Printer, program, and communication method

Abstract

To facilitate re-setting.SOLUTION: A printing unit performs printing in accordance with an instruction of an external computer. An acquisition unit acquires setting information of the external computer through communication with the external computer. A storage unit stores the setting information. An output unit outputs the setting information and performs processing for causing the external computer to perform setting using the setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printer, a program, and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for setting up a computer so that it can control a device such as a printer. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 causes the computer to execute a setting process that includes at least installing software necessary for the computer to control the device, in parallel with the process of displaying on a screen an image that sequentially guides the user through the device setup procedure. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can reduce the time required for setting up a device so that it can be used from the computer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-60383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to enable the printer to be used from a computer, some kind of trouble may occur after setup, making it impossible to use the printer from the computer. In such cases, it is desirable to make it easier to re-setup the printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printer according to the present disclosure has a printing unit that performs printing in accordance with instructions from an external computer, an acquisition unit that acquires setting information of the external computer through communication with the external computer, a memory unit that stores the setting information, and an output unit that outputs the setting information and performs processing to cause the external computer to perform settings using the setting information.

[0006] In addition, the program disclosed herein causes a computer that communicates with a printer to execute a reception process that receives communication setting information from a user regarding settings for communication with the printer, and a backup process that is a process for backing up setting information regarding the printer on the computer, including the communication setting information, to the printer.

[0007] Furthermore, the communication method disclosed herein is a communication method executed by a printer and an external computer, in which the external computer receives communication setting information from a user regarding settings for communication with the printer, performs processing to back up setting information on the printer from the external computer, which setting information is related to the printer and includes the communication setting information, and the printer acquires the setting information through communication with the external computer, stores the setting information, outputs the setting information, and performs processing to have the external computer perform settings using the setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of printing in the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an external computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a setup process executed by an external computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a print job generation process executed by an external computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job generated by the print job generation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job generated by the print job generation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting information output process executed by the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on a printer in the setting information output process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on a printer in the setting information output process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a re-setup process executed by an external computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on an external computer during the re-setup process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on an external computer during the re-setup process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on an external computer during the re-setup process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on an external computer during the re-setup process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of a setup file generation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on an external computer during processing by a setup file generation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. The communication system 1 includes an external computer 100 and a printer 200. The external computer 100 is communicably connected to the printer 200 via a wired or wireless connection. The external computer 100 may be communicably connected to the printer 200 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The external computer 100 may also be communicably connected to the printer 200 via the Internet, for example.

[0011] The external computer 100 is a computer having a processor and memory. The external computer 100 is, for example, an information processing device or information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). The external computer 100 instructs the printer 200 to print. The printer 200 is a printing device with a printing function. The printer 200 executes printing according to the instructions from the external computer 100.

[0012] The external computer 100 includes an OS 110 (Operating System), an installer 120, a setting information storage unit 130, a printer driver 140, a port monitor 142, and an application 150. The OS 110 is basic software that controls the operation of the external computer 100. The OS 110 may be, for example, Windows (registered trademark), but is not limited to this. In the following description, an example in which the OS 110 is Windows will be described as appropriate.

[0013] The installer 120 performs setup processing to enable the printer 200 to be used from the external computer 100. In other words, the installer 120 performs settings to enable the printer 200 to be used from the external computer 100. The installer 120 performs processing to install the printer driver 140 and the port monitor 142.

[0014] The setting information storage unit 130 stores setting information. The setting information is information about settings related to the printer 200 of the external computer 100. The setting information is used when setting up the printer 200. Therefore, the setting information can also be called setup information. The setting information includes information obtained by the setup process performed by the installer 120. The setting information includes communication setting information and installation information. The setting information, communication setting information, and installation information will be described below.

[0015] The application 150 is application software capable of performing processes involving printing. The application 150 may be, for example, document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or photo display software. The application 150 outputs print data to the printer driver 140.

[0016] The printer driver 140 is installed on the external computer 100 by the installer 120 running. The printer driver 140 is software for controlling the printer 200 to operate the printer 200. When the printer driver 140 acquires print data from the application 150, it generates a print job that includes the print data. In the first embodiment, the setting information described above is added to the print job. The printer driver 140 may acquire the setting information from the setting information storage unit 130 and perform a process to add the setting information to the print job.

