriage 41. The light-receiving units 43 are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction over the entire length of the placement platform 31. The light-receiving units 43 receive light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 42 and reflected by the original R1 placed on the placement platform 31, or the original R2 transported by the ADF 35 as described below. The light-receiving units 43 also detect the red, green, and blue components of the received light separately and output signals corresponding to the respective color components.

[0025] The cover 34 is located above the mounting table 31. The cover 34 is supported to be able to swing on a swing shaft 31b. The swing shaft 1b is provided at the upstream end in the transport direction of the upper end of the housing 1a of the recording device 1, and extends in the scanning direction. The cover 34 swings about the swing shaft 1b, so that it can move between a closed position that covers the mounting table 31 as shown in FIG. 4(a) and an open position that exposes the mounting table 31 as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0026] The ADF 35 is provided on the cover 34. When the cover 34 is in the closed position, the ADF 35 is located above the left end of the placement table 31. The ADF 35 has a document setting section 51, a supply roller 52, a guide path 53, and a discharge roller 54. Note that ADF is an abbreviation for Auto Document Feeder.

[0027] The document setting section 51 is a section where the document R2 is set. A single document R2 or multiple documents R2 stacked vertically can be set in the document setting section 51. The supply roller 52 is located immediately to the left of the document setting section 51. The supply roller 52 is connected to the ADF motor 89 shown in FIG. 5 via gears and the like (not shown). When the ADF motor 89 is driven, the supply roller 52 rotates and the document R2 set in the document setting section 51 is transported to the left in the scanning direction. When multiple documents R2 stacked vertically are set in the document setting section 51, the supply roller 52 transports the lowest one of the multiple documents R2.

[0028] The guide path 53 guides the original R2 transported by the supply roller 52. More specifically, the guide path 53 is an arc-shaped path when viewed from the transport direction. The original R2 transported to the left side in the scanning direction by the supply roller 52 is guided by the guide path 53, whereby the transport direction is changed to a downward direction, and then the transport direction is changed to a right direction in the scanning direction. The original R2 sent out from the guide path 53 is transported to the right side in the scanning direction directly above the placement table 31.

[0029] 5 via gears (not shown). When the ADF motor 89 is driven, the discharge roller 54 rotates, and the original R2 sent from the guide path 53 is transported to the right in the scanning direction and discharged to the discharge unit 55 provided on the upper surface of the cover 34.

[0030] In the recording device 1, with the original R1 placed on the mounting table 31, the second carriage motor 88 is controlled to move the second carriage 41 in the scanning direction as shown by the solid line in Figure 3, while causing the reading unit 33 to irradiate light from the light-emitting unit 42 toward the mounting table 31, thereby reading the original R1 placed on the mounting table 31.

[0031] In addition, in the recording device 1, the reading unit 33 is positioned directly below the ADF 35 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, and when the original R2 is set in the original setting section 51, the ADF motor 89 is controlled to cause the supply roller 52 and the discharge roller 54 to transport the original R2, while the reading unit 33 is caused to irradiate the light emitting section 42 toward the mounting table 31, thereby reading the original R2 being transported directly above the mounting table 31.

[0032] In addition, a partition wall 36 is disposed below the reading unit 33 so as to overlap the mounting table 31 in the vertical direction. The partition wall 36 separates the space in the recording device 1 in which the reading unit 33 is disposed from the space in which the inkjet head 12 and the like are disposed.

[0033] <Printer electrical configuration> Next, there will be described the electrical configuration of the printer 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the printer 1 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a memory 84, an ASIC 85, and the like.

[0034] The control unit 80 controls the operations of the feeding unit 3, the first carriage motor 86, the inkjet head 12, the transport motor 87, the second carriage motor 88, the light-emitting unit 42, the ADF motor 89, the operation panel 6, etc. The control unit 80 also receives signals from the operation panel 6 and a plurality of light-receiving units 43. In this embodiment, an external memory 91 is removably attached to the recording device 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the recording device 1 includes a communication unit 90. The recording device 1 can communicate with an external server 100 via the communication unit 90. The server 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, and the like. The control unit 101 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a memory 114, and the like, and performs processing related to additional functions as described below. The communication unit 102 is connected to the communication unit 90 of the recording device 1 via a network 99 such as the Internet. Then, in a state in which the communication unit 90 of the recording device 1 and the communication unit 102 of the server 100 are connected, communication is possible between the recording device 1 and the server 100. In this embodiment, the server 100 corresponds to the "external device" of the present invention.

[0036] In this embodiment, an external terminal 92 is connected to the communication unit 90 of the recording device 1 via a network 99. The external terminal 92 is a PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, and is a device having a display unit 93 and an operation unit 94. When the external terminal 92 is a PC, the display unit 93 is a liquid crystal display or the like, and the operation unit 94 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. When the external terminal 92 is a tablet terminal or a smartphone, the touch panel of the tablet terminal or the smartphone is the display unit 93 and the operation unit 94. The external terminal 92 also has a control unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a memory, and the like, and a communication unit, but these are not shown in FIG. 5.

[0037] In this embodiment, the recording device 1, the server 100, and the external terminal 92 are connected via a network 99 to form a system 70.

[0038] The control unit 80 of the printer 1 may be one in which only the CPU 81 performs various processes, one in which only the ASIC 85 performs various processes, or one in which the CPU 81 and the ASIC 85 work together to perform various processes. The control unit 80 may be one in which one CPU 81 performs processes alone, or one in which multiple CPUs 81 share the processes. The control unit 80 may be one in which one ASIC 85 performs processes alone, or one in which multiple ASICs 85 share the processes. The control unit 101 of the server 100 may be one in which one CPU 111 performs processes alone, or one in which multiple CPUs 111 share the processes. The same applies to a control unit (not shown) of the external terminal 92.

[0039] <Main screen> Here, when the recording device 1 is in a standby state in which recording on the recording paper S, reading of the document by the reading unit 5, etc. is not being performed, and the recording device 1 is not connected to the network 99, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a main screen 120A shown in Fig. 6(a). Also, when the recording device 1 is in a standby state and is connected to the network 99 but is not able to communicate with the server 100, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a main screen 120B shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0040] When the recording device 1 is in a standby state, can communicate with the server 100, and an account is not registered, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a main screen 120C shown in FIG. 6(c). When the recording device 1 is in a standby state, can communicate with the server 100, and an account is registered, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a main screen 120D shown in FIG. 6(d). Here, information on whether an account is registered is stored in the memory 84 of the recording device 1 or the memory 114 of the server 100. When the recording device 1 is in a standby state, can communicate with the server 100, and an account is not registered, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display either the main screen 120C or the main screen 120D, based on the information on whether an account is registered.

