Printing device, printing method, and print control program

Abstract

To make an improvement so that users can set desired print settings easily and accurately regarding print jobs that are transmitted from the outside and accumulated in a printing device.SOLUTION: A printing device includes a communication unit that receives print jobs, a storage unit that accumulates the print jobs received by the communication unit, a printing unit that prints the print jobs, and a control unit. The control unit obtains print setting information about the print jobs via the communication unit, performs batch settings of the print order of the print jobs accumulated in the storage unit and or the number of prints according to the print setting information, and causes the printing unit to execute printing according to the batch settings of the print jobs accumulated in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a printing method, and a print control program. [Background technology]

[0002] The printing device is capable of receiving and storing print jobs sent from an external terminal, and then printing the print jobs.

[0003] As a related technology, an image forming device has been disclosed that includes a transmission means for transmitting to an external device screen information that causes an external device to display a screen that can simultaneously accept the specification of multiple print files to be linked to a folder with associated print setting information and transferred to the image forming device, and a program for determining the transfer order of the multiple print files specified on the screen, and a control means for causing an image forming unit to perform image formation based on the print files transferred linked to the folder, using the print setting information, in the order in which the print files are transferred (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-17216 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A user may attempt to print print jobs sent to a printing device from an external source at various times and stored in the printing device's internal storage media in a desired order, number of copies, and other print settings. In such cases, the user performs the necessary settings for each stored print job by operating the operation panel or user interface screen. This is cumbersome, and the user may make incorrect settings. In particular, when a print job that has been stored and then previously printed is to be printed again, the necessary settings must be performed each time, increasing the complexity and the likelihood of errors. Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned document 1, it is difficult for a user to change the print order, number of copies, etc., of a print job after it has been transferred to a folder in an image forming device.

[0006] In view of this situation, there is a need for an improvement that allows users to easily and accurately set desired print settings for print jobs that have been sent from an external source and stored in a printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printing device includes a communication unit that receives print jobs, a storage unit that accumulates the print jobs received by the communication unit, a printing unit that prints the print jobs, and a control unit, and the control unit acquires print setting information related to the print jobs via the communication unit, performs collective setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs accumulated in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information, and causes the printing unit to execute printing according to the collective setting of the print jobs accumulated in the storage unit. and causing the printing unit to print print jobs that are not specified by the print setting information among the print jobs stored in the storage unit before or after printing the print jobs specified by the print setting information according to the batch setting. do. Another printing device includes a communication unit that receives print jobs, a memory unit that stores the print jobs received by the communication unit, a printing unit that prints the print jobs, and a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires print setting information related to the print jobs via the communication unit, performs batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the memory unit in accordance with the print setting information, causes the printing unit to execute printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the memory unit, and when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the most recent print job of the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job is the target of the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information.

[0008] The printing method executed by the printing device includes a storage step of receiving print jobs through external communication and storing the print jobs in a storage unit, an acquisition step of acquiring print setting information related to the print jobs through external communication, a setting step of performing batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information, and a printing step of executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, wherein in the printing step, for print jobs stored in the storage unit that are not specified by the print setting information, printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs specified by the print setting information is performed before or after the printing. To execute printing do. Another printing method executed by a printing device includes a storage step of receiving print jobs via communication with the outside and storing them in a memory unit; an acquisition step of acquiring print setting information related to the print jobs via communication with the outside; a setting step of performing batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the memory unit in accordance with the print setting information; and a printing step of executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the memory unit, wherein in the setting step, when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the most recent print job of the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job is the target of the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information.

[0009] A print control program for controlling a printing device causes the printing device to execute a storage function that receives print jobs through communication with an external device and stores the print jobs in a storage unit, an acquisition function that acquires print setting information related to the print jobs through communication with an external device, a setting function that performs batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information, and a print function that executes printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, and the print function executes printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit for print jobs that are not specified by the print setting information, before or after printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs specified by the print setting information. To execute printing do. Another print control program for controlling a printing device causes the printing device to execute a storage function that receives print jobs via communication with the outside and stores them in a memory unit, an acquisition function that acquires print setting information related to the print jobs via communication with the outside, a setting function that performs batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the memory unit in accordance with the print setting information, and a print function that executes printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the memory unit, and when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the setting function targets the most recent print job of the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job for the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the relationship between the medium and the printing unit from an overhead perspective. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a print control process. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of management screens. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of management screens. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of display contents on the management screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of display contents on the management screen. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of transition of display contents on a management screen, illustrating a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples for explaining the present embodiment. Because the drawings are examples, the proportions, shapes, and shading may not be accurate, may not match each other, and some parts may be omitted.

