printer

Abstract

To provide a printer with a storage printing function, which is a technology improving operability for starting printing based on stored data.SOLUTION: A printer stores storage job data based on a received printing job in a memory, displays a list 620 of the stored storage job data in a user IF 13, and can receive an input instruction of a pass word and a selection instruction of a job while the list 620 is displayed. The printer, when receiving the input of the pass word according to the input instruction of the pass word, extracts the stored job data associated with a pass word matching the input pass word, and selects a printing object from the extracted storage job data. The printer, when receiving the selection instruction of the job, selects the selected storage job data as the printing object, of the stored storage job data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a printer, and more particularly to a printer that has a function of starting printing based on data stored in a memory in response to a user operation via a user interface. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers have been known that have a storage printing function that does not immediately start printing based on a received print job, but instead stores data based on the print data in memory and starts printing based on that data in response to a user operation via a user interface. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure for starting printing based on stored data using a user interface for a printer with the storage printing function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-142172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some data based on stored print jobs is associated with a password. Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure for printing from a standby screen, including a procedure for displaying a list of stored data, accepting selection of data to be printed, and accepting input of a password associated with the selected data, and a procedure for accepting input of a password corresponding to a user and starting printing based on data associated with that user from the stored data. However, there is room for improvement in the procedure for selecting data to be printed from multiple stored data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printer disclosed in this specification includes a user interface, a communication interface, a memory, and a controller, and when a print job is received via the communication interface, the controller executes a storage process to store stored job data based on the received print job in the memory, and the memory can store a plurality of stored job data. In the storage process, the stored job data associated with first verification information may be stored in the memory. The controller is further configured to execute a display process to display a list of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process on the user interface. When the list is displayed by the display process, the controller is capable of accepting a first operation and a second operation via the user interface, and the first operation is an operation for inputting second verification information, and the second operation is an operation for inputting the stored job data associated with first verification information. and a second selection process for selecting, from the stored job data stored in the memory by the first operation, the stored job data selected by the second operation, as the stored job data to be printed.

[0006] The printer disclosed in this specification displays a list of accumulated job data stored in memory, and while the list is displayed, can accept extraction of corresponding accumulated job data through a first operation and selection of accumulated job data to be printed through a second operation.The printer then selects the data to be printed from the extracted corresponding accumulated job data.In other words, while the list of accumulated job data is displayed, it is possible to narrow down and select accumulated job data based on matching information, or to select accumulated job data to be printed without entering matching information, making it easier to select accumulated job data.

[0007] A control method for realizing the functions of the printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that improves the operability of a printer having a storage printing function to start printing based on stored data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a standby process. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a standby screen. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a storage printing process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user name selection screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a job selection process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a job selection screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a password input process. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a password entry screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a job selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A printer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a printer capable of storing and printing.

[0011] 1, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The printer 1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, and a print engine 15, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0012] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs read from the memory 12 and based on user operations. The controller 10 is an example of a controller. The CPU 11 may also be an example of a controller. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used to control the printer 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 1.

[0013] The memory 12 of the printer 1 of this embodiment stores various programs and data, including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an image processing program 22. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of memory.

[0014] An example of memory is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the printer 1, but may also be a storage medium that is readable and writable by the CPU 11. For example, an external memory such as a USB memory or HDD connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14, or a memory or HDD provided in a device connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14 are also examples of memory.

[0015] Note that computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0016] The user IF 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen to notify the user of information and hardware for accepting operations by the user. The printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a touch panel 31 as the user IF 13, which has a screen display function and an operation acceptance function. Note that the user IF 13 may be a combination of the touch panel 31 and operation buttons.

[0017] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 100. The communication standards of the communication IF 14 include Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The printer 1 may be provided with multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards.

[0018] The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet, etc. The image forming method of the print engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or a thermal transfer method.

[0019] The printer 1 of this embodiment is connected to a PC 100, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. The PC 100 is equipped with a printer driver corresponding to the printer 1 and an application program that uses the functions of the printer driver to cause the printer 1 to execute printing. The PC 100 can generate a print job using the printer driver and send the generated print job to the printer 1.

[0020] Next, the operation of the printer 1 will be described with reference to flowcharts and the like. The following processes basically refer to the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, processes such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" in the following description represent the processing of the CPU 11. Processing by the CPU also includes hardware control using the OS's API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. In other words, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "Program B controls Hardware C" may also mean that "Program B controls Hardware C using the OS's API." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by CPU 11." Furthermore, the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by Program A."

