Systems and printers

Abstract

Improve the notification system when a print job entered into the printer is complete. [Solution] In a printing system 1 comprising a printer 2 and an information processing device 3, the information processing device 3 sends a print job to the printer 2 that specifies the sending of a completion notification indicating the completion of printing. The printer 2 receives the print job sent from the information processing device 3, and when it completes printing based on the received print job, if it starts the execution of the completed print job without an operation on the printer 2's operation panel 16, it sends a completion notification to the information processing device 3. If the execution of a completed print job is initiated based on an operation on the printer 2's control panel 16, a completion notification is not sent to the information processing device 3, which is the source of the print job. After the information processing device 3 sends the print job to the printer 2, if it receives a completion notification from the printer 2, it causes the UI 32 to notify the UI 32 of the completion information indicating that the print execution is complete.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After an information processing apparatus transmits a print job to a printer, it cannot know whether the print job has been completed. Therefore, the user does not know the timing when his / her print job is completed, and for example, when moving to the printer, the print job has not been completed and the user has to wait until it is completed, or forgets to pick up the printed matter. Although notification when an error occurs is known as in Cited Document 1, when an error has occurred ​​​​​​​​​There is room for improvement in the notification system when there is no data available.

[0005] This specification describes a technology for improving notification when a print job entered into a printer is completed. Disclose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The system developed to solve the aforementioned problems comprises a printer and a printer that prints on the printer. A system comprising an information processing device that transmits a print job to be printed, and the information The information processing device processes a print job for which it has specified sending a completion notification indicating the completion of printing, and the information The processing unit transmits to the printer via a communication interface provided by the processing unit, and the printer then... The system receives the print job transmitted from the information processing device and based on the received print job When the printing is completed, the execution of the completed print job is recorded by the printer's user If initiated without an operation on the interface, the completion notification will be printed. The information processing device that is the source of the print job transmits the completed print job to the If initiated based on an operation on the printer's user interface, the completion notification will The information processing device, which is the source of the print job, does not transmit the print job, and the information processing device does not transmit the print job. After sending the print job to the printer, the information processing is performed via the communication interface. When the printer receives the aforementioned completion notification addressed to the processing device, it indicates that the printing process is complete. The information is characterized by being communicated to the user interface provided by the information processing device. do.

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

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

Effects of the Invention

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the software configuration for performing printing and notification in a printer. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of data analysis processing. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing a part of the control procedure of print job management processing. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing a part of the control procedure of print job management processing and a flowchart showing the control procedure of notification processing. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the printing process.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

[0015] The CPU 11 operates according to the program read from memory and also based on user operations. Then, various processes are executed. The volatile memory 21 and non-volatile memory 22 are, for example, HD D is flash memory, which contains various types of data such as programs, image data, and document data. It is used as an area to store various settings. The buffer provided by CPU11 is also memory This is just one example.

[0016] An example of memory may be a storage medium that can be read by a computer. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Yes, non-transitory media include CD-ROMs and DVs, in addition to the examples above. This also includes recording media such as D-ROMs. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also included. It is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, it can be downloaded from servers on the internet, etc. The electrical signals that carry the program being downloaded are a type of medium that a computer can read. A signal medium that can be read by a computer, but is non-transitory. It is not included in computer-readable storage media.

[0017] For example, the non-volatile memory 22 stores stored configuration information 43. 43 instructs printer 2 to store the acquired print jobs in volatile memory 21. This means that the printer does not store the acquired print job in the volatile memory 21. The setting "Off" is selected to indicate this.

[0018] For example, if the stored setting information 43 is set to ON, the volatile memory 21 will contain Print jobs acquired by Linta 2 are stored and remembered until a print command is received. The volatile memory 21 stores stored information 42 indicating that notification is required after printing is complete. The data print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 are stored and remembered. .

[0019] Network IF13 communicates with external devices such as the information processing device 3 and the cloud server 8. Includes hardware for performing the task. The communication method of Network IF13 is either wireless or wired. Also, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc. Any standard format is fine. USB-IF14 is for external devices such as USB memory sticks. Includes hardware for communication with the device. Network interface 13 and USB interface -14 is an example of a "communication interface".

[0020] The control panel 16 includes hardware that displays information on the screen and receives input operations from the user. The control panel 16 includes the hardware to be attached, and a keyboard. It may be used in combination with a mouse or other devices, and may also have both display and input reception functions. It may also be a touch panel. The operation panel 16 is an example of a "user interface". .

[0021] The reading unit 17 includes hardware for reading the document. The printing unit 18 is This includes hardware for printing print data onto paper.

[0022] The information processing device 3 is equipped with communication and display functions. For example, the information processing device 3 includes: These are PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The information processing device 3 has a printer driver 31 and , User Interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") 32 and Communication Interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") It includes 33, which is defined as "trust IF".

[0023] UI32 is a combination of input devices such as keyboards and mice, and display devices such as LCDs. It includes a display device. The operating device and the display device may be separate or integrated.

