Printing device and printing system

Abstract

To solve the problem in which a printing device switches a network to be connected according to a user or an output destination, but a configuration corresponding to communication data which the printing device communicates is not described.SOLUTION: A printing device for causing a display unit to display a setting screen includes: a communication unit that transmits and receives communication data; a setting unit that associates a setting according to a user's input via the setting screen with the communication data received by the communication unit; a storage unit that associates and stores the communication data with the setting; a control unit that controls communication of the corresponding communication data based on the setting stored in the storage unit; and a printing unit that prints.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a communication device that connects to a plurality of networks in consideration of security and functionality. The communication device described in Patent Document 1 is an image forming apparatus having a printer function. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of interfaces, and stores, in association with each other, the settings of the interfaces and a proxy server. The image forming apparatus switches the interfaces to connect to a plurality of networks. The image forming apparatus designates an interface to be used in association with a user, an output destination, etc., and switches the network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 switches the network to be connected according to the user and the output destination, but the configuration corresponding to the communication data communicated by the image forming apparatus is not described.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing device of the present disclosure is a printing device that displays a setting screen on a display unit, and includes a communication unit that transmits and receives communication data, a setting unit that associates a setting according to a user input via the setting screen with the communication data received by the communication unit, a storage unit that stores the communication data and the setting in association with each other, a control unit that performs control related to communication of the corresponding communication data based on the setting stored in the storage unit, and a printing unit that performs printing.

[0006] The printing system of the present disclosure is a printing system including a printing device and a storage device, and includes a communication unit that transmits and receives communication data, a setting unit that associates a setting according to a user input via a setting screen with the communication data received by the communication unit, a control unit that performs control related to communication of the communication data based on the setting corresponding to the communication data, a printing unit that performs printing, and a storage unit that stores the setting and the communication data in association with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of the printer 1. The printer 1 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus. The printer 1 includes a reading unit 10 that reads a document, a printing unit 20 that performs printing, and a display 30. The printer 1 has a printing function for printing on a medium, and a copying function for reading a document and printing the read reading data on the medium. The printer 1 may have a scanning function for reading a document, generating and storing the read reading data, and a fax function for faxing the reading data or data received from the outside. The fax function has a function of receiving fax data from the outside. The printer 1 may have a data transmission function for transmitting the reading data or data received from the outside to an external device. The printer 1 may have a calling function for making a call and a mail function for sending a mail.

[0009] The reading unit 10 is placed on the reading unit mounting table 12. The reading unit 10 includes a mounting tray 13 on which a document is placed, and a document discharge tray 14 from which the document conveyed along the conveyance path is discharged. The reading unit 10 conveys the document placed on the mounting tray 13 along the conveyance path to the document discharge tray 14. A reading sensor (not shown) is provided in the conveyance path of the reading unit 10. The reading sensor reads the image formed on the document. The reading unit 10 corresponds to an example of a reading unit.

[0010] The printing unit 20 includes a paper feed cassette 21 for placing a medium, a printing mechanism 23, a printed matter discharge tray 25 for discharging the medium printed by the printing mechanism 23, a processor 27 for performing various controls, and a storage device 40. The printing mechanism 23 of the present embodiment is an inkjet recording head that discharges ink onto the medium for recording, but a mechanism other than the inkjet recording head may be used. The printing unit 20 corresponds to an example of a printing section.

[0011] As an option, the printing unit 20 may include a post-processing mechanism (not shown). The post-processing mechanism performs various processes on the printed matter printed by the printing unit 20. The processes executed by the post-processing mechanism include staple processing for binding a plurality of printed matters with a needle or the like, punch processing for making holes in the printed matter, folding processing for folding the printed matter in half or the like, and shift processing for discharging a plurality of printed matters shifted by each part. The post-processing mechanism performs one or more of these processes.

[0012] The display 30 displays an operation screen or the like for performing operations such as those of the printer 1 based on display data. Details of the operation screen will be described later. The display data is received via an input / output interface 70 described later. The display 30 may be a touch panel that accepts touch operations by the user. The printer 1 in FIG. 1 includes the display 30, but is not limited thereto. The display 30 may be an external unit connected to the printer 1.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the functional blocks of the printer 1. The functional blocks in FIG. 2 show the case where an external display 30 is connected to the printer 1. The printer 1 includes a reading unit 10, a printing unit 20, a storage device 40, a control unit 50, a communication interface 60, and an input / output interface 70. The display 30 is connected to the printer 1.

[0014] The display 30 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, a panel such as an organic EL (electro-luminescence), and displays an operation screen or the like based on display data. The display 30 may be a touch panel provided with a touch sensor (not shown). The touch sensor detects various touch operations input by the user. The display 30 receives various display data from the printer 1 and performs a display based on the received display data. The display 30 corresponds to an example of a display unit.

[0015] The storage device 40 stores various programs such as a reading control program for controlling the operation of the reading unit 10, a printing control program for controlling the operation of the printing unit 20, and a display control program 45 for controlling the display of the display 30. These programs may be configured in one or more packages. The storage device 40 stores various data including printing data described later. The printing data indicates data used by the printer 1 for printing, and includes data in a general file format such as pdf, a print job transmitted from a printer driver of an external device, and the like. The printing data corresponds to an example of communication data. The display control program 45 controls various displays to be displayed on the display 30, such as control for switching the operation screen and control for changing the display state of various icons and the like displayed on the operation screen. The storage device 40 is composed of a semiconductor memory element such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The storage device 40 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that constitutes a work area. The storage device 40 may be configured by a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a combination of a magnetic storage device and a semiconductor storage device. The storage device 40 corresponds to an example of a storage unit.

[0016] The control unit 50 controls each part of the printer 1. The control unit 50 is a controller including a processor 27. The control unit 50 executes various programs stored in the storage device 40. The control unit 50 transmits or receives various data via the input / output interface 70 described later. The data received via the input / output interface 70 includes instructions from the user. The control unit 50 controls the reading unit 10, the printing unit 20, the display 30, the storage device 40, the communication interface 60, and the input / output interface 70 based on the received instructions from the user. The control unit 50 corresponds to an example of a control section.

[0017] The control unit 50 includes a display control unit 51 and a data processing unit 53. The display control unit 51 is a functional unit realized by the control unit 50 executing a display control program 45. The display control unit 51 generates display data to be transmitted to the display 30. The display control unit 51 transmits the generated display data to the display 30 and controls the display of the display 30. The display control unit 51 receives various instructions from the user via the input / output interface 70. The display control unit 51 generates setting screen data for causing the display 30 to display a setting screen for allowing the user to input settings related to print data such as communication settings as display data. The display control unit 51 corresponds to an example of a display control section. The setting screen data corresponds to an example of screen information.

[0018] The data processing unit 53 adds various settings to the print data. The data processing unit 53 adds settings based on the information input by the user on the setting screen to the print data. The print data with settings added is stored in the storage device 40. The data processing unit 53 adds settings to the print data based on the information previously input by the administrator of the printer 1. The data processing unit 53 adds settings by methods such as adding tags including settings to the print data and incorporating settings into the print data. The data processing unit 53 corresponds to an example of a setting section.

[0019] The communication interface 60 communicates with an external device detailed in FIG. 3, receives print data and the like from the external device, and transmits the print data and the like stored in the storage device 40 to the external device. An example of the connection between the communication interface 60 and the external device is a local area connection conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The local area connection may be a wired connection via a cable or a wireless connection conforming to the Ethernet standard or the like. When the printer 1 has a fax function, the communication interface 60 makes a fax communication connection. When the printer 1 is connected to an external server such as a cloud server or a data server, the communication interface 60 makes an Internet connection via the Internet communication network 110. When the communication interface 60 makes a wireless connection by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication connection, it may be connected via a public wireless LAN line. The communication interface 60 corresponds to an example of the communication unit. Any two of the communication paths used for the local area connection, the communication path used for the Internet connection, the communication path used for the Wi-Fi communication connection, and the communication path used for the fax communication connection correspond to examples of the first communication path and the second communication path.

