Image forming device

Abstract

To improve users' convenience in an image formation device including ports to which a portable memory may be detachably attached.SOLUTION: A controller 13 of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 sets a portable memory attached to a port as a dedicated memory, to which the portable memory for recording print data is attached, in processing related to an accumulation printing function. The controller 13 receives a print instructing operation and determines whether or not write protect is set in a USB memory 23 set as the dedicated memory before printing of the print data is executed. When it is determined that the write protect is set in the USB memory 23 set as the dedicated memory, the controller causes an alert screen to be displayed to a user IF17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for printing print data stored in a portable memory. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that stores print data corresponding to received job data in a portable memory connected to the device, and prints the print data in response to an operation received through a user interface. Specifically, when the job data includes information indicating the portable memory as the storage destination, the controller of the image forming device creates print data from the job data and stores the created print data in the portable memory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-160832 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not provide sufficient description about the state of the portable memory for storing print data.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to improve user convenience in an image forming apparatus having a port to which a portable memory can be attached and detached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a print unit, a user interface, a controller, and a memory interface having a port to which a portable memory can be attached and detached. The controller executes a setting process for setting the portable memory attached to the port as a dedicated memory to which the portable memory in which print data is stored is attached in a process related to a stored print function, the stored print function is a function for storing print data corresponding to received job data in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory, and for causing the print unit to print the print data stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory in response to receiving a print instruction operation via the user interface, and when receiving a print instruction operation in the stored print function, executes a protection determination process for determining whether or not the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is write-protected before printing of the print data, and a notification process for displaying a notification screen on the user interface when it is determined that the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is write-protected.

[0007] In the above configuration, when a print instruction for print data is received in the accumulated print function, it is determined whether or not write protection is set for the portable memory set as the dedicated memory. If it is determined that write protection is set for the portable memory, a notification screen is displayed on the user interface. This allows the user to recognize that write protection is set for the portable memory set as the dedicated memory, and the user can then, for example, release the write protection for the portable memory and then perform a print instruction operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring in the processing related to the accumulated print function due to the write protection being set, and ultimately to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] An external view of the MFP seen from above. [Diagram 2]MFP configuration diagram. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for setting a destination memory; [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a save destination setting screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for determining an alarm state. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for saving print data, among processes related to a storage print function. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printing print data, among processes related to the accumulated print function. [Figure 13] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described using an MFP 10. MFP is an abbreviation for multifunction peripheral. The MFP 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is connected to a network 200 and can communicate with a PC 24 through the network 200. The network 200 is a LAN or the Internet. The Internet may be a wired connection as well as a wireless connection. The network 200 may be a USB cable connecting the MFP 10 and the PC 24.

[0010] 2, the MFP 10 includes memory IFs 11 and 12, a controller 13, an internal memory 14, a print unit 15, a reading unit 16, a user IF 17, a communication IF 18, a FAX unit 19, and a bus 20. Each of these components is connected to the bus 20 and can communicate with each other. Note that "IF" is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0011] The user IF 17 is an interface between the user who directly operates the MFP 10 and the controller 13, and has, for example, a touch panel or operation keys which are physical keys. The communication IF 18 is an interface that connects the MFP 10 to the network 200. The print unit 15 prints images on a recording medium such as a sheet or a disk. The recording method of the print unit 15 may be an inkjet method, an electrophotographic method, or the like. The MFP 10 may also be capable of executing a composite operation that combines a plurality of operations.

[0012] The memory IFs 11 and 12 are interfaces that perform communication in compliance with the USB (abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus) standard. The memory IFs 11 and 12 have ports 21 and 22 that are detachable from a USB memory 23. The USB standard is not particularly limited, but the USB 2.0 standard or the USB 3.0 standard may be adopted. The USB memory 23 is portable and may be a memory that is detachable from the MFP 10 via a port, and may be a HDD that can be connected to a USB or a memory card that can communicate with a card reader connected to a USB. In this case, the memory IFs 11 and 12 are provided with a card slot as a port into which a memory card can be attached and detached.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the port 22 of the memory IF 12 is located in the front part 41, which is a part of the housing 40 of the MFP 10 on the side where the user IF 17 is arranged. Specifically, when the side of the housing 40 on which the user IF 17 is arranged is defined as the front side, the front part 41 is a part including this front side and a front part of the side of the housing 40. Specifically, the front part 41 can be said to be a part where the user IF 17 is provided when the housing 40 is divided into two equal parts in the depth direction, which is the direction extending from front to back. Also, when the housing 40 is considered to be a substantially cube, the front part 41 can be said to be a part including the front side on which the substantially cube-shaped user IF 17 is provided and most of the side surface in contact with the front side, and the part in contact with the front side. In other words, the front part is a part where the user can easily see that the USB memory 23 is attached to the port 22 when the user is positioned facing the user IF 17 of the MFP 10. In this embodiment, the port 22 is located on the side surface of the housing of the front part 41. The port 21 of the memory IF 11 is located in the rear part, which is an area on the opposite side to the front part in the housing 40 of the MFP 10 when the user IF 17 is used as a reference. Specifically, the rear part 42 can be said to be a part where the user IF 17 is not provided when the housing 40 is divided into two equal parts in the depth direction. The rear part 42 can also be said to be a part including the part of the housing 40 that faces the front, that is, the back side, and the part that is not included in the front part 41 on the side surface adjacent to the front. In other words, the rear part is an area where it is difficult for a user to visually confirm that the USB memory 23 is attached to the port 21 when facing the user IF of the MFP 10.