[0024] Communication IF33 includes hardware for communicating with printer 2 and other devices. The 33 communication methods can be wireless or wired, including Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth. Any standard is acceptable, such as h(registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc.

[0025] The printer driver 31 is compatible with printer 2 and sends print jobs to printer 2. This is a program that does the following. The printer driver 31, for example, in a printing application, will print to printer 2 When this is specified, the system accepts instructions to execute printing or to edit print settings using UI32. If so, when the instruction to set the properties of printer 2 is received using UI32, then To be moved.

[0026] The printer driver 31 displays detailed print parameters for printing on printer 2 in UI3. It is displayed in 2, and editing instructions are accepted using UI32. For example, printer driver 31 This includes selecting the paper feed tray and output tray, selecting the paper type and paper size, and selecting the paper size as... User-defined size registration, color / monochrome printing settings, and resolution settings can be configured using UI32. accept.

[0027] Furthermore, the printer driver 31 accepts the setting to send a completion notification indicating that printing has finished. The printer driver 31 also accepts storage instruction settings for each print job. The storage instruction stores the print job in a designated storage location, and when a print instruction is entered to printer 2, This command instructs the system to print based on the print jobs accumulated in the system. The destination could be the memory of printer 2, or it could be the memory of an external device such as a server. Furthermore, the printer driver 31 accepts the setting of a password for user authentication.

[0028] The printer driver 31 receives a print execution command to execute printing using printer 2. Then, the print job is sent to printer 2. For example, the print job contains header information and print The target print data is included. For example, the data format of the header information is PJL (Printer The format is Job Language (PDL), and the data format for print data is PDL (Page Description Language). This is the format (abbreviation for "anguage"). Note that the data format for print jobs is not limited to this.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the software for printer 2 to perform printing and notifications in this configuration. This diagram shows the configuration. The control unit 10 of printer 2 includes a data analysis unit 51 and a print job management unit. It comprises a unit 52, a notification unit 53, and a printing unit 54. The print job management unit 52 and the printing unit 54 This is an example of the "first module". The print job management unit 52 and the notification unit 53 are in the "second module". This is an example of "ru".

[0030] Next, we will explain the processes performed by printer 2 in this configuration. Note that the following processes and F Each processing step in the diagram is basically C, following the instructions written in each program. This shows the processing of PU11. That is, the "judgment," "extraction," and "selection" in the following explanation. Processes such as "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" are handled by CPU1 This represents the process of step 1. The processing by CPU 11 uses the OS API of printer 2. This includes software control. In this specification, the OS is omitted from the description, and the operation of each program is explained. In other words, in the following explanation, "Program B controls hardware C" The statement to that effect is: "Program B controls hardware C using the OS API." It may also refer to the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program. Sometimes abbreviated wording is used. For example, "CPU11 will do it" or "The program will do it" It is sometimes written as "う".

[0031] Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, if CPU11 requests... The process of receiving data without any action is also described as "CPU11 acquires the data". It is included in the definition. Also, "data" as used herein means a computer-readable bit string. It is represented as follows. And data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are the same It shall be treated as data. The same applies to "information" as used in this specification. "To request" and "to instruct" refer to information that indicates a request or instructions that indicate a request. This is a concept that indicates outputting information to the other party. It also indicates information that is being requested. Information indicating that instructions are being given may also simply be referred to as "requests" or "instructions."

[0032] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether or not information A indicates that event B. The principle can be conceptually described as "determining whether or not something is true based on information A." Yes. CPU 11 indicates that information A is fact B, or fact C. The process of determining whether information A indicates event B or event C is called "determining from information A whether it indicates event B or event C". It is sometimes described conceptually as "to decide" or "to reject."

[0033] While the printer 2 is powered on, the data analysis unit 51 and the print job management unit 52 are in operation. The notification unit 53 and the printing unit 54 are activated, and the data analysis process shown in Figure 3, Figure 4, and The print job management process shown in Figure 5(A), the notification process shown in Figure 5(B), and the printing process shown in Figure 6. The process executes tasks such as printing based on print jobs and sending completion notifications. The following describes each process. This will be explained below. Note that the following data analysis unit 51, print job management unit 52, and notification unit 53 The processing by the printing unit 54 is essentially performed by the CPU 11.

[0034] First, we will explain the data analysis process performed by the data analysis unit 51. Figure 3 shows the data analysis This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for processing. The data analysis unit 51 first processes the print job. Determine whether or not it was acquired (S11).

[0035] For example, a print job sent from the information processing device 3 via the network IF13 can be received. If successful, the data analysis unit 51 determines that a print job has been acquired (S11: YES). In this case, the data analysis unit 51 starts analyzing the acquired print job (S13).

[0036] The data analysis unit can also acquire print jobs by other means. For example, printer 2 is It is connected to USB memory 7 via USB-IF14, and the data stored on USB memory 7 The print jobs are displayed on the control panel 16. Printer 2 then prints the displayed print jobs. From there, the system accepts the operation of selecting a print job to be printed via the control panel 16. When printer 2 receives a print command to execute the selected print job, it will execute the selected print The print job is read from the USB memory 17 and printed by the print unit 18. This printing method will also be referred to as "direct printing" below.