[0020] The input / output interface 70 is connected to the display 30 and outputs display data to the display 30. The input / output interface 70 is connected to an input device (not shown) and inputs input data such as an instruction from the user. The input device may be an operation panel provided in the printer 1 or a mouse or the like connected to the printer 1. When the display 30 is provided with a touch sensor, the input data may be data detected by the touch sensor. The input / output interface 70 may be composed of input / output terminals that are wired-connected to a cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, or may be a wireless communication element such as near-field wireless communication.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a printing system 1000 including a printer 1. FIG. 3 shows various communication networks and devices connected to the various communication networks. Each device except the printer 1 in FIG. 3 is an external device. The printer 1 is connected to various devices via a local area network 100, an Internet communication network 110, and a telephone communication network 120.

[0022] The local area network 100 connects various devices according to the Ethernet standard. FIG. 3 shows a case where a printer 1, a PC (Personal Computer) 102, a tablet terminal 104, an HDD 106, and a router 108 are connected as devices. The printer 1, the PC 102, the HDD 106, and the router 108 are connected to each other using LAN cables. The printer 1 transmits and receives print data and the like to and from the PC 102 and the HDD 106 within the local area network 100. The tablet terminal 104 is wirelessly connected to the router 108 via Wi-Fi communication and transmits and receives print data and the like to and from the printer 1 and the PC 102 within the local area network 100. The tablet terminal 104 and the printer 1 may transmit and receive print data and the like via Wi-Fi communication connection. The router 108 connects the local area network 100 and the Internet communication network 110.

[0023] The Internet communication network 110 is a communication network that connects various devices according to the Internet protocol. FIG. 3 shows a case where a server 112 and a notebook PC 114 are connected via the Internet communication network 110. The server 112 and the notebook PC 114 are connected to the printer 1 via the Internet communication network 110 and the router 108 to perform transmission and reception of print data and the like. The server 112 and the notebook PC 114 are connected to the PC 102 and the tablet terminal 104 within the local area network 100 via the Internet communication network 110 and the router 108.

[0024] The telephone communication network 120 is a telephone line for sending and receiving fax data. FIG. 3 shows the case where the fax 122 is connected to the telephone communication network 120. The printer 1 sends and receives fax data to and from the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120. The fax data corresponds to an example of print data.

[0025] Any two of the communication paths between the printer 1 and the PC 102 within the local area network 100, the communication path between the printer 1 and the tablet terminal 104 via Wi-Fi communication connection, the communication path between the printer 1 and the server 112 via the Internet communication network 110, the communication path between the printer 1 and the notebook PC 114 via the Internet communication network 110, and the communication path between the printer 1 and the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120 correspond to an example of the first communication path or the second communication path. Using these communication paths, the printer 1 receives or transmits print data. By using these communication paths, the printer 1 can receive or transmit print data and the like from each terminal.

[0026] First Embodiment The first embodiment shows the case where the user of the printer 1 makes settings for the print data. Each operation screen of the first embodiment is a screen displayed on the display 30 having a touch sensor. FIG. 4 shows a file setting screen 201 which is one of the operation screens. The file setting screen 201 displays a copy instruction button 210, a print instruction button 212, a fax instruction button 214, a data transmission instruction button 216, and a file setting list 220. The copy instruction button 210, the print instruction button 212, the fax instruction button 214, and the data transmission instruction button 216 are headers displayed independently of the file setting list 220. The file setting list 220 displays a file setting column 221, a print size setting column 222, a print type setting column 223, a magnification setting column 224, a communication setting button 225, a detailed setting button 226, a decision button 227, and a close button 229.

[0027] The copy instruction button 210, print instruction button 212, fax instruction button 214, and data transmission instruction button 216 are icons that receive input from the user. When the user touches the icon, the display 30 receives the input as an instruction from the user. If the display 30 does not have a touch sensor, the user operates an operation panel (not shown), and the control unit 50 receives the instruction from the user.

[0028] The copy instruction button 210 receives input from the user. When the copy instruction button 210 receives input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a copy instruction for the document as an instruction from the user and switches to the copy setting screen. The print instruction button 212 receives input from the user. When the print instruction button 212 receives input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a print instruction to the medium as an instruction from the user and switches to the print setting screen. The fax instruction button 214 receives input from the user. When the fax instruction button 214 receives input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a fax transmission instruction as an instruction from the user and switches to the fax setting screen. The data transmission instruction button 216 receives input from the user. When the data transmission instruction button 216 receives input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to instruct the transmission of print data and the like to an external device via the communication interface 60 and switches to the communication setting screen 202 described later. If the printer 1 does not include a reading unit 10 as an example, the copy instruction button 210 is not displayed on the file setting screen 201.

[0029] The file setting list 220 is a list image for allowing the user to input various settings related to files such as print data. The file setting list 220 displays a file setting column 221, a print size setting column 222, a print type setting column 223, a magnification setting column 224, a communication setting button 225, a detailed setting button 226, a determination button 227, and a close button 229.

[0030] The file setting column 221 displays the file name of the specified print data. The file setting column 221 displays the file name of the print data specified by the user among the plurality of print data stored in the storage device 40. FIG. 4 shows the case where the print data of the file name 2021001.pdf is specified.

[0031] The print size setting column 222 displays the media size input by the user. The print size setting column 222 displays the media size set for the paper feed cassette 21 of the printing unit 20. FIG. 4 shows the case where the A4 size is specified as the media size.

[0032] The print type setting column 223 displays the print type input by the user. The print type includes color printing, monochrome printing, two-color printing, etc. FIG. 4 shows the case where color printing is specified as the print type by user input.

[0033] The magnification setting column 224 displays the magnification input by the user. The magnification indicates the ratio of enlargement or reduction when printing on the media by the printing unit 20. FIG. 4 shows the case where the magnification specified by user input is 100%. A magnification of 100% indicates printing at the same magnification.

[0034] The communication setting button 225 accepts input from the user. When the communication setting button 225 accepts input from the user, the display control unit 51 receives a communication setting instruction for the print data as an instruction from the user based on the user input. When the display control unit 51 receives the communication setting instruction, it generates setting screen data for displaying the communication setting screen 202 of FIG. 5 on the display 30 as an operation screen, and transmits it to the display 30.

[0035] The detailed settings button 226 accepts input from the user. When the detailed settings button 226 accepts input from the user, the display control unit 51 receives a print detailed settings instruction as an instruction from the user based on the user input. When the display control unit 51 receives the print detailed settings instruction, it generates detailed settings screen data for displaying a detailed settings screen (not shown) on the display 30 and transmits it to the display 30. The detailed settings screen is a screen for allowing the user to input print settings not displayed in the file settings list 220.

[0036] The OK button 227 accepts input from the user. When the OK button 227 accepts input from the user, the control unit 50 receives various settings set in the file settings list 220 as an instruction from the user based on the user input. The OK button 227 is displayed not only on the file settings screen 201 but also on other settings screens such as the communication settings screen 202 described later. When the OK button 227 displayed on another settings screen accepts input from the user, the display control unit 51 or the data processing unit 53 receives the various settings.

[0037] The close button 229 accepts input from the user. When the close button 229 accepts input from the user, the display control unit 51 receives a non-display instruction to make the list image non-displayed as an instruction from the user. The close button 229 is displayed not only on the file settings screen 201 but also on the communication settings screen 202 described later. When the close button 229 displayed in the file settings list 220 accepts input from the user, the display control unit 51 receives the non-display instruction as an instruction from the user, closes the file settings list 220, and makes it non-displayed.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the communication settings screen 202 which is one of the operation screens. The communication settings screen 202 is displayed on the display 30 when the user designates print data in the file settings column 221 in the file settings list 220 of FIG. 4 and the communication settings button 225 accepts an input by the user. The communication settings screen 202 is used when the user performs communication settings for the print data. The communication settings screen 202 is an image displayed on the display 30 based on the settings screen data transmitted by the display control unit 51 to the display 30. The communication settings screen 202 is generated by the display control unit 51. The communication settings screen 202 corresponds to an example of the settings screen. The settings screen data for causing the display 30 to display the communication settings screen 202 is an example of the display data and corresponds to an example of the screen information.

[0039] The communication settings screen 202 displays a copy instruction button 210, a print instruction button 212, a fax instruction button 214, a data transmission instruction button 216, and a communication settings list 230. The copy instruction button 210, the print instruction button 212, the fax instruction button 214, and the data transmission instruction button 216 are the same as the copy instruction button 210, the print instruction button 212, the fax instruction button 214, and the data transmission instruction button 216 displayed on the file settings screen 201.

