Image forming device

Abstract

To enhance user convenience in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of ports to which a portable memory is attachable.SOLUTION: A controller 13 in an image forming apparatus sets one of ports 21, 22 as a dedicated port to which a dedicated memory is attached, in processing pertaining to a storage printing function. In response to a USB memory 23 being attached to one of the ports 21, 22, the controller 13 determines whether the dedicated memory is attached to a port not set as the dedicated port. A notification is made when it is determined that the dedicated memory is attached to a port not set as the dedicated port.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 accepted 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] However, Patent Document 1 does not provide sufficient description of the configuration having multiple ports to which portable memories can be attached and detached. Also, it does not provide sufficient description of the distinction between portable memories for storing print data. For example, it does not provide sufficient description of the processing of the image forming device related to whether the portable memory connected to the port is a portable memory for storing print data or not.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to suppress a decrease in user convenience in an image forming apparatus. [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 of the image forming apparatus is capable of executing a process related to a storage printing function, and the storage printing function is a function of storing print data corresponding to received job data in a dedicated memory and causing the print unit to print the print data stored in the dedicated memory in response to an operation accepted by the user interface, and the dedicated memory is a memory in the portable memory in which the print data is stored in the storage printing function. The controller executes a setting process for setting the portable memory attached to the port as a dedicated memory by storing identification information in the portable memory attached to the port, a determination process for determining whether the attached portable memory is set as a dedicated memory based on the presence or absence of storage of identification information when the portable memory is attached to the port, a first display process for displaying a screen on the user interface when it is determined by the determination process that the portable memory is set as a dedicated memory, and a second display process for displaying a screen including a screen different from the screen displayed by the first display process on the user interface when it is determined by the determination process that the portable memory is not set as a dedicated memory.

[0007] In the above configuration, the controller can set the portable memory attached to the port as a dedicated memory by storing identification information in the portable memory attached to the port. When the portable memory is attached to the port, either a first display process or a second display process is executed depending on whether the portable memory attached to the port is set as a dedicated memory. As a result, the screen displayed on the user interface is changed depending on whether a portable memory set as a dedicated memory is attached to the port or a portable memory not set as a dedicated memory is attached to the port, thereby improving user convenience. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of printing print data stored in a USB memory, which improves user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] An external view of the MFP seen from above. [Diagram 2] MFP configuration diagram. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting a storage destination of job data. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a save destination setting screen. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process that is executed when a USB memory is attached to a port. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a save destination setting screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a function display screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a function display screen. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for saving print data, among processes related to a storage print function. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printing print data, among processes related to the accumulated print function. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a notification screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 .

[0020] In Fig. 3, an example will be described in which port 22 is set as a port to which USB memory 23 as a save destination is attached. The process shown in Fig. 3 is executed when controller 13 receives an instruction to transition to a setting screen for the storage print function by an operation on standby screen 60 shown in Fig. 4. Note that standby screen 60 is a screen for receiving selection instructions for various functions of MFP 10, and is displayed on user IF 17 to wait for instructions after MFP 10 is powered on or after each process of MFP 10 is executed.

[0021] 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 is enabled. Specifically, after the standby screen 60 displayed on the user IF 17 is transitioned to a setting screen for the USB storage process, if an instruction to enable the USB storage process is received on this setting screen, an affirmative judgment is made in S10.

[0022] In S11, a port in which the USB memory 23 is inserted as the destination to save the print data is set. Specifically, a save destination setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in response to an operation on the user IF 17. The save destination setting screen 70 includes designation buttons 71, 72, and 73 that accept an instruction to select the destination to save the print data. The designation buttons 71, 72, and 73 are buttons that are operated when selecting and instructing the internal memory 14 or the ports 21 and 22 as the destination to save the print data. The designation button corresponding to the current save destination has a different display color compared to the other designation buttons. In the figure, 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 71, 72, and 73. The setting information 32 is information that indicates the port (side or rear) in which the USB memory 23 is inserted or the internal memory 14 that is set as the destination to save the print data.

[0023] In S12, it is determined whether print data is stored in the internal memory 14 that was set as the save destination before the setting in S11. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to S23. On the other hand, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S13, where a confirmation screen for initializing the memory is displayed on the user IF 17.

[0024] In S14, it is determined whether or not the YES button is operated on the confirmation screen. If the result of S14 is positive, the process proceeds to S15, where the print data stored in the internal memory 14 is deleted. The memory set as the destination for the USB storage process is assumed to be used to store print data of a specific user or a group to which the specific user belongs. For this reason, it is desirable that the newly stored print data is not mixed with print data previously used as the destination for the print data. On the other hand, if the result of S14 is negative, the process of FIG. 3 is terminated. In this case, the controller 13 maintains the current setting of the memory as the destination for the current storage without changing the setting of the destination for the current storage in S11. Note that, when the USB storage process is enabled, the controller 13 may move the print data, etc. in the internal memory 14 to the USB memory 23, which will be the destination for the storage after the enablement, described later, without deleting the print data, etc.

