Printers and computer programs for printers

Abstract

To provide a technique that is able to appropriately restrict registration of print setting information.SOLUTION: A printer receives first user identification information from an external device and receives from the external device a registration request for requesting to register print setting information into a memory. In a first case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and registration related information associated with the first user identification information included in one or more pieces of user identification information in the memory is permission information, the printer registers into the memory the first print setting information included in the registration request in association with the first user identification information. In a second case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration related information associated with the first user identification information is restriction information, the printer does not register the first print setting information into the memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0001] This specification discloses a printer capable of registering print setting information received from an external device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming system including a communication device and an MFP (abbreviation for Multi-function Peripheral). A user using the communication device can register a print preset in the MFP according to the IPP (abbreviation for Internet Printing Protocol).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to restricting the registration of print presets in the MFP. This specification provides a technology for restricting the registration of print setting information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printer disclosed herein includes a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more user identification pieces, the user identification piece and registration relationship information relating to the registration of print setting information, wherein the registration relationship information is either permission information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is permitted, or restriction information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is restricted; a communication interface; a first user identification information receiving unit that receives first user identification information from an external device via the communication interface; and a registration request that requests the registration of the print setting information to the memory from the external device via the communication interface, the registration request including the first print setting information. The system may also include a registration request receiving unit that receives a registration request, and a registration unit that receives the first user identification information and the registration request from the external device, and in the first case where the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information included in one or more user identification information in the memory is the permission information, registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in association with the first user identification information in the memory, and in the second case where the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device, and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, the first print setting information is not registered in the memory.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the printer receives a registration request from an external device, which includes first user identification information and first print settings information. The printer then registers the first print settings information in memory if the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in memory is permission information. On the other hand, the printer does not register the first print settings information in memory if the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in memory is restriction information. Therefore, the printer can restrict the registration of the first print settings information according to the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information.

[0007] Another printer disclosed herein includes a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more user identification pieces, the user identification piece and registration relationship information relating to the registration of print setting information, wherein the registration relationship information is either permission information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is permitted, or restriction information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is restricted; a communication interface; a first user identification information receiving unit that receives a first user identification piece from an external device via the communication interface; and a restriction request transmitting unit that, when the first user identification piece is received from the external device while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification piece contained in the one or more user identification pieces in the memory is the restriction information, transmits a restriction request to the external device via the communication interface to request a restriction on the transmission of a registration request requesting the registration of the print setting information to the memory, wherein the first user identification piece is associated with the first user identification piece in the memory. The system may also include: a restriction request transmission unit which does not transmit a restriction request when the first user identification information is received from the external device while the registration relationship information in the memory is the permission information; a registration request receiving unit which receives a registration request including first print setting information from the external device via the communication interface while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information; and a registration unit which registers the first print setting information included in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information when the first user identification information and the registration request are received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information (first case), and the first print setting information is not registered in the memory when the first user identification information is received from the external device and the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the restriction information (second case).

[0008] According to the above configuration, the printer receives first user identification information from an external device. Furthermore, when the printer receives a registration request from an external device that includes the first print settings information, while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in memory is permission information, the printer registers the first print settings information in memory. On the other hand, when the printer receives the first user identification information from an external device while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in memory is restriction information, the printer sends a restriction request to the external device. In this case, the printer does not receive a registration request from the external device. Therefore, the printer does not register the first print settings information in memory. Consequently, the printer can restrict the registration of the first print settings information according to the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information.

[0009] The control method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium for realizing the above-described printer are also novel and useful. Furthermore, the communication system comprising the above-described printer and external devices is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] Each table is shown. [Figure 3] The flowcharts for the printer processing according to the first to third embodiments are shown below. [Figure 4] The flowcharts for the web server processing according to the first and second embodiments are shown. [Figure 5] The flowcharts for the first registration process according to the first and second embodiments are shown. [Figure 6] The flowcharts for the IPP processing according to the first and second embodiments are shown. [Figure 7] The flowcharts for the second registration process according to the first and second embodiments are shown. [Figure 8]In the first embodiment, a sequence diagram of case A in which preset information is registered is shown. [Figure 9] In the first embodiment, sequence diagrams of cases B and C in which registration of preset information is restricted are shown. [Figure 10] In the first embodiment, a sequence diagram of case D in which preset information is registered is shown. [Figure 11] In the first embodiment, a sequence diagram of case E in which printing is executed is shown. [Figure 12] In the first and second embodiments, an example of a screen displayed on the PC is shown. [Figure 13] In the first and second embodiments, an example of a screen displayed on the PC is shown. [Figure 14] In the second embodiment, a sequence diagram of case F in which preset information is registered is shown. [Figure 15] In the second embodiment, a sequence diagram of case G in which printing is executed is shown. [Figure 16] A flowchart of web server processing according to the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 17] A flowchart of first registration processing according to the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 18] A flowchart of IPP processing according to the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 19] A flowchart of second registration processing according to the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 20] In the third embodiment, sequence diagrams of cases H and I in which registration of preset information is restricted are shown. [Figure 21] In the third embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on the PC is shown. [Figure 22] In the third embodiment, an example of a screen displayed on the PC is shown.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Communication System 2; FIG. 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a printer 10 and multiple PCs 100A to 100D. The printer 10 and each of the PCs 100A to 100D belong to the same LAN (Local Area Network) 4 and can communicate with each other via LAN 4.

[0012] (Printer 10 configuration) Printer 10 is a peripheral device (i.e., a peripheral device of PC 100A to 100D) capable of performing printing functions. Printer 10 is also capable of performing web server functions. The web server function is a function that transmits web page data representing web pages to external devices in response to external devices accessing the web server in Printer 10. In addition to these functions, Printer 10 may be a multi-function device capable of performing scanning functions, fax functions, etc. Printer 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "I / F") 20, and a control unit 30.

[0013] The control unit 12 is equipped with multiple keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the control unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., control unit). The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet or laser printer. The communication interface 20 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication interface 20 may be a wireless interface or a wired interface.

[0014] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 stores a user table 38 and a preset table 40.

[0015] (PC100A~100D configuration) PC100A is a PC used by the administrator of printer 10. PCs 100B through 100D are PCs used by users other than the administrator of printer 10. Each of PCs 100A through 100D stores a username "U1", "U2", "U3", and "U4" to identify the user using that PC.

[0016] Each PC 100A to 100D is equipped with an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) program (not shown) installed from a server on the Internet. The IPP program generates IPP commands in accordance with HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and sends these commands to the printer 10. In this embodiment, the server is provided by a different company than the printer 10 vendor. However, in a modified version, the server may be provided by the printer 10 vendor. Note that each PC 100A to 100D may support IPP without installing the IPP program from the server.

[0017] (Contents of Tables 38 and 40; Figure 2) Next, referring to Figure 2, the contents of the user table 38 and preset table 40 within the printer 10 will be explained.

[0018] The user table 38 stores, for each of the one or more users of the printer 10, the username, password, print condition information, registration permission flag, authorization information, and registered preset name in association with each other. All information except the registered preset name is registered by the printer 10 administrator. The username and password are used for authenticating individual users. The print condition information indicates whether the user is permitted to use each print condition that the printer 10 can execute: "single-sided," "double-sided," "monochrome," and "color." "Single-sided" and "double-sided" mean single-sided printing and double-sided printing, respectively. "Monochrome" and "color" mean monochrome printing and color printing, respectively. In addition, "ON" and "OFF" attached to each print condition indicate whether use is permitted and whether use is not permitted, respectively. In the following, print conditions associated with "ON" may be referred to as "permitted print conditions," and print conditions associated with "OFF" may be referred to as "restricted print conditions."

