System and printer

Abstract

To improve notification upon completion of a print job entered into a printer.SOLUTION: In a printing system 1 comprising a printer 2 and an information processing device 3, the information processing device 3 transmits to the printer 2 a print job for which transmission of a completion notification indicating completion of printing execution is designated. When the printer 2 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing device 3 and completes printing based on the print job, if execution of the print job was started without operation on an operation panel 16 of the printer 2, the printer transmits the completion notification to the information processing device 3. If execution of the print job was started on the basis of operation on the operation panel 16 of the printer 2, the printer does not transmit the completion notification to the information processing device 3 being the transmission source of the print job. After transmitting the print job to the printer 2, when the information processing device 3 receives from the printer 2 the completion notification addressed to the information processing device, the information processing device 3 causes a UI 32 to notify completion information indicating completion of the printing execution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a printer. More specifically, it relates to a notification technique for notifying, by an information processing apparatus, information regarding a print job input to the printer.

Background Art

[0002] In a system having a printer, a technique for notifying information regarding a print job is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses, as a technique for notifying error information, an image forming system in which at least one host PC is connected to one digital multifunction peripheral, and when an error occurs in the digital multifunction peripheral, information for recovering the error is transmitted from the digital multifunction peripheral to the host PC.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After transmitting a print job to a printer, an information processing apparatus cannot know whether the print job has been completed. Therefore, the user does not know the timing when his / her print job is completed, and for example, when moving to the printer, the print job has not been completed, and problems such as forgetting to wait until it is completed and forgetting to pick up the printed matter occur. Although notification when an error occurs is known as in Cited Document 1, it is not known whether an error has occurred. ​​​​​​​​There is room for improvement in the notification when it is not available.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for improving the notification when a print job input to a printer is completed. Disclose.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A system made for solving the above-described problem is a system including a printer and an information processing apparatus that transmits a print job for causing the printer to perform printing, where the information processing apparatus transmits a print job for which transmission of a completion notice indicating completion of printing execution is specified, to the printer via a communication interface included in the information processing apparatus, and the printer receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and when printing based on the received print job is completed, the execution of the completed print job is started without being based on an operation on the user interface of the printer, the completion notice is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job, and when the execution of the completed print job is started based on an operation on the user interface of the printer, the completion notice is not transmitted to the information processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the print job, and the information processing apparatus after transmitting the print job to the printer, when receiving the completion notice addressed to the information processing apparatus from the printer via the communication interface, causes the user interface included in the information processing apparatus to notify completion information indicating completion of printing execution. This is a feature. <F This is a feature. This is a feature. This is a feature. This is a feature. This is a feature. This is a feature. This is a feature.

[0007] In the system having the above configuration, a print job for which a printer has completed printing is a printer When started based on an operation on the user interface, it is assumed that the user is in front of the printer, and there is little need to display the completion information on the information processing device. Therefore, a completion notice for such a print job is not sent from the printer to the information processing device. On the other hand, in the case of other print jobs where it is not assumed that the user is in front of the printer, a completion notice is sent from the printer to the information processing device. According to such a system, the completion notice will reach the information processing device in cases where notification of the completion information is necessary, and it is possible to reduce the wasteful communication of the completion notice and the annoyance to the user caused by the frequent notification of the completion information. It is assumed that the user is present, and there is little need to display the completion information on the information processing device. Therefore, a completion notice for such a print job is not sent from the printer to the information processing device. On the other hand, in the case of other print jobs where it is not assumed that the user is present, a completion notice is sent from the printer to the information processing device. In the case of other print jobs where it is not assumed that the user is present, a completion notice is sent from the printer to the information processing device. According to such a system, the completion notice will reach the information processing device in cases where notification of the completion information is necessary, and it is possible to reduce the wasteful communication of the completion notice and the annoyance to the user caused by the frequent notification of the completion information. In cases where notification of the completion information is necessary, the completion notice will reach the information processing device, reducing the wasteful communication of the completion notice and the annoyance to the user caused by the frequent notification of the completion information. It is possible to reduce the wasteful communication of the completion notice and the annoyance to the user caused by the frequent notification of the completion information.

[0008] A printer, a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the above device are also novel and useful. A printer, a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the above device are also novel and useful. They are also novel and useful.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a technology for improving the notification when a print job input to a printer is completed is realized. A technology for improving the notification when a print job input to a printer is completed is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a printing system including, for example, a printer and an information processing apparatus that causes the printer to perform printing.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer 2. The printer 2 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 3 and constructs a printing system 1. The printing system 1 is an example of a "system".

[0013] The printer 2 is an apparatus having a communication function, an image reading function, and a printing function. The printer 2 receives, for example, a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 to the printer 2 and executes printing based on the received print job.

[0014] The printer 2 includes a control unit 10 including a CPU 11, a volatile memory 21, and a non-volatile memory 22. The CPU 11 is an example of a "computer". The volatile memory 21 and the non-volatile memory 22 are examples of "memory". Further, the printer 2 includes a network interface (hereinafter referred to as "network IF") 13, a USB interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB-IF") 14, an operation panel 16, a reading unit 17, and a printing unit 18, and these are electrically connected to the control unit 10. Note that the control unit 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the printer 2. ​​​​​​​Rather, it does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually existing in the printer 2.