[0017] The port monitor 142 is installed in the external computer 100 by the installer 120. The port monitor 142 performs processing necessary for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200. In other words, the port monitor 142 relays the exchange of information between the printer driver 140 and the printer 200. The port monitor 142 also monitors the connection port used for printing that connects the external computer 100 and the printer 200. Here, the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment sends a print job to which setting information has been added to the printer 200. The port monitor 142 may also send the print job to which setting information has been added to the printer 200.

[0018] The printer 200 has a setting information storage unit 230. When the printer 200 receives a print job from the external computer 100, it prints according to the print job. The printer 200 also acquires setting information added to the print job. The setting information storage unit 230 stores the acquired setting information. The setting information storage unit 230 may be realized by, for example, a storage unit such as a non-volatile memory. In other words, the printer 200 stores the setting information in the storage unit. In this way, the setting information sent to the printer 200 from the external computer 100 is stored in the printer 200, and the setting information related to the printer 200 from the external computer 100 is backed up in the printer 200.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the processing executed by the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method executed by the external computer 100 and the printer 200. The external computer 100 performs a setup process (step S100). Here, in the setup process, the external computer 100 performs a reception process, which is a process for receiving communication setting information from the user. The setup process will be described in detail later.

[0020] The external computer 100 performs a print job generation process for printing (step S120). During the print job generation process, the external computer 100 performs a backup process, which is a process for backing up setting information, including communication setting information, to the printer 200. Details of the print job generation process will be described later. Note that the backup process causes the setting information to be sent from the external computer 100 to the printer 200.

[0021] The printer 200 performs printing processing (step S140). At this time, the printer 200 performs setting information acquisition processing, which is processing for acquiring setting information. The printer 200 also stores the acquired setting information in the setting information storage unit 230. The printing processing will be described in detail later.

[0022] The printer 200 performs a setting information output process, which is a process for outputting setting information (step S150). At this time, the printer 200 outputs the setting information stored in the printer 200 and performs a process for causing the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information. Details of the setting information output process will be described later. Furthermore, by this process, the setting information stored in the printer 200 is input to the external computer 100.

[0023] The external computer 100 uses the setting information to perform a reset process (step S170). This process can be executed, for example, when the external computer 100 is unable to use the printer 200 due to some kind of trouble. The external computer 100 may use the setting information to perform a process that is substantially the same as the process of S100. The reset process will be described in detail later.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of printing in the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 corresponds to the processes of S120 to S140 in FIG. 2. The application 150 of the external computer 100 outputs print data to the printer driver 140 (step S130). At this time, the application 150 executes a print command to the GDI (Graphic Device Interface), which is a function of the OS 110 such as Windows. The GDI calls the printer driver 140. As a result, the print data is output to the printer driver 140.

[0025] The printer driver 140 generates a print job with the setting information added (step S132). Specifically, the printer driver 140 generates a print job in which the content indicated in the print data is recorded as a command. The printer driver 140 also reads the setting information from the setting information storage unit 130 and adds it to the print job. The printer driver 140 outputs the print job to the port monitor 142 via the print queue created by the installer 120 (step S134). The port monitor 142 sends the print job to the printer 200 via the communication set up by the setup process (step S136).

[0026] When the printer 200 receives the print job, it stores the setting information (step S138). Specifically, the printer 200 extracts the setting information from the print job and stores the extracted setting information in the setting information storage unit 230.

[0027] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment. The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 108 (IF: Interface). The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0028] The processing unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108.

[0029] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 104 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database. The storage unit 104 may also store setting information.

[0030] The communication unit 106 performs processing necessary for the external computer 100 to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 106 performs processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200. The communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. The communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the external computer 100 to communicate with the printer 200 via the Internet, for example.

[0031] The interface unit 108 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 108 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 108 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, as in a touch screen or a touch panel. The interface unit 108 accepts data input operations by the user of the external computer 100, and outputs information to the user.

[0032] The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, the above-described OS 110, installer 120, setting information storage unit 130, printer driver 140, port monitor 142, and application 150. The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a reception unit 162 and a setup unit 164. The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a print job generation unit 172, a backup unit 174, and a print job transmission unit 176. The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a setting information acquisition unit 180, a re-setup processing unit 182, and a setup file generation unit 190.

[0033] Each component other than OS 110 operates using the functions of OS 110. Furthermore, reception unit 162, setup unit 164, and setup file generation unit 190 may be realized by installer 120. Furthermore, print job generation unit 172, backup unit 174, print job transmission unit 176, setting information acquisition unit 180, re-setup processing unit 182, and setup file generation unit 190 may be realized by printer driver 140. Furthermore, print job transmission unit 176 may be realized by port monitor 142.