[0025] In S23, it is determined whether or not the USB memory 23 is attached to the port set in S11. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the USB memory 23 is attached to the port indicated by the setting information 32 stored in the internal memory 14. If a negative determination is made in S23, the process proceeds to S30, where a no-attachment error is displayed. For example, an error screen including a message prompting the user to attach the USB memory 23 to the port set in S11 and a close button is displayed on the user IF 17. Note that, if an instruction to select the close button is detected on the no-attachment error screen displayed in S30, the no-attachment error screen is erased, and the process of FIG. 3 is terminated.

[0026] When S23 is judged as positive and the process proceeds to S24, it is judged whether the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 attached to the port set in S11 is equal to or greater than the judgment value TH. This is because there is a concern that if the remaining capacity of the USB memory 23 used in the USB storage process is small, it may not be possible to sufficiently accumulate and save print data. In addition, 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 for the judgment in S23 is, for example, 8 GB.

[0027] If an affirmative decision is made in S24, the process proceeds to S25, 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 S25, 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.

[0028] In S26, the USB storage process is enabled. When the USB storage process is enabled, an enable determination flag indicating the state of the USB storage process is set to a value indicating that the process is enabled, and is stored in the internal memory 14. Also, the setting information 32 is stored in the internal memory 14. The setting information 32 is information indicating a value (side, rear) indicating the port in which the USB memory 23 set as the save destination of the print data is attached. In S27, an encryption key 31 is created. The encryption key 31 is information used for encrypting and decrypting the print data and management information 30 stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the port. Every time the USB storage process is enabled, a new encryption key is generated. Hereinafter, a port set as a dedicated port is also simply referred to as a "dedicated port".

[0029] In S28, 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 S27, thereby creating the identification information 34. Note that no information related to the print data is recorded in the management information 30b encrypted in S28. Hereinafter, the USB memory 23 that is set as a destination for saving the identification information 34 among the USB memories 23 is also simply referred to as a "dedicated memory."

[0030] In S29, the encryption key 31 used to create the identification information 34 in S28 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 S29 ends, the process of Fig. 3 ends. In this embodiment, the processes executed by the controller 13 in S28 and S29 are an example of a setting process.

[0031] 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 decision is made in S10, the process proceeds to S16, where it is determined whether or not a USB memory 23 is attached to the port currently being used in the USB storage process. If a positive decision is made in S16, the process proceeds to S17, where a confirmation screen is displayed to confirm that the USB memory 23 attached to the port is to be initialized. The confirmation screen includes a message to the effect 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.

[0032] When it is detected in S18 that the OK button on the confirmation screen has been operated, the process proceeds to S21, where the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port is initialized. The process of S21 is the same as the process of S25. In S22, the USB storage process is disabled. Specifically, the enablement determination flag stored in the internal memory 14 is changed to a value indicating that the USB storage process has been disabled. This causes the USB storage process to be disabled for the MFP 10, and in the USB storage process, the storage destination of the print data is set to the internal memory 14. Note that in S22, only the print data and management information 30 may be deleted from the data in the USB memory 23. Also, when the USB storage process is disabled in S22, the print data and management information 30 may be moved to the internal memory 14 without deleting the print data and management information 30 in the USB memory 23.

[0033] As in S22 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 by the USB storage process in the disabled function is deleted. This is because the information required in S87 (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.

[0034] If a negative decision is made in S16, the process proceeds to S19, where a confirmation screen is displayed on the user IF 17. The confirmation screen displayed in S19 includes a message indicating that the USB memory 23 is not connected to the port, and a button for receiving a selection instruction as to whether or not to disable the USB storage process.

[0035] In S20, it is determined whether or not the OK button on the confirmation screen has been operated. If an affirmative decision is made in S20, the process proceeds to S22, where the USB storage process is disabled. Then, the process in Fig. 3 is terminated. Note that if a negative decision is made in S20, the process in Fig. 3 is terminated.

[0036] Next, the procedure of the process executed when the USB memory 23 is attached to the port will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The process shown in Fig. 6 is executed by the controller 13. Note that even if the MFP 10 is powered on while the USB memory 23 is attached to the ports 21 and 22, the attachment of the USB memory 23 is detected, and the process in Fig. 6 is started.

[0037] In S40, it is determined whether or not the standby screen 60 (FIG. 4) is displayed on the user IF 17. If a negative determination is made in S40, the processing in FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated. This is because when the standby screen 60 is not displayed on the user IF 17, the controller 13 is executing some processing, and therefore the memory to be used as the save destination, which will be described later, and the function using the USB memory 23 are not changed until the processing currently being executed is completed. If a positive determination is made in S40, the processing proceeds to S41.