[0012] 1. Brief description of the device configuration: 1 shows a simplified configuration of a printing device 10 according to this embodiment. The printing device 10 executes a printing method. The printing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication IF 16, a transport unit 17, and a printing unit 18. IF stands for interface. The control unit 11 includes one or more ICs having a CPU 11a as a processor, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, and other non-volatile memories.

[0013] In the control unit 11, the processor, i.e., CPU 11a, executes arithmetic processing in accordance with the program 12 stored in ROM 11b or other memory, using RAM 11c as a work area, thereby realizing various functions such as a job storage unit 12a, a setting information acquisition unit 12b, a print setting unit 12c, and a print control unit 12d. The program 12 corresponds to a print control program. The processor is not limited to a single CPU, and may be configured to perform processing using multiple CPUs or hardware circuits such as ASICs, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a CPU and a hardware circuit.

[0014] The display unit 13 is a means for displaying visual information and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit 13 may be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display. The operation reception unit 14 is a means for receiving operations and inputs by the user and is realized, for example, by physical buttons, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be collectively referred to as the operation panel of the printing device 10. The operation reception unit 14 as a touch panel is realized as one function of the display unit 13. Therefore, the display unit 13 may be understood as a configuration including the operation reception unit 14.

[0015] The storage unit 15 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory storage means. Part of the memory of the control unit 11 may be regarded as the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 may also be regarded as part of the control unit 11.

[0016] The communication IF 16 is a collective term for one or more IFs that allow the printing device 10 to communicate with external devices via wired or wireless communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, including a known communication standard. The communication IF 16 corresponds to a "communication unit." The external device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a server, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or other communication device. In the example of FIG. 1, the printing device 10 is connected to a PC 1 via the communication IF 16. The number of external devices that the printing device 10 can connect to for communication is not limited to one.

[0017] The transport unit 17 is a means for transporting the medium 30 along a predetermined transport path under the control of the control unit 11. The transport unit 17 includes, for example, rollers that rotate to transport the medium 30, and a motor as a power source for the rotation. The transport unit 17 may also be a mechanism that transports the medium 30 by placing the medium 30 on a drum, belt, or pallet that is driven by a motor. The medium 30 is, for example, paper, but may also be any medium that can be printed on, and may be made of a material other than paper, such as film or fabric. The medium 30 may also be label paper having a backing and a label removably attached to the backing.

[0018] The printing unit 18 is a means for printing on the medium 30 using color materials such as ink or toner. The printing method employed by the printing unit 18 is not particularly limited, and may be an inkjet method, an electrophotographic method, or any other method. If the printing unit 18 is configured to employ an inkjet method, the printing unit 18 has a print head having a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink dots.

[0019] The printing device 10 is a single printer whose configuration is integrated. Alternatively, the printing device 10 may be a printing system realized by connecting multiple devices or equipment to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The printing system includes, for example, an information processing device that mainly performs the role of the control unit 11, and a printer that includes a transport unit 17 and a printing unit 18 and performs printing under the control of the information processing device. In this case, the information processing device can be understood as a print control device, an image processing device, or the like. The memory unit 15 may be part of the information processing device or the printer, or it may be a memory device that is not part of either the information processing device or the printer but is accessible from the information processing device or the printer. Similarly, the display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be part of the information processing device or the printer, or may be peripheral devices connected to the information processing device or the printer.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a simplified top view of the relationship between the printing unit 18 and the medium 30 according to an example. In the example of FIG. 2, the printing unit 18 includes print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. The print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K each have a plurality of nozzles 20 capable of ejecting ink. Each of the white circles shown in FIG. 2 represents an individual nozzle 20. The printing unit 18 ejects multiple types of ink. Examples of ink include inks of various colors such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The printing unit 18 may also be capable of ejecting white ink, inks of other colors, and various liquids such as reaction liquids and coating liquids.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a simple configuration in which multiple nozzles 20 are arranged along a first direction D1 at regular or nearly regular intervals in each of print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. A second direction D2 that intersects with the first direction D1 is the transport direction D2 of the medium 30 by the transport unit 17, which transports the medium 30 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction D2. The upstream and downstream of the transport direction D2 are simply referred to as upstream and downstream. The first direction D1 and the transport direction D2 are perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to each other. The first direction D1 may also be referred to as the width direction D1 of the medium 30. The transport path of the medium 30 may include curves as it travels from upstream to downstream.

[0022] Print head 19C is a print head with an array of nozzles 20 that eject C ink. Similarly, print head 19M is a print head with an array of nozzles 20 that eject M ink, print head 19Y is a print head with an array of nozzles 20 that eject Y ink, and print head 19K is a print head with an array of nozzles 20 that eject K ink. The multiple print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are aligned along the transport direction D2 and are positioned at the same position in the width direction D1. Furthermore, print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K all have a length in the width direction D1 that is sufficient to cover the medium width, which is the length of the medium 30 in the width direction D1.

