JP7540277B2 - Printer - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a printer that has multiple functions and allows users to set whether or not to use each function.

In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, printers equipped with multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function have become known. In addition, such multi-function printers also have a function for identifying users, and a technique for setting whether each function can be used by each user is also known.

JP 2007-336402 A

In the printer described above where the availability of each function can be set for each user, there are cases where a user wants to interrupt a job while printing based on a certain job is in progress. In such cases, the user for the job being printed and the job to be interrupted may be different, which creates a problem of complex management of the availability of functions.

This specification discloses a technology that allows jobs to be interrupted in a printer that has multiple functions and allows each user to set whether or not to use each function, without managing whether or not to use complex functions.

A printer designed to solve the above-mentioned problems is a printer equipped with a printing unit, a reading unit, a communication interface, a user interface, and a computer, and has multiple functions that use the printing unit, including a copy function that prints an image read by the reading unit using the printing unit, and a communication print function that prints an image obtained via the communication interface using the printing unit, and further has a function for setting whether or not each function can be used for each user, and the computer executes a specific process that identifies a user who will use the printer, and the computer further executes a job of a function that can be used by the user identified by the specific process. When an execution instruction is received, the computer executes processing corresponding to the job execution instruction for the function, and further, while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the communication printing function, the computer allows the user using the printer to switch via the user interface, and allows input of a job execution instruction for the copy function via the user interface depending on whether the user can use the function after switching, and while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, the computer allows input of a job execution instruction for the copy function via the user interface and does not allow the user using the printer to switch via the user interface.

When a printer with the above configuration is executing a job based on the communication printing function, the currently specified user may not be permitted to use the copy function. Therefore, when the printer is executing a job based on the communication printing function, the printer allows user switching, thereby enabling interrupt copying by a user who is permitted to use the copy function. On the other hand, when the printer is executing printing by copying, it is assumed that the user who input the instruction to execute the copy job is near the printer. Therefore, in the case of interrupt copying, it is highly likely that the same user who instructed the copy being executed is requesting the interrupt copy. In this way, since the printer can input an instruction to execute a copy job without switching users, it does not allow user switching during copy execution. A printer with such a configuration has a simple configuration in which users who can instruct interrupt copying can be limited to users who are permitted to use the copy function, and it is possible to interrupt a copy job without managing the availability of complex functions.

A control method for implementing the functions of the above device, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that allows jobs to be interrupted in a printer that has multiple functions and allows each user to set whether or not to use each function, without managing whether or not to use complex functions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a printer. 11 shows an example of function usage information. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure for a standby screen display process. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a standby screen and a pseudo standby screen; 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure for a pseudo-standby screen display process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of interrupt copying. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of interrupt copying.

The device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. This embodiment discloses, for example, a printer that has multiple functions and, when a job execution instruction for a function available to a user is received, executes processing corresponding to the job execution instruction.

Figure 1 shows the configuration of printer 2. Printer 2 is a device with multiple functions, and receives a job execution instruction for a job that uses at least one of the multiple functions, and executes a process corresponding to the job execution instruction.

The printer 2 is equipped with a control unit 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The printer 2 further includes a network interface (hereafter referred to as "network IF") 13, a USB interface (hereafter referred to as "USB-IF") 14, a modem 15, an operation panel 16, a reading unit 17, and a printing unit 18, all of which are electrically connected to the control unit 10. Note that the control unit 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used to control the printer 2, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 2.

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operations. The CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The memory 12 is, for example, a HDD or flash memory, and is used as an area for storing various programs, data such as image data and document data, and various settings. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

An example of memory may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

Returning to FIG. 1, network IF 13 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as PC 3 and cloud server 8. The communication method of network IF 13 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc. USB-IF 14 includes hardware for performing USB communication with an external storage device such as USB memory 7. Network IF 13 and USB-IF 14 are examples of "communication interfaces." Modem 15 includes hardware for connecting to a telephone line network and sending and receiving fax data.

The operation panel 16 includes hardware for displaying information on a screen and hardware for accepting input operations by the user. The operation panel 16 may be a combination of a display for display, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., or may be a touch panel with a display function and an input acceptance function. The operation panel 16 is an example of a "user interface." The reading unit 17 includes hardware for reading a manuscript. The printing unit 18 includes hardware for printing print data on paper.

Such a printer 2 has a copy function that displays a copy icon on the operation panel 16, accepts a copy execution instruction by operating the copy icon, causes the reading unit 17 to read the original, and causes the printing unit 18 to print the read image.

