printer

Abstract

To provide a printer having 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 received printing job in a memory 12, and can receive operation for selecting a job, operation for selecting a number of copies, and operation for printing, through a user IF13, while a list of stored storage job data in the user IF 13. The printer 1, after receiving the operation for selecting the job, without receiving the operation for setting a number of copies, if receiving the operation for printing, prints the job selected by using the predetermined number of copies, and after receiving the operation for selecting a job and the operation for setting a number of copies, if receiving the operation for printing, prints the job by using the number of copies set by the operation.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 a list of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process on the user interface, and when the list is displayed by the display process, the printer is capable of accepting a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation via the user interface. The operation is an operation for selecting at least one of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process, the second operation is an operation for setting print parameters, and the third operation is an operation for printing; the controller is further configured to print the stored job data selected by the first operation using the predetermined print parameters when it receives the third operation without receiving the second operation after receiving the first operation, and to print the stored job data selected by the first operation using the print parameters set by the second operation when it receives the third operation after receiving the first operation and the second operation.

[0006] The printer disclosed in this specification displays a list of stored job data stored in memory and, while the list is displayed, can accept a first operation for selecting stored job data, a second operation for setting print parameters, and a third operation for printing. If the printer accepts the third operation after accepting the first and second operations, both the first and second operations are reflected when the third operation is accepted, regardless of whether the first or second operation is accepted first. On the other hand, if the printer accepts the third operation after accepting the first operation but without accepting the second operation, the printer prints using predetermined print parameters. This provides a user-friendly procedure for changing print parameters compared to a configuration in which the operation for selecting stored job data and the operation for setting print parameters are input in a specific order.

[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] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a password entry 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 the procedure of a setting change process. [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] 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 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 standby processing.

[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 displays a password entry screen 63 on the touch panel 31 (S201), as shown in Fig. 5, for example, and accepts the entry of a password (S202).

[0041] 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 S202. 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.

[0042] If the input of the password is accepted (S202: YES), the CPU 11 extracts a job associated with a password that matches the input password from the accumulated job data stored in the memory 12 (S203).

[0043] In S203, CPU 11 may determine compatibility based on a predetermined rule, not necessarily a perfect password match. For example, CPU 11 may determine compatibility if the password partially matches the password in the stored job data. Furthermore, if CPU 11 determines in S203 that there is no job with a matching password, CPU 11 may end the stored print process and return to standby processing. Alternatively, if CPU 11 determines that there is no job with a matching password, CPU 11 may display a message informing the user that the passwords do not match and request the user to re-enter the password.

[0044] Then, the CPU 11 executes a job selection process (S205). The job selection process is a process for accepting a selection of a job to be printed from all of the stored job data extracted in S203.

[0045] The procedure for 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 as shown in the example of Fig. 7 on the touch panel 31 (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 in S203 of the accumulated printing process and accepts user operations. The job selection screen 62 is an example of a list screen.

[0046] The list 620 includes job name objects 621 that display the job names of the jobs to be selected. 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 stored job data as identification information for identifying the stored job data.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. The job selection screen 62 further includes an individual setting button 627, a selection setting button 628, and a batch setting button 629. The check box 622 is included in each job name object 621 and is a column indicating the selection status of the job. At the start of the job selection process, no jobs are selected, and no check marks are displayed in the check boxes 622 for any of the jobs in the list 620.

[0049] 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 both are examples of a first operation. The job name object 621 and the select all button 623 are examples of a first object.

[0050] The individual setting button 627, the selective setting button 628, and the collective setting button 629 on the job selection screen 62 are buttons for accepting the setting of the number of copies, which is one of the printing parameters. The number of copies is a parameter that is frequently changed by the user, and allowing the change of the number of copies before printing increases user convenience.

[0051] The individual setting button 627 is provided alongside each job name object 621 and is a button for receiving an instruction to set the number of copies for the corresponding job. The number of copies set for the corresponding job is displayed on the individual setting button 627. In other words, the job selection screen 62 displays a list 620 in which the job name object 621 and the number of copies for the job are associated with each other.

[0052] At the start of the job selection process, the CPU 11 reads out the number of copies stored in association with each job and displays the read number of copies on the individual setting button 627. However, if the print job does not include a print parameter for the number of copies, it is possible that the number of copies is not associated with the accumulated job data. For print parameters not associated with the accumulated job data, the printer 1 of this embodiment prints the accumulated job data using default print parameters pre-set in the printer 1. If the number of copies is not associated with the accumulated job data, the CPU 11 obtains the default number of copies for the printer 1 and displays it on the individual setting button 627. The default number of copies for the printer 1 is, for example, "1."

