JP2005343031A - Printing device and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device and a printing system which clearly specifies responsibility of use at the time of out-of-guarantee printing. <P>SOLUTION: The printing device is formed of an operation history memory section 117 for storing a self operation history, an input section 111 for inputting printing conditions by key operation, a receiving section 119 for receiving print data to which the printing conditions are added, from a host device, and a set information control section 114 having a function of determining whether print processing under the printing conditions or printing conditions received by the receiving section corresponds to the out-of-guarantee printing, and inquiring whether or not the user agrees to the out-of-guarantee printing if it is determined that the print processing corresponds to the out-of-guarantee printing, a function of determining whether or not the user agrees to the out-of-guarantee printing, and a function of preparing an agreement log for the out-of-guarantee printing and outputting the same to the operation history memory section if the user agrees to the out-of-guarantee printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system that can be used within a range in which print quality is not completely guaranteed and the life of consumables is shortened based on a user's selection (agreement).

  The manufacturer of the printing apparatus defines the usage method so as not to shorten the life of the consumables and to obtain good printing results. For example, paper sizes such as vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions of paper used for printing, and margin dimensions that indicate margin areas, etc. are defined, and it is recommended to use a printing device in accordance with these regulations. . In the present invention, printing performed in accordance with a usage method recommended by the manufacturer is referred to as “guaranteed printing”, and printing performed in other usage methods is referred to as “non-guaranteed printing”, and the following description will be given.

  As a usage recommended by the manufacturer, for example, the thickness dimension of the printing paper is defined. FIG. 8 is a table showing the relationship among the thickness dimension of the printing paper, the setting availability on the operation panel, the presence / absence of guaranteed printing, and the like. In the table of FIG. 8, the “ultra-thin paper” of the standard shown in No. 1 indicates that the thickness dimension is extremely thin, so that the paper cannot be transported and cannot be used as printing paper. The “thin paper” of the standard shown in No. 2 can be used as printing paper. However, since it is thin, there is a risk of wrinkles during printing and the printing position may be shifted. The printing using “” indicates “non-guaranteed printing”. In addition, “plain paper”, “thick paper”, “thicker paper”, and “extremely thick paper” of the standards shown in No. 3 to No. 6 can be used as printing paper. "And" very thick paper "indicate" insured printing ".

  Further, as a usage method recommended by the manufacturer, for example, the width dimension of the printing paper is defined. In FIG. 9, it is the width of the paper in the range of No. 3 that can guarantee the print quality. Printing is impossible for the paper width in the range of No1. Printing can be performed on paper having a paper width in the range of No. 2 and the printing quality can be guaranteed. However, if a sheet having a width in the range of No. 2 is frequently used, the life of the fixing device of the printing apparatus, which is a consumable item, is shortened. The range that adversely affects the life of such consumables is not included in the specifications described in the catalog and cannot be used by general users.

By the way, the printing apparatus described in Example 3 of Patent Document 1 is designed to perform printing within an alternative range when a print instruction outside support (non-guaranteed printing) is given. That is, in the conventional printing apparatus, the data processing unit of the printing apparatus analyzes the print data from the host apparatus, calculates the character pattern size, and refers to the support range information and the alternative range information, thereby It is determined whether the size is within the support range or the alternative range. If the size is out of the support range and within the alternative range, the print quality is not guaranteed, but is printed out.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-80644

However, the conventional printing device did not confirm the intention of non-guaranteed printing to the user when performing non-guaranteed printing that is not recommended by the manufacturer. This was a problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing system that clarify user responsibilities in non-guaranteed printing.

<Configuration 1>
Acquired by an operation history storage unit for storing its own operation history, an input unit for inputting printing conditions by key operation, a receiving unit for receiving print data to which printing conditions are added from a host device, and a printing condition or receiving unit A function that inquires whether the user agrees to non-guaranteed printing when the print processing under the printing conditions is determined to be non-guaranteed printing, and the user is not guaranteed. A setting information management unit having a function of determining whether or not the user agrees to print, and a function of generating a non-guaranteed print consent log and outputting to the operation history storage unit when the user agrees. To do.

<Configuration 2>
Non-guaranteed printing is a printing process outside the quality assurance range.
<Configuration 3>
Non-guaranteed printing is a printing process within the range of the influence of life.

