Printing apparatus

Abstract

This technology allows users to choose whether or not to retain print jobs with matching user authentication information in the storage unit after printing, depending on whether the print job display setting is turned on or off. [Solution] After authentication processing, if the list display setting 47 is off, the CPU 12 performs a first printing process in which it prints an image based on a print job stored in the USB storage 19A associated with user identification information onto a sheet using the printing unit 2, and after printing, deletes the print job from the USB storage 19A. After authentication processing, if the list display setting 47 is on, the CPU 12 performs a second printing process in which it displays a print job stored in the USB storage 19A associated with user identification information onto the display unit 34A, selects a print job from the print jobs displayed on the display unit 34A in response to an input operation received from the reception unit 34B, and prints an image based on the selected print job onto a sheet using the printing unit 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus configured to store print data with authentication information in a print data storage unit, accept input of a password from a user, and print the print data if there is print data with a matching password. In this printing apparatus, after input of the password and before printing, a selection screen is displayed that allows the user to select whether to save the print data in the print data storage unit after printing or to delete all the print data from the print data storage unit after printing, and the user can select whether to save the print data with a matching password in the print data storage unit even after printing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when the display setting of the print job is off, the print data with a matching password is deleted from the print data storage unit after printing, and when the display setting of the print job is on, there are times when the user wants to select whether to save the print data with a matching password in the print data storage unit even after printing.

[0005] However, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, regardless of whether the display setting of the print job is on or off, the user is allowed to select whether to save the print data with a matching password in the print data storage unit even after printing, so the user's desire cannot be satisfied.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a technology that allows the user to select whether or not to retain in the storage unit after printing print jobs for which the user authentication information matches, depending on whether the print job display setting is turned on or off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a printing apparatus comprising: a reception unit for receiving user input operations; a storage unit for storing print jobs and user identification information relating to the user who stored the print jobs in association; a display unit for displaying one or more print jobs stored in the storage unit before printing; a printing unit for printing images onto a sheet; and a control unit, wherein the printing apparatus is capable of selecting either a job holding print function, which prints images based on print jobs onto a sheet by the printing unit and then holds the completed print jobs in the storage unit; or a job deletion print function, which prints images based on print jobs onto a sheet by the printing unit and then deletes the completed print jobs from the storage unit, wherein the control unit receives input operations for logging into the printing apparatus via the reception unit, performs authentication processing to authenticate the user based on the user identification information entered by the input operations, and after the authentication processing, if the display setting of the display unit is off, the user identification information is associated with the storage unit. The system is characterized by the following steps: a first printing process which prints an image based on a stored print job onto a sheet using the printing unit, and after printing, deletes the print job from the storage unit; and a second printing process which, after authentication processing, if the display setting of the display unit is turned on, displays the print jobs stored in the storage unit associated with user identification information on the display unit, selects a print job from the print jobs displayed on the display unit in response to an input operation received from the reception unit, and prints an image based on the selected print job onto a sheet using the printing unit; and in the second printing process, when displaying the print jobs on the display unit, a selection operator is displayed on the display unit that allows the user to select either job retention printing or job deletion printing; if job retention printing is selected by the selection operator, the print job is retained in the storage unit after printing is completed; and if job deletion printing is selected by the selection operator, the print job is deleted from the storage unit after printing is completed.

[0008] As a result, if the display setting is off after authentication, print jobs stored in the memory unit associated with the user's identification information are deleted from the memory unit after printing. On the other hand, if the display setting is on after authentication, the user can choose whether or not to retain selected print jobs stored in the memory unit associated with the user's identification information after printing. Therefore, depending on whether the print job display setting is on or off, it becomes possible to choose whether or not to retain print jobs that match the user's authentication information in the memory unit after printing.

[0009] Furthermore, the selection operator is a selection icon that allows the user to select either the job retention printing function or the job deletion printing function. The control unit, in the second printing process, displays the print job and the selection icon on the display unit. When the job retention printing function is selected by the selection icon, the print unit executes printing in response to the input operation received from the reception unit, and then retains the completed print job in the storage unit. When the job deletion printing function is selected by the selection icon, the print unit executes printing in response to the input operation received from the reception unit, and then deletes the completed print job from the storage unit.