[0041] Main screens 120A to 120D each include a web selection section 121, an application function selection section 122, an external memory selection section 123, an account information selection section 124, and an update selection section 125. Each selection section on the screen displayed on operation panel 6 is displayed in a selectable state, except for those specifically described.

[0042] In main screens 120A and 120B, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 are displayed in an unselectable state. In main screen 120A, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 include a network unconnected icon 126. The network unconnected icon 126 indicates that the function is an additional function described below, that the function is not connected to network 99, and that the function is unselectable. In main screen 120B, web selection section 121 and application function selection section 122 include a server unconnected icon 127. The server unconnected icon 127 indicates that the function is an additional function described below, that the function is not capable of communicating with server 100, and that the function is unselectable.

[0043] On main screen 120C, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 are displayed in a state in which additional functions, described below, cannot be executed even if selected. On main screen 120C, web selection section 121 and application function selection section 122 include lock icon 128, which indicates that these are additional functions and that the additional functions cannot be executed.

[0044] On main screen 120D, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 are displayed in a state in which an additional function can be executed when selected. On main screen 120D, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 include cloud icons 129, which indicate that they are additional functions and that they can be selected to execute the additional function.

[0045] Next, the operation when each selection section is selected on the main screens 120A to 120D will be described.

[0046] Even if the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 are selected on the main screens 120A and 120B, the control section 80 does not execute any process, and the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 does not change. Alternatively, when the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 are selected on the main screen 120A, a screen including a message indicating that there is no connection to the network 99 may be displayed on the operation panel 6. Also, when the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 are selected on the main screen 120B, a screen including a message indicating that communication with the server 100 is not possible may be displayed on the operation panel 6.

[0047] When any one of the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 is selected on the main screen 120C, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a non-registration screen 130 shown in Fig. 7(a). The non-registration screen 130 has a message section 131, a registration start selection section 132, and a cancel selection section 133.

[0048] The message section 131 displays a message indicating that an account has not been registered and a message inquiring whether or not to register an account. The cancel selection section 133 is a section selected by the user to cancel the account registration. When the cancel selection section 133 is selected, the control section 80 returns the display of the operation panel 6 to the main screen 120C. The registration start selection section 132 is a section selected by the user to start the account registration. When the registration start selection section 132 is selected, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display an input screen 135 shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0049] The input screen 135 has a message section 136, an input section 137, and an input completion setting section 138. A message prompting the user to input information into the input section 137 is displayed in the message section 136. The input section 137 is a section for inputting information required for account registration. FIG. 7(b) shows, as an example, a case where the items to be input into the input section 137 are a name, an email address, an address, and a telephone number. Also, for example, when the input section 137 is selected, a keyboard (not shown) may be displayed on the operation panel 6, and the user may operate this keyboard to input information into the input section 137.

[0050] The input completion selection section 138 is a section selected by the user when the input to the input section 137 is completed. When the input completion selection section 138 is selected in a state where the input to the input section 137 is completed, the control section 80 transmits an approval signal including the information input to the input section 137 to the server 100. When the control section 101 of the server 100 receives the approval signal, the control section 101 executes the process of the account registration based on the approval signal, and transmits a response signal indicating that the process of the account registration is completed to the recording device 1 after the process of the account registration is completed. When the control section 80 of the recording device 1 receives the response signal, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display the main screen 120D. This causes the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 to switch from a state in which the selection for executing the additional function is not possible to a state in which the selection for executing the additional function is possible.

[0051] Note that account registration is not limited to being performed by operating the operation panel 6 as described above. For example, when the registration start selection section 132 is selected, an image showing the URL of the site where the account registration is to be performed and the like may be recorded on the recording paper S, and the account may be registered by the user operating the operation section 94 of the external terminal 92 in accordance with the description on the image. In this case, for example, a PIN code may be displayed on the display section 93 of the external terminal 92 when the account registration is completed. Then, when an operation to input this PIN code is performed on the operation panel 6, an approval signal may be transmitted from the recording device 1 to the server 100.

[0052] When the account information selection section 124 is selected on the main screen 120D, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a registration content confirmation screen 140 shown in FIG. 7(c). The registration content confirmation screen 140 has an information display section 141 and an end selection section 142. The information registered as the account information is displayed on the information display section 141. FIG. 7(c) shows a case where the information registered as the account information is a name, an email address, an address, and a telephone number. The end selection section 142 is a portion selected by the user to end the display of the account information. When the end selection section 142 is selected, the control section 80 returns the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 to the main screen 120D.

[0053] When the web selection section 121 is selected on the main screen 120D, the control section 80 causes, for example, a screen for selecting image data stored in the memory 114 of the server 100 to be displayed on the operation panel 6, and when image data is selected on this screen, it controls the feed section 3 to feed the recording paper S to the recording section 2, and controls the inkjet head 12, the transport motor 87, etc. to repeat the recording pass and the transport operation, thereby recording an image corresponding to the selected image data. However, further detailed description of the operation when the web selection section 121 is selected on the main screen 120D will be omitted.

[0054] When application function selection section 122 is selected on main screen 120D, control section 80 causes operation panel 6 to display application selection screen 145 shown in Fig. 8. Application selection screen 145 has a plurality of application selection sections 146. Application selection section 146 is a section selected by the user to select an application. The plurality of application selection sections 146 include a first application selection section 146a, a second application selection section 146b, and a third application selection section 146c.

[0055] The first application selection section 146a is a section selected by the user to select the first application. The first application is an application named "Cloud Secure Print" in Fig. 8, which executes a function of recording an image of image data stored in the external terminal 92 in the recording device 1 while ensuring the confidentiality of the data.

[0056] The second application selection section 146b is a section selected by the user to select the second application. The second application is an application named "Scan to Mail" in Fig. 8, which executes a function of sending image data of an image read by the reading section 5 to a specified email address.

[0057] The third application selection section 146c is a section selected by the user to select the third application. The third application is an application named “Scan to Mobile” in FIG. 8 that executes a function of saving image data of an image read by the reading section 5 in the external terminal 92.