Printer 2 also has a communication printing function that communicates with an external device to receive job execution instructions and print images obtained from the external device. Examples of the communication printing function include a PC print function, a download print function, and a direct print function.

The PC print function communicates with PC 3 via network IF 13, accepts a PC print execution instruction, and prints an image based on the print data received from PC 3.

The download printing function is a function that accepts a download printing execution instruction input via the operation panel 16 by specifying a download source such as the cloud server 8 and an image stored in the download source, and obtains the specified image from the specified download source and prints it.

The direct printing function is a function that accepts a direct printing execution instruction input via the operation panel 16 by specifying a data source such as a USB memory 7 and an image to be printed, and then obtains the specified image from the specified data source and prints it.

The printer 2 also has a fax printing function that receives and prints fax data via the modem 15. The printer 2 also has a fax transmission function that displays a fax transmission icon, accepts a fax transmission execution instruction by operating the fax transmission icon, and transmits the fax data via the modem 15.

The printer 2 also has a scanning function that accepts scan execution instructions via the operation panel 16, reads an original document using the reading unit 17, and outputs an image file that stores the read image.

The printer 2 also has an interrupt copy function that accepts a copy execution instruction while a print process based on a print job is being executed, and executes the copy by interrupting the print job being executed with a copy job. A print job is a job that includes a print process by the printing unit 18, and includes, for example, PC printing, direct printing, download printing, and copying. When the printer 2 executes an interrupt copy, multiple print jobs are stored in the volatile memory 21.

Next, the operation of the printer 2 will be described. While the printer 2 is powered on, it executes a standby screen display process that switches the screen displayed on the operation panel 16 depending on the printing status. This standby screen display process will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure of the standby screen display process. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen and a pseudo standby screen.

Note that the following processes and each processing step of the flowchart basically indicate the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in each program. That is, in the following description, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" represent the processing of the CPU 11. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS of the printer 2. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operation of each program is explained. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS." Also, the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11" or "performed by the program."

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

The process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining, from information A, whether it is event B." The process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining, from information A, whether it is event B or event C."

When the printer 2 is powered on, the CPU 11 starts the standby screen display process shown in FIG. 3, and displays, for example, the standby screen D11 shown in FIG. 4(a) on the operation panel 16 (S31).

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the standby screen D11 displays a first user display area SA11, a first user switching button A11, and first function selection icons SW11a to SW11f. The first user display area SA11 displays the user name of the user currently logged in to the printer 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the "logged-in user"). The logged-in user is an example of an "identified user."

The first function selection icons SW11a to SW11f are operators for inputting job execution instructions. Information indicating the function is displayed on the first function selection icons SW11a to SW11f, allowing the user to easily understand the content of the job execution instructions. In the following description, the first function selection icons SW11a to SW11f are collectively referred to as the "first function selection icon SW11" unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them. Note that the type, number, and display method of the first function selection icons SW11 are not limited to this embodiment.

Returning to FIG. 3, the CPU 11 that has displayed the standby screen D11 accepts a user switching instruction when the first user switching button A11 is operated (S33: YES, S35: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 performs identity authentication using a password or the like (S41), and if authentication is successful (S43: YES), executes user switching (S45) and returns to the processing of S31, and if authentication is unsuccessful (S43: NO), returns to the processing of S31 without switching users.

For example, when the first function selection icon SW11b corresponding to the copy function shown in FIG. 4(a) is operated via the operation panel 16, the CPU 11 accepts the instruction to execute a copy (S33: YES, S35: NO, S37: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 causes the operation panel 16 to display the second pseudo standby screen D21b for the copy function as shown in FIG. 4(c), and executes the copy job (S39).

For example, when the CPU 11 receives a PC print job sent from the PC 3 via the network IF 13, it accepts an instruction to execute PC print (S33: NO, S37: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 causes the operation panel 16 to display the first pseudo standby screen D21a for communication function printing as shown in FIG. 4(b), and executes the PC print job (S39).

As another example, the CPU 11 operates the operation panel 16 to select a print file stored in the USB memory 7 or the cloud server 8, and receives an instruction to perform download printing or direct printing. In this case, the CPU 11 displays the first pseudo standby screen D21a as shown in FIG. 4(b) on the operation panel 16, and performs download printing or direct printing (S33: YES, S35: NO, S37: YES, S39).

The first and second pseudo standby screens D21a and D21b are examples of "specific standby screens." In the following description, the first and second pseudo standby screens D21a and D21b will be collectively referred to as "pseudo standby screen D21" unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

When the print job corresponding to the print job execution instruction received in S37 is completed, the CPU 11 switches the pseudo standby screen D21 to the standby screen D11 and displays it on the operation panel 16 (S31).