[0040] The communication settings list 230 is a list image for allowing the user to input various settings related to communication. The communication settings list 230 displays a first communication path display column 231A, a second communication path display column 231B, a third communication path display column 231C, a fourth communication path display column 231D, a first communication path setting column 232A, a second communication path setting column 232B, a third communication path setting column 232C, a fourth communication path setting column 232D, a determination button 227, a close button 229, and a settings file display column 235. The determination button 227 and the close button 229 are the same as the determination button 227 and the close button 229 displayed on the file settings screen 201.

[0041] The first communication path display column 231A, the second communication path display column 231B, the third communication path display column 231C, and the fourth communication path display column 231D display information indicating the communication paths connected to the printer 1. The printer 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a communication path used for local area connection, a communication path used for Internet connection, a communication path used for Wi-Fi communication connection, and a communication path used for fax communication connection. The first communication path display column 231A, the second communication path display column 231B, the third communication path display column 231C, and the fourth communication path display column 231D display all the communication paths connected to the printer 1. When the number of communication paths connected to the printer 1 is three or less, the display control unit 51 generates communication setting screen data with the communication path display columns displayed in the communication setting list 230 reduced, and causes the display 30 to display it. When the number of communication paths connected to the printer 1 is five or more, the display control unit 51 generates communication setting screen data with the communication path display columns displayed in the communication setting list 230 increased, and causes the display 30 to display it.

[0042] The first communication path display column 231A in FIG. 5 displays "FAX" indicating a fax communication connection. The fax communication connection is, for example, communication using a fax communication path in which the printer 1 and the fax 122 in FIG. 3 are connected via the telephone communication network 120. The second communication path display column 231B in FIG. 5 displays "Ethernet" indicating a local area connection. The local area connection is, for example, communication using a communication path in which the printer 1 and the PC 102 in FIG. 3 are connected in accordance with the Ethernet standard via a LAN cable. The third communication path display column 231C displays "Wi-Fi" indicating a Wi-Fi communication connection. The Wi-Fi communication connection is, for example, communication using a Wi-Fi communication path in which the printer 1 and the tablet terminal 104 in FIG. 3 are wirelessly connected via the router 108. The fourth communication path display column 231D displays "Internet" indicating an Internet connection. The Internet connection is, for example, communication using an Internet communication path in which the printer 1 and the server 112 in FIG. 3 are connected via the Internet communication network 110.

[0043] The first communication path setting column 232A displays the settings input by the user. The first communication path setting column 232A displays the settings of the communication path displayed in the first communication path display column 231A. The first communication path setting column 232A in FIG. 5 displays "not available", indicating that the fax communication connection is not available for communication.

[0044] The second communication path setting column 232B displays the settings input by the user. The second communication path setting column 232B displays the settings of the communication path displayed in the second communication path display column 231B. The second communication path setting column 232B in FIG. 5 displays "available", indicating that the local area connection is available for communication.

[0045] The third communication path setting column 232C displays the settings input by the user. The third communication path setting column 232C displays the settings of the communication path displayed in the third communication path display column 231C. The third communication path setting column 232C in FIG. 5 displays "not available", indicating that the Wi-Fi communication connection is not available for communication.

[0046] The fourth communication path setting column 232D displays the settings input by the user. The fourth communication path setting column 232D displays the settings of the communication path displayed in the fourth communication path display column 231D. The second communication path setting column 234 in FIG. 5 displays "available", "not available", and "automatic" as options. "Available" is a setting that permits communication on the communication path displayed in the fourth communication path display column 231D. "Not available" is a setting that makes the communication path displayed in the fourth communication path display column 231D unavailable for communication. "Automatic" is a setting that sets the communication settings on the communication path displayed in the fourth communication path display column 231D to automatic settings. "Automatic" indicates automatic settings by the control unit 50 based on the settings on the administrator communication setting screen 204 set by the administrator of the printer 1 described later.

[0047] The setting file display column 235 displays the file name of the print data to be set. The setting file display column 235 in FIG. 5 displays the file name 2021001.pdf of the print data specified in the file setting column 221 in FIG. 4. The setting file display column 235 displays the file name of the print data specified by the user among the plurality of print data stored in the storage device 40.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows the case where options are displayed in the fourth communication path setting column 232D, but the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, and the third communication path setting column 232C also display the same options. When the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, the third communication path setting column 232C, and the fourth communication path setting column 232D have not been input by the user, they may display a blank or display the default setting. When the user has not operated the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, the third communication path setting column 232C, and the fourth communication path setting column 232D, "Automatic" may be displayed as the default setting.

[0049] When the determination button 227 receives an input from the user while the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, the third communication path setting column 232C, and the fourth communication path setting column 232D are displaying settings, the data processing unit 53 receives the settings displayed in the communication setting list 230. The data processing unit 53 adds the settings associated with the communication path to the print data displayed in the setting file display column 235. The settings associated with the communication path correspond to an example of the settings related to the communication data. The print data with the settings added is stored in the storage device 40.

[0050] As described above, the printer 1 causes the display 30 to display a setting screen. A communication interface 60 that transmits and receives print data, a data processing unit 53 that associates settings corresponding to user input via the setting screen with the print data received by the communication interface 60, a storage device 40 that stores the print data and the settings in association with each other, a control unit 50 that controls communication of the corresponding print data based on the settings stored in the storage device 40, and a print unit 20 that performs printing. The user can set control-related settings for the print data received by the printer 1.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a communication setting screen 202 in which communication settings are set. FIG. 6 shows the communication setting screen 202 when the following communication settings are made for the file name 2021001.pdf specified in the file setting column 221 of FIG. 4. The first communication path display column 231A in FIG. 6 displays "fax", and the first communication path setting column 232A in FIG. 6 displays "not available". The second communication path display column 231B in FIG. 6 displays "Ethernet", and the second communication path setting column 232B in FIG. 6 displays "available". The third communication path display column 231C in FIG. 6 displays "Wi-Fi", and the third communication path setting column 232C in FIG. 6 displays "not available". The fourth communication path display column 231D in FIG. 6 displays "Internet", and the fourth communication path setting column 232D in FIG. 6 displays "not available". The setting file display column 235 displays the file name 2021001.pdf. FIG. 6 represents a setting in which communication via Ethernet connection is permitted for the print data of the file name 2021001.pdf, and communication via fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection is not permitted. The setting of permitting communication via Ethernet connection and not permitting communication via fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection corresponds to an example of the first setting.

[0052] When the decision button 227 receives an input from the user, the data processing unit 53 receives a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection and prohibits communication via fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection. The data processing unit 53 adds a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection and prohibits communication via fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection to the print data corresponding to the file name displayed in the setting file display column 235. The data processing unit 53 transmits the print data with the added setting to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 stores the received print data.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows another communication setting screen 202 with communication settings configured. FIG. 7 shows the communication setting screen 202 when the following communication settings different from those in FIG. 6 are input for the file name 2021001.pdf specified in the file setting column 221 of FIG. 4. The first communication path display column 231A in FIG. 7 shows "Fax", and the first communication path setting column 232A in FIG. 7 shows "Enabled". The second communication path display column 231B in FIG. 7 shows "Ethernet", and the second communication path setting column 232B in FIG. 7 shows "Enabled". The third communication path display column 231C in FIG. 7 shows "Wi-Fi", and the third communication path setting column 232C in FIG. 7 shows "Enabled". The fourth communication path display column 231D in FIG. 7 shows "Internet", and the fourth communication path setting column 232D in FIG. 7 shows "Enabled". The setting file display column 235 shows the file name 2021001.pdf. FIG. 7 represents a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection for the print data of the file name 2021001.pdf. The setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, permits communication via fax communication connection, permits communication via Wi-Fi communication connection, and permits communication via Internet connection corresponds to an example of the second setting.

[0054] When the decision button 227 receives an input from the user, the data processing unit 53 receives a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, communication via fax communication connection, communication via Wi-Fi communication connection, and communication via Internet connection. The data processing unit 53 adds a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, communication via fax communication connection, communication via Wi-Fi communication connection, and communication via Internet connection to the print data corresponding to the file name displayed in the setting file display column 235. The data processing unit 53 transmits the print data with the added setting to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 stores the received print data.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the first setting added to the print data permits transmission of the print data via Ethernet connection and does not permit transmission of the print data via fax communication connection. Also, the first setting added to the print data does not permit transmission of the print data via Wi-Fi communication connection and does not permit transmission of the print data via Internet connection. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the second setting added to the print data permits transmission of the print data via Ethernet connection and permits transmission of the print data via fax communication connection. Also, the second setting added to the print data permits transmission of the print data via Wi-Fi communication connection and permits transmission of the print data via Internet connection. The user can set the print data for each communication path. As an example, the user can make a setting to restrict transmission of the print data via fax communication connection for which transmission is to be restricted for security reasons.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a first data transmission execution screen 203A which is one of the operation screens. The first data transmission execution screen 203A is displayed on the display 30 when the data transmission instruction button 216 receives an input by the user. The first data transmission execution screen 203A displays a data transmission setting list 240. The data transmission setting list 240 displays a destination setting column 241 and a transmission file setting column 242.