[0015] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory and based on the user's operations. The volatile memory 21 and the non-volatile memory 22 are, for example, HDDs and flash memories, and are used as areas for storing various programs, data such as image data and document data , and various settings. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

[0016] An example of the memory may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. A non-transitory medium includes, in addition to the above examples, recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Also, a non-transitory medium is a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that conveys a program downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like is a kind of computer-readable medium, which is a computer-readable signal medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0017] For example, the accumulated setting information 43 is stored in the non-volatile memory 22. The accumulated setting information 43 is set with "ON" which instructs the printer 2 to store the acquired print job in the volatile memory 21, or "OFF" which instructs the printer not to store the acquired print job in the volatile memory 21.

[0018] In the volatile memory 21, for example, when ON is set in the stored setting information 43, the print job acquired by the printer 2 is stored and remembered until a print instruction is received. Also, the volatile memory 21 stores the stored information 42 indicating that a notification is required after printing is completed. The data print job stored and remembered in the volatile memory 21 is stored and remembered. .

[0019] The network IF 13 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the information processing apparatus 3 and the cloud server 8. The communication method of the network IF 13 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, or LAN. The USB-IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the USB memory 7. The network IF 13 and the USB interface 14 are an example of a "communication interface".

[0020] The operation panel 16 includes hardware for displaying information on a screen and hardware for receiving input operations by a user. The operation panel 16 may be a combination of a display for display and a keyboard, a mouse, etc., or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input reception function. The operation panel 16 is an example of a "user interface". .

[0021] The reading unit 17 includes hardware for reading a document. The printing unit 18 includes hardware for printing print data on paper.

[0022] The information processing apparatus 3 has a communication function and a display function. The information processing apparatus 3 is, for example, ​​​​​It is a PC, tablet, or smartphone. The information processing device 3 includes a printer driver 31 and , a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") 32, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "comm unication IF") 33.

[0023] The UI 32 includes an operation device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation device and the display device may be separate or integrated.

[0024] The communication IF 33 includes hardware for communicating with the printer 2, etc. The communication method of the communication IF 33 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc.

[0025] The printer driver 31 is compatible with the printer 2 and is a program for sending a print job to the printer 2. The printer driver 31 is activated, for example, when an instruction to execute printing or an instruction to edit print settings is received using the UI 32 in a state where the printer 2 is specified in a print application or the like, or when an instruction for property settings of the printer 2 is received using the UI 32. …

[0026] The printer driver 31 displays detailed print parameters related to printing on the printer 2 on the UI 3 2 and receives an edit instruction using the UI 32. For example, the printer driver 31 receives the selection of the paper feed tray and the paper output tray, the selection of the paper type and paper size, the registration of a user-defined size as the paper size, the setting of color / monochrome printing, and the setting of the resolution using the UI 32.

[0027] The printer driver 31 also accepts the setting for sending a completion notice indicating the completion of printing execution. The printer driver 31 also accepts the setting of an accumulation instruction for each print job. The accumulation instruction is a command that instructs to accumulate the print job at a predetermined accumulation destination and perform printing based on the accumulated print job when a print instruction is input to the printer 2. The predetermined accumulation destination may be the memory of the printer 2 or the memory of an external device such as a server. Furthermore, the printer driver 31 accepts the setting of a password for personal authentication.

[0028] When the printer driver 31 receives a print execution instruction to execute printing using the printer 2, it sends the print job to the printer 2. For example, the print job includes header information and print data to be printed. For example, the data format of the header information is in the PJL (Printer Job Language abbreviation) format, and the data format of the print data is in the PDL (Page Description L anguage abbreviation) format. Note that the data format of the print job is not limited to this.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the printer 2 for performing printing and notification in the printer 2 of this embodiment. The control unit 10 of the printer 2 includes a data analysis unit 51, a print job management unit 52, a notification unit 53, and a printing unit 54. The print job management unit 52 and the printing unit 54 are an example of the "first module". The print job management unit 52 and the notification unit 53 are an example of the "second module".

[0030] Subsequently, the processing performed by the printer 2 of this embodiment will be described. Note that each processing step of the following processing and flowchart basically follows the instructions described in each program in C ​ The processing of PU11 is shown. That is, the processing such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "decision", "specification", "acquisition", "reception", "control", etc. in the following description represents the processing of CPU1 11. The processing by CPU11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS of the printer 2. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operations of each program are described instead. That is, in the following description, the description to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may refer to "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS". Also, the processing of CPU11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described in abbreviated language. For example, it may be described as "performed by CPU11" or "performed

[0031] by the program". Note that "acquisition" is used in a concept that does not require a request. That is, the processing of receiving data without CPU11 requesting it is also included in the concept of "CPU11 acquires data". Also, the "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. And data with the same substantial meaning content but different formats is to be treated as the same data. The same applies to the "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts indicating outputting information indicating what is being requested or what is being instructed to the other party. Also, the

[0032] information indicating what is being requested or what is being instructed is simply also The principle can be conceptually described as "judging whether something is B from information A". There is. The process of the CPU 11 judging whether information A indicates that something is B or whether it indicates that something is C can be conceptually described as "judging whether something is B or C from information A". There is. The process of the CPU 11 judging whether information A indicates that something is B or whether it indicates that something is C can be conceptually described as "judging whether something is B or C from information A". There is.