Here, the printer 2 stores function usage information 43 in the non-volatile memory 22. FIG. 2 shows an example of the function usage information 43. In the function usage information 43, functions that the user is permitted to use are set for each user. For example, the function usage information 43 stores a user name in association with authority information indicating whether the function can be used. In the authority information, "○" indicating that use is permitted or "×" indicating that use is not permitted is set for each function. The authority information may be set directly from the operation panel 16 or from a PC. In addition, the function usage information 43 may be set by a specific user such as an administrator, or may be set individually by users who can use the functions of the printer 2. "Public" indicates that a user is not specified. Functions that "Public" is permitted to use can also be used by people other than the user.

On the standby screen D11, the first function selection icon SW11 for a function that the logged-in user is permitted to use is normally displayed and can accept job execution instructions. On the other hand, the first function selection icon SW11 for a function that the logged-in user is not permitted to use is grayed out and cannot accept job execution instructions.

For example, if the logged-in user is "Public", as shown in FIG. 2, "Public" is not permitted to use the fax sending function, copy function, or scan function. Therefore, the corresponding first function selection icons SW11a to SW11c are displayed in gray when the logged-in user is "Public". Even if the grayed-out first function selection icon SW11b is operated, the CPU 11 does not accept a copy execution instruction. In this case, the CPU 11 continues to display the standby screen D11 without starting execution of the copy job (S33: YES, S35: NO, S37: NO).

The first function selection icon SW11 for a function that the logged-in user is not permitted to use may be hidden so that job execution instructions are not accepted, or it may be displayed normally but not accept job execution instructions even if it is operated.

As described above, the control procedure of the pseudo standby screen display process for displaying the pseudo standby screen D21 on the operation panel 16 and executing a print job will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure of the pseudo standby screen time signal process.

For example, when the CPU 11 receives an instruction to perform PC printing at S37 in FIG. 3, the copy function is not used, so the first pseudo standby screen D21a shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed on the operation panel 16 (S50: NO, S52).

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 receives a copy execution instruction, for example, at S37 in FIG. 3, the copy function is used, and the second pseudo standby screen D21b shown in FIG. 4(c) is displayed on the operation panel 16 (S50: YES, S51).

As shown in Figures 4(b) and (c), the pseudo standby screen D21 displays a job status display area SA22, a second user display area SA21, a second user switching button A22, and second function selection icons SW21a, SW21b, and SW21b. The second function selection icons SW21a to SW21c are an example of a "second operator." When there is no particular need to distinguish between the second function selection icons SW21a to SW21c, they will be collectively referred to as the "second function selection icon SW21." The type, number, and display method of the second function selection icon W21 are not limited to this embodiment.

In the job status display area SA22, the contents of the print job being executed are displayed. For example, when the CPU 11 receives an instruction to execute PC print in S37 in FIG. 3, it causes the job status display area SA22 to display "Receiving," which indicates that the print process will be executed using the communication function, as shown in FIG. 4(b). Also, for example, when the CPU 11 receives an instruction to execute copy in S37 in FIG. 3, it causes the job status display area SA22 to display "Copying," which indicates that the print process will be executed using the copy function, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

The second user display area SA21 displays the user name of the logged-in user. The second user switching button A22 is an operator that accepts a switching instruction to switch users. The second user switching button A22 is an example of a "first operator." The user name displayed in the second user display area SA21 is switched in response to operation of the second user switching button A22.

When the CPU 11 does not cause the printing unit 18 to execute a print process corresponding to the copy function, the CPU 11 causes the second user display area SA21 to display a user name, as shown in the first pseudo standby screen D21a of FIG. 4(b). In this case, the CPU 11 normally displays the second user switching button A22 and allows user switching. On the other hand, when the CPU 11 causes the printing unit 18 to execute a print process corresponding to the copy function, the CPU 11 does not cause the second user display area SA21 to display a user name, as shown in the second pseudo standby screen D21b of FIG. 4(c). In this case, the CPU 11 makes the second user switching button A22 non-display and does not allow user switching.

As a result, as shown in the second pseudo standby screen D21b in FIG. 4(c), the user can understand that the user cannot be switched because the user name and the second user switching button A22 are not displayed. Note that the second user switching button A22 may be displayed in a grayed-out state so that it will not accept a user switching instruction even if operated.