[0034] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0035] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized by using this integrated circuit.

[0036] The reception unit 162 performs a reception process to receive communication setting information from the user. The reception unit 162 receives the communication setting information through user operation of the interface unit 108. Here, the communication setting information is information related to settings for communication with the printer 200. The communication setting information may include, for example, information related to network settings. The communication setting information may also include, for example, port information. The communication setting information may also include, for example, network identification information that identifies a network for communication between the external computer 100 and the printer 200. The network identification information may be identification information for a network to which the external computer 100 is connected and to which the printer 200 is to be connected. The network identification information may also be identification information for a wireless router that provides the network to which the printer 200 is to be connected. If the network to which the external computer 100 and the printer 200 are connected is Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the network identification information may be a Service Set Identifier (SSID). If a password is required to connect to the network corresponding to the network identification information, the communication setting information may include a password such as an SSID password. The communication setting information may also include the name of a port used for printing.

[0037] The setup unit 164 uses the communication setting information and installation information to perform setup processing to enable the external computer 100 to use the printer 200. Here, the installation information is information input by the installer 120. The installation information may include, for example, the model name of the printer 200, the printer driver name, and the port monitor name.

[0038] The setup unit 164 uses the communication setting information to perform network settings to enable communication between the external computer 100 and the printer 200. The setup unit 164 performs processing to connect the printer 200 to the network used by the external computer 100. In other words, the setup unit 164 performs processing to allow the external computer 100 to participate in the communication environment of the wireless network or wired network used by the external computer 100. By the setup unit 164 performing network settings, the external computer 100 and the printer 200 are connected so that they can communicate with each other.

[0039] The setup unit 164 also uses the communication setting information and installation information to create a print queue, which is a function used when the external computer 100 performs printing. The setup unit 164 identifies an output port to be used for communication with the printer 200 and creates the print queue. The print queue may be a function in the OS 110, such as Windows. The output port to be used for printing is set in the print queue. The print queue accumulates print jobs and causes the printer 200 to print them sequentially. The print queue may be a spooler.

[0040] Furthermore, the setup unit 164 outputs the setting information, including the communication setting information and installation information, used in the setup process to the setting information storage unit 130. As a result, the setting information storage unit 130 stores the setting information. Note that the setting information storage unit 130 may be realized by the memory unit 104.

[0041] The print job generation unit 172 acquires print data from the application 150 and generates a print job including the print data. Here, the print job is a command to make the printer 200 print an image indicated by the print data.

[0042] The backup unit 174 performs a backup process, which is a process for backing up setting information to the printer 200. Specifically, the backup unit 174 adds setting information to the print job. In this case, the setting information is additional information for the print job. The print job sending unit 176 sends the print job, including the setting information, to the printer 200. Note that the backup unit 174 may add the setting information to the print job each time a print process is performed, or may add the setting information to the print job only the first time a print process is performed. The backup unit 174 may also send the setting information separately from the print job. For example, the backup unit 174 may send the setting information to the printer 200 when the setup process by the setup unit 164 is completed, before the print job is generated.

[0043] The setting information acquisition unit 180 acquires setting information backed up in the printer 200. In other words, the setting information acquisition unit 180 acquires setting information stored in the printer 200. Specifically, the setting information acquisition unit 180 may receive setting information sent from the printer 200 to the external computer 100 by email. Alternatively, the setting information acquisition unit 180 may acquire setting information by the user inputting a character string of setting information that is output by the printer 200 so as to be visible to the user, by operating the interface unit 108, such as a keyboard. The method by which the setting information backed up in the printer 200 is output by the printer 200 will be described later.

[0044] The resetting processing unit 182 performs resetting processing. The resetting processing unit 182 performs the setup processing for the printer 200 again using the setting information that has been backed up in the printer 200 by the setting information acquisition unit 180. Details of the processing by the resetting processing unit 182 will be described later.