[0037] For example, printer 2 communicates with cloud server 8 via network IF13. Print jobs that are connected and stored on the cloud server 8 are displayed on the control panel 16. Printer 2 selects a print job from the displayed print jobs via the control panel 16. The printer accepts the operation to select the print job to be printed. Printer 2 prints the selected print job When a print command to execute is received via the control panel 16, the selected print job will be executed. Download from loudspeaker server 8 and print to print unit 18. This is the printing method. The law will also be referred to as "download and print" below.

[0038] When the data analysis unit 51 starts analyzing the print job, it checks whether a cancellation instruction has been received. Determine whether or not (S15). Cancel instructions are, for example, displayed on the control panel 16. The cancellation is accepted when the cancel button is pressed. The data analysis unit 51 analyzes the cancellation signal. If the notification is not accepted (S15:NO), the header information of the print job obtained in S11 is used. The data analysis unit 51 determines whether the analysis of the report is complete (S17). While confirming whether the request has been received, the header information is analyzed (S17:NO, S15).

[0039] For example, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the header information and the completion notification included in the header information. This includes specifying the recipient of the message, the recipient of the completion notification, the password, storage instructions, and print settings. When the parameter is obtained, it is determined that the analysis of the header information is complete (S17: YES). Then, the data analysis unit 51 notifies the print job management unit 52 of the analyzed header information. S19). As a result, the print job management unit 52 uses the various information contained in the header information to This allows you to execute print job management jobs.

[0040] Subsequently, the data analysis unit 51 determines whether or not a cancellation instruction has been received (S21 The processing in S21 is the same as the processing in S15, so the explanation is omitted. The data analysis unit 51 is Cancellation instruction not accepted (S21:NO), creation of drawing data for one page. It is determined whether the process has been completed (S23). For example, the data analysis unit 51 determines whether the print job includes The data from the first page of the printed data is analyzed, and raster-format drawing data is created. The data analysis unit 51 checks whether or not a cancellation instruction has been received, and then processes one page. Create drawing data for the minutes (S23:NO,S21).

[0041] The data analysis unit 51, once the creation of the drawing data for one page is complete (S23:YES), The system notifies the print job management unit 52 that the creation of drawing data for one page is complete (S 25). Note that the drawing data in S23 does not have to be for one page. For example, a printer If 2 is an inkjet printer, then in S23, the drawing data for the printable bands It may be determined whether the creation of the data is complete or not. After that, the data analysis unit 51 determines the print job Determine whether the analysis process has been completed for all pages included in the printout (S27). The job has job completion data attached at the end to indicate that the job has finished. The data analysis unit 51 The process from S21 to S27 is repeated until job completion data is detected (S27: NO). Furthermore, if the header information contains information indicating the page number, the data analysis unit 51 will... Alternatively, the information indicating the page number may be used to determine whether or not the analysis has been completed for all pages. .

[0042] The data analysis unit 51 analyzes the print job and creates drawing data for one page. Once the final job data is detected, the analysis process is completed for all pages included in the print job. It is determined that it is complete (S27: YES). In this case, the data analysis unit 51 determines the entire print job. The print job management unit 52 is notified that the page analysis process is complete (S29). After that, the data analysis unit 51 returns to S11 and waits until it accepts the next print job. .

[0043] The data analysis unit 51, upon receiving a cancellation instruction in S15 and S21, (S15: YES, S21:YES), Start discarding the print job (S31). In other words, data The analysis unit 51 does not analyze the print job and cancels the acquired print job. When the analysis unit 51 has finished the discard process for all pages included in the print job, (S 33:YES), return to processing S11.

[0044] In this way, the data analysis unit 51 obtains information necessary for print control and notification control from the print job. The data is retrieved and passed on to the print job management department 52.

[0045] The print job management process by the print job management unit 52 will be explained. Figure 4 shows the print job This is a flowchart showing part of the control procedure for print job management processing. Figure 5(A) shows print job management This is a flowchart showing part of the control procedure for processing.

[0046] The print job management unit 52 receives the header information notified by the data analysis unit 51 in S19 of Figure 3. If received (S41: YES), determine whether or not there is print data to be printed. (S43). The print job management unit 52 determines that there is no print data (S43: NO ), then return to processing S41 and wait for the next header information. For example, print settings for printer 2. If a job that sets parameters is obtained, that job will provide a signal to change the print settings. It includes print parameters but does not include print data for the print image. Such a job was obtained. In this case, the print job management unit 52 determines that there is no print data. Section 52 performs the corresponding processing, such as changing parameters, and then returns to the processing in S41.

[0047] On the other hand, the print job management unit 52 determines that there is print data (S43: YES) Determine whether there is an instruction or setting for storage (S45). Print job management unit 52 This applies if the header information notified by the data analysis unit 51 does not include an storage instruction, or If the storage setting information 43 of the non-volatile memory 22 is set to Off, the storage instruction or It is determined that there is no storage setting (S45: NO). In this case, the print job management unit 52 will S4 The print jobs being processed in step 5 are either download print or direct print print jobs. Determine whether it is a B or not (S47).