[0033] While the printer 2 is powered on, the data analysis unit 51, the print job management unit 52, the notification unit 53, and the printing unit 54 are activated, and respectively execute the data analysis process shown in FIG. 3, the print job management process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5(A), the notification process shown in FIG. 5(B), and the printing process shown in FIG. 6, and perform, for example, printing based on a print job and sending a completion notification. Hereinafter, each process will be described. Note that the processes by the following data analysis unit 51, print job management unit 52, notification unit 53, and printing unit 54 are substantially performed by the CPU 11. First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11). First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11). First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11). First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11).

[0034] First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11). First, the data analysis process by the data analysis unit 51 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the data analysis process. The data analysis unit 51 first determines whether a print job has been acquired (S11). For example, when receiving a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 via the network IF 13, the data analysis unit 51 determines that a print job has been acquired (S11: YES).

[0035] For example, when receiving a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3 via the network IF 13, the data analysis unit 51 determines that a print job has been acquired (S11: YES). In this case, the data analysis unit 51 starts analyzing the acquired print job (S13). In this case, the data analysis unit 51 starts analyzing the acquired print job (S13).

[0036] Note that the data analysis unit can also acquire a print job by other methods. For example, the printer 2 is connected to the USB memory 7 via the USB-IF 14 and stores it in the USB memory 7. Note that the data analysis unit can also acquire a print job by other methods. For example, the printer 2 is connected to the USB memory 7 via the USB-IF 14 and stores it in the USB memory 7. The printer 2 causes the print job to be displayed on the operation panel 16. Among the displayed print jobs, the printer 2 accepts an operation to select a print job to be printed via the operation panel 16. When the printer 2 receives a print instruction to execute the selected print job, the printer 2 reads the selected print job from the USB memory 17 and causes the print unit 18 to print it. Such a printing method is also referred to as "direct printing" below.

[0037] Also, for example, the printer 2 is connected to be communicable with the cloud server 8 via the network IF 13, and causes the print jobs stored in the cloud server 8 to be displayed on the operation panel 16. Among the displayed print jobs, the printer 2 accepts an operation to select a print job to be printed via the operation panel 16. When the printer 2 receives a print instruction to execute the selected print job via the operation panel 16, the printer 2 downloads the selected print job from the cloud server 8 and causes the print unit 18 to print it. Such a printing method is also referred to as "download printing" below.

[0038] When the data analysis unit 51 starts analyzing the print job, it determines whether a cancel instruction has been received (S15). The cancel instruction is received, for example, when the cancel button displayed on the operation panel 16 is operated. When the data analysis unit 51 has not received a cancel instruction (S15: NO), it determines whether the analysis of the header information of the print job acquired in S11 has been completed (S17). The data analysis unit 51 analyzes the header information while checking whether a cancel instruction has been received (S17: NO, S15).

[0039] ​​​​​​For example, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the header information and obtains the completion notification specification of transmission, destination information indicating the destination of the completion notification, password, storage instruction, print parameters, etc. included in the header information. When the analysis of the header information is completed, it is determined that the analysis of the header information is completed (S17: YES). Then, the data analysis unit 51 notifies the analyzed header information to the print job management unit 52 ( S19). As a result, the print job management unit 52 can execute the print job management job based on various information included in the header information.

[0040] Thereafter, the data analysis unit 51 determines whether a cancel instruction has been received (S21 ). Since the process of S21 is the same as the process of S15, the description is omitted. The data analysis unit 51 has not received a cancel instruction (S21: NO), and determines whether the creation of rendering data for one page is completed (S23). For example, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the data of the first page among the print data included in the print job and creates raster format rendering data. The data analysis unit 51 creates rendering data for one page while checking whether a cancel instruction has been received (S23: NO, S21). When the creation of rendering data for one page is completed (S23: YES)

[0041] the data analysis unit 51 notifies the print job management unit 52 that the creation of rendering data for one page is completed (S 25). Note that the rendering data in S23 does not have to be for one page. For example, if the printer 2 is an inkjet printer, in S23, it may be determined whether the creation of rendering data for a printable band is completed. Thereafter, the data analysis unit 51 performs the print job ​​​​​Determine whether the analysis process has been completed for all pages included therein (S27). The print job has job end data indicating job end appended at the end. The data analysis unit 51 repeats the processes of S21 to S27 until the job end data is detected (S27: NO) . Note that when the header information includes information indicating the number of pages, the data analysis unit 51 may determine whether the analysis has been completed for all pages based on the information indicating the number of pages.

[0042] When the data analysis unit 51 analyzes a print job and creates rendering data for one page and detects the job final data, it determines that the analysis process has been completed for all pages included in the print job (S27: YES). In this case, the data analysis unit 51 notifies the print job management unit 52 that the analysis process has been completed for all pages of the print job (S29). Thereafter, the data analysis unit 51 returns to S11 and waits until the next print job is received.

[0043] When the data analysis unit 51 receives a cancel instruction in S15 and S21 (S15: YES, S21: YES), it starts discarding the print job (S31). That is, the data analysis unit 51 cancels the acquired print job without analyzing the print job. When the data analysis unit 51 finishes the discard process for all pages included in the print job (S 33: YES), it returns to the process of S11.

[0044] In this way, the data analysis unit 51 acquires information necessary for print control and notification control from the print job and passes it to the print job management unit 52.