[0045] The setup file generation unit 190 generates a setup file using the setting information. Here, the setup file is a data file for causing another PC to perform setup processing for the printer 200. The setup file may be, for example, an executable file with the extension ".EXE," i.e., a program file. The setup file generation unit 190 may be operated, for example, by the external computer 100 of the administrator of the printer 200. When the setup file generated by the setup file generation unit 190 is executed on another user's PC, the printer 200 is set up with settings corresponding to the setting information generated on the administrator's external computer 100. In other words, when the setup file generated by the setup file generation unit 190 is executed on another user's PC, the printer 200 is set up with settings substantially similar to the settings on the administrator's external computer 100. The setup file generation unit 190 may have a deployment function. Details of the processing of the setup file generation unit 190 will be described later.

[0046] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printer 200 according to the first embodiment. The printer 200 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, an interface unit 208, and a printing unit 210. The processing unit 202, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 208, and the printing unit 210 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0047] The processing unit 202 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 208, and the printing unit 210.

[0048] The storage unit 204 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 204 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 204 may include a database. The storage unit 204 may also store setting information for the external computer 100.

[0049] The communication unit 206 performs processing necessary for the printer 200 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 206 performs processing for the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100. The communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via a LAN such as a wireless LAN. The communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printer 200 to communicate with the external computer 100 via the Internet.

[0050] The interface unit 208 has an input device such as a button, keyboard, touch panel, or mouse, and an output device such as a display or speaker. The interface unit 208 may be configured with an input device and an output device integrated together. The interface unit 208 accepts data input operations by the user and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 208 includes an operation panel.

[0051] The printing unit 210 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a print medium. The printing unit 210 includes a print engine. A print engine is a mechanical configuration that prints an image on a print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using toner using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a transport mechanism that transports the print medium.

[0052] The printer 200 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a print job receiving unit 220, an acquisition unit 222, the setting information storage unit 230, an operation acceptance unit 240, and an output unit 250. Each of the components described above can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Each component may also be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0053] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0054] The print job receiving unit 220 receives a print job from the external computer 100. The print job receiving unit 220 may be realized by the communication unit 206. The received print job is output to the printing unit 210. The printing unit 210 executes printing in accordance with the print job. In other words, the printing unit 210 executes printing in accordance with instructions from the external computer 100.

[0055] The acquisition unit 222 performs a setting information acquisition process. The acquisition unit 222 acquires setting information related to the printer 200 of the external computer 100 through communication with the external computer 100. Specifically, the acquisition unit 222 acquires the setting information by extracting the setting information from a print job received through communication with the external computer 100. Note that if the setting information is sent from the external computer 100 separately from the print job, the acquisition unit 222 receives the setting information through communication with the external computer 100. The setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 222 is stored in the setting information storage unit 230 described above. This backs up the setting information.

[0056] The operation reception unit 240 receives an operation from a user requesting the output of setting information. Specifically, when a user who needs setting information operates the interface unit 208 to request the output of setting information, the operation reception unit 240 receives the operation.

[0057] The output unit 250 outputs the setting information to the external computer 100 and performs processing to cause the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information. The output unit 250 may output the setting information in response to a user request. That is, the output unit 250 may output the setting information when the operation receiving unit 240 receives an operation requested by the user. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may output the setting information at any timing, such as when printing is performed. This allows the user to easily know the contents of the setting information.

[0058] The output unit 250 may display the setting information on the interface unit 208, which is a display panel. In this case, the output unit 250 performs processing for outputting a display screen that displays the setting information. The output unit 250 may display the setting information as text information. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may display the setting information represented by code information that can be read by a camera, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The output unit 250 may also include a screen that displays and outputs the setting information. In this case, the output unit 250 may be realized by the interface unit 208. In this case, the output unit 250 displays and outputs the setting information, and allows the user to input the setting information into the external computer 100 using a keyboard, a camera, or the like, thereby causing the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information.

[0059] The output unit 250 may also perform processing to print the setting information using the printing unit 210. In this case, the output unit 250 performs processing to output the setting information by printing. For example, the output unit 250 may perform processing to print the setting information as text information. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may perform processing to print the setting information represented by code information readable by a camera, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The output unit 250 may also include a printing function to output the setting information by printing. In this case, the output unit 250 may be realized by the printing unit 210. In this case, the output unit 250 also displays and outputs the setting information, and allows the user to input the setting information into the external computer 100 using a keyboard, a camera, or the like, thereby causing the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information.