[0021] Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of CPU 11 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "CPU acquiring data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0022] Furthermore, the process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0023] When the printer 1 of this embodiment is turned on, it executes processing according to the image processing program 22. After performing startup procedures such as initial settings, the printer 1 enters a standby state. The standby processing procedure in the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2. This standby processing is executed by the CPU 11 in accordance with the image processing program 22 when the printer 1 enters the standby state.

[0024] The CPU 11 displays a standby screen on the user IF 13 (S101). The standby screen is a screen that can accept instruction inputs by user operations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 11 displays a standby screen 50 including multiple operation areas on the touch panel 31. This standby screen 50 includes a store print button 51 as one of the objects that can accept user operations.

[0025] In standby mode, the printer 1 can receive various types of data, such as print jobs, from an external device such as the PC 100. The CPU 11 determines whether data has been received (S105). If it determines that data has not been received (S105: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on the currently displayed standby screen 50 has been accepted (S106). If it determines that an operation has not been accepted (S106: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to turn off the power has been accepted (S107). If it determines that an instruction to turn off the power has not been accepted (S107: NO), the CPU 11 repeats the judgments of S105 to S107.

[0026] If it is determined that data has been received (S105: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the received data is data including a print job (S111). If it is determined that the received data is not a print job (S111: NO), the CPU 11 executes processing based on the received data (S112). The printer 1 can receive, for example, instructions to update firmware or application programs, or instructions to update connection information or setting information, and executes processing based on the received instructions. After S112, the CPU 11 returns to S105 and repeats the determinations of S105 to S107.

[0027] If it is determined that a print job has been received (S111: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the received print job is a storage printing print job (S115). Storage printing is a printing method in which the data of the received print job is stored in memory 12 and printing is performed after a user operation is accepted. In other words, when the printer 1 receives a storage printing print job, it does not start printing immediately, and does not print the print job while it is not accepting a user operation.

[0028] For example, a print job generated by the printer driver of PC 100 and passed to printer 1 includes various supplementary information related to printing and image data indicating the image to be printed. The supplementary information is, for example, a job name that identifies the print job, a user name that indicates the user who instructed the print, information indicating accumulated printing, and print parameters. The user name may be information indicating the user logged in to the device that sent the print job. The user name may also be information indicating the user that is input via a user interface provided in the device that sent the print job. The image data is, for example, PDL data in a format such as PCLXL or PDF, or raster data such as GDI.

[0029] Information indicating accumulated printing includes, for example, a password. A password is, for example, a PIN or personal identification number, and is information that is determined in advance by the user who instructs the transmission of a print job and assigned to the print job. A password may consist of only numbers, or may also include letters and symbols. A print job that includes a password as additional information is an accumulated printing print job, and a print job that does not include a password is a non-accumulated printing print job. Therefore, a password corresponds to information indicating accumulated printing.

[0030] If the received print job does not include a password, the CPU 11 determines that it is not a print job for storage printing (S115: NO) and executes printing based on the image data of the print job (S116). After S116, the CPU 11 returns to S105 and repeats the determinations of S105 to S107.

[0031] If the received print job is determined to be a stored print job that includes a password (S115: YES), the CPU 11 acquires additional information for the print job (S117). At S117, the CPU 11 acquires at least the password assigned to the print job. S117 is an example of an acquisition process. The password acquired at S117 is an example of first verification information. Furthermore, if the print job includes a user name, the CPU 11 also acquires the user name at S117. In this case, S117 is an example of a user acquisition process, and the user name is an example of user information.

[0032] Then, CPU 11 associates stored job data 25 (see FIG. 1) based on the print job with the acquired additional information and stores it in memory 12 (S118). S118 is an example of the storage process. Printer 1 of this embodiment is capable of storing multiple pieces of stored job data 25 in memory 12. After S118, CPU 11 returns to S105 and repeats the determinations of S105 to S107. Note that hereinafter, stored job data may also be simply referred to as a "job."

[0033] If the image data included in the received print job is PDL data, CPU 11 rasterizes the PDL data to generate raster data and stores the generated raster data as accumulated job data. If the image data included in the received print job is raster data, CPU 11 stores the raster data as accumulated job data. Alternatively, CPU 11 may store the PDL data as accumulated job data without rasterizing it.

