JP2010141670A - Information processing device and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device that allows an output mode, set in a print job in a terminal device, to be changed and set to a recommended output mode, and a printer. <P>SOLUTION: When a multifunction device receives a print job from a terminal (S111) and if one's own unit is set to a cost-saving mode (a step S112; the presence of the setting of the cost-saving mode) and a recommended output mode is not set in the print job (a step S113; the presence of the non-setting of the recommended output mode), the multifunction device confirms images and a user print history included in print data of the print job (S114/S115), selects the recommended output mode contributing to the printing cost-saving (S116), and transmits it to the terminal (S117). The terminal displays the recommended output mode received from the multifunction device (S102) and if receiving determination operation from a user (S103), the terminal transmits the approved recommended output mode to the multifunction device (S104). The multifunction device changes and sets the print job to the approved recommended output mode (S118) so as to execute printout (S119). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that changes the setting of an output mode set for a print job, and a printing apparatus including the information processing apparatus.

  In a printing apparatus, a technique for recommending the use of a specific output mode when setting a job is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the total number of prints from a predetermined time exceeds the upper limit number of departments when copying with a copying machine, the user who sets a copy job is prompted to select an output mode that leads to cost savings. Technology is disclosed.

JP 2005-181736 A

  However, the above technique is intended for a copy job set in the printing apparatus, and does not consider, for example, a print job in which an output mode is set in the terminal apparatus and transmitted to the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is not possible to recommend a specific output mode for such a print job.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and provides an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus that can change the setting of an output mode set for a print job in a terminal device to an recommended output mode. It is aimed.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] When the output mode set for the print job on the terminal device is not the recommended output mode, when the user who has set the output mode of the print job confirms the change to the recommended output mode and is approved An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit for changing the setting.

  In the above invention, when the output mode set for the print job at the terminal device is not the recommended output mode, the user who has set the output mode of the print job is confirmed to change the setting to the recommended output mode. If the user approves, the print job output mode is changed to the recommended output mode.

  The information processing apparatus having such a function transmits (transfers) to, for example, a printing apparatus that executes print output based on a print job received from the terminal apparatus or a printing apparatus that controls the print job received from the terminal apparatus. And a terminal device that generates a print job and transmits the print job to the print device or the print control device.

[2] The information processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the recommended output mode to be compared with the output mode set for the print job can be selected from a plurality of types.

  In the above invention, the recommended output mode recommended to the user can be selected from a plurality of types. In this configuration, one or a plurality of recommended output modes can be selected. Thereby, for example, when a manager or the like determines and sets a recommended output mode in which the user recommends a setting change in advance, options are expanded and convenience is improved.

[3] When the content of the print job satisfies a predetermined inappropriate condition, the control unit excludes a recommended output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition from an object for checking the setting change. [1] ] Or the information processing apparatus according to [2].

  In the above invention, the recommended output mode that is inappropriate for the content of the print job is excluded from the targets for which the user confirms the setting change. Inappropriate recommended output mode here means that when a print job is executed using the recommended output mode, unacceptable image quality degradation occurs in the printed image or text, or in combination with post-processing in print output This is a recommended output mode that may adversely affect the output.

  For example, the former is greatly improved as a result of the reduction of the print size associated with consolidating multiple pages into one page, which may cause the image or characters to be crushed and difficult to see, or as a full-color image is changed to a monochrome image. This is a monochrome mode or the like when there is a possibility that an image is extremely difficult to see due to a lack of information. The latter is, for example, a double-sided printing mode in which the back page is turned upside down and difficult to see when the printed material is spread by changing the single-sided printing in which the printing direction is vertical and the post-processing is upper binding to double-sided printing.

  Thus, by excluding the recommended output mode that is inappropriate for the contents of the print job in advance, the occurrence of the above-described problems can be avoided.

[4] The control unit selects a recommended output mode for confirming the setting