[0060] The output unit 250 may also perform processing to transmit the setting information to the external computer 100 via communication. In this case, the output unit 250 may transmit the setting information without using the communication path set by the setup unit 164 of the external computer 100. Therefore, the output unit 250 can transmit the setting information to the external computer 100 even if the communication path set by the external computer 100 is interrupted. For example, the output unit 250 may transmit the setting information to the external computer 100 via the Internet. For example, the output unit 250 may output the setting information to the external computer 100 by email. In this case, the email address of the external computer 100 may be registered in the printer 200 in advance. Then, the output unit 250 may send an email with the setting information attached to the external computer 100 via the Internet, addressed to the registered email address. The output unit 250 may also transmit the setting information to the external computer 100 via communication using a server. In this case, the output unit 250 may be implemented by the communication unit 206. In this case, the output unit 250 outputs the setting information via communication and causes the external computer 100 to receive the setting information, thereby causing the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information.

[0061] The output unit 250 may also perform processing to output a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information. For example, the output unit 250 may display a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information on the screen on which the setting information is displayed. The output unit 250 may also print a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information on the external computer 100 on a medium on which the setting information is printed. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may include a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information on the external computer 100 in an email to which the setting information is attached. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may transmit, together with the setting information, a command to operate the resetting processing unit 182 to the external computer 100. Alternatively, the output unit 250 may output a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information on the external computer 100 by voice.

[0062] 6 is a flowchart showing the setup process (S100) executed by the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment. The installer 120 selects the model of the printer 200 to be set up (step S102). Note that the process of S102 can be executed when the installer 120 supports multiple models. Therefore, if the installer 120 supports a single model, the process of S102 does not need to be executed.

[0063] The installer 120 installs the printer driver for the selected model (step S104). The accepting unit 162 accepts communication setting information from the user (step S106). The setup unit 164 configures communication for the printer 200 (step S108). In other words, the setup unit 164 allows the printer 200 to participate in the communication environment. The setup unit 164 configures an output port and generates a print queue (step S110). The setting information storage unit 130 saves the setting information acquired and used in the processes of S102 to S110 (step S112).

[0064] 7 is a flowchart showing the print job generation process (S120) executed by the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment. The print job generation unit 172 acquires print data from the application 150 (step S122). The print job generation unit 172 generates a print job including the acquired print data (step S124). The backup unit 174 adds the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 130 to the print job (step S126). The print job transmission unit 176 performs processing to transmit the print job including the setting information to the printer 200 (step S128).

[0065] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating a print job 500 generated by the print job generation process according to the first embodiment. The print job 500 includes a start command 502, print data 504, setting information 510, and an end command 506. The start command 502 is a command instructing the printing unit 210 of the printer 200 to start printing. The print data 504 is data for each application 150 that is generated by the application 150. The print data 504 represents, for example, a document or a photo. The end command 506 is a command instructing the printing unit 210 of the printer 200 to end printing.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the setting information 510. As shown in FIG. 9, the setting information 510 includes, for example, a model name, a printer driver name, a port monitor name, a port name, an SSID name, and an SSID password. The model name is identification information for the model of the printer 200. The printer driver name is identification information for the printer driver 140. The port monitor name is identification information for the port monitor 142. The port name is identification information for the port used for the printer 200. The port name may include an IP address. The port name, SSID name, and SSID password may be included in the communication setting information. The model name, printer driver name, and port monitor name may be included in the installation information.

[0067] 10 is a flowchart showing the print process (S140) executed by the printer 200 according to the first embodiment. The print job receiving unit 220 receives a print job (step S142). The printing unit 210 prints the print data in accordance with the print job (step S144). The acquiring unit 222 acquires the setting information by extracting the setting information from the print job (step S146). The setting information storage unit 230 stores the setting information (step S148).

[0068] 11 is a flowchart showing the setting information output process (S150) executed by the printer 200 according to the first embodiment. The operation accepting unit 240 accepts a user operation requesting output of the setting information (step S152). The output unit 250 displays the setting information on the interface unit 208, such as an operation panel (step S154). Furthermore, when the user performs an operation requesting transmission of the setting information to the external computer 100, the output unit 250 transmits the setting information to the external computer 100 (step S156). As described above, the output unit 250 may transmit the setting information by email or by communication using a server.

[0069] 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on the printer 200 during the setting information output process according to the first embodiment. The display screens illustrated in Fig. 12 and 13 are displayed on the interface unit 208, such as an operation panel, by the output unit 250.

[0070] 12 is, for example, a setting screen. Display screen 520 includes setting information display button 522 for displaying setting information. When the user touches setting information display button 522, display screen 530 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation panel.