[0014] The controller 13 is composed of a CPU, an ASIC (abbreviation of Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The internal memory 14 is composed of a combination of a RAM, a ROM, an SSD, an HDD, etc. A buffer provided in the controller 13 and used when executing various programs may also be considered as a part of the internal memory 14. The internal memory 14 may be a storage medium readable by the controller 13. The storage medium readable by the controller 13 is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, the non-transitory medium also includes recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. In addition, the non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal carrying a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0015] The internal memory 14 stores a control program as a program executable by the controller 13. In this embodiment, the process of the controller 13 according to the instructions written in the program is mainly shown. That is, the processes of the controller 13, such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "acceptance," and "control," in the following description, represent the processes of the controller 13. Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of the controller 13 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the controller 13 acquiring data." In addition, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by the controller. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification.

[0016] The data storage area of ​​the internal memory 14 stores management information 30, an encryption key 31, setting information 32, and an authentication DB 33. Details of the management information 30, the encryption key 31, the setting information 32, and the authentication DB 33 will be described later. As will be described later, the "management information 30" is also stored in the USB memory 23. Therefore, when distinguishing between the management information 30 stored in the internal memory 14 and the management information 30 stored in the USB memory 23, the alphabet "a, b" is added to the end of the reference numeral.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the PC 24 will be described. The PC 24 includes a communication IF, memory, and controller (not shown). The configuration of each part is the same as that of the communication IF, memory, and controller included in the MFP 10. The PC 24 can create job data JD by the function of an application program stored in the memory. The job data JD is data for causing the MFP 10 to execute printing. In this embodiment, the job data JD includes PJL data written in a printer job language (PJL: abbreviation for Printer Job Language) and page description language data (PDL data) written in a page description language (PDL: abbreviation for Page Description Language). The PDL data includes, for example, PS (abbreviation for Post Script) data, PCL (abbreviation for Printer Command Language) data, JPEG (abbreviation for Joint Photographic Experts Group) data, GDI (abbreviation for Graphic Device Interface) data, and the like.

[0018] The procedure of the process of setting the memory to be saved in the accumulated print function will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The accumulated print function is a function of storing print data corresponding to the received job data JD in a memory set as a storage destination, and causing the print unit 15 to print the print data stored in the memory set as the storage destination in response to an operation accepted via the user IF 17. The accumulated print function includes a first accumulated print function for job data JD with a PIN code and a second accumulated print function for job data JD with a user name. The first accumulated print function is enabled when the MFP 10 is shipped from the factory. The second accumulated print function can be enabled or disabled by an external instruction. When the controller 13 enables the second accumulated print function in response to an instruction from the user, the controller 13 disables the first accumulated print function. Conversely, when the controller 13 disables the second accumulated print function in response to an instruction from the user, the controller 13 enables the first accumulated print function. When the USB storage process is enabled, the accumulated print function can cause the print data to be saved in the USB memory 23. On the other hand, when the USB storage process is disabled, the print data can be stored in the internal memory 14 .

[0019] In Fig. 3, an example will be described in which the side port 22 is set as the port to which the USB memory 23 as the save destination is attached. The process shown in Fig. 3 is executed when the controller 13 receives an instruction to transition to a setting screen for the accumulation print function by an operation on the standby screen 50 shown in Fig. 4. The standby screen 50 is a screen for receiving selection instructions for various functions of the MFP 10, and is displayed on the user IF 17 to wait for instructions after the MFP 10 is powered on or a function of the MFP 10 is executed.

[0020] First, an example will be described in which the USB storage process is switched from a disabled state to an enabled state. In step 10 (hereinafter, "step" will be simply abbreviated as "S"), it is determined whether the USB storage process has been enabled. Specifically, after the standby screen 50 displayed on the user IF 17 is transitioned to a setting screen for the accumulated print function, if an instruction to enable the USB storage process is received on this setting screen, an affirmative judgment is made in S10.

[0021] If S10 is judged as positive, the process proceeds to S11, where a port in which the USB memory 23 is inserted as the save destination of the print data is set. Specifically, a save destination setting screen 55 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in response to an operation on the user IF 17. The save destination setting screen 55 includes designation buttons 56, 57, and 58 for receiving an instruction to select a save destination of the print data. Each of the designation buttons 56, 57, and 58 is a button that is operated when selecting and instructing the internal memory 14 or the ports 21 and 22 as the save destination of the print data. The designation button corresponding to the current save destination has a different display color compared to the other designation buttons. Note that in the drawing, the difference in display color is indicated by diagonal lines. The setting information 32 is updated in response to an operation on the designation buttons 56, 57, and 58. The setting information 32 is information indicating the port (side or rear) in which the USB memory 23 is inserted or the internal memory 14 set as the save destination of the print data.

