Printer and computer program for printer

Abstract

To provide a technique that is able to appropriately restrict registration of print setting information.SOLUTION: A printer receives first user identification information from an external device and receives from the external device a registration request for requesting to register print setting information into a memory. In a first case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and registration related information associated with the first user identification information included in one or more pieces of user identification information in the memory is permission information, the printer registers into the memory the first print setting information included in the registration request in association with the first user identification information. In a second case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration related information associated with the first user identification information is restriction information, the printer does not register the first print setting information into the memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a printer capable of registering print setting information received from an external device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming system including a communication device and an MFP (abbreviation of Multi-function Peripheral). A user who uses the communication device can register print presets in the MFP according to IPP (abbreviation of Internet Printing Protocol). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-119089 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technique of Patent Document 1 gives no consideration to restricting the registration of print presets in an MFP. This specification provides a technique for restricting the registration of print setting information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printer disclosed in this specification is a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration-related information relating to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration-related information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted, the printer includes the memory, a communication interface, a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface, and a registration request that requests registration of the print setting information in the memory via the communication interface, the first user identification information including the first print setting information. The system may include a registration request receiving unit that receives a registration request, and a registration unit that, in a first case in which the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first printing setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information, and in a second case in which the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, the first printing setting information is not registered in the memory.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the printer receives a registration request including first user identification information and first print setting information from an external device. Then, when the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is permission information, the printer registers the first print setting information in the memory. On the other hand, when the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is restriction information, the printer does not register the first print setting information in the memory. Therefore, the printer can restrict the registration of the first print setting information according to the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information.

[0007] Another printer disclosed in this specification includes a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration relationship information relating to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration relationship information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted, the memory, a communications interface, a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communications interface, and a restriction request sending unit that, when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state in which the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, sends to the external device a restriction request via the communications interface to request restriction on transmission of a registration request requesting registration of the print setting information in the memory, the restriction request sending unit sending the restriction request associated with the first user identification information in the memory. the restriction request sending unit not sending the restriction request when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information; a registration request receiving unit receiving the registration request including first print setting information from the external device via the communication interface in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information; and a registration unit registering the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information in a first case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, and the registration unit not registering the first print setting information in the memory in a second case where the first user identification information is received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information.

[0008] According to the above arrangement, the printer receives the first user identification information from the external device. Furthermore, the printer receives a registration request including the first print setting information from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is permission information. In this case, the printer registers the first print setting information in the memory. On the other hand, when the printer receives the first user identification information from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is restriction information, the printer transmits a restriction request to the external device. In this case, the printer does not receive a registration request from the external device. Therefore, the printer does not register the first print setting information in the memory. Therefore, the printer can restrict the registration of the first print setting information according to the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information.

[0009] A control method for implementing the above-mentioned printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. Also, a communication system including the above-mentioned printer and an external device is novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] Each table is shown. [Diagram 3] 3 shows a flowchart of printer processing according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flowchart of a web server process according to a first and second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a flowchart of a first registration process according to a first and second embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flowchart of an IPP process according to a first and second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 shows a flowchart of a second registration process according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of case A in which preset information is registered in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are sequence diagrams of cases B and C in which registration of preset information is restricted in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of case D in which preset information is registered in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 shows a sequence diagram of case E in which printing is executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 shows an example of a screen displayed on a PC in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 13] 1 shows an example of a screen displayed on a PC in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of a case F in which preset information is registered in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 shows a sequence diagram of case G in which printing is executed in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 shows a flowchart of a web server process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 shows a flowchart of a first registration process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 shows a flowchart of an IPP process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 shows a flowchart of a second registration process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 shows a sequence diagram of cases H and I in which registration of preset information is restricted in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on a PC in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on a PC in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10 and a plurality of PCs 100A to 100D. The printer 10 and the PCs 100A to 100D belong to the same LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 4, and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4.

[0012] (Printer 10 Configuration) Printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device of PCs 100A-100D) capable of executing a printing function. Printer 10 can also execute a web server function. The web server function is a function of transmitting web page data representing a web page to an external device in response to the external device accessing a web server in printer 10. Note that printer 10 may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scan function, a FAX function, and the like in addition to these functions. Printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface (hereinafter, interface will be referred to as "I / F") 20, and a control unit 30.

[0013] The operation unit 12 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit). The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet type or a laser type. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 20 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0014] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 stores a user table 38 and a preset table 40.

[0015] (PC100A~100D configuration) PC 100A is a PC used by an administrator of printer 10. Each of PCs 100B to 100D is a PC used by a user different from the administrator of printer 10. User names "U1", "U2", "U3", and "U4" are stored in PCs 100A to 100D, respectively, for identifying the user who uses the PC.

[0016] Each of the PCs 100A to 100D includes an IPP (abbreviation of Internet Printing Protocol) program (not shown) installed from a server on the Internet. The IPP program is a program for generating an IPP command conforming to HTTP (abbreviation of Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and transmitting the command to the printer 10. In this embodiment, the server is provided by a business entity different from the vendor of the printer 10. However, in a modified example, the server may be provided by the vendor of the printer 10. Each of the PCs 100A to 100D may already support IPP without installing an IPP program from a server.

[0017] (Tables 38 and 40; Figure 2) Next, the contents of the user table 38 and the preset table 40 in the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] In the user table 38, for each of one or more users who use the printer 10, a user name, a password, printing condition information, a registration permission flag, authority information, and a registered preset name are stored in association with each other. Each piece of information other than the registered preset name is registered by the administrator of the printer 10. The user name and password are information used for authenticating each user. The printing condition information is information indicating whether or not the user is permitted to use each printing condition that the printer 10 can execute, namely, "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color". "Single-sided" and "double-sided" mean single-sided printing and double-sided printing, respectively. "Monochrome" and "color" mean monochrome printing and color printing, respectively. In addition, "ON" and "OFF" attached to each printing condition indicate that the use is permitted and that the use is not permitted, respectively. In the following, the printing condition associated with "ON" may be referred to as "permitted printing condition", and the printing condition associated with "OFF" may be referred to as "restricted printing condition".

[0019] The registration permission flag indicates either "ON" indicating that registration of preset information described later is permitted, or "OFF" indicating that registration of preset information is restricted. The authority information indicates either "Owner" or "Guest". "Owner" is information indicating that the user is an administrator of the printer 10, and "Guest" is information indicating that the user is a user other than the administrator of the printer 10, that is, a general user (in other words, an individual user). The registered preset name is information for identifying preset information, which will be described later.

[0020] The preset table 40 stores one or more pieces of preset information. The preset information includes a preset name and print setting information. The print setting information includes a print condition ("single-sided" or "double-sided") corresponding to the print setting item "print type" and a print condition ("monochrome" or "color") corresponding to the print setting item "number of colors". In a modified example, the print setting information may include other print setting items (e.g., image quality, paper size, paper type, number of copies, post-processing process, etc.). The print setting information may not include at least one of the print setting item "print type" and the print setting item "number of colors". The preset information PI1 including the preset name DPR is default preset information registered in advance in the preset table 40.

[0021] (Printer processing; Figure 3) Next, printer processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. When the power supply of the printer 10 is turned on, the processing of Fig. 3 starts. Note that all of the following communications executed by the printer 10 are executed via the communication I / F 20. Therefore, in the following, the description of "via the communication I / F 20" will be omitted.