[0038] In S41, it is determined whether or not the USB storage process is currently enabled. Specifically, the enable determination flag is referenced to determine whether or not the USB storage process is currently enabled. If an affirmative determination is made in S41, the process proceeds to S42, where it is determined whether or not the identification information 34 paired with the encryption key 31 is stored in the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the encrypted management information 30b is stored in the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port, and the management information 30b can be decrypted using the encryption key 31 stored in the internal memory 14. If the management information 30b can be decrypted using the encryption key 31, an affirmative determination is made in S42.

[0039] If an affirmative decision is made in S42, the process proceeds to S43, where it is determined whether or not the port into which the USB memory 23 is currently attached is a dedicated port. Specifically, it is sufficient to refer to the setting information 32 and determine whether or not the port into which the USB memory 23 is currently attached is a dedicated port. If an affirmative decision is made in S43, the process in FIG. 6 ends. The MFP 10 is capable of storing print data in the accumulated printing function even if the dedicated memory is removed from the dedicated port and then re-attached to the dedicated port. In other words, if an affirmative decision is made in S43, it can be assumed that the user has simply removed the dedicated memory once and then re-attached it. In this embodiment, the process executed by the controller in S42 is an example of a determination process.

[0040] If a negative decision is made in S43, the process proceeds to S44, and a notification screen 75 shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the user IF 17. The notification screen 75 displayed in S44 displays a message 76 for confirming whether or not to transition to a save destination change screen for changing the port used in the USB storage. This message 76 also includes a message that, if the save destination memory is changed, the port previously set as a dedicated port will no longer be available for use in USB storage processing. If the NO button 73 is selected in the notification screen 75, a negative decision is made in S45, and the process in Fig. 6 is terminated. On the other hand, if the YES button 72 is selected in the notification screen 75, an affirmative decision is made in S45, and the process proceeds to S46.

[0041] In S46, the save destination setting screen 70 is displayed on the user IF 17. As described above, the save destination setting screen 70 is a screen for receiving an instruction to change the save destination of the print data to either the port 21, 22 or the internal memory 14. In the save destination setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 8, the display color of the designation button 73 corresponding to the port 22 currently set as the save destination of the print data is different from the display color of the other designation buttons 71, 72. The save destination setting screen 70 displays which of the multiple ports 21, 22 is set as the dedicated port. In this embodiment, the processes of S44 and S46 executed by the controller 13 are an example of a first display process. The save destination setting screen 70 displayed by the controller 13 in S46 is an example of a first screen.

[0042] In S47, if the selection instruction received on the save destination setting screen 70 in S46 selects and instructs the port 21, 22 other than the internal memory 14, the process proceeds to S48. In S48, a USB storage process is set in which the USB memory 23 attached to the port selected and instructed in S46 is set as the save destination for the print data. Specifically, if the user instructs on the save destination setting screen 70 to select the port to which the dedicated memory is currently attached, the port 21 to which the dedicated memory is currently attached is set as the dedicated port. At this time, the setting as the dedicated port for the port 22 that has already been set as the dedicated port is cancelled. The setting information 32 is updated in accordance with the setting and cancellation of the dedicated port.

[0043] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S47, the process proceeds to S49, where the internal memory 14 is set as the storage destination for the print data. At this time, for the port 22 that has already been set as a dedicated port, the setting as a dedicated port is cancelled, thereby disabling the USB storage process. When the process of S48 or S49 ends, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0044] If a negative decision is made in S42, the process proceeds to S50. In S50, it is determined whether or not the port to which the USB memory 23 is currently attached is set as a dedicated port. Specifically, the setting information 32 stored in the internal memory 14 is referenced to determine which port is currently set as a dedicated port.

[0045] If an affirmative decision is made in S50, the process proceeds to S51, where a save destination setting screen 70 similar to that in S46 is displayed on the user IF 17. This is because there is a possibility that the user has mistakenly attached a USB memory 23 that is not set as a dedicated memory to a port that has been set as a dedicated port. In this embodiment, the save destination setting screen 70 that the controller 13 displays in S51 is an example of the second screen.

[0046] In S52, it is determined whether or not a port other than the internal memory 14 has been selected on the save destination setting screen 70 displayed in S51. If either the port 21 or 22 has been selected on the save destination setting screen 70 displayed in S51, an affirmative decision is made in S52, and the process proceeds to S53. In S53, a USB storage process is set in which the USB memory 23 attached to the port selected on the save destination setting screen 70 is set as the save destination. If the port to which the USB memory 23 is currently attached is selected on the save destination setting screen 70 displayed in S53, this port can be set as a dedicated memory. Even in this case, the setting as a dedicated port is cancelled for the port already set as a dedicated port. When the process of S53 is completed, the process of FIG. 6 is completed. On the other hand, if the internal memory 14 has been selected, a negative decision is made in S52, and the process of FIG. 6 is completed. This is because the USB storage process is already enabled.