[0022] In S12, it is determined whether or not print data is stored in the internal memory 14 that was set as the save destination before the setting in S11. If a negative judgment is made in S12, the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in S12, the process proceeds to S13, where the print data stored in the internal memory 14 is deleted.

[0023] In S14, it is determined whether or not the rear port 21 has been set as the port to which the USB memory 23 in which the print data is saved in S11 is attached. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the setting information 32 stored in the internal memory 14 indicates that the rear port 21 is currently set as a dedicated port. If an affirmative decision is made in S14, the process proceeds to S15, where a decision process is performed for the rear port 21. Details of the process executed by the controller 13 in S15 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0024] In S30, it is determined whether or not the USB memory 23 is attached to the rear port 21. If a negative judgment is made in S30, the process proceeds to S34, where a notification screen 60 (FIG. 7) is displayed on the user IF 17. The notification screen 60 shown in FIG. 7 includes a message 61 indicating the cause of the notification, a message body 62, and a close button 63. The message 61 is a message indicating that the attachment of the USB memory 23 to the rear port 21 was not detected. The message body 62 includes a message indicating that the notification target is the rear port 22. For example, it is assumed that a user who is trying to set the side port 22 as a dedicated port operates the designation button 58 to attach a USB memory to the side port 22. However, there is a possibility that the user will operate the designation button 57 by mistake. In S34, in order to notify that a USB memory is not attached to the rear port 21, the user can understand that the side port 22 to which the USB memory is attached was not selected. The user who sees this message can simply operate the designation button 58. Of course, this message is also useful when the user mistakenly inserts a USB memory into the side port 22 while intending to use the rear port 21.

[0025] If an affirmative decision is made in S30, the process proceeds to S31, where it is determined whether the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 is in a failed state in which access is not possible. If an affirmative decision is made in S31, the process proceeds to S35, where a notification screen 64 (FIG. 8) is displayed on the user IF 17. The notification screen 64 shown in FIG. 8 includes a message 65 indicating the cause of the notification, a message body 66, and a close button 67. The message 65 is a message indicating that the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 cannot be used in USB storage processing. The message body 66 includes a message indicating that the notification target is the rear port 21, and urging the user to remove the USB memory 23 and turn on the main power of the MFP 10 again. This message allows the user to understand that it is necessary to remove the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 and turn on the power of the MFP 10 again, or to replace the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 with a non-failed USB memory.

[0026] If a negative judgment is made in S31, the process proceeds to S32, where it is judged whether or not write protection is set on the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21. Write protection is a setting that prohibits writing or deleting data to the USB memory 23. In this embodiment, the USB memory 23 can switch between write protection and non-write protection by operating a switch that the device has. The reason for executing the process of S32 is that if write protection is set on the USB memory 23, even if the USB memory 23 is set as the save destination, it is not possible to store print data or to initialize the USB memory 23 (S21), which will be described later. If a positive judgment is made in S32, the process proceeds to S36, where a notification screen 68 (FIG. 9) is displayed on the user IF 17.

[0027] The notification screen 68 shown in FIG. 9 includes a message 69 indicating the cause of the notification, a message body 70, and a close button 71. The message 69 is a message indicating that the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 has been write-protected. The message body 70 includes a message indicating that the notification target is the rear port 21 and prompting the user to confirm that the USB memory is correctly inserted. This message allows the user to recognize that the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 has been write-protected. Furthermore, the user can be prompted to cancel the write-protection set on the USB memory 23 or to reattach a USB memory not write-protected to the rear port 21. In this embodiment, the process executed by the controller 13 in S32 is an example of a determination process. The process executed by the controller 13 in S36 is an example of a notification process.

[0028] If a negative judgment is made in S32, the process proceeds to S33, where it is judged whether the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 is equal to or greater than the judgment value TH. This is because, if the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 used in the USB storage process is small, it may become impossible to accumulate and save print data, that is, there is a concern that the accumulated print function may be hindered to be used. Also, if the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 is small, the number of writes and reads per unit storage area of ​​the USB memory 23 increases, which increases the possibility of causing a breakdown of the USB memory 23. The judgment value TH used in the judgment in S23 is, for example, 8 GB.

[0029] If a negative decision is made in S33, the process proceeds to S37, where a notification screen 72 (FIG. 10) is displayed on the user IF 17. The notification screen 72 shown in FIG. 10 includes a message 73 indicating the cause of the notification, a message body 74, and a close button 75. The message 73 is a message indicating that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 is insufficient. The message body 74 includes a message indicating that the notification target is the rear port 21, and a message indicating that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 is insufficient. This message allows the user to understand that the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21 is low. This makes it possible to urge the user to reattach a new USB memory 23 with a larger remaining capacity to the rear port 21.