[0022] In S10, the CPU 32 monitors whether a top screen request has been received from the PC. The top screen request is a command for requesting transmission of top screen data for displaying the top screen, and is a GET command conforming to HTTP. When the CPU 32 receives a top screen request from the PC (YES in S10), the CPU 32 proceeds to S12.

[0023] In S12, the CPU 32 executes a web server process (FIG. 4). The web server process is a process for the printer 10 to function as a web server. When S12 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S10.

[0024] Furthermore, simultaneously with monitoring in S10, the CPU 32 monitors whether an IPP command has been received from the PC in S20. If an IPP command has been received from the PC (YES in S20), the CPU 32 proceeds to S22.

[0025] In S22, the CPU 32 executes the IPP process (FIG. 6). The IPP process is a process for executing communication according to the IPP and registering and deleting preset information in the preset table 40. When the CPU 32 ends S22, the process returns to S10.

[0026] (Web server processing; Figure 4) Next, the web server process executed in S12 in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In S40, the CPU 32 transmits top screen data for displaying the top screen to the PC. The top screen is a screen for prompting the user to input a user name and password.

[0027] In S42, the CPU 32 receives a management screen request including a user name and a password from the PC. The management screen request is an HTTP GET command, and is transmitted from the PC in response to a user name and a password being entered into the top screen displayed on the PC.

[0028] In S44, the CPU 32 executes user authentication using the user name and password in the management screen request. If the combination of the user name and password in the management screen request is registered in the user table 38, i.e., if the user authentication is successful, the CPU 32 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S46. Hereinafter, a user name that has been successfully authenticated is referred to as an "authenticated user name." On the other hand, if the combination of the user name and password in the management screen request is not registered in the user table 38, i.e., if the user authentication fails, the CPU 32 determines NO in S44 and ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0029] In S46, the CPU 32 transmits management screen data for displaying the management screen D11 to the PC. As shown in Fig. 13, the screen D11 includes a preset setting button and a cancel button.

[0030] In S50, the CPU 32 monitors whether a preset setting screen request is received from the PC. The preset setting screen request is an HTTP GET command, and is sent from the PC in response to the selection of a preset setting button included in the management screen D11 displayed on the PC. If the CPU 32 receives a preset setting screen request from the PC (YES in S50), the CPU 32 proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 receives a cancel request from the PC (NO in S50), the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG. 4. The cancel request is sent from the PC in response to the selection of the cancel button included in the management screen D11.

[0031] In S52, the CPU 32 transmits preset setting screen data for displaying the preset setting screen D12 to the PC. As shown in FIG. 13, the screen D12 is a screen in which, for each of one or more preset names associated with an authenticated user name in the user table 38, the preset name is associated with a delete button corresponding to the preset name. The screen D12 further includes a new registration button and a cancel button. In a modified example, the screen D12 may be a screen in which, for each of one or more preset names registered in the preset table 40, the preset name is associated with a delete button corresponding to the preset name.

[0032] In S60, the CPU 32 monitors whether an input screen request is received from the PC. The input screen request is an HTTP GET command, and is transmitted from the PC in response to selection of a new registration button included in the preset setting screen D12 displayed on the PC. When an input screen request is received from the PC (YES in S60), the CPU 32 proceeds to S62. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 has not received an input screen request from the PC (NO in S60), the process proceeds to S70.

[0033] In S62, the CPU 32 transmits input screen data for displaying the input screen D13 to the PC. As shown in Fig. 13, the screen D13 includes a preset name input field for inputting a preset name, a registration user name input field for inputting a user name to be registered, four check boxes corresponding to four printing conditions (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color"), an OK button, and a cancel button. The user name to be registered may be the same as the authenticated user name or may be a different user name.

[0034] In S64, the CPU 32 judges whether or not a registration instruction including preset information and a user name to be registered has been received from the PC. Here, the preset information includes a preset name input in a preset name input field included in an input screen D13 displayed on the PC, and print setting information indicating each print condition checked on the input screen D13. The user name is a user name input in a registered user name input field included in the input screen D13. The registration instruction is an HTTP POST command, and is transmitted from the PC in response to the selection of an OK button included in the input screen D13. If the registration instruction is received from the PC (YES in S64), the CPU 32 proceeds to S66. On the other hand, if a cancel request is received from the PC (NO in S64), the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG. 4. The cancel request is transmitted from the PC in response to the selection of a cancel button included in the input screen D13. In the following, the preset information and the user name to be registered included in the registration instruction are referred to as "target preset information" and "target registered user name", respectively.

[0035] In S66, the CPU 32 executes a first registration process (FIG. 5). The first registration process is a process for registering the target preset information in the registration instruction in the preset table 40. When S66 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process in FIG.

[0036] In S70, the CPU 32 determines whether or not an erase instruction including a preset name has been received from the PC. The erase instruction is transmitted in response to the selection of an erase button included in the preset setting screen D12 displayed on the PC. If an erase instruction is received from the PC (YES in S70), the CPU 32 proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if a cancel request is received from the PC (NO in S70), the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG. 4. The cancel request is transmitted from the PC in response to the selection of the cancel button included in the preset setting screen D12.

[0037] In S72, the CPU 32 erases the preset information including the preset name included in the erase instruction received in S70 from the preset table 40. When S72 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing in FIG.

[0038] (First registration process; Figure 5) Next, the first registration process executed in S66 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In S90, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the registration permission flag associated with the authenticated user name is "ON" in the user table 38. If the registration permission flag is "ON" (YES in S90), the CPU 32 proceeds to S92. On the other hand, if the registration permission flag is "OFF" (NO in S90), the CPU 32 proceeds to S110.

[0039] In S92, the CPU 32 judges whether or not the print setting information in the target preset information in the registration instruction received in S64 of FIG. 4 includes a restricted print condition. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the restricted print condition (i.e., the print condition indicating "OFF") associated with the target registered user name in the registration instruction in the user table 38. Next, the CPU 32 judges whether or not the print setting information in the target preset information includes the specified restricted print condition. If the print setting information in the target preset information does not include the specified restricted print condition (NO in S92), the CPU 32 proceeds to S94. On the other hand, if the print setting information in the target preset information includes the specified restricted print condition (YES in S92), the CPU 32 proceeds to S100.

[0040] In S94, the CPU 32 registers the target preset information (that is, the preset name and the print setting information) in the preset table 40.

[0041] In S96, the CPU 32 registers the preset name in the target preset information in the user table 38 as a registered preset name related to the target registered user name.

[0042] In S98, the CPU 32 transmits to the PC completion notification screen data for displaying a completion notification screen including a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has been completed. When S98 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG.

[0043] Also, in S100, the CPU 32 transmits selection screen data for displaying a selection screen D14 to the PC. As shown in Fig. 13, the screen D14 includes a message indicating that the restricted printing conditions are included in the target preset information, a message for confirming whether or not to register the preset information in which the restricted printing conditions have been replaced, an OK button, and a Cancel button.

[0044] In S102, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a change instruction has been received from the PC. The change instruction is an HTTP POST command, and is sent from the PC in response to the selection of an OK button included in the selection screen D14 displayed on the PC. If a change instruction has been received from the PC (YES in S102), the CPU 32 proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if a cancel request has been received from the PC (NO in S102), the CPU 32 proceeds to S110. The cancel request is sent from the PC in response to the selection of the cancel button included in the selection screen D14.

