printer

Abstract

To provide a printer with a storage printing function, which is a technology improving convenience in processing for changing a printing parameter corresponding to stored data.SOLUTION: A printer 1 stores a printing job received through a communication IF 14 in a memory 12, displays a list of the stored storage job data in a user IF 13, and can receive operation of selecting a jog and operation of instructing printing, through the user IF 13, while the list is displayed. The printer 1, when receiving the operation of instructing printing while a job is selected by operation of selecting a job, if a number of selected jobs exceeds "1", sets a number of copies without receiving a request for changing a number of copies, and if the number of selected jobs is "1", receives the input of the number of copies to set the input number of copies to be a number of copies used for printing the selected job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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] Patent Document 1 discloses a procedure for selecting the print target from stored data via a user interface and starting printing based on the selected data, but does not disclose a procedure for changing the print parameters of a received print job. It is possible to store multiple pieces of data based on print jobs in memory, and there is room for improvement in the procedure for changing the print parameters corresponding to the 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 is capable of storing a plurality of stored job data. The controller is further configured to execute a display process to display, on the user interface, a list of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process. When the list is displayed by the display process, a first operation and a second operation can be accepted via the user interface, and the first operation is to select at least one of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process. the second operation is an operation for selecting one of the stored job data sets, and the second operation is an operation for printing; and further, when the controller receives the second operation in a state in which at least one of the stored job data sets has been selected by the first operation, if the number of the stored job data sets selected by the first operation exceeds a predetermined number, the controller sets print parameters to be used for printing the stored job data set without executing a print parameter input process; and if the number of the stored job data sets selected by the first operation does not exceed the predetermined number, the controller executes the print parameter input process, and in the print parameter input process, the controller receives input of the print parameters via the user interface and sets the input print parameters as print parameters to be used for printing the stored job data set selected by the first operation.

[0006] When the printer disclosed in this specification accepts a printing operation, if the number of selected stored job data does not exceed a predetermined number, it accepts input of printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data, thereby enabling the printer to change the printing parameters before starting printing, improving convenience.On the other hand, if the number of selected stored job data exceeds a predetermined number, the printer does not accept input of printing parameters, thereby reducing, for example, the possibility of unintended changes by the user due to a bulk change of printing parameters and the hassle of changing printing parameters individually.

[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 convenience of the procedure for changing printing parameters corresponding to accumulated data in a printer with an accumulated printing function. [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] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a job selection process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a password entry screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a job selection screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a number of copies setting screen. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a number of copies input 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] 1, the printer 1 of this embodiment is connected to a PC 100 and can receive a print job including image data from the PC 100. The PC 100 is equipped with a printer driver compatible with 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 print job for stored printing that includes a password (S115: YES), the CPU 11 acquires additional information of the print job (S117). S117 is an example of the acquisition process.

[0032] The additional information of the print job includes print parameters. In S117, CPU 11 acquires at least the print parameters attached to the print job. The print parameters are information used for executing printing, and are set by a printer driver of PC 100 or the like based on instructions from the user who sends the print job.

[0033] Printer 1 executes printing using print parameters for each of a plurality of setting items. The print parameters used by printer 1 include, for example, print parameters for setting items that are referenced during rasterization, and print parameters for setting items that are not referenced during rasterization but are referenced during printing. The setting items referenced during rasterization include, for example, paper size, print resolution, and color information indicating whether color printing or monochrome printing is performed. The setting items referenced during printing include, for example, the number of copies to be printed, double-sided information indicating whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is performed, and tray information specifying the paper input tray and paper output tray.

[0034] 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."

[0035] 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.

[0036] When storing the accumulated job data in memory 12 at S118, CPU 11 stores the print parameters included in the print job in association with the print data. When storing accumulated job data including raster data as print data, CPU 11 does not need to associate print parameters of setting items referenced during rasterization. On the other hand, when storing PDL data that has not been rasterized as print data of the accumulated job data, CPU 11 associates print parameters of setting items referenced during rasterization and print parameters of setting items referenced during printing with the print data and stores them. Printer 1 of this embodiment stores at least the number of copies, which is information associated with a setting item indicating the number of copies to be printed, as a print parameter, in association with the print data. The number of copies is an example of a print parameter.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 first executes a job selection process (S201). The job selection process is a process for accepting the selection of a job to be printed from all accumulated job data stored in the memory 12.