[0058] Next, the function of the first application will be described in detail. When the operation unit 94 of the external terminal 92 is operated to connect to a predetermined site in the server 100, the control unit 101 of the server 100 causes the display unit 93 of the external terminal 92 to display an image data selection screen 150 shown in FIG. 9(a). The image data selection screen 150 includes a message unit 151, an input unit 152, and a decision selection unit 153. The message unit 151 displays a message prompting the user to select image data of an image to be recorded. The input unit 152 is a section for inputting image data of an image to be recorded. The image data can be input to the input unit 152 by operating the operation unit 94 of the external terminal 92. The decision selection unit 153 is a section selected by the user when deciding to record the image data input to the input unit 152.

[0059] When the decision selection section 153 is selected with image data input to the input section 152, the control section 101 of the server 100 causes the display section 93 of the external terminal 92 to display a recording setting screen 160 shown in FIG. 9(b). The recording setting screen 160 includes a setting selection section 161 and a decision selection section 162. The setting selection section 161 is a section for making settings related to the image to be recorded. The setting selection section 161 is configured to allow the user to make settings such as the image quality of the image to be recorded, the size of the recording paper S, double-sided recording, etc., by operating the operation section 94 of the external terminal 92. The decision selection section 162 is a section selected by the user when deciding the settings of the setting selection section 161.

[0060] When the determination selection section 162 is selected after each setting has been made in the setting selection section 161, the image data selected on the image data selection screen 150 and the recording setting information set on the recording setting screen 160 are transmitted from the external terminal 92 to the server 100 (S101, S102), as shown in Fig. 10. The control section 101 of the server 100 executes a storage process to store the received image data and recording setting information in the memory 114 (S103).

[0061] Next, the control unit 101 of the server 100 transmits completion screen data, which is data of a completion screen 165 described next, to the external terminal 92 (S104). When the external terminal 92 receives the completion screen data, it executes a completion screen display process (S105). In the completion screen display process of S105, the external terminal 92 causes the display unit 93 to display a completion screen 165 as shown in Fig. 9(c) based on the completion screen data. The completion screen 165 displays a message indicating that preparation for recording by the function of the first application has been completed, a message indicating the validity period, a password, etc.

[0062] After the completion screen 165 is displayed on the display unit of the external terminal 92, when the first application selection section 146a of the application selection screen 145 is selected in the recording device 1, a recording start signal is transmitted from the recording device 1 to the server 100 (S106). When the control unit 101 of the server 100 receives the recording start signal, it transmits input screen data, which is data of an input screen 170 described below, to the recording device 1 (S107). When the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 receives the input screen data, it executes an input screen display process (S108). In the input screen display process of S108, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 causes the operation panel 6 to display the input screen 170 as shown in FIG. 9(d) based on the input screen data.

[0063] Input screen 170 includes password input section 171 and a plurality of input buttons 172. Password input section 171 is a section where the password displayed on above-mentioned completion screen 165 is input. The plurality of input buttons 172 are, for example, ten buttons numbered 0 to 9, and when each input button 172 is selected, a corresponding value is input to password input section 171.

[0064] When the password displayed on the completion screen 165 is input to the password input section 171 by selecting the input button 172 within the valid period displayed on the completion screen 165, an authentication signal is transmitted from the recording device 1 to the server 100 (S109). When the control section 101 of the server 100 receives the authentication signal, it transmits the image data and the recording setting information stored in the memory 114 to the recording device 1 (S110, S111). When the control section 80 of the recording device 1 receives the image data and the recording setting information, it executes a recording process (S112). In the recording process of S112, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 controls the feed section 3 to feed the recording paper S to the recording section 2, and controls the inkjet head 12, the transport motor 87, etc. to repeat the recording pass and the transport operation, thereby causing an image corresponding to the image data selected on the image data selection screen 150 to be recorded based on the recording settings set on the recording setting screen 160.

[0065] Next, the function of the second application will be described in detail. When the second application selection section 146b of the application selection screen 145 is selected, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a delivery destination setting screen 180 shown in Fig. 11(a). The delivery destination setting screen 180 includes a message section 181, an address input section 182, and a decision selection section 183.

[0066] A message prompting the user to input the destination email address is displayed in message section 181. Address input section 182 is a section where the destination email address is input. For example, when address input section 182 is selected, a keyboard (not shown) may be displayed on operation panel 6, and the destination email address may be input into address input section 182 by operating this keyboard. Confirmation selection section 183 is a section that is selected by the user when deciding the email address input into address input section 182 as the destination.

[0067] When an email address is entered in address input section 182 and decision selection section 183 is selected, control section 80 causes operation panel 6 to display data format selection screen 185 shown in Fig. 11(b). Data format selection screen 185 includes a plurality of data format selection sections 186. Multiple data format selection section 186 is a section that is selected by the user to select the data format of image data to be transmitted.

[0068] When any of the data format selection sections 186 is selected, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a resolution selection screen 190 shown in Fig. 11(c). The resolution selection screen 190 includes a plurality of resolution selection sections 191. The plurality of resolution selection sections 191 are sections that the user selects to select a resolution when reading an image into the reading unit 5. Note that "Auto" in Fig. 11(c) is for selecting that the control unit 80 automatically determines the resolution.

[0069] When any of the resolution selection sections 191 is selected, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 executes a reading process (S201) as shown in Fig. 12. In the reading process of S201, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 controls the second carriage motor 88, the light-emitting section 42, etc. to make the reading unit 33 read the original R1 placed on the placement table 31. Alternatively, the control section 80 controls the second carriage motor 88, the light-emitting section 42, the ADF motor 89, etc. to make the ADF 35 send the original R2 and make the reading unit 33 read the sent original R2. At this time, the control section 80 makes the original R1 or the original R2 be read at the resolution selected on the resolution selection screen 190.

[0070] Next, the control unit 80 executes an image data generation process to generate image data in the data format selected on the data format selection screen 185 from the scanned data of the original R1 or original R2 (S202). Next, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 transmits the generated image data and destination information, which is information on the destination set on the destination setting screen 180, to the server 100 (S203, S204). When the control unit 101 of the server 100 receives the image data and the destination information, it executes an email transmission process to transmit an email with the received image data attached to the email address indicated in the received destination information (S205).

[0071] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 80 of the recording equipment 1 generates image data from the read data. However, for example, the image data and information on the data format selected on the data format selection screen 185 may be transmitted from the recording device 1 to the server 100, and the control unit 101 of the server 100 may generate image data from the read data.

[0072] Next, the function of the third application will be described in detail. When the third application selection section 146c of the application selection screen 145 is selected, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a data format selection screen 200 shown in FIG. 13(a). The data formation selection screen 200 has a plurality of data format selection sections 201. The plurality of data format selection sections 201 are sections selected by the user to select the data format of the image data to be saved. The data formats indicated by the plurality of data format selection sections 201 may be the same as the data formats indicated by the above-mentioned plurality of data format selection sections 186, or may be at least partially different.