[0057] The transmission file setting column 242 displays the file name of the designated print data. The transmission file setting column 242 displays the file name of the print data designated by the user among the plurality of print data stored in the storage device 40. FIG. 8 shows the case where the print data with the file name 2021001.pdf is designated.

[0058] The destination setting column 241 displays the setting of the destination designated by the user. The destination setting column 241 in FIG. 8 indicates the fax of a predetermined telephone number as the destination. The fax of the predetermined telephone number indicates the fax 122 in FIG. 3 as an example. When the destination is the fax 122, the path from the printer 1 to the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120 corresponds to the communication path.

[0059] The file setting column 221 in FIG. 8 displays the file name of the print data designated by the user. The print data to be designated is the print data stored in the storage device 40 and added with settings. FIG. 8 shows the case where the file name 2021001.pdf is designated.

[0060] The transmission button 245 receives an input by the user. When the transmission button 245 receives an input by the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data designated in the file setting column 221 to the destination designated in the destination setting column 241. When the transmission button 245 on the first data transmission execution screen 203A in FIG. 8 receives an input by the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data with the file name 2021001.pdf to the telephone number XX-XXXX-XXXX.

[0061] When the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction, it acquires the settings added to the print data. The control unit 50 controls based on the acquired settings. When the acquired settings are the first settings set on the communication settings screen 202 in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 controls based on the first settings set on the communication settings screen 202 in FIG. 6. The first settings set on the communication settings screen 202 in FIG. 6 are settings that disallow communication via the fax communication connection. Since the received transmission instruction is communication via the fax communication path, the control unit 50 grays out the transmit button 245 so as not to transmit the specified print data to the fax of a predetermined telephone number, and issues an error notification indicating that permission to transmit the print data is not granted.

[0062] When the destination displayed in the destination setting field 241 in FIG. 8 is the PC 102 in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to the PC 102. In the case of the first settings, communication via the Ethernet connection is permitted for the print data specified in the file setting field 221. Since the communication path from the printer 1 to the PC 102 is an Ethernet connection, transmission to the PC 102 is communication via the Ethernet connection. When the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction using the Ethernet connection as the communication path, the control unit 50 transmits the specified print data to the PC 102.

[0063] As described above, the control unit 50 controls the transmission of print data based on the user's instruction. The control unit 50 can perform control corresponding to the settings. When the first settings correspond to the print data and the user's instruction is to transmit via the Ethernet connection, the control unit 50 controls to transmit the print data via the Ethernet. When the first settings correspond to the print data and the user's instruction is to transmit via the fax communication connection, the control unit 50 controls not to transmit the print data via the fax communication connection. Printer 1 can perform communication with a restricted communication path based on the settings set in the print data. As an example, the user can restrict sending print data to fax communication for which transmission is to be restricted for security reasons.

[0064] When the acquired settings are the settings set in the communication settings screen 202 of FIG. 7, the control unit 50 performs control based on the second settings set in the communication settings screen 202 of FIG. 7. The second settings set in the communication settings screen 202 of FIG. 7 are settings that permit communication in a fax communication connection. Since the received transmission instruction is communication using the fax communication path, the control unit 50 permits sending the print data. The control unit 50 sends the specified print data to the fax at a predetermined telephone number.

[0065] When the destination displayed in the destination setting field 241 in FIG. 8 is the PC 102 in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to the PC 102. The print data specified in the file setting field 221 is permitted communication in an Ethernet connection in the case of the second settings. Since the communication path from the printer 1 to the PC 102 is an Ethernet connection, the transmission to the PC 102 is communication in an Ethernet connection. When the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction using the Ethernet connection as the communication path, the control unit 50 sends the specified print data to the PC 102.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the second settings correspond to the print data and the user's instruction is to send via the Ethernet connection, the control unit 50 performs control to send the print data via the Ethernet connection. When the second settings correspond to the print data and the user's instruction is to send via the fax communication connection, the control unit 50 performs control to send the print data via the fax communication connection. The user can control the transmission for each communication path. When communication restrictions are not required for both paths, the user can make the same settings.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows the processing flow of print data. FIG. 9 shows the control flow executed by the control unit 50 including the display control unit 51 and the data processing unit 53. FIG. 9 shows the control flow when the first user makes communication settings for the print data on the communication setting screen 202 of FIG. 5.

[0068] In step S101, the control unit 50 acquires the print data. The control unit 50 acquires the print data previously stored in the storage device 40 by the first user. Previously, the control unit 50 may receive the print data transmitted from an external device to the printer 1 by the first user via the communication interface 60 and store it in the storage device 40. The external device is the PC 102, tablet terminal 104, HDD 106, server 112, notebook PC 114, etc. shown in FIG. 3. When the printer 1 is equipped with the reading unit 10, the reading data read by the reading unit 10 may be acquired as the print data. At this time, the print data to be acquired does not have the settings related to the communication path added.

[0069] After acquiring the print data, in step S103, the control unit 50 generates communication setting screen data for displaying the communication setting screen 202 for performing communication settings on the acquired print data. As an example of the control flow, when the print data is specified in the file setting column 221 of the file setting screen 201 shown in FIG. 4 and the input by the first user is received by the communication setting button 225, the control unit 50 receives the display instruction for the communication setting screen 202. When receiving the display instruction, the control unit 50 generates communication setting screen data for displaying the communication setting screen 202. The file name displayed in the setting file display column 235 of the communication setting screen 202 is the file name of the acquired print data.

[0070] The control unit 50 transmits the communication setting screen data generated via the input / output interface 70 to the display 30. The display 30 displays the communication setting screen 202 based on the received communication setting screen data. The communication setting screen data corresponds to an example of the screen information.

[0071] After the control unit 50 transmits the communication setting screen data to the display 30, in step S105, the data processing unit 53 receives the setting related to the communication path. The setting related to the communication path is set by the input of the first user to the communication setting screen 202 displayed on the display 30. The setting related to the communication path is a setting associated with the communication path and is an example of the setting related to the communication data. The first user inputs to the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, the third communication path setting column 232C, and the fourth communication path setting column 232D of the communication setting screen 202 in FIG. 5. After the first user inputs each column and inputs to the determination button 227, the data processing unit 53 receives the setting related to the communication path.

[0072] After the data processing unit 53 receives the setting related to the communication path, the data processing unit 53 adds the setting related to the communication path to the print data corresponding to the file name displayed in the setting file display column 235. After the data processing unit 53 adds the setting related to the communication path to the print data, in step S107, the data processing unit 53 transmits the print data with the setting related to the communication path added to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 stores the print data with the setting related to the communication path added.

[0073] The data processing unit 53 may add the print setting related to the printing in the printing unit 20 in the same manner as the setting related to the communication path. The print setting is a setting for causing the printing unit 20 to execute printing or a setting for not causing the printing unit 20 to execute printing. The data processing unit 53 may add the print setting to the print data in association with the setting related to the communication path. As an example, when the first setting is added to the print data, the data processing unit 53 adds a setting for causing the printing unit 20 to execute printing as the print setting. When the second setting is added to the print data, the data processing unit 53 adds a setting for causing the printing unit 20 to execute printing as the print setting.

[0074] FIG. 10 shows the processing flow of the print data. Figure 10 shows the control flow executed by the control unit 50 including the display control unit 51 and the data processing unit 53. Figure 10 shows the control flow when the second user reads the print data with the settings stored in the storage device 40 added and causes the print data to be transmitted to a predetermined destination. Figure 10 shows the case where the fax 122 or the PC 102 in FIG. 3 is designated as the transmission destination. Figure 10 shows the case of transmitting the print data with the first setting or the second setting added. The first setting is a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection and prohibits communication via fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection. The second setting is a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection.