[0048] Download print and direct print print jobs are created and completed by the information processing device, etc. You may have been instructed to send notifications. However, download and print and direct print are not available. It is assumed that the user who entered the print command is in front of printer 2. The print job management unit 52 receives a print instruction for download printing or direct printing. If the result is OK (S47:YES), immediately send an instruction to the printing unit 54 to begin preparing for printing (S 53).

[0049] In contrast, for example, a print job received via network IF13 is received If the print job does not include an storage instruction and the storage setting information 43 is turned off, The print job will be printed automatically without any operation of the control panel 16. If a print job is received (S47:NO), it is assumed that the user is not in front of printer 2. The print job management unit 52 checks whether the header information specifies sending a completion notification. To determine whether (S49).

[0050] The print job management unit 52 receives information from the print job header that specifies the sending of a completion notification. If included (S49:YES), the notification information for the acquired print job is a volatile memo. After storing the information in Ri21 (S51), the process proceeds to S53.

[0051] Notification information is information that indicates when printing is complete. For example, notification information could be: This includes destination information and notification content that were included in the data information. Destination information includes, for example, IP address This is an address that can identify the information processing device, such as a response or MAC address. The notification content is an example. For example, the system will mark the print job as complete when a completion notification is requested.

[0052] In contrast, for example, when sending a print job from the information processing device 3, the user completes If you do not enter any settings to send notifications, the header information of the print job will not include a completion notification. The sending of the notification is not specified. In this case (S49:NO), the print job management unit 52 will notify The process proceeds to S53 without storing the information in volatile memory 21.

[0053] In S53, the print job management unit 52 instructs the printing unit 54 to begin preparing for printing. Therefore, the print job management unit 52 received a cancellation instruction via the operation panel 16. Determine whether or not (S55). The print job management unit 52 has not received a cancellation instruction. If not (S55:NO), have you received notification that the creation of one page's worth of drawing data is complete? Determine whether or not (S57). Note that the drawing data for S57 is not the drawing data for one page. It is not necessary; it may be drawing data for the printable band.

[0054] The print job management unit 52 processes the data output by the data analysis unit 51 at S25 in Figure 3, which is for one page. If notification is received that the creation of the drawing data is complete (S57:YES), then print unit 54 After sending the 1-page data information (S61), the process proceeds to S63. 1-page data information This is information used when the printing unit 18 performs printing on one sheet of paper. For example, drawing data for one page created by the data analysis unit 51, or the header of a print job. This includes the printing parameters contained in the information. Note that the last page's single-page data information contains the most This page contains information indicating that it is the last page.

[0055] Furthermore, in the print job management unit 52, at S25 in Figure 3, the data analysis unit 51 analyzes the data for one page. If you have not received notification that the creation of the image data is complete, (S57:N O). In this case, the print job management unit 52 skips the process in S61 and proceeds to the process in S63. Proceed. In other words, the print job management unit 52 does not send the 1-page data information to the print unit 54. .

[0056] The printing unit 54 receives the 1-page data information transmitted from the print job management unit 52 in S61. Once received and printing based on it is complete, a 1-page data print completion notification is sent to the print job management. The unit 52 is notified. If the print job management unit 52 does not receive the notification (S63:N O), the process returns to S55. Meanwhile, the print job management unit 52, upon receiving the notification, (S 63: YES), proceed to process S65.

[0057] When the printing unit 54 has finished printing all pages of a print job, it sends all information to the print job management unit 52. The system notifies that the printing of the page data is complete. The print job management unit 52 receives this notification. If not selected (S65:NO), the process returns to S55.

[0058] Meanwhile, the print job management unit 52 notifies the printer that all page data output from the printing unit 54 has been completed. If knowledge is received (S65: YES), proceed to S75. Further details regarding processing after S75 will be provided later. To state.

[0059] The print job management unit 52 receives a notification from the data analysis unit 51 that the header information contains an storage instruction. If it is set, or if the storage setting information 43 of the non-volatile memory 22 is set to ON, If the storage setting is enabled on Linta 2 (S45: YES), the cancellation instruction will not be accepted. Determine whether it is a digit or not (S67). If the cancellation instruction has not been accepted (S67:N O) The print job management unit 52 completes the creation of drawing data for one page, similar to S57. It is determined whether or not the notification has been received (S69). Note that the drawing data in S69 is 1 page The data does not have to be for the entire page; it can be for the printable band. The print job management unit 52 has received notification that the creation of drawing data for one page is complete. If not (S69:NO), return to the process in S67 and check for the presence or absence of a cancellation instruction. Wait for notification.

[0060] Meanwhile, the print job management unit 52 receives notification that the creation of drawing data for one page is complete. If taken (S69:YES), the print data acquired in S43 is recorded in volatile memory 21. To remember (S71).