[0073] When any of the data format selection sections 201 is selected, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display a storage period selection screen 205 shown in Fig. 13(b). The storage period selection screen 205 includes a plurality of storage period selection sections 206. The storage period selection sections 206 are sections selected by the user to select a storage period for storing the image read by the reading section 5 in the server 100.

[0074] When any of the storage period selection sections 206 is selected, as shown in FIG. 14, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 executes a reading process similar to S201 (S301), and then executes an image data generation process to generate image data in the data format selected on the data format selection screen 200 from the read data of the original R1 or the original R2 (S302). Next, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 transmits the generated image data and storage period information, which is information on the storage period set on the storage period setting screen 205, to the server 100 (S303, S304). Note that, in this embodiment, as described above, the control section 80 of the recording device 1 generates image data from the read data, but for example, the image data and information on the data format selected on the data format selection screen 200 may be transmitted from the recording device 1 to the server 100, and the control section 101 of the server 100 may generate image data from the read data.

[0075] When the control unit 101 of the server 100 receives the image data and the storage period information, it executes a storage process to store the received image data in the memory 114 (S305). Then, the control unit 101 of the server 100 maintains the state in which the image data is stored in the memory 114 for the storage period indicated by the storage period information.

[0076] Next, the control unit 101 of the server 100 transmits completion screen data for displaying a completion screen 210, which will be described next, to the recording device 1 (S306). Upon receiving the completion screen data, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 executes a completion screen display process based on the completion screen data to display the completion screen 210 shown in FIG. 13(c) on the operation panel 6 (S307).

[0077] The completion screen 210 includes a two-dimensional code display section 211, a PIN code display section 212, and a message section 213. The two-dimensional code display section 211 displays a two-dimensional code for accessing the site of the server 100 where the image data is saved. The PIN code display section 212 displays a PIN code for accessing the image data on the site. The message section 213 displays a message indicating that reading has been completed and encouraging the user to save the image data by reading the two-dimensional code to connect to the site and then entering the PIN code.

[0078] Here, the external terminal 92 has a camera, a code reader, etc. (not shown) for reading the two-dimensional code. When the external terminal 92 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 211, a connection request signal is transmitted from the external terminal 92 to the server 100 (S308). When the control unit 101 of the server 100 receives the connection request signal, it transmits input screen data, which is data of the input screen 215 described next, to the external terminal 92 (S309). When the external terminal 92 receives the input screen data, it executes an input screen display process for displaying the input screen 215 as shown in FIG. 13(d) on the display unit 93 based on the input screen data (S313).

[0079] The input screen 215 includes a PIN code input section 216 and a plurality of input buttons 217. The PIN code input section 216 is a section where the PIN code displayed on the above-mentioned completion screen 210 is input. The plurality of input buttons 217 are, for example, ten buttons numbered 0 to 9, and when each input button 217 is selected, a corresponding value is input to the PIN code input section 216.

[0080] When the input button 217 is selected by operating the operation unit 94 of the external terminal 92 and the PIN code displayed on the completion screen 210 is input into the PIN code input unit 216 within the valid period displayed on the completion screen 210, an authentication signal is transmitted from the external terminal 92 to the server 100 (S311). When the control unit 101 of the server 100 receives the authentication signal, it transmits the image data stored in the memory 114 to the recording device 1 (S312). When the external terminal 92 receives the image data, it executes a storage process for storing the received image data (S313).

[0081] 6(a) to (d), the external memory selection section 123 of the main screens 120A to 120D is a section selected by the user to execute a function of recording an image corresponding to image data stored in the external memory 91 in the recording device 1. When the external memory selection section 123 is selected on the main screens 120A to 120D, the control section 80 causes a recording setting screen 220 shown in FIG.

[0082] The recording setting screen 220 has a plurality of recording setting selection sections 221 and a recording start selection section 222. Each recording setting selection section 221 is a section selected by the user to select a setting item for recording.

[0083] The plurality of recording setting selection units 221 includes an image data selection unit 221a for selecting image data of an image to be recorded. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the plurality of recording setting selection units 221 may include, for example, a recording setting selection unit 221 for setting whether to read as a color image or a monochrome image. Also, the plurality of recording setting selection units 221 may include, for example, a recording setting selection unit 221 for setting the recording resolution. Also, the plurality of recording setting selection units 221 may include, for example, a recording setting selection unit 221 for setting the size of the recording paper S on which the image is recorded. Note that, since there is little relevance to the characteristic portion of the invention, detailed explanations of the operation when selected will be omitted for the recording setting selection units 221 other than the image data selection unit 221a.

[0084] The recording start selection section 222 is a section selected by the user to start recording of an image corresponding to image data stored in the external memory 91. The operation when the recording start selection section 222 is selected will be described in detail later.

[0085] When the image data selection section 221a is selected in a state in which the recording device 1 cannot communicate with the server 100, the control unit 80 displays an image data selection screen 230A shown in FIG. 15(b) on the operation panel 6. The image data selection screen 230A has a first image data selection section 231. The first image data selection section 231 is a portion selected by the user to select image data of a first data format that can generate ejection data for ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 based on the image data by the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 from among image data stored in the external memory 91 or the like. In FIG. 15(b), for example, image data with extensions "aaa" and "bbb" are image data of the first data format.

[0086] When the image data selection section 221a is selected while the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 and an account is not registered, the control unit 80 displays an image data selection screen 230B shown in FIG. 15(c) on the operation panel 6. The image data selection screen 230B has a second image data selection section 232 in addition to a first image data selection section 231 similar to the image data selection screen 230A in FIG. 15(b). The second image data selection section 232 is a section selected by the user to select image data of a second data format that cannot generate ejection data based on the image data by the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 but can generate ejection data based on the image data by the control unit 101 of the server 100, among the image data stored in the external memory 91. In FIG. 15(c), for example, image data with extensions "ccc" and "ddd" are image data of the second data format.

[0087] However, in image data selection screen 230B, second image data selection section 232 is displayed in an unselectable state on operation panel 6. Here, in image data selection screen 230B, second image data selection section 232 includes a lock icon 233. Further, lock icon 233 indicates that second image data selection section 232 is unselectable and that recording device 1 cannot execute the additional function of recording an image based on image data in the second data format.