[0034] 3 is displayed (S106: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the received operation is an operation on the store print button 51 (S121). If the received operation is not an operation on the store print button 51 (S121: NO), the CPU 11 executes processing based on the received operation (S122). After S122, the CPU 11 returns to S101, displays the standby screen, and repeats the determinations of S105 to S107.

[0035] For example, when an operation on a scroll icon 52 included in the standby screen 50 is accepted, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to scroll the screen. That is, the CPU 11 displays a standby screen including buttons different from those on the standby screen 50, and can accept instructions different from those on the standby screen 50 on the displayed standby screen.

[0036] If it is determined that operation of the accumulated print button 51 has been accepted (S121: YES), the CPU 11 executes the accumulated print process (S125). Note that if accumulated job data is not stored in the memory 12 when operation of the accumulated print button 51 is accepted, the CPU 11 ends the accumulated print process without executing the steps shown in FIG. 4, and returns to the standby process.

[0037] The procedure for the accumulated printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. In the accumulated printing process, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a setting is in place to extract jobs by user name (S201). A printer used by multiple users can receive print jobs from multiple users, and it is possible that accumulated job data from multiple users is stored in memory 12. The printer 1 stores in memory 12 a setting for whether or not to extract jobs to be selected by user name as a procedure for determining jobs to be printed. The printer 1 accepts this setting, for example, via the user IF 13. The printer 1 may have an EWS (embedded web server) function and be able to accept this setting via the EWS.

[0038] When it is determined that the setting is to extract jobs by user name (S201: YES), the CPU 11 displays a user name selection screen 61 on the touch panel 31 (S202) and accepts the selection of a user name (S203), as shown in the example of FIG. 5. S203 is an example of a user selection process. The user name selection screen 61 is a screen that displays a list 610 of user names and accepts the selection of one of the user names to be displayed.

[0039] For example, the CPU 11 acquires user names included in the associated incidental information from each stored job data stored in the memory 12, and displays the acquired user names as a list 610 on the user name selection screen 61. The printer 1 may also store information on user names, which are users who use the printer 1, in the memory 12 in advance. If user name information is stored, the CPU 11 may, for example, display a list of user names on the user name selection screen 61. Note that if there is only one stored job data stored in the memory 12, or if all the user names acquired from the stored job data match, the CPU 11 may proceed to S205 without performing S202 and S203.

[0040] When the selection of a user name is accepted (S203: YES), the CPU 11 extracts, from all the accumulated job data accumulated in the memory 12, the accumulated job data associated with the selected user name as a job to be selected (S204). The accumulated job data extracted in S204 is an example of selected accumulated job data. By accepting the selection of a user name in advance and extracting jobs, as will be described later, the number of jobs to be displayed when displaying a job list is reduced, making it easier for the user to select a job.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting for extracting jobs by user name is not set (S201: NO), the CPU 11 extracts all stored job data stored in the memory 12 as jobs to be selected (S205).

[0042] After S204 or S205, the CPU 11 executes a job selection process (S211). The job selection process is a process of accepting a user operation to determine a job to be printed from among the extracted jobs to be selected.

[0043] In this embodiment, the printer 1 must accept both the input of a valid password and the selection of a job before starting printing based on stored job data. Therefore, for each job extracted in S204 or S205 of the stored print process, the printer 1 associates the job identification information, password verification results, and selection status and stores them in memory 12. At the start of the job selection process, the printer 1 has not accepted either the input of a password or the selection of a job, so the printer 1 sets the password verification result as unverified and the selection status as unselected for all jobs to be selected.

[0044] The procedure of the job selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. In the job selection process, the CPU 11 displays a job selection screen 62 on the touch panel 31 as shown in the example of Fig. 7 (S301). S301 is an example of display processing. The job selection screen 62 is a screen that displays a list 620 of jobs extracted as selection targets and accepts user operations. The list 620 includes job name objects 621 that display the job names of the selection target jobs. The job names displayed in each job name object 621 are information included in the supplementary information of the print job, and are stored in association with each accumulated job data as identification information for identifying the accumulated job data.