[0047] If a negative judgment is made in S50, the process proceeds to S54, where it is judged whether or not a dedicated memory is already attached to the dedicated port. If a positive judgment is made in S54, the process proceeds to S55, where the function display screen shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the user IF 17. Note that in S54, it may be judged whether or not a USB memory 23 different from the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port is attached to the dedicated port.

[0048] The function display screen 80 shown in FIG. 9 displays instruction buttons 81 and 82 that can accept selection instructions for processing using the currently attached USB memory 23. The instruction button 81 is a button that is operated when selecting and instructing "Scan to USB" as a function using the currently attached USB memory 23. "Scan to USB" is a process of generating scan data by having the reading unit 16 read an original image placed on an unillustrated original platen, and storing the generated scan data in the USB memory 23 attached to the port. The instruction button 82 is a button that is operated when selecting and instructing "Direct Print" as a function using the USB memory 23. The "Direct Print function" is a process of displaying a list of image data stored in the attached USB memory 23 on the user IF 17 when the USB memory 23 is attached to the port 21 or 22, and causing the print unit 15 to print image data selected from the displayed list. That is, in S55, "USB storage processing" cannot be selected as a function using the USB memory 23. This is because if a USB memory 23 has already been attached to the dedicated port, the user is unlikely to use the currently attached USB memory 23 in the USB storage process.

[0049] On the other hand, when S54 is judged as negative, the process proceeds to S56, and the function display screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the user IF 17. The function display screen 80 shown in FIG. 10 displays instruction buttons 81, 82, and 83 that can accept an instruction to select a function using the currently attached USB memory 23. The instruction button 83 is a button that is operated when selecting and instructing "USB storage processing" as a function using the USB memory 23. In this embodiment, the "USB storage processing" displayed on the function display screen 80 is an example of a first option in the processing related to the accumulated print function, and "Scan to USB" and "Direct Print" displayed on the function display screen 80 are an example of a second option in the processing related to a function different from the accumulated print function. In this embodiment, the processing performed by the controller 13 in S55 and S56 is an example of a notification processing that is executed when the USB memory 23 that is not set as a dedicated memory is attached to a port that is not set as a dedicated port.

[0050] When the process of S55 or S56 is completed, the process proceeds to S57, where it is determined whether or not a selection operation on the instruction button is detected. When the result of S57 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S58, where the process selected on the function display screen 80 is performed. Specifically, when the USB storage process is selected and instructed again, the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port is set as a dedicated memory, and the port to which the USB memory 23 is currently attached is set as a dedicated port. In this case, the setting as a dedicated port is cancelled for the port that has already been set as a dedicated port. On the other hand, when the instruction buttons 82 and 83 are selected and instructed, the display is switched to an operation screen for using the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port in a process related to a different function for which a selection instruction has been received, and the selected process is executed. When S58 is completed, the process of FIG. 6 is completed.

[0051] When the instruction button 81 is operated on the function display screen 80 displayed in S56, the controller 13 displays the scan screen in "Scan to USB" on the user IF 17. When a scan instruction is accepted on the scan screen, the reading unit 16 scans the document, and performs processing to store the scan data in the USB memory 23 currently attached to the port. In this case, the USB memory 23 may be attached to the port after the scan screen is displayed on the user IF 17. When the identification information 34 is stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the port, the controller 13 may display, for example, a warning screen 85 shown in FIG. 11 on the user IF 17. On the warning screen 85, a message is displayed indicating that the storage capacity available in the USB storage process will decrease by saving the scan data in the USB memory 23. For example, the controller 13 may end the "USB storage process" after displaying the warning screen 85. In addition to this, the controller 13 may accept a scan instruction after displaying the warning screen 85 on the user IF 17.

[0052] On the other hand, when the instruction button 82 is operated on the function display screen 80, the controller 13 displays options such as image data stored in the USB memory 23, such as JPG data and PDF data, on the user IF 17 in "Direct Print" and lets the user select and print. At this time, if the USB memory 23 contains print data encrypted and saved by the process in S68 described later, this print data is not subject to printing. In addition, it is not displayed as an option on the user IF 17.