[0010] This makes it possible to choose whether or not to retain print jobs with matching user authentication information in the storage unit after printing, depending on whether the print job display setting is on or off.

[0011] Furthermore, the display unit is a touch panel having a reception unit, and the selection operator is a selection icon that allows the user to select either the job retention print function or the job deletion print function, and the control unit, in the second printing process, displays a print button that instructs printing along with the print job and the selection icon on the display unit, and when the print button is operated in response to an input operation received from the reception unit while the job retention print function is selected by the selection icon, the print unit executes printing, and after the print unit executes printing, the completed print job is stored in the storage unit, and when the print button is operated in response to an input operation received from the reception unit while the job deletion print function is selected by the selection icon, the print unit executes printing, and after the print unit executes printing, the completed print job is deleted from the storage unit.

[0012] This allows the user to choose whether or not to retain selected print jobs stored in the memory unit after printing, provided the display setting is turned on after the authentication process is complete, before the print button is pressed.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit further executes a first switching process that switches the display setting on or off in response to the input operation received from the reception unit, and in the second printing process, if the display setting is on, it displays a list of print jobs on the display unit.

[0014] This allows you to arbitrarily switch the display settings for print jobs on or off.

[0015] Furthermore, the device includes a communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, and the control unit further performs a second switching process to switch the display setting on or off in response to instructions from the communication unit, and in the second printing process, if the display setting is on, it displays a list of print jobs on the display unit.

[0016] This makes it possible to arbitrarily switch the display settings for print jobs on or off from an external terminal.

[0017] The storage unit includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, and the control unit causes the selection operator to be displayed on the display unit when the print job is stored in the non-volatile memory, and not to be displayed on the display unit when the print job is stored in the volatile memory.

[0018] As a result, for a print job stored in the volatile memory, job holding printing cannot be specified, so it is possible to prevent malfunction in advance when a print job for which job holding printing has been specified is deleted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing related to accumulated printing. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing related to user settings. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart related to the process of storing a print job in the storage unit. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of printing a print job. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the accumulated printing process included in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the list display process included in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the list non-display process included in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen (A) and an example of a job list display screen (B).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a multi-function peripheral (MFP) 1 according to one embodiment of the present application. The multi-function peripheral 1 is an example of a printing device and has printing, copying, scanning, and faxing functions. However, the multi-function peripheral is not limited to one that has all of these functions; for example, it may be a multi-function peripheral that does not have a faxing function. Hereinafter, the vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions of the multi-function peripheral 1 are defined as shown by the arrows in Figure 1.

[0022] The multifunction printer 1 comprises a printing unit 2, an image reading unit 3, an operation panel 33, and a touch panel 34. The printing unit 2 has an electrophotographic printing function. The printing method of the printing unit 2 is not limited to electrophotography; it may also be an inkjet method. The housing 20 of the printing unit 2 has a paper feed tray 21 and a paper output tray 22. The paper feed tray 21 can accommodate multiple sheets of plain paper or the like. The printing unit 2 prints images on the sheets fed from the paper feed tray 21 and outputs them to the paper output tray 22. The sheets stored in the paper feed tray 21 are not limited to plain paper; they may also be cardboard or the like.

[0023] The image reading unit 3 has a scanning function. The image reading unit 3 comprises a housing 30, a document transport unit 31, and a document cover 32. The document transport unit 31 is equipped with a document tray 31A capable of holding multiple documents. The document cover 32 is rotatably mounted on the mounting platform of the housing 30.

[0024] The control panel 33 and the touch panel 34 are located on the front of the multifunction printer 1. The control panel 33 includes the touch panel 34 and a cancel key 35A, a home key 35B, a return key 35C, and a power key 35D.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction device 1. The multifunction device 1 comprises a printing unit 2, an image reading unit 3, an ASIC 11, a RAM 13, a ROM 14, a non-volatile memory 15, a network interface 16, and a USB interface 19.