[0023] In Fig. 2, the nozzle arrangement direction in which multiple nozzles 20 constituting the same print head are arranged is parallel to the width direction D1, but the nozzle arrangement direction may also intersect diagonally with the width direction D1. Also, in Fig. 2, print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are independent and spaced apart from each other in the transport direction D2, but print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K may also be an integrated head unit.

[0024] Control unit 11 causes printing unit 18 to eject ink onto medium 30 based on print data representing an image of a print job. As is known, print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K are provided with a drive element for each nozzle 20, and by controlling the application of a drive signal to the drive element of each nozzle 20 in accordance with the print data, each nozzle 20 ejects or does not eject a dot, thereby printing an image represented by the print data onto medium 30. Control unit 11 controls transport unit 17 and printing unit 18 to eject ink onto medium 30 passing under print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K, thereby printing an image on medium 30.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 2, the medium 30 is a long medium that is continuous in the conveyance direction D2. A fixed-size area on the medium 30, designated by the reference numeral 31, is a unit area for printing by the printing unit 18 and is called a frame 31. In other words, the medium 30 is composed of multiple connected frames 31. The dashed lines separating the frames 31 shown in FIG. 2 may or may not actually be present. In the example of FIG. 2, multiple objects 32 are printed on the frame 31 downstream of the printing unit 18. In this example, the medium 30 is label paper, and an object 32 is printed on each of the multiple labels within the frame 31. In other words, in the example of FIG. 2, the print data is data that causes a group of multiple objects 32 to be printed on the frame 31. Although details are omitted, the frame 31 on which the multiple objects 32 are printed is cut from the medium 30 in a process downstream of the printing unit 18 and sold as a product.

[0026] Specific examples of the printing unit 18 that employs the inkjet method are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. For example, the printing unit 18 may have a movable carriage carrying the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K. The carriage may move parallel to the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 under the control of the control unit 11, and during this movement, the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K may eject ink onto the medium 30 whose transportation is temporarily stopped, thereby performing printing. The nozzles of the print heads 19C, 19M, 19Y, and 19K mounted on the carriage may be aligned in the second direction D2 instead of the first direction D1.

[0027] 2. Printing control process: 3 is a flowchart showing the print control process that the control unit 11 executes in response to inputs and instructions according to the program 12. The printing method will be disclosed by explaining the print control process. A user operates an external device such as a PC 1 to send a print job to the printing device 10. For example, the user accesses the printing device 10 through the UI screen of the external device and performs an operation to move the desired print job to a predetermined folder in the printing device 10. This allows the user to send the print job to the printing device 10. UI is an abbreviation for user interface.

[0028] The job storage unit 12a of the control unit 11 stores the print job, which has been sent from an external device and received by the communication IF 16, in the storage unit 15 (step S100). Step S100 corresponds to a "storage step" of receiving the print job through external communication and storing it in the storage unit 15. The print job includes test setting information, which is print setting information for test printing, and image data representing the image to be printed. The test setting information is information written in a format such as JDF (Job Definition Format). The image data is generated in a format such as PDF (Portable Document Format).

[0029] In FIG. 3, step S100 is shown as one step in the flowchart, but in reality, a print job is sent to the printing device 10 at a timing selected by the user operating the external device, and the job accumulating unit 12a accumulates the print job in the storage unit 15 each time the communication IF 16 receives the print job. The job accumulating unit 12a first registers the print job accumulated in the storage unit 15 in this way in a "print waiting list." The job accumulating unit 12a manages the status of the print job, such as whether it is waiting to be printed or has been printed, using the print waiting list and the "printed list."

[0030] Next, upon receiving an instruction from the user to print a print job registered in the print waiting list, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to execute a test print of the print job registered in the print waiting list (step S110). By operating the operation reception unit 14, the user can issue various instructions, such as an instruction to execute batch setting (described later) in addition to an instruction to execute printing.

[0031] Test printing is performed to check the quality of the print results before actual printing, so basically, one copy is sufficient for one print job. Referring to the example in FIG. 2, printing one copy means printing on one frame 31. Therefore, if two or more copies are to be printed, printing is repeated on two or more frames 31. In this embodiment, the test setting information for the print job sets the number of copies to be printed to one, and the print control unit 12d performs test printing for each print job for the number of copies specified in the test setting information. Needless to say, the print control unit 12d converts the image data for the print job into print data in a format usable by the printing unit 18, transfers the data to the printing unit 18, and causes the printing unit 18 to print based on the print data. Referring to the example in FIG. 2, print data in a format usable by the printing unit 18 for printing is data that specifies whether or not to eject dots for each pixel and for each CMYK ink.