[0045] In S104, the CPU 32 erases the restricted printing conditions included in the print setting information in the target preset information to generate new preset information. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the permitted printing conditions (i.e., printing conditions indicating "ON") associated with the target registered user name in the user table 38. For example, when the print setting item of the restricted printing conditions included in the print setting information in the target preset information is "print type", the CPU 32 generates new preset information by replacing the restricted printing condition (e.g., "double-sided") with the identified permitted printing condition (e.g., "single-sided") corresponding to the "print type". In addition, for example, when the print setting item of the restricted printing condition included in the print setting information in the target preset information is "number of colors," the CPU 32 generates new preset information by replacing the restricted printing condition (e.g., "color") with a previously identified permitted printing condition that corresponds to the "number of colors" (e.g., "monochrome").

[0046] In S106, the CPU 32 registers the preset information generated in S104 in the preset table 40. S108 is the same as S96.

[0047] In addition, in S110, the CPU 32 transmits error notification screen data for displaying an error notification screen including a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has failed to the PC. When S110 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG.

[0048] (IPP treatment; Figure 6) Next, the IPP processing executed in S22 of Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In S120, CPU 32 determines whether the IPP command received in S20 of Fig. 3 is a Get-Printer-Attributes command (hereinafter referred to as "GPA"). GPA is a command that requests printer 10 to transmit capability information. If the IPP command is a GPA (YES in S120), CPU 32 proceeds to S122. On the other hand, if the IPP command is not a GPA (NO in S120), CPU 32 proceeds to S150.

[0049] In S122, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the GPA contains a user name and password. If the GPA contains a user name and password (YES in S122), the CPU 32 proceeds to S124. On the other hand, if the GPA does not contain a user name and password (NO in S122), the CPU 32 proceeds to S130. In S130, the CPU 32 transmits an authentication information request to the PC to cause the PC to display an authentication screen. The authentication screen is a screen for causing the user to input a user name and password. When S130 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG. 6.

[0050] S124 is similar to S44 in FIG. 4, except that the username and password in the GPA are used.

[0051] In S126, the CPU 32 transmits capability information to the PC. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies a preset name associated with a user name that matches a user name in the GPA in the user table 38. Next, the CPU 32 identifies preset information including the identified preset name in the preset table 40. Next, the CPU 32 transmits capability information including all printing conditions available to the printer 10 (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color") and the identified preset information to the PC. Note that, in a modified example, the printer 10 may transmit capability information including all printing conditions available to the printer 10 and transmit the identified preset information to the PC separately from the capability information.

[0052] Furthermore, in S140, the CPU 32 transmits authentication error information to the PC for causing the PC to display an error notification screen including a message indicating that the user authentication has failed. When S140 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG.

[0053] Also, in S150, CPU 32 determines whether the IPP command received in S20 of FIG. 3 is a Set-Printer-Attributes command (hereinafter referred to as "SPA"). SPA is a command that requests printer 10 to register, delete, etc. preset information. SPA is a command that is sent from the PC after user authentication is successful (YES in S124) and capability information is sent to the PC (S126). SPA includes the name of the user whose authentication was successful. If the IPP command is an SPA (YES in S150), CPU 32 proceeds to S152. On the other hand, if the IPP command is not an SPA (NO in S150), CPU 32 proceeds to S160. IPP commands for which NO is determined in S150 include a Validate-Job command (hereinafter referred to as "VJ") and the like.

[0054] In S152, the CPU 32 judges whether the SPA contains preset information to be registered. The CPU 32 identifies, in the user table 38, one or more pieces of preset information associated with the user name in the SPA. Then, when there is preset information that exists in the SPA but does not exist in the one or more pieces of specified preset information, the CPU 32 identifies the preset information as preset information to be registered, judges YES in S152, and proceeds to S154. On the other hand, when there is preset information that exists in the one or more pieces of specified preset information but does not exist in the SPA, the CPU 32 identifies the preset information as preset information to be deleted, judges NO in S152, and proceeds to S156.

[0055] In S154, the CPU 32 executes a second registration process (FIG. 7). The second registration process is a process for registering the preset information identified as the registration target in S152 in the preset table 40. When S154 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process in FIG.

[0056] In S156, the CPU 32 erases from the preset table 40 the preset information identified in S152 as the information to be erased.

[0057] In S158, the CPU 32 deletes the preset name corresponding to the preset information deleted in S156 from the user table 38. When S158 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing in FIG.

[0058] Furthermore, the CPU 32 executes various processes according to the IPP in S160. When S160 ends, the CPU 32 ends the process of FIG.

[0059] (Second registration process; Figure 7) Next, the second registration process executed in S154 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. S180 and S182 are the same as S90 and S92 of FIG. 5, except that the user name in the SPA is used. When the CPU 32 judges YES in S180, it proceeds to S182, and when the CPU 32 judges NO in S180, it proceeds to S190. When the CPU 32 judges NO in S182, it proceeds to S184, and when the CPU 32 judges YES in S182, it proceeds to S190. S184 and S186 are the same as S94 and S96, respectively, except that the preset information in the SPA of FIG. 6 is used. In S188, the CPU 32 transmits registration completion information to the PC for causing the PC to display a completion notification screen including a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has been completed. In S190, the CPU 32 transmits registration error information to the PC for causing the PC to display an error notification screen including a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has failed. When S188 or S190 ends, the CPU 32 ends the processing of FIG.

[0060] (Specific cases A to E; Figures 8 to 11) Specific cases A to E implemented by the processes shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0061] (Case A; Figure 8) With reference to Fig. 8, a case A in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 using communication conforming to IPP will be described. In the initial state of case A, preset information PI1 (see Fig. 2) is stored in the preset table 40. Also, the user table 38 stores information (i.e., user name, password, printing condition information, registration permission flag, authority information, registered preset name) corresponding to each of the user names "U1", "U2", "U3", and "U4" (see Fig. 2). Also, the preset name "DPR" is associated with each user name as the registered preset name.

[0062] When PC 100B accepts an operation to display the print setting screen in T10, PC 100B transmits the GPA to printer 10 in T12.

[0063] When printer 10 receives a GPA from PC 100B at T12 (NO at S10 in FIG. 3, YES at S20, YES at S120 in FIG. 6), it determines that the GPA does not contain a user name and password (NO at S122), and at T14 sends an authentication information request to PC 100B (S130).

[0064] When the PC 100B receives an authentication information request from the printer 10 in T14, the PC 100B displays an authentication screen in T16. Then, when the PC 100B accepts input of a user name U2 and a password P2 in T18, the PC 100B transmits a GPA including the user name U2 and the password P2 to the printer 10 in T20.

[0065] When the printer 10 receives the GPA from the PC 100B in T20 (NO in S10 of FIG. 3, YES in S20, YES in S120 of FIG. 6), it determines that the GPA contains a user name and password (YES in S122), and determines that the user authentication has been successful (YES in S124) because the combination of the user name U2 and password P2 in the GPA is registered in the user table 38 in T22. Then, the printer 10 identifies the preset name DPR associated with the user name U2 in the GPA in the user table 38, and identifies the preset information PI1 including the identified preset name DPR in the preset table 40. Then, the printer 10 transmits capability information including all print conditions that the printer 10 can execute (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color") and the identified preset information PI1 to the PC 100B in T24.