[0053] 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 at the start of the job selection process.

[0054] Furthermore, as will be described later, when the number of copies of a job is changed and set, the CPU 11 switches to the set number of copies and displays the individual setting button 627. For each job, the job name object 621 and the individual setting button 627 indicating the currently set number of copies are displayed in association with each other, making it easy for the user to determine whether or not it is necessary to set the number of copies.

[0055] The selective setting button 628 is a button that accepts an instruction to collectively set the number of copies for all jobs that are currently selected. The collective setting button 629 is a button that accepts an instruction to collectively set the number of copies for all jobs displayed in the list 620. This job selection screen 62 is easy to use because it can accept both an instruction to set the number of copies for an individual job using the individual setting button 627 and an instruction to collectively set the number of copies for multiple jobs using the selective setting button 628 or collective setting button 629.

[0056] An operation on any of the individual setting button 627, the selection setting button 628, and the batch setting button 629 is an example of a second operation. An operation on the individual setting button 627 is an example of an individual setting operation, an operation on the selection setting button 628 is an example of a multiple setting operation, and an operation on the batch setting button 629 is an example of a batch setting operation. The individual setting button 627, the selection setting button 628, and the batch setting button 629 are examples of a second object. The selection setting button 628 is an example of a specific object.

[0057] The print instruction button 625 is a button that accepts an instruction to end the job selection process and start processing to execute printing. An operation on the print instruction button 625 is an operation for printing, and is an example of a third operation. Note that if the printer 1 is equipped with a hardware button other than the touch panel 31 as the user IF 13, the operation for printing may be accepted by that hardware button.

[0058] The CPU 11 determines whether or not a job selection instruction has been received by operating the select all button 623 or the job name object 621 on the job selection screen 62 being displayed (S305). If it is determined that a job selection instruction has not been received (S305: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a number of copies setting instruction has been received by operating any of the individual setting button 627, the selective setting button 628, and the batch setting button 629 (S306). If it is determined that a number of copies setting instruction has not been received (S306: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a printing start instruction has been received by operating the print instruction button 625 (S307). If it is determined that a printing start instruction has not been received either (S307: NO), the CPU 11 waits until any of these instructions is received.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In other words, by displaying the job selection screen 62 on the touch panel 31, the printer 1 of this embodiment can accept instructions for selecting a job, setting the number of copies, and starting printing while the job selection screen 62 is displayed. Because multiple objects that accept each instruction are displayed on a single screen, each object is easy to operate, and there is no requirement for a specific input order when entering each instruction, making it easy to use.

[0061] When it is determined that a job selection instruction has been received (S305: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the received instruction is an all-selection instruction issued by operating the select all button 623, or an individual selection instruction issued by operating the job name object 621 (S311). If it is determined that the instruction is an all-selection instruction (S311: select all), the CPU 11 sets the selection status of all jobs displayed on the currently displayed job selection screen 62 to selected (S312). On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction is an individual selection instruction (S311: select individual), the CPU 11 changes the selection status of the job to be selected (S313). Specifically, if the selection status of the job is selected, the CPU 11 sets it to unselected, and if it is unselected, the CPU 11 sets it to selected.

[0062] Furthermore, after the selection state is changed in S312 or S313, the CPU 11 determines whether the number of copies set for all jobs whose selection state is currently selected is "1" (S315). If it is determined that any of the selected jobs has a number of copies other than "1" set (S315: NO), the CPU 11 determines to hide the selection setting button 628 (S316). On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of copies for all selected jobs is "1" (S315: YES), the CPU 11 determines to display the selection setting button 628 (S317). "1" is an example of a predetermined value.

[0063] If any of the selected jobs has a number of copies other than "1" set, the selection setting button 628 is hidden. If, from that state, the selection of a job with a number of copies other than "1" set is deselected and the number of copies set for all selected jobs becomes "1," the CPU 11 displays the selection setting button 628. Note that the CPU 11 may also hide the selection setting button 628 when there is no job currently selected.