<Configuration 4>
It is characterized in that it is displayed or printed out based on a non-guaranteed print consent log held in the operation history storage unit.
<Configuration 5>
The operation history storage unit can be provided in a replacement part that is consumed with use.
<Configuration 6>
The replacement part is a fixing device.

<Configuration 7>
In a print processing system in which a host device and a printing device are connected via a network, the printing device has a function of connecting to the host device via a network and a function of processing and outputting print data received from the host device. A print control unit that performs print control based on the print data output from the interface unit, and a print engine unit that performs print processing based on the control of the print control unit. An operation unit for inputting printing conditions, a display unit for displaying a message regarding its own operation status, print settings, and non-guaranteed print consent confirmation, a network interface for communicating with a printing apparatus via a network, and the operation unit In the printing conditions that are input from or added to the created print data A function that determines whether the printing process is non-guaranteed printing, a function that inquires the user whether to agree to non-guaranteed printing when it is determined that printing is not guaranteed, and a user that performs non-guaranteed printing A setting information management unit having a function for determining whether or not the user agrees, and a function for generating a non-guaranteed print consent log and outputting the non-guaranteed print consent log to be held in the operation history storage unit when the user agrees And a consent log print data generation unit having a function of creating consent log print data based on non-guaranteed print consent log data held in the operation history storage unit.

<Configuration 8>
The non-guaranteed printing in the printing system tem is a printing process outside the quality assurance range.
<Configuration 9>
Non-guaranteed printing in the printing system tem is characterized in that it is a printing process performed within the life-affected range.
<Configuration 10>
It is possible to display or print out based on the non-guaranteed print consent log held in the operation history storage unit in the printing system tem.

  According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, by confirming the intention of non-guaranteed printing to the user, the user can clearly recognize whether or not the printing being executed is non-guaranteed printing. If the user's consent is not obtained, the setting for non-guaranteed printing will not be effective, and the user responsibility will become clear. Also, since history data indicating that the user has agreed to use non-guaranteed printing is stored, it can be printed or displayed on the display based on the history data when necessary. In addition, non-guaranteed printing is possible and the range of use of the printing apparatus is expanded.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same constituent elements in the drawings used in each embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as much as possible.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing connections of main parts of a print processing apparatus 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
A computer group 12 including a computer 121, a computer 122, a computer 123, and the like is connected to the print processing apparatus 11 via a LAN (Local Area Network).

The print processing apparatus 11 has a function of printing print data sent from the computer group 12 and a test print function that can be executed alone.
The main parts of the print processing apparatus 11 are an operation key (input unit) 111, a display unit 112, an operation panel control unit 113, a setting information management unit 114, a print control unit 115, a print engine unit 116, and a non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit. (Operation history storage unit) 117, consent log print data generation unit 118, and interface control unit (reception unit) 119.

When data sent from the computer group 12 to the interface control unit 119 via the LAN is sent to the print engine unit 116 via the print control unit 115, the print engine unit 116 uses the data for print processing.
The operation key 111 includes a plurality of keys and is used when various inputs such as print settings are performed.
The display unit 112 is a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as an LCD display) or the like.

  The operation panel control unit 113 recognizes a key operation from the operation key 111 and displays an appropriate message on the LCD display of the display unit 112. If print settings are made, the information is transmitted to the setting information management unit 114.

  The setting information management unit 114 has page widths and effective lengths corresponding to various types of paper to be used, print quality assurance area data, vertical and horizontal margin data, and the like. When the user operates the operation key 111 to select a menu and set the print thickness and width of the print paper to be used, the print condition setting information sent via the operation panel control unit 113 and the computer group 12 is a function for determining whether or not non-guaranteed printing has been set based on information related to the printing conditions among the information obtained by analyzing the print data received from 12, and the non-guaranteed printing based on the determination. In some cases, the setting information management unit 114 performs control to display an inquiry message to the user via the operation panel 113 on the LCD display. Based on this display, the user operates the keys on the operation panel 113 to determine whether or not the user agrees to non-guaranteed printing, and if the user agrees, the non-guaranteed printing consent log (hereinafter simply “consent”). A function of creating a log).

  By the way, the printing performed based on the non-guaranteed printing consent log shows the date, time, and date of the agreement. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (d), “Agreed to use printing paper from tray 1 on March 20, 2003 10:30”.