[0066] When the PC 100B receives the capability information from the printer 10 in T24, the PC 100B displays the print setting screen D1 in T30. As shown in FIG. 12, the screen D1 includes a preset name selection field for selecting a preset name, four check boxes corresponding to "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color", an OK button, a cancel button, and a preset deletion button. In the initial print setting screen D1, the preset name selection field displays the preset name "DPR", and the check boxes corresponding to "single-sided" and "monochrome" are checked. When the PC 100B receives a check in the check box corresponding to "color" in T32 and receives a pull-down selection in the preset selection field in T34, the PC 100B displays a preset selection image N1 on the print setting screen D1 in T36. As shown in FIG. 12, the image N1 includes a list image of selectable preset names and a new registration image for accepting registration of new preset information. When the PC 100B accepts the selection of a new registration image in T38, the PC 100B displays the input image N2 on the print setting screen D1 in T40. As shown in FIG. 12, the image N2 includes an input field for inputting a preset name, an OK button, and a cancel button. When the PC 100B accepts the input of the preset name "IPR1" in T42 and accepts the selection of the OK button, the PC 100B transmits a GPA including a user name U2 and a password P2 to the printer 10 in T50. T52 is the same as T24. Note that in a modified example, the print setting information may be set after the preset name to be registered is input. In this modified example, after displaying the print setting screen D1, the PC 100B accepts the selection of a pull-down in the preset selection field without accepting the addition of a check to the check box corresponding to "color". Thereafter, the same processes as T36 to T42 are executed. Then, in T42, PC 100B accepts input of the preset name "IPR1" and, upon accepting the selection of the OK button, displays the print setting screen with the preset name "IPR1" displayed in the preset name selection field. Then, PC 100B accepts the addition of a check to the checkbox corresponding to "Color" and, upon accepting the selection of the OK button, transmits a GPA including the user name U2 and password P2 to printer 10.

[0067] When PC 100B receives the capability information from printer 10 in T52, it extracts preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, it generates preset information PI2 in which the preset name IPR1 input in T42 is associated with the print setting information "single-sided" and "color" set in T32, and in T54, it transmits an SPA including the user name U2, password P2, and the preset information PI1 and PI2 to printer 10.

[0068] When the printer 10 receives the SPA from the PC 100B (NO in S10 of FIG. 3, YES in S20, NO in S120 of FIG. 6, YES in S150), it determines that the preset information PI2 to be registered is included in the SPA (YES in S152). Then, the printer 10 determines that the registration permission flag associated with the user name U2 in the SPA in the user table 38 is "ON" (YES in S180), determines that the print setting information in the preset information PI2 does not include the restricted print condition associated with the user name U2 in the user table 38 (NO in S182), and registers the preset information PI2 in the preset table 40 in T56 (S184). Next, the printer 10 registers the preset name "IPR1" in the registered preset name associated with the user name U2 in the user table 38 in T58 (S186). Then, the printer 10 transmits registration completion information to the PC 100B in T60 (S188).

[0069] (Case B; Figure 9) 9, a case B will be described in which registration of preset information using communication according to IPP fails due to print setting information in the preset information to be registered including a restricted print condition. Case B is the state after case A, that is, preset information PI1 and PI2 are registered in the preset table 40.

[0070] 8 are executed between the PC 100C and the printer 10. In this case, the PC 100C accepts input of a user name U3 and a password P3 in T18, and transmits a GPA including the user name U3 and the password P3 to the printer 10 in T20.

[0071] In T132, the PC 100C accepts the check of the checkboxes corresponding to "Double-Sided" and "Color". T134 to T140 are the same as T34 to T40 in FIG. 8. In T142, the PC 100C accepts the input of the preset name "IPR2" and accepts the selection of the OK button, and in T150, transmits a GPA including a user name U3 and a password P3 to the printer 10. T152 is the same as T52 in FIG. 8. In T152, the PC 100C receives the capability information from the printer 10 and extracts the preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, the PC 100C generates preset information PI3 in which the preset name IPR2 input in T142 is associated with the print setting information "Double-Sided" and "Color" set in T132, and in T154, transmits an SPA including the user name U3, the password P3, and the preset information PI1 and PI3 to the printer 10.

[0072] When the printer 10 receives the SPA from the PC 100C in T154 (NO in S10, YES in S20 in FIG. 3, NO in S120, YES in S150 in FIG. 6), it determines that the preset information PI3 to be registered is included in the SPA (YES in S152). Then, the printer 10 determines that the registration permission flag associated with the user name U3 in the SPA in the user table 38 is "ON" (YES in S180), and determines that the print setting information in the preset information PI3 includes the restricted print condition (i.e., "double-sided") associated with the user name U3 in the user table 38 (YES in S182). In this case, the printer 10 does not register the preset information PI3 in the preset table 40. Then, the printer 10 transmits registration error information to the PC 100C in T158 (S190). This allows the user of the PC 100C to know that the registration of the preset information PI3 has failed.

[0073] (Effects of Case A and Case B) As shown in case A of Fig. 8, when the printer 10 determines that the print setting information of the preset information PI2 does not include the restricted printing condition associated with the user name U2 in the user table 38, the printer 10 registers the preset information PI2 in the preset table 40 (T56). On the other hand, as shown in case B of Fig. 9, when the printer 10 determines that the preset information PI3 includes the restricted printing condition associated with the user name U3 in the user table 38, the printer 10 does not register the preset information PI3. Therefore, after the preset information including the restricted printing condition is registered in the preset table 40, it is possible to prevent the print process from failing in response to the use of the preset information including the restricted printing condition.

[0074] (Case C; Figure 9) 9, a case C will be described in which registration of preset information using communication according to the IPP fails due to the registration permission flag being "OFF" in the user table 38. The initial state of case C is the same as the initial state of case B.

[0075] First, processes similar to T10 to T40 in FIG. 8 are executed between PC 100D and printer 10. In this case, PC 100D accepts input of user name U4 and password P4 in T18, and transmits a GPA including user name U4 and password P4 to printer 10 in T20. PC 100D accepts input of preset name "IPR3" in T242, and upon accepting selection of the OK button, transmits a GPA including user name U4 and password P4 to printer 10 in T250. T252 is similar to T52 in FIG. 8. When PC 100D receives capability information from printer 10 in T252, it extracts preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, PC 100D generates preset information PI4 that associates the preset name IPR3 entered in T242 with the print settings "single-sided" and "color" set in T32 of Figure 8, and in T254 sends an SPA including the user name U4, password P4, and preset information PI1 and PI4 to printer 10.

[0076] When the printer 10 receives the SPA from the PC 100D (NO in S10, YES in S20 in FIG. 3, NO in S120, YES in S150 in FIG. 6), it determines that the preset information PI4 to be registered is included in the SPA (YES in S152). Then, the printer 10 determines that the registration permission flag associated with the user name U4 in the SPA in the user table 38 is "OFF" (NO in S180). In this case, the printer 10 does not register the preset information PI4 in the preset table 40. Then, the printer 10 transmits registration error information to the PC 100D at T258 (S190). This allows the user of the PC 100D to know that the registration of the preset information PI4 has failed.

[0077] (Case D; Figure 10) 10, a case D in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 by using the web server function of the printer 10 will be described. The initial state of case D is similar to the initial state of case B.

[0078] When the PC 100C accepts input of the IP address assigned to the printer 10 in T310, the PC 100C transmits a top screen request to the printer 10 in T312.