[0019] The registration permission flag indicates either "ON," which means that registration of preset information is permitted (as described later), or "OFF," which means that registration of preset information is restricted. The permission information indicates either "Owner" or "Guest." "Owner" indicates that the user is the administrator of printer 10, while "Guest" indicates that the user is a different user from the administrator of printer 10, i.e., a regular user (in other words, an individual user). The registered preset name is information used to identify the preset information described later.

[0020] The preset table 40 stores one or more preset information entries. Each preset information entry includes a preset name and print setting information. The print setting information includes print conditions corresponding to the print setting item "Print Type" ("Single-sided" or "Double-sided") and print conditions corresponding to the print setting item "Number of Colors" ("Monochrome" or "Color"). In modified examples, the print setting information may also include other print setting items (e.g., image quality, paper size, paper type, number of copies, post-processing steps, etc.). Furthermore, the print setting information may not include at least one of the print setting items "Print Type" and "Number of Colors". Note that preset information PI1, which includes the preset name DPR, is the default preset information pre-registered in the preset table 40.

[0021] (Printer processing; Figure 3) Next, referring to Figure 3, the printer processing performed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 will be explained. When the printer 10 is powered on, the processing shown in Figure 3 begins. Note that all of the following communications performed by the printer 10 are performed via the communication interface 20. Therefore, the phrase "via the communication interface 20" will be omitted below.

[0022] In S10, CPU32 monitors for receiving a top screen request from the PC. The top screen request is a command that requests the transmission of top screen data to display the top screen, and it is a GET command that conforms to HTTP. If CPU32 receives a top screen request from the PC (YES in S10), it proceeds to S12.

[0023] In S12, CPU32 executes web server processing (Figure 4). Web server processing is the process required for printer 10 to function as a web server. When S12 is completed, CPU32 returns to S10.

[0024] In addition, CPU32 monitors for the reception of IPP commands from the PC in S20, while simultaneously monitoring S10. If CPU32 receives an IPP command from the PC (YES in S20), it proceeds to S22.

[0025] In S22, CPU32 performs IPP processing (Figure 6). IPP processing is a process that performs communication according to IPP to register and delete preset information in the preset table 40. When S22 is completed, CPU32 returns to S10.

[0026] (Web server processing; Figure 4) Next, referring to Figure 4, the web server processing performed in S12 of Figure 3 will be explained. In S40, CPU 32 sends top screen data to the PC for displaying the top screen. The top screen is a screen that prompts the user to enter their username and password.

[0027] In S42, CPU32 receives an administration screen request from the PC, which includes a username and password. The administration screen request is an HTTP GET command and is sent from the PC in response to the username and password being entered on the top screen displayed on the PC.

[0028] In S44, CPU32 performs user authentication using the username and password provided in the management screen request. If the username and password combination in the management screen request is registered in the user table 38, i.e., if user authentication is successful, CPU32 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S46. Hereafter, a username that has been successfully authenticated will be referred to as the "authenticated username". On the other hand, if the username and password combination in the management screen request is not registered in the user table 38, i.e., if user authentication fails, CPU32 determines NO in S44 and terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0029] In S46, CPU32 sends management screen data to the PC for displaying management screen D11. As shown in Figure 13, screen D11 includes a preset setting button and a cancel button.

[0030] In S50, CPU32 monitors for a preset settings screen request from the PC. The preset settings screen request is an HTTP GET command and is sent from the PC when the preset settings button included in the management screen D11 displayed on the PC is selected. If CPU32 receives a preset settings screen request from the PC (YES in S50), it proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if CPU32 receives a cancel request from the PC (NO in S50), it terminates the process shown in Figure 4. This cancel request is sent from the PC when the cancel button included in the management screen D11 is selected.

[0031] In S52, the CPU 32 sends preset setting screen data to the PC for displaying the preset setting screen D12. As shown in Figure 13, screen D12 is a screen in which, for each of the one or more preset names associated with an authenticated username in the user table 38, the preset name and the corresponding erase button are associated with that preset name. Screen D12 further includes a new registration button and a cancel button. In a modified example, screen D12 may be a screen in which, for each of the one or more preset names registered in the preset table 40, the preset name and the corresponding erase button are associated with that preset name.

[0032] In S60, CPU32 monitors for input screen requests from the PC. An input screen request is an HTTP GET command, sent from the PC when the "New Registration" button, included in the preset settings screen D12 displayed on the PC, is selected. If CPU32 receives an input screen request from the PC (YES in S60), it proceeds to S62. On the other hand, if CPU32 does not receive an input screen request from the PC (NO in S60), it proceeds to S70.

[0033] In S62, the CPU32 sends input screen data to the PC for displaying input screen D13. As shown in Figure 13, screen D13 includes a preset name input field for entering a preset name, a registration username input field for entering the username to be registered, four checkboxes corresponding to four print conditions (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color"), an OK button, and a Cancel button. The username to be registered may be the same as the authenticated username or a different username.

[0034] In S64, CPU32 determines whether or not it has received a registration instruction from the PC that includes preset information and the username of the user to be registered. Here, the preset information includes the preset name entered in the preset name input field on input screen D13 displayed on the PC, and the print setting information indicating each print condition checked on input screen D13. The username is the username entered in the registered username input field on input screen D13. The registration instruction is an HTTP POST command and is sent from the PC when the OK button on input screen D13 is selected. If CPU32 receives a registration instruction from the PC (YES in S64), it proceeds to S66. On the other hand, if CPU32 receives a cancellation request from the PC (NO in S64), it terminates the process shown in Figure 4. This cancellation request is sent from the PC when the cancel button on input screen D13 is selected. In the following, the preset information and the username of the user to be registered included in the registration instruction will be referred to as "target preset information" and "target registered username," respectively.

[0035] In S66, the CPU 32 executes the first registration process (Figure 5). The first registration process is for registering the target preset information in the registration instruction into the preset table 40. When S66 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0036] In S70, the CPU32 determines whether or not it has received an erase command from the PC, including the preset name. The erase command is sent in response to the selection of the erase button included in the preset setting screen D12 displayed on the PC. If the CPU32 receives an erase command from the PC (YES in S70), it proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if the CPU32 receives a cancel request from the PC (NO in S70), it terminates the process shown in Figure 4. This cancel request is sent from the PC in response to the selection of the cancel button included in the preset setting screen D12.

[0037] In S72, the CPU 32 erases the preset information, including the preset name included in the erase command received in S70, from the preset table 40. When S72 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0038] (First registration process; Figure 5) Next, referring to Figure 5, the first registration process executed in S66 of Figure 4 will be explained. In S90, the CPU 32 determines whether the registration permission flag associated with the authenticated username in the user table 38 is "ON". If the registration permission flag is "ON" (YES in S90), the CPU 32 proceeds to S92. On the other hand, if the registration permission flag is "OFF" (NO in S90), the CPU 32 proceeds to S110.