The second function selection icon SW21 is an operator for inputting a job execution instruction, and like the first function selection icon SW11, the display state is changed based on the function usage information 43 shown in FIG. 2. On the standby screen D11, the first function selection icon SW11 is displayed for all functions of the printer 2, but on the pseudo standby screen D21, only the second function selection icon SW21 corresponding to functions of the printer 2 that include a reading process that can be executed simultaneously with a printing process, such as a fax transmission function, a copy function, and a scan function, is displayed. Also, on the standby screen D11, the user name is always displayed and the first user switching button A11 is always enabled, but on the pseudo standby screen D21, the user name is not displayed and the second user switching button A22 is disabled while a copy job is being executed.

When the CPU 11 displays the pseudo standby screen D21 (S51, S52), it starts executing a print job (S53). For each job to be executed, the CPU 11 stores in the volatile memory 21 information indicating that the job is being executed and information required to execute the print job.

For example, when an instruction to execute PC printing is received in S37 of FIG. 3, the CPU 11 stores the print data and print parameters included in the PC print job received from the PC 3 in the volatile memory 21. When the CPU 11 causes the first pseudo standby screen D21a to be displayed on the operation panel 16, it causes the printing unit 18 to print an image based on the print data stored in the volatile memory 21. At this time, information indicating that a job is being executed is stored in the volatile memory 21.

For example, when a copy execution instruction is received in S37 of FIG. 3, the CPU 11 causes the second pseudo standby screen D21b to be displayed on the operation panel 16, and then causes the reading unit 17 to read the original document and stores the image data of the read image in the volatile memory 21. The CPU 11 also stores in the volatile memory 21 the copy settings that were set when the copy execution instruction was input. The CPU 11 causes the printing unit 18 to print the image data based on the copy settings stored in the volatile memory 21. At this time, information indicating that a job is being executed is stored in the volatile memory 21.

Then, the CPU 11 judges whether or not a user switching instruction has been received (S54). For example, when the second user switching button A22 on the first pseudo standby screen D21a shown in FIG. 4(b) is operated, the CPU 11 receives the user switching instruction (S54: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 performs identity authentication using a password or the like (S55), and if the authentication is successful (S56: YES), switches users (S57) and proceeds to the processing of S58.

For example, in the first pseudo standby screen D21a shown in FIG. 4(b), when the login user is switched from "Public" to "User A", the user name in the second user display area SA21 is changed from "Public" to "User A". As shown in FIG. 2, "User A" is permitted to use the copy function, fax transmission function, and scan function, and can therefore instruct the execution of functions by operating the second function selection icons SW21a to SW21c.

In this way, by the CPU 11 executing the processes of S50 to S57, the printer 2 does not switch users while a print process based on a copy execution instruction is being executed, but switches users while a print process based on a job execution instruction other than a copy execution instruction is being executed. It is assumed that the user is near the printer 2 during copy execution, and the user who issues the instruction to interrupt the copy is likely to be the user who issued the instruction to execute the copy that is being executed. Therefore, even if user switching is restricted during copy execution, it is unlikely to cause inconvenience to the user. Furthermore, by permitting user switching during print processing based on a function other than copying, it becomes possible to execute an interrupt copy, and it is possible to avoid the user having to wait in front of the printer 2 for a long time until printing based on a function other than copying is completed.

In S58 of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 determines whether or not all print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 have been completed (S58). If information indicating that a job is being executed is stored in the volatile memory 21, the CPU 11 determines that all print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 have not been completed (S58: NO), and determines whether or not a copy execution instruction has been received (S59).

If the second function selection icon SW21b is not operated and a copy execution instruction is not received (S59: NO), the CPU 11 returns to processing of S50.

On the other hand, when the second function selection icon SW21b is operated and a copy execution instruction is received (S59: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether multiple print jobs are currently being executed (S60). For example, when the printer 2 is only executing PC print jobs and a copy execution instruction is received in S59, only one piece of information indicating that a job is currently being executed is stored in the volatile memory 21. In this case, the CPU 11 is not executing multiple print jobs (S60: NO), and the copy based on the copy execution instruction received in S59 does not correspond to an interrupt copy during interrupt copy execution. Therefore, the CPU 11 executes the copy job corresponding to the copy execution instruction received in S59 by interrupting the currently executing print job (S61).

For example, when the CPU 11 receives a copy execution instruction while executing a print process based on a PC print execution instruction, it stops the print process based on the PC print job and executes a copy job corresponding to the copy execution instruction received in S59 (hereinafter referred to as "interrupt copy"). In this case, since the PC print job has not yet been completed, the volatile memory 21 stores information indicating that a PC print job is being executed and information indicating that a copy job of an interrupt copy is being executed.