[0079] When the printer 10 receives a top screen request from the PC 100C in T312 (YES in S10 in FIG. 3), the printer 10 transmits top screen data to the PC 100C in T314 (S40 in FIG. 4).

[0080] When the PC 100C receives the top screen data from the printer 10 in T314, it displays the top screen in T316. When the PC 100C accepts input of a user name U3 and a password P3 in T318, it transmits a management screen request including the user name U3 and the password P3 to the printer 10 in T320.

[0081] When the printer 10 receives the management screen request from the PC 100C in T320 (S42), the printer 10 determines that the user authentication was successful (YES in S44) because the combination of the user name U3 and password P3 in the management screen request is registered in the user table 38 in T322. Then, the printer 10 transmits the management screen data to the PC 100C in T324 (S46).

[0082] When the PC 100C receives the management screen data from the printer 10 in T324, the PC 100C displays the management screen D11 (see FIG. 13) in T330. When the PC 100C accepts the selection of the preset setting button in T332, the PC 100C transmits a preset setting screen request to the printer 10 in T334.

[0083] When the printer 10 receives a preset setting screen request from the PC 100C in T334 (YES in S50), the printer 10 transmits preset setting screen data to the PC 100C in T336 (S52).

[0084] When the PC 100C receives the preset setting screen data from the printer 10 in T336, the PC 100C displays the preset setting screen D12 (see FIG. 13) in T340. When the PC 100C accepts the selection of the new registration button in T342, the PC 100C transmits an input screen request to the printer 10 in T344.

[0085] When the printer 10 receives an input screen request from the PC 100C in T344 (YES in S60), the printer 10 transmits input screen data to the PC 100C in T346 (S62).

[0086] When PC 100C receives input screen data from printer 10 in T346, it displays input screen D13 (see FIG. 13) in T350. PC 100C accepts, in T352, checking the check boxes corresponding to "Double-Sided" and "Color", accepts input of a preset name "IPR2" in the preset name input field, and accepts input of a user name U3 in the registered user name input field. In this case, PC 100C generates preset information PI3 in which the input preset name IPR2 is associated with the set print setting information "Double-Sided" and "Color", and transmits a registration instruction including preset information PI3 and registered user name U3 to printer 10 in T354.

[0087] When the printer 10 receives a registration instruction from the PC 100C in T354 (YES in S64), it determines that the registration permission flag associated with the authenticated user name U3 in the user table 38 is "ON" (YES in S90 of FIG. 5), and determines that the restricted printing condition (i.e., "double-sided") associated with the target registered user name U3 is included in the preset information PI3 (YES in S92). In this case, the printer 10 transmits selection screen data for displaying a selection screen to the PC 100C in T356 (S100).

[0088] When the PC 100C receives the selection screen data from the printer 10 in T356, it displays the selection screen D14 in T360. When the PC 100C accepts the selection of the OK button in T362, it transmits a change instruction to the printer 10 in T364.

[0089] When the printer 10 receives a change instruction from the PC 100C in T364 (YES in S102), the printer 10 replaces the restricted printing condition ("Double-Sided") included in the preset information PI3 received in T354 with the permitted printing condition ("Single-Sided") in T366, and generates new preset information PI5 (S104). In a modified example, the printer 10 may generate new preset information that does not include a printing condition corresponding to the print setting item "Print Type" in the preset information PI3, but only includes the printing condition "Color" corresponding to the print setting item "Number of Colors" in the preset information PI3. In other words, the printer 10 may generate new preset information that does not include a printing setting item corresponding to the restricted printing condition included in the preset information PI3, but only includes a printing setting item corresponding to the permitted printing condition included in the preset information PI3. Next, in T368, the printer 10 registers the preset information PI5 in the preset table 40 (S106), and in T370, registers the preset name "IPR2" as the preset name associated with the target registered user name U3 in the user table 38 (S108). Then, in T372, the printer 10 transmits completion notification screen data to the PC 100C (S98).

[0090] (Effects of Cases A to D) As shown in case A of FIG. 8, when the printer 10 determines that the preset information PI2 does not include the restricted printing condition associated with the user name U2 in the user table 38, the printer 10 registers the preset information PI2 in the preset table 40 (T56). On the other hand, as shown in case D of FIG. 10, when the printer 10 determines that the preset information PI3 includes the restricted printing condition associated with the user name U3 in the user table 38, the printer 10 transmits selection screen data to the PC 100C (T356). Then, when the printer 10 receives a change instruction from the PC 100C (T364), the printer 10 registers the preset information PI5 in the preset table 40 (T368). Therefore, even when the printer 10 receives the preset information PI3 including the restricted printing condition, the printer 10 can register the preset information in the preset table 40 according to the user's selection result.

[0091] 10, when the printer 10 receives a change instruction from the PC 100C (T364), the printer 10 registers in the preset table 40 the preset information PI5 in which the restricted printing condition ("double-sided") has been replaced with the permitted printing condition ("single-sided") (T368). This allows the user of the PC 100C to subsequently execute printing using the preset information PI5.

[0092] (Case E; Figure 11) With reference to FIG. 11, a case E in which a print process using preset information in the preset table 40 is executed will be described. Case E is the state after case D, that is, preset information PI1, PI2, and PI5 are registered in the preset table 40. T410 to T422 are the same as T10 to T22 in FIG. 8. When user authentication is successful in T422 (YES in S124 in FIG. 6), the printer 10 identifies the preset names "DPR" and "IPR1" associated with the user name for which user authentication has been successful in the user table 38, and identifies the preset information PI1 and PI2 including the identified preset names "DPR" and "IPR1" in the preset table 40. Then, in T424, the printer 10 transmits capability information including all printing conditions ("single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color") that the printer 10 can execute and the identified preset information PI1 and PI2 to the PC 100B.

[0093] T430 and T432 are the same as T30 and T34, respectively. In this case, PC 100B displays the selected image on the print setting screen D1. The selected image in this case shows the preset names "DPR", "IPR1", and "New Registration". When PC 100B accepts the selection of the preset name "IPR1" in the selected image in T436, PC 100B identifies the preset information PI2 including the preset name "IPR1" in the capability information received in T424. Then, PC 100B identifies the printing conditions "single-sided" and "color" in the identified preset information PI2, and in T438, adapts the print settings on the print setting screen to the identified printing conditions. Specifically, PC 100B clears the check box corresponding to "monochrome" and adds a check to the check box corresponding to "color". In this way, in response to the user selecting a preset name, printer 10 adapts the print settings on the print setting screen to the print setting information in the preset information including the preset name. When the PC 100B accepts the selection of the OK button in T440, in T450, it transmits a VJ conforming to the IPP to the printer 10. The VJ includes print settings (i.e., "single-sided", "color").

[0094] When the printer 10 receives the VJ from the PC 100B at T450, it determines that the print settings included in the VJ (i.e., "single-sided" and "color") can be executed, and at T452, it sends a 200OK to the PC 100B (S160). The 200OK is a command defined by HTTP, not IPP, and specifically, is a command indicating that the process has been completed successfully.

[0095] When the PC 100B receives 200OK from the printer 10 in T452, in T454, the PC 100B transmits a Create-Job command (hereinafter, abbreviated as "CJ") conforming to the IPP to the printer 10. The CJ includes print settings (i.e., "single-sided", "color").

[0096] When the printer 10 receives CJ from the PC 100B at T454, the printer 10 generates a unique job ID "J1" at T456, and transmits a 200OK including the generated job ID "J1" to the PC 100B at T458 (S160).