[0032] 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B each illustrate a print job management screen 50 as a type of UI screen that the control unit 11 causes to be displayed on the display unit 13. As shown in FIG. 4A and other figures, the management screen 50 includes a print queue tab 51, a printed tab 52, a settings tab 53, a print button 54, and the like. The user can switch the display content of the management screen 50 by arbitrarily selecting and operating the print queue tab 51, the printed tab 52, or the settings tab 53. The print queue tab 51 is a tab for displaying the current print queue list, and the printed tab 52 is a tab for displaying the current printed list.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4A, the print queue tab 51 is selected. Therefore, the management screen 50 displays the current print queue list 55. For example, the print queue list 55 includes a print job with the job name "CCC," a print job with the job name "AAA," a print job with the job name "DDD," and a print job with the job name "BBB." Furthermore, for each of these print jobs, the number of copies to be printed is set to 1 according to the test setting information contained in the print job. In the print queue list 55, the print job sent earlier from the external device is generally displayed at the top of the list.

[0034] 4A, when the user operates the print button 54, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to print the print jobs "CCC," "AAA," "DDD," and "BBB" in the print waiting list 55 in that order, with the respective number of copies set for each. This results in the test printing of step S110.

[0035] In step S120, the job accumulating unit 12a deletes the print jobs that have been registered in the print waiting list and registers them in the printed list, i.e., moves the print jobs that have been printed from the print waiting list to the printed list. 4B, the Printed tab 52 is selected, and the management screen 50 displays the currently printed list 56. FIG. 4B shows the state after each print job in the print waiting list 55 shown in FIG. 4A has been test printed in step S110 and moved to the Printed list 56 in step S120. By selecting the Printed tab 52, the user can check the print jobs that have already been printed.

[0036] The setting information acquisition unit 12b acquires "print setting information 40" related to the print job through communication with the outside (step S130). The print setting information 40 is information that collectively describes the print settings for actual printing of the print job. Step S130 corresponds to the "acquisition step" of acquiring the print setting information 40.

[0037] 5A, the settings tab 53 is selected, and as a result, a selection button 57 and a batch setting execution button 58 are displayed on the management screen 50. The user can operate the selection button 57 to select print setting information 40. For example, the PC 1 has a shared folder 2 that can be referenced by the printing device 10 and other printing devices (not shown), and one or more pieces of print setting information 40 are pre-saved in the shared folder 2. When the selection button 57 is operated, the setting information acquisition unit 12b accesses the shared folder 2 via the communication IF 16 and presents the print setting information 40 stored in the shared folder 2 to the user on the management screen 50 so that it can be viewed. Note that the shared folder 2 is not limited to being stored in the PC 1, but may also be stored in the storage unit 15 of the printing device 10.

[0038] The user performs a predetermined operation to arbitrarily select one piece of print setting information 40 from the presented print setting information 40. The setting information acquisition unit 12b acquires the print setting information 40 selected by the user from the shared folder 2 via the communication IF 16 or the like. As a result, in the example of FIG. 5A, print setting information 40 with the file name "Print Setting 01" is acquired. The print setting information 40 may be a text file or a table-format file. The print setting information 40 may be a file generated in a format such as CSV (Comma Separated Value).

[0039] In step S140, print setting unit 12c performs collective setting of the print order and number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in storage unit 15, in accordance with print setting information 40 acquired in step S130. Step S140 corresponds to the "setting process" for performing collective setting. That is, the user touches and operates collective setting execution button 58 with one piece of print setting information 40 selected as described above. Operation of collective setting execution button 58 triggers print setting unit 12c to perform collective setting in accordance with print setting information 40. Bulk setting execution button 58 corresponds to the "acceptance button unit" for accepting an instruction to perform collective setting.

[0040] Bulk setting refers to the process of setting at least multiple print jobs or multiple setting items all at once. Setting one setting item for one print job is no different from setting each item individually by a user, so it is not called bulk setting. The print setting information 40 acquired in step S130 is assumed to be information that defines the print order and number of copies for a plurality of print jobs "CCC", "AAA", "DDD", and "BBB" as follows: Print job "AAA" Print order = 1, Number of copies = 10 Print job "BBB" Print order = 2, Number of copies = 20 Print job "CCC" Print order = 3, Number of copies = 30 Print job "DDD" Print order = 4, Number of copies = 40

[0041] The print setting unit 12c collectively sets the print order and number of copies for print jobs stored in the storage unit 15 and specified by the print setting information 40 in accordance with the print setting information 40.