The print process based on the PC print job may be stopped after the reading process of the copy job based on the copy execution instruction received in S59 is completed. In this way, for example, when the copy job based on the copy execution instruction received in S59 has a large number of copies, the previous print job can be continued, improving work efficiency.

In the process of S61, in order to perform the next copy after the interrupt copy is completed, a dialog for accepting copy settings such as the number of copies may be displayed on the operation panel 16 after the interrupt copy is started. This allows the user to set the next copy while waiting for the copy to finish, improving work efficiency. The dialog may be automatically cleared after a predetermined time has elapsed, or a button to instruct the user to clear the dialog may be displayed in the dialog and cleared when the button is manually operated.

After executing the copy job for the interrupt copy, the CPU 11 returns to S51 and displays the second pseudo standby screen D21b on the operation panel 16. This allows the user to understand that the user cannot be switched even during the interrupt copy, and the user cannot be switched while the interrupt copy is being performed.

When the second function selection icon SW21b on the second pseudo standby screen D21b is operated while the CPU 11 is executing an interrupt copy copy job, the CPU 11 accepts a copy execution instruction (S59: YES). For example, when a copy job interrupted by a PC print job is being executed, the volatile memory 21 stores information indicating that the job is being executed for each of the two jobs, the stopped PC print job and the interrupt copy copy job. In other words, the volatile memory 21 stores two pieces of information indicating that the job is being executed. In this case, the CPU 11 determines that multiple print jobs are being executed (S60: NO). In this case, the copy job corresponding to the copy execution instruction received in S59 corresponds to an interrupt copy during interrupt copy execution, so the CPU 11 does not execute a copy job based on the copy execution instruction received in S59. In other words, the CPU 11 does not perform an interrupt copy during interrupt copy execution. In this case, the CPU 11 notifies the user, for example, via the operation panel 16, that the interrupt copy is not being executed (S63). The notification may also be made by audio output, etc.

By the CPU 11 performing the processes of S60 and S63, the printer 2 restricts multiple interrupt copies. This simplifies the process of changing the print order due to interrupt copies, and reduces the memory load and processing load.

When the interrupt copy job is completed, the CPU 11 resumes the print job that was stopped to execute the interrupt copy job. When this print job is resumed, the volatile memory 21 clears the information indicating that the interrupt copy job is in progress, but stores information indicating that the resumed print job is in progress. Therefore, the CPU 11 determines that all print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 have not been completed (S58: NO), and if it does not accept a copy execution instruction (S59: NO), it returns to the process of S50.

If the resumed print job is a copy job, the CPU 11 causes the operation panel 16 to display the second pseudo standby screen D21b shown in FIG. 4(c) (S50: YES, S51). On the other hand, if the resumed print job is a print job other than a copy job, such as a PC print job, a download print job, or a direct print job, the CPU 11 causes the operation panel 16 to display the first pseudo standby screen D21a shown in FIG. 4(b). In this way, the CPU 11 switches between the first and second pseudo standby screens D21a, D21b depending on the type of resumed job, making it easy for the user to understand the timing when the user is permitted to switch.

After completing the interrupt copy, the printer 2 resumes the stopped print job, and even if it receives a further instruction to perform copying after that, it can stop the resumed print job and perform the interrupt copy (S59: YES, S60: NO, S61).

The CPU 11 repeats the above process, and when the information indicating that the job is being executed disappears from the volatile memory 21 and execution of the print job stored in the volatile memory 21 is completed (S58: YES), the CPU 11 ends the pseudo standby screen display process of FIG. 5, proceeds to the process of S31 of FIG. 3, and causes the standby screen D11 shown in FIG. 4(a) to be displayed on the operation panel 16.

Next, a case where copying is interrupted during PC printing will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of interrupt copying.

For example, assume that "user B" edits an image using an image editing application installed in PC3, and sends a PC print job from the printer driver installed in PC3 to printer 2. The PC print job includes, for example, a PC print execution instruction, unique information of PC3, print parameters, and image data.

The non-volatile memory 22 of the printer 2 stores user identification information for identifying a user. The user identification information stores, for example, PC-specific information such as a MAC address or IP address, and user information such as a password or employee ID, in association with a user name. For example, when the printer 2 analyzes a PC print job and extracts the specific information of the PC 3, it compares the specific information with the user identification information in the non-volatile memory 22 and identifies that the user who instructed the PC print job is "User B."