[0030] When any one of the processes of S34, S35, S36, and S37 is completed, the process proceeds to S38. In S38, the notification flag is set to a value indicating that the rear port 21 is in a notification state, and the value is stored in the internal memory 14. In S39, it is determined whether or not operation of the close button has been detected on any of the notification screens. If operation of the close button has not been detected, the process waits. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in S39, the process proceeds to S20 in FIG. 3. Similarly, if an affirmative decision is made in S33, the process proceeds to S20 in FIG. 3.

[0031] 3, if the side port 22 is set as the port to which the USB memory 23 serving as the save destination is attached, the process proceeds to S16. In S16, it is determined whether the side port 22 is in an alarm state. The processes in S16 are the same as those described in FIG. 6, except that the process is performed on the side port 22 rather than the rear port 21. When the process in S16 ends, the process proceeds to S20.

[0032] In S20, it is determined whether or not the value of the notification flag indicates a notification state. If a negative determination is made in S20, the process proceeds to S21, where the USB memory 23 attached to the port is initialized. For example, all data in the USB memory 23 is deleted. The storage area of ​​the USB memory 23 may be formatted. Note that, prior to the initialization of the USB memory 23 in S21, a confirmation screen for confirming that the USB memory 23 is to be initialized may be displayed. If an instruction to select initialization is received on the confirmation screen for initialization, the process proceeds to S25, and if an instruction to select initialization is not received, the process of FIG. 3 may be terminated.

[0033] In S22, USB storage processing is enabled. When USB storage processing is enabled, an enable determination flag indicating the state of USB storage processing is set to a value indicating that it is enabled, and the value is stored in the internal memory 14. In S23, an encryption key 31 is created. The encryption key 31 is information used to encrypt and decrypt print data and management information 30 stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the port. Every time USB storage processing is enabled, a new encryption key is generated.

[0034] In S24, identification information 34 is stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the port. The identification information 34 is information indicating that the USB memory 23 in which the identification information 34 is stored is set as a destination for saving print data in the USB storage process. Specifically, management information 30b is created, and the management information 30b is encrypted with the encryption key 31 created in S23, to create the identification information 34. At this point, no print data is stored in the USB memory 23, so the management information 30b encrypted in S24 does not contain any information related to the print data. Hereinafter, the USB memory 23 in which the identification information 34 is stored and set as a destination for saving print data is also referred to as a "dedicated memory."

[0035] In S25, the encryption key 31 used to create the identification information 34 in S24 is stored in the internal memory 14. That is, the encryption key 31 is information that forms a pair with the identification information 34. When the process of S25 ends, the process of Fig. 3 ends. In this embodiment, the processes executed by the controller 13 in S24 and S25 are an example of a setting process.

[0036] When S20 is judged as positive, the process shown in FIG. 3 is terminated. In this case, the standby screen 50 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the user IF 17. The user may input an instruction to transition to the setting screen of the accumulation print function after eliminating the state to be notified, or by operating the standby screen 50 to eliminate the state to be notified. Then, the user may issue an instruction to enable the USB storage process again. For example, when the USB memory 23 is not attached to the rear port 21 and the notification screen 60 is notified in S15, if the user mistakenly operates the designation button 57 even though the USB memory is attached to the side port 22, the user may redesignate the side port 22 by operating the designation button 58. If the user mistakenly attaches the USB memory to the side port 22, the user may reattach the USB memory 23 to the rear port 21 and then operate the designation button 57. In the process of FIG. 3 that is next performed by the controller 13, S20 is judged as negative, and the USB storage process is enabled.

[0037] Next, an example will be described in which the USB storage process is switched from an enabled state to a disabled state. If a negative judgment is made in S10, specifically, if an instruction to disable the USB storage process is received on the setting screen for the accumulated print function, the process proceeds to S17. In S17, it is determined whether or not the USB memory 23 is attached to the port currently being used in the USB storage process. If a positive judgment is made in S17, the process proceeds to S18, where a confirmation screen is displayed. The confirmation screen includes a message indicating that all data in the USB memory 23 will be deleted and its role as a storage destination for print data will be disabled, an OK button for receiving a selection instruction to initialize the USB memory 23, and a Cancel button for receiving an instruction not to initialize the USB memory 23.

[0038] If an affirmative decision is made in S18, the process proceeds to S19, where all data, including the print data and management information 30b, in the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port is deleted and initialized, thereby disabling the USB storage process. The activation decision flag stored in the internal memory 14 is changed to a value indicating that the USB storage process has been disabled. Furthermore, the value of the setting information 32 is changed from the ports 21 and 22 to the internal memory 14. As a result, in the accumulated printing function, the storage destination of the print data is set to the internal memory 14. Note that, in S19, only the print data and management information 30 may be deleted from the data in the USB memory 23. Also, when disabling the USB storage process in S19, the print data and management information 30 may be moved to the internal memory 14 without deleting them in the USB memory 23. When the process of S19 is completed, the process of FIG. 3 is completed.