[0039] In S92, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the print settings information in the target preset information within the registration instruction received in S64 in Figure 4 contains restricted printing conditions. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the restricted printing conditions (i.e., print conditions indicating "OFF") associated with the target registered user name in the registration instruction in the user table 38. Next, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the print settings information within the target preset information contains the identified restricted printing conditions. If the print settings information within the target preset information does not contain the identified restricted printing conditions (NO in S92), the CPU 32 proceeds to S94. On the other hand, if the print settings information within the target preset information contains the identified restricted printing conditions (YES in S92), the CPU 32 proceeds to S100.

[0040] In S94, the CPU32 registers the target preset information (i.e., the preset name and print setting information) in the preset table40.

[0041] In S96, CPU32 registers the preset name within the target preset information in the user table38 as a registered preset name associated with the target registered user name.

[0042] In S98, CPU32 sends completion notification screen data to the PC to display a completion notification screen containing a message indicating that the registration of preset information has been completed. When S98 finishes, CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0043] Furthermore, in S100, the CPU32 sends selection screen data to the PC for displaying selection screen D14. As shown in Figure 13, screen D14 includes a message indicating that the restricted printing conditions are included in the target preset information, a message to confirm whether or not to register the preset information with the restricted printing conditions replaced, an OK button, and a Cancel button.

[0044] In S102, the CPU 32 determines whether or not it has received a change instruction from the PC. The change instruction is an HTTP POST command, sent from the PC when the OK button on the selection screen D14 displayed on the PC is selected. If the CPU 32 receives a change instruction from the PC (YES in S102), it proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 receives a cancel request from the PC (NO in S102), it proceeds to S110. This cancel request is sent from the PC when the cancel button on the selection screen D14 is selected.

[0045] In S104, the CPU 32 erases the restricted printing conditions included in the print settings information within the target preset information and generates new preset information. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the permitted printing conditions (i.e., printing conditions indicating "ON") associated with the target registered user name in the user table 38. For example, if the print setting item of the restricted printing condition included in the print settings information within the target preset information is "print type", the CPU 32 generates new preset information by replacing the restricted printing condition (e.g., "double-sided") with the identified permitted printing condition (e.g., "single-sided") that corresponds to "print type". Furthermore, if the CPU32 finds that the print setting item of the restricted print condition included in the print setting information within the target preset information is "number of colors", it generates new preset information by replacing the restricted print condition (e.g., "color") with a specified permitted print condition (e.g., "monochrome") that corresponds to "number of colors".

[0046] In S106, the CPU32 registers the preset information generated in S104 into the preset table40. S108 is the same as S96.

[0047] In addition, in S110, the CPU32 sends error notification screen data to the PC to display an error notification screen containing a message indicating that the registration of preset information failed. When S110 is completed, the CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0048] (IPP processing; Figure 6) Next, referring to Figure 6, the IPP process executed in S22 of Figure 3 will be explained. In S120, the CPU 32 determines whether the IPP command received in S20 of Figure 3 is a Get-Printer-Attributes command (hereinafter referred to as "GPA"). GPA is a command that requests the printer 10 to send capability information. If the IPP command is a GPA (YES in S120), the CPU 32 proceeds to S122. On the other hand, if the IPP command is not a GPA (NO in S120), the CPU 32 proceeds to S150.

[0049] In S122, the CPU32 determines whether the GPA contains the username and password. If the GPA contains the username and password (YES in S122), the CPU32 proceeds to S124. On the other hand, if the GPA does not contain the username and password (NO in S122), the CPU32 proceeds to S130. In S130, the CPU32 sends an authentication information request to the PC to display an authentication screen. The authentication screen is a screen that prompts the user to enter their username and password. When S130 is finished, the CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0050] S124 is the same as S44 in Figure 4, except that it uses the username and password from within the GPA.

[0051] In S126, the CPU 32 sends capability information to the PC. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the preset name associated with the username in the GPA in the user table 38. Next, the CPU 32 identifies the preset information, including the identified preset name, in the preset table 40. Then, the CPU 32 sends capability information to the PC, including all print conditions available to the printer 10 (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", and "color") and the identified preset information. In a modified example, the printer 10 may send capability information including all print conditions available to the printer 10, and separately send the identified preset information to the PC.

[0052] In addition, in S140, the CPU 32 sends authentication error information to the PC, which will display an error notification screen containing a message indicating that user authentication failed. When S140 is finished, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0053] Furthermore, in S150, the CPU 32 determines whether the IPP command received in S20 in Figure 3 is a Set-Printer-Attributes command (hereinafter referred to as "SPA"). An SPA is a command that requests the printer 10 to register, erase, or otherwise delete preset information. Note that an SPA is a command sent from the PC after user authentication is successful (YES in S124) and capability information has been sent to the PC (S126). An SPA includes the username of the authenticated user. If the IPP command is an SPA (YES in S150), the CPU 32 proceeds to S152. On the other hand, if the IPP command is not an SPA (NO in S150), the CPU 32 proceeds to S160. Note that IPP commands that are judged as NO in S150 include the Validate-Job command (hereinafter referred to as "VJ").

[0054] In S152, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the SPA contains preset information to be registered. The CPU 32 identifies one or more preset information entries associated with a user name in the SPA in the user table 38. If there is preset information that exists in the SPA but is not among the one or more identified preset information entries, the CPU 32 identifies that preset information as the preset information to be registered, determines YES in S152, and proceeds to S154. On the other hand, if there is preset information that exists in one or more identified preset information entries but is not in the SPA, the CPU 32 identifies that preset information as the preset information to be deleted, determines NO in S152, and proceeds to S156.

[0055] In S154, the CPU 32 executes the second registration process (Figure 7). The second registration process is for registering the preset information identified as the target for registration in S152 into the preset table 40. When S154 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0056] In S156, the CPU 32 erases the preset information identified as to be erased in S152 from the preset table 40.

[0057] In S158, the CPU 32 deletes the preset name corresponding to the preset information deleted in S156 from the user table 38. When S158 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0058] Furthermore, in S160, CPU32 executes various processes in accordance with IPP. When S160 is completed, CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0059] (Second registration process; Figure 7) Next, referring to Figure 7, the second registration process executed at S154 in Figure 6 will be described. S180 and S182 are the same as S90 and S92 in Figure 5, except that the username within the SPA is used. If the CPU 32 determines YES in S180, it proceeds to S182, and if it determines NO in S180, it proceeds to S190. Also, if the CPU 32 determines NO in S182, it proceeds to S184, and if it determines YES in S182, it proceeds to S190. S184 and S186 are the same as S94 and S96, respectively, except that the preset information within the SPA in Figure 6 is used. In S188, the CPU 32 sends registration completion information to the PC in order to display a completion notification screen on the PC that includes a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has been completed. Also, in S190, the CPU 32 sends registration error information to the PC in order to display an error notification screen on the PC that includes a message indicating that the registration of the preset information has failed. When S188 or S190 is completed, CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0060] (Specific cases A to E; Figures 8 to 11) Referring to Figures 8 to 11, we will explain the specific cases A to E that are realized by the processes shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0061] (Case A; Figure 8) Referring to Figure 8, Case A, in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 using IPP-compliant communication, will be explained. In the initial state of Case A, the preset table 40 stores the preset information PI1 (see Figure 2). The user table 38 stores information corresponding to each of the usernames "U1", "U2", "U3", and "U4" (i.e., username, password, print condition information, registration permission flag, authorization information, and registered preset name) (see Figure 2). In addition, the preset name "DPR" is associated with each username as the registered preset name.