As shown in FIG. 2, the identified "User B" is permitted to use the PC print function. Therefore, as shown at timing A in FIG. 6, the printer 2 accepts the instruction to execute PC print and executes PC print job V, even though the logged-in user is "Public" who cannot use the PC print function. In this case, the printer 2 switches the standby screen D11 to the first pseudo standby screen D21a. Note that in this case, since the logged-in user is "Public", "Public" is displayed in the second user display area SA21.

For example, when "user A" who is permitted to use the copy function as shown in FIG. 2 wants to make a copy while a print process based on PC print job V is being executed, he operates the second user switching button A22 to switch the logged-in user to himself as shown in timing B of FIG. 6. When "user A" operates the second function selection icon SW21b while PC print job V is being executed, the printer 2 accepts an instruction to execute a copy as shown in timing C of FIG. 6, stops the PC print job V, and executes copy job W. With the execution of copy job W, the printer 2 switches the first pseudo standby screen D21a to the second pseudo standby screen D21b, and changes the display content of the pseudo standby screen D21.

When the interrupt copy copy job W is finished, the printer 2 automatically resumes the print process based on the stopped PC print job V. In this case, the printer 2 resumes the PC print job V without reconfirming the authority of the user B who instructed the PC print job V, and leaves the login user of the main body as "user A". After resuming the PC print job V, the printer 2 switches the second pseudo-standby screen D21b to the first pseudo-standby screen D21a.

On the second pseudo standby screen D21b displayed after resuming PC print job V, for example, if "User A" who is permitted to use the copy function is logged in, the second function selection icon SW11b is normally displayed and a copy execution instruction can be accepted. When the printer 2 accepts the copy execution instruction, it executes an interrupt copy. As a result, for example, if the PC print job V has a large number of pages to be printed, interrupt copies can be avoided while interrupt copies are being executed and interrupt copies can be repeated, thereby reducing memory and processing loads and improving work efficiency.

When the PC print job V instructed by "User B" is finished and all print jobs stored in the volatile memory 21 are executed, the printer 2 redisplays the standby screen D11 on the operation panel 16. In this case, if the logged-in user of the main body remains "User A", "User A" is displayed in the first user display area SA11. The user can operate the first user switching button A11 on this standby screen D11 to change the logged-in user of the main body back from "User A" to "Public".

When the PC print job V is resumed, the printer 2 may automatically change the login user of the main body to "user B" who instructed the execution of the PC print job V. In other words, the printer 2 may constantly monitor the user who instructed the print job that is being executed, and may set the user of the print job that is being executed as the login user of the main body.

When the PC print job V ends and the pseudo standby screen D21 is returned to the standby screen D11, the printer 2 may automatically change the login user displayed on the standby screen D11 to the login user (here, "Public") who was present when the pseudo standby screen D21 began to be displayed. This eliminates the need to manually change the login user.

In this way, even if copy job W instructed by "User A" is inserted into PC print job V, the PC print job V is not affected by the change in the login user from "Public" to "User A," and handling of PC print job V is not complicated. Therefore, by allowing user switching while PC print job V is being executed, printer 2 can enable interrupt copying by "User A," who is permitted to use the copy function, which is convenient.

Both download print jobs and direct print jobs are treated the same as PC print jobs. That is, while a download print job or a direct print job is being executed, the printer 2 displays the first pseudo standby screen D21a shown in FIG. 4(b) on the operation panel 16, just as while a PC print job is being executed. In this case, the printer 2 permits user switching via the first pseudo standby screen D21a, and makes it possible to switch users and input copy execution instructions for interrupt copying.

Next, a case where a copy is interrupted during copy execution will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of interrupt copy.

For example, suppose "User A" comes to the printer 2 to make a copy. On the standby screen D11 of the printer 2, which displays "Public" as the logged-in user, the second function selection icon SW11b is displayed in gray, and a command to execute a copy cannot be input. Therefore, as shown at timing K in FIG. 7, "User A" operates the first user switching button A11 to switch the logged-in user of the main unit from "Public" to "User A". This causes the first function selection icon SW11b to be displayed normally.

As shown at timing L in FIG. 7, when "user A" operates the first function selection icon SW11b and inputs an instruction to execute a copy, copy job X is executed. In this case, printer 2 displays the second pseudo standby screen D21b shown in FIG. 4(c) on the operation panel 16. In this way, by not allowing users to be switched during copy execution, printer 2 limits those who can interrupt a copy job during execution to users who are permitted to use the copy function. Therefore, in printer 2, the user who instructs the copy job to be interrupted and the user who instructs the copy job that interrupts are the same user, and the job management configuration that manages the functions available to users can be simplified.