[0042] 5B, the print queue tab 51 is selected, and as a result, the management screen 50 displays the current print queue list 59. That is, in response to the user operating the batch setting execution button 58 and then selecting the print queue tab 51, the control unit 11 displays the contents of the batch setting as the print queue list 59 on the management screen 50 (step S150). In this manner, the control unit 11 displays, on the display unit 13, the print jobs that the printing unit 18 will execute according to the batch setting performed in step S140. As can be seen by comparing the print queue list 55 before the test printing in FIG. 4A, the print queue list 59 in FIG. 5B shows that the print order and number of copies of the multiple print jobs "CCC," "AAA," "DDD," and "BBB" are set to the user's desired contents for actual printing.

[0043] 5B with FIG. 4B, each print job that was registered in the printed list 56 has been registered again in the print waiting list. Therefore, the batch setting in step S140 involves a process of deleting the print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 from the printed list and moving them to the print waiting list. Note that when the user operates the batch setting execution button 58, the control unit 11 may execute step S140 and automatically display the contents of the batch setting as the print waiting list on the management screen 50 (step S150) even if the user does not select the print waiting tab 51.

[0044] When a print execution instruction is received while the print waiting list 59 is displayed on the management screen 50, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to execute the actual printing of the print jobs registered in the print waiting list 59 (step S160). When the user operates the print button 54 in the state shown in FIG. 5B, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to print the print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" in the print waiting list 59 in this order, with the number of copies set for each. This ultimately results in the actual printing of step S160. Step S160 corresponds to a "printing step" that executes printing according to the batch settings of the print jobs accumulated in the storage unit 15. This concludes the flow chart of FIG. 3.

[0045] The design of the management screen 50 in each figure is merely an example. For example, the design may be such that the displays corresponding to the tabs 51, 52, and 53 change on the screen and are simultaneously visible without the need to select the tabs 51, 52, and 53. Furthermore, although the buttons 54, 57, and 58 on the management screen 50 are buttons on a touch panel, at least some of these may be physical buttons. For example, the batch setting execution button 58 may be a physical button provided on the display unit 13 or the operation reception unit 14.

[0046] The instruction to execute the batch setting does not have to be given by the user operating the batch setting execution button 58. For example, the control unit 11 may receive the instruction to execute the batch setting from an external device such as a PC 1 operated by the user via the communication IF 16. Specifically, by receiving the print setting information 40 and the instruction to execute the batch setting from the external device via the communication IF 16, the control unit 11 can acquire the print setting information 40 (step S130) and execute the batch setting in step S140.

[0047] The print setting information 40 acquired in step S130 may be information for collectively setting the print order of print jobs and the number of copies to be printed for each print job, or may be information for collectively setting only one of the print order and the number of copies to be printed. That is, the print control unit 12d prints multiple print jobs in the print order specified by the print setting information 40. In this case, the number of copies to be printed for each print job may be one, or a predetermined number of copies common to all print jobs. Alternatively, the print control unit 12d prints each print job with the number of copies to be printed specified for each of the multiple print jobs in the print setting information 40. In this case, the print order of each print job is not particularly important.

[0048] 3. Additional explanation of print control process: In the examples of FIGS. 4B and 5B, each print job moved to the printed list 56 after test printing is specified by the print setting information 40 and is subject to batch setting in step S140. That is, an example has been described in which there are no print jobs in the print waiting list at the start of step S140. However, print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 may be distributed between the print waiting list and the printed list. Therefore, in step S140, the print setting unit 12c may extract print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 from the print jobs waiting to be printed and the printed print jobs stored in the storage unit 15, and perform batch setting on the extracted print jobs in accordance with the print setting information 40. Then, in step S160, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to execute printing according to the batch setting of the extracted print jobs.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the management screen 50, similar to FIG. 4A and other figures. It also illustrates the transition of the display content of the management screen 50. The management screen 50 illustrated in the upper and middle sections of FIG. 6 shows a print waiting list 60 and a printed list 61 at the same time. According to FIG. 6, if a user selects the print waiting tab 51 at a certain time, the management screen 50 displays the print waiting list 60 in which the print jobs “DDD” and “BBB” before the test printing are registered. Meanwhile, if the user selects the printed tab 52, the management screen 50 displays the printed list 61 in which the print jobs “CCC” and “AAA” after the test printing are registered. In this situation, when steps S130, S140, and S150 are executed, the management screen 50 displays the print waiting list 59 in which the batch-set print jobs “AAA,” “BBB,” “CCC,” and “DDD” are registered, as shown in the lower section of FIG. 6.