[0041] The procedure for the job selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. In the job selection process, the CPU 11 first checks the passwords and extracts jobs to be selected. Specifically, the CPU 11 displays a password entry screen 63 on the touch panel 31 as shown in the example of Fig. 6 (S301), and accepts password entry by the user (S302).

[0042] 6, 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, if the CPU 11 accepts an operation on a numeric keypad included in the hard keys while the password entry screen 63 is displayed, it may determine that this is an instruction to enter a password and proceed to S302. Also, if the CPU 11 accepts an operation on a cancel button (not shown) while the password entry screen 63 is displayed, the CPU 11 may end the display of the password entry screen 63 and return to displaying the standby screen 50.

[0043] If the input of the password is accepted (S302: YES), the CPU 11 extracts jobs associated with a password that matches the input password from the accumulated job data stored in the memory 12 (S303).

[0044] In S303, the CPU 11 may determine compatibility based on a predetermined rule, not necessarily a complete password match. For example, it may determine compatibility if it matches part of the password in the stored job data. Furthermore, if it determines in S303 that there is no job with a matching password, the CPU 11 may terminate the job selection process and the stored print process and return to standby processing. Alternatively, if it determines 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.

[0045] Then, the CPU 11 causes the touch panel 31 to display a job selection screen 62 as shown in the example of FIG. 7 (S311). S311 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 in S303 and accepts user operations. The list 620 includes job name objects 621 that display the job names of the selection targets jobs. The job name objects 621 are buttons that accept instructions to select individual 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 7, the job selection screen 62 includes, in addition to a job name object 621, a check box 622 indicating the selection status of the job, a select all button 623, and a print instruction button 625. At the start of the job selection process, no jobs are selected, and no check marks are displayed in the check box 622 for any of the jobs in the list 620.

[0048] The select all button 623 on the job selection screen 62 is a button that accepts an instruction to select all jobs included in the list 620. An operation on the select all button 623 and an operation on any of the job name objects 621 are operations for selecting jobs, and are both an example of a first operation. The print instruction button 625 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the job selection process and start processing for executing printing. An operation on the print instruction button 625 is an operation for printing, and is an example of a second operation.

[0049] With the job selection screen 62 displayed in S311, the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to select all has been received by operating the select all button 623 (S315). If it is determined that an instruction to select all has not been received (S315: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to select individual jobs has been received by operating the job name object 621 (S316). If it is determined that an instruction to select individual jobs has not been received (S316: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to start printing has been received by operating the print instruction button 625 (S317). If it is determined that an instruction to start printing has not been received either (S317: NO), the CPU 11 waits until any instruction is received. Note that if an operation on a cancel button (not shown) is received while the job selection screen 62 is being displayed, the CPU 11 may terminate the display of the job selection screen 62 and return to displaying the standby screen 50.

[0050] If it is determined that an instruction to select all has been received by operating the select all button 623 (S315: YES), the CPU 11 sets the selection status of all jobs displayed on the currently displayed job selection screen 62 to selected (S321).Then, the CPU 11 returns to S311 and displays the job selection screen 62 with check marks in the check boxes 622 of all the currently displayed jobs.

[0051] If it is determined that an individual selection instruction has been received through an operation on the job name object 621 (S316: 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 S311, changes the display of the selection status in the check box 622 of the operated job, and displays the job selection screen 62.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that a print start instruction has been received by operating the print instruction button 625 (S317: YES), the CPU 11 ends the job selection process and returns to the accumulated print process. When the print instruction button 625 is operated and the operation is received, the job that is in the selected state is the job that has been selected to be printed.