  The print control unit 115 analyzes the print data sent from the computer 12 that is the host device and transmits the print data to the print engine unit 116. On the other hand, the print control unit 115 transmits information related to the printing conditions among the information obtained by analyzing the print data to the setting information management unit 114. When an error occurs during data analysis or printing, the print control unit 115 performs control to display an error message on the LCD display via the operation panel control unit 113.

  Based on the information output from the print control unit 115, the print engine unit 116 selects one tray from a plurality of paper storage units (hereinafter referred to as trays), feeds printing paper, and performs print processing. A function of executing and discharging the paper.

The non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 117 stores a non-guaranteed print consent log indicating an operation history.
The consent log print data generation unit 118 generates data for printing the history of the consent log based on the non-guaranteed print consent log held in the non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 117 based on the user's instruction. Have
The interface control unit 119 has a function of processing data transmitted from the computer 12 via a network such as a LAN and transmitting the processed data to the print control unit 115.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the print processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the print processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the block diagram of FIG.
In the print processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, out of a plurality of trays, for example, the thickness of a sheet accommodated in the tray 1 is out of a quality assurance range, and the printing process uses the sheet for non-guaranteed (out of quality assurance) printing. The case where it does is demonstrated along the flow of FIG.

  In step S <b> 401, the user operates the operation key 111 to select the “Tray 1 paper setting” menu on the menu screen and select “usable”. FIG. 10A shows an example of print setting (paper thickness setting) displayed on the display unit 112 at this time. FIG. 10A shows that “us nick” is set as the paper thickness of the tray 1. In the figure, the options surrounded by □ indicate that the paper thickness of the tray 1 is outside the print guarantee range. The setting information management unit 114 checks whether or not the setting made in step S401 is outside the print guarantee range (step S402). In this case, since the print out-of-print guarantee range is set, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, it is checked whether or not the user has agreed that non-guaranteed printing is performed on the paper stored in the tray 1. Since it has not been agreed, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the content of the non-guaranteed print consent confirmation as shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display of the display unit 112 to indicate that the print is out of print guarantee, and the user is asked for consent.

In step S406, if the answer from the user is Yes, the process proceeds to step S407. If No, the process returns to step S401. Assume that the answer from the user is Yes.
In step S407, since the user has agreed to the non-guaranteed printing, the display of the non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 117 is displayed as shown in FIG. Store. Proceed to step S508.

  In step S408, it is determined whether the user has instructed printing based on the consent log. In this determination, when the user gives a print instruction, the process proceeds to step S409, where the consent log is transmitted from the non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 117 to the consent log print data generation unit 118, and consent is made based on the received non-guaranteed print consent log. The log print data generation unit 118 generates data for printing the history of the consent log, and the print engine unit 116 prints the non-guaranteed print consent log. FIG. 10D shows an example of a printout of a non-guaranteed print consent history.

  In step S410, the setting information management unit 114 notifies the print control unit 115 of the value set in step S401. Proceeding to step S411, the printing process is executed. Specifically, printing is executed under the printing conditions set in step S410 (the paper thickness of tray 1 is set to “usable”).

According to the printing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, the user can confirm the intention of non-guaranteed (non-guaranteed) printing to clearly use the distinction as to whether the current printing is non-guaranteed printing. If the user cannot be recognized and the user's consent is not obtained, the setting for non-quality assurance printing will not be effective, and the user responsibility will become clear. In addition, since history data indicating that the user has agreed to use non-quality assurance printing is stored, it can be printed or displayed on the display based on the history data when necessary. Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus of the first embodiment, non-guaranteed printing is possible and the use range of the printing apparatus is expanded.
In addition, since the manufacturer's responsibility becomes clear on the manufacturer side, a more limited response can be made to free replacement of consumables and parts, leading to cost reduction.

In the first embodiment, an example of performing non-guaranteed printing as non-guaranteed printing has been described. In the second embodiment, an example of performing life-effect printing as non-guaranteed printing will be described.
The print processing apparatus according to the second embodiment performs life-affecting printing as non-guaranteed printing processing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the print processing apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment includes an operation key 111, a display unit 112, an operation panel control unit 113, a setting information management unit 114 ′, a print control unit 115, and a print engine unit 116. A non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit (operation history storage unit) 117 ′, a consent log print data generation unit 118, and an interface control unit 119.