[0026] The ASIC11 is equipped with a CPU12. The CPU12 is an example of a control unit and performs overall control of each part of the multifunction device 1. Alternatively, the ASIC11 may be used as the control unit itself. The ROM14 stores a program 43 for controlling the multifunction device 1. The CPU12 uses the RAM13 as a working area to execute the program 43. The non-volatile memory 15 consists of NVRAM or the like and stores settings for various processes of the multifunction device 1 and data used for those processes.

[0027] Network I / F16 is an example of a communication unit. The multifunction printer 1 connects to the LAN via Network I / F16 and communicates with administrator PCs 17 and 18. Administrator PC 17 is an example of an external terminal and is an information terminal operated by the administrator of the multifunction printer 1. PC 18 This is an example of an external terminal, which is an information terminal operated by a user other than the administrator. The network interface 16 may be connected to a network other than a LAN. The external terminal may be an information terminal other than a personal computer, such as a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the multifunction printer 1 has a USB storage device 19A connected to it from outside the multifunction printer 1 via the USB interface 19.

[0028] The touch panel 34 has a display unit 34A and a reception unit 34B. The display unit 34A of the touch panel 34 is an example of a display unit and consists of a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation screen of the multifunction device 1 is displayed on the display unit 34A. The reception unit 34B receives touch operations from the user and detects the position pressed by the user. A liquid crystal display without a reception unit 34B may also be used as the display unit. The physical key 35 is an example of a reception unit and receives input operations from the user.

[0029] USB storage 19A is an example of a storage unit where print jobs are stored. A print job includes at least image data 42, and user identification information and a job name may be added. Job management information 41 is stored in USB storage 19A, and for print jobs to which user identification information and a job name have been added, that information is stored. Alternatively, RAM 13 may be used as a storage unit, and the job management information 41 and the image data 42 of the print job may be stored in RAM 13.

[0030] Next, we will explain how an administrator can change the settings of the multifunction printer 1 using Figure 3. Hereafter, in the explanation of each process, the step will be denoted as "S". Figure 3 explains the case where an administrator changes the list display setting and the job save location setting as an example. The list display setting determines whether or not to display the job list display screen, which will be described later using Figure 10(B). The job save location setting determines the save location for print jobs received from PC 18 in the print job storage process, which will be described later using Figure 5.

[0031] The multifunction printer 1 functions as a web server for the EWS (Embedded Web Server) by having its CPU 12 execute a program 43 stored in ROM 14. When the administrator of the multifunction printer 1 launches a browser on the administrator PC 17 and enters the designated URL for the EWS into the browser's URL input field, the browser screen for configuring the multifunction printer 1 is displayed on the administrator PC 17's display.

[0032] When the administrator performs the required operations on the settings browser screen and proceeds with the setting change process (S1:YES), the settings screen for the accumulated print processing (see Figure 6) is displayed. When the administrator specifies "list display on" on that settings screen (S2:YES), that operation information is sent to the multifunction printer 1, and the list display setting 47 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is set to "on" (S3). As a result, the CPU 12 of the multifunction printer 1 is configured to display the job list display screen during the accumulated print processing. Also, when the administrator specifies "list display off" on that settings screen (S2:NO), that operation information is sent to the multifunction printer 1, and the list display setting 47 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is set to "off" (S4).

[0033] Furthermore, when the administrator specifies the print job save location to RAM on the settings screen (S5: RAM save), that operation information is sent to the multifunction device 1, and the job save location setting 44 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is set to RAM (S6). Also, when the administrator specifies the print job save location to storage on the settings screen (S5: Storage save), that operation information is sent to the multifunction device 1, and the job save location setting 44 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is set to storage (S7).

[0034] Next, using Figure 4, we will explain how an administrator can change the settings of the authentication DB 46 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 of the multifunction printer 1. When an administrator moves from the settings screen for accumulated print processing to the settings screen for user settings and makes a change to the user settings (S101: YES), if the setting change is for registering user information (S102: User addition registration), the entered username and password are sent to the multifunction printer 1 and added to the authentication DB 46 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 (S103). If the setting change is for deleting user information (S102: User deletion), the username specified for deletion is sent to the multifunction printer 1, and the registered username and password specified for deletion are deleted from the authentication DB 46 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 (S104).