[0053] Next, a process executed when the MFP 10 receives job data JD in a state where the accumulated print function is enabled will be described with reference to FIG. 12. Specifically, when the first accumulated print function is enabled, the controller 13 starts the flow of FIG. 12 when it detects that it has received job data JD to which a PIN code has been added. When the second accumulated print function is enabled, the controller 13 starts the flow of FIG. 12 when it detects that it has received job data JD to which a user name has been added. Note that, when the second accumulated print function is enabled, the job data JD to be processed in relation to the accumulated print function is assumed to have a user name included in the job data JD registered in the authentication DB 33 prior to the process of FIG. 12. When the controller 13 receives job data JD in which a job name and a user name have been set as shown in FIG. 1 from the PC 24, it determines whether or not the user name included in the received job data JD is registered in the authentication DB 33. When it is determined that the user name is registered in the authentication DB 33, the controller 13 executes the process shown in FIG. 12. The subject of the process shown in FIG. 12 is the controller 13.

[0054] In S60, 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. If an affirmative decision is made in S60, the process proceeds to S64.

[0055] In S64, it is determined whether or not a USB memory 23 is attached to the dedicated port. If the determination in S64 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S65, where it is determined whether or not identification information 34 is stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the dedicated port. If the determination in S65 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S66, where RIP processing is executed on the received job data JD. Specifically, print data is created by rasterizing the PDL data included in the job data JD in accordance with the contents indicated by the PJL data.

[0056] In S67, the print data created in S66 is compressed, and then the compressed print data is encrypted. At this time, the print data is encrypted using the encryption key created in S27 of Fig. 3. In S68, the print data encrypted in S67 is stored in the USB memory 23 (i.e., dedicated memory) attached to the port set as the dedicated port. In the process of S68, the print data is encrypted in a format that cannot be processed in "Direct Print".

[0057] In S69, the management information 30b is read from the USB memory 23 storing the print data, and is 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 an encryption key. 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.

[0058] If a negative judgment is made in S64, the process proceeds to S70, where an error screen indicating that the USB memory 23 is not attached is displayed on the user IF 17. For example, the error screen displayed in S70 displays a message indicating that the job data JD cannot be accumulated and saved because the USB memory 23 is not attached to the dedicated port. If the close button is operated on this error screen, the error screen is hidden. Note that, instead of displaying the error screen on the user IF 17 in S70, the error screen may be displayed on the PC 24 that is the sender of the job data JD. In this case, the controller 13 communicates with the PC 24, and transmits image data corresponding to the error screen and a request to display the error screen to the PC 24.

[0059] In S71, the currently received job data JD is discarded. This is because the dedicated memory in which the received job data JD is to be saved is not attached to the port. When the process of S71 ends, the process of Fig. 12 ends. Note that, instead of discarding the currently received job data JD in S71, the received job data JD may be stored in the internal memory 14 in response to a user instruction.

[0060] If a negative decision is made in S60, the process proceeds to S61, where the RIP process is executed to convert the job data JD into print data. The RIP process executed in S61 is the same as the process executed in S66.

[0061] In S62, information corresponding to the currently created print data is added to the management information 30a stored in the internal memory 14. That is, in S62, unlike S68, the encrypted print data is not saved. In S62, the print data may be compressed to reduce the amount of data before being stored in the internal memory 14. In S63, information corresponding to the currently created print data is added to the management information 30a stored in the internal memory 14. In S63 as well, depending on whether the second storage 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.

[0062] 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. 13. The process shown in Fig. 13 is executed by the controller 13 when a print instruction for the print data is received from the user IF 17. Specifically, when a print instruction operation is received on the standby screen 60 displayed on the user IF 17, the process shown in Fig. 13 starts.

[0063] In S81, it is determined whether or not the USB storage process is enabled based on the enablement determination flag. If a negative determination is made in S81, the process proceeds to S82, where the management information 30a stored in the internal memory 14 is read out. As described above, when the first accumulated print function is enabled and the USB storage process is disabled, the management information 30a 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 disabled, the management information 30a is a list of print data to which a user name has been added.

[0064] On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in S81, the process proceeds to S83, in which it is determined whether or not the USB memory 23 is attached to the dedicated port. If an affirmative decision is made in S83, it is determined whether or not the identification information 34 is stored in the USB memory 23 attached to the dedicated port.

[0065] If an affirmative decision is made in S84, the process proceeds to S85, in which the management information 30b stored in the dedicated memory is decrypted and read out using the encryption key 31. Specifically, the management information 30b is read out from the internal memory 14, decrypted using the encryption key 31, and stored in the internal memory 14.

[0066] In S87, the management information 30 read in S82 or S85 is used to determine whether print data corresponding to the current function (first accumulated print function or second accumulated print function) is stored in the memory. Specifically, if the first accumulated print function is enabled, a screen for prompting the user to input a PIN code is displayed on the user IF 17, and it is determined whether the same PIN code as the PIN code input by the user is stored in the management information 30. On the other hand, if the second accumulated print function is enabled, it is determined whether the user name of the login user is stored in the management information 30. If a negative determination is made in S87, the process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated. Note that, if the second accumulated print function is enabled, the process shown in FIG. 13 may be started in response to a login operation being accepted from the standby screen. Also, if a print instruction operation is accepted on the standby screen 60 in a state where a login operation has already been accepted, the process shown in FIG. 13 may be started. Also, the acceptance of the login operation may be performed in S87. Also, when the second stored print function is enabled, the process of FIG. 13 may be started after receiving the input of the PIN code, and the reception may be omitted in S87.