[0061] Subsequently, the print job management unit 52 determines whether or not it has received a notification that all pages have been processed. (S73). The print job management unit 52 has not executed the process in S29 of Figure 3, and all pages If you have not received a page printing completion notification (S73:NO), return to process S67 and proceed to the next page. The page print data is stored in the volatile memory 21 (S67~S67).

[0062] The print job management unit 52 executes the process shown in S29 of Figure 3, and outputs from the data analysis unit 51. If you have received a notification that all pages have been printed (S73:YES), proceed to process S75. Proceed. The processing from S75 onwards will be described later.

[0063] The print job management unit 52 has not received notification of header information from the data analysis unit 51. In case (S41:NO), whether or not a print command for stored data was received via the control panel 16. Determine whether (S79). Stored data is, for example, stored according to storage instructions or storage settings, S71 This is the print data of the print job stored in volatile memory 21. Printing of stored data For example, the instructions display a list of print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 on the control panel 16. The system accepts the selection of the print job to be executed via the control panel, and the print execution button The order is accepted when the button is pressed. The print job management unit 52 operates via the control panel 16. If the system has not received a print command for the stored data (S79:NO), it returns to process S41. In other words, the stored data is retained in the volatile memory 21 until a print command is entered.

[0064] The print job management unit 52 received a print command for the stored data via the operation panel 16. If (S79:YES), the notification information is not stored in the volatile memory 21, and the process proceeds to S53. Next, prepare the printing unit 54 for printing. The processing from S53 onwards has been described above, so the explanation will be omitted. .

[0065] If the print job management unit 52 receives a cancellation instruction in S67 or S55 (S6 7:YES, S55:YES), proceed to S91 in Figure 5(A). The print job management unit 52, To prevent printing or notifications, a cancellation instruction is sent to the notification unit 53 and the printing unit 54. do.

[0066] Then, the print job management unit 52 checks whether notification information is stored in the volatile memory 21. The system determines whether (S93). The print job management unit 52 stores the notification information in the volatile memory 21. If this is the case (S93:YES), change the notification content from "Print complete" to "Cancel" (S 95). This allows, for example, a third party to input a cancel command via the control panel 16. Even if the print job was canceled, the user who submitted the canceled print job will not be informed that the print job was canceled. It will become possible to notify them.

[0067] The print job management unit 52, having modified the notification content, proceeds to process S75 in Figure 4. In this case, The print job management unit 52 will proceed after the data analysis process and the cancellation process for the print process have been completed. Alternatively, you can proceed to the process in S75 of Figure 4. Also, the data analysis process and the printing process can be performed separately. A notification indicating cancellation is sent to the print job management unit 52, and the print job management unit 52 receives the notification After receiving the signal, you may proceed to the process in S75 of Figure 4.

[0068] In Figure 4, at S75, the print job management unit 52 receives notification information in S51 and stores it in volatile memory. If stored in 21 (S75:YES), the notification information is sent to the notification unit 53 (S 77) Then, the process returns to S41. Meanwhile, the print job management unit 52, in S51, receives notification information. If the information is not stored in the notification memory 21 (S75:NO), the notification information is sent to the notification unit 53. Without doing so, return to the process in S41.

[0069] As described above, the print job management unit 52, for example, receives information from the information processing device 3 to the printer 2. When receiving a specified print job and instructing the print unit 18 to print, the operation process If you start a print job without following the instructions in Nel16, the print job to be executed will be completed. If notification sending is specified, the notification information is sent to the notification unit 53, and the notification is sent to the notification unit 53. Therefore, printer 2 sends a completion notification to a location away from printer 2. Notify the user at the printer that printing is complete, and have the user wait in front of printer 2 for printing to finish. This helps avoid things like forgetting to pick up printed materials.

[0070] On the other hand, the print job management unit 52 handles things like direct printing and download printing, for example. When a print job is started based on the operation of the control panel 16, the print job management unit 52 This does not send notification information to the notification unit 53, and does not allow the notification unit 53 to be notified. Printing is performed based on the operation of the control panel 16, such as direct printing or download printing. When starting the process, the notification unit 53 will notify the user because the user is near printer 2. Even without it, it is unlikely that users will forget to pick up their printed materials, thus minimizing inconvenience. Print jobs based on operations on the control panel 16, such as direct printing and download printing. By not sending notifications when starting the process, you can suppress unnecessary notifications.

[0071] Furthermore, in the case of stored data printing, where the stored data is printed by operating the control panel 16, a completion notification is sent. It is not possible. Stored printing, like direct printing and download printing, is controlled by the user via a control panel. The user is near printer 2 in order to input a print command by operating 16. Therefore, storage Even if a completion notification is not sent to the information processing device 3 or the like when printing multiple items, the user can print in front of the printer 2. This reduces the inconvenience of having to wait for printing to finish or forgetting to pick up printed materials. Furthermore, it can also suppress unnecessary notifications. In addition, the stored print function allows the user who instructed the stored print function to... The process is executed by entering a password, etc., and then entering a print command, so the stored print command It is highly likely that the user will enter a cancellation. Therefore, even if you cancel the accumulated print, By not sending notifications, unnecessary notifications are suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, even if printing is canceled while the printing process is in progress, printer 2 will complete the process. Similar to the completion notification, this also informs the user that printing has been canceled, so the user will notify the user of the cancellation of printing. It can encourage them to start over.