  Since the operation key 111, the display unit 112, the operation panel control unit 113, the print control unit 115, the print engine unit 116, the consent log print data generation unit 118, and the interface control unit 119 are the same as those in the first embodiment, I will omit the explanation.

  The setting information management unit 114 ′, which is a feature of the present embodiment, possesses page widths and effective lengths corresponding to various types of paper used, print quality assurance area data, vertical and horizontal margin data, and the like. When the user operates the operation key 111 to select a menu and set the print thickness and width of the print paper to be used, the print condition setting information sent via the operation panel control unit 113 and the computer group A function for determining whether or not non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing has been set based on information obtained by analyzing the print data received from the printer 12 and information related to the printing conditions; When it is out of warranty, the setting information management unit 114 ′ performs control to display an inquiry message to the user via the operation panel 113 on the LCD display. Based on this display, the user operates a key on the operation panel 113 to determine whether or not the user agrees to non-guaranteed printing, and if the user agrees, the non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing consent log is displayed. It has a function to create.

  The created life-affecting print consent log is held in a non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit (operation history storage unit) 117 ′.

The consent log print data generation unit 118 has a function of generating data for printing the history of the consent log.
In the non-guaranteed (lifetime effect) print consent log, the date, time, and date of consent are indicated. By the way, the printing performed based on the non-guaranteed printing consent log is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), "March 23, 2003 15:30 Agreed to use with a printing paper width of 80mm from the front tray. . "

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the print processing apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the case where the width of the paper stored in one of the plurality of trays (= front tray) is in the range of influence on the life, and the printing process using the paper corresponds to non-guaranteed printing, according to the flowchart of FIG. explain.

In step S <b> 501, the user operates the operation panel, selects the “front tray paper width setting” menu on the menu screen, and selects 80 mm. FIG. 11A shows an example of the print setting (paper width setting) displayed on the display unit 112 at this time. FIG. 11A shows that (80 mm) is set as the paper width of the front tray. In the figure, the options surrounded by () indicate that the paper width of the front tray is within the range of influence on the life.
The process moves to step S502. The setting information management unit 114 ′ checks whether or not the paper width is set in step S501, that is, whether or not the width of the paper to be used is within the life influence range. In this case, since the lifetime influence range is set, the process proceeds to step S503.

In step S503, it is checked whether or not the user has agreed that printing is performed by non-guaranteed printing on the paper stored in the front tray. Since it has not been agreed, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, a non-guaranteed (lifetime effect) print consent confirmation as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed on the display of the display unit 112 to indicate that the printing is a non-guaranteed printing, and the user is asked for consent. Then, the process proceeds to step S506.
In step S506, if the answer from the user is Yes, the process proceeds to step S507. If no, the process returns to step S501. Assume that the answer from the user is Yes.
In step S507, since the user has agreed to print with non-guaranteed printing, a non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing consent is displayed on the display of the display unit 112 as shown in FIG. The consent log is stored in the storage unit 117. Proceed to step S508.

In step S508, it is confirmed whether or not the consent log is designated to be printed. Here, it is assumed that printing is designated. In step S509, a non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) print consent log is printed. FIG. 11D shows an example of print output of the non-guaranteed print consent history.
In step S510, the setting information management unit 114 ′ notifies the print control unit 115 of the value set in step S501. Proceeding to step S511, the printing process is executed. Specifically, printing is performed under the printing conditions set in step S510 (front tray paper width = 80 mm setting).

According to the printing apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the user is clearly discriminated whether or not the printing being executed is non-guaranteed printing by confirming the user's intention of printing that is not guaranteed (lifetime influence). If the user's consent cannot be obtained, the setting for non-guaranteed printing will not be effective, and the user's responsibility will become clear. Also, since history data indicating that the user has agreed to use non-guaranteed printing is stored, it can be printed or displayed on the display based on the history data when necessary. Further, according to the printing apparatus of the second embodiment, non-guaranteed printing is possible and the use range of the printing apparatus is expanded.
In addition, since the manufacturer's responsibility becomes clear on the manufacturer side, a more limited response can be made to free replacement of consumables and parts, leading to cost reduction.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating connections of main parts of the print processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
The print processing apparatus 21 according to the third embodiment includes an operation key 111, a display unit 112, an operation panel control unit 113, a setting information management unit 114, a print control unit 115, a print engine unit 116, a consent log print data generation unit 118, and interface control. A part 119 is provided, and further includes a replacement part 211 that is a feature of the present embodiment.