[0097] When the PC 100B receives the 200OK from the printer 10 in T458, in T460, the PC 100B transmits a Send-Document command (hereinafter, abbreviated as "SD") conforming to the IPP to the printer 10. The SD includes the print data and the job ID "J1" included in the received 200OK.

[0098] When the printer 10 receives the SD from the PC 100B in T460, it identifies the print settings (i.e., "single-sided" and "color") corresponding to the job ID "J1" in the SD, and in T462 executes printing according to the print data in the SD and the identified print settings (S160). Then, the printer 10 sends a 200OK to the PC 100B in T464.

[0099] (Effects of this embodiment) The printer 10 receives from the PC a user name and an SPA including a registration instruction or preset information to be registered (YES in S42 and S64 in FIG. 4, YES in S120 and YES in S150 in FIG. 6). Then, when the registration permission flag associated with the received user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34 is "ON" (YES in S90 in FIG. 5 and YES in S180 in FIG. 7), the printer 10 registers the preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34 (S94 in FIG. 5 and S184 in FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the registration permission flag associated with the received user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34 is "OFF" (NO in S90 in FIG. 5 and NO in S180 in FIG. 7), the printer 10 does not register the preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34. Therefore, the printer 10 can appropriately restrict the registration of the preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34 according to the registration permission flag associated with the user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34. In other words, the administrator of the printer 10 can set the registration permission flag in the user table 38 of the printer 10 to determine whether or not a user using a user name in the user table 38 is permitted to register preset information in the preset table 40.

[0100] (Correspondence) PC100A-100D are an example of an "external device". The user name and the registration permission flag are examples of "user identification information" and "registration related information", respectively. The SPA including the registration instruction and the preset information to be registered is an example of a "registration request". The "ON" and "OFF" of the registration permission flag are examples of "permission information" and "restriction information", respectively. The GPA is an example of a "capability information request". The top screen data request is an example of an "access request". The user name and password described in the header part of the capability information request are an example of "user identification information". T42 in FIG. 8 is an example of a "first predetermined operation". The top screen and the top screen data are examples of a "reception screen" and "reception screen data", respectively. T352 in FIG. 10 is an example of a "second predetermined operation". The print setting items "print type" and "number of colors" are examples of a "specific setting item". The print setting information in the preset information PI2, PI3, and PI4 is an example of a "first print setting information". The print setting information in the preset information PI5 is an example of "second print setting information."

[0101] S42 in Fig. 4 and S120 and S150 in Fig. 6 are examples of processing executed by a "first user identification information receiving unit". S64 in Fig. 4 and S150 in Fig. 6 are examples of processing executed by a "registration request receiving unit". S94 in Fig. 5 and S184 in Fig. 7 are examples of processing executed by a "registration unit".

[0102] (Second Example) In this embodiment, the first registration process (FIG. 5) and the second registration process (FIG. 7) executed by the printer 10 are different from those in the first embodiment. In the first registration process in FIG. 5, if the CPU 32 of the printer 10 determines YES in S90, it skips S92 and proceeds to S94. Also, in the second registration process in FIG. 7, if the CPU 32 determines YES in S180, it skips S182 and proceeds to S184.

[0103] (Specific cases F and G; Figures 14 and 15) Specific cases F and G that are realized by the processing of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0104] (Case F; Figure 14) 14, a case F in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 using communication in accordance with the IPP will be described. The initial state of case F is similar to the initial state of case B.

[0105] First, processes similar to T10 to T30 in Fig. 8 and T32 to T142 in Fig. 9 are executed between the PC 100C and the printer 10. In this case, the PC 100C accepts input of a user name U3 and a password P3 in T18, and transmits a GPA including the user name U3 and the password P3 to the printer 10 in T20.

[0106] T550 to T554 are the same as T150 to T154 in Fig. 9. When the printer 10 receives the SPA from the PC 100C in T554 (NO in S10 in Fig. 3, YES in S20, NO in S120 in Fig. 6, YES in S150), it determines that the preset information PI3 to be registered is included in the SPA (YES in S152). Then, the printer 10 determines that the registration permission flag associated with the user name U3 in the SPA in the user table 38 is "ON" (YES in S180), and registers the preset information PI3 in the preset table 40 in T556 (S184), and registers the preset name "IPR2" as the preset name associated with the user name U3 in the SPA in the user table 38 in T558 (S186). Next, the printer 10 transmits registration completion information to the PC 100C in T560 (S188).

[0107] (Case G; Figure 15) With reference to FIG. 15, a case G in which a printing process is executed using the preset information in the preset table 40 will be described.

[0108] T610 to T622 are the same as T410 to T422 in Fig. 11. In this case, the PC 100C accepts input of a user name U3 and a password P3 in T618, and transmits a GPA including the user name U3 and the password P3 to the printer 10 in T620.

[0109] When the user authentication is successful in T622 (YES in S124 of FIG. 6), the printer 10 identifies the preset names "DPR" and "IPR2" associated with the authenticated user name U3 in the user table 38, and identifies the preset information PI1 and PI3 including the identified preset names "DPR" and "IPR2" in the preset table 40. Next, the printer 10 judges whether the print setting information in the identified preset information PI1 and PI3 includes the restricted print condition associated with the authenticated user name U3 in the user table 38. Then, the printer 10 judges that the print setting information of the preset information PI3 includes the restricted print condition "double-sided" associated with the authenticated user name U3 in the user table 38. In this case, the printer 10 judges that the preset information PI3 is preset information not to be sent. Then, the printer 10 transmits capability information including all print conditions that the printer 10 can execute ("single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color") and the identified preset information PI1 to the PC 100C in T624. Note that the printer 10 transmits preset information PI3 to the PC 100C when a GPA including the user name U3 is received from the PC 100C after the administrator changes the printing condition information of the printing condition "Double-Sided" associated with the user name U3 in the user table 38 from "OFF" to "ON." Note that, in a modified example, the printer 10 may generate preset information in which the restricted printing condition ("Double-Sided") included in the preset information PI3 is replaced with the permitted printing condition ("Single-Sided"), and transmit capability information including the generated preset information to the PC 100C.

[0110] T630 to T640 are the same as T430 to T440 in Fig. 9, except that the preset name DPR is selected. Also, T650 to T664 are the same as T450 to T464, except that the printing conditions are "single-sided" and "monochrome" and the job ID is "J2".

[0111] (Effects of Cases F and G) As shown in case F of Fig. 14, the printer 10 registers the preset information PI3 in the preset table 40 regardless of whether the preset information PI3 sent from the PC 100C includes the restricted printing conditions (T556). Then, as shown in case G of Fig. 15, when the printer 10 receives a GPA from the PC 100C (T620), it does not send the preset information PI3 including the restricted printing conditions to the PC 100C (T624). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print process from failing when the user of the PC 100C selects the preset information PI3 including the restricted printing conditions and sends a VJ including the restricted printing conditions.

[0112] (Third Example) In this embodiment, the web server process (FIG. 16), the first registration process (FIG. 17), the IPP process (FIG. 18), and the second registration process (FIG. 19) executed by the printer 10 are different from those in the first embodiment. In the following explanation, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and the explanation thereof is omitted.

[0113] (Web server processing; Figure 16) If the CPU 32 determines YES in S44, it proceeds to S245A. S245A is the same as S90 in Fig. 5. If the CPU 32 determines NO in S245A, it proceeds to S245B. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines YES in S245A, it skips S245B and proceeds to S46.