[0073] The notification processing by the notification unit 53 will now be explained. Figure 5(B) shows the control procedure for the notification processing. This is a flowchart. The notification unit 53 is sent by the print job management unit 52 at S77 in Figure 4. Upon receiving notification information (S101:YES), a completion notification or cancellation notification will be sent. The information is sent to the destination specified by the destination information contained in the information (S103). After that, the notification unit 53 returns to processing S101 and waits for the next notification information.

[0074] The printing process by the printing unit 54 will now be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the printing process. —This is a chart. The printing unit 54 prints the print job management unit 52 output in S53 of Figure 4. If the instruction to start print preparation is received (S111: YES), start print preparation (S113 ).

[0075] The printing unit 54 receives the 1-page data sent from the print job management unit 52 in S61 of Figure 4. If information is received (S115:YES), the printing unit 18 is instructed to start printing (S1 17). When printing one page is complete (S119: YES), the printing unit 54 prints the page. The Job Management Department 52 is notified that printing of one page is complete (S121). After that, Printing unit 54 has unprinted remaining data in the print job that is currently being printed (S123 YES), if the next page data information is received from the print job management department (S125: YES), return to the process in S119 and print the next page. Process S119~S125 Repeatedly, when there is no more data left (S123:NO), the printing unit 54 will switch to the print job management unit. Notifies 52 that printing of all page data is complete (S127). Subsequently, the printing unit 54 performs S11 Returning to step 1, prepare for printing the next print job. The printing unit 54 receives a cancellation instruction. If enabled (S129:YES), the process returns to S111.

[0076] Note that the process shown in S11 of Figure 3 is an example of an "acquisition process" and a "selection process". Figure 4, Figure The process shown in 5(B) is an example of "completion notification processing". The process shown in Figure 6 is "printing processing". This is just one example. The processing in S69-S73 is an example of "accumulation processing". The processing in S79 in Figure 4 is This is an example of "reception processing". The "print preparation start instruction" shown in S53 of Figure 4 is "start information". This is just one example. The processes in S67 and S55 in Figure 4 are an example of "cancellation processing". Figure 5(A The process shown in Figure 5(B) is an example of a "cancellation notification process".

[0077] When the information processing device 3 receives a completion notification sent from the printer 2, it indicates that printing is complete. The completion information is displayed on UI32. The information processing device 3, for example, receives a printout from printer 2. The system may display completion information based on the notification, or it may remain resident to receive notifications from printer 2. The app may display completion information. The completion notification will appear when the print job is on the control panel 16. If executed without user input, it is sent to the information processing device 3. Therefore, the user Even if you're not near printer 2, you can be notified when printing is complete and wait in front of printer 2. Waiting times can be reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, the print job sent from the information processing device 3 to the printer 2 is controlled by the operation panel 16. If executed via this method, a completion notification will not be sent from printer 2 to information processing device 3. Therefore, the process will not complete until the user is near printer 2 and can be notified that printing is finished. The completion notification will no longer be sent to the information processing device 3, eliminating unnecessary communication for completion notifications. This is possible. Also, even if the user recognizes that printing is complete in front of printer 2, information This prevents the completion indicator from being displayed again when returning to the processing unit 3 and viewing the UI32.

[0079] As explained above, in this form of printing system 1, the printer 2 completes the printing process. The job can be, for example, direct print, download print, or stored print, and will be handled by printer 2. If initiated based on an operation on the control panel 16, the user is in front of the printer 2. Therefore, it is assumed that there is little need to display completion information on the information processing device 3. The completion notification for the print job is not sent from printer 2 to information processing device 3. Other print jobs where it is not assumed that printer 2 is in front of printer 2 (for example, information processing systems) In the case of PC printing where printer 2 prints print jobs sent from device 3 without accumulating them: The printer 2 sends a completion notification to the information processing device 3. This allows the user to... You can be notified of the completion of a print job remotely from Linter 2. According to M1, in cases where notification of completion information is required, the completion notification will be sent to the information processing device 3. This results in unnecessary communication for completion notifications and user annoyance from frequent notifications of completion information. It can reduce discomfort.

[0080] This embodiment is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention is naturally subject to various improvements and modifications without departing from its essence. For example, if printer 2 has communication and printing functions, it does not have any other image reading functions. It is not necessary to have such equipment.

[0081] In the above configuration, completion and cancellation notifications were sent to the information processing device 3, but an error occurred. Error notifications in the event of a disconnection may be sent under the same conditions as completion notifications. In other words, the operation panel If an error occurs during the execution of a print job based on the user's operation, the setting for sending a completion notification will be changed. Even if present, error notifications are not sent to the source of the print job, while on the other hand, based on operations on the control panel... If an error occurs during the execution of a print job, and there is a specification to send a completion notification, It may also be configured to send error notifications to the source of the print job. The printer learned that printing was interrupted due to an error in printer 2, and resolved the error in printer 2. You can erase and reprint.