[0039] As in S19 when the USB storage process is disabled, when the first and second accumulated printing functions are switched between enabled and disabled, the print data stored in the USB memory 23 in the disabled accumulated printing function is deleted. This is because the information required in S67 (described later) is different between the first and second accumulated printing functions (user name, PIN code), and leaving the print data in the USB memory 23 may cause problems, such as print data remaining unprintable. In this case, information indicating the dedicated port or dedicated memory is not deleted. As a result, the already set USB storage process can be used as is even after the first and second accumulated printing functions are switched between enabled and disabled.

[0040] Next, a process executed when the MFP 10 receives job data JD while the accumulated print function is enabled will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Specifically, when the first accumulated print function is enabled, the controller 13 starts the flow of Fig. 11 when it detects that it has received job data JD with a PIN code added. When the second accumulated print function is enabled, the controller 13 starts the flow of Fig. 11 when it detects that it has received job data JD with a user name added.

[0041] In S40, it is determined whether or not the USB storage process is enabled. As described above, it is determined whether or not the USB storage process is enabled based on the enablement determination flag stored in the internal memory 14.

[0042] If the result of S40 is positive, the process proceeds to S44, where it is determined whether or not the rear port 21 is set as a dedicated port in the same manner as in S14. If the result of S44 is positive, the process proceeds to S45, where the state of the USB memory attached to the rear port 21 is determined in the same manner as in the process of S15 in FIG. 3, and if the state is one that should be notified, a message similar to that in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 is displayed. When the USB storage process is enabled, the state of the dedicated port has already been determined in the procedure of S15. However, in the USB storage process, even if the dedicated memory is removed from the dedicated port and then re-attached to the dedicated port, it is possible to store print data in the dedicated memory attached to the dedicated port. Therefore, there is a concern that the user may set write protection for the USB memory 23 removed from the dedicated port, or may mistakenly leave the dedicated memory removed from the dedicated port, so the determination of S45 is made again. On the other hand, if the side port 22 is set as a dedicated port, the process proceeds to S46, where the same procedure as the process shown in S16 in FIG. 3 is executed.

[0043] When the process of S45 or S46 is completed, the process proceeds to S47, where it is determined whether the dedicated port is currently in a notification state. In other words, it is determined whether the dedicated port is in a state in which print data cannot be stored or should not be stored. Specifically, it is determined whether the dedicated port is currently in a notification state from the value of the notification flag set by the process of S45 or S46. If the determination in S47 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S48, where RIP processing is executed to convert the received job data JD into print data. Specifically, the print data is created by rasterizing the PDL data included in the job data JD.

[0044] In S49, the print data created in S48 is compressed, and then the compressed print data is encrypted and stored in a dedicated memory. At this time, the print data is encrypted using the encryption key 31 created in S23 of Fig. 3. In the process of S49, for example, the print data is encrypted in a format that cannot be processed by "Direct Print" described later, and then stored.

[0045] In S50, the management information 30b is read from the dedicated memory and decrypted, and information according to the currently received job data JD is added to the decrypted management information 30b. Specifically, the management information 30b stored in the USB memory 23 is decrypted using the encryption key 31. When the first accumulated print function is enabled, the job name, data name, and reception date and time are stored in the management information 30b as one record in association with the PIN code included in the job data JD. On the other hand, when the second accumulated print function is enabled, the job name, data name, and further reception date and time are stored in the management information 30b as one record in association with the user name included in the job data JD. This allows the MFP 10 to manage each record of the management information 30b and the print data stored in the internal memory 14 in association with each other. After the process of S50 is executed, the process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated.

[0046] If a negative judgment is made in S47, the process proceeds to S51, where the currently received job data is discarded. When the process of S51 ends, the process of FIG. 11 ends. Note that, instead of discarding the currently received job data JD in S51, the received job data JD or print data generated from the job data ID may be stored in the internal memory 14 in response to a user instruction. In this case, an error screen may be displayed on the user IF 17 or the PC 24.

[0047] After the print data received in S51 is discarded, a standby screen 50 is displayed on the user IF 17. The user can then operate the PC 24 to resend the print data to the MFP 10 after eliminating the state that should be notified. For example, if the dedicated memory is write-protected, the user can cancel the write-protection setting and then operate the PC 24 to send the job data JD to the MFP 10. As a result, in the process of FIG. 11 that is executed next time, a negative determination is made in S47, so that the process proceeds to S48, and the processes of S48 to S50 are executed, making it possible to store the print data in the dedicated memory.

[0048] If the USB storage process is disabled and a negative judgment is made in S40, the process proceeds to S41. In S41, RIP processing is performed on the received job data JD. The RIP processing performed in S41 is the same as the processing performed in S41.