[0062] When PC100B receives an operation to display the print settings screen at T10, it sends the GPA to printer 10 at T12.

[0063] When printer 10 receives the GPA from PC100B in T12 (NO in S10 in Figure 3, YES in S20, YES in S120 in Figure 6), it determines that the GPA does not contain a username and password (NO in S122), and in T14, it sends an authentication information request to PC100B (S130).

[0064] When PC100B receives an authentication information request from printer 10 at T14, it displays an authentication screen at T16. Then, when PC100B accepts the input of username U2 and password P2 at T18, it sends a GPA containing username U2 and password P2 to printer 10 at T20.

[0065] When printer 10 receives the GPA from PC100B at T20 (NO at S10 in Figure 3, YES at S20, YES at S120 in Figure 6), it determines that the GPA contains the username and password (YES at S122), and at T22, it determines that user authentication was successful because the combination of username U2 and password P2 in the GPA is registered in user table 38 (YES at S124). Then, in user table 38, printer 10 identifies the preset name DPR associated with username U2 in the GPA, and in preset table 40, it identifies preset information PI1 containing the identified preset name DPR. Then, at T24, printer 10 sends capability information to PC100B, which includes all print conditions that printer 10 can execute (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", "color") and the identified preset information PI1.

[0066] When PC100B receives capability information from printer 10 at T24, it displays print settings screen D1 at T30. As shown in Figure 12, screen D1 includes a preset name selection field for selecting a preset name, four checkboxes corresponding to "single-sided," "double-sided," "monochrome," and "color," an OK button, a Cancel button, and a preset clear button. Initially, in print settings screen D1, the preset name "DPR" is displayed in the preset name selection field, and the checkboxes corresponding to "single-sided" and "monochrome" are checked. When PC100B accepts a checkmark in the checkbox corresponding to "color" at T32, and accepts a selection from the dropdown menu in the preset selection field at T34, it displays preset selection image N1 on print settings screen D1 at T36. As shown in Figure 12, image N1 includes a list of selectable preset names and a new registration image for accepting the registration of new preset information. When PC100B receives the selection of a new image to be registered in T38, it displays the input image N2 on the print settings screen D1 in T40. As shown in Figure 12, image N2 includes an input field for entering a preset name, an OK button, and a Cancel button. When PC100B receives the input of the preset name "IPR1" in T42 and receives the selection of the OK button, it sends the GPA, including the username U2 and password P2, to the printer 10 in T50. T52 is the same as T24. In this modified example, it may be possible to set the print settings information after entering the preset name to be registered. In this modified example, after displaying the print settings screen D1, PC100B accepts the selection from the dropdown menu in the preset selection field without accepting the checking of the checkbox corresponding to "Color". After that, the same processing as in T36 to T42 is performed. Then, when PC100B receives the preset name "IPR1" as input in T42 and selects the OK button, it displays a print settings screen with the preset name "IPR1" displayed in the preset name selection field. Then, when PC100B receives the check of the checkbox corresponding to "Color" and selects the OK button, it sends the GPA, including the username U2 and password P2, to printer 10.

[0067] When PC100B receives capability information from printer 10 at T52, it extracts preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, it generates preset information PI2, which associates the preset name IPR1 entered at T42 with the print settings information "single-sided" and "color" set at T32. At T54, it sends an SPA containing the username U2, password P2, and preset information PI1 and PI2 to printer 10.

[0068] When printer 10 receives SPA from PC100B (NO in S10 and YES in S20 in Figure 3, NO in S120 and YES in S150 in Figure 6), it determines that the SPA contains the preset information PI2 to be registered (YES in S152). Then, printer 10 determines in user table 38 that the registration permission flag associated with username U2 in the SPA is "ON" (YES in S180), and determines that the print setting information in preset information PI2 does not contain the restricted print conditions associated with username U2 in user table 38 (NO in S182), and in T56 registers preset information PI2 in preset table 40 (S184). Next, in T58, printer 10 registers the preset name "IPR1" in user table 38 as the registered preset name associated with username U2 (S186). Then, in T60, printer 10 sends registration completion information to PC100B (S188).

[0069] (Case B; Figure 9) Referring to Figure 9, Case B describes a scenario in which the registration of preset information using IPP-compliant communication fails due to the print settings information within the preset information to be registered containing restricted print conditions. In Case B, the state follows that of Case A, i.e., preset information PI1 and PI2 are registered in preset table 40.

[0070] First, the same process as T10 to T30 in Figure 8 is performed between PC100C and printer 10. In this case, PC100C accepts the input of username U3 and password P3 at T18, and sends the GPA, including username U3 and password P3, to printer 10 at T20.

[0071] At T132, PC100C accepts the selection of checkboxes corresponding to "duplex" and "color". T134-T140 are the same as T34-T40 in Figure 8. At T142, PC100C accepts the input of the preset name "IPR2" and, upon acceptance of the selection of the OK button, sends a GPA containing the username U3 and password P3 to the printer 10 at T150. T152 is the same as T52 in Figure 8. At T152, when PC100C receives capability information from the printer 10, it extracts the preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, PC100C generates preset information PI3, which associates the preset name IPR2 entered at T142 with the print settings information "duplex" and "color" set at T132, and at T154, sends an SPA containing the username U3, password P3, and preset information PI1 and PI3 to the printer 10.

[0072] When printer 10 receives SPA from PC100C at T154 (NO at S10 in Figure 3, YES at S20, NO at S120 in Figure 6, YES at S150), it determines that the SPA contains the preset information PI3 to be registered (YES at S152). Then, printer 10 determines in user table 38 that the registration permission flag associated with username U3 in the SPA is "ON" (YES at S180), and determines that the print setting information in preset information PI3 contains the restricted print condition (i.e., "duplex") associated with username U3 in user table 38 (YES at S182). In this case, printer 10 does not register preset information PI3 in preset table 40. Then, at T158, printer 10 sends registration error information to PC100C (S190). As a result, users using PC100C can find out that the registration of preset information PI3 has failed.

[0073] (Effects of Case A and Case B) As shown in Case A of Figure 8, the printer 10 registers preset information PI2 in the preset table 40 (T56) if it determines that the print settings information of preset information PI2 does not include the restricted print conditions associated with the user name U2 in the user table 38. On the other hand, as shown in Case B of Figure 9, the printer 10 does not register preset information PI3 if it determines that the preset information PI3 includes the restricted print conditions associated with the user name U3 in the user table 38. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the failure of the printing process when preset information containing restricted print conditions is used after preset information containing restricted print conditions has been registered in the preset table 40.

[0074] (Case C; Figure 9) Referring to Figure 9, we will now describe Case C, in which the registration of preset information using IPP-compliant communication fails due to the registration permission flag in user table 38 being "OFF". The initial state of Case C is the same as the initial state of Case B.