[0050] That is, the print setting unit 12c extracts the print jobs "DDD" and "BBB" specified by the print setting information 40 from the print waiting list 60, and also extracts the print jobs "CCC" and "AAA" specified by the print setting information 40 from the printed list 61, and performs batch setting on these extracted print jobs in accordance with the print setting information 40. The management screen 50 shown in the lower part of Figure 6 is exactly the same as the management screen 50 in Figure 5B.

[0051] From the above explanation, it can be seen that test printing is not required in this embodiment. In other words, it is possible to use batch setting to target jobs waiting to be printed before test printing for actual printing. Also, it is possible to use batch setting to target print jobs that have completed actual printing and been registered in the printed list again for actual printing. In either case, the control unit 11 can acquire print setting information 40, execute batch setting, and have the printing unit 18 print the print jobs according to the batch setting when the print jobs are registered in at least one of the waiting to be printed list and the printed list in the memory unit 15.

[0052] It is possible that print jobs other than those specified by the print setting information 40 are registered in the print waiting list or the printed list. Therefore, the control unit 11 may cause the printing unit 18 to print print jobs stored in the storage unit 15 that are not specified by the print setting information 40 before or after printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs specified by the print setting information 40.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows how the display content of the management screen 50 changes. The management screen 50 shown in the upper and middle sections of FIG. 7 shows the print waiting list 62 and the printed list 56 at the same time. According to FIG. 7, if the user selects the print waiting tab 51 at a certain time, the print waiting list 62, in which the print job "EEE" before the test printing is registered, is displayed on the management screen 50. On the other hand, if the user selects the printed tab 52, the printed list 56, in which the print jobs "CCC," "AAA," "DDD," and "BBB" after the test printing are registered, is displayed on the management screen 50. The printed list 56 is the printed list shown in FIG. 4B.

[0054] As explained above, it is assumed that print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" are specified according to print setting information 40. Print job "EEE" is not specified in print setting information 40. In this situation, when steps S130, S140, and S150 are executed, print waiting list 63 is displayed on management screen 50, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, in which the batch-set print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" are registered. In addition to print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD," whose printing order and number of copies have been batch-set according to print setting information 40, print waiting list 63 also includes print job "EEE," which was in print waiting list 62 before steps S130, S140, and S150 were executed.

[0055] The print control unit 12d simply performs actual printing according to the collective settings for the batch-set print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" in the print waiting list 63. For the print job "EEE" in the print waiting list 63, the print control unit 12d causes the printing unit 18 to perform test printing before or after the batch-set print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" start or finish. In the example of FIG. 7, the print job "EEE" follows the print job "DDD" in the print waiting list 63, so one copy is printed after the printing of 40 copies of the print job "DDD" is completed.

[0056] It is possible that some print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 are not registered in either the print waiting list or the printed list. As explained above, assume that print jobs "AAA," "BBB," "CCC," and "DDD" are specified by the print setting information 40, but only print jobs "AAA," "BBB," and "DDD" are stored in the storage unit 15. In this case, the control unit 11 accepts the absence of print job "CCC" and does not determine this as an error. The control unit 11 then targets the print jobs "AAA," "BBB," and "DDD" for batch setting of the print order and number of copies according to the print setting information 40, and causes the printing unit 18 to execute the actual printing of the print jobs "AAA," "BBB," and "DDD" according to the batch setting.

[0057] 4. Summary: Thus, according to this embodiment, printing device 10 includes a communication unit that receives print jobs, a storage unit 15 that stores the print jobs received by the communication unit, a printing unit 18 that prints the print jobs, and a control unit 11. Control unit 11 acquires print setting information 40 related to the print jobs via the communication unit, performs collective setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in storage unit 15 in accordance with print setting information 40, and causes printing unit 18 to execute printing according to the collective setting of the print jobs stored in storage unit 15.

[0058] With this configuration, the control unit 11 can collectively set the print order and number of copies for print jobs that the printing device 10 has received from an external device and stored in the storage unit 15, in accordance with the print setting information 40. This reduces user effort and errors compared to conventional methods, and contributes to the easy and accurate realization of the print settings desired by the user.

[0059] Users often perform test printing of print jobs stored in the storage unit 15, and then perform actual printing with the desired settings for the print order and number of copies. Therefore, for each print job after test printing, it is necessary to set different settings for the actual printing than those used for the test printing, which is time-consuming and prone to setting errors. In such a situation where a print job that has already been printed is to be printed again, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 performs batch settings according to the print setting information 40, thereby eliminating user inconveniences such as complex settings and errors.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display a print job that causes the printing unit 18 to execute printing according to the batch settings. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 can perform batch setting and allow the user to visually confirm the print jobs that will be printed in accordance with the batch setting.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the display unit 13 has a reception button section for receiving instructions to execute batch settings, and the control unit 11 may perform batch settings in accordance with the printing setting information 40 when the reception button section is operated. According to the above configuration, by touching or pressing the reception button on the display unit 13, the control unit 11 can execute batch setting in accordance with the print setting information 40 of the print job stored in the storage unit 15. This significantly reduces the user's effort compared to conventional methods.