[0049] In S42, the print data generated this time is stored in the internal memory 14, thereby accumulating and saving the print data. That is, in S42, unlike S49, the print data is not encrypted. In S42, the print data may be compressed to reduce the amount of data before being stored in the internal memory 14. In S43, information corresponding to the print data generated this time is added to the management information 30a stored in the internal memory 14. In S43 as well, depending on whether the second accumulated print function is enabled or disabled, the job name, data name, and even the reception date and time are stored as one record in the management information 30a in association with the user name or PIN code. When S43 is completed, the process shown in FIG. 11 is completed.

[0050] Next, a procedure for printing print data accumulated and saved in the internal memory 14 or the USB memory 23 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The process shown in Fig. 12 is executed by the controller 13 when a print instruction operation for print data is accepted through the user IF 17. Specifically, the process shown in Fig. 12 starts when a print instruction operation is accepted on the standby screen 50 displayed on the user IF 17. If the second accumulated print function is enabled, a login operation to the MFP 10 is accepted through the user IF, and when the controller 13 determines that the login authentication has been successful, the process shown in Fig. 12 starts.

[0051] In S60, it is determined whether or not USB storage processing is enabled based on the value of the enablement determination flag. If an affirmative decision is made in S60, the process proceeds to S62, where it is determined whether or not the rear port 21 is set as a dedicated port. If an affirmative decision is made in S62, the process proceeds to S63, where the state of the USB memory attached to the rear port 21 is determined in a similar procedure to the processing in S15 of Fig. 3, and if the state requires notification, a message similar to that in Figs. 7 to 10 is displayed. If a negative decision is made in S62, the process proceeds to S64, where the state of the USB memory attached to the side port 22 is determined in a similar procedure to the processing in S16 of Fig. 3.

[0052] When the process of S63 or S64 is completed, the process proceeds to S65, where it is determined whether or not the dedicated port is in an alarm state. If the determination in S65 is negative, the process proceeds to S66, where the management information 30b stored in the dedicated memory is decrypted using the encryption key 31 and read out. When the first accumulated print function is enabled and the USB storage process is enabled, the management information 30b is a list of print data to which a PIN code has been added. On the other hand, when the second accumulated print function is enabled and the USB storage process is enabled, the management information 30b is a list of print data to which a user name has been added. The decrypted management information 30b is stored in the internal memory 14. When S66 is completed, the process proceeds to S67.

[0053] If a negative decision is made in S60, the process proceeds to S61, where the control information 30a stored in the internal memory 14 is read out. The control information 30a read out in S61 is a list of print data associated with PIN codes or user names.

[0054] In S67, the list screen is displayed on the user IF 17 using the management information 30 read in S61 or S66. The list screen is a screen that accepts a selection instruction for print data to be printed. Specifically, when the first accumulated print function is enabled, a screen that prompts the user to input a PIN code is displayed on the user IF 17, and the user inputs the PIN code. Therefore, when the first accumulated print function is enabled, the list screen shows candidates for print data corresponding to the PIN code input by the user. On the other hand, when the second accumulated print function is enabled, the list screen shows candidates for print data corresponding to the user name of the logged-in user. FIG. 13 shows a list screen 80 when the second accumulated print function is enabled, and selection icons 81 and 82 that accept a selection instruction for print data are displayed on the list screen 80. The selection icons 81 and 82 show the "job name" associated with the "user name" of the logged-in user, among the information stored in the management information 30. Alternatively, prior to displaying the list screen 80, a screen showing the user names may be displayed on the user IF 17, and when an instruction to select a user name is received, the list screen 80 including the "job name" corresponding to the selected user may be displayed. In this embodiment, the process executed by the controller 13 in S67 is an example of a display process.

[0055] In S68, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start printing of the print data to be printed has been accepted. For example, after an instruction to select a job name is accepted by operating the selection icons 81 and 82 on the list screen 80 shown in Fig. 13, a screen for accepting an instruction to start printing of the print data corresponding to the job name is displayed on the user IF 17. If it is detected that an instruction to start printing has been accepted on this screen, an affirmative judgment is made in S68, and the process proceeds to S69. On the other hand, if an instruction to cancel the accumulated printing function is accepted on the screen for accepting an instruction to start printing, a negative judgment is made in S68, and the process in Fig. 12 is terminated.

[0056] In S69, it is determined whether print data corresponding to the current function (first accumulated print function or second accumulated print function) is stored in memory. If a negative determination is made in S69, the process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated. Note that, when the second accumulated print function is enabled, the process shown in FIG. 12 may be started in response to a login operation being accepted from the standby screen. Also, when a login operation has already been accepted, the process shown in FIG. 12 may be started when a print instruction operation is accepted on the standby screen 50. Also, the process in FIG. 12 may be started after accepting input of a PIN code when the second accumulated print function is enabled, and acceptance may be omitted in S67.