[0075] First, the same process as T10-T40 in Figure 8 is performed between PC100D and printer 10. In this case, PC100D accepts the input of username U4 and password P4 at T18, and sends the GPA containing username U4 and password P4 to printer 10 at T20. PC100D accepts the input of preset name "IPR3" at T242, and upon acceptance of the selection of the OK button, sends the GPA containing username U4 and password P4 to printer 10 at T250. T252 is the same as T52 in Figure 8. At T252, PC100D receives capability information from printer 10 and extracts the preset information PI1 from the capability information. Then, PC100D generates preset information PI4, which associates the preset name IPR3 entered in T242 with the print settings "single-sided" and "color" set in T32 in Figure 8. In T254, it sends an SPA containing the username U4, password P4, and preset information PI1 and PI4 to the printer 10.

[0076] When printer 10 receives SPA from PC100D (NO in S10 and YES in S20 in Figure 3, NO in S120 and YES in S150 in Figure 6), it determines that the SPA contains the preset information PI4 to be registered (YES in S152). Then, printer 10 determines in user table 38 that the registration permission flag associated with the username U4 in the SPA is "OFF" (NO in S180). In this case, printer 10 does not register the preset information PI4 in preset table 40. Then, printer 10 sends registration error information to PC100D in T258 (S190). As a result, users using PC100D can find out that the registration of preset information PI4 has failed.

[0077] (Case D; Figure 10) Referring to Figure 10, we will now describe Case D, in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 using the web server function of printer 10. The initial state of Case D is the same as the initial state of Case B.

[0078] When PC100C receives input of the IP address assigned to printer 10 at T310, T312 sends a top screen request to printer 10.

[0079] When printer 10 receives a top screen request from PC100C at T312 (YES in S10 of Figure 3), it sends top screen data to PC100C at T314 (S40 in Figure 4).

[0080] When PC100C receives top screen data from printer 10 at T314, it displays the top screen at T316. When PC100C accepts the input of username U3 and password P3 at T318, it sends an administration screen request including username U3 and password P3 to printer 10 at T320.

[0081] When printer 10 receives a management screen request from PC100C at T320 (S42), it determines at T322 that user authentication was successful because the combination of username U3 and password P3 in the management screen request is registered in user table 38 (YES at S44). Then, at T324, printer 10 sends the management screen data to PC100C (S46).

[0082] When PC100C receives management screen data from printer 10 at T324, it displays management screen D11 (see Figure 13) at T330. When PC100C accepts the selection of a preset setting button at T332, it sends a preset setting screen request to printer 10 at T334.

[0083] When printer 10 receives a request for a preset setting screen from PC100C in T334 (YES in S50), it sends the preset setting screen data to PC100C in T336 (S52).

[0084] When PC100C receives preset setting screen data from printer 10 at T336, it displays preset setting screen D12 (see Figure 13) at T340. When PC100C accepts the selection of the new registration button at T342, it sends an input screen request to printer 10 at T344.

[0085] When printer 10 receives an input screen request from PC100C at T344 (YES at S60), it sends input screen data to PC100C at T346 (S62).

[0086] When PC100C receives input screen data from printer 10 at T346, it displays input screen D13 (see Figure 13) at T350. At T352, PC100C accepts the checks for "duplex" and "color", accepts the input of the preset name "IPR2" in the preset name input field, and accepts the input of the username U3 in the registered username input field. In this case, PC100C generates preset information PI3, which associates the entered preset name IPR2 with the set print settings information "duplex" and "color", and at T354, sends a registration instruction to printer 10 that includes the preset information PI3 and the registered username U3.

[0087] When printer 10 receives a registration instruction from PC100C in T354 (YES in S64), it determines that the registration permission flag associated with the authenticated username U3 in user table 38 is "ON" (YES in S90 in Figure 5), and determines that the preset information PI3 contains the restricted printing conditions (i.e., "double-sided") associated with the target registration username U3 (YES in S92). In this case, printer 10 sends selection screen data to PC100C in T356 to display the selection screen (S100).

[0088] When PC100C receives selection screen data from printer 10 at T356, it displays selection screen D14 at T360. When PC100C accepts the selection of the OK button at T362, it sends a change instruction to printer 10 at T364.

[0089] When printer 10 receives a change instruction from PC100C in T364 (YES in S102), in T366, it replaces the restricted printing condition ("double-sided") contained in the preset information PI3 received in T354 with the permitted printing condition ("single-sided") and generates new preset information PI5 (S104). In a modified example, printer 10 may generate new preset information that does not include the printing condition corresponding to the printing setting item "print type" in preset information PI3, but only includes the printing condition "color" corresponding to the printing setting item "number of colors" in preset information PI3. That is, printer 10 may generate new preset information that does not include the printing setting item corresponding to the restricted printing condition contained in preset information PI3, but only includes the printing setting item corresponding to the permitted printing condition contained in preset information PI3. Next, printer 10 registers the preset information PI5 in the preset table 40 at T368 (S106), and at T370 registers the preset name "IPR2" in the user table 38 as the preset name associated with the target registered user name U3 (S108). Then, at T372, printer 10 sends the completion notification screen data to PC100C (S98).

[0090] (Effects of Cases A to D) As shown in Case A of Figure 8, if the printer 10 determines that the preset information PI2 does not contain any restricted printing conditions associated with user name U2 in the user table 38, it registers the preset information PI2 in the preset table 40 (T56). On the other hand, as shown in Case D of Figure 10, if the printer 10 determines that the preset information PI3 contains any restricted printing conditions associated with user name U3 in the user table 38, it sends the selection screen data to the PC 100C (T356). Then, when the printer 10 receives a change instruction from the PC 100C (T364), it registers the preset information PI5 in the preset table 40 (T368). Therefore, even if the printer 10 receives preset information PI3 which contains restricted printing conditions, it can register the preset information in the preset table 40 according to the user's selection result.

[0091] Furthermore, in Case D of Figure 10, when the printer 10 receives a change instruction from the PC 100C (T364), it registers preset information PI5 in the preset table 40 in which the restricted printing condition ("double-sided") has been replaced with the permitted printing condition ("single-sided") (T368). As a result, users using the PC 100C can then perform printing using the preset information PI5.

[0092] (Case E; Figure 11) Referring to Figure 11, Case E, in which printing is performed using the preset information in the preset table 40, is described. Case E is the state after Case D, that is, the preset information PI1, PI2, and PI5 are registered in the preset table 40. T410~T422 are the same as T10~T22 in Figure 8. At T422, if user authentication is successful (YES at S124 in Figure 6), the printer 10 identifies the preset names "DPR" and "IPR1" associated with the successfully authenticated username in the user table 38, and identifies the preset information PI1 and PI2, which include the identified preset names "DPR" and "IPR1", in the preset table 40. Then, at T424, the printer 10 sends capability information to the PC 100B, which includes all print conditions that the printer 10 can execute ("single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", "color") and the identified preset information PI1 and PI2.

[0093] T430 and T432 are the same as T30 and T34, respectively. In this case, PC100B displays the selected image on the print settings screen D1. In this case, the selected image shows the preset names "DPR", "IPR1", and "New Registration". When PC100B receives the selection of the preset name "IPR1" in the selected image at T436, it identifies the preset information PI2 containing the preset name "IPR1" in the capability information received at T424. Then, PC100B identifies the print conditions "Single-sided" and "Color" within the identified preset information PI2, and at T438, it adjusts the print settings on the print settings screen to match the identified print conditions. Specifically, PC100B clears the checkbox corresponding to "Monochrome" and checks the checkbox corresponding to "Color". In this way, the printer 10 adjusts the print settings on the print settings screen to match the print setting information in the preset information containing the preset name, in accordance with the preset name selected by the user. When PC100B receives a selection of the OK button on T440, T450 sends a VJ according to IPP to printer 10. The VJ includes print settings (i.e., "single-sided" and "color").