[0035] Note that while the settings changes shown in Figures 3 and 4 are performed from the administrator PC 17, they are not limited to this; they could also be performed from PC 18, or from the operation panel 33 or touch panel 34 of the multifunction printer 1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of storing a print job in a storage unit that includes USB storage 19A and RAM 13.

[0037] When CPU12 receives a print job from PC18 via network I / F16 (S200:YES), it determines whether user identification information and a job name are attached to the received print job (S201). In S201, if user identification information and a job name are attached to the print job (S201:YES), CPU12 proceeds to process S202; if user identification information and a job name are not attached to the print job (S201:NO), it proceeds to process S206.

[0038] In S202, the CPU 12 determines whether the storage print setting 45 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is turned on. The storage print setting 45 is a setting related to whether or not the storage print process, which will be described in detail later, can be executed, and the storage print process can be executed when the storage print setting 45 is turned on. In S202, if the storage print setting 45 is turned on (S202: YES), the CPU 12 proceeds to process S203, and if the storage print setting 45 is turned off (S202: NO), the CPU 12 proceeds to process S206.

[0039] In S203, the CPU 12 determines the save location indicated by the job save location setting 44 stored in the non-volatile memory 15. The job save location setting 44 allows the system to specify whether the received print job should be saved to RAM or storage. In the determination in S203, if the save location indicated by the job save location setting 44 is RAM (S203: RAM), the CPU 12 stores the print job received from the PC 18 in RAM 13. Specifically, the CPU 12 stores the print job image data 42 in RAM 13. Furthermore, the CPU 12 adds the job name and user identification information attached to the print job to the job management information 41, and stores the updated job management information 41 in RAM 13. After that, the CPU 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0040] On the other hand, in the determination in S203, if the save location indicated by the job save location setting 44 is storage (S203: storage), the CPU 12 stores the print job received from the PC 18 in the USB storage 19A. Specifically, the CPU 12 stores the image data 42 of the print job in the USB storage 19A. Furthermore, the CPU 12 adds the job name and user identification information attached to the print job to the job management information 41, and stores the updated job management information 41 in the USB storage 19A. After that, the CPU 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0041] If it is determined in S201 that user identification information and a job name have not been added to the print job (S201:NO), or if it is determined in S202 that the accumulated print setting 45 is turned off (S202:NO), the CPU 12 performs the process in S206. In S206, the CPU 12 controls the printing unit 2 to print the image data 42 of the print job received from the PC 18 onto the sheet. After that, the CPU 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0042] Next, the flow of the accumulated print process will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 10. When a user who has sent a print job from PC 18 to the multifunction printer 1 operates the home key 35B or the like on the multifunction printer 1, a standby screen 90 as shown in Figure 10(A) is displayed on the display unit 34A of the touch panel 34. The standby screen 90 includes a fax button 51, a copy button 52, a scan button 53, an accumulated print button 54, a settings button 55, and a user authentication button 56.

[0043] The user authentication button 56 is used when a user logs in or out of the multifunction printer 1. When the user authentication button 56 is pressed, the CPU 12 starts the process shown in Figure 6. In S300 of Figure 6, the CPU 12 performs the authentication process. The CPU 12 displays a login screen on the display unit 34A of the touch panel 34 and accepts the input of user identification information and a password using a physical key 35, etc. When the user enters their identification information and password, the CPU 12 compares it with information pre-stored in the authentication DB 46 stored in the non-volatile memory 15. If the information entered by the user matches the information pre-stored in the authentication DB 46, the user can log in to the multifunction printer 1. When the user logs in to the multifunction printer 1 (S301: YES), the CPU 12 proceeds to the process in S302.

[0044] In S302, the CPU 12 determines whether the logged-in user's print jobs are stored in RAM 13 or USB storage 19A. The CPU 12 searches for a print job associated with the logged-in user's user identification information among the print jobs stored in the job management information 41 of RAM 13 or USB storage 19A. If the search reveals that a print job associated with the logged-in user's user identification information exists (S302: YES), the CPU 12 proceeds to process S303. In S303, the CPU 12 performs the accumulated print process. The accumulated print process will be described later using Figure 7.