[0088] When the recording device 1 is capable of communicating with the server 100 and an account has been registered and the image data selection section 221a is selected, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display an image data selection screen 230C shown in Fig. 15(d). The image data selection screen 230C has a first image data selection section 231 and a second image data selection section 232 similar to the image data selection screen 230B in Fig. 15(c).

[0089] However, in image data selection screen 230C, second image data selection section 232 is displayed in a selectable state on operation panel 6. Also, in image data selection screen 230C, second image data selection section 232 does not include lock icon 233, but includes cloud icon 234. And, since second image data selection section 232 includes cloud icon 234, it is indicated that second image data selection section 232 is selectable, and that recording device 1 can execute an additional function of recording an image based on image data in the second data format.

[0090] When any of the first image data selection sections 231 are selected on the image data selection screens 230A to 230C, and when any of the second image data selection sections 232 are selected on the image data selection screen 230C, the control unit 80 returns the screen to be displayed on the operation panel 6 to the recording setting screen 220, and stores in the memory 84 that the image data on the recording setting screen 220 indicates the selected image data and that an image corresponding to the selected image data is to be recorded.

[0091] Furthermore, when any of the second image data selection sections 232 is selected on the image data selection section screen 230B, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display the unregistered screen 130 of FIG. 7(a). However, when the cancel selection section 133 is selected on the unregistered screen 130 displayed at this time, the control unit 80 returns the display of the operation panel 6 to the image data selection screen 230B. Furthermore, when the account registration is performed in the same manner as described above and the recording device 1 receives the response signal from the server 100, the control unit 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display the image data selection screen 230C. This switches the second image data selection section 232 from a state in which selection for executing the additional function is not possible to a state in which selection for executing the additional function is possible.

[0092] Next, the operation when the recording start selection section 222 is selected on the recording setting screen 220 will be described.

[0093] When the recording start selection unit 222 is selected in a state in which the memory 84 stores that an image in the first data format is to be recorded, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 16(a). In detail, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 first performs an ejection data generation process (S401). In the ejection data generation process of S401, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 generates ejection data for causing the inkjet head 12 to eject ink from the multiple nozzles 10 from the image data in the selected first data format. Then, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 performs a recording process (S402). In the recording process of S402, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 controls the first carriage motor 86, the inkjet head 12, the conveying motor 87, etc. to repeat a recording pass and a conveying operation, and in the recording pass, ink is ejected from the multiple nozzles 10 based on the ejection data generated in S401, thereby recording an image corresponding to the selected image data on the recording paper S.

[0094] When recording start selection unit 222 is selected while recording an image in the second data format is stored in memory 84, control unit 80 of recording device 1 and control unit 101 of server 100 perform processing in accordance with the sequence diagram of Fig. 16(b). In detail, control unit 80 of recording device 1 transmits the selected image data in the second data format and the recording setting information set on recording setting screen 220 to server 100 (S501, S502).

[0095] The control unit 101 of the server 100 executes an ejection data generation process for generating ejection data based on the received image data and recording setting information (S503), and transmits the generated ejection data to the recording device 1 (S504). The control unit 80 of the recording device 1 executes a recording process when it receives the ejection data (S505). In the recording process of S505, the control unit 80 of the recording device 1 controls the first carriage motor 86, the inkjet head 12, the transport motor 87, etc. to repeat a recording pass and a transport operation, and in the recording pass, ejects ink from the multiple nozzles 10 based on the received ejection data, thereby recording an image corresponding to the selected image data on the recording paper S.

[0096] Returning to Figs. 6(a) to (d), the update selection section 125 is a section selected by the user to select whether or not to enable automatic updating, which automatically updates the display of the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 after the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100. When automatic updating is disabled, as shown in Figs. 6(a) to (c), the update selection section 125 displays "AUTOMATIC UPDATE OFF", indicating that automatic updating is disabled. When automatic updating is enabled, as shown in Fig. 6(d), the update selection section 125 displays "AUTOMATIC UPDATE ON", indicating that automatic updating is enabled. Moreover, each time the update selection section 125 is selected, the state alternates between automatic updating disabled and automatic updating enabled.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the recording device 1 and the server 100 are capable of communicating with each other and an account is registered, the functions that can be executed by selecting the web selection unit 121, the application function selection unit 122, and the account information selection unit 124, and the function of recording an image corresponding to the second image data selection unit 232 on recording paper S correspond to the "additional functions" of the present invention that the recording device 1 can execute after the recording device 1 and the server 100 are connected and after the account is registered. In this embodiment, functions that can be executed by the recording device 1 before the recording device 1 and the server 100 are connected, such as the function of recording an image corresponding to the first image data selection unit 231 on recording paper S, correspond to the "basic functions" of the present invention.

[0098] In this embodiment, the external memory selection section 123 on the main screens 120A-120D corresponds to the "basic function selection section" of the present invention. The web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 on the main screens 120A-120D, and the second image data selection section 232 on the image data selection screens 230B and 230C correspond to the "additional function selection section" of the present invention.

[0099] Furthermore, in the relationship between the web selection unit 121, the application function selection unit 122, and the account information selection unit 124, one of any two of these three selection units corresponds to the "first additional function selection unit" of the present invention, and the other corresponds to the "second additional function selection unit" of the present invention.

[0100] In addition, in the relationship between the external memory selection section 123, the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, the account information selection section 124, the first image data selection section 231, and the second image data selection section 232, the external memory selection section 123 corresponds to the "basic function selection section" of the present invention, the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 correspond to the "first additional function selection section" of the present invention, the first image data selection section 231 corresponds to the "basic setting selection section" of the present invention, and the second image data selection section 232 corresponds to the "second additional function selection section" of the present invention. In addition, the main screens 120A to 120D having the external memory selection section 123, the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 correspond to the "first screen" of the present invention. Moreover, the image data selection screens 230B and 230C having the first image data selection section 231 and the second image data selection section 232 correspond to the "second screen" of the present invention.

[0101] In this embodiment, the server unconnected icon 127 corresponds to the "first icon" of the present invention, and the lock icon 128 and the cloud icon 129 correspond to the "second icon" of the present invention.

[0102] <Effects> In this embodiment, when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 and an account is not registered, the additional function selection section is displayed on the operation panel 6 in a state where selection for executing the additional function is not possible. Also, when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 and an account is registered, the additional function selection section is displayed on the operation panel 6 in a state where selection for executing the additional function is possible. This makes it easy to understand how the additional function is added, such as the display position of the selection section for selecting the additional function, the screen to be displayed, the operability and usability of the additional function, etc., before registering an account. Also, the user can add the additional function after being convinced of its usability. Also, it is unlikely that a situation will occur where an additional function is added but is not used after all due to poor usability.