[0094] When printer 10 receives the VJ from PC100B at T450, it determines that the print settings included in the VJ (i.e., "single-sided" and "color") can be executed, and sends 200OK to PC100B at T452 (S160). 200OK is a command defined in HTTP, not IPP, and specifically indicates that processing has been completed successfully.

[0095] When PC100B receives 200 OK from printer 10 at T452, it sends a Create-Job command (hereinafter referred to as "CJ") in accordance with IPP to printer 10 at T454. The CJ includes print settings (i.e., "single-sided" and "color").

[0096] When printer 10 receives CJ from PC100B at T454, it generates a unique job ID "J1" at T456, and sends 200OK containing the generated job ID "J1" to PC100B at T458 (S160).

[0097] When PC100B receives 200OK from printer 10 at T458, T460 sends a Send-Document command (hereinafter referred to as "SD") in accordance with IPP to printer 10. SD includes the print data and the job ID "J1" included in the received 200OK.

[0098] When printer 10 receives the SD card from PC100B at T460, it identifies the print settings (i.e., "single-sided" and "color") corresponding to the job ID "J1" in the SD card, and at T462, it executes printing according to the print data in the SD card and the identified print settings (S160). Then, at T464, printer 10 sends 200OK to PC100B.

[0099] (Effects of this embodiment) Printer 10 receives a username and an SPA containing registration instructions or preset information to be registered from the PC (YES in S42 and S64 in Figure 4, YES in S120 and S150 in Figure 6). Then, if the registration permission flag associated with the received username in the user table 38 in memory 34 is "ON" (YES in S90 in Figure 5 and YES in S180 in Figure 7), printer 10 registers the preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34 (S94 in Figure 5 and S184 in Figure 7). On the other hand, if the registration permission flag associated with the received username in the user table 38 in memory 34 is "OFF" (NO in S90 in Figure 5 and NO in S180 in Figure 7), printer 10 does not register the preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34.Therefore, printer 10 can appropriately restrict the registration of preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34 according to the registration permission flag associated with the username in the user table 38 in memory 34. In other words, the administrator of printer 10 can set whether or not to allow users who use the usernames in user table 38 to register preset information in preset table 40 by setting the registration permission flag in the user table 38 of printer 10.

[0100] (Correspondence) PC100A~100D are examples of "external devices". User name and registration permission flag are examples of "user identification information" and "registration-related information", respectively. SPA containing registration instructions and preset information of the registration target is an example of a "registration request". "ON" and "OFF" of the registration permission flag are examples of "permission information" and "restriction information", respectively. GPA is an example of a "capability information request". Top screen data request is an example of an "access request". User name and password written in the header of the capability information request are examples of "user identification information". T42 in Figure 8 is an example of a "first predetermined operation". Top screen and top screen data are examples of "reception screen" and "reception screen data", respectively. T352 in Figure 10 is an example of a "second predetermined operation". Print setting items "print type" and "number of colors" are examples of "specific setting items". Print setting information in preset information PI2, PI3, and PI4 is an example of "first print setting information". The print settings information within preset information PI5 is an example of "second print settings information".

[0101] S42 in Figure 4, and S120 and S150 in Figure 6 are examples of processes executed by the "First User Identification Information Receiving Unit". S64 in Figure 4 and S150 in Figure 6 are examples of processes executed by the "Registration Request Receiving Unit". S94 in Figure 5 and S184 in Figure 7 are examples of processes executed by the "Registration Unit".

[0102] (Second example) In this embodiment, the first registration process (Figure 5) and the second registration process (Figure 7) performed by the printer 10 differ from those in the first embodiment. In the first registration process shown in Figure 5, if the CPU 32 of the printer 10 determines YES in S90, it skips S92 and proceeds to S94. Also, in the second registration process shown in Figure 7, if the CPU 32 determines YES in S180, it skips S182 and proceeds to S184.

[0103] (Specific cases F and G; Figures 14 and 15) Referring to Figures 14 and 15, specific cases F and G realized by the processing shown in Figures 3 to 7 of this embodiment will be described.

[0104] (Case F; Figure 14) Referring to Figure 14, we will now describe Case F, in which preset information is registered in the preset table 40 using IPP-compliant communication. The initial state of Case F is the same as the initial state of Case B.

[0105] First, the same processes as T10-T30 in Figure 8 and T32-T142 in Figure 9 are executed between PC100C and printer 10. In this case, PC100C accepts the input of username U3 and password P3 at T18, and sends the GPA, including username U3 and password P3, to printer 10 at T20.

[0106] Steps T550 to T554 are the same as steps T150 to T154 in Figure 9. At step T554, when printer 10 receives SPA from PC100C (NO at S10 in Figure 3, YES at S20, NO at S120 in Figure 6, YES at S150), it determines that the SPA contains the preset information PI3 to be registered (YES at S152). Then, in user table 38, printer 10 determines that the registration permission flag associated with username U3 in SPA is "ON" (YES at S180), registers the preset information PI3 in preset table 40 at step T556 (S184), and at step T558, registers the preset name "IPR2" in user table 38 as the preset name associated with username U3 in SPA (S186). Next, at step T560, printer 10 sends registration completion information to PC100C (S188).

[0107] (Case G; Figure 15) Referring to Figure 15, we will now describe Case G, in which a printing process is performed using the preset information in the preset table 40.

[0108] T610 to T622 are the same as T410 to T422 in Figure 11. In this case, PC100C accepts the input of username U3 and password P3 at T618, and sends the GPA including username U3 and password P3 to printer 10 at T620.

[0109] If user authentication is successful at T622 (YES at S124 in Figure 6), printer 10 identifies the preset names "DPR" and "IPR2" associated with the authenticated username U3 in user table 38, and identifies preset information PI1 and PI3 containing the identified preset names "DPR" and "IPR2" in preset table 40. Next, printer 10 determines whether the print settings information in the identified preset information PI1 and PI3 includes the restricted print conditions associated with the authenticated username U3 in user table 38. Then, printer 10 determines that the print settings information of preset information PI3 includes the restricted print condition "duplex" associated with the authenticated username U3 in user table 38. In this case, printer 10 determines that preset information PI3 is not to be sent. Then, at T624, printer 10 sends capability information to PC100C, which includes all print conditions that printer 10 can execute ("single-sided", "duplex", "monochrome", "color") and the identified preset information PI1. Furthermore, the printer 10 sends preset information PI3 to the PC100C when the administrator changes the print condition information for the print condition "duplex" associated with the username U3 in the user table 38 from "OFF" to "ON" and the GPA including the username U3 is received from the PC100C. In a modified example, the printer 10 may generate preset information in which the restricted print condition ("duplex") included in the preset information PI3 is replaced with an permitted print condition ("single-sided"), and then send capability information including the generated preset information to the PC100C.