[0053] Note that CPU 11 may accept input of a password after accepting job selection. Specifically, CPU 11 may not perform S301 to S303 at the start of job selection processing, but may instead display all jobs stored in memory 12 as a list 620 on job selection screen 62 and accept operation of job name object 621, select all button 623, or print instruction button 625. In this case, CPU 11 may execute S301 to S303 after accepting operation of print instruction button 625 (YES in S317), accept input of a password, and, if there is a job among the selected jobs whose password does not match, change the selection status of that job to unselected.

[0054] Furthermore, in step S317, if the jobs currently selected when the instruction to start printing is received include jobs of multiple users, the CPU 11 may accept the selection of a user name. In this case, the CPU 11 may accept the selection of a user name after accepting an operation on the print instruction button 625, and change the selection status of any selected jobs associated with a user name other than the selected user name to unselected.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may extract jobs to be displayed in a list as selection targets based on the user name of the job, for example, before displaying the job selection screen 62. For example, the CPU 11 may cause the user IF 13 to display a list of user names of the accumulated jobs and accept the selection of a user name, before S301. In this case, the CPU 11 may extract jobs associated with the selected user name from all accumulated jobs, and then further extract jobs from the extracted jobs in S303.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, if jobs of multiple users are extracted as a result of extracting jobs based on the passwords in S303, the CPU 11 may further accept the selection of a user name. In this case, it is preferable to display the job selection screen 62 as a list of jobs associated with the selected user name among the jobs extracted in S303.

[0057] Returning to the description of the accumulated printing process in FIG. 4, in the accumulated printing process, it is determined whether the number of jobs selected to be printed in the job selection process in S201 is "1" (S205). "1" is an example of a predetermined number. In the job selection process, operation of the print instruction button 625 is not accepted when no job is currently selected. If operation of the print instruction button 625 is accepted when no job is currently selected, the CPU 11 may, for example, notify the user that no job has been selected. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may hide the print instruction button 625 when no job is currently selected. In addition, if operation of the print instruction button 625 is accepted when no job is currently selected, the CPU 11 may terminate the job selection process as it considers 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.

[0058] If it is determined that only one job has been selected (S205: YES), the CPU 11 acquires the number of copies associated with the accumulated job data of the selected job (S206). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired number of copies is "1" (S207). "1" is an example of a predetermined value.

[0059] If it is determined that the number of selected jobs is more than one (S205: NO), or if it is determined that the acquired number of copies is two or more (S207: NO), CPU 11 sets the number of copies associated with the accumulated job data of the selected job as the number of copies to be printed when that job is printed (S209). Then, CPU 11 starts printing of the selected job (S221), and when printing of the set number of copies is completed, ends the accumulated printing process and returns to standby process.

[0060] If the print job does not include a print parameter for the number of copies, the number of copies may not be associated with the stored job data. In this embodiment, the printer 1 prints the stored job data using default print parameters that are pre-set in the printer 1 for print parameters that are not associated with the stored job data. If the number of copies is not associated with the stored job data, the CPU 11 acquires the default number of copies for the printer 1 in S206.

[0061] The default number of copies of the printer 1 is, for example, "1." If the default number of copies acquired in S206 is "1," the CPU 11 determines YES in S207. If the default number of copies is not "1," the CPU 11 determines NO in S207 and sets the default number of copies as the number of copies to be printed in S209.

[0062] Note that the printer 1 may store accumulated job data by associating default printing parameters with printing parameters that are not included in the received print job. Specifically, the CPU 11 may store accumulated job data by associating default printing parameters with printing parameters that could not be acquired in S117 of the standby process in S118. In this case, since all accumulated job data is associated with printing parameters, the CPU 11 can acquire the number of copies in S206.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that one job has been selected and the number of copies associated with the accumulated job data is "1" (S207: YES), the CPU 11 causes the touch panel 31 to display a number of copies setting screen 71 as shown in the example of FIG. 8 (S211). The number of copies setting screen 71 is a screen for accepting an instruction to change the number of copies to be printed for the selected job. The number of copies is a printing parameter that is frequently changed by the user, and allowing the change in the number of copies to be accepted before printing increases user convenience.