[0045] If no print job associated with the logged-in user's user identification information exists in the job management information 41 (S302: NO), or if the processing in S303 is completed, the CPU 12 proceeds to the processing in S304. In S304, the CPU 12 displays the standby screen 90 on the display unit 34A of the touch panel 34 and proceeds to the processing in S305.

[0046] In S305, the CPU 12 determines whether the accumulated print button 54 has been pressed. If the accumulated print button 54 has been pressed (S305: YES), the CPU 12 returns to the process in S302; if the accumulated print button 54 has not been pressed (S305: NO), the process proceeds to S306.

[0047] In S306, CPU 12 determines whether the logged-in user logs out or not. If the user performs a predetermined operation to log out of the multifunction device 1 (S306: YES), CPU 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 6. If the user does not perform a predetermined operation to log out (S306: NO), CPU 12 returns to the process shown in S305.

[0048] The storage printing process performed in S303 of Figure 6 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10. When the CPU 12 starts the process shown in Figure 7, in S400 it determines whether the list display setting 47 stored in the non-volatile memory 15 is on or off. If the list display setting 47 is off in this determination (S400: NO), the CPU 12 performs the list hiding process in S401. The list hiding process will be described later using Figure 9. Once the list hiding process is finished, the CPU 12 terminates the process in Figure 7. On the other hand, if the list display setting 47 is on in this determination (S400: YES), the CPU 12 performs the list display process in S402. The list display process will be explained next using Figure 8. Once the list display process is finished, the CPU 12 terminates the process in Figure 7.

[0049] When CPU 12 starts the process shown in Figure 8, in S500 it retrieves information about the logged-in user's print jobs from the job management information 41, searches for all of that user's print jobs in the USB storage 19A, and creates a print job list that includes all the searched print jobs. Once CPU 12 has created the print job list, it proceeds to process S501.

[0050] In S501, the display unit 34A of the touch panel 34 displays a job list screen including a print job list, a print button, a delete button, a select all button, and a save after printing icon. Figure 10(B) shows an example of the job list screen 91 displayed on the display unit 34A. The job list screen 91 displays a delete button 61, a select all button 62, a print button 63, a save after printing icon 68, checkboxes 66A to 66E, and scroll buttons 64 and 65. The save after printing icon 68 also displays a checkbox 68A. The print job list created in S500 is displayed on the left side of the job list screen 91.

[0051] When the CPU 12 displays the job list display screen 91, in S502, it accepts the user's selection of any print job from the print job list, the select all button 62, and the save after printing icon 68. The CPU 12 accepts the user's selection of a print job to delete or print via the reception unit 34B of the touch panel 34 or the physical keys 35. When the user selects and presses a print job they wish to delete or print from the print job list displayed on the job list display screen 91, a check mark appears in the checkboxes 66A to 66E located to the left of each selected print job. If the user presses the select all button 62, a check mark appears in the checkboxes 66A to 66E of all print jobs displayed on the job list display screen 91. When the user presses the delete button 61 or the print button 63, the selection of print jobs is confirmed. The save after printing icon 68 allows the user to select either job retention printing, which saves the completed print job to the USB storage 19A, or job deletion printing, which deletes the completed print job from the USB storage 19A. Each time the user selects the save after printing icon 68, the check mark on checkbox 68A is toggled between being on and off. When checkbox 68A is checked, it indicates that job retention printing is selected, and when checkbox 68A is not checked, it indicates that job deletion printing is selected.

[0052] In the subsequent S503, the CPU 12 determines whether an instruction has been received via the print button 63 or the delete button 61. The print button 63 is a button used to instruct the user to print the image data 42 for the print job selected by the user. The delete button 61 is a button used to instruct the user to delete the print job. If the CPU 12 finds an instruction to be received via the print button 63 (S503: print button) on the job list display screen 91, it proceeds to the process in S504.