[0045] The printing job management process by the printing job management unit 52 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of the control procedure of the printing job management process. FIG. 5(A) is a flowchart showing a part of the control procedure of the printing job management process. When the printing job management unit 52 receives the header information notified by the data analysis unit 51 in S19 of FIG. 3 (S41: YES), it determines whether there is printing data to be printed (S43). If the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no printing data (S43: NO), it returns to the process of S41 and waits for the next header information. For example, when a job for setting the printing parameters set in the printer 2 is acquired, the job includes the printing parameters for changing the printing settings but does not include the printing data of the printed image. When such a job is acquired, the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no printing data. In this case, the printing job management unit 52 executes corresponding processes such as parameter change and returns to the process of S41. On the other hand, when the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is printing data (S43: YES), it determines whether there is an accumulation instruction or an accumulation setting (S45). If the accumulation instruction is not included in the header information notified from the data analysis unit 51, or if the off is set in the accumulation setting information 43 of the non-volatile memory 22, the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no accumulation instruction or accumulation setting (S45: NO). In this case, the printing job management unit 52 determines whether the printing job that is the processing target of S45 is a download printing or direct printing job (S47).

[0046] The printing job management unit 52 receives the header information notified by the data analysis unit 51 in S19 of FIG. 3. When received (S41: YES), it determines whether there is printing data to be printed. If the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no printing data (S43: NO), it returns to the process of S41 and waits for the next header information. For example, when a job for setting the printing parameters set in the printer 2 is acquired, the job includes the printing parameters for changing the printing settings but does not include the printing data of the printed image. When such a job is acquired, the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no printing data. In this case, the printing job management unit 52 executes corresponding processes such as parameter change and returns to the process of S41. On the other hand, when the printing job management unit 52 determines that there is printing data (S43: YES),

[0047] it determines whether there is an accumulation instruction or an accumulation setting (S45). The printing job management unit 52 determines that there is no accumulation instruction or accumulation setting (S45: NO) when the accumulation instruction is not included in the header information notified from the data analysis unit 51, or when the off is set in the accumulation setting information 43 of the non-volatile memory 22. In this case, the printing job management unit 52 determines whether the printing job that is the processing target of S45 is a download printing or direct printing job (S47). In this case, the printing job management unit 52 determines whether the printing job that is the processing target of S45 is a download printing or direct printing job (S47).

[0048] ​Download printing and direct printing jobs are created by an information processing device or the like and completed. It may be specified to send a notification. However, for download printing and direct printing, it is assumed that the user who input the print instruction is in front of Printer 2. Therefore, the print job management unit 52, when receiving a print instruction for download printing or direct printing (S47: YES), immediately sends an instruction to the printing unit 54 to start preparing for printing (S 53).

[0049] On the other hand, for example, a print job received via the network IF13, if the received print job does not contain an accumulation instruction and the setting of the accumulation setting information 43 is off, the received print job is automatically printed without operating the operation panel 16. When receiving such a print job (S47: NO), it is assumed that the user is not in front of Printer 2. The print job management unit 52 determines whether the header information specifies the transmission of a completion notification (S49). When the header information of the print job contains information specifying the transmission of a completion notification (S49: YES), the notification information for the acquired print job is stored in the volatile memory 21 and then (S51), the process proceeds to S53.

[0050] The notification information is information indicating that a notification is to be made at the time of print completion. The notification information includes, for example, the destination information included in the header information and the notification content. The destination information is an address capable of identifying the information processing device, such as an IP address or a Mac address. The notification content is, for example, corresponding to the specification of the transmission of a completion notification, and indicates that the printing is completed.

[0051] The notification information is information indicating that a notification is to be made at the time of print completion. The notification information includes, for example, the destination information included in the header information and the notification content. The destination information is an address capable of identifying the information processing device, such as an IP address or a Mac address. The notification content is, for example, corresponding to the specification of the transmission of a completion notification, and indicates that the printing is completed. For example, it is an address that can identify the information processing device, such as an IP address or a Mac address. The notification content is, for example, corresponding to the specification of the transmission of a completion notification, and indicates that the printing is completed.

[0052] ​​ On the other hand, for example, when transmitting a print job from the information processing apparatus 3, if the user does not input a setting to transmit a completion notification, the completion notification is not specified in the header information of the print job. In this case (S49: NO), the print job management unit 52 proceeds to the process of S53 without storing the notification information in the volatile memory 21.

[0053] In S53, the print job management unit 52 instructs the printing unit 54 to start print preparation. Then, the print job management unit 52 determines whether a cancel instruction has been received via the operation panel 16 (S55). If the print job management unit 52 has not received a cancel instruction (S55: NO), it determines whether a notification indicating that the creation of the drawing data for one page has been completed has been received (S57). Note that the drawing data in S57 may not be the drawing data for one page, but may be the drawing data for a printable band.

[0054] When the print job management unit 52 receives a notification indicating that the creation of the drawing data for one page output by the data analysis unit 51 in S25 of FIG. 3 has been completed (S57: YES), after transmitting the one-page data information to the printing unit 54 (S61), it proceeds to the process of S63. The one-page data information is information used when the printing unit 18 performs printing processing on one sheet of printing paper, and includes, for example, the drawing data for one page created by the data analysis unit 51 and the print parameters included in the header information of the print job. Note that the one-page data information of the last page includes information indicating that it is the last page.