[0045] The job name of a print job is assigned to the print job and transmitted, for example, by the user who instructed transmission of the print job. If the job name of a received print job for accumulated printing matches the job name of accumulated job data already stored in memory 12, printer 1 may send information requesting a change of the job name to the sender of the print job, or may assign a serial number or the like for identification to the job name.

[0046] In addition to the job name object 621, the job selection screen 62 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a check box 622 indicating the selection status of the job, a select all button 623, a password input button 624, and a print instruction button 625.

[0047] The CPU 11 determines whether a password input instruction has been received by operating the password input button 624 (S302). If it is determined that a password input instruction has not been received (S302: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether a select all instruction has been received by operating the select all button 623 (S303). If it is determined that a select all instruction has not been received (S303: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an individual selection instruction has been received by operating the job name object 621 (S304). If it is determined that an individual selection instruction has not been received (S304: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether a print instruction has been received by operating the print instruction button 625 (S305). If it is determined that a print instruction has not been received either (S305: NO), the CPU 11 waits until any instruction is received.

[0048] When it is determined that a password input instruction has been received through operation of the password input button 624 (S302: YES), the CPU 11 executes a password input process (S311).

[0049] The procedure for the password input process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. As shown in the example of Fig. 9, the CPU 11 displays a password input screen 63 on the touch panel 31 (S401) and accepts the input of a password (S402). The password input operation accepted in S402 is an example of a first operation, and the password accepted in S402 is an example of second verification information.

[0050] The password entry screen 63 includes numeric keys 631 and an OK button 632, and is a screen for accepting password entry. The user can enter a password using the numeric keys 631 and confirm the entry with the OK button 632. The CPU 11 accepts the information entered when the input to the OK button 632 is accepted as the password. Note that, when the CPU 11 accepts an operation on the numeric keypad included in the hard keys while the job selection screen 62 is displayed, it may determine that this is an instruction to enter a password, and proceed to S402 of the password entry process.

[0051] When a password input is accepted (S402: YES), the CPU 11 extracts jobs associated with a password corresponding to the input password from among the jobs extracted as selection targets on the job selection screen 62 (S403). For example, the CPU 11 extracts jobs whose passwords stored in association with accumulated job data match the input password, and changes the password verification result associated with the extracted jobs to "verified." In S403, the CPU 11 does not change the selection state of each job. S403 is an example of extraction processing. The jobs extracted in S403 are an example of corresponding accumulated job data.

[0052] In step S403, the CPU 11 may determine whether the passwords match based on a predetermined rule, not necessarily whether the passwords match exactly. For example, the CPU 11 may determine whether the passwords match if they partially match the password in the stored job data.

[0053] If it is determined in step S403 that there is no job with a matching password, the CPU 11 may terminate the job selection process and the accumulated print process and return to standby processing. Alternatively, if it is determined that there is no job with a matching password, the CPU 11 may display a message informing the user that the passwords do not match and request the user to re-enter the password.

[0054] If multiple jobs are extracted in S403, CPU 11 determines whether the user names associated with the accumulated job data of the extracted jobs match (S405). For example, if print jobs with the same password are sent by multiple users, multiple jobs associated with different user names may have been extracted in S403. If only one job is extracted, CPU 11 determines YES in S405.

[0055] If it is determined that the user names of the extracted jobs match (S405: YES), the CPU 11 ends the password input process and returns to the job selection process. Note that if a setting is made to extract jobs by user name and extraction by user name is performed in S201 of the accumulated print process, the CPU 11 may skip the determination in S405, end the password input process, and return to the job selection process.

[0056] If it is determined that the user names of the extracted jobs do not match (S405: NO), the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to notify the user that the users are mixed (S411) and to display a user name selection screen (S412). For example, the CPU 11 causes the touch panel 31 to display a list of user names associated with the jobs extracted in S403, similar to the user name selection screen 61 shown in FIG. 5, and accepts user identification (S413). S413 is an example of the identification process. The notification in S411 may be a message included in the screen displayed in S412.

[0057] Then, the CPU 11 extracts the job associated with the user name of the user identified in S413 from among the jobs extracted in S403 (S415), ends the password input process, and returns to the job selection process.