[0053] In S504, the CPU 12 executes the printing process. The CPU 12 controls the printing unit 2 to print the image data 42 for the print jobs specified by the user on the job list display screen 91. Once printing is complete for all print jobs specified on the job list display screen 91, the CPU 12 proceeds to process S505.

[0054] In S505, the CPU 12 determines whether the checkbox 68A of the Save After Printing icon 68 is checked, that is, whether the Save After Printing icon 68 specifies job retention printing. If the Save After Printing icon 68 specifies job retention printing (S504: YES), that is, if a check mark is displayed in checkbox 68A, the CPU 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 8. As a result, the specified print job remains saved on the USB storage 19A even after printing.

[0055] On the other hand, in the determination of S505, if the save after printing icon 68 specifies job deletion printing (S505:NO), that is, if no check mark is displayed in checkbox 68A, the CPU 12 proceeds to processing S506.

[0056] In S506, the CPU 12 deletes the print jobs specified on the job list display screen 91 from the USB storage 19A, and also deletes the specified print jobs from the job list created in S500, thereby updating the job list. At this time, it also performs an update process for the job management information 41, deleting the information related to those print jobs from the job management information 41 and storing the updated job management information 41 in the USB storage 19A. As a result, the specified print jobs are deleted from the USB storage 19A after printing. Once the CPU 12 has finished updating the job list, it proceeds to the process in S507.

[0057] In S507, CPU12 determines whether there are any available print jobs remaining in the job list. If there are print jobs remaining (S507:YES), CPU12 returns to the process in S501. On the other hand, if there are no print jobs remaining (S507:NO), CPU12 terminates the process shown in Figure 8.

[0058] In step S503 above, if the CPU 12 receives an instruction input via the delete button 61 (S503: delete button), it proceeds to the process in S506 above. As a result, all print jobs specified on the job list display screen 91 are deleted from the USB storage 19A without being printed.

[0059] Note that the list display process in Figure 8 targets print jobs stored in the USB storage 19A. However, as mentioned above in the process in Figure 5, print jobs can also be stored in RAM 13, so print jobs stored in RAM 13 can also be targeted for list display. However, in this case, it is preferable not to display the save after printing icon 68 on the job list display screen 91. The reason for this is to prevent the job retention printing function from being selected by the save after printing icon 68. In other words, if job retention printing is specified for a print job stored in RAM 13, the system will not be able to respond when the print job stored in RAM 13 is erased, such as when the power to the multifunction device 1 is turned off. Therefore, when printing a print job stored in RAM 13, it is better not to display the save after printing icon 68 and to prevent the selection of job retention printing from the beginning.

[0060] When CPU 12 starts the process shown in Figure 9, in S600, it retrieves information about the logged-in user's print jobs from the job management information 41 in the same manner as in S500 above, and creates a print job list that includes all of that user's print jobs. Once CPU 12 has created the print job list, it proceeds to process S601.

[0061] In S601, the CPU 12 executes the printing process. The CPU 12 controls the printing unit 2 and prints the image data 42 for the print jobs included in the print job list created in S600.

[0062] In the subsequent S602, the CPU12 deletes the print job from the USB storage 19A after the printing process has finished.

[0063] The CPU 12 then continues processing S601 and S602 until printing is complete for all print jobs included in the print job list (S603: NO), and when printing is complete for all print jobs included in the print job list (S603: YES), it terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0064] As described above, the multifunction printer 1 of this embodiment includes a reception unit that accepts user input operations, a USB storage 19A that stores print jobs and user identification information relating to the user who stored the print jobs in association, a display unit for displaying one or more print jobs stored in the USB storage 19A before printing, a printing unit 2 that prints images onto a sheet, and a CPU 12. The printer can select either a job retention printing function, which prints images based on print jobs onto a sheet using the printing unit 2 and then retains the completed print jobs in the USB storage 19A, or a job deletion printing function, which prints images based on print jobs onto a sheet using the printing unit 2 and then deletes the completed print jobs from the USB storage 19A.