[0055] Note that the print job management unit 52 is the one-page drawing created by the data analysis unit 51 in S25 of FIG. 3 If a notification that the creation of drawing data has been completed is not made and not received (S57: N O). In this case, the print job management unit 52 skips the process of S61 and proceeds to the process of S63 . That is, the print job management unit 52 does not send the one-page data information to the printing unit 54 .

[0056] When the printing unit 54 receives the one-page data information sent from the print job management unit 52 in S61 and completes the printing based on it, it notifies the print job management unit 52 of the completion of one-page data printing. If the print job management unit 52 does not receive the notification (S63: N O), it returns to the process of S55. On the other hand, when the print job management unit 52 receives the notification (S 63: YES), it proceeds to the process of S65

[0057] When the printing unit 54 completes the printing of all pages of the print job, it notifies the print job management unit 52 that the printing of all page data has been completed. If the print job management unit 52 does not receive the notification (S65: NO ), it returns to the process of S55

[0058] On the other hand, when the print job management unit 52 receives the notification of the completion of printing of all page data output from the printing unit 54 (S65: YES ), it proceeds to S75. The processes after S75 will be described later .

[0059] If the print job management unit 52 includes a storage instruction in the header information notified from the data analysis unit 51 , or if the storage setting information 43 in the non-volatile memory 22 is set to on and the printer 2 has a storage setting (S45: YES ), it determines whether a cancel instruction has been received (S67). If a cancel instruction has not been received (S67: N O), O), similar to S57, the printing job management unit 52 determines whether it has received a notification that the creation of the rendering data for one page is completed (S69). Note that the rendering data in S69 does not have to be the rendering data for one page, and it may be the rendering data for a printable band. If the printing job management unit 52 has not received a notification that the creation of the rendering data for one page is completed (S69: NO), it returns to the process of S67 and waits for a notification while checking for the presence of a cancel instruction. On the other hand, if the printing job management unit 52 has received a notification that the creation of the rendering data for one page is completed (S69: YES), it stores the printing data acquired in S43 in the volatile memory 21 (S71). After that, the printing job management unit 52 determines whether it has received a notification that all pages have been processed (S73). If the process of S29 in FIG. 3 has not been executed and the printing job management unit 52 has not received a notification that all pages have been printed (S73: NO), it returns to the process of S67 and stores the printing data for the next page in the volatile memory 21 (S67 - S67). If the process of S29 in FIG. 3 has been executed and the printing job management unit 52 has received a notification that all pages have been printed (S73: YES), it proceeds to the process of S75. The processes after S75 will be described later. If the printing job management unit 52 has not received a notification of header information from the data analysis unit 51 (S41: NO), it determines whether it has received a print instruction for the accumulated data via the operation panel 16.

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] ​​​​​​​​​​​​Determine whether there is a printing instruction (S79). The stored data is, for example, printing data of a print job stored in the volatile memory 21 according to a storage instruction or storage setting in S71 and is the printing data of the print job stored in the volatile memory 21. The printing instruction for the stored data is, for example, to list the print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 on the operation panel 16 and accept the selection of the print job to be printed via the operation panel, and accept it when the print execution button is pressed. If the print job management unit 52 has not received a printing instruction for the stored data via the operation panel 16 (S79: NO), it returns to the process of S41 . That is, the stored data is held in the volatile memory 21 until a printing instruction is input .

[0064] If the print job management unit 52 has received a printing instruction for the stored data via the operation panel 16 (S79: YES), it proceeds to the process of S53 without storing the notification information in the volatile memory 21 and causes the printing unit 54 to prepare for printing. The processes after S53 have been described above and will be omitted .

[0065] If the print job management unit 52 has received a cancellation instruction in S67 and S55 (S6 7: YES, S55: YES), it proceeds to S91 in Fig. 5(A). The print job management unit 52 notifies the cancellation instruction to the notification unit 53 and the printing unit 54 in order not to perform printing or notification .

[0066] Then, the print job management unit 52 determines whether notification information is stored in the volatile memory 21 (S93). If the print job management unit 52 stores notification information in the volatile memory 21 (S93: YES), it changes the notification content from print completion to cancellation (S 95). Thereby, for example, when a third party inputs a cancellation instruction via the operation panel 16 Even in such a case, it becomes possible to notify the user who sent the canceled print job that the printing has been canceled.

[0067] The print job management unit 52 that has changed the notification content proceeds to the process of S75 in FIG. 4. In this case, the print job management unit 52 may proceed to the process of S75 in FIG. 4 after the cancellation processes of the data analysis process and the printing process are completed. Also, when a notification indicating cancellation is sent to the print job management unit 52 for each of the data analysis process and the printing process, the print job management unit 52 may proceed to the process of S75 in FIG. 4 after receiving the notification.

[0068] In S75 of FIG. 4, if the notification information is stored in the volatile memory 21 in S51 (S75: YES), the print job management unit 52 transmits the notification information to the notification unit 53 (S 77), and then returns to the process of S41. On the other hand, if the notification information is not stored in the volatile memory 21 in S51 (S75: NO), the print job management unit 52 returns to the process of S41 without transmitting the notification information to the notification unit 53. [[ID=2 for="26]]

[0069] As described above, the print job management unit 52, for example, when receiving a print job that designates the printer 2 from the information processing apparatus 3 and causing the printing unit 18 to perform printing, starts the print job without depending on the operation of the operation panel 16. If the execution target print job is specified to send a completion notification, the print job management unit 52 transmits the notification information to the notification unit 53 and causes the notification unit 53 to perform a notification. Therefore, the printer 2 notifies the user who is at a location away from the printer 2 of the completion of printing by sending a completion notification, and the user continues to wait for the printing to end in front of the printer 2. ​It is possible to avoid forgetting to pick up printed materials or the like.