[0064] 8, the number of copies setting screen 71 includes a selected job name 711, a change number of copies button 712, and a start printing button 713. The change number of copies button 712 is a button for receiving an instruction to change the number of copies. In S211, the change number of copies button 712 displays the number of copies associated with the accumulated job data as an initial value. The start printing button 713 is a button for determining the number of copies to the number displayed in the change number of copies button 712 and for receiving an instruction to start printing. The number of copies setting screen 71 is an example of a setting screen.

[0065] The CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to start printing has been received by operating the print start button 713 on the currently displayed number of copies setting screen 71 (S212). If it determines that an instruction to start printing has not been received (S212: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to change the number of copies has been received by operating the number of copies change button 712 (S213). If it determines that an instruction to change the number of copies has not been received either (S213: NO), the CPU 11 waits until it receives either an instruction to start printing or an instruction to change the number of copies. Note that if an operation on a cancel button (not shown) is received while the number of copies setting screen 71 is displayed, the CPU 11 may terminate the display of the number of copies setting screen 71 and return to displaying the standby screen 50 or the job selection screen 62.

[0066] If it is determined that an instruction to change the number of copies has been received (S213: YES), the CPU 11 displays a number of copies input screen 72 on the touch panel 31 (S214), as shown in the example of Fig. 9, and receives input of the number of copies (S215). S215 is an example of a print parameter input process.

[0067] 9, the number of copies input screen 72 includes numeric keys 721 and an OK button 722, and is a screen for accepting input of the number of copies. In S214, the CPU 11 displays the number of copies associated with the accumulated job data as an initial value on the number of copies input screen 72. The user can input the number of copies using the numeric keys 721 and confirm the input with the OK button 722.

[0068] If the input of the number of copies is accepted (S215: YES), the CPU 11 sets the number that was entered when the input to the OK button 722 was accepted as the number of copies for the selected job (S216). The CPU 11 returns to S211 and displays the number of copies setting screen 71 shown in FIG. 8 again. In this case, the number displayed on the number of copies change button 712 will be the number of copies that was set in S216. Note that if an operation on a cancel button (not shown) is accepted while the number of copies input screen 72 is displayed, the CPU 11 may end the display of the number of copies input screen 72 and return to displaying the number of copies setting screen 71.

[0069] If it is determined that an instruction to start printing has been received by operating the print start button 713 on the currently displayed copy count setting screen 71 (S212: YES), the CPU 11 starts printing (S221), ends the accumulated printing process, and returns to standby processing. The CPU 11 prints the number of copies displayed on the copy count change button 712 based on the job displayed on the job name 711 on the copy count setting screen 71. The CPU 11 may also delete the accumulated job data for which printing has been completed from the memory 12.

[0070] In S205, it was stated that selection of the number of copies can be accepted when the number of selected jobs is "1," but the number of jobs is not limited to "1." For example, if the number of selected jobs is the number that can be displayed in the field for job name 711, for example, "3" or less, CPU 11 may display multiple job names and accept an instruction to change the number of copies all at once. Also, for example, if the number of copy change buttons 712 is such that they can be displayed side by side on one screen, multiple copy change buttons 712 may be displayed and an instruction to change the number of copies may be accepted for each job.

[0071] However, accepting a change in the number of copies for multiple jobs at once may result in a change that the user does not intend. Also, accepting a change in the number of copies for each selected job may complicate operations and display, potentially confusing the user. If an instruction to change the number of copies is not accepted when multiple jobs are selected, user convenience is improved.

[0072] In addition, in S207, it was stated that selection of the number of copies can be accepted when the initial value of the number of copies is "1," but the initial value for accepting selection of the number of copies is not limited to "1" and may be, for example, "2" or less. Also, for example, the CPU 11 may accept selection of the number of copies when the initial value of the number of copies matches the default number of copies set in the printer 1 or is equal to or less than the default number of copies. Also, for example, the CPU 11 may be able to accept selection of the number of copies regardless of the value of the initial value.