[0071] The display screen 530 illustrated in FIG. 13 displays a setting information display area 532, a message display area 534, a send email button 536, and a print button 538. The setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 230 of the printer 200 is displayed in the setting information display area 532. The message display area 534 displays a message prompting the user to perform processing using the setting information using the external computer 100. When the user touches the send email button 536, the setting information displayed in the setting information display area 532 is sent to the external computer 100 by email. When the user touches the send email button 536, a list of email addresses registered in the printer 200 may be displayed. When the user selects an email address from the displayed list of email addresses, the setting information is sent to the selected email address. When the user touches the print button 538, the printing unit 210 prints the setting information displayed in the setting information display area 532.

[0072] 14 is a flowchart showing the re-setup process (S170) executed by the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment. The setting information acquisition unit 180 acquires the setting information output by the printer 200 (step S172). As described above, the setting information acquisition unit 180 may acquire the setting information stored in the printer 200 by receiving the setting information transmitted by email or the like from the printer 200. Alternatively, as described above, the setting information acquisition unit 180 may acquire the setting information stored in the printer 200 by the user inputting the setting information visibly output by the printer 200 using the interface unit 108 such as a keyboard.

[0073] The resetting processing unit 182 determines whether the external computer 100 has the same settings as those in the acquired setting information (step S174). If the external computer 100 does not have the same settings as those in the acquired setting information (NO in S174), it is highly likely that the settings related to the printer 200 in the external computer 100 are inappropriate. Therefore, the resetting processing unit 182 performs resetting processing of the printer 200 using the acquired setting information (step S176). Specifically, the resetting processing unit 182 performs processing substantially similar to the processing performed by the setup unit 164 to set the settings to the same settings as those indicated in the acquired setting information. This enables the external computer 100 and the printer 200 to communicate via the network with the SSID included in the acquired setting information. In addition, a print queue is regenerated using the acquired setting information.

[0074] On the other hand, if the external computer 100 has the same settings as the acquired setting information (YES in S174), it is highly likely that the settings in the external computer 100 are appropriate. Therefore, the inability to use the printer 200 on the external computer 100 may be due to a problem with the device, such as the printer 200 or the wireless router. In this case, the resetting processing unit 182 therefore prompts the user to restart the device (step S178). For example, the resetting processing unit 182 may display a message on the interface unit 108, such as a display, prompting the user to restart the wireless router and printer 200.

[0075] 15 to 18 are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on the external computer 100 in the resetting process (S170) according to the first embodiment. A display screen 600 illustrated in Fig. 15 is displayed on the interface unit 108, such as a display, by a user operation, for example, when the user wishes to reset the printer 200. On the display screen 600, an option 602 for selecting the resetting of the printer 200 is displayed using radio buttons or the like.

[0076] When the user selects option 602, a display screen 610, as shown in FIG. 16, is displayed on the interface unit 108, such as a display. The display screen 610 is a display screen for loading setting information. A direct input button 612 and a file load button 614 are displayed on the display screen 610. When the user clicks the direct input button 612, a screen for inputting setting information is displayed. The user uses the interface unit 108, such as a keyboard, to input the character string of the setting information displayed on the operation panel of the printer 200 or the character string of the setting information printed by the printer 200 into the screen for inputting setting information. On the other hand, when the user clicks the file load button 614, a screen for selecting a data file indicating the setting information that was sent from the printer 200 and stored in an arbitrary folder is displayed. The user uses this screen to select the data file of the setting information sent from the printer 200.

[0077] A display screen 620 shown in Fig. 17 is displayed on the interface unit 108, such as a display, during the processing of S176 in Fig. 14 described above. The display screen 620 displays a message 622 indicating that the settings have been made with the same settings as the loaded setting information. Furthermore, a display screen 630 shown in Fig. 18 is displayed on the interface unit 108, such as a display, during the processing of S178 in Fig. 14 described above. The display screen 630 displays a message 632 prompting the user to restart a device, such as the wireless router or printer 200.

[0078] 19 is a flowchart showing the processing of the setup file generation unit 190 according to the first embodiment. When the deployment function is activated (step S202), the setup file generation unit 190 acquires the configuration information (step S204). Specifically, the setup file generation unit 190 may acquire the configuration information stored in the printer 200 by performing processing similar to the processing of the configuration information acquisition unit 180 in S172 described above. That is, the setup file generation unit 190 may acquire the configuration information stored in the printer 200 by receiving the configuration information transmitted from the printer 200 via email or the like. Alternatively, the setup file generation unit 190 may acquire the configuration information stored in the printer 200 by the user inputting the configuration information output by the printer 200 using the interface unit 108, such as a keyboard.