[0082] In the above configuration, if the print job includes an accumulation instruction, or if the accumulation setting for printer 2 is turned on, If the print job is stored in volatile memory 21, but there are no print instructions or print settings, then... Even in this case, print jobs may be stored in volatile memory 21. For example, printer 2 may store print jobs in volatile memory 21. When a print job with a set keyword is obtained, that print job is stored in volatile memory 21. It may be stored. In this case, the printer 2 receives the password entered via the control panel 16. The system authenticates the user by comparing the user's name with the password set for the print job, and if authentication is successful, it will print an indicator. The printer may accept the print command for the print job and execute the print. Alternatively, for example, it may log to printer 2. Users who can log in are registered in the non-volatile memory 22, and the user logs in via the operation panel 16. When you log in by performing the login operation, the print job obtained from the information processing device 3 will be executed. It may be done in this way. Storage settings, storage instructions, password authentication, and login operations are "specified This is an example of an "accumulation condition".

[0083] In the above configuration, the print job management unit 52 and the printing unit 54 provide a first module for print control. The system is configured such that the print job management unit 52 and the notification unit 53 provide a second module for completion notification control. This configuration was created. Alternatively, print control and completion notification control may be configured in a single module. However, as in the above configuration, the control of the completion notification is performed by a separate module from the control of printing. This reduces the impact that the control of completion notifications has on the control of printing. For example, If Linta2 is unable to communicate due to a communication failure or other reason, it will wait for the communication timeout. The printing unit 18 can be made to start printing based on the next print job.

[0084] In the above configuration, in S103 of Figure 5(B), the destination information included in the header information of the print job is According to the report, the recipient of the completion notification was specified, but the print job did not set the recipient information, printer 2 The system may store destination information for each user. However, the destination information should be included in the print job. Linta 2 sends a completion notification based on the destination information included in the print job, There is no need to prepare recipient information on the other end; completion notifications can be sent to the necessary recipients.

[0085] For example, if the process shown in Figure 5(A) is omitted and a cancellation instruction is received, the completion message will be sent. Even if you choose not to send a cancellation notice to the recipient specified by the recipient information instead of sending a notification, Good. However, by performing the process shown in Figure 5(A), the same process will be applied to cancellation notifications as to completion notifications. This will be sent to the information processing device 3. In other words, even in the case of a cancellation notification, it will be a completion notification. Similarly, a canceled print job is based on an operation on the printer 2's control panel 16. If initiated, it is assumed that the user is in front of printer 2 and the cancellation information is sent. There is little need to display it on the information processing device 3. Therefore, such print jobs can be canceled. The notification is not sent to the information processing device 3, and it is not assumed that the user is in front of the printer 2. For any other print jobs, a cancellation notification is sent to the information processing device 3. In cases where notification of cancellation information is required, a cancellation notice will be sent. This can reduce unnecessary communication caused by notifications.

[0086] In the above configuration, a completion notification is sent to the information processing device 3, which is the source of the print job, and the completion is complete. The information was displayed. In response to this, the information processing device 3 that sent the print job and another information processing device... You may send a completion notification to the device and have it display completion information. For example, a print job can be sent to a PC or Upon receiving the notification, a completion notice will be sent to the specified address, and the smartphone with that address will receive it. Completion information may be displayed on devices such as printers. In this way, the notification destination for completion notifications can be printed. By not limiting it to the source of the print job, users can print even when they are far away from the source of the print job. You can check the completion status and pick up the printed materials.

[0087] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, any multiple steps Multiple processes in the process can be executed in any order, provided that no inconsistencies occur in the process content. It can be executed, or in parallel.

[0088] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in the embodiments can be performed using a single CPU, multiple CPUs, ASICs, etc. It may be run on any hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, in the embodiment The disclosed process is recorded on a recording medium containing a program for performing that process, and This can be realized in various ways, such as by different methods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1. Printing System 2 Printer 3. Information Processing Device 11 CPU 16. Control Panel 18 Printing Units 32 UI 33 Communication Interface

Claims

1. The system will not notify users when a print job is completed via the control panel. A printer and an information processing device that transmits a print job to the printer, It is a system that provides, The aforementioned information processing device is When the information processing device specifies that a print job should send a completion notification indicating that the printing has finished, the information processing device It transmits to the printer via the provided communication interface, The aforementioned printer is The information processing device receives the print job transmitted from the information processing device, and the received print job When printing based on is completed, the execution of the completed print job is performed by the printer. If initiated without user interface interaction, the completion notification will be printed. The execution of the print job, which has been sent to the information processing device that is the source of the job, is to be completed. If initiated based on an operation on the printer's user interface, the completion process The information processing device that is the source of the print job will not transmit the information, The aforementioned information processing device is After sending the print job to the printer, via the communication interface, When the printer receives the completion notification addressed to the information processing device, the print execution is complete. The information processing device will notify the user interface of the information processing device of the completion information indicating that completion has been completed. A system characterized by the following features.