[0067] On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in S87, the process proceeds to S88, where it is determined whether or not USB storage processing has been enabled in S81. If an affirmative decision is made in S88, the process proceeds to S90, and if a negative decision is made in S88, the process proceeds to S89. In S89 and S90, by referencing the management information 30, print data associated with 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 S90, 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.

[0068] When the process of S89 or S90 is completed, the process proceeds to S91. In S91, the print data printed by the print unit 15 in S89 or S90 is deleted. Specifically, the print data itself and temporary data generated in the print process are deleted. In S92, 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 S92 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.

[0069] When the process of S92 is completed, the process returns to S87. If an affirmative decision is made in S87, the processes of S88 to S92 are repeated. Thereafter, if all print data of the logged-in user has been printed, a negative decision is made in S87, and the process shown in Fig. 13 ends. Note that when returning from S92 to S87, if the first accumulated print function is enabled, the PIN code has already been input by the user, so there is no need to accept input of the PIN code again in S87.

[0070] If it is determined in S83 that the USB memory 23 is not attached to the dedicated port, the process proceeds to S86. Also, if a negative determination is made in S84, the process proceeds to S86. In S86, an error screen is displayed indicating that the USB memory 23 is not attached. This error screen displays a message indicating that the print data cannot be read because the dedicated memory is not attached to the dedicated port. For example, if the close button on the error screen displayed in S86 is operated, the error screen is hidden. After the process of S86 is executed, the process shown in FIG. 13 ends.

[0071] The above-described embodiment can achieve the following effects. When it is determined that the USB memory attached to the port 21 or 22 is set as a dedicated memory, the controller 13 causes the user IF 17 to display the notification screen 75 and the save destination setting screen 70, and when it is determined that the attached USB memory is not set as a dedicated memory, the controller 13 causes the user IF 17 to display the save destination setting screen 70 or the function display screen 80. As a result, the screen displayed on the user IF 17 is changed depending on whether a dedicated memory is attached to the port or a USB memory not set as a dedicated memory is attached to the port. Furthermore, in a situation where the user is likely to use the USB memory attached to the port 21 or 22 in a process related to the storage print function, the save destination setting screen 70 is displayed on the user IF 17, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] The controller 13 displays candidates for other processes that use the USB memory attached to the port on the function display screen 80. When a selection instruction for the selection candidate displayed on the function display screen 80 is received, the controller 13 sets the USB memory attached to the port 21, 22 as the USB memory to be used in the selected other process. This allows the user to select and instruct another process that uses the USB memory while checking the candidates for other processes displayed on the screen.

[0073] When a USB memory that is not set as a dedicated memory is attached to the port 21, 22, if the port to which the USB memory is attached is set as a dedicated port, the controller 13 displays the save destination setting screen 70 on the user IF 17. On the other hand, if the port 21, 22 to which the USB memory is attached is not set as a dedicated port, the controller 13 displays the function display screen 80 on the user IF 17. This allows the display of the save destination designation screen 70 and the function display screen 80 to be switched depending on the possibility of designating the USB memory as a save destination in the USB storage process, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0074] When the port to which the USB memory is attached is not set as a dedicated port, and a different USB memory is already attached to the port set as a dedicated port, the controller 13 displays "Scan to USB" and "Direct Print" as options on the function display screen 80 as candidates for processing using the USB memory attached to the port. On the other hand, if a different USB memory is not attached to the port set as a dedicated port, the controller 13 displays "USB storage processing", "Scan to USB", and "Direct Print" as options on the function display screen 80. In this way, the candidates for processing to be displayed are changed depending on whether a different USB memory is already attached to the dedicated port. This can further improve user convenience.

[0075] The controller 13 displays selection candidates according to the storage destination of the print data, including a plurality of ports, on the storage destination designation screen 70. This allows the port to which the dedicated memory is attached to be flexibly changed.

[0076] When the USB memory attached to the port 21, 22 is a dedicated memory, the controller 13 sets the port to which the USB memory is attached not set as a dedicated port as one of the conditions for displaying the save destination designation screen 70. As a result, when a dedicated memory is attached to a dedicated port, the user is highly likely to use the portable memory in USB storage processing, so that the save destination designation screen is not displayed in such a situation, thereby reducing the inconvenience of the user's operation.