[0070] On the other hand, when the print job management unit 52 starts a print job based on an operation of the operation panel 16, for example, in the case of direct printing or download printing, the print job management unit 52 does not send notification information to the notification unit 53 and does not cause the notification unit 53 to notify. Even with such a configuration, when starting a print job based on an operation of the operation panel 16, such as direct printing or download printing, since the user is near the printer 2, it is less likely that inconveniences such as the user forgetting to pick up the printed materials will occur even if the notification unit 53 does not perform a notification. Therefore, in the case of starting a print job based on an operation of the operation panel 16, such as direct printing or download printing, unnecessary notifications can be suppressed by not performing a notification. Also, in the case of accumulated printing in which accumulated data is printed by operating the operation panel 16, a completion notification is not sent. Similar to direct printing and download printing, in accumulated printing as well, since the user inputs a print instruction by operating the operation panel 16, the user is near the printer 2. Therefore,

[0071] even if a completion notification is not sent to the information processing apparatus 3 or the like during accumulated printing, it is less likely that inconveniences such as the user waiting in front of the printer 2 for the completion of printing or forgetting to pick up the printed materials will occur. Also, unnecessary notifications can be suppressed. Furthermore, since accumulated printing is executed by the user who instructed the accumulated printing inputting a password or the like to input a print instruction, it is highly likely that the cancellation of accumulated printing will be input by the user. Therefore, by not even notifying of the cancellation during accumulated printing, unnecessary notifications are suppressed. Also, it is less likely that inconveniences such as the user waiting in front of the printer 2 for the completion of printing or forgetting to pick up the printed materials will occur. Moreover, unnecessary notifications can be suppressed. Furthermore, since accumulated printing is executed by the user who instructed the accumulated printing inputting a password or the like to input a print instruction, it is highly likely that the cancellation of accumulated printing will be input by the user. Therefore, by not even notifying of the cancellation during accumulated printing, unnecessary notifications are suppressed.

[0072] In addition, even if printing is canceled during the printing process, Printer 2 will not complete the printing. As with the completion notice, this notifies the user that printing has been canceled, so the user can You can encourage rework.

[0073] The notification process by the notification unit 53 will be described. FIG. 5B shows the control procedure for the notification process. 4. The notification unit 53 notifies the print job manager 52 in step S77 of FIG. When the notification information is received (S101: YES), the completion notification or the cancellation notification is sent to the The information is sent to the destination specified by the destination information included in the information (S103). 53 returns to the process of S101 and waits for the next notification information.

[0074] The printing process by the printing unit 54 will now be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control procedure for the printing process. The printing unit 54 prints the print job output by the print job management unit 52 in S53 of FIG. If a print preparation start instruction is received (S111: YES), print preparation starts (S113 ).

[0075] The printing unit 54 receives one page of data sent from the print job management unit 52 in step S61 of FIG. If the information is received (S115: YES), the printing unit 18 starts printing (S1 17) When printing of one page is completed (S119: YES), the printing unit 54 The job management unit 52 is notified that printing of one page has been completed (S121). The printing unit 54 detects that there is remaining data that has not been printed in the print job being printed (S123 :YES), when the next page data information is received from the print job management unit (S125: If the answer is YES, the process returns to S119 and the next page is printed. Repeatedly, when there is no remaining data (S123: NO), the printing unit 54 notifies the printing job management unit 52 that all page data has been printed (S127). After that, the printing unit 54 returns to the process of S11 and prepares for printing the next printing job. If the printing unit 54 receives a cancellation instruction (S129: YES), it returns to the process of S111.

[0076] Note that the process shown in S11 of FIG. 3 is an example of "acquisition process" and "selection process". The processes shown in FIGS. 4 and 5(B) are examples of "completion notification process". The process shown in FIG. 6 is an example of "printing process" . The processes of S69 to S73 are examples of "accumulation process". The process of S79 in FIG. 4 is an example of "reception process". The "printing preparation start instruction" shown in S53 of FIG. 4 is an example of "start information" . The processes of S67 and S55 in FIG. 4 are examples of "cancellation process". The processes shown in FIGS. 5(A ) and 5(B) are examples of "cancellation notification process".

[0077] When the information processing device 3 receives the completion notification transmitted from the printer 2, it causes the UI32 to display the completion information indicating the completion of printing. The information processing device 3 may display the completion information based on, for example, the push notification from the printer 2, or may display the completion information by a resident app that receives the notification from the printer 2. The completion notification is transmitted to the information processing device 3 when the printing job is executed without being based on the operation of the operation panel 16. Therefore, the user can know the completion of printing even without being near the printer 2, and can shorten the waiting time for waiting in front of the printer 2.

[0078] In addition, the printing job transmitted from the information processing device 3 to the printer 2 is based on the operation of the operation panel 16 ​​​​When executed via [a certain way], the completion notice is not sent from the printer 2 to the information processing device 3. . Therefore, until the user is near the printer 2 and can know the completion of printing, the completion notice is not sent to the information processing device 3, and unnecessary communication of the completion notice can be omitted. Also, even if the user recognizes the completion of printing in front of the printer 2, when returning to the information processing device 3 and viewing the UI32, it is prevented that the completion display is further shown.