[0064] The condition for displaying the selection setting button 628 is not limited to the example where the number of copies for all selected jobs is "1." For example, the CPU 11 may display the selection setting button 628 if the number of copies for all selected jobs is a value for which there is a possibility that the user has not performed any operation. In other words, the predetermined value may be, for example, a default value set in the printer 1 or an initial value of the printer driver of the sender. For example, the default number of copies for the printer 1 may be other than "1." In that case, the CPU 11 may display the selection setting button 628 if the number of copies for all selected jobs is the default number of copies.

[0065] Then, the CPU 11 returns to S301 and causes the user IF 13 to change and display the job selection screen 62. Specifically, the CPU 11 causes the job selection screen 62 to be displayed with a check mark in the check box 622 of the job whose selection state has become selected in S312 or S313, and with no check mark in the check box 622 of the job whose selection state has become unselected.

[0066] Furthermore, based on S316 or S317, the CPU 11 displays or hides the selection setting button 628, and displays the job selection screen 62. When the selection setting button 628 is in the hidden state, the CPU 11 does not accept any operation on the selection setting button 628.

[0067] When operating the selection setting button 628, multiple jobs may be subject to change. For example, if a large number of jobs are included in the list 620 and some of them are off-screen, the user may forget that there is a job for which the number of copies is set to "2" or more. The printer 1 of this embodiment displays the selection setting button 628 and can accept selection setting instructions only when the number of copies of all selected jobs is "1," thereby reducing the risk of unintended changes by the user. Note that the printer 1 may gray out the selection setting button 628 instead of hiding it.

[0068] On the other hand, the batch setting button 629 is displayed on the job selection screen 62 and can accept operations regardless of the job selection state or the number of copies set for each job. The batch setting button 629 can accept an instruction to set the number of copies all at once for all jobs displayed in the list 620, thereby eliminating the need to set the number of copies individually for multiple jobs. Note that, like the selection setting button 628, the batch setting button 629 may also not accept operations if the list 620 includes a job for which a number of copies other than "1" is set.

[0069] When it is determined that an instruction to set the number of copies has been received on the currently displayed job selection screen 62 (S306: YES), the CPU 11 executes a setting change process (S321). The setting change process is executed when an operation on any of the individual setting button 627, the selective setting button 628, and the collective setting button 629 on the currently displayed job selection screen 62 is received.

[0070] The procedure for the setting change process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. In the setting change process, CPU 11 determines whether the job to be set is one job or multiple jobs (S401). Specifically, if the instruction received in S306 of the job selection process is an operation on individual setting button 627, CPU 11 determines that the instruction is a setting instruction for one job. On the other hand, if the instruction received in S306 of the job selection process is an operation on selection setting button 628 or batch setting button 629, CPU 11 determines that the instruction is a setting instruction for multiple jobs.

[0071] If it is determined that there is one job to be set (S401: one), the CPU 11 acquires the number of copies stored in association with the job (S411) and sets the acquired number of copies as an initial value (S412). Then, the CPU 11 displays a number of copies input screen 72 as shown in the example of FIG. 9 on the touch panel 31 (S413) and accepts user input (S414). The number of copies input screen 72 is an example of a setting screen. Note that if an operation on a cancel button (not shown) is accepted while the number of copies input screen 72 is being displayed, the CPU 11 may terminate the display of the number of copies input screen 72 and return to displaying the job selection screen 62 or the standby screen 50.

[0072] 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. The initial value determined in S412 is also displayed on the number of copies input screen 72. The user can change the number of copies from the initial value by using the numeric keys 721 and enter the new number, and then confirm the entry by pressing the OK button 722. If it is determined that the input of the number of copies has been accepted (S414: YES), the CPU 11 sets the accepted value as the number of copies for each job to be set (S415).

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are multiple jobs to be set (S401: multiple), the CPU 11 sets the initial value to "1" (S421), displays the number of copies input screen 72 shown in Fig. 9 on the touch panel 31 (S422), and accepts user input (S423). Note that in this case as well, if an operation on a cancel button (not shown) is accepted while the number of copies input screen 72 is being displayed, the CPU 11 may terminate the display of the number of copies input screen 72 and return to displaying the job selection screen 62 or the standby screen 50.