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may perform the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information 40 when an instruction to perform the batch setting is received from outside. According to the above configuration, by sending an instruction to execute batch setting to the printing device 10 from outside, the control unit 11 can execute batch setting in accordance with the print setting information 40 of the print job stored in the storage unit 15. This significantly reduces the user's effort compared to the conventional method.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may extract print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 from among the print jobs waiting to be printed and the print jobs that have already been printed that are stored in the memory unit 15, perform batch settings on the extracted print jobs in accordance with the print setting information 40, and cause the printing unit 18 to execute printing according to the batch settings of the extracted print jobs. According to the above configuration, under a configuration in which print jobs stored in the memory unit 15 are managed by dividing them into those waiting to be printed and those that have been printed, the control unit 11 can extract print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 from both print jobs waiting to be printed and print jobs that have been printed, and make them the target of batch setting.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may cause the printing unit 18 to print print jobs stored in the memory unit 15 that are not specified by the print setting information 40 before or after printing according to the batch settings of the print jobs specified by the print setting information 40. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 can print both print jobs specified by the print setting information 40 and print jobs not specified by the print setting information 40 so that the print results according to the batch settings of each print job specified by the print setting information 40 are not mixed with the print results of print jobs not specified by the print setting information 40.

[0065] This embodiment discloses inventions of various categories, such as not only devices and systems but also methods including steps executed by the devices and systems, and programs 12 that cause a processor to execute the methods. The printing method executed by the printing device 10 includes a storage step of receiving print jobs through communication with the outside and storing them in the memory unit 15, an acquisition step of acquiring print setting information 40 related to the print jobs through communication with the outside, a setting step of performing batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the memory unit 15 in accordance with the print setting information 40, and a printing step of executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the memory unit 15.

[0066] In addition, the print control program 12 that controls the printing device 10 causes the printing device 10 to perform a storage function that receives print jobs through communication with the outside and stores them in the memory unit 15, an acquisition function that acquires print setting information 40 related to the print jobs through communication with the outside, a setting function that performs batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the memory unit 15 in accordance with the print setting information 40, and a print function that executes printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the memory unit 15.

[0067] 5. Variations: The user can operate the management screen 50 via the display unit 13 or the operation reception unit 14 to arbitrarily select a print job registered in the printed list by an operation separate from the batch setting, and move it to the print waiting list so that it can be printed again. In the embodiments described above, the control unit 11 erases the registration in the print waiting list for a print job that has been moved from the print waiting list to the printed list, and similarly erases the registration in the printed list for a print job that has been moved from the printed list to the print waiting list.

[0068] In addition to this specification, the control unit 11 may also adopt a specification in which a print job registered in the printed list remains registered in the printed list even after it is moved to the print waiting list and registered again in the print waiting list. Therefore, as a modified example, when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the storage unit 15 as multiple printed print jobs, the control unit 11 may set the most recent print job among the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job as the target of batch setting in accordance with the print setting information 40.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a modified example, showing how the display content of the management screen 50 changes. The management screen 50 shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 displays a printed list 64 in which print job "AAA(1)," print job "AAA(2)," print job "AAA(3)," print job "CCC," and print job "BBB" are registered. Print job "AAA(1)," print job "AAA(2)," and print job "AAA(3)" remain in the current printed list 64 because the same print job "AAA" has been test printed three times so far, and was registered in the printed list each time the test printing was completed. Of print job "AAA(1)," print job "AAA(2)," and print job "AAA(3)," print job "AAA(3)" is the print job that was registered in the printed list after the most recent test printing of print job "AAA."

[0070] In this situation, when steps S130, S140, and S150 are executed, the print waiting list 65 in which the batch-set print jobs "AAA(3)," "BBB," and "CCC" are registered is displayed on the management screen 50, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8. Here, the print setting information 40 is assumed to be information for specifying and batch-setting the print jobs "AAA," "BBB," and "CCC." In other words, of the multiple printed print jobs "AAA(1)," "AAA(2)," and "AAA(3)" that correspond to the same print job "AAA," the control unit 11 targets the most recent print job "AAA(3)" for batch setting, along with the other print jobs "CCC" and "BBB" in the printed list 64, in accordance with the print setting information 40.