[0103] In addition, the user can easily understand what additional functions will be added before registering an account. In other words, because the additional function selection section is displayed on the recording device 1 without allowing selection, the user has more opportunities to learn about the contents of the additional functions and to determine whether or not the additional functions are necessary for the user. This reduces the probability that the user will miss an opportunity to use an additional function because they are unaware of its existence, improving user productivity.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, when the recording device 1 is in a state where it can communicate with the server 100, an operation for account registration is performed, an approval signal is sent from the recording device 1 to the server 100, and when the recording device 1 receives a response signal from the server 100 in response to the approval signal, the additional function selection unit displayed on the operation panel 6 switches from a state where the selection for executing the additional function is not possible to a state where the selection for executing the additional function is possible. This allows the additional function to be executed by selecting the additional function selection unit immediately after the account registration. In addition, it is possible to prevent the additional function selection unit from being in a state where the selection for executing the additional function is possible when the account is not registered, that is, when the user has not approved the additional function. Some users consider that it is undesirable from the viewpoint of security to be in a state where the selection for executing the additional function is possible, particularly for additional functions that involve communication with the server 100. Therefore, it is preferable to make the additional function selection unit in a state where the selection for executing the additional function is possible after approval of the account registration, etc. is obtained.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, when an additional function selection section displayed on the operation panel 6 is selected in a state where selection for executing the additional function is not possible, a non-registered screen 130 is displayed on the operation panel 6 to prompt the user to register an account. This makes it easy for the user to understand that the additional function can be executed by registering an account. In addition, when an additional function selection section displayed on the operation panel 6 is selected in a state where an account is not registered, the user may not understand how to select the additional function selection section simply because the additional function selection section cannot be selected. In this case, the user may perform a useless operation such as switching the screen to find a way to select the additional function selection section. In this embodiment, as described above, by displaying the non-registered screen 130 when the additional function selection section is selected, the user can understand how to select the additional function selection section. This allows the user to perform account registration to enable execution of the additional function without performing the above-mentioned useless operation.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an account is not registered and any of the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, the account information selection section 124, and the second image data selection section 232 is selected, the unregistered screen 130 is displayed on the operation panel 6. This allows the user to know how to select the additional function selection section even when the user operates the operation panel 6 with the intention of using an additional function. This allows the user to register an account to enable execution of the additional function without performing unnecessary operations.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100 and an account is not registered, the main screen 120C has an external memory selection section 123 as a basic function selection section, and a web selection section 121, an application function selection section 122, and an account information selection section 124 as additional function selection sections. When the external memory selection section 123 is selected and the image data selection section 221a is selected on the recording setting screen 220, an image data selection screen 230B including a first image data selection section 231 as a basic function selection section and a second image data selection section 232 as an additional function selection section is displayed on the operation panel 6.

[0108] When any one of the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 is selected on the main screen 120C, and when the second image data selection section 232 is selected on the image data selection screen 230B, the unregistered screen 130 is displayed on the operation panel 6. This allows the user to know how to select the additional function selection section when the user operates the operation panel 6 to execute an additional function corresponding to any one of the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124, and when the user operates the operation panel 6 to record an image corresponding to the second image data selection section 232. This allows the user to register an account to enable execution of the additional function without performing unnecessary operations.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the automatic update function enabled, after the recording device 1 becomes able to communicate with the server 100, the display of the additional function selection section displayed on the operation panel 6 is updated. This allows, for example, when an additional function is changed in the server 100, the change in the additional function to be reflected in the display of the additional function selection section.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by selecting the update selection section 125, the automatic update function is enabled or disabled. This allows the user to select whether or not to update the display of the additional function selection section displayed on the operation panel 6 after the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100. When the automatic update function is enabled, any changes to the additional functions can be immediately reflected in the display of the additional function selection section. When the automatic update is disabled, the amount of communication between the recording device 1 and the server 100 can be reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to know whether the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100 based on the presence or absence of the unconnected server icon 127. Furthermore, the user can know whether an account has been registered based on the lock icon 128 and the cloud icon 129.

[0112] <Modification> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, even if the recording device 1 is capable of communicating with the server 100, if an account is not registered, all functions that would be executable on the recording device 1 when the recording device 1 and the server 100 are able to communicate with each other cannot be executed, but this is not limited to the above.

[0114] In the first to fourth modifications, some of the functions that can be executed by the recording device 1 when the recording device 1 and the server 100 can communicate with each other, as described in the above embodiment, can be executed regardless of whether an account is registered. Furthermore, the main screen displayed on the operation panel 6 when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 is the main screen 120D shown in FIG. 6(d), regardless of whether an account is registered.

[0115] In the first modification, in the recording setting screen 160 displayed when an account has been registered, both normal image quality and high image quality can be selected in the setting selection section 161 as shown in FIG. 9(b) in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In contrast, in the recording setting screen 160A displayed when an account has not been registered, as shown in FIG. 17(a), normal image quality can be selected in the setting selection section 161, but high image quality cannot be selected. Also, in the recording setting screen 160A, the lock icon 163 indicates that high image quality cannot be selected. In the first modification, the function of recording in high image quality, among the functions of the first application, corresponds to the "additional function" of the present invention.

[0116] In the second modification, in the data format selection screen 185 displayed when an account is registered, as in the above embodiment, any of the data format selection sections 186 can be selected as shown in FIG. 11(b). In contrast, in the data format selection screen 185A displayed when an account is not registered, some of the data format selection sections 186a among the multiple data format selection sections 186 cannot be selected as shown in FIG. 17(b). FIG. 17(b) shows a case where the data format selection sections 186a of the C and D formats cannot be selected. In addition, in the data format selection section screen 185A, the data format selection section 161a that cannot be selected includes a lock icon 187, and the lock icon 187 indicates that the data format selection section 186a cannot be selected. The data format selection section 186a that cannot be selected is, for example, a data format that places a higher load on the control section 101 of the server 100 when generating image data than a data format corresponding to the data format selection section 186 that can be selected regardless of whether an account is registered. For example, a data format that places a high load on the control unit 101 of the server 100 when generating image data is a data format in which text in an image is searchable by performing OCR processing when generating the image data. Note that OCR is an abbreviation for Optical Character Recognition. Note that in Modification 2, among the functions of the second application, the function of attaching image data in C format and D format and sending it to a destination corresponds to the "additional function" of the present invention.