[0074] As described above, the Selective Setting button 628 is a button that is displayed when the number of copies for all selected jobs is "1." In other words, when the Selective Setting button 628 is operated, the initial value of the number of copies for all jobs to be set is "1." Therefore, in S422, "1" is displayed as the initial value. Also, the Bulk Setting button 629 is a button that accepts a collective setting regardless of the initial value of the number of copies for the jobs to be set. In this case, in S422, the CPU 11 displays, for example, the default value "1" as the initial value for the number of copies. Note that the initial value displayed in S422 does not have to be "1." The initial value could be, for example, "2," or the default number of copies set in the printer 1.

[0075] If it is determined that the input of the number of copies has been received (S423: YES), the CPU 11 sets the received value as the number of copies for all jobs to which the setting is to be made (S425).

[0076] After S415 or S425, the CPU 11 ends the setting change process and returns to the job selection process. In the job selection process, the CPU 11 returns to S301 and causes the number of copies set in S415 or S425 of the setting change process to be displayed in the individual setting button 627 corresponding to the job to be set on the job selection screen 62. The CPU 11 then repeats the determinations of S305 to S307 and accepts operations on the job selection screen 62 that is being displayed.

[0077] Note that instead of accepting operation of the selection setting button 628 only when the number of copies for all selected jobs is "1," the number of copies may be set only for the selected jobs for which the number of copies is "1." In this case, the CPU 11 displays the selection setting button 628 even if there is a job for which the number of copies is set to, for example, "2" or more. Then, in S425 of the setting change processing, instead of setting the number of copies for all selected jobs, the CPU 11 sets the number of copies input in S423 only for the selected job for which the number of copies is "1." Even in this case, the number of copies is not changed for jobs for which the number of copies is set to a value other than "1," thereby reducing the risk of an unintended change by the user.

[0078] When it is determined that a print start instruction has been received by operating the print instruction button 625 on the job selection screen 62 being displayed (S307: 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 received, the job that is in the selected state is the job that has been selected to be printed.

[0079] Returning to the explanation of the accumulated printing process in Fig. 4, the jobs to be printed are selected through the job selection process, and the number of copies is set for each job to be printed. CPU 11 prints the number of copies set for each job selected to be printed (S207), terminates the accumulated printing process, and returns to the standby process.

[0080] 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.

[0081] As described above in detail, the printer 1 of this embodiment accepts, while displaying the job selection screen 62 including the list 620, both a job selection instruction entered by operating the select all button 623 or the job name object 621, and a number of copies setting instruction entered by operating any of the individual setting button 627, the selection setting button 628, and the batch setting button 629. Regardless of whether the job selection instruction or the number of copies setting instruction is accepted first, the accepted operation is reflected when an instruction to start printing is accepted by operating the print instruction button 625. On the other hand, if an instruction to start printing is accepted after accepting a job selection instruction without accepting an instruction to set the number of copies, the printer 1 prints using the number of copies stored in association with the job. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the job selection instruction and the number of copies setting instruction are input in a specific order, a more user-friendly procedure is provided.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of copies is included in the received print job and is obtained from the received print job, so the sender of the print job can associate the number of copies with each print job. Furthermore, the number of copies input screen 72 displays the number of copies associated with the job as the initial value of the number of copies, making it easy for the user to determine whether or not the number of copies needs to be changed.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 the input of a password.

[0086] 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. In the case of a printer that stores raster data as stored job data, it may be possible to accept print parameters for setting items that are referenced when printing is executed, such as double-sided information and tray information.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the operation is on the Select Setting button 628 or the Bulk Setting button 629, the CPU 11 determines in S401 of the setting change process that the operation is a setting instruction for multiple jobs, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the operation on the Select Setting button 628 is accepted when there is only one selected job, or if the operation on the Bulk Setting button 629 is accepted when there is only one job included in the list 620, the CPU 11 may determine that there is one job in S401 of the setting change process. Then, the CPU 11 may proceed to S411, display the printing parameters set for that one job as initial values, and accept settings of the printing parameters.

[0088] In addition, although the present embodiment has been described as not changing the selection state when an instruction to set the number of copies is received, it may be changed. For example, when CPU 11 receives a setting of the number of copies for an individual job by operating individual setting button 627, if the selection state of the job to be set is not selected, it may be automatically changed to selected.

[0089] 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, user name information may be used as the password.