[0077] When the USB memory attached to the port 21, 2 is set as the USB memory to be used for another process selected and designated on the function display screen 80, if the identification information 34 that does not pair with the judgment information is stored in the USB memory to be used for the other process, the controller 13 issues a warning. As a result, a warning is issued to the user when a USB memory that was previously set as a dedicated memory is used for another process. Therefore, the user can, for example, determine whether or not to use the USB memory for another process, which further improves user convenience.

[0078] In the accumulated printing function, the print data is encrypted in a format that cannot be used in other processes, and the encrypted print data is stored in the USB memory. In the above configuration, when the print data stored in the USB memory by the accumulated printing function is in a data format that cannot be used in other processes, the display on the screen is changed depending on whether the USB memory attached to the port 21, 22 is set as a dedicated memory or not. As a result, for example, a warning is given to the user not to process the encrypted print data in other processes, so that it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly processing a data format that cannot be used in other processes.

[0079] The technology disclosed in this specification can be modified in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. When a dedicated memory is attached to a port that is not set as a dedicated port, the controller 13 displays a save destination setting screen on the user IF 17 in S46 of Fig. 6 to accept a user's instruction to select a save destination for print data. Alternatively, when the controller 13 makes a negative decision in S43 of Fig. 6, it may proceed to S48 without accepting a user's instruction to select, and set the port to which the dedicated memory is attached as a dedicated port. In this case, the processes of S44 to S47 and S49 may be omitted.

[0080] When the dedicated memory is attached to any one of the multiple ports and the dedicated port is not set, the controller 13 may display on the user IF 17 processes related to functions other than the accumulated print function as candidates for processes using the dedicated memory. In this case, when it is determined in S42 of FIG. 6 that the identification information 34 is stored in the currently attached USB memory 23, the process proceeds to S43, where it is determined whether or not the internal memory 14 is set as the storage destination of the print data (i.e., whether or not the dedicated port is set). When the determination in S43 is negative, the process proceeds to S46, where processes related to functions other than the accumulated print function are displayed as candidates for processes using the dedicated memory. The "processes related to functions other than the accumulated print function" are "Scan to USB" and "Direct Print". This can further improve user convenience.

[0081] 6, when it is determined that the dedicated memory is attached to the port 21, 22, the notification screen 44 is displayed in S46. Alternatively, when S42 and S43 are determined to be positive, the process may proceed to S46, where a save destination setting screen is displayed on the user IF 17. Furthermore, instead of displaying the save destination setting screen in S46, a confirmation screen 90 shown in FIG. 14 may be displayed. The confirmation screen 90 displays text 91 indicating that the USB memory to be used in the USB storage process is to be changed, a YES button 92, and a NO button 93. When the controller 13 detects that the YES button 92 has been operated on the confirmation screen 90 displayed on S51, the controller 13 proceeds to S53, where the USB memory attached to the port this time is set as the save destination to be used in the USB storage process. On the other hand, when the controller 13 detects that the NO button 93 has been operated on the confirmation screen 90, the process of FIG. 6 may be terminated. Furthermore, if it is determined in S42 that a USB memory not set as a dedicated memory has been inserted into port 21, 22, a screen other than function display screen 80 may be displayed in S55, S56. Even in this case, the screen displayed in S55, S56 may be a screen that can accept an instruction to select another process.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The port 22 was disposed on the side surface of the front unit. Alternatively, the port 22 may be disposed on the front surface of the front unit, that is, on the same side as the user IF 17. The MFP 10 may also include three or more ports.

[0084] In S42 of Fig. 6, it was determined whether or not management information 30 that can be decrypted by the encryption key 31 is stored in the USB memory 23. Instead, in S27 of Fig. 3, a unique numerical value is generated as determination information and stored in the USB memory 23. In S28, the same numerical value as the numerical value generated in S27 is stored in the internal memory 14 as identification information. In S42 of Fig. 6, if it is determined that the numerical value stored in the USB memory 23 and the numerical value stored in the internal memory 14 match, the process proceeds to S43, and if it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to S50.

[0085] The controller 13 may store the print data in the USB memory 23 without encrypting it. In this case, S67 in Fig. 12 and S90 in Fig. 13 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 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 process related to a stored print function can be executed, the stored print function being a function of storing print data corresponding to received job data in a dedicated memory and causing the print unit to print the print data stored in the dedicated memory in response to an operation accepted at the user interface, the dedicated memory being a memory among the portable memory in which the print data is stored in the stored print function; The controller: a setting process for setting the portable memory attached to the port as the dedicated memory by storing identification information in the portable memory attached to the port; a determination process for determining whether or not the portable memory is set as the dedicated memory based on the presence or absence of the storage of the identification information when the portable memory is attached to the port; a first display process for displaying a screen on the user interface when it is determined that the setting has been made in the dedicated memory by the determination process; a second display process for displaying, on the user interface, a screen including a screen different from the screen displayed by the first display process when it is determined by the determination process that the content is not set in the dedicated memory; Run In the first display process, a first screen for receiving a designation of a storage destination of the print data in the process related to the storage print function is displayed on the user interface; In the second display process, a second screen for accepting designation of a storage destination for the print data in a process related to the accumulated printing function, or a third screen for accepting an instruction to use the portable memory attached to the port in another process, the other process being a process related to a function different from the accumulated printing function, is displayed on the user interface, the other process being an image forming device.