[0073] However, if a value other than "1" is set as the number of copies, it is highly likely that the value was intentionally set by the user. If changes to the number of copies are accepted only when the default value set in Printer 1 or the initial value set in the printer driver of the sender is set as the number of copies, it will reduce the user's effort and improve operability.

[0074] 7 may further include a copy count setting button (not shown) for receiving an instruction to set the number of copies. In addition to the all-select instruction, individual-select instruction, and print instruction, the CPU 11 may also be able to receive an instruction to set the number of copies during the job selection process. For example, the copy count setting button may be a button that can receive an instruction when one or more jobs are selected.

[0075] When a command to set the number of copies is received by operating the number of copies button while the job selection screen 62 including the number of copies setting button is displayed, the CPU 11 may display the number of copies input screen 72 shown in FIG. 9 to receive the input of the number of copies, for example, if only one job is selected. The CPU 11 may then change the number of copies associated with the job to the input number of copies for the selected job, store the input number of copies in memory 12, and return to the display of the job selection screen 62. In this case, the input number of copies becomes associated with the selected job. Therefore, after terminating the job selection process and returning to the accumulated printing process, the CPU 11 obtains the input number of copies in S206 and makes the determination in S207 based on the input number of copies.

[0076] Furthermore, while the job selection screen 62 including the copy setting button is displayed, if an instruction to set the number of copies is received by operating the copy setting button, the CPU 11 may not display the copy number input screen 72 shown in FIG. 9, for example, if there are multiple selected jobs. In this case, the CPU 11 may, for example, use the number of copies set for the job to inquire of the user whether or not to proceed with printing. If the answer to proceed with printing is received, the CPU 11 may terminate the job selection process and return to the accumulated printing process, as in the case where the print instruction button 625 is operated. If the answer to not proceed with printing is received, the CPU 11 may return to displaying the job selection screen 62. In this case, operating the copy setting button is an example of a second operation.

[0077] 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.

[0078] As described above in detail, the printer 1 of this embodiment accepts input of the number of copies of the stored job data when the number of selected accumulated job data is one, thereby enabling the printer 1 to change the number of copies and improving convenience. On the other hand, when two or more pieces of stored job data are selected, allowing the number of copies to be changed all at once could result in a change that the user does not intend. Furthermore, when two or more pieces of stored job data are selected, accepting individual instructions to change the number of copies could complicate user operations. The printer 1 of this embodiment does not accept input of the number of copies when two or more pieces of stored job data are selected, thereby preventing unintended changes by the user and complicating operations.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 11 displays the number of copies assigned to the received print job as the initial value on the number of copies setting screen 71, so that the user can easily determine whether or not the number of copies needs to be changed.

[0080] Furthermore, if the number of copies assigned to the received print job is not "1," it is highly likely that the number of copies was intentionally set by the user. In this embodiment, the printer 1 does not accept an instruction to change the number of copies if the number of copies assigned to the received print job is not "1," thereby saving the user time and effort.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1 has been described as having a touch panel 31, but the printer 1 may be any printer as long as it is capable of appropriately displaying information and accepting input instructions, and may, for example, be equipped with a combination of a display unit other than a touch panel and operation buttons.

[0083] Also, the screens illustrated in each figure are merely examples and are not limited to the examples shown. For example, the job selection screen 62 (FIG. 7) may not have the select all button 623. Also, for example, there may be 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 password input button that accepts re-entry of a password. 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.

[0084] 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 the print job. Also, for example, a username may be used as the password. The username is not limited to information indicating the user, but may also be information indicating the device that sent the print job.

[0085] Also, for example, the printer 1 may store all received print jobs regardless of whether or not a password is required. In this case, the printer 1 does not need to accept the input of a password when accepting the selection of a job to be printed, and steps S301 to S303 may be omitted. In other words, the CPU 11 may display all stored jobs in the list 620 and accept the user's selection in S311 of the job selection process. Alternatively, the printer 1 may accept the input of a password and include jobs with a matching password and jobs without a password in the list 620 of the job selection screen 62.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of copies is used as an example of a print parameter for which a setting instruction is accepted, but the print parameter for which a setting instruction is accepted is not limited to the number of copies. For example, the printer 1 may be able to accept setting instructions for double-sided printing information or tray information.