[0079] As described above, in the printing system 1 of this embodiment, when the print job completed by the printer 2 is started based on an operation on the operation panel 16 of the printer 2, such as direct printing, download printing, or accumulation printing, it is assumed that the user is in front of the printer 2, and there is little need to display the completion information on the information processing device 3. Therefore, for such a print job, the completion notice is not sent from the printer 2 to the information processing device 3. On the other hand, for other print jobs where it is not assumed that the user is in front of the printer 2 (for example, PC printing where the printer 2 prints a print job sent from the information processing device 3 without accumulation), the completion notice is sent from the printer 2 to the information processing device 3. Thus, the user can know the completion of the print job at a location away from the printer 2. According to such a printing system 1, in cases where notification of completion information is necessary, the completion notice reaches the information processing device 3, and unnecessary communication of the completion notice and the annoyance of the user caused by frequent notification of the completion information can be reduced.

[0080] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, if the printer 2 has a communication function and a printing function, it does not necessarily have to have other image reading functions.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the completion notification and the cancellation notification are transmitted to the information processing apparatus 3. However, an error notification in the case of interruption due to an error may also be notified under the same conditions as the completion notification. That is, when an error occurs during the execution of a print job based on the operation of the operation panel, even if there is a designation for transmitting the completion notification, the error notification is not transmitted to the transmission source of the print job. On the other hand, when an error occurs during the execution of a printable print job and there is a designation for transmitting the completion notification, the error notification may be transmitted to the transmission source of the print job. According to this, the user can know that the printing has been interrupted due to an error of the printer 2 and can cancel the error of the printer 2 and re-perform the printing.

[0082] In the above embodiment, when the print job includes a storage instruction or the storage setting of the printer 2 is turned on, the print job is stored in the volatile memory 21. However, even when there is no print instruction or print setting, the print job may be stored in the volatile memory 21. For example, when the printer 2 acquires a print job in which a password is set, the print job may be stored in the volatile memory 21. In this case, the printer 2 may perform authentication by collating the password input via the operation panel 16 with the password set for the print job, and may accept a print instruction for the print job that has succeeded in authentication and execute the printing. Further, for example, users who can log in to the printer 2 are registered in the non-volatile memory 22, and when the user operates via the operation panel 16,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ When performing a login operation to log in, execute the print job acquired from the information processing apparatus 3 This may be done. The accumulation setting, accumulation instruction, password authentication, and login operation are examples of "predetermined accumulation conditions".

[0083] In the above aspect, the print job management unit 52 and the printing unit 54 constitute a first module for print control and the print job management unit 52 and the notification unit 53 constitute a second module for completion notification control However, the print control and the completion notification control may be configured by one module . However, as in the above aspect, by performing the control of the completion notification by a module different from the print control , it is possible to suppress the influence of the control of the completion notification on the print control. For example, when the printer 2 is unable to communicate due to a communication failure or the like, it is possible to start printing based on the next print job without waiting for the communication timeout at the printing unit 18

[0084] In the above aspect, at S103 in FIG. 5(B), the destination of the completion notification is specified by the destination information included in the header information of the print job. However, the print job may not set the destination information, and the printer 2 may store the destination information for each user on its side. However, by including the destination information in the print job and having the printer 2 send the completion notification based on the destination information included in the print job, there is no need to prepare the destination information on the main body side, and the completion notification can be sent to the necessary destinations For example, when the process shown in FIG. 5(A) is omitted and a cancel instruction is received, instead of sending a completion notification

[0085] a cancel notification may not be sent to the destination specified by the destination information. However, by performing the process of FIG. 5(A), in the case of a cancel notification as well as in the case of a completion notification the same can be done . However, by performing the process of FIG. 5(A), in the case of a cancel notification as well as in the case of a completion notification will be sent to the information processing device 3. That is, in the case of a cancellation notice, similar to the completion notice when the canceled print job is started based on an operation on the operation panel 16 of the printer 2, it is assumed that the user is in front of the printer 2, and there is little need to display the cancellation information on the information processing device 3. Therefore, the cancellation notice for such a print job is not sent to the information processing device 3, and it is not assumed that the user is in front of the printer 2 In other cases of print jobs, the cancellation notice is sent to the information processing device 3. As a result the cancellation notice will be received in cases where notification of cancellation information is necessary, and unnecessary communication of the cancellation notice can be reduced.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a completion notice is sent to the information processing device 3 which is the transmission source of the print job, and the completion information is displayed. On the other hand, a completion notice may be sent to an information processing device different from the information processing device 3 that sent the print job, and the completion information may be displayed. For example, the print job is received from a PC or the like, the completion notice is sent to a specified address, and the completion information may be displayed on a device such as a smart phone having that address. In this way, by not limiting the notification destination of the completion notice to the transmission source of the print job, the user can check the completion information and pick up the printed matter even when away from the transmission source of the print job.