[0058] Returning to the description of the job selection process in Fig. 6, after the password input process in S311, the CPU 11 returns to S301 and displays a job selection screen 62 including in list 620 only the jobs extracted in S403 and S415 of the password input process. The list of jobs extracted by the password input process is an example of a limited list, and S301 in the case where the jobs extracted by the password input process are displayed as list 620 is an example of a first limited display process. Furthermore, the list of jobs extracted in S415 after accepting user identification in S413 of the password input process is an example of a user-specific limited list, and S301 in the case where the jobs extracted in S415 are displayed as list 620 is an example of a second limited display process.

[0059] After accepting the input of a password and extracting a job through the password input process, if the CPU 11 accepts a password input instruction again by operating the password input button 624 on the job selection screen 62 that is being displayed, the CPU 11 may determine that the password is to be re-entered. In this case, for example, the CPU 11 may again verify the password and extract the job for all jobs that are displayed in the list 620 of the job selection screen 62 as jobs to be selected at the start of the job selection process.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined in S403 that the users of the extracted jobs do not match, the CPU 11 may return to the job selection process without executing S411 to S415, and may cause a job selection screen 65 to be displayed on the touch panel 31, as shown in the example of Fig. 10. The job selection screen 65 is a screen that changes the display of the job name object 621 on the job selection screen 62 to a job name object 651 that associates each job name with a user name, and displays a list 650 of each job extracted in S403. In this case, based on the job name object 651 displayed on the job selection screen 65, the user can determine whether the print job is one that he or she sent.

[0061] 10 is an example of a first limited display process, and the list of jobs 650 included in the job selection screen 65 is an example of a limited list. In addition, an operation of accepting job selection by an instruction to select all or an instruction to select individual jobs while the job selection screen 65 is displayed is an example of a third operation.

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to select all has been received by operating the select all button 623 included in the job selection screen 62, 65 (S303: YES), the CPU 11 sets the selection status of all jobs included in the currently displayed job selection screen 62, 65 to selected (S321).Then, the CPU 11 returns to S301 and displays the job selection screen 62, 65 with a check mark in the check box 622 of all jobs whose selection status has been set to selected.

[0063] For example, if a select all instruction is received without receiving a password after the job selection process has started, the CPU 11 sets the selection status of all jobs that were selected at the start of the job selection process to "selected." In this case, the operation of the select all button 623 is an example of the second operation, and S321 is an example of the second selection process.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, after the start of the job selection process, if a password is input in the password input process to extract a job and then an instruction to select all is received by operating the select all button 623, the operation on the select all button 623 is an example of a third operation, and S321 is an example of a first selection process. Also, for example, after the start of the job selection process, a password is input and a user is identified in the password input process to extract a job and then an instruction to select all is received by operating the select all button 623, the operation on the select all button 623 is an example of a fourth operation, and S321 is an example of a first selection process.

[0065] If it is determined that an individual selection instruction has been received through an operation on a job name object 621 included in the job selection screen 62, 65 (S304: YES), the CPU 11 changes the selection status of the selected job (S322). Specifically, if the selection status of the job is selected, the CPU 11 changes it to unselected, and if it is unselected, the CPU 11 changes it to selected. Then, the CPU 11 returns to S301, changes the display of the selection status in the check box 622 of the operated job, and displays the job selection screen 62, 65.

[0066] For example, if, after the job selection process has started, the selection state of the job is changed to selected by operating the job name object 621 without accepting password input, the operation on the job name object 621 is an example of a second operation, and S322 is an example of a second selection process.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, after the start of the job selection process, if a password is input in the password input process to extract a job, and then the selection state of the job is changed to selected by an operation on the job name object 621, the operation on the job name object 621 is an example of a third operation, and S322 is an example of a first selection process. Also, for example, after the start of the job selection process, a password is input and a user is identified in the password input process to extract a job, and then the selection state of the job is changed to selected by an operation on the job name object 621, the operation on the job name object 621 is an example of a fourth operation, and S322 is an example of a first selection process.

[0068] If it is determined that a print instruction has been accepted by operating the print instruction button 625 included in the job selection screen 62, 65 (S305: YES), the CPU 11 ends the job selection process and returns to the accumulated print process. The CPU 11 determines the job that is in the selected state at the time the print instruction is accepted as the job to be printed. The input of the print instruction is not limited to the operation of the print instruction button 625, but may also be accepted by operating a hardware button included in the user IF 13.