[0075] In step S109, the control unit 50 receives an instruction to transmit print data. The second user designates the print data in the transmission file setting field 242 and the transmission destination in the transmission destination setting field 241 within the first data transmission execution screen 203A in FIG. 8. After designating the print data and the transmission destination, the second user inputs to the transmission button 245. When the touch sensor of the display 30 receives the input to the transmission button 245, the control unit 50 receives an instruction to transmit print data.

[0076] When the control unit 50 receives an instruction to transmit print data, in step S110, it reads out the print data stored in the storage device 40. The print data to be read out is the print data corresponding to the file name designated in the transmission file setting field 242 within the first data transmission execution screen 203A.

[0077] After reading the print data, the control unit 50 acquires the destination specified in the destination setting field 241 in the first data transmission execution screen 203A of FIG. 8. In step S111, the control unit 50 determines the communication connection and the communication path based on the acquired destination. When the specified destination is the PC 102, the communication connection is an Ethernet connection, and the communication path is the path from the printer 1 to the PC 102 via the local area network 100. The communication path in the Ethernet connection corresponds to an example of the first communication path. When the specified destination is the fax 122, the communication connection is a fax communication connection, and the communication path is the path from the printer 1 to the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120. The communication path in the fax communication connection corresponds to an example of the second communication path.

[0078] In step S111, when the control unit 50 determines that the communication connection of the destination is a fax communication connection and is the second communication path, it proceeds to step S121.

[0079] In step S121, the control unit 50 acquires the setting related to the communication path added to the print data. When the acquired setting related to the communication path is the first setting, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S123. The first setting is a setting that permits communication in the Ethernet connection and does not permit communication in the fax communication connection, Wi-Fi communication connection, and Internet connection. Communication in the fax communication connection is not permitted. The control unit 50 transmits display data for graying out the transmission button 245 in FIG. 8 to the display 30, and does not permit input by the second user at the transmission button 245. The second user cannot operate the transmission button 245 and cannot transmit the print data. The control unit 50 may also transmit a message indicating that transmission of the print data is not permitted to the display 30. The display 30 receives and displays the message.

[0080] When the setting related to the obtained communication path is the second setting, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S125. The second setting is a setting that permits communication via Ethernet connection, communication via fax communication connection, communication via Wi-Fi communication connection, and communication via Internet connection, and communication via fax communication connection is permitted. The control unit 50 transmits data indicating permission for the second user to operate the transmission button 245. When the second user operates the transmission button 245, the control unit 50 transmits the print data to the destination.

[0081] In step S111, when the control unit 50 determines that the communication connection of the destination is an Ethernet connection and is the first communication path, it proceeds to step S131.

[0082] In step S131, the control unit 50 acquires the setting related to the communication path added to the print data. When the acquired setting related to the communication path is the first setting and the second setting, it proceeds to step S135. The first setting and the second setting permit communication via Ethernet connection. The control unit 50 transmits data indicating permission for the second user to operate the transmission button 245. When the second user operates the transmission button 245, the control unit 50 transmits the print data to the destination.

[0083] When print settings are added to the print data, the control unit 50 performs control based on the settings acquired in step S121 or step S131. When the second user designates print data with print settings added on a print execution screen (not shown), the control unit 50 reads out the print data. When a setting prohibiting printing is added to the print data, the control unit 50 transmits data indicating prohibition of printing to the display 30, grays out the print button included in the print execution screen, and prohibits printing. When a setting permitting printing is added to the print data, the control unit 50 transmits data indicating permission of printing to the display 30 and enables the second user to operate the print button included in the print execution screen.

[0084] Second Embodiment The second embodiment shows a case where a manager who manages the printer 1 makes settings. The manager corresponds to an example of a user. The printer 1 stores administrator privilege information for each user, and determines whether the user of the printer 1 is an administrator based on the stored administrator privilege information. When the printer 1 determines that the user has a first privilege that permits input to the administrator communication setting screen 204 described later, the printer 1 determines that the user is an administrator. When the printer 1 determines that the user has a second privilege that does not permit input to the administrator communication setting screen 204, the printer 1 determines that the user is not an administrator. The operation screen of the second embodiment is a screen displayed on the display 30 having a touch sensor. The configurations of the printer 1 and the printing system 1000 used in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. For configurations with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0085] FIG. 11 shows an administrator communication setting screen 204 used by an administrator, which is one of the operation screens. The administrator communication setting screen 204 is an image displayed on the display 30 based on the administrator communication setting screen data transmitted by the display control unit 51 to the display 30. The administrator communication setting screen 204 is generated by the display control unit 51. The administrator communication setting screen 204 corresponds to an example of a setting screen. The administrator communication setting screen data for causing the display 30 to display the administrator communication setting screen 204 is an example of display data and corresponds to an example of screen information.

[0086] The administrator communication settings screen 204 displays a copy instruction button 210, a print instruction button 212, a fax instruction button 214, a data transmission instruction button 216, and an administrator communication settings list 250. The administrator communication settings list 250 is a list image that allows the administrator to input various settings related to the communication path. The administrator communication settings list 250 displays a reception path input field 251, a first transmission path display column 253A, a first transmission path setting column 254A, a second transmission path display column 253B, a second transmission path setting column 254B, a third transmission path display column 253C, a third transmission path setting column 254C, a fourth transmission path display column 253D, a fourth transmission path setting column 254D, a decision button 227, and a close button 229.

[0087] The reception path input field 251 displays the communication connection associated with the communication path. The communication connection to be displayed is the communication connection input and specified by the administrator, such as an Ethernet connection, an Internet connection, a Wi-Fi communication connection, a fax communication connection, etc. "Ethernet" in FIG. 11 indicates an Ethernet connection. The communication connection displayed in the reception path input field 251 indicates the communication connection for receiving print data.

[0088] The first transmission path display column 253A, the second transmission path display column 253B, the third transmission path display column 253C, and the fourth transmission path display column 253D display the communication connections associated with the communication path. The communication connections to be displayed are an Ethernet connection, an Internet connection, a Wi-Fi communication connection, and a fax communication connection.

[0089] The first transmission path setting column 254A displays the settings related to the communication in the communication connection displayed in the first transmission path display column 253A. The second transmission path setting column 254B displays the settings related to the communication in the communication connection displayed in the second transmission path display column 253B. The third transmission path setting column 254C displays the settings related to the communication in the communication connection displayed in the third transmission path display column 253C. The fourth transmission path setting column 254D displays the settings related to the communication in the communication connection displayed in the fourth transmission path display column 253D. The first transmission path setting column 254A, the second transmission path setting column 254B, the third transmission path setting column 254C, and the fourth transmission path setting column 254D are input by the administrator. The first transmission path setting column 254A, the second transmission path setting column 254B, the third transmission path setting column 254C, and the fourth transmission path setting column 254D correspond to an example of the path setting input unit.

[0090] The administrator communication setting list 250 displays four transmission path display columns and four transmission path setting columns, but is not limited thereto. The administrator communication setting list 250 may display three or less transmission path display columns and transmission path setting columns respectively, or may display five or more. Communication paths not set on the administrator communication setting screen 204 may be set to permit communication as a standard setting or to not permit it. The content set here is reflected in the print data and communication paths for which "automatic" is set on the communication setting screen 202.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, when the administrator inputs to the decision button 227 in a state where each condition specified by the administrator is displayed in each column displayed in the administrator communication setting list 250, the control unit 50 receives the administrator settings based on each condition input to the administrator communication setting screen 204. The administrator settings are settings that associate the reception path, transmission path, and settings related to the communication using the transmission path of the print data. After receiving the administrator settings, the control unit 50 transmits the administrator settings to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 receives and stores the administrator settings from the control unit 50.

[0092] FIG. 12A shows a flow for generating administrator settings in the second embodiment. FIG. 12B shows a processing flow of print data in the second embodiment by the control unit 50 including the display control unit 51 and the data processing unit 53. FIG. 12A is a flow from when the display control unit 51 causes the administrator communication setting screen 204 to be displayed on the display 30 until the administrator settings are transmitted to the storage device 40. FIG. 12B shows a flow in which the data processing unit 53 adds settings based on the administrator settings.

[0093] In step S201 of FIG. 12A, the control unit 50 generates administrator communication setting screen data for displaying the administrator communication setting screen 204 as display data and transmits it to the display 30. The display 30 receives the administrator communication setting screen data and displays the administrator communication setting screen 204.