[0117] In the second modification, some data formats cannot be selected on the data format selection screen 185, but some data formats may be made unselectable on the data format selection screen 200 shown in Fig. 13(a) as in the second modification. In this case, among the functions of the third application, the function of saving image data in C and D formats corresponds to the "additional function" of the present invention.

[0118] In the third modification, in the resolution selection screen 190 displayed when an account is registered, any of the resolution selection sections 191 can be selected as shown in FIG. 11(c) in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In contrast, in the resolution selection screen 190A displayed when an account is not registered, some of the resolution selection sections 191a among the multiple resolution selection sections 191 cannot be selected as shown in FIG. 17(c). The resolution selection sections 191a that cannot be selected include a lock icon 192, and the lock icon 192 indicates that the resolution selection sections 191a cannot be selected. The resolution selection sections 191a that cannot be selected are, for example, resolution selection sections 191 that select a higher resolution than the resolution selection sections 191 that can be selected regardless of whether an account is registered. As an example, the resolution selection section 191a that cannot be selected is the resolution selection section 191 that corresponds to the highest resolution among the multiple resolution selection sections 191 as shown in FIG. 17(c). In the third modification, the function of recording an image at a resolution corresponding to the resolution selection section 191a among the functions of the third application corresponds to the "additional function" of the present invention.

[0119] In the fourth modification, in the storage period selection screen 205 displayed when an account is registered, as in the above embodiment, any of the data storage period selection sections 206 can be selected as shown in FIG. 10(b). In contrast, in the storage period selection screen 205A displayed when an account is not registered, some of the storage period selection sections 206a among the multiple storage period selection sections 206 cannot be selected as shown in FIG. 17(d). In addition, in the storage period selection screen 205A, the storage period selection sections 206a that cannot be selected include a lock icon 207, and the lock icon 207 indicates that the storage period selection section 206a cannot be selected. The storage period selection section 206a that cannot be selected is, for example, a storage period selection section 206 that selects a longer storage period than the other storage period selection sections 206. In the fourth modification, the function of the third application to store image data in the server 100 for the storage period corresponding to the storage period selection section 206a corresponds to the "additional function" of the present invention.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 are selected on the main screen 120C that is displayed when an account has not been registered, and when the second image data selection section 232 is selected on the image data selection screen 230B, the unregistered screen 130 for prompting the user to register an account is displayed on the operation panel 6. That is, when any additional selection section is selected among the multiple additional function selection sections, the unregistered screen 130 is displayed on the operation panel 6. However, this is not limited to this.

[0121] For example, when some of the multiple additional function selection sections are selected, the unregistered screen 130 may be displayed on the operation panel 6, and when the other additional selection sections are selected, the display of the operation panel 6 may not be changed. In this case, for example, when the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 are selected on the main screen 120C, the unregistered screen 130 may be displayed on the operation panel 6, and when the second image data selection section 232 is selected on the image data selection screen 230B, the display of the operation panel 6 may not be changed. Alternatively, when any additional function selection section is selected, the display of the operation panel 6 may not be changed.

[0122] In the above embodiment, when the recording device 1 transmits an approval signal to the server 100, and the server 100 performs the process of account registration based on the approval signal and then receives a response signal corresponding to the approval signal from the server 100, the main screen displayed on the operation panel 6 is switched from the main screen 120C to the main screen 120D, and the additional function selection unit switches from a state in which the selection for executing the additional function is not possible to a state in which the selection for executing the additional function is possible, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the additional function selection unit is selected before the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100, a selection unit for selecting whether or not to enable execution of an additional function other than account registration may be displayed. When the selection unit selects to execute the additional function, the recording device 1 is considered to have approved the execution of the additional function by the user, and the recording device 1 may be able to execute the additional function in response to the recording device 1 being able to communicate with the server 100. In other words, the execution of the additional function may be approved before the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100. Also, it is not necessary to transmit an approval signal to the server 100 and receive a response signal corresponding to the approval signal from the server 100.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the main screen 120C displayed when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 and an account has not been registered has a web selection section 121 including a lock icon 128, an application function selection section 122, and an account information selection section 124. On the other hand, the main screen 120D displayed when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100 and an account has been registered has a web selection section 121 including a cloud icon 129, an application function selection section 122, and an account information selection section 124. In other words, when the recording device 1 can communicate with the server 100, the lock icon 128 and the cloud icon 129 indicate whether an account has been registered. However, this is not limited to the above.

[0124] For example, in main screen 120C, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 may include an icon other than key icon 128. Also, in main screen 120D, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 may include an icon other than cloud icon 129. Alternatively, for example, in main screen 120C, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 may include key icon 128, and in main screen 120D, web selection section 121, application function selection section 122, and account information selection section 124 may not include either key icon 128 or cloud icon 129. Also, whether or not an account has been registered may be indicated by a difference in display mode other than the icon.

[0125] Also, in the above embodiment, the main screen 120A displayed when the recording device 1 is not connected to the network 99 has a web selection section 121 including a network unconnected icon 126, an application function selection section 122, and an account information selection section 124. Also, in the above embodiment, the main screen 120B displayed when the recording device 1 is connected to the network 99 but is not capable of communicating with the server 100 has a web selection section 121 including a server unconnected icon 127, an application function selection section 122, and an account information selection section 124. That is, in the above embodiment, the network unconnected icon 126 indicates whether the recording device 1 is connected to the network 99, and the server unconnected icon 127 indicates whether the recording device 1 is capable of communicating with the server 100. However, this is not limited to the above.

[0126] For example, whether or not the recording device 1 is connected to the network 99 may be indicated by an icon other than the unconnected network icon 126, or a display mode other than an icon, such as graying out the icon. Also, whether or not the recording device 1 is able to communicate with the server 100 may be indicated by an icon other than the unconnected server icon 127, or a display mode other than an icon, such as graying out the icon.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to displaying a main screen including the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 when the recording device 1 is not able to communicate with the server 100. In the fifth modification, when the recording device 1 is not connected to the network 99, and when the recording device 1 is connected to the network 99 but is not able to communicate with the server 100, the control section 80 causes the operation panel 6 to display the main screen 120E shown in Fig. 18. The main screen 120E is obtained by removing the web selection section 121, the application function selection section 122, and the account information selection section 124 from the main screens 120A and 120B. In addition, in Modification 5, when the image data selection section 221a is selected on the recording setting screen 220 in Fig. 15(a) in either a state in which the recording device 1 is not connected to the network 99 or a state in which the recording device 1 is connected to the network 99 but cannot communicate with the server 100, the control unit 80 causes the image data selection screen 230A shown in Fig. 15(b) to be displayed on the operation panel 6. That is, in Modification 5, when the recording device 1 cannot communicate with the server 100, the additional function selection section is not displayed on the operation panel 6.