[0079] The setup file generation unit 190 downloads the printer driver and port monitor corresponding to the setting information (step S206). As described above, the setting information indicates the printer driver name and port monitor name. Therefore, the setup file generation unit 190 downloads the printer driver and port monitor corresponding to these printer driver name and port monitor name, respectively, via the Internet. Then, the setup file generation unit 190 uses the setting information to generate a setup file that can perform the same settings as the setting information (step S208). The method for generating the setup file, which is an executable file, can be an existing method, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] The setup file generation unit 190 distributes the generated setup file to the PCs of other users (step S210). For example, the setup file generation unit 190 may distribute the generated setup file to the PCs of other users via a server shared among multiple users. When the setup file is executed on the PC of another user, a printer driver is installed on the PC, and a print queue with the same port settings is generated on the PC.

[0081] 20 is a diagram illustrating a display screen 700 displayed on the external computer 100 during processing by the setup file generation unit 190 according to the first embodiment. The display screen 700 is displayed on the interface unit 108, such as a display, by the setup file generation unit 190. When the administrator clicks a file load button 702, the setting information stored in the printer 200 is loaded. For example, the setting information is loaded from a folder in which setting information sent by email from the printer 200 is stored.

[0082] When the setting information is read, the contents of the setting information are displayed in setting information display area 704. When the administrator checks the contents shown in setting information display area 704 and clicks execute button 706, setup file generation unit 190 generates a setup file that can execute setup with the contents shown in setting information display area 704.

[0083] The external computer 100 according to the first embodiment executes the following program. That is, the program causes the external computer 100 to execute a reception process for receiving communication setting information related to communication settings with the printer 200 from a user. The program also causes the external computer 100 to execute a backup process for backing up, to the printer 200, setting information related to the printer 200 stored in the external computer 100, including communication setting information. The printer 200 according to the first embodiment also acquires setting information through communication with the external computer 100, stores the setting information, outputs the setting information, and performs processing for causing the external computer 100 to perform settings using the setting information. With this configuration, even if the setting information does not exist in the external computer 100, the external computer 100 can reset the printer 200 using the setting information backed up in the printer 200. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment makes it easy to reset the printer 200 in the external computer 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the external computer 100 according to the first embodiment transmits a print job with the setting information added to the printer 200. The printer 200 then acquires the setting information by extracting it from the print job received from the external computer 100. This configuration eliminates the need to transmit the setting information separately to the printer 200, thereby reducing the communication load.

[0085] The communication information also includes communication setting information that is accepted by user operation. Therefore, even if the user forgets the communication setting information that they entered, they can easily obtain setting information indicating the details of the previous setup from the printer 200. Therefore, even if the user forgets the communication setting information, they can easily perform re-setup.

[0086] Furthermore, when a user performs a reset, the user may call a call center or the like to receive support. In this case, the user may be asked by a call center operator about the settings. In such a case, in the first embodiment, the user can easily obtain the setting information, and thus can smoothly communicate with the operator. Therefore, the reset can be easily performed.

[0087] An example in which re-setup becomes necessary is described below. One possible case in which the external computer 100 is unable to print using the printer 200 is when the user accidentally deletes the print queue for the printer 200 on the external computer 100. In this case, in the first embodiment, the printer 200 sends setting information indicating the setup contents to the user's external computer 100. The re-setup processing unit 182 or the installer 120 can then use the setting information sent from the printer 200 to restore the print queue with the same settings as those in the setting information. Therefore, even if the user forgets the settings made during the initial setup, re-setup can be easily performed.

[0088] Furthermore, cases in which the external computer 100 is unable to print using the printer 200 include when the user replaces the PC or the PC's external storage device crashes, causing the system to return to its initial state. In this case, in the first embodiment, the printer 200 sends setting information indicating the setup contents to the user's external computer 100. The re-setup processing unit 182 or the installer 120 can then use the setting information sent from the printer 200 to restore the print queue with the same settings as those in the setting information. Therefore, even if the system returns to its initial state, re-setup can be easily performed.