As shown at timing M in FIG. 7, when "user A" operates the second function selection icon SW21b, the printer 2 accepts an instruction to execute a copy. The printer 2 stops copy job X and starts copy job Y. While copy job Y is being executed, the printer 2 displays the second pseudo standby screen D21b and does not allow the user to be switched.

Even if the second function selection icon SW21b is operated while the interrupted copy job Y is being executed, the printer 2 will stop the copy job Y and will not execute another copy job.

As shown at timing N in FIG. 7, when copy job Y ends, printer 2 automatically resumes the stopped copy job X. After the restart, printer 2 continues to display the second pseudo standby screen D21b on the operation panel 16.

As shown at timing O in FIG. 7, when the resumed copy job X is completed, the printer 2 displays the standby screen D11 on the operation panel 16.

When the printer 2 is performing a print process by copying, it is assumed that "user A" is near the printer 2. Therefore, in the case of an interrupt copy, it is highly likely that the same "user A" who instructed the copy being performed is requesting the interrupt copy. When the printer 2 performs a print process based on a copy execution instruction, it displays the second pseudo standby screen D21b on the operation panel 16 and does not allow switching of users. Therefore, the user who can instruct the execution of the interrupt copy job Y is the user who instructed the interrupted copy job X. This makes it possible to simplify the job management configuration by only managing whether "user A" can use the functions, whether the interrupted copy job X is executed or the interrupting copy job Y is executed.

As described above, the printer 2 of this embodiment allows users who are authorized for the copy function to interrupt copying when a job based on the communication printing function is being executed, by allowing user switching. On the other hand, the printer 2 does not allow users to switch when a job based on the copy function is being executed, so that a copy job execution instruction can be input without switching users. A printer 2 having such a configuration has a simple configuration in which users who can issue interrupt copying instructions can be limited to users who are authorized for the copy function, and it is possible to interrupt a copy job without managing the availability of complex functions.

Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Naturally, the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the above embodiment, when performing an interrupt copy, the interrupted print job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) is stopped, and the stopped print job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) is automatically resumed after the copy job of the interrupt copy (e.g., copy job W, copy job Y) is finished. However, the stopped print job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) may be manually resumed. However, if the print job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) is automatically resumed, the interrupted copy job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) can be completed early, and the user does not have to manually resume the interrupted job (e.g., PC print job V, copy job X) after the interrupt copy job (e.g., copy job W, copy job X) is finished.

In the above embodiment, the pseudo standby screen D21 is provided with a second user switching button A22 in addition to the second user display area SA21, but the user name may be displayed on the second user switching button A22, and the display of the second user switching button A22 may also serve as the display of the user name. Similarly, on the standby screen D11, the display of the first user switching button A11 may also serve as the display of the user name.

The pseudo standby screen display process of S50 to S52 shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted, and the first pseudo standby screen D21a may always be displayed on the operation panel 16 when a print job execution instruction is received in S37 in FIG. 3. In this case, the CPU 11 may determine whether a copy job is being executed when the second user instruction button A22 is operated, and if a copy job is being executed, execute the processes of S55 to S57. However, as shown in S50 to S52 in FIG. 5, by switching between the first and second pseudo standby screens D21a and D21b depending on whether the job to be executed is a copy job or not, it is easy for the user to know whether or not the user can be switched. In addition, the process related to whether or not the user can be switched can be simplified.

In the pseudo standby screen display process of FIG. 5, in S60, it was determined whether multiple print jobs were being executed based on the number of pieces of information indicating that a job is being executed, stored in the volatile memory 21. On the other hand, when a copy execution instruction is received (S59: YES), an interrupt flag setting process may be performed to set an interrupt flag in the volatile memory 21, and then it may be determined whether multiple print jobs are being executed based on the change flag (S60). In this case, the interrupt flag is cleared when the corresponding copy job is completed. For example, when only a PC print job is being executed, the interrupt flag is not set in the volatile memory 21. From this, the CPU 11 determines that multiple print jobs are not being executed (S60: NO) and executes an interrupt copy (S61). On the other hand, when a copy execution instruction is received while a copy job that has been interrupted by a PC print job is being executed (S59: YES), the change flag is set in the volatile memory 21, so the CPU 11 determines that multiple print jobs are being executed (S60: YES). In this case, the CPU 11 performs the process of S63 without performing another interrupt copy during an interrupt copy. However, by performing the process of S60 based on information indicating that a job is being executed, as described in S60 of the above embodiment, rather than on an interrupt flag, it becomes easier to determine whether a print process is being executed by interrupting a PC print job with a copy job, or whether a print process is being executed by interrupting a copy job with another copy job, simplifying the process.