[0088] For example, the printer 1 may be capable of accepting a setting instruction for a print parameter for an item for which a default value is set among various print setting items associated with accumulated job data. For example, when default values are set as print parameters for all setting items associated with accumulated job data, the printer 1 may be capable of accepting a setting instruction for each print parameter.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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]

[0091] 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; 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 selecting at least one of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process, and the second operation being an operation for printing; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is received in a state where at least one of the stored job data is selected by the first operation, If the number of the stored job data selected by the first operation exceeds a predetermined number, the printing parameter input process is not executed, and printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data are set; If the number of stored job data selected by the first operation does not exceed the predetermined number, the printing parameter input process is executed; the print parameter input process accepts input of the print parameters via the user interface, and sets the input print parameters as the print parameters to be used for printing the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller further comprises: When the print job is received via the communication interface, an acquisition process is executed to acquire the print parameters attached to the print job from the received print job; In the storage process, the stored job data based on the received print job is stored in the memory in association with the print parameters acquired in the acquisition process; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is received in a state where at least one of the stored job data is selected by the first operation, If the number of the stored job data selected by the first operation exceeds the predetermined number, the printing parameter input process is not executed, and the printing parameters associated with the selected stored job data and stored in the memory are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the selected stored job data. The printer is configured as follows:

2. In the printer according to claim 1, the predetermined number is 1, The controller In the printing parameter input process, When receiving the input of the printing parameters via the user interface, displaying a setting screen for the printing parameters by the user interface, and displaying the printing parameters stored in the memory in association with the stored job data selected by the first operation by the storage process as initial values of the printing parameters displayed on the setting screen; when receiving an input of the printing parameters that change the initial values via the user interface, setting the input printing parameters as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data selected by the first operation; when the input of the printing parameter for changing the initial value is not accepted via the user interface, the initial value displayed on the setting screen is set as the printing parameter to be used for printing the stored job data selected by the first operation. The printer is configured as follows:

3. In the printer according to claim 1, the predetermined number is 1, The controller When the second operation is received in a state where at least one of the stored job data is selected by the first operation, if the number of stored job data selected by the first operation is plural, the printing parameter input process is not executed, and for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation, the printing parameters associated with the stored job data and stored in the memory by the storage process are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data; If the number of stored job data selected by the first operation is 1, the printing parameter input process is executed; In the printing parameter input process, Accepting input of the printing parameters via the user interface; When the printing parameters are input via the user interface, the input printing parameters are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing one of the stored job data selected by the first operation; If the printing parameters are not input via the user interface, for one of the stored job data selected by the first operation, the printing parameters associated with the one of the stored job data and stored in the memory by the storage process are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data. The printer is configured as follows:

4. In the printer according to claim 1, The controller In the printing parameter input process, determining whether the print parameters associated with the stored job data and stored in the memory by the storage process are predetermined values for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation; For the stored job data for which it is determined that the printing parameters are equal to the predetermined values, an input of the printing parameters is accepted via the user interface, and the input printing parameters are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data; For the stored job data for which the printing parameters are not determined to be the predetermined values, the input of the printing parameters is not accepted, and the printing parameters associated with the stored job data and stored in the memory by the storage process are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data. The printer is configured as follows:

5. 5. The printer according to claim 1, the printing parameter is the number of copies; The controller the print parameter input process accepts input of the number of copies via the user interface, and sets the input number of copies as the number of copies of the stored job data selected by the first operation. The printer is configured as follows:

6. 6. The printer according to claim 1, The controller When the second operation is received in a state where at least one of the stored job data is selected by the first operation, if the number of the stored job data selected by the first operation exceeds the predetermined number, the print parameter input process is not executed, and printing is started for the stored job data selected by the first operation using the print parameters that were set without executing the print parameter input process; if the number of the stored job data selected by the first operation does not exceed the predetermined number, execute the print parameter input process, and start printing the stored job data selected by the first operation using the print parameters set by the print parameter input process. The printer is configured as follows:

Images