[0094] After the control unit 50 transmits the administrator communication setting screen data to the display 30, in step S203 of FIG. 12A, the control unit 50 receives the administrator settings. The administrator settings are settings based on the administrator's input to the administrator communication setting screen 204 displayed on the display 30.

[0095] After receiving the administrator settings, in step S205 of FIG. 12A, the control unit 50 transmits the administrator settings to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 stores the received administrator settings. The control unit 50 may store the administrator settings in the control unit 50. The administrator settings correspond to an example of the path setting related to the path information.

[0096] The communication interface 60 receives print data from an external device. The communication interface 60 analyzes the received print data. The communication interface 60 determines the reception path of the print data based on the source information of the received print data. The source information is a private IP (Internet Protocol) address, a global IP address, the calling party's phone number, etc. The analyzed reception path corresponds to an example of the path information related to the communication path. The communication interface 60 adds the determined reception path to the print data and transmits it to the control unit 50.

[0097] In step S211, the control unit 50 receives and acquires the print data with the reception path added from the communication interface 60. The control unit 50 may determine the reception path instead of the communication interface 60.

[0098] The control unit 50 reads out the administrator settings stored in the storage device 40. The data processing unit 53 specifies the settings related to the communication path based on the read administrator settings and the reception path added to the print data. In step S213, the data processing unit 53 adds the specified settings related to the communication path to the received print data. The settings related to the communication path correspond to an example of the path settings related to the path information.

[0099] After the data processing unit 53 adds the settings related to the communication path to the print data, in step S215, it transmits the print data with the settings related to the communication path added to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 stores the received print data. The stored print data is the same as the print data transmitted in step S107 of FIG. 9, and the settings related to the communication path are added. The stored print data can undergo the processing after step S109 described in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0100] As shown in the second embodiment, the communication interface 60 adds route information related to the communication route through which the received print data has passed to the print data. The administrator communication setting screen 204 has a first transmission route input field 253 or the like that allows the administrator, who is the user, to input route settings related to the route information as a setting. The administrator can add control-related settings to the print data for each communication route of the print data received by the printer 1.

[0101] The data processing unit 53 may add the settings to the print data using the administrator settings and the settings input on the communication setting screen 202 of the first embodiment. The data processing unit 53 may perform setting processing by assigning priorities to the administrator settings and the settings input on the communication setting screen 202 of the first embodiment. As an example, the data processing unit 53 may add the settings to the print data with a higher priority than the settings input on the communication setting screen 202 for the administrator settings. As another example, it may be that the settings selected as "not allowed" in the administrator settings take precedence over the settings input on the communication setting screen 202, and the settings selected as "allowed" in the administrator settings take precedence over the settings input on the communication setting screen 202.

[0102] The data processing unit 53 may add print settings to the print data based on the reception route added to the print data by the communication interface 60. As an example, when the reception route added to the print data is a fax communication connection, the data processing unit 53 adds a setting that permits printing by the printing unit 20 to the print data. When the reception route added to the print data is an Ethernet connection with the destination being the PC 102, the data processing unit 53 adds a setting that does not permit printing by the printing unit 20 to the print data. When "Automatic" is selected in the communication settings, the settings to be referred to and the initial settings to be referred to when the print data is first acquired may be set separately by the administrator. In this case, the information on where the print data was received is not associated, and the settings to be referred to when "Automatic" is selected in the communication settings can be made independent of where the print data was received.

[0103] Third Embodiment The third embodiment shows a case where print data is transmitted using a second data transmission execution screen 203B different from the first data transmission execution screen 203A in FIG. 8. The operation screen of the third embodiment is a screen displayed on a display 30 having a touch sensor. The configurations of the printer 1 and the printing system 1000 used in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The storage device 40 stores a plurality of print data shown in FIG. 13. Explanation of configurations with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0104] FIG. 13 shows an example of a database of print data stored in the storage device 40 and its communication settings. The print data stored in the storage device 40 has settings added. FIG. 13 shows the settings related to each communication path for each of the five print data. As will be described later, the communication connection corresponds to the communication path. The settings related to the communication path are settings for permitting or not permitting communication in each communication connection. FIG. 13 shows a case where settings related to communication in four communication paths are added to each print data.

[0105] The file name in FIG. 13 indicates the data name of the print data stored in the storage device 40. The file name is given an extension such as pdf or jpeg. "Fax", "Ethernet", "Wi-Fi", and "Internet" indicate the communication connections displayed in the first communication path display column 231A, the second communication path display column 231B, the third communication path display column 231C, and the fourth communication path display column 231D in the communication setting screen 202 shown in FIG. 5. "Enabled", "Disabled", and "Automatic" in FIG. 13 indicate the settings input in the first communication path setting column 232A, the second communication path setting column 232B, the third communication path setting column 232C, and the fourth communication path setting column 232D in the communication setting screen 202 shown in FIG. 5.

[0106] FIG. 14 shows a second data transmission execution screen 203B which is another data transmission execution screen. The second data transmission execution screen 203B is displayed on the display 30 when the data transmission instruction button 216 receives an input by the user. The second data transmission execution screen 203B displays a data transmission setting list 240. The data transmission setting list 240 displays a destination setting column 241, a file display list 243, a first transmission button 245A, a second transmission button 245B, and a third transmission button 245C. The file display list 243 has a first file display column 243A, a second file display column 243B, and a third file display column 243C.

[0107] The first transmission button 245A receives an input by the user. When the first transmission button 245A receives an input by the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data displayed in the first file display column 243A to the destination specified in the destination setting column 241. When the first transmission button 245A on the second data transmission execution screen 203B in FIG. 14 receives an input by the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data of the file name 2021001.pdf to the fax of the phone number XX-XXXX-XXXX.

[0108] The second transmission button 245B receives an input from the user. When the second transmission button 245B receives an input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data displayed in the second file display column 243B to the destination specified in the destination setting column 241. When the second transmission button 245B on the second data transmission execution screen 203B in FIG. 14 receives an input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data of the file name 2021003.jpeg to the fax of the phone number XX-XXXX-XXXX.

[0109] The third transmission button 245C receives an input from the user. When the third transmission button 245C receives an input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data displayed in the third file display column 243C to the destination specified in the destination setting column 241. When the third transmission button 245C on the second data transmission execution screen 203B in FIG. 14 receives an input from the user, the control unit 50 receives a transmission instruction to transmit the print data of the file name 2021005.tif to the fax of the phone number XX-XXXX-XXXX.

[0110] The destination setting column 241 in FIG. 14 indicates a fax of a predetermined phone number as the destination. The fax of the predetermined phone number indicates the fax 122 in FIG. 3 as an example. When the destination is the fax 122, the path from the printer 1 to the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120 corresponds to the communication path.

[0111] The file display list 243 displays the file names of the print data in the first file display column 243A, the second file display column 243B, and the third file display column 243C. The file names displayed in the first file display column 243A, the second file display column 243B, and the third file display column 243C correspond to the settings related to the communication path added to the print data stored in the storage device 40.

[0112] When the destination is entered in the destination setting field 241 in the second data transmission execution screen 203B, the control unit 50 receives the first destination information. The first destination information corresponds to an example of the first transmission request. The control unit 50 determines the communication connection used when transmitting the print data based on the destination information. In the case of FIG. 14, the destination entered in the destination setting field 241 is a fax with a predetermined number. Since the destination is a fax, the communication connection is a fax communication connection, and the communication path is the path from the printer 1 to the fax 122 via the telephone communication network 120. The communication connection corresponds to the communication path.

[0113] The control unit 50 reads the print data stored in the storage device 40 and checks the print data to which a setting permitting communication with the determined communication path is added. In FIG. 13, the print data to which a setting permitting communication via a fax communication connection is added are 2021001.pdf, file name 2021003.jpeg, and file name 2021005.tif. The display control unit 51 generates list information with the file names of the print data to which a setting permitting communication via a fax communication connection is added and transmits it to the display 30. The display 30 displays the transmitted file names in the first file display column 243A, the second file display column 243B, and the third file display column 243C.

[0114] In FIG. 13, the print data to which a setting not permitting communication via a fax communication connection is added are 2021002.pdf and 2021004.jpeg. The display control unit 51 does not add the file names of the print data to which a setting not permitting communication via a fax communication connection is added to the list information. The display control unit 51 does not transmit the file names of the print data to which a setting not permitting communication via a fax communication connection is added to the display 30. The display 30 does not display the file names that are not transmitted. The file name corresponds to an example of information regarding the print data.