[0069] In the job selection process, the print instruction button 625 is not accepted when no job is currently selected. When the print instruction button 625 is accepted when no job is currently selected, the CPU 11 notifies the user that no job has been selected, for example. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may not display the print instruction button 625 when no job is currently selected. In addition, when the print instruction button 625 is accepted when no job is currently selected, the CPU 11 may terminate the job selection process by determining that there are no jobs to be printed, return to the accumulated printing process, and then terminate the accumulated printing process and return to the standby process.

[0070] Returning to the explanation of the accumulated printing process in Fig. 4, in the accumulated printing process, the CPU 11 determines whether the password has been verified (S213). That is, the CPU 11 determines whether a password input instruction has been received in the job selection process and the password input process of S311 has been executed, i.e., whether only the jobs extracted by the password input process of S311 are to be printed.

[0071] If the password verification result indicates that the password has been verified (S213: YES), the CPU 11 executes printing of the job determined to be printed (S225), terminates the accumulated printing process, and returns to the standby process. S225 in this case is an example of the first printing process. The CPU 11 may also delete the accumulated job data for which printing has been completed from the memory 12.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that the password has not been verified (S213: NO), the CPU 11 executes the password input process shown in Fig. 8 (S221), as in S311. Then, if the jobs selected to be printed in the job selection process include a job associated with a password that does not match the password entered in S221 of the password input process, the CPU 11 excludes the job from being printed. Note that if there is an excluded job, the CPU 11 may notify that fact.

[0073] After the password input process is completed, the process returns to the accumulated printing process, and the CPU 11 determines the job extracted in the password input process as the job to be printed, and executes printing of the job determined as the job to be printed (S225). S225, which is executed after the password input process, is an example of the second printing process. Then, the CPU 11 ends the accumulated printing process and returns to the standby process.

[0074] Returning to the description of the standby process in Fig. 2, after the accumulated printing process in S125, the CPU 11 returns to S101 to display the standby screen 50 again, and repeats the determinations in S105 to S107. Then, if it determines that a power-off instruction has been received (S107: YES), the CPU 11 ends the standby process.

[0075] As described above in detail, printer 1 of this embodiment displays list 620 of stored job data, and can accept a password entry operation and a job selection operation while list 620 is displayed. While list 620 of stored job data is displayed, the user can enter a password to extract a job and then select the job to be printed, or can select a job directly without entering a password by selecting the job. This makes it easy to select stored job data to be printed, improving operability for starting printing based on the stored job data.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a received print job includes a password, and the printer 1 extracts the job by comparing the password acquired from the received print job with the password it accepted. In other words, when sending a print job, the user can associate a password with each print job, allowing them to freely categorize the print jobs they send. The user can then selectively extract the sent print jobs using the password, which is convenient. Furthermore, the printer 1 of this embodiment accepts job selection after extracting jobs using the password, allowing the user to decide whether or not to print each job, providing greater freedom of choice compared to when the printing of extracted jobs is automatically executed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is a plurality of stored job data extracted by password verification and the user names associated with the stored job data do not match, the printer accepts the user's identification and extracts the user's job, thereby reducing the possibility of executing another user's job due to an erroneous operation. Also, after extracting the user's jobs, the printer 1 can display only the extracted jobs and accept further job selection, so it is possible to determine whether to execute printing for each job, providing a high degree of freedom of selection and convenience.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there are multiple stored job data extracted by password matching and the user names associated with those stored job data do not match, a list can be displayed with the user names attached, thereby reducing the possibility of executing another user's job by mistake.

[0079] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the printer 1 is not limited to a single-function printer, but can be a multifunction printer, copier, fax machine, or other device with a printing function. Furthermore, the device that sends a print job to the printer 1 is not limited to the PC 100, but can also be a smartphone, tablet computer, or server computer. Furthermore, multiple PCs, etc., can be connected to the printer 1.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1 has been described as having a touch panel 31, but it is sufficient if it can properly display information and accept input instructions, and for example, it may be equipped with a combination of a display unit other than a touch panel and operation buttons.

[0081] Furthermore, the screens illustrated in each figure are merely examples and are not limited to the examples shown. For example, the select all button 623 may be omitted. Furthermore, there may be additional buttons, such as a back button that accepts an instruction to return to the previous step, a delete button that accepts an instruction to delete a print job, a deselect all button that accepts an instruction to deselect all jobs, and a button that accepts an instruction to change print parameters. Furthermore, the printer 1 may be provided with a hardware button (not shown), and may be able to accept, for example, an instruction to cancel the accumulated printing process by operating the hardware button.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, the password may be information known by the user who sends the print job, and is not limited to information determined by the user for each print job. For example, it may be a password registered for each device that sends a print job, or attribute information for extracting a print job. Also, for example, a user name may be used as a password.