2. The second display process displays, on the third screen, candidates for the other processes that use the portable memory attached to the port; The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the controller receives a selection instruction for one of the other processes displayed on the third screen, the controller sets the portable memory attached to the port as the portable memory to be used for the other process that is selected and instructed.

3. the memory interface has a plurality of the ports; the setting process includes a process of setting a dedicated port to which the dedicated memory is attached, among the plurality of ports; In the second display process, If the port to which the portable memory is attached is set as the dedicated port, the second screen is displayed; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third screen is displayed if the port to which the portable memory is attached is not set as the dedicated port.

4. In the second display process, when the port to which the portable memory is attached is not set as the dedicated port, If a different portable memory is already attached to the port that is set as the dedicated port, the other process is displayed on the third screen as a candidate process that uses the portable memory attached to the port; An image forming device as described in claim 3, wherein if a different portable memory is not attached to the port set as the dedicated port, the third screen displays a process related to the accumulated printing function and the other process as candidates for a process using the portable memory attached to the port.

5. In the second display process, if the dedicated port is not set, displaying the other process on the user interface as a candidate process that uses the removable memory attached to the port; An image forming device as described in claim 3, wherein when the dedicated port is set, the user interface displays processes related to the accumulated printing function and the other processes as candidates for processes using the portable memory attached to the port.

6. the memory interface has a plurality of the ports; the setting process includes a process of setting a dedicated port to which the dedicated memory is attached, among the plurality of ports; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the first display process, selection candidates according to storage destinations of the print data, which include the plurality of ports, are displayed on the first screen.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein in the first display process, one of the conditions for displaying the first screen is that the port to which the portable memory is attached is not set as the dedicated port.

8. 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 process related to a stored print function can be executed, the stored print function being a function of storing print data corresponding to received job data in a dedicated memory and causing the print unit to print the print data stored in the dedicated memory in response to an operation accepted at the user interface, the dedicated memory being a memory among the portable memory in which the print data is stored in the stored print function; The controller: a setting process for setting the portable memory attached to the port as the dedicated memory by storing identification information in the portable memory attached to the port; a determination process for determining whether or not the portable memory is set as the dedicated memory based on the presence or absence of the storage of the identification information when the portable memory is attached to the port; a first display process for displaying a screen on the user interface when it is determined that the setting has been made in the dedicated memory by the determination process; a second display process for displaying, on the user interface, a screen including a screen different from the screen displayed by the first display process when it is determined by the determination process that the content is not set in the dedicated memory; Run The setting process includes storing determination information paired with the identification information when setting the dedicated memory; In the judgment process, if the identification information that pairs with the determination information is not stored in the portable memory attached to the port, the image forming device determines that the portable memory is not set as the dedicated memory.

9. The controller: when the portable memory is set as a dedicated memory by the setting process, an encryption key is generated to be paired with the portable memory set as the dedicated memory; creating management information for the print data to be stored in the dedicated memory, encrypting the created management information with the encryption key, and storing the encrypted management information in the portable memory set as the dedicated memory, the determination information being the encryption key and the identification information being the management information; In the determination process, if the encrypted management information can be decrypted by the encryption key, the portable memory is determined to be a portable memory set as the dedicated memory; The controller: An image forming apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein, when updating the management information, the management information encrypted with the encryption key is decrypted, the decrypted management information is updated, and the updated management information is encrypted with the encryption key.

10. In the first display process, a first screen for accepting designation of a storage destination of the print data in the process related to the accumulated print function is displayed on the user interface; in the second display process, a second screen for receiving a designation of a storage destination of the print data in the process related to the stored print function, or a third screen for receiving an instruction to use the portable memory attached to the port in another process is displayed on the user interface, the other process being a process related to a function different from the stored print function; The second display process displays, on the third screen, candidates for the other processes that use the portable memory attached to the port; The controller: setting the portable memory attached to the port as the portable memory to be used in the other process specified on the third screen; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a warning is issued when the identification information that does not pair with the determination information is stored in the portable memory used in the other process.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the storage printing function includes a process of encrypting the print data in a format that cannot be used in the other processes, and storing the encrypted print data in the portable memory.

Images