[0065] The CPU 12 then receives an input operation to log in to the multifunction device 1 via the reception unit 34B and performs an authentication process that authenticates the user based on the user identification information entered through the input operation. After the authentication process, if the list display setting 47 of the display unit 34A is off, it performs a first printing process that prints an image based on a print job stored in the USB storage 19A associated with the user identification information onto a sheet using the printing unit 2, and after printing, deletes the print job from the USB storage 19A. After the authentication process, if the list display setting 47 of the display unit 34A is on, it displays the print jobs stored in the USB storage 19A associated with the user identification information on the display unit 34A, selects a print job from the print jobs displayed on the display unit 34A according to the input operation received from the reception unit 34B, and prints an image based on the selected print job onto a sheet using the printing unit 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in the second printing process, when the CPU 12 displays the print job on the display unit 34A, it displays a selection operator on the display unit 34A that allows the user to select either the job retention printing function or the job deletion printing function. If the job retention printing function is selected using the save after printing icon 68, the CPU 12 retains the print job in the USB storage 19A after printing is complete. If the job deletion printing function is selected using the save after printing icon 68, the CPU 12 deletes the print job from the USB storage 19A after printing is complete.

[0067] Thus, in the multifunction printer 1 of this embodiment, if the list display setting 47 is off after authentication processing, print jobs stored in the USB storage 19A in association with user identification information are deleted from the USB storage 19A after printing is completed. On the other hand, if the list display setting 47 is on after authentication processing, the user can choose whether or not to retain selected print jobs stored in the USB storage 19A in association with user identification information after printing. Therefore, depending on whether the list display setting 47 for print jobs is on or off, it is possible to choose whether or not to retain print jobs with matching user authentication information in the USB storage 19A after printing.

[0068] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the multifunction device 1 is an example of a "printing device". The USB storage 19A is an example of a "storage unit". The CPU 12 is an example of a "control unit". The save after printing icon 68 is an example of a "selection operator". The list display setting 47 is an example of a "display setting".

[0069] Furthermore, the save after printing icon 68 is a selection icon that allows the user to choose between job retention printing and job deletion printing. In the second printing process, the CPU 12 displays the print job and the save after printing icon 68 on the display unit 34A. When job retention printing is selected using the save after printing icon 68, the printing unit 2 executes printing in response to input operations received from the reception unit 34B, and then retains the completed print job in the USB storage 19A. When job deletion printing is selected using the save after printing icon 68, the printing unit 2 executes printing in response to input operations received from the reception unit 34B, and then deletes the completed print job from the USB storage 19A.

[0070] This allows users to choose whether or not to retain print jobs with matching user authentication information on USB storage 19A after printing, depending on whether the print job list display setting 47 is turned on or off.

[0071] Furthermore, the display unit 34A is a touch panel having a reception unit 34B, and the save after printing icon 68 is a selection icon that allows the user to select either job retention printing or job deletion printing. In the second printing process, the CPU 12 displays the print button that instructs printing along with the print job and the save after printing icon 68 on the display unit 34A. When job retention printing is selected by the save after printing icon 68, and the print button 63 is operated in response to an input operation received from the reception unit 34B, the print unit 2 executes printing. After the print unit 2 executes printing, the completed print job is stored in the USB storage 19A. When job deletion printing is selected by the save after printing icon 68, and the print button 63 is operated in response to an input operation received from the reception unit 34B, the print unit 2 executes printing. After the print unit 2 executes printing, the completed print job is deleted from the USB storage 19A.

[0072] As a result, after the authentication process, if the list display setting 47 is turned on, it is possible to choose whether or not to retain the selected print job stored in the USB storage 19A after printing, before the print button 63 is operated, based on the print job associated with the user identification information.

[0073] Furthermore, the CPU 12 performs a first switching process to switch the list display setting 47 on or off in response to the input operation received from the reception unit 34B. In the second printing process, if the list display setting 47 is on, the CPU 12 displays the list of print jobs on the display unit 34A.

[0074] This makes it possible to arbitrarily switch the print job list display setting 47 on or off.