[0089] Consider the case where the user replaces the wireless router. In this case, the user needs to enter the SSID of the new wireless router. However, since the printer 200 and printer driver remain unchanged, a print queue can be created using the setting information stored in the printer 200. Therefore, even if the wireless router is replaced, re-setup can be easily performed.

[0090] Furthermore, possible cases in which the external computer 100 becomes unable to print using the printer 200 include cases in which a malfunction of the wireless router causes the printer 200 to hang or an abnormal operating state of the printer 200 occurs. In this case, in the first embodiment, the re-setup processing unit 182 or the installer 120 attempts re-setup using the setting information output by the printer 200. The re-setup processing unit 182 or the installer 120 then determines that the same settings as those in the setting information have been configured on the external computer 100 (YES in S174 of FIG. 14). A display screen, such as that shown in FIG. 18, prompting the user to restart the wireless router and the printer 200 is then displayed on the external computer 100. Therefore, by restarting the wireless router and the printer 200, the user may be able to print using the external computer 100. Therefore, even if there is a problem with the wireless router or the printer 200, re-setup can be easily performed.

[0091] Furthermore, when multiple PCs use a single printer 200 in an office or the like, it is conceivable that the same settings for the same printer 200 will be made on the multiple PCs. In this case, in the first embodiment, the setting information generated by the administrator's external computer 100 is stored in the printer 200. Then, for example, the printer 200 sends the setting information to the multiple PCs by mass email, allowing each PC to perform setup using the setting information. As a result, print queues with the same settings as the print queue generated by the administrator's external computer 100 are generated on the multiple PCs. Furthermore, as described above, the setup file generated by the setup file generation unit 190 can also be executed on the multiple PCs to perform setup with the same settings on the multiple PCs.

[0092] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the order of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be omitted.

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the OS 110 of the external computer 100 is Windows, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The OS 110 may be any operating system, such as macOS (registered trademark) or Linux (registered trademark).

[0094] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...communication system, 100...external computer, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...communication unit, 108...interface unit, 120...installer, 130...setting information storage unit, 140...printer driver, 142...port monitor, 150...application, 162...reception unit, 164...setup unit, 172...print job generation unit, 174...backup unit, 176...print job transmission unit, 180...setting information acquisition unit, 182...resetup processing unit, 190...setup file generation unit, 200...printer, 202...processing unit, 204...storage unit, 206...communication unit, 208...interface unit, 210...printing unit, 220...print job receiving unit, 222...acquisition unit, 230...setting information storage unit, 240...operation acceptance unit, 250...output unit, 500...print job, 502...start command, 504...print data, 506...end command, 510...setting information, 520...display screen, 522...setting information display button, 530...display screen, 532...setting information display area, 534...message display area, 536...send email button, 538...print button, 600...display screen, 602...options, 610...display screen, 612...direct input button, 614...file load button, 620...display screen, 622...message, 630...display screen, 632...message, 700...display screen, 702...file load button, 704...setting information display area, 706...execute button

Claims

1. A printing unit that executes printing according to instructions from an external computer; an acquisition unit that acquires setting information of the external computer through communication with the external computer; a storage unit that stores the setting information; an output unit that outputs the setting information and performs processing to cause the external computer to perform settings using the setting information; A printer having

2. the output unit performs processing for outputting a display screen that displays the setting information. The printer according to claim 1 .

3. the output unit performs processing to output the setting information by printing. The printer according to claim 1 .

4. the output unit performs processing to output the setting information by email. The printer according to claim 1 .

5. the acquiring unit acquires the setting information by extracting the setting information from a print job received from the external computer. The printer according to claim 1 .

6. the setting information includes communication setting information accepted by a user operation regarding settings for communication between the external computer and the printer; The printer according to claim 1 .

7. The setting information includes a port name. The printer according to claim 6.

8. The setting information includes an SSID. The printer according to claim 6.

9. The computer that communicates with the printer a receiving process for receiving communication setting information relating to settings for communication with the printer from a user; a backup process for backing up setting information related to the printer of the computer, the setting information including the communication setting information, to the printer; A program that executes the following.

10. A communication method executed by a printer and an external computer, comprising: The external computer receiving communication setting information from a user regarding settings for communication with the printer; performing a process for backing up setting information related to the printer from the external computer, the setting information including the communication setting information, to the printer; The printer, Acquiring the setting information through communication with the external computer; storing the setting information; outputting the setting information and performing processing to cause the external computer to perform settings using the setting information; Communication method.

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