The operation key 111, the display unit 112, the operation panel control unit 113, the setting information management unit 114, the print control unit 115, the print engine unit 116, the consent log print data generation unit 118, and the interface control unit 119 are the same as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.
The replacement part 211 that is a feature of the second embodiment is, for example, a toner container, an image drum, a fixing device, or the like that contains toner that is consumed as a result of use. It is characterized by providing.

The non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) print consent log storage unit 217 is configured by a flash memory or an EEPROM.
For example, the fixing device is for fixing the toner on the paper at the final stage of the printing process, and the value of the life varies depending on the model of the printing apparatus. Normally, the life is reached by printing about 40,000 to 80,000 sheets in terms of A4 size paper. Therefore, it is preferable that a non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) print consent log storage unit that holds the operation history of the print processing apparatus 21 is provided in the fixing device in terms of operation management.

The setting information management unit 114 has page widths and effective lengths for various types of paper used, print quality assurance area data, vertical and horizontal margin data, and the like. When the user operates the operation key 111 to select a menu and set the print thickness and width of the print paper to be used, the print condition setting information sent via the operation panel control unit 113 and the computer group A function for determining whether or not non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing has been set based on information related to printing conditions among the information obtained by analyzing the print data received from 12, and non-guaranteed printing The setting information management unit 114 performs control to display an inquiry message to the user via the operation panel 113 on the LCD display. Based on this display, the user operates a key on the operation panel 113 to determine whether or not the user agrees to non-guaranteed printing, and if the user agrees, the non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing consent log is displayed. It has a function to create. The created out-of-warranty (life-effect) printing consent log is transmitted to and stored in the non-guaranteed (life-effect) printing consent log storage unit 217 in the replaceable part 211.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the print processing apparatus 21 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the print processing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart and the block diagram according to the third embodiment (FIG. 3).
In the print processing apparatus 21 according to the third exemplary embodiment, a case where the width of a sheet stored in one of a plurality of trays (= front tray) is set as a lifetime influence range will be described along the flow of FIG.
In step S601, the user operates the operation panel to select the menu screen as the “front tray paper width setting” menu and select 80 mm. FIG. 12A shows an example of print setting (paper width setting) displayed on the display unit 112 at this time. FIG. 12A shows that (80 mm) is set as the paper width of the front tray. In the figure, the options surrounded by () indicate that the paper width of the front tray is within the life-affected range.
The process moves to step S602. The setting information management unit 114 checks whether or not the setting performed in step S601 is within the lifetime influence range. In this case, since the lifetime influence range is set, the process proceeds to step S703.

In step S <b> 603, it is checked whether the user has agreed that printing on the paper stored in the front tray is in the life-affecting range. Since it has not been agreed, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, a non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) print consent confirmation is displayed on the display of the display unit 112 to confirm that printing is within the life influence range, asking the user for consent. Then, the process proceeds to step S606.
In step S606, if the answer from the user is Yes, the process proceeds to step S607. If No, the process returns to step S601. Assume that the answer from the user is Yes.
In step S607, since the user has agreed to print within the range of influence of the life, a replacement-replaceable part is displayed on the display of the display unit 112 with a non-guaranteed (life-effect) printing consent as shown in FIG. The consent log is stored in the non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) print consent log storage unit 217 in 211. The process proceeds to step S608.

In step S608, it is confirmed whether the consent log is designated to be printed. Here, it is assumed that No is designated.
In step S610, the setting information management unit 114 notifies the print control unit 115 of the value set in step S601. Proceeding to step S611, the printing process is executed. Specifically, printing is executed under the printing conditions set in step S610 (front tray paper width = 80 mm setting).

  According to the print processing apparatus 21 of the third embodiment, when printing is used for non-guaranteed (lifetime influence) printing, the user's non-guaranteed printing consent information is consumable and is stored in a replaceable replacement part. If the consumable becomes unusable in a shorter time than the specified time, the user responsibility can be explained to the user based on the stored consent log.

Next, a printing system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The printing system of the present embodiment includes a print processing apparatus 31 connected to the computers 32 and 33 via a LAN.
The print processing apparatus 31 according to the fourth embodiment performs print processing based on data transmitted from the computer 32, the computer 33, and the like.
The print processing apparatus 31 includes an interface control unit 119, a print control unit 115, and a print engine unit 116.