[0115] On the second data transmission execution screen 203B of FIG. 14, when the destination entered in the destination setting field 241 is the PC 102, the control unit 50 receives the second destination information. The second destination information corresponds to an example of the second transmission request. The communication connection is an Ethernet connection. The communication path is the path from the printer 1 to the PC 102 within the local area network 100. In FIG. 13, the print data to which the setting for permitting communication via the Ethernet connection is added are 2021001.pdf, 2021002.pdf, file name 2021003.jpeg, and file name 2021005.tif. The display control unit 51 generates list information with the file names of the print data to which the setting for permitting communication via the Ethernet connection is added, and transmits it to the display 30.

[0116] The print data of file name 2021002.pdf has a first setting added that permits communication via the Ethernet connection and prohibits communication via the fax communication connection. When communication via the Ethernet connection is requested, the file name is added to the list information. When communication via the fax communication connection is requested, the file name is not added to the list information.

[0117] As shown in the third embodiment, the control unit 50 generates the list information. When the first setting corresponds to the print data and the control unit 50 receives a request to transmit via the communication path of the Ethernet connection as a user instruction, the control unit 50 adds information regarding the print data to the list information. When the first setting corresponds to the print data and the control unit 50 receives a request to transmit via the communication path of the fax communication connection as a user instruction, the control unit 50 does not add information regarding the print data to the list information. When the print data is transmissible, the printer 1 can display information indicating that. When the transmission of the print data is restricted, the printer 1 does not display information regarding the communication data restricted from transmission on the file display list 243. The user can determine whether the print data is transmissible, and it becomes possible to suppress inadvertent transmission.

[0118] Fourth Embodiment The fourth embodiment shows a case where transmission of print data to a predetermined communication path is controlled based on information included in the print data. FIG. 15 shows a functional block of the printer 1 used in the fourth embodiment. The functional block of FIG. 15 includes an analysis unit 55 within the control unit 50. The functional blocks other than the analysis unit 55 are the same as those in FIG. 2.

[0119] The analysis unit 55 analyzes the information included in the print data. The information included in the print data is the information printed on the medium when the print data is printed by the printing unit 20. The information printed on the medium is an image such as text or a figure. The analysis unit 55 corresponds to an example of an analysis unit.

[0120] FIG. 16 shows a data communication setting screen 205 which is one of the operation screens. The data communication setting screen 205 is an image displayed on the display 30 based on the data communication setting screen data transmitted by the display control unit 51 to the display 30. The data communication setting screen 205 is generated by the display control unit 51. The data communication setting screen 205 corresponds to an example of a setting screen. The data communication setting screen data for causing the data communication setting screen 205 to be displayed on the display 30 is an example of display data and corresponds to an example of screen information. The data communication setting screen 205 is a screen input by the administrator, but is not limited thereto. Each user may input using the data communication setting screen 205.

[0121] The data communication settings screen 205 displays a copy instruction button 210, a print instruction button 212, a fax instruction button 214, a data transmission instruction button 216, and a data communication settings list 260. The data communication settings list 260 is a list image that allows an administrator to input various settings related to the communication path. The data communication settings list 260 displays a condition input field 261, a first transmission path display column 253A, a first transmission path setting column 254A, a second transmission path display column 253B, a second transmission path setting column 254B, a third transmission path display column 253C, a third transmission path setting column 254C, a fourth transmission path display column 253D, a fourth transmission path setting column 254D, a determination button 227, and a close button 229.

[0122] The first transmission path display column 253A, the first transmission path setting column 254A, the second transmission path display column 253B, the second transmission path setting column 254B, the third transmission path display column 253C, the third transmission path setting column 254C, the fourth transmission path display column 253D, the fourth transmission path setting column 254D, the determination button 227, and the close button 229 are the same as the respective columns displayed on the administrator communication settings screen 204 in FIG. 11.

[0123] The condition input field 261 displays the conditions specified by the administrator. The condition input field 261 is a field in which conditions for the content information included in the print data are input. The conditions for the content information included in the print data correspond to an example of content settings. The condition input field 261 corresponds to an example of a content setting input section.

[0124] The administrator may select and input a condition from a pull-down list (not shown) in the condition input field 261. The condition may be input by the administrator entering text in the condition input field 261. The condition input field 261 in FIG. 16 displays "including 'confidential'" entered by the administrator.

[0125] In the first transmission path setting field 254A within the data communication setting screen 205, settings related to print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 are input. In the first transmission path setting field 254A, "Allowed", "Not allowed", "Confirmation required", etc. are input. "Allowed" indicates a setting that permits communication of print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 via the communication path displayed in the first transmission path display field 253A. "Not allowed" indicates a setting that disallows communication of print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 via the communication path displayed in the first transmission path display field 253A. "Confirmation required" indicates a setting that displays a confirmation message when communication of print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 via the communication path displayed in the first transmission path display field 253A is instructed by the user. The first transmission path setting field 254A in FIG. 16 has "Not allowed" input and displayed. The first transmission path setting field 254A in FIG. 16 shows that when transmission of print data including "Confidential" is instructed by the user with a fax communication connection as the communication path, a setting that disallows transmission of print data via the fax communication connection is input.

[0126] The second transmission path setting field 254B displays settings related to communication of print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 via the communication path displayed in the second transmission path display field 253B. The second transmission path setting field 254B in FIG. 16 has a setting input that permits transmission of print data via a local area connection when transmission of print data including "Confidential" is instructed by the user.

[0127] The third transmission path setting field 254C displays settings related to communication of print data having the conditions entered in the condition input field 261 via the communication path displayed in the third transmission path display field 253C. The third transmission path setting field 254C in FIG. 16 has a setting input that disallows transmission of print data via a Wi-Fi communication connection when transmission of print data including "Confidential" is instructed by the user.

[0128] The fourth transmission route setting column 254D displays the settings related to communication via the communication route displayed in the fourth transmission route display column 253D for print data having the conditions entered in the condition input column 261. The fourth transmission route setting column 254D in FIG. 16 has a setting entered such that when the user instructs the transmission of print data including "secret" via an Internet connection, the transmission of print data via the Internet connection is not permitted.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 16, when the administrator inputs to the decision button 227 in a state where the conditions and settings designated by the administrator are displayed in each column displayed in the data communication setting list 260, the control unit 50 receives data settings based on the content displayed on the data communication setting screen 205. The data settings are settings that associate the transmission route of print data, the content information included in the print data, and the settings related to the print data including the content information. After receiving the data settings, the control unit 50 transmits the data settings to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 receives and stores the data settings from the control unit 50. The data settings correspond to an example of the initial value.

[0130] The administrator may again cause the data communication setting screen 205 to be displayed on the display 30 and set different conditions. When the administrator makes settings for each communication route for different conditions and then inputs to the decision button 227, the control unit 50 receives second data settings based on the content displayed on the data communication setting screen 205. The second data settings are settings that associate the transmission route of print data, the content information included in the print data, and the settings related to the print data including the content information. After receiving the second data settings, the control unit 50 transmits the second data settings to the storage device 40. The storage device 40 receives and stores the second data settings from the control unit 50.

[0131] After the memory device 40 stores the data settings, the printer 1 receives print data from an external device via the communication interface 60. After the printer 1 receives the print data, the analysis unit 55 reads the data settings from the memory device 40 and analyzes the received print data. The analysis unit 55 analyzes whether the received print data contains the content information included in the data settings. The analysis unit 55 performs analysis of the text included in the print data, analysis of the image included in the print data, etc. The analysis by the analysis unit 55 is, for example, analysis of whether a predetermined character string is included by OCR processing, or analysis of whether a predetermined flag is set in the print data, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] When the analysis unit 55 analyzes that the received print data contains the content information, the data processing unit 53 adds the settings included in the data settings to the received print data. When the analysis unit 55 analyzes that the received print data does not contain the content information, the data processing unit 53 does not add the settings related to the data settings to the received print data. One of the data settings based on the content displayed on the data communication setting screen 205 in FIG. 16 is that the communication path is a fax communication connection, the content information is "including 'confidential'", and the setting related to the content information is a setting that prohibits communication. The data processing unit 53 adds a setting that prohibits communication in the fax communication connection to the received print data. The data processing unit 53 adds settings for other transmission paths to the print data.