[0114] In S245B, the CPU 32 transmits a first restriction request to the PC. The first restriction request is information for requesting a restriction on the transmission of a registration instruction. When S245B ends, the CPU 32 proceeds to S46. Note that the timing of transmitting the first restriction request is not limited to after S245A. The CPU 32 may transmit the first restriction request to the PC before transmitting the preset setting screen data to the PC, or simultaneously with transmitting the preset setting screen.

[0115] (First registration process; Figure 17) The first registration process of this embodiment is similar to the first registration process of the first embodiment (FIG. 5) except that S90 is not included.

[0116] (IPP processing; Figure 18) If the CPU 32 determines YES in S124, the process proceeds to S325. S325 is the same as S180 in Fig. 7. If the CPU 32 determines YES in S325, the process proceeds to S126. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines NO in S325, the process proceeds to S326.

[0117] In S326, the CPU 32 transmits capability information to the PC. The capability information is the same as the capability information transmitted to the PC in S126, except that the capability information includes a second restriction request. The second restriction request is information for requesting a restriction on transmission of the SPA including the preset information to be registered. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may transmit the second restriction request to the PC separately from the capability information.

[0118] (Second registration process; Figure 19) The second registration process of this embodiment is similar to the second registration process of the first embodiment (FIG. 7) except that S180 is not included.

[0119] (Specific cases H and I; Figure 20) Specific cases H and I realized by the processing of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG.

[0120] (Case H; Figure 20) 20, a case H in which registration of preset information using communication according to IPP is restricted due to the registration permission flag in the user table 38 being "OFF" will be described. The initial state of case H is the same as the initial state of case B in FIG.

[0121] 8 are executed between the PC 100D and the printer 10. In this case, the PC 100D accepts input of a user name U4 and a password P4 in T18, and transmits a GPA including the user name U4 and the password P4 to the printer 10 in T20.

[0122] In T22, the printer 10 determines that the user authentication was successful (YES in S124 of FIG. 18), and determines that the registration permission flag associated with the user name U4 in the GPA in the user table 38 is "OFF" (NO in S325). In this case, in T724, the printer 10 transmits capability information including all printing conditions that the printer 10 can execute (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color"), the preset information PI1, and a second restriction request to the PC 100D.

[0123] When the PC 100D receives the capability information from the printer 10 in T724, the PC 100D displays the print setting screen D1 (see FIG. 12) in T730. T732 and T734 are the same as T32 and T34 in FIG. 8, respectively. When the PC 100D accepts the selection of the pull-down, the PC 100D determines that the capability information received in T724 includes a second restriction request, and displays a preset selection image N31 on the print setting screen D1 in T736. As shown in FIG. 21, the image N31 includes an image listing selectable preset names, but does not include a new registration image (see FIG. 12) for accepting registration of new preset information. In a modified example, the image N31 may include a new registration image that is disabled. This allows the user who uses the PC 100D to know that registration of preset information is restricted. Then, the PC 100D accepts selection of the cancel button in T740.

[0124] (Case I; Figure 20) 20, a case I in which registration of preset information using the web server function of the printer 10 is restricted due to the registration permission flag in the user table 38 being "OFF" will be described. The initial state of case I is the same as the initial state of case H.

[0125] 10 are executed between the PC 100D and the printer 10. In this case, the PC 100D accepts input of a user name U4 and a password P4 in T318, and transmits a management screen request including the user name U4 and the password P4 to the printer 10 in T320.

[0126] The printer 10 determines in T322 that the user authentication has been successful (YES in S44 of FIG. 16), determines that the registration permission flag associated with the authenticated user name U4 in the user table 38 is "OFF" (NO in S245A), and transmits a first restriction request to the PC 100D in T823. T824 to T836 are the same as T324 to T336 in FIG. 10. The PC 100D determines that the first restriction request has been received, and displays the preset setting screen D32 in T840. As shown in FIG. 22, the screen D32 is the same as the preset setting screen D12 (see FIG. 13) of the first embodiment, except that it does not include a new registration button. In a modified example, the screen D32 may include a disabled new registration button. This allows the user who uses the PC 100D to know that registration of preset information is restricted. Then, the PC 100D accepts selection of the cancel button in T850.

[0127] (Effects of this embodiment) The printer 10 receives a user name from the PC (YES in S42 of FIG. 16, and YES in S120 and S122 of FIG. 18). Then, in a state where the registration permission flag associated with the received user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34 is "ON", the printer 10 receives a registration instruction or an SPA including preset information to be registered from the PC (YES in S64 of FIG. 16, and YES in S150 and S152 of FIG. 18). In this case, the printer 10 registers the preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34 (S94 in FIG. 17, and S184 in FIG. 19). On the other hand, when the registration permission flag associated with the received user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34 is "OFF" (NO in S245A of FIG. 16, and NO in S325 of FIG. 18), the printer 10 transmits a first restriction request or a second restriction request to the PC (S245B of FIG. 16, and S326 of FIG. 18). In this case, the printer 10 does not receive a registration instruction or an SPA including the preset information to be registered from the PC. Therefore, the printer 10 does not register the preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34. Therefore, the printer 10 can appropriately restrict the registration of preset information in the preset table 40 in the memory 34 according to the registration permission flag associated with the user name in the user table 38 in the memory 34. In other words, the administrator of the printer 10 can set whether or not to permit a user who uses a user name in the user table 38 to register preset information in the preset table 40 by setting the registration permission flag in the user table 38 of the printer 10.

[0128] (Correspondence) The first restriction request and the second restriction request are examples of a "restriction request". An SPA including a registration instruction and preset information to be registered is an example of a "registration request". S42 in FIG. 16 and S120 in FIG. 18 are examples of processing executed by a "first user identification information receiving unit". S245B in FIG. 16 and S326 in FIG. 18 are examples of processing executed by a "restriction request transmitting unit". S64 in FIG. 16 and S150 in FIG. 18 are examples of processing executed by a "registration request receiving unit". S94 in FIG. 17 and S184 in FIG. 19 are examples of processing executed by a "registration unit".

[0129] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0130] (First Modification) When a command including only the preset information to be registered (i.e., a registration command) is received instead of the SPA, the printer 10 may be configured to register the preset information in the command in the preset table 40. Also, only the preset information to be registered may be included in the SPA.

[0131] (Second Modification) After T42 in Fig. 8, PC 100B may extract preset information PI1 from the capability information received at T24, and transmit an SPA including user name U2, password P2, and preset information PI1 and PI2 to printer 10 at T54. In this modification, T50 and T52 may be omitted. T150, T152, T250, and T252 in Fig. 9, and T550 and T552 in Fig. 14 may also be omitted.

[0132] (Third Modification) The second registration process in Fig. 7 may be omitted. In this modification, the "first capability information request receiver" and the "first capability information transmitter" can be omitted.

[0133] (Fourth Modification) The first registration process in Fig. 5 may be omitted. In this modification, the "access request receiving unit" and the "first screen data transmitting unit" can be omitted.

[0134] (Fifth Modification) The message displayed on the selection screen may be a message for confirming that the preset information including the restricted printing conditions is to be registered. In this modification, the printer 10 monitors in S102 whether a registration instruction is received, and if YES is determined in S102, the process proceeds to S94. In this modification, S104 to S108 can be omitted.