[0090] Also, for example, the printer 1 may store all received print jobs regardless of whether or not a password is included. In that case, the printer 1 may not accept the input of a password and may include all stored jobs in the list 620 of the job selection screen 62. Specifically, steps S201 to S203 of the stored print process may be omitted. 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.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of a job selection screen that displays a list of job names as information for identifying jobs has been shown, 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.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, when an instruction for stored printing is received, the password is first input and a job is extracted. However, the timing for receiving the password input is not limited to this. For example, CPU 11 may receive the password input after receiving the job selection. Specifically, in the stored printing process, CPU 11 may first execute the job selection process of S205, and after receiving the selection from all jobs stored in memory 12, execute S201 and S202. Then, for example, if there is a job among the selected jobs that is associated with a password that does not match the input password, CPU 11 may change the selection status of that job to unselected.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, if user name information is attached to a print job, jobs to be selected may be extracted based on the user name information. For example, before S201 of the stored print process, CPU 11 may display a list of user names of the stored jobs on user IF 13 and accept a user selection. For example, after extracting jobs based on passwords in S203 of the stored print process, if jobs of multiple users are extracted, CPU 11 may further accept a user selection. Alternatively, CPU 11 may accept a user selection when jobs of multiple users are selected in the job selection process.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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]

[0096] 1. Printer 10 Controller 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, a second operation, and a third 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, the second operation being an operation for setting print parameters, and the third operation being an operation for printing; The controller further comprises: when the third operation is accepted without accepting the second operation after accepting the first operation, printing the stored job data selected by the first operation using the predetermined printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the second operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the second operation; the second operation includes an individual setting operation and a multiple setting operation, the individual setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one of the stored job data shown in the list displayed by the display process, and the multiple setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one or more of the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is accepted by the individual setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of the one piece of stored job data that is the target among the stored job data that has been stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the individual setting operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the individual setting operation; when the second operation is accepted by the multiple setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation among the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the multiple setting operation are accepted, printing is performed using the print parameters set by the multiple setting operation for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller further comprises: when the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation are predetermined values, the multiple setting operation is made acceptable, and when the multiple setting operation is accepted, input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation are set to the input printing parameters; If the printing parameter of at least one of the stored job data selected by the first operation is not the predetermined value, the multiple setting operation is not accepted. The printer is configured as follows:

2. 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, a second operation, and a third 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, the second operation being an operation for setting print parameters, and the third operation being an operation for printing; The controller further comprises: when the third operation is accepted without accepting the second operation after accepting the first operation, printing the stored job data selected by the first operation using the predetermined printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the second operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the second operation; the second operation includes an individual setting operation and a multiple setting operation, the individual setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one of the stored job data shown in the list displayed by the display process, and the multiple setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one or more of the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller further comprises: When the second operation is accepted by the individual setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of the one piece of stored job data that is the target among the stored job data that has been stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the individual setting operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the individual setting operation; when the second operation is accepted by the multiple setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation among the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the multiple setting operation are accepted, printing is performed using the print parameters set by the multiple setting operation for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation; the user interface includes a touch panel, and is capable of displaying a specific object corresponding to the multiple setting operation on the touch panel; The controller further comprises: when the stored job data for which the printing parameters are not predetermined values is not selected by the first operation, displaying the specific object on the touch panel, and when an operation is performed on the specific object, accepting input of the printing parameters, and setting the printing parameters of all the stored job data selected by the first operation to the input printing parameters; When the stored job data in which the printing parameter is not the predetermined value is selected by the first operation while the specific object is being displayed, the specific object is hidden; When the selection of the stored job data in which the printing parameters are not the predetermined values is cancelled in a state in which the specific object is not displayed, and the stored job data in which the printing parameters are not the predetermined values is no longer selected, the specific object is displayed on the touch panel. 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; 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, a second operation, and a third 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, the second operation being an operation for setting print parameters, and the third operation being an operation for printing; The controller further comprises: when the third operation is accepted without accepting the second operation after accepting the first operation, printing the stored job data selected by the first operation using the predetermined printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the second operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the second operation; the second operation includes an individual setting operation and a batch setting operation, the individual setting operation being an operation for setting the print parameters for one of the stored job data shown in the list displayed by the display process, and the batch setting operation being an operation for setting the print parameters for all of the stored job data shown in the list, The controller further comprises: When the second operation is accepted by the individual setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of the one piece of stored job data that is the target among the stored job data that has been stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the individual setting operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the individual setting operation; When the second operation is accepted by the batch setting operation, input of the print parameters is accepted, and the print parameters of all the stored job data displayed in the list are set to the input print parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the collective setting operation are accepted, printing is performed using the print parameters set by the collective setting operation for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation. The printer is configured as follows:

4. In the printer according to claim 3, the second operation includes an individual setting operation and a multiple setting operation, the individual setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one of the stored job data shown in the list displayed by the display process, and the multiple setting operation being an operation for setting the printing parameters for one or more of the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller When the second operation is accepted by the individual setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of the one piece of stored job data that is the target among the stored job data that has been stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the individual setting operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the individual setting operation; when the second operation is accepted by the multiple setting operation, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation among the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process are set to the input printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the multiple setting operation are accepted, printing is performed using the print parameters set by the multiple setting operation for each of the stored job data selected by the first operation. The printer is configured as follows:

5. In the printer according to claim 4, The controller When the multiple setting operation is accepted, If the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation are predetermined values, an input of the printing parameters is accepted, and the printing parameters of all of the stored job data selected by the first operation are set to the input printing parameters; The controller further comprises: when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the multiple setting operation are accepted, among the stored job data selected by the first operation, the stored job data for which the printing parameters are set by the multiple setting operation is printed using the printing parameters set by the multiple setting operation, and the stored job data for which the printing parameters are not set by the multiple setting operation is printed using the predetermined printing parameters. The printer is configured as follows:

6. In the printer according to claim 4, The controller When the multiple setting operation is accepted, the input of the printing parameters is accepted, and among the stored job data selected by the first operation, For the stored job data in which the printing parameters are predetermined values, the printing parameters are set to the input printing parameters; For the stored job data in which the printing parameters are not the predetermined values, the input printing parameters are not set, The controller further comprises: when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the multiple setting operation are accepted, among the stored job data selected by the first operation, the stored job data for which the printing parameters are set by the multiple setting operation is printed using the printing parameters set by the multiple setting operation, and the stored job data for which the printing parameters are not set by the multiple setting operation is printed using the predetermined printing parameters. 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 print parameters from the received print job; In the storing 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 third operation is accepted without accepting the second operation after accepting the first operation, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the printing parameters that have been associated with the stored job data and stored in the memory by the storage process; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the second operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters set by the second operation; The printer is configured as follows:

8. The printer according to claim 7, The controller When receiving the input of the printing parameters via the user interface by the second operation, displaying a setting screen for the printing parameters via the user interface; when the second operation is accepted after the first operation is accepted, the storage process displays the printing parameters associated with the stored job data selected by the first operation and stored in the memory as initial values of the printing parameters to be displayed on the setting screen, and thereafter, when input of the printing parameters that change the initial values is accepted via the user interface, the input printing parameters are set as the printing parameters to be used for printing the stored job data selected by the first operation; The controller further comprises: when the second operation is accepted after the first operation is accepted, and the third operation is accepted after the second operation, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed using the print parameters changed from the initial values by the second operation; The printer is configured as follows:

9. 9. The printer according to claim 1, the printing parameter is the number of copies; the second operation is an operation for setting the number of copies, The controller When the third operation is accepted without accepting the second operation after accepting the first operation, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed in a predetermined number of copies; when the third operation is accepted after the first operation and the second operation are accepted, the stored job data selected by the first operation is printed for the number of copies set by the second operation; The printer is configured as follows:

10. 10. The printer according to claim 1, the user interface includes a touch panel; The controller the display processing displays, on the touch panel, a list screen including the list, a first object corresponding to the first operation, and a second object corresponding to the second operation; The controller further comprises: when accepting the third operation without accepting the operation on the second object displayed on the touch panel after accepting the operation on the first object displayed on the touch panel, printing the stored job data selected by the operation on the first object using the predetermined printing parameters; when the third operation is accepted after the operation on the first object and the operation on the second object displayed on the touch panel is accepted, the stored job data selected by the operation on the first object is printed using the printing parameters set by the operation on the second object. The printer is configured as follows:

11. 11. The printer according to claim 1, The controller In the display process, predetermined printing parameters are acquired for each of the stored job data stored in the memory by the storage process, and the list is displayed on the user interface in a manner in which the acquired printing parameters are associated with each of the stored job data; The controller further comprises: When the printing parameters are set by the second operation, the printing parameters displayed in association with the list for the stored job data for which the printing parameters are set by the second operation are switched from the read printing parameters to the set printing parameters. The printer is configured as follows:

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