[0087] Also, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiment, the plurality of processes in any plurality of steps can be arbitrarily changed in the execution order or executed in parallel within a range where there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0088] Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, an ASIC, or any hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various forms such as a recording medium storing a program for executing the process, or a method, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 1 Printing system 2 Printer 3 Information processing apparatus 11 CPU 16 Operation panel 18 Printing unit 32 UI 33 Communication interface

Claims

1. Does not notify the completion of a print job based on panel operations A system comprising a printer and an information processing apparatus that transmits a print job for causing the printer to perform printing wherein the information processing apparatus transmits a print job for which transmission of a completion notice indicating completion of printing execution has been specified, to the printer via a communication interface provided in the information processing apparatus the printer receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and when printing based on the received print job is completed, if the execution of the completed print job was started without being based on an operation on the user interface of the printer, the printer transmits the completion notice to the information processing apparatus which is the transmission source of the print job, and if the execution of the completed print job was started based on an operation on the user interface of the printer, the printer does not transmit the completion notice to the information processing apparatus which is the transmission source of the print job the information processing apparatus after transmitting the print job to the printer, when receiving the completion notice addressed to the information processing apparatus from the printer via the communication interface, causes a user interface provided in the information processing apparatus to notify completion information indicating completion of printing execution A system characterized by the above

2. Does not notify the completion of a print job based on panel operations A printer comprising a printing unit, a user interface, and a computer wherein the computer performs an acquisition process of acquiring a print job for which transmission of a completion notice indicating completion of printing execution has been specified, and a printing process of causing the printing unit to perform printing based on the print job acquired in the acquisition process further, the computer when the execution of the print job is completed by the printing process, if the execution of the completed print job was started without being based on an operation on the user interface, the computer transmits the completion notice to the apparatus which is the transmission source of the print job, and if the execution of the completed print job was started based on an operation on the user interface, the computer executes a completion notice process of not transmitting the completion notice to the apparatus which is the transmission source of the print job A printer characterized by the above

3. The print job is an accumulated print job In the printer according to Claim 2 the computer ​ ​ ​ 、 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ When the print job obtained in the acquisition process satisfies a predetermined storage condition, the received storage process of storing the print job in the memory of the printer, and a specific operation for instructing execution of the print job stored by the storage process is received via the user interface, and a reception process, are executed, In the printing process, when the specific operation is received in the reception process, printing based on the print job stored in the memory is caused to be performed by the printing unit, In the completion notification process, when the execution of the print job is completed by the printing process, if the execution of the completed print job was started without being based on the specific operation which is an operation to the user interface, the completion notification is transmitted to the device which is the transmission source of the print job, and if the execution of the completed print job was started based on the specific operation which is an operation to the user interface, the completion notification is not transmitted to the device which is the transmission source of the print job, A printer characterized by the above.

4. The print job is direct printing or DL printing In the printer according to claim 2, the computer performs a selection process of receiving, via the user interface, a selection operation of a print job to be executed from among the print jobs stored in a device communicably connected to the printer, and the print jobs to be selected include the print job for which transmission of the completion notification is specified, further, the computer in the acquisition process, when a selection operation of a print job to be executed is received in the selection process, acquires the print job for which transmission of the completion notification is specified by reading out the selected print job from the device, in the completion notification process, when the execution of the print job is completed by the printing process, if the execution of the completed print job was started without being based on the selection operation which is an operation to the user interface, the completion notification is transmitted to the device which is the transmission source of the print job, and if the execution of the completed print job was started based on the selection operation which is an operation to the user interface, the completion notification is not transmitted to the device which is the transmission source of the print job, A printer characterized by the above.

5. Specification of the notification destination for the print job ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In the printer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the computer, in the acquisition process, the transmission of the completion notice is specified, and further the destination information indicating the destination of the completion notice is included, and the print job is acquired, in the completion notice process, when the execution of the print job is completed by the printing process, if the execution of the completed print job was started without being based on an operation on the user interface, the completion notice is transmitted to the device that is the source of the print job using the destination information included in the print job, and if the execution of the completed print job was started based on an operation on the user interface, the completion notice is not transmitted to the device that is the source of the print job. The printer is characterized by this.

6. The management and notification of print jobs are separate modules In the printer according to any one of claims 2 to 5, it has a first module and a second module different from the first module, the first module, causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the print job, the second module, stores in the memory of the printer start information indicating whether the first module has started printing based on the print job in the printing unit, based on an operation on the user interface, between when the print job is acquired and before the start of printing based on the print job in the printing unit by the first module, furthermore, the second module, detects the completion of printing based on the print job in the printing unit by the first module, furthermore, the second module, when detecting the completion of printing based on the print job in the printing unit by the first module, if the start information stored in the memory does not indicate that the first module has started printing based on the print job in the printing unit based on an operation on the user interface, the completion notice is transmitted to the device that is the source of the print job, and if the start information stored in the memory indicates that the first module has started printing based on the print job in the printing unit based on an operation on the user interface, the completion notice is not transmitted to the device that is the source of the print job. The printer is characterized by this.

7. Cancellation is also notified ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In the printer according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the computer, during execution of printing based on the print job by the printing process, cancels the cancel process that receives a cancel operation for canceling the print job via the user interface, and executes, further, the computer, when canceling the print job based on the cancel operation, if the execution of the print job that was canceled was started without being based on an operation to the user interface, sends a cancel notification indicating cancellation of the print job to the device that is the source of transmission of the print job, and if the execution of the print job that was canceled was started based on an operation to the user interface, executes a cancel notification process of not sending the cancel notification to the device that is the source of transmission of the print job, which is a feature of the printer. ​

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