[0071] According to this modification, the control unit 11 does not subject older print jobs, excluding the most recent print job, among multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job to batch setting according to the print setting information 40. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary printing when printing print jobs according to batch setting.

[0072] An instruction to execute the batch setting by touching the batch setting execution button 58 or the like may also serve as an instruction to execute printing of the print job corresponding to the batch setting. In other words, when an instruction to execute the batch setting is received, the control unit 11 may automatically execute steps S140, S150, and S160.

[0073] 2, the medium 30 does not have to be a continuous medium 30 with multiple connected frames 31, but may be a single sheet of paper, each of which corresponds to a single printing unit such as a frame. In addition, in processes downstream of the printing unit 18, there may be a process in which each sheet of the medium 30 after the actual printing is completed is treated as one sheet = one copy and folded, or a process in which multiple sheets are treated as one copy and bound. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...PC, 2...shared folder, 10...printing device, 11...control unit, 12...program, 12a...job storage unit, 12b...setting information acquisition unit, 12c...print setting unit, 12d...print control unit, 13...display unit, 14...operation reception unit, 15...storage unit, 16...communication IF, 17...transport unit, 18...printing unit, 19C, 19M, 19Y, 19K...print head, 20...nozzle, 30...medium, 31...frame, 32...object, 40...print setting information, 50...management screen, 51...print waiting tab, 52...printed tab, 53...settings tab, 54...print button, 55, 59, 60, 62, 63, 65...print waiting list, 56, 61, 64...printed list, 57...selection button, 58...batch setting execution button

Claims

1. a communication unit for receiving a print job; a storage unit that stores print jobs received by the communication unit; a printing unit that prints the print job; a control unit, The control unit acquires print setting information related to a print job via the communication unit; a batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; causing the printing unit to execute printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit; A printing device characterized in that, for print jobs stored in the memory unit that are not specified by the print setting information, the printing unit prints them before or after printing according to the batch settings of the print jobs specified by the print setting information.

2. a communication unit for receiving a print job; a storage unit that stores print jobs received by the communication unit; a printing unit that prints the print job; a control unit, The control unit acquires print setting information related to a print job via the communication unit; a batch setting of the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; causing the printing unit to execute printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit; A printing device characterized in that, when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the most recent print job among the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job is the target of the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information.

3. The control unit extracting a print job designated by the print setting information from among print jobs waiting to be printed and print jobs that have already been printed, which are stored in the storage unit; performing the batch setting for the extracted print jobs in accordance with the print setting information; 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit executes printing according to the batch setting of the extracted print jobs.

4. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a print job that causes the printing unit to execute printing according to the batch setting.

5. the display unit has a reception button unit for receiving an instruction to execute the batch setting, 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit performs the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information when the reception button unit is operated.

6. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information when an instruction to perform the batch setting is received from an external device.

7. A printing method executed by a printing device, comprising: a storage step of receiving a print job through communication with an external device and storing the received print job in a storage unit; an acquisition step of acquiring print setting information related to a print job through communication with an external device; a setting step of setting the print order and / or the number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; a printing step of executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, A printing method characterized in that, in the printing process, for print jobs stored in the memory unit that are not specified by the print setting information, printing is performed before or after printing according to the batch settings of print jobs specified by the print setting information.

8. A printing method executed by a printing device, comprising: a storage step of receiving a print job through communication with an external device and storing the received print job in a storage unit; an acquisition step of acquiring print setting information related to a print job through communication with an external device; a setting step of setting the print order and / or the number of copies to be printed for the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; a printing step of executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, In the setting process, when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the most recent print job among the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job is the target of the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information.

9. A printing control program for controlling a printing device, a storage function for receiving print jobs via external communication and storing them in a storage unit; an acquisition function for acquiring print setting information related to a print job by communicating with an external device; a setting function for collectively setting the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; a printing function for executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, by the printing device; A printing control program characterized in that the printing function executes printing for print jobs stored in the memory unit that are not specified by the print setting information before or after printing in accordance with the batch settings of print jobs specified by the print setting information.

10. A printing control program for controlling a printing device, a storage function for receiving print jobs via external communication and storing them in a storage unit; an acquisition function for acquiring print setting information related to a print job by communicating with an external device; a setting function for collectively setting the print order and / or number of copies of the print jobs stored in the storage unit in accordance with the print setting information; a printing function for executing printing according to the batch setting of the print jobs stored in the storage unit, by the printing device; The setting function is a printing control program characterized in that, when the same print job has been printed multiple times and is stored in the memory unit as multiple printed print jobs, the most recent print job among the multiple printed print jobs corresponding to the same print job is the target of the batch setting in accordance with the print setting information.

Images