[0128] In the fifth modification, when the recording device 1 and the server 100 cannot communicate with each other, the additional function selection section is not displayed on the operation panel 6, and after the recording device 1 and the server 100 can communicate with each other, the additional function selection section is displayed on the operation panel 6. This makes it easy for the user to understand that when the recording device 1 and the server 100 cannot communicate with each other, the additional function cannot be executed by registering an account. Also, when the recording device 1 and the server 100 can communicate with each other, the user can easily understand that the additional function can be executed by registering an account.

[0129] In the above embodiment, by selecting the update selection unit 125, it is possible to switch whether or not to automatically update the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 after the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 may be updated all the time after the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100. Alternatively, for example, after the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100, the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 may not be automatically updated, and the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 may be updated only when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 6.

[0130] In the above embodiment, when the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 is automatically updated after the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100, the screen displayed on the operation panel 6 is automatically updated regardless of whether an account is registered or not, but this is not limited to the above. The automatic update may be performed only when an account is registered, or may be performed only when an account is not registered. When the automatic update is performed only when an account is registered, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication between the recording device 1 and the server 100, for example, when the user does not plan to use additional functions and has not registered an account.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the selection section for the recording device 1 is displayed on the operation panel 6 of the recording device 1, and the user selects the selection section by operating the operation panel 6, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the selection section for the recording device 1 may be displayed on the display unit 93 of the external terminal 92, and the user may operate the operation unit 94 of the external terminal 92 to select the selection section.

[0132] In the above example, approval to execute the additional function is given by registering an account, but approval to add the additional function is not limited to account registration. For example, approval to execute the additional function may be given when the user performs a predetermined operation other than the operation for account registration on the operation panel 6 while the recording device 1 is connected to the server 100. A selection section for selecting whether or not to allow the additional function to be executed may be displayed regardless of the account registration or the connection with the server 100. In response to the selection of the selection section, the recording device 1 may recognize that the user has approved the execution of the additional function.

[0133] In the above, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a recording device equipped with a recording unit having a so-called serial head that ejects ink from multiple nozzles while moving in the scanning direction together with the carriage, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a recording device equipped with a recording unit having a so-called line head that extends across the entire length of the recording paper in the scanning direction.

[0134] In the above description, the recording unit 2 of the recording device 1 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink from nozzles to perform recording on the recording paper S, but this is not limited to this. For example, the recording unit of the recording device may be a laser printer, a thermal printer, or another printer other than an inkjet printer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1: Recording device 2: Recording section 6: Operation panel 80: Control unit 90: Communications Department 120A~120E: Main screen 121: Web Selection Department 122: Application function selection section 123: External memory selection section 124: Account information selection section 125: Update selection section 126: Network not connected icon 127: Server not connected icon 128: Lock icon 129: Cloud icon 130: Unregistered screen 160A: Recording selection section 185A: Data format selection section 190A: Resolution selection section 230B, 230C: Image data selection section

Claims

1. A recording device including a recording unit, a display unit, an operation unit operated by a user, and a control unit, Controlling additional functions that the recording device can execute after the recording device and an external device are connected and after a user's approval, and controlling basic functions that the recording device can execute before the recording device and an external device are connected, The control unit is a basic function selection section for selecting the basic function selected by an operation of the operation section, and an additional function selection section for selecting the additional function selected by an operation of the operation section, are displayed on the display section; If the approval has not been given, displaying the additional function selection section on the display section in a state in which the selection for executing the additional function cannot be made, If the approval has been given, the recording device displays the additional function selection section on the display section in a state in which the additional function can be selected for execution.

2. A communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, The control unit is the recording device is capable of transmitting an approval signal to the external device in response to approval by the user while the recording device is capable of communicating with the external device; The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a response signal corresponding to the transmission of the approval signal is received from the external device, the additional function selection section displayed on the display unit is switched from a state in which the additional function cannot be selected to execute the additional function to a state in which the additional function can be selected to execute the additional function.

3. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the approval is that the user registers his / her own account.

4. The control unit is The recording device according to claim 1 , wherein when the additional function selection section is selected in a state in which the approval has not been given, a screen prompting the approval is displayed on the display section.

5. the additional function selection unit includes a first additional function selection unit for allowing a user to select a first additional function, and a second additional function selection unit for allowing a user to select a second additional function different from the first additional function; The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the approval has not been given, the display unit displays a screen prompting the approval when either the first additional selection unit or the second additional selection unit is selected.

6. The control unit is displaying a first screen including the basic function selection section and the first additional function selection section on the display unit; The recording device described in claim 5, characterized in that in response to the basic function selection section being selected, a second screen including a basic setting selection section for selecting settings for the basic function, which is selected by operating the operation section, and the second additional function selection section is displayed on the display section.

7. The control unit is When the recording device is not capable of communicating with the external device, the additional function selection section is not displayed on the display section; 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the additional function selection section is displayed on the display section after the recording apparatus becomes capable of communicating with the external device.

8. The control unit is The recording device described in claim 2, characterized in that after the recording device becomes able to communicate with the external device in at least one of the approved state and the unapproved state, an update process is executed to update the display of the additional function selection section displayed on the display unit by communicating with the external device.

9. The control unit is The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that the display unit displays an update selection section for selecting whether or not to execute the update process after the recording device becomes able to communicate with the external device, which is selected by operating the operation unit.

10. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that the additional function selection unit includes a first icon for indicating whether the recording device is in a state in which it can communicate with the external device, and a second icon for indicating whether the approval has been given.

11. A system comprising: a recording device having a recording unit; an external device having a control unit and capable of communicating with the recording device; a display unit capable of communicating with at least one of the recording device and the external device; and an operation unit operated by a user, the recording device is configured to be able to add additional functions, with the approval of a user, in addition to basic functions that can be executed before the recording device and an external device are connected; The control unit controls the recording device or the display device, a basic function selection section for selecting the basic function, which is selected by operating the operation section, and an additional function selection section for selecting the additional function, which is selected by operating the operation section, are displayed on the display section; When the approval has not been given, the additional function selection section is displayed on the display section in a state in which the additional function cannot be selected for execution; When the approval has been given, the system displays the additional function selection section on the display section in a state in which the additional function can be selected for execution.

Images