[0135] (Sixth Modification) PC 100A-PC 100D may be configured to transmit a management screen request when an input of an IP address assigned to printer 10 is accepted. In this modification, printer 10 transmits authentication screen data to the PC when a preset setting screen request or an input screen request is received. In another modification, the management screen or preset setting screen may include an image for inputting a user name and password. In another modification, when a new registration button is selected, a screen for inputting a user name and password may be displayed.

[0136] (Seventh Modification) In S104 of FIG. 5, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 may change the restricted printing conditions included in the print setting information of the target preset information to permitted printing conditions in the user table 38. That is, when the print setting information in the target preset information includes the restricted printing conditions associated with the authenticated user name in the user table 38, the restricted printing conditions may be changed. In other words, when the print setting information of the target preset information includes the restricted printing conditions associated with the authenticated user name in the user table 38, the restricted printing conditions in the user table 38 may be changed from "OFF" to "ON" so that the print setting information of the target preset information includes the permitted printing conditions associated with the authenticated user name in the user table 38. In this modification, when S104 ends, the CPU 32 proceeds to S94.

[0137] (Eighth Modification) In the second embodiment, the printer 10 may transmit capability information including all printing conditions that the printer 10 can execute ("single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", "color") and preset information PI1, PI3 to the PC 100C at T624 in Fig. 15. In this modification, the printer 10 transmits the preset information to the PC regardless of whether the preset information includes restricted printing conditions.

[0138] (Ninth Variation) In the above embodiment, each process executed by the control unit 30 is realized by software (i.e., program 36), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0139] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 2: communication system, 4: LAN, 10: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 20: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 38: user table, 40: preset table

Claims

1. 1. A printer comprising: a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration-related information related to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration-related information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted; A communication interface; a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface; a registration request receiving unit that receives a registration request for requesting registration of the print setting information in the memory from the external device via the communication interface, the registration request including first print setting information; a registration unit that, when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information, and when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, the registration unit does not register the first print setting information in the memory; A printer comprising:

2. 1. A printer comprising: a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration-related information related to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration-related information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted; A communication interface; a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface; a restriction request transmission unit that transmits, to the external device via the communication interface, a restriction request for requesting restriction of transmission of a registration request for requesting registration of the print setting information in the memory, when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, and when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, the restriction request transmission unit does not transmit the restriction request; a registration request receiving unit that receives the registration request including first print setting information from the external device via the communication interface in a state in which the registration related information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information; a registration unit that, when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information, and when the first user identification information is received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, the registration unit does not register the first print setting information in the memory; A printer comprising:

3. The printer further comprises: a first capability information request receiving unit that receives a first capability information request from the external device via the communication interface, the first capability information request requesting transmission of capability information indicating capabilities of the printer; a first capability information transmission unit that transmits the capability information to the external device via the communication interface when the first capability information request is received from the external device; The printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user identification information receiving unit and the registration request receiving unit receive the registration request including the first user identification information from the external device when a first specified operation is executed on the external device after the capability information is transmitted to the external device.

4. The printer further comprises: an access request receiving unit that receives an access request for requesting access to a web server in the printer from the external device via the communication interface; a first screen data transmission unit that transmits, when the access request is received from the external device, reception screen data representing a reception screen for receiving an input of user identification information to the external device via the communication interface; the first user identification information receiving unit receives the first user identification information from the external device when the first user identification information is input on the reception screen after the reception screen data is transmitted to the external device; 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the registration request receiving unit receives the registration request from the external device when the first user identification information is received from the external device and a second specified operation is executed in the external device.

5. The memory is further capable of storing permitted printing conditions corresponding to specific setting items in association with the first user identification information; the permitted printing conditions are printing conditions that are permitted to be used by a user identified by the first user identification information, the registration unit, when the first case occurs and a specific printing condition corresponding to the specific setting item included in the first printing setting information is included in the permitted printing condition associated with the first user identification information, registers the first printing setting information in the memory in association with the first user identification information; The printer according to claim 1 , wherein if the first case applies and the specific printing condition is not included in the permitted printing conditions, the first print setting information is not registered in the memory.

6. The printer further comprises: a second screen data transmission unit that transmits selection screen data representing a selection screen for selecting whether or not to register the specific printing condition to the external device via the communication interface when the specific printing condition is not included in the permitted printing conditions; and a selection result information receiving unit that receives selection result information indicating a selection result on the selection screen from the external device via the communication interface after the selection screen data is transmitted to the external device, the registration unit, when the selection result indicated by the selection result information indicates a need for registration, registers in the memory second print setting information obtained by using the first print setting information in association with the first user identification information; The printer according to claim 5 , wherein when the selection result indicated by the selection result information indicates that registration is not required, the second print setting information is not registered in the memory.

7. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the registration unit registers in the memory the second print setting information obtained by replacing the specific print conditions included in the first print setting information with the permitted print conditions when the selection result indicated by the selection result information indicates a need for registration.

8. The memory is further capable of storing permitted printing conditions corresponding to specific setting items in association with the first user identification information; the permitted printing conditions are printing conditions that are permitted to be used by a user identified by the first user identification information, the registration unit, in the first case, registers the first print setting information in the memory regardless of whether a specific printing condition corresponding to the specific setting item included in the first print setting information is included in the permitted print condition associated with the first user identification information; The printer further comprises: a second capability information request receiving unit that receives, after the first print setting information is registered in the memory in association with the first user identification information, from the external device via the communication interface, a second capability information request for requesting transmission of capability information indicating a capability of the printer, the second capability information request including the first user identification information; when the second capability information request is received from the external device and the specific printing condition is included in the permitted printing condition associated with the first user identification information included in the second capability information request, transmitting the capability information and the first print setting information to the external device via the communication interface; a second capability information transmission unit that transmits the capability information to the external device via the communication interface without transmitting the first print setting information to the external device when the second capability information request is received from the external device and the specific printing condition is not included in the permitted printing conditions; The printer according to claim 1 , further comprising:

9. 9. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the first print setting information is information transmitted to the external device so that the printer executes printing in accordance with IPP (abbreviation of Internet Printing Protocol).

10. A computer program for a printer, comprising: The printer includes: a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration-related information related to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration-related information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted; A communication interface; A computer, The computer program causes the computer to: a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface; a registration request receiving unit that receives a registration request for requesting registration of the print setting information in the memory from the external device via the communication interface, the registration request including first print setting information; a registration unit that, when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information, and when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information is the restriction information, the registration unit does not register the first print setting information in the memory; A computer program that functions as a

11. A computer program for a printer, comprising: The printer includes: a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more pieces of user identification information, the user identification information and registration-related information related to registration of print setting information in association with each other, the registration-related information being either permission information indicating that registration of the print setting information is permitted or restriction information indicating that registration of the print setting information is restricted; A communication interface; A computer, The computer program causes the computer to: a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface; a restriction request transmission unit that transmits, to the external device via the communication interface, a restriction request for requesting restriction of transmission of a registration request for requesting registration of the print setting information in the memory, when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, and when the first user identification information is received from the external device in a state where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, the restriction request transmission unit does not transmit the restriction request; a registration request receiving unit that receives the registration request including first print setting information from the external device via the communication interface in a state in which the registration related information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information; a registration unit that, when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information, and when the first user identification information is received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, the registration unit does not register the first print setting information in the memory; A computer program that functions as a

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