[0133] As described above, the printer 1 includes an analysis unit 55 that analyzes the content information. The data processing unit 53 uses, as an initial value, the setting associated with the print data based on the analysis result of the analyzed content information. The administrator can set the print data according to the content information included in the print data. As an example, when a term such as "confidential" is included in the print data, a setting of non-transmittable can be made.

[0134] The memory device 40 may store data settings and administrator settings of the second embodiment. The data processing unit 53 reads out the data settings and the administrator settings, and adds settings to the print data based on the data settings and the administrator settings. The data processing unit 53 may add settings with priority given to the administrator settings over the data settings. Adding settings based on the analysis result may be performed either or both when the print data is first acquired and when attempting to perform communication with "Automatic" selected, or at other timings.

[0135] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment shows a case where when the printer 1 of the second embodiment receives print data, the printer 1 automatically adds settings to the print data and transmits the print data with the added settings to an external device.

[0136] The printer 1 stores administrator settings in the memory device 40 in advance. The printer 1 that stores the administrator settings receives print data from an external device via the communication interface 60. The administrator settings correspond to an example of related information.

[0137] The communication interface 60 receives print data from an external device. The communication interface 60 analyzes the received print data. The communication interface 60 discriminates the reception path of the print data based on the source information of the received print data. The source information is a private IP (Internet Protocol) address, a global IP address, the phone number of the source, etc. The analyzed reception path corresponds to an example of path information. The communication interface 60 adds the discriminated reception path to the print data and transmits it to the control unit 50.

[0138] The data processing unit 53 adds settings to the received print data based on at least one of the administrator settings and the data settings. After the data processing unit 53 adds settings to the print data, the control unit 50 transmits the print data to an external device via the communication interface 60 based on the added settings. The transmission destination of the print data is stored in the control unit 50 in advance. The control unit 50 determines whether the settings added to the print data permit communication to the pre-stored transmission destination. If the settings added to the print data permit communication to the pre-stored transmission destination, the control unit 50 transmits the print data to the transmission destination. If the settings added to the print data disallow communication to the pre-stored transmission destination, the control unit 50 does not transmit the print data to the transmission destination.

[0139] As described above, in the printer 1, the data processing unit 53 associates the settings received by the communication interface 60 with the print data. When the printer 1 receives print data, it becomes possible to control the print data based on the administrator settings.

[0140] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment shows a printing system 1000 in which the HDD 106 in FIG. 3 is used instead of the storage device 40. The HDD 106 functions as an external storage device of the printer 1.

[0141] The HDD 106 stores the print data to which settings are added by the data processing unit 53. The HDD 106 may store various information such as administrator settings and data settings instead of the storage device 40. The HDD 106 stores, as display data, setting screen data for causing the display 30 to display a setting screen.

[0142] When the HDD 106 receives a read request for the stored setting screen data, print data, etc. from the control unit 50 of the printer 1, it transmits the stored setting screen data, print data, etc. to the printer 1 based on the received request. The printer 1 receives the setting screen data, print data, etc. via the communication interface 60. When the display control unit 51 of the printer 1 receives the setting screen data, it transmits it to the display 30.

[0143] As described above, the printing system 1000 includes the printer 1 and the HDD 106. The printer 1 includes a communication interface 60 for transmitting and receiving print data, a data processing unit 53 for associating settings corresponding to user input via a setting screen with the print data received by the communication interface 60, a control unit 50 for controlling communication of the print data based on the settings corresponding to the print data, a printing unit 20 for performing printing, and a storage device 40 for storing the association between the settings and the print data. The user can set the control for the print data received by the printer 1.

[0144] The function of the control unit 50 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 50 may further include a co-processor such as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), MCU (Micro Control Unit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 50 may perform various controls by having both the CPU and the co-processor cooperate or by selectively using one of the two.

[0145] The processing units of the flowcharts in FIGS. 9, 10, 12A, and 12B are divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the processing of Printer 1, and are not limited by the way of dividing the processing units or their names. The processing of each step may be further divided into more processing units according to the processing content. One processing unit may be divided to include more processing. The order of processing may be appropriately changed within a range not affecting the gist. The above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1…Printer, 10…Reading unit, 12…Reading unit mounting table, 13…Mounting tray, 14…Original document discharge tray, 20…Printing unit, 21…Paper feed cassette, 23…Printing mechanism, 25…Printed matter discharge tray, 27…Processor, 30…Display, 40…Storage device, 45…Display control program, 50…Control unit, 51…Display control unit, 53…Data processing unit, 60…Communication interface, 70…Input / output interface, 100…Local area network, 102…PC, 104…Tablet terminal, 106…HDD, 108…Router, 110…Internet communication network, 112…Server, 114…Notebook PC, 120…Telephone communication network, 122…Fax, 201…File settings screen, 202…Communication settings screen, 203A…First data transmission execution screen, 203B…Second data transmission execution screen, 204…Administrator communication settings screen, 205…Data communication settings screen, 210…Copy instruction button, 212…Print instruction button, 214…Fax instruction button, 216…Data transmission instruction button, 220…File settings list, 221…File settings column, 222…Print size settings column, 223…Print type settings column, 224…Magnification settings column, 225…Communication settings button, 226…Detailed settings button, 227…OK button, 229…Close button, 230…Communication settings list, 231A…First communication path display column, 231B…Second communication path display column, 231C…Third communication path display column, 231D…Fourth communication path display column, 232A…First communication path settings column, 232B…Second communication path settings column, 232C…Third communication path settings column, 232D…Fourth communication path settings column, 235…Settings file display column, 240…Data transmission settings list, 241…Destination settings column, 242…Transmission file settings column, 243…File display list, 243A…First file display column, 243B…Second file display column, 243C…Third file display column, 245…Transmission button, 245A…First transmission button, 245B…Second transmission button, 245C…Third transmission button, 250…Administrator communication settings list, 251…Receiving path input column, 253A…First transmission path display column, 253B…Second transmission path display column, 253C…Third transmission path display column, 253D…Fourth transmission path display column, 254A…First transmission path settings column, 254A…First transmission path settings column, 254B…Second transmission path settings column, 254C…Third transmission path settings column,254D…4th Transmission Route Setting Field, 260…Data Communication Setting List, 261…Condition Input Field, 1000…Printing System.,

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that causes a display unit to display a setting screen, comprising: a communication unit that transmits and receives communication data; a setting unit that adds a setting according to a user input via the setting screen to the communication data received by the communication unit; a storage unit that stores the communication data to which the setting has been added; a control unit that controls communication of the communication data based on the setting added to the communication data stored in the storage unit; and a printing unit that performs printing.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits and receives the communication data via a plurality of communication paths including a first communication path and a second communication path.

3. The setting is a first setting that permits transmission of the communication data via the first communication path and prohibits transmission of the communication data via the second communication path, or a second setting that permits transmission of the communication data via the first communication path and permits transmission of the communication data via the second communication path, and the control unit performs control to transmit the communication data based on an instruction from the user. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit when the first setting corresponds to the communication data and the instruction from the user is to transmit via the first communication path, performs control to transmit the communication data via the first communication path, and when the first setting corresponds to the communication data and the instruction from the user is to transmit via the second communication path, performs control not to transmit the communication data via the second communication path. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control unit when the second setting corresponds to the communication data and the instruction from the user is to transmit via the first communication path, performs control to transmit the communication data via the first communication path, and when the second setting corresponds to the communication data and the instruction from the user is to transmit via the second communication path, performs control to transmit the communication data via the second communication path. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The control unit generates list information, and when the first setting corresponds to the communication data and the control unit receives a first transmission request to transmit via the first communication path as the instruction from the user, the control unit ​ Add information regarding the communication data to the record list information. The first setting corresponds to the communication data, and when the control unit receives a second transmission request to be transmitted via the second communication path as the instruction of the user, the control unit does not add the information regarding the communication data to the record list information. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. Comprising an analysis unit that analyzes the content information of the communication data, the setting unit sets the setting based on the analysis result of the analyzed content information as an initial value corresponding to the communication data. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A printing system comprising a printing apparatus and a storage device, a communication unit that transmits and receives communication data, a setting unit that adds a setting according to a user input via a setting screen to the communication data received by the communication unit, a control unit that controls communication related to the communication data based on the setting added to the communication data, a printing unit that performs printing, and a storage unit that stores the communication data with the added setting. A printing system comprising the above components. ​ ​ ​ ​

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