[0075] Furthermore, the system is equipped with a communication unit capable of communicating with external terminals. The CPU 12 then performs a second switching process to switch the list display setting 47 on or off in response to instructions from the network I / F 16. In the second printing process, if the list display setting 47 is on, the list of print jobs is displayed on the display unit 34A. Incidentally, the network I / F 16 is an example of a "communication unit".

[0076] This makes it possible to arbitrarily switch the print job list display setting 47 on or off from the administrator PC 17 connected to the network I / F 16.

[0077] Furthermore, the memory unit includes USB storage 19A and RAM 13. The CPU 12 displays the save after printing icon 68 on the display unit 34A when the print job is stored in USB storage 19A, but does not display it on the display unit 34A when the print job is stored in RAM 13. Incidentally, USB storage 19A is an example of "non-volatile memory." RAM 13 is an example of "volatile memory."

[0078] This prevents the option to specify "job retention printing" for print jobs stored in RAM13, thus preventing malfunctions that might occur when a print job with "job retention printing" specified is deleted.

[0079] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] (1) In the above embodiment, a multifunction printer 1 was given as an example of a printing device, but the printing device is not limited to a multifunction printer 1, and may be a standalone printer.

[0081] (2) In the above embodiment, one CPU 12 is used as an example of a control unit, but it is not limited to this, and a system consisting of multiple CPUs may be used, or a system including a CPU consisting of multiple cores may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1...Multifunction printer, 2...Printing unit, 3...Image reading unit, 11...ASIC, 12...CPU, 13...RAM, 14...ROM, 15...Non-volatile memory, 16...Network interface, 18...PC, 19...USB interface, 19A...USB storage, 34...Touch panel, 34A...Display unit, 34B...Reception unit, 35...Physical key, 41...Job management information, 42...Image data, 43...Program, 44...Job save location setting, 45...Accumulated print setting, 46...Authentication DB, 47...List display setting, 54...Accumulated print button, 56...User authentication button, 63...Print button, 90...Standby screen, 91...Job list display screen.

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores print jobs and user identification information corresponding to those print jobs in association, A display unit that displays the print job stored in the storage unit before printing, The printing unit prints the image onto the sheet, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, An authentication process that authenticates the user based on the entered user identification information, After the authentication process, a first printing process is performed which prints the print job corresponding to the authenticated user without displaying it on the display unit, and after printing is completed, deletes the print job corresponding to the authenticated user from the storage unit. After the authentication process, a list of print jobs corresponding to the authenticated user and a selection operator that allows the user to select a function to retain the print job in the storage unit or to delete the print job from the storage unit after printing is completed are displayed on the same screen of the display unit, the print job selected from the list is printed, and after printing is completed, the selected print job is retained in the storage unit or deleted from the storage unit according to the function selected by the selection operator is performed in a second printing process. Execute, The first printing process and the second printing process can be switched and executed. Printing device.

2. The control unit, If the display setting of the display unit is turned off, the first printing process is executed. The second printing process is executed when the display setting of the display unit is turned on. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, In the first printing process, The list of print jobs corresponding to the authenticated user is not displayed on the display unit. The aforementioned selection operator is also not displayed on the display unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned selection operator is This is a selection icon that allows the user to select either a function to retain the selected print job in the storage unit after the printing is completed, or a function to delete the selected print job from the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, In the second printing process, The display unit displays a list of print jobs corresponding to the authenticated user, along with the selection operator, and a print command operator for instructing the printing of the print job selected from the list, on the same screen. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. Furthermore, it is equipped with a reception unit that accepts user input operations, The control unit, The display settings of the display unit can be changed according to user input via the reception unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The control unit, The display settings of the display unit can be changed in response to setting change instructions input from an external terminal. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The control unit, In the second printing process, only the print jobs stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information corresponding to the authenticated user are displayed on the display unit as the list. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. Furthermore, it is equipped with a reception unit that accepts user input operations, The control unit, In the first printing process, after the authentication process, the print job corresponding to the authenticated user is printed without accepting the selection operation of the print job via the reception unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The control unit, In the second printing process, multiple print jobs can be selected from the list, and the selected multiple print jobs are to be printed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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