2. The system will not notify you when a print job is completed based on panel operation. Printing unit and User interface and Computers and, A printer equipped with, The aforementioned computer, The process of obtaining a print job that has been specified to send a completion notification indicating that the print execution is complete and 、 The printing unit is instructed to perform printing based on the print job acquired in the acquisition process described above. Printing process, Execute, Furthermore, the aforementioned computer, When the execution of the print job is completed by the printing process, the completed print If the printing job was started without any operation on the user interface mentioned above. The system sends the completion notification to the device that sent the print job, and completes the print job. If the execution was initiated based on an operation on the user interface, then the completion The process executes a completion notification that does not send a completion notification to the device that sent the print job. A printer characterized by the following features.

3. Print jobs are stored print jobs In the printer described in claim 2, The aforementioned computer, If the print job acquired in the acquisition process satisfies the predetermined storage conditions, A storage process for storing the print job in the printer's memory, A specific operation to instruct the printing execution of the print jobs accumulated by the aforementioned accumulation process A reception process that receives the work via the user interface, Execute, In the printing process, when the specific operation is received in the reception process, the memory The printing unit is instructed to perform printing based on the stored print jobs. In the completion notification process, the execution of the print job has been completed by the printing process. In the event that the completed print job is executed, the operation on the user interface is performed before If the process was started without following the specified operation, the completion notification will be sent to the source of the print job. The execution of the print job, which has been sent to the device and completed, is communicated to the user interface. If the process was initiated based on the aforementioned specific operation, the completion notification will be sent to the print job Do not send to the originating device. A printer characterized by the following features.

4. Print jobs include direct printing and DL printing. In the printer described in claim 2, The aforementioned computer, From among the print jobs stored in a device that is communicatively connected to the aforementioned printer The user interface accepts the selection operation for the print job to be executed. The process is executed, and the selected print job is marked with the print for which the completion notification has been sent. Print jobs are included, Furthermore, the aforementioned computer, In the acquisition process described above, the selection process received the operation to select the print job to be executed. In this case, the selected print job is read from the device, thereby sending the completion notification. The user retrieves the specified print job, In the completion notification process, the execution of the print job has been completed by the printing process. In the event that the completed print job is executed, the operation on the user interface is performed before If the process was started without following the selection procedure, the completion notification will be sent to the source of the print job. The execution of the print job, which has been sent to the device and completed, is communicated to the user interface. If the process was initiated based on the aforementioned selection operation, the completion notification will be sent to the print job Do not send to the originating device. A printer characterized by the following features.

5. Specify the notification destination for the print job. In a printer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The aforementioned computer, The acquisition process specifies the sending of the completion notification and further indicates the recipient of the completion notification. The print job containing the destination information is obtained, In the completion notification process, the execution of the print job has been completed by the printing process. In this case, the execution of the completed print job is performed based on an operation on the user interface. If the print job was started without being started, the destination information included in the print job will be used to complete the print job. A notification is sent to the device that originated the print job, and the execution of the completed print job is then... If the process was initiated based on an operation on the user interface, the completion notification will be sent to the Do not send to the device that originated the print job. A printer characterized by the following features.

6. Print job management and notification are handled by separate modules. In a printer according to any one of claims 2 to 5, It comprises a first module and a second module that is different from the first module. The first module is, The printing unit is instructed to perform printing based on the aforementioned print job. The second module is, After acquiring the print job, the first module uses the print unit to perform the Between the start of printing based on a print job and the start of printing, operations on the user interface are performed. The first module then initiates printing based on the print job in the printing unit. Start information indicating whether or not it has started is stored in the printer's memory. Furthermore, the second module, Completion of printing based on the print job by the printing unit using the first module. Detecting, Furthermore, the second module, Completion of printing based on the print job by the printing unit using the first module. When this is detected, the start information stored in the memory is used for the user interface Based on the operation to the first module, the print job in the print unit If it does not indicate that printing has started, the completion notification will be sent from the source of the print job. The start information transmitted to the device and stored in the memory is used to access the user interface. Based on the operation, the first module prints the print job on the print unit. If it indicates that the process has started, the completion notification will be sent to the device that sent the print job. Do not send. A printer characterized by the following features.

7. Cancellations will also be notified. In a printer according to any one of claims 2 to 6, The aforementioned computer, During the execution of printing based on the print job by the aforementioned printing process, the print job can be canceled. Cancellation processing accepts the cancellation operation via the user interface. Put the principles into practice. Furthermore, the aforementioned computer, When the print job is canceled based on the aforementioned cancellation operation, The execution of the aforementioned print job was initiated without any operation on the user interface. If this has happened, a cancellation notice indicating the cancellation of the print job will be sent to the sender of the print job. The execution of the print job, which was sent to the Shinmoto device and canceled, is transmitted to the user interface. If the process was initiated based on an operation on the print job, the cancellation notification will be sent to the print job. Execute a cancellation notification process that does not send a notification to the originating device. A printer characterized by the following features.

Images