[0057] On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in S69, the process proceeds to S70, where it is judged whether or not it has been judged in S60 that the USB storage process is enabled. If a positive judgment is made in S70, the process proceeds to S72, and if a negative judgment is made in S70, the process proceeds to S71. In S71 and S72, by referring to the management information 30, print data corresponding to the PIN code or the user name of the logged-in user is selected from the print data stored in the dedicated memory, and the print data is printed. In S72, the encryption key 31 is used to decrypt the print data stored in the dedicated memory. The print unit 15 is then caused to print the decrypted print data.

[0058] When the process of S71 or S72 is completed, the process proceeds to S73. In S73, the print data printed by the print unit 15 in S71 or S72 is deleted. Specifically, the print data itself and temporary data generated in the print process are deleted. In S74, information (records) related to the printed print data are deleted from the management information 30, and the management information 30 is updated. Note that the process of S74 may be executed after all of the print data associated with the input PIN code or the print data of the logged-in user has been printed.

[0059] When the process of S74 ends, the process returns to S69. If an affirmative decision is made in S69, the processes of S70 to S74 are repeated. If a negative decision is made in S69, the process shown in FIG. 12 ends.

[0060] If the result of S65 is affirmative, the process of FIG. 12 is terminated. In this case, the standby screen 50 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the user IF 17. The user can perform a print instruction operation again by operating the standby screen 50 after eliminating the state that should be notified. When the USB storage process is enabled, the state of the dedicated port has already been determined in the procedure of S15. However, the determination of S63 is performed again for the same reason as when the process of S45 is executed. Specifically, when the notification screen is notified in S63 because the write protection is set on the USB memory 23 attached to the rear port 21, the user can then cancel the write protection of the USB memory 23. In the process of FIG. 12 that is next executed by the controller 13, the result of S65 is negative, and the process proceeds to S66. After the print data stored in the dedicated memory is printed in S71, the process proceeds to S72, and since the write protection is not set on the dedicated memory, the print data can be deleted.

[0061] The above-described embodiment can achieve the following effects. When the controller 13 receives a print instruction operation in the accumulated print function, the controller 13 judges whether or not write protection is set for the dedicated memory. When it is judged that write protection is set for the dedicated memory, the controller 13 causes the user IF 17 to display the notification screen 68. This allows the user to recognize that write protection is set for the USB memory 23 set as the dedicated memory, and for example, after that, the user can cancel the write protection of the USB memory 23 and then perform the print instruction operation again. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring in the accumulated print function due to the write protection being set, and thus to improve user convenience.

[0062] When the controller 13 receives an instruction to hide the notification screen 68, the controller 13 displays the standby screen 50 on the user IF 17. This allows the user to perform a print instruction operation in the accumulated print function again on the standby screen 50 displayed on the user IF 17 after canceling the write protection set on the USB memory 23.

[0063] When the controller 13 receives an instruction operation to hide the notification screen 68, the controller 13 returns to the standby state, thereby causing the standby screen 50 to be redisplayed on the user IF 17. As a result, after the notification screen 68 is hidden, the standby screen 50 is redisplayed, allowing the user to once again perform a print instruction operation for the accumulated print function on the standby screen 50 without performing any complicated operations.

[0064] The controller 13 displays the standby screen 50 if the USB memory 23 attached to the port is write-protected, and displays the list screen 8 if the USB memory 23 is not write-protected. This allows the notification screen 68 to be displayed prior to the selection instruction of print data, which further improves user convenience compared to the case where the notification screen 68 is displayed after the user selects and instructs print data.

[0065] When setting the dedicated memory, the controller 13 judges whether or not the USB memory 23 attached to the port is write-protected. When a print instruction operation is subsequently received, the controller 13 judges again whether or not the USB memory 23 is write-protected. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring in the accumulated print function due to the write-protection being set, even when the USB memory 23 is removed from the port after being set as the dedicated memory and the write-protection setting is released. As a result, it is possible to further improve user convenience.

[0066] When the controller 13 receives the job data JD, it judges whether or not the USB memory 23 attached to the port is write-protected. Thereafter, when the controller 13 receives a print instruction operation, it judges again whether or not the USB memory 23 is write-protected. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring in the accumulated print function due to the write protection being set, even when the USB memory 23 is removed from the port after receiving the job data and the write protection setting is released. As a result, it is possible to further improve user convenience.

[0067] The controller 13 deletes the print data printed by the accumulated printing function from the dedicated memory. As a result, in the accumulated printing function, after the print data stored in the USB memory 23 is printed, the print data is deleted, so that the storage capacity of the USB memory 23 can be used effectively.