[0083] Also, for example, a print job may not include a user name. In that case, the printer 1 does not extract jobs based on the user name. Also, if a print job does not include a user name, the printer 1 may print all jobs that are selected as print targets and for which the password matches. Also, the user name is not limited to information indicating a user, and may be information indicating a device that sent the print job.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the job selection screen 62 has been shown in which job names are displayed as a list 620 as information for identifying jobs, but this is not limiting. For example, the information for identifying jobs is not limited to job names, which are names given by the user, but may be information created by the printer 1. For example, it may be sequential number information created each time the printer 1 receives a print job, or information in which information indicating the date and time of reception is added to the job name given by the user. However, it is easier for the user to understand if the job selection screen displays job names, which are names given by the user.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the selection status of a job is not changed simply by extracting the job using the input password, but this is not limited to this. For example, when a job is extracted using the password input process of the job selection process, the selection status of the extracted job may be automatically changed to selected. Furthermore, when a password input instruction is received after the selection of a job is received using the all selection instruction or the individual selection instruction, the CPU 11 may extract a job from the jobs whose selection status is selected.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the users of jobs whose passwords match in the password input process match, but the timing for determining whether the users match is not limited to this. For example, even when multiple jobs are selected by an instruction to select all or an instruction to select individually, it may be possible to check whether the users of the selected jobs match. Specifically, when multiple jobs are selected in step S321 or S322 of the job selection process, the CPU 11 may determine whether the users of the selected jobs match. Also, for example, it may be possible not to determine whether the users match even when a password is input in the job selection process, but to determine whether the users match when it is determined in step S213 of the accumulated printing process that the passwords have been verified.

[0087] Furthermore, although in this embodiment, print jobs that do not include a password are not stored, print jobs that do not include a password may also be stored. In that case, in S403 of the password input process executed in S311 of the job selection process or S221 of the stored print process, the CPU 11 may extract both jobs with a matching password and jobs that are not associated with a password. Furthermore, if a password is not associated with any of the jobs to be extracted in the password input process, the CPU 11 may extract all jobs to be extracted without displaying a password input screen or accepting password input.

[0088] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing content.

[0089] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by hardware such as a single CPU, multiple CPUs, or ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a storage medium storing a program for executing the processes, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Printer 10 Controllers 11 CPU 12 Memory 13 User Interface 14 Communication Interface

Claims

1. A user interface; a communication interface; Memory and A controller; Equipped with The controller When a print job is received via the communication interface, a storage process is executed to store stored job data based on the received print job in the memory, and a plurality of stored job data can be stored in the memory, and in the storage process, the stored job data associated with first verification information may be stored in the memory; The controller further comprises: a display process is executed to display on the user interface a list of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process, and in a state where the list is displayed by the display process, a first operation and a second operation can be accepted via the user interface, the first operation being an operation for inputting second verification information, and the second operation being an operation for selecting at least one of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process; The controller further comprises: an extraction process for extracting corresponding stored job data from the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process when the first operation is received; a first selection process for selecting a print target from the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process, the corresponding accumulated job data being the accumulated job data associated with the first matching information, and the associated first matching information being the accumulated job data corresponding to the second matching information input by the first operation; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is received, a second selection process is executed to select, as a print target, the stored job data selected by the second operation from the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process; The controller further comprises: When the print job is received via the communication interface, a user acquisition process is executed to acquire user information from the received print job; In the storage process, when the user information is acquired in the user acquisition process, stored job data based on the received print job is stored in the memory in association with the first verification information and the user information acquired in the user acquisition process; The controller further comprises: When the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process includes a plurality of pieces of the corresponding accumulated job data associated with the user information and the user information associated with each piece of the corresponding accumulated job data does not match, an identification process is executed to accept, via the user interface, identification of a user from among users indicated in the user information associated with each piece of the corresponding accumulated job data; In the first selection process, when the identification process is executed, the corresponding accumulated job data associated with the user information corresponding to the user identified by the identification process is selected as a print target. The printer is configured as follows:

2. In the printer according to claim 1, The controller In the first selection process, when the identification process is executed, a second limited display process is executed to display, on the user interface, a user-specific limited list which is a list of the corresponding accumulated job data associated with the user information corresponding to the user identified by the identification process, and in a state in which the user-specific limited list is displayed by the second limited display process, a fourth operation can be accepted via the user interface, and the fourth operation is an operation for selecting at least one of the corresponding accumulated job data displayed in the user-specific limited list, Furthermore, in the first selection process, the corresponding stored job data selected by the fourth operation is selected as a print target. The printer is configured as follows:

3. A user interface; a communication interface; Memory and A controller; Equipped with The controller When a print job is received via the communication interface, a storage process is executed to store stored job data based on the received print job in the memory, and a plurality of stored job data can be stored in the memory, and in the storage process, the stored job data associated with first verification information may be stored in the memory; The controller further comprises: a display process is executed to display on the user interface a list of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process, and in a state where the list is displayed by the display process, a first operation and a second operation can be accepted via the user interface, the first operation being an operation for inputting second verification information, and the second operation being an operation for selecting at least one of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process; The controller further comprises: an extraction process for extracting corresponding stored job data from the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process when the first operation is received; a first selection process for selecting a print target from the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process, the corresponding accumulated job data being the accumulated job data associated with the first matching information, and the associated first matching information being the accumulated job data corresponding to the second matching information input by the first operation; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is received, a second selection process is executed to select, as a print target, the stored job data selected by the second operation from the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process; The controller further comprises: a first printing process that starts printing based on the corresponding accumulated job data selected from the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process when a print instruction is received via the user interface with the corresponding accumulated job data selected by the first selection process; a second printing process that, when a print instruction is received via the user interface without receiving the first operation while the stored job data is selected by the second selection process, receives input of the second matching information via the user interface, and starts printing based on the stored job data associated with the first matching information among the stored job data selected by the second selection process, where the associated first matching information corresponds to the second matching information input by the print instruction; To execute The printer is configured as follows:

4. In the printer according to claim 3, The controller When the print job is received via the communication interface, a user acquisition process is executed to acquire user information from the received print job; In the storage process, when the user information is acquired in the user acquisition process, stored job data based on the received print job is stored in the memory in association with the first verification information and the user information acquired in the user acquisition process; The controller further comprises: configured to execute a user selection process that accepts a user selection via the user interface; In the display process, when a user is selected by the user selection process, the list of selected accumulated job data from the accumulated job data accumulated in the memory by the accumulation process is displayed on the user interface, the selected accumulated job data is the accumulated job data associated with the user information, and the associated user information is the accumulated job data corresponding to the user selected by the user selection process, and when no user is selected by the user selection process, the list of all the accumulated job data accumulated in the memory by the accumulation process is displayed. The printer is configured as follows:

5. In the printer according to claim 3 or claim 4, The controller In the first selection process, a first limited display process is executed to display, on the user interface, a limited list that is a list of the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process, and in a state in which the limited list is displayed by the first limited display process, a third operation can be accepted via the user interface, and the third operation is an operation for selecting at least one of the corresponding accumulated job data displayed in the limited list by the first limited display process. Furthermore, in the first selection process, the corresponding stored job data selected by the third operation is selected as a print target. The printer is configured as follows:

6. A printer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The controller When the print job is received via the communication interface, a user acquisition process is executed to acquire user information from the received print job; In the storage process, when the user information is acquired in the user acquisition process, stored job data based on the received print job is stored in the memory in association with the first verification information and the user information acquired in the user acquisition process; The controller further comprises: In the first selection process, a first limited display process is executed to display a limited list, which is a list of the corresponding accumulated job data extracted by the extraction process, on the user interface, and in a state in which the limited list is displayed by the first limited display process, a third operation can be accepted via the user interface, and the third operation is an operation for selecting at least one of the corresponding accumulated job data displayed in the limited list, In the first limited display process, the corresponding accumulated job data associated with the user information is displayed in association with the associated user information; Furthermore, in the first selection process, the stored job data selected by the third operation is selected as a print target. The printer is configured as follows:

7. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The controller When the print job is received via the communication interface, an acquisition process is executed to acquire the first verification information from the received print job; In the storage process, when the first verification information is acquired in the acquisition process, stored job data based on the received print job is stored in the memory in association with the acquired first verification information. The printer is configured as follows:

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