In addition, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as desired, as long as no inconsistencies occur in the process content.

The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination of these. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method.

1 Printer 11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Network IF
14 USB-IF
16 Operation panel 17 Reading unit 18 Printing unit

Claims (8)

A printing unit;
A reading unit;
A communication interface;
A user interface;
A computer,
A printer comprising:
a plurality of functions using the printing unit, the plurality of functions including a copy function for printing an image read by the reading unit using the printing unit, and a communication printing function for printing an image acquired via the communication interface using the printing unit, and a function for setting whether each function is available for each user;
The computer includes:
Executing an identification process to identify a user who uses the printer;
The computer further comprises:
When a job execution instruction for a function available to the user identified in the identification process is received, a process corresponding to the job execution instruction is executed;
The computer further comprises:
permitting a user of the printer to switch via the user interface while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the communication printing function, and permitting input of a job execution instruction of the copy function via the user interface according to availability set for the user after the switching;
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, input of a job execution instruction of the copy function is permitted via the user interface, and switching of a user who uses the printer via the user interface is not permitted;
A printer characterized by: 2. The printer according to claim 1,
The computer further comprises:
when a job execution instruction for the copy function is input via the user interface while the printing unit is executing a print process, the execution of the job being printed is stopped, execution of a copy job in response to the job execution instruction is started, and after the execution of the copy job in response to the job execution instruction is completed, the execution of the stopped job is resumed.
A printer characterized by: 3. The printer according to claim 1,
The computer further comprises:
a first operator displayed by the user interface is operated to receive a switching instruction for switching a user who uses the printer;
The computer further comprises:
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, input of a job execution instruction of the copy function is permitted via the user interface, and the first operator displayed by the user interface is not enabled, thereby not permitting a user using the printer to switch via the user interface;
A printer characterized by: 4. The printer according to claim 3,
The computer further comprises:
When the printing unit is executing printing, a specific standby screen is displayed on the user interface, the specific standby screen is a screen different from the standby screen displayed when the printing unit is not executing printing, the standby screen is a screen displaying a second operator corresponding to a function by which a job execution instruction can be input, the specific standby screen is a screen displaying the second operator corresponding to a function by which a job execution instruction can be input while the printing unit is executing printing, and the standby screen and the specific standby screen are controlled by a user identified in the identification process as to whether or not a job execution instruction can be input for each function,
The computer further comprises:
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the communication printing function, the first operator is effectively displayed on the specific standby screen, and the input of the switching instruction is accepted via the first operator, thereby permitting a user who uses the printer to switch via the user interface, and permitting input of a job execution instruction of the copy function via the user interface depending on whether or not the user is allowed to use the printer after the switching;
while the printing unit is executing printing based on a job of the copy function, input of a job execution instruction of the copy function via the user interface is permitted via the specific standby screen, and the first operator is not enabled on the specific standby screen, thereby not permitting a user using the printer to switch via the user interface;
A printer characterized by: In the printer according to claim 3 or 4,
The computer further comprises:
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, input of a job execution instruction of the copy function is permitted via the user interface, and the first operation element is not displayed on the user interface, thereby not permitting a user using the printer to switch via the user interface;
A printer characterized by: In the printer according to claim 3 or 4,
The computer further comprises:
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, input of an instruction to execute the job of the copy function is permitted via the user interface, and the first operator is displayed on the user interface but the switching instruction is not accepted, thereby not permitting a user of the printer to switch via the user interface;
A printer characterized by: 7. The printer according to claim 1,
The computer further comprises:
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the communication print function, a user who uses the printer is permitted to be switched via the user interface, and depending on whether or not the user is permitted to use the printer after the switching, an instruction to execute a job of the copy function is permitted to be input via the user interface, and a user name indicating the user identified in the identification process is displayed on the user interface;
while the printing unit is executing a print process based on a job of the copy function, input of a job execution instruction of the copy function is permitted via the user interface, switching of a user using the printer via the user interface is not permitted, and the user name indicating the user identified in the identification process is not displayed on the user interface.
A printer characterized by: 8. The printer according to claim 1,
The computer further comprises:
when a job execution instruction for the copy function is input via the user interface while the printing unit is executing a print process and execution of a copy job is started in response to the job execution instruction, the input of the job execution instruction for the copy function via the user interface is not enabled until execution of the copy job in response to the job execution instruction is completed;
A printer characterized by:

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