[0068] (Modifications of this embodiment) The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention, for example, the following modifications are also possible. In the first embodiment, the controller 13 judges whether the USB memory 23 is attached (S30), judges whether the USB memory 23 is broken (S31), and judges whether the USB memory 23 has free space (S33) in S63 of Fig. 12. Alternatively, the controller 13 does not need to execute the processes of S30, S31, and S33 in S63.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the MFP 10 includes the rear port 21 and the side port 22. Alternatively, the MFP 10 may include only either the rear port 21 or the side port 22. Also, the side port 22 is disposed on the side surface of the front unit 41. Alternatively, the side port 22 may be disposed on the front surface of the front unit 41, that is, on the same side as the side where the user IF 17 is disposed. Also, the MFP 10 may include three or more ports. The image forming apparatus described above is merely an example in which the MFP 10 is used. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may be a printer that does not include the reading unit 16. The controller 13 may store the print data in the USB memory 23 without encrypting it. In this case, S49 in Fig. 11 and S66 and S72 in Fig. 12 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10...MFP, 11, 12...memory IF, 13...controller, 15...print unit, 17...user IF, 21, 22...port, 23...USB memory

Claims

1. The apparatus includes a print unit, a user interface, a controller, and a memory interface having a port to which a portable memory can be attached and detached, The controller: a setting process is executed for setting the portable memory attached to the port as a dedicated memory for storing print data in a process related to an accumulated print function, the accumulated print function being a function for storing print data corresponding to received job data in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory, and for causing the print unit to print the print data stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory in response to receiving a print instruction operation via the user interface; In the process related to the stored print function, when the print instruction operation is accepted, a determination process is executed to determine whether or not the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting data before executing printing of the print data; An image forming device configured to cause the print unit to print the print data stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory only if the judgment process determines that the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is not set to prohibit writing or deleting the data.

2. The controller, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification process for displaying a notification screen on the user interface when the judgment process determines that the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data; and a notification process for preventing the print unit from printing the print data stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory.

3. The controller:

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: only if it is determined by the determination process that the portable memory set in the dedicated memory is not set to prohibit writing or deleting the data, the controller causes the user interface to display a list of options for the print data stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory based on management information stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory, causes the print unit to print the print data corresponding to an option selected from the list, and updates the management information stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory so as not to include information indicating the print data printed by the print unit, wherein the management information is information for displaying a list of options for the print data stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory on the user interface, and information indicating the print data to be stored by the controller is added to the management information when the print data corresponding to the received job data is stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory.

4. The controller:

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an image forming unit configured to display, on the user interface, a list of options for the print data stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory based on management information stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory, cause the print unit to print the print data corresponding to an option selected from the list, update the management information stored in the portable memory set in the dedicated memory so that it does not include information indicating the print data printed by the print unit, and delete the print data printed by the print unit from the portable memory set in the dedicated memory, only if it is determined by the determination process that the portable memory set in the dedicated memory is not set to prohibit writing or deletion.

5. The controller: An instruction to hide the notification screen can be received on the notification screen, 3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein when an instruction to hide the notification screen is received, an operation reception screen is displayed on the user interface, and the operation reception screen is a screen capable of accepting the print instruction operation in processing related to the accumulated printing function.

6. the controller causes the user interface to display the operation acceptance screen in a standby state in which the controller is able to accept an operation via the user interface; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when an instruction to hide the notification screen is received, the image forming apparatus is configured to return to the standby state, thereby making it possible to re-display the operation acceptance screen on the user interface.

7. The image forming apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller executes a display process to display a list screen when the judgment process determines that no setting has been made to prohibit writing or deleting the data, and the list screen is a screen that accepts an instruction to select the print data to be printed in processing related to the accumulated printing function from among the print data stored in a portable memory set in the dedicated memory.

8. the determination process includes, when the dedicated memory is set by the setting process, a process of determining whether or not a setting is made to prohibit writing or deleting the data in the portable memory attached to the port; In the notification process, when it is determined in the determination process performed when the dedicated memory is set that the portable memory attached to the port is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data, the notification screen is displayed on the user interface; The controller: when it is determined that the portable memory attached to the port is not set to prohibit writing or deleting the data by the determination process performed when the dedicated memory is set, the portable memory attached to the port is set as the dedicated memory; the controller is capable of, in the stored printing function, storing the print data in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory that is attached to the port again after the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is removed from the port; In the determination process, when the print instruction operation is accepted, it is determined whether or not the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data before printing of the print data is executed; In the notification process, an image forming device as described in any one of claims 2 and claims 5 to 7 displays the notification screen when it is determined by the judgment process performed when the print instruction operation is accepted that the portable memory set in the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data.

9. the determination process includes a process of determining whether or not a setting is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory when the job data is received; In the notification process, when it is determined in the determination process performed when the job data is received that the portable memory attached to the port is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data, the notification screen is displayed on the user interface; when it is determined by the determination process performed when the job data is received that the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is not set to prohibit writing or deleting the data, the print data is stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory; The controller: In the storage printing function, after the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is removed from the port, the print data can be stored in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory that is attached to the port again, In the determination process, when the print instruction operation is received, it is determined whether or not the portable memory set as the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data; In the notification process, an image forming device as described in any one of claims 2 and claims 5 to 7 displays the notification screen when it is determined by the judgment process performed when the print instruction operation is accepted that the portable memory set in the dedicated memory is set to prohibit writing or deleting the data.

Images