The interface control unit 119 has a function of processing data transmitted from the computer 32 or the computer 33 via a network such as a LAN and transmitting the data to the print control unit 115.
The print control unit 115 analyzes the print data sent from the computer 32 or the computer 33 that is the host device and transmits the print data to the print engine unit 116.
The print engine unit 116 selects one tray from a plurality of trays based on the information notified from the print control unit 115, feeds printing paper, executes printing processing, and discharges the paper. Has the function of performing

The computer 32 includes a display unit 321, a CPU 322, an operation unit 323, a storage device 324, a RAM 325, a network interface 326, a setting information management unit 327, a non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 328, and an agreement log print data generation unit 329. . The display device of the display unit 321 is a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and displays a message relating to the setting of the operation status of the own device, printing conditions, and confirmation of non-guaranteed printing consent.
The CPU 322 is a central processing unit mainly composed of a numerical calculation unit and a control unit.
The operation unit 323 includes a keyboard and a mouse.
The storage device 324 is a hard disk type memory, and the RAM memory 325 is a semiconductor memory.
The network interface 326 has a function of performing data communication between another device and the computer 32 via a network.

The setting information management unit 327 possesses page widths and effective lengths for various types of paper used, print quality assurance area data, top and bottom, left and right margin data, and the like, and is added to the generated print data. A function for determining whether or not the printing process under the printing conditions or the printing conditions input in the operation unit 323 is non-guaranteed printing, and the user is inquired when the printing is not guaranteed, and the user is out of quality assurance. It has a function of determining whether or not the printing is agreed, and a function of creating a non-guaranteed printing consent log when the user agrees.
The non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 328 has a function of storing non-guaranteed print consent log data.
The consent log print data generation unit 329 has a function of generating data for printing the history of the consent log.

An operation flow in the print processing apparatus system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
In the print processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, a case where the thickness of the paper stored in one of the plurality of trays (= tray 1) is set to a non-printing guarantee range will be described along the flow of FIG.
In step S <b> 701, the user operates the printer driver on the computer 32, selects the “paper setting for tray 1” menu on the menu screen, and selects “usable”. FIG. 13A shows an example of print setting (paper thickness setting) displayed on the display unit 321 at this time. FIG. 13A shows that “usable” is set as the paper thickness of the tray 1. In the figure, the options surrounded by □ indicate that the paper thickness is outside the guaranteed print range.

The process moves to step S702. The setting information management unit 327 checks whether the setting performed in step S701 is out of print guarantee. In this case, since it is set out of print guarantee, the process proceeds to step S703.
In step S703, it is checked whether the user has agreed that printing on the paper stored in the tray 1 is out of print guarantee. Since it has not been agreed, the process proceeds to step S705.

In step S705, non-guaranteed print consent confirmation as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed on the display unit 321 to indicate that printing is not guaranteed, and the user is asked for consent. Then, the process proceeds to step S706.
In step S706, if the answer from the user is Yes, the process proceeds to step S707. If no, the process returns to step S701. Assume that the answer from the user is Yes.
In step S707, since the user has agreed to print out of print guarantee, the display unit 321 displays a printout with non-guaranteed print agreement as shown in FIG. Store. Proceed to step S708.

In step S708, it is confirmed whether or not it is designated to display the consent log. Here, it is assumed that it is designated to display on the display unit 321. Proceeding to step S709, a non-guaranteed print consent log is displayed. FIG. 13D shows a display example of the non-guaranteed print consent history.
In step S711, the printing process is executed. Specifically, print data is created under the printing conditions set in step S701 (the paper thickness of tray 1 is set to “usable”), and is transmitted to the print processing apparatus 31 via the network interface 119.

  According to the printing system of the fourth embodiment, the user can clearly recognize whether or not the printing being executed is a non-guaranteed printing. In addition, the user's consent history information can be stored and displayed on the computer side instead of the print processing apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to check the non-guaranteed print consent history even when the print processing apparatus is not near the user.

  In the above-described embodiment, the setting other than the print guarantee has been described in the example of “paper thickness setting of the tray 1”, but is not limited thereto. For example, specification of paper types such as OHP paper, recycled paper, envelope, postcard, setting for specifying a specific tray, duplex printing permission setting, and the like can be given.