[0110] T630-T640 are the same as T430-T440 in Figure 9, except that the preset name DPR is selected. Similarly, T650-T664 are the same as T450-T464, except that the print conditions are "single-sided" and "monochrome," and the job ID is "J2."

[0111] (Effects of Case F and Case G) As shown in Case F of Figure 14, printer 10 registers preset information PI3 in the preset table 40 regardless of whether the preset information PI3 sent from PC100C includes restricted printing conditions (T556). Then, as shown in Case G of Figure 15, when printer 10 receives GPA from PC100C (T620), it does not send preset information PI3 containing restricted printing conditions to PC100C (T624). Therefore, it is possible to prevent printing from failing when a user using PC100C selects preset information PI3 containing restricted printing conditions and a VJ containing restricted printing conditions is sent.

[0112] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, the web server processing (Figure 16), first registration processing (Figure 17), IPP processing (Figure 18), and second registration processing (Figure 19) performed by the printer 10 differ from those in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same steps as in the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and their descriptions are omitted.

[0113] (Web server processing; Figure 16) If CPU32 determines YES in S44, it proceeds to S245A. S245A is the same as S90 in Figure 5. If CPU32 determines NO in S245A, it proceeds to S245B. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines YES in S245A, it skips S245B and proceeds to S46.

[0114] In S245B, the CPU 32 sends a first restriction request to the PC. The first restriction request is information requesting a restriction on the transmission of registration instructions. When S245B is completed, the CPU 32 proceeds to S46. Note that the timing of sending the first restriction request is not limited to after S245A. The CPU 32 may send the first restriction request to the PC before sending the preset setting screen data to the PC, or simultaneously with sending the preset setting screen.

[0115] (First registration process; Figure 17) The first registration process in this embodiment is the same as the first registration process in the first embodiment (Figure 5), except that it does not include S90.

[0116] (IPP processing; Figure 18) If CPU32 determines YES in S124, it proceeds to S325. S325 is the same as S180 in Figure 7. If CPU32 determines YES in S325, it proceeds to S126. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines NO in S325, it proceeds to S326.

[0117] In S326, the CPU 32 sends capability information to the PC. This capability information is the same as the capability information sent to the PC in S126, except that it includes a second restriction request. The second restriction request is information to request a restriction on the transmission of the SPA containing the preset information to be registered. In the modified example, the CPU 32 may send the second restriction request to the PC separately from the capability information.

[0118] (Second registration process; Figure 19) The second registration process in this embodiment is the same as the second registration process in the first embodiment (Figure 7), except that it does not include S180.

[0119] (Specific cases H and I; Figure 20) Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the specific cases H and I realized by the processing shown in Figures 16 to 19 of this embodiment will be described.

[0120] (Case H; Figure 20) Referring to Figure 20, we will describe Case H, in which the registration of preset information using IPP-compliant communication is restricted due to the registration permission flag in user table 38 being "OFF". The initial state of Case H is the same as the initial state of Case B in Figure 9.

[0121] First, the same process as shown in Figure 8 (T10-T22) is performed between PC100D and printer 10. In this case, PC100D accepts the input of username U4 and password P4 at T18, and sends the GPA, including username U4 and password P4, to printer 10 at T20.

[0122] At T22, printer 10 determines that user authentication was successful (YES at S124 in Figure 18), and at user table 38, determines that the registration permission flag associated with username U4 in GPA is "OFF" (NO at S325). In this case, at T724, printer 10 sends capability information to PC100D, which includes all print conditions that printer 10 can perform (i.e., "single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", "color"), preset information PI1, and a second restriction request.

[0123] When PC100D receives capability information from printer 10 at T724, it displays the print settings screen D1 (see Figure 12) at T730. T732 and T734 are the same as T32 and T34 in Figure 8, respectively. When PC100D accepts a selection from the pull-down menu, it determines that the capability information received at T724 includes a second restriction request, and at T736, it displays the preset selection image N31 on the print settings screen D1. As shown in Figure 21, image N31 includes a list of selectable preset names, but does not include the new registration image (see Figure 12) that accepts the registration of new preset information. In a modified version, image N31 may include the disabled new registration image. This allows the user of PC100D to know that the registration of preset information is restricted. Then, at T740, PC100D accepts the selection of the cancel button.

[0124] (Case I; Figure 20) Next, referring to Figure 20, we will describe Case I, in which the registration of preset information using the printer 10's web server function is restricted due to the registration permission flag in the user table 38 being "OFF". The initial state of Case I is the same as the initial state of Case H.

[0125] First, the same process as shown in Figure 10 (T310-T322) is performed between PC100D and printer 10. In this case, PC100D accepts the input of username U4 and password P4 at T318, and sends an administration screen request including username U4 and password P4 to printer 10 at T320.

[0126] Printer 10 determines at T322 that user authentication was successful (YES at S44 in Figure 16), and determines in user table 38 that the registration permission flag associated with authenticated username U4 is "OFF" (NO at S245A), and sends a first restriction request to PC100D at T823. T824~T836 are the same as T324~T336 in Figure 10. PC100D determines that it has received the first restriction request and displays the preset setting screen D32 at T840. As shown in Figure 22, screen D32 is the same as the preset setting screen D12 of the first embodiment (see Figure 13), except that it does not include a new registration button. In the modified version, screen D32 may include a disabled new registration button. This allows the user using PC100D to know that registration of preset information is restricted. Then, PC100D accepts the selection of the cancel button at T850.

[0127] (Effects of this embodiment) Printer 10 receives a username from the PC (YES in S42 of Figure 16, and S120 and S122 of Figure 18). Then, when the registration permission flag associated with the received username in the user table 38 in memory 34 is "ON", printer 10 receives a registration instruction or an SPA containing preset information to be registered from the PC (YES in S64 of Figure 16, and S150 and S152 of Figure 18). In this case, printer 10 registers the preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34 (S94 of Figure 17, and S184 of Figure 19). On the other hand, when the registration permission flag associated with the received username in the user table 38 in memory 34 is "OFF" (NO in S245A of Figure 16, and NO in S325 of Figure 18), printer 10 sends a first restriction request or a second restriction request to the PC (S245B of Figure 16, and S326 of Figure 18). In this case, the printer 10 does not receive a registration instruction or an SPA containing the preset information to be registered from the PC. Therefore, the printer 10 does not register the preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34. Consequently, the printer 10 can appropriately restrict the registration of preset information in the preset table 40 in memory 34 according to the registration permission flag associated with the username in the user table 38 of the printer 34. In other words, the administrator of the printer 10 can set whether or not to allow users using the username in the user table 38 to register preset information in the preset table 40 by setting the registration permission flag in the user table 38 of the printer 10.

[0128] (Correspondence) The first restriction request and the second restriction request are examples of "restriction requests". An SPA containing a registration instruction and preset information of the registration target is an example of a "registration request". S42 in Figure 16 and S120 in Figure 18 are examples of processes executed by the "first user identification information receiving unit". S245B in Figure 16 and S326 in Figure 18 are examples of processes executed by the "restriction request sending unit". S64 in Figure 16 and S150 in Figure 18 are examples of processes executed by the "registration request receiving unit". S94 in Figure 17 and S184 in Figure 19 are examples of processes executed by the "registration unit".