  The print setting example shown in FIG. 10A, the non-guaranteed print consent confirmation example shown in FIG. 10B, and the non-guaranteed print consent completed display example shown in FIG. 10C are limited to these. Instead, various representations of the display are possible. The example of the non-guaranteed print consent history shown in FIG. 10D is not limited to this.

In the second embodiment, the setting of the life-effect printing is “front tray paper width setting”. However, the setting is not limited to this, and the paper length setting may be considered, and the print processing apparatus is installed. It is also conceivable to set the paper feed speed in consideration of environmental conditions such as the temperature and humidity of the place where it is used.
The print setting example shown in FIG. 11A, the life effect print consent confirmation example shown in FIG. 11B, and the life effect print consent display example shown in FIG. 11C are limited to these. Instead, various representations of the display are possible. Further, the example of the life influence printing consent history shown in FIG. 11D is not limited to this.

  In Example 4, the print setting example shown in FIG. 13A, the non-guaranteed print consent confirmation display example shown in FIG. 13B, and the non-guaranteed print consent completed display example shown in FIG. The display expression is not limited to these, and various display expressions are possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the connection of the principal part of the printing processing apparatus used for Example 1 and Example 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the connection of the principal part of the printing processing apparatus which is the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the connection of the principal part of the printing processing apparatus which is the 4th Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow in the print processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow in the print processing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow in the print processing apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow in the print processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the range which can guarantee paper thickness and quality. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sheet width and a range that affects the life. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a display unit and a print output example in the print processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a display unit and a print output example in the print processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a display unit and a print output example in the print processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a display unit and a print output example in a print processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11, 21, 31, 110 Print processing device 111 Operation key 112 Display unit 113 Operation panel control unit 114, 114 'Setting information management unit 115 Print control unit 116 Print engine unit 117, 117' Non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 118 Agree Log print data generation unit 119 Interface control unit 12 Computer group 121, 122, 123 Computer 211 Replacement part 217 Out-of-warranty (life effect) print consent log storage unit 32, 33 Computer 321 Display unit 322 CPU
323 Operation unit 324 Storage device 325 RAM
326 Network interface 327 Setting information management unit 328 Non-guaranteed print consent log storage unit 329 Consent log print data generation unit

Claims (10)

An operation history storage unit for storing its own operation history;
An input unit for inputting printing conditions by key operation;
A receiving unit for receiving print data to which print conditions are added from a host device;
It is determined whether the printing process under the printing condition or the printing condition acquired by the receiving unit is non-guaranteed printing, and if it is determined that the printing is non-guaranteed, whether to accept the non-guaranteed printing to the user is determined. Setting information having a function of inquiring, a function of determining whether or not the user has agreed to non-guaranteed printing, and a function of creating a non-guaranteed printing consent log and outputting to the operation history storage unit when the user agrees The management department,
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-guaranteed printing is a printing process outside a quality assurance range.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-guaranteed printing is a printing process within a life-affecting range.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus displays or prints out based on a non-guaranteed print consent log held in the operation history storage unit.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation history storage unit is provided in a replacement part that is consumed with use.   The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the replacement part is a fixing device. In a print processing system in which a host device and a printing device are connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
An interface unit having a function of connecting to the host device via a network and a function of processing and outputting print data received from the host device;
A print control unit that performs print control based on the print data output from the interface unit;
A print engine unit that performs print processing based on the control of the print control unit,
The host device is
An operation unit for inputting printing conditions by key operation;
A display that displays messages about your operating status, print settings and non-guaranteed print consent confirmation;
A network interface for communicating with the printing device via the network;
A function for determining whether or not the printing process under the printing conditions input from the operation unit or the printing conditions added to the created print data is non-guaranteed printing, and the user when judging that the printing is non-guaranteed printing A function that inquires whether or not to agree to non-guaranteed printing, a function that determines whether or not the user has agreed to non-guaranteed printing, and if the user agrees, creates a non-guaranteed printing consent log and operation history A setting information management unit having a function of outputting the non-guaranteed print consent log to be stored in the storage unit;
An agreement log print data generation unit having a function of creating consent log print data based on non-guaranteed print agreement log data held in the operation history storage unit;
A print processing system comprising:   The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the non-guaranteed printing is a printing process outside a quality assurance range.   The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the non-guaranteed printing is a printing process performed within a life-affected range. 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the printing system displays or prints out based on a non-guaranteed printing consent log held in the operation history storage unit.

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