[0129] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0130] (First Modification) The printer 10 may be configured to register the preset information in the preset table 40 when it receives a command that contains only the preset information to be registered (i.e., a registration command) instead of the SPA. Alternatively, the SPA may contain only the preset information to be registered.

[0131] (Second Modification) PC100B may, after T42 in Figure 8, extract preset information PI1 from the capability information received at T24, and at T54 send an SPA containing username U2, password P2, and preset information PI1 and PI2 to printer 10. In this modification, T50 and T52 can be omitted. T150, T152, T250, T252 in Figure 9, and T550 and T552 in Figure 14 can also be omitted.

[0132] (Third Modification) The second registration process in Figure 7 may be omitted. In this modification, the "first capability information request receiving unit" and the "first capability information transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0133] (Fourth modified example) The first registration process in Figure 5 may be omitted. In this modified example, the "access request receiving unit" and the "first screen data transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0134] (Fifth Modification) The message displayed on the selection screen may be a message to confirm that preset information including restricted printing conditions is to be registered. In this modification, the printer 10 monitors for the reception of a registration instruction in S102, and if it is determined to be YES in S102, it proceeds to S94. In this modification, steps S104 to S108 can be omitted.

[0135] (Sixth Modification) PC100A to PC100D may be configured to send a management screen request when they receive input of the IP address assigned to printer 10. In this modification, printer 10 sends authentication screen data to the PC when it receives a preset settings screen request or an input screen request. In another modification, the management screen or preset settings screen may include images for entering a username and password. In yet another modification, when the new registration button is selected, a screen for entering a username and password may be displayed.

[0136] (Seventh Modification) In S104 of Figure 5, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 may change the restricted printing condition included in the print setting information of the target preset information in the user table 38 to an permitted printing condition. That is, if the print setting information in the target preset information includes a restricted printing condition associated with an authenticated username in the user table 38, the CPU 32 may change the restricted printing condition in the user table 38 from "OFF" to "ON" so that the print setting information of the target preset information includes an permitted printing condition associated with an authenticated username in the user table 38. In this modification, after S104 is completed, the CPU 32 proceeds to S94.

[0137] (Eighth Modification) In the second embodiment, the printer 10 may send capability information to the PC 100C at T624 in Figure 15, which includes all print conditions that the printer 10 can execute ("single-sided", "double-sided", "monochrome", "color") and preset information PI1, PI3. In this modification, the printer 10 sends the preset information to the PC regardless of whether the preset information includes restricted print conditions or not.

[0138] (9th Modification) In the above embodiment, each process performed by the control unit 30 is implemented by software (i.e., program 36), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0139] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 38: User table, 40: Preset table

Claims

1. A communication system comprising a terminal device and a printer, The aforementioned printer is A memory capable of storing, for each of one or more user identification information, the user identification information and registration relationship information related to the registration of print setting information in association, wherein the registration relationship information is either permission information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is permitted, or restriction information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is restricted, A restriction request transmission unit that transmits a restriction request to the terminal device when the first user identification information is received from the terminal device while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information contained in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, and the restriction request transmission unit that does not transmit the restriction request when the first user identification information is received from the terminal device while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and A first user identification information transmission unit that transmits the first user identification information to the printer, A display control unit that, after the first user identification information has been transmitted, displays a first screen on the display unit that restricts the transmission of a registration request requesting the registration of the print settings information in the memory if the restriction request has been received from the printer, and displays a second screen on the display unit that accepts the transmission of the registration request if the restriction request has not been received from the printer after the first user identification information has been transmitted, A communication system equipped with these features.

2. A communication system according to claim 1, The first screen does not include an operator for receiving the registration request. The second screen includes the operator, Communication system.

3. A communication system according to claim 1, The first screen includes the operator that accepts the submission of the registration request in a disabled state. The second screen includes the operator in a state where it is not disabled. Communication system.

4. A communication system according to claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned printer further, The system includes a capability information transmission unit that transmits capability information to the terminal device when a capability information request is received from the terminal device requesting the transmission of capability information indicating the capabilities of the printer, and the capability information includes the available print setting information. The aforementioned terminal device further, The system includes a capability information request transmission unit that transmits the capability information request to the printer, If the display control unit receives the capability information from the printer and then receives a restriction request from the printer, it displays a first screen on the display unit that makes the print setting information included in the capability information available for printing and restricts the transmission of a registration request for registering new print setting information. If the restriction request is not received from the printer, it displays a second screen on the display unit that makes the print setting information included in the capability information available for printing and accepts the transmission of a registration request for registering new print setting information. Communication system.

5. A communication system according to claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned printer further, The system includes a screen data transmission unit that, when an access request is received from the terminal device to request access to the web server in the printer, transmits screen data for displaying the first screen and the second screen to the terminal device, wherein the first screen and the second screen are screens for managing the registration and deletion of the print setting information. The aforementioned terminal device further, The system includes an access request transmission unit that transmits the access request to the printer, If the display control unit receives the screen data from the printer and then receives a restriction request from the printer, it displays a first screen on the display unit based on the screen data, which restricts the transmission of a registration request for registering new print setting information and accepts the deletion of registered print setting information. If the restriction request is not received from the printer, it displays a second screen on the display unit based on the screen data, which accepts the transmission of a registration request for registering new print setting information and accepts the deletion of registered print setting information. Communication system.

6. A communication system according to claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned terminal device further, The system includes a registration request transmission unit that transmits the registration request, which includes the first print setting information, in response to the operation of the second screen. The aforementioned printer further, The terminal device receives the first user identification information and the registration request, and if the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information contained in one or more user identification information in the memory is the permission information, the registration unit registers the first print setting information contained in the registration request in the memory in association with the first user identification information. Communication system.

7. A communication system according to claim 6, The memory is further capable of storing permission printing conditions corresponding to specific setting items, associated with the first user identification information. The permitted printing conditions are the printing conditions that are permitted for use by the user identified by the first user identification information. In the first case, and when a specific print condition corresponding to the specific setting item included in the first print setting information is included in the permitted print conditions associated with the first user identification information, the registration unit registers the first print setting information in the memory in association with the first user identification information. In the first case described above, and if the specific printing conditions are not included in the permitted printing conditions, the first print setting information is not registered in the memory. Communication system.

8. A communication system comprising a terminal device and a printer, wherein the printer has a memory capable of storing, for each of one or more user identification pieces, the user identification piece and registration relationship information related to the registration of print setting information in association with the user identification piece, wherein the registration relationship information is either permission information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is permitted, or restriction information indicating that the registration of the print setting information is restricted, and a registration management method executed in the communication system comprising the memory, A first user identification information transmission step of transmitting first user identification information to the printer, A restriction request transmission step in which, when the first user identification information is received from the terminal device while the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information contained in the one or more user identification information in the memory is the restriction information, a restriction request transmission step in which, when the registration relationship information associated with the first user identification information in the memory is the permission information, the restriction request is not transmitted when the first user identification information is received from the terminal device, A display control step in which, after the first user identification information has been transmitted, if the restriction request is received from the printer, a first screen is displayed on the display unit that restricts the transmission of a registration request requesting the registration of the print setting information in the memory, and if, after the first user identification information has been transmitted, the restriction request is not received from the printer, a second screen is displayed on the display unit that accepts the transmission of the registration request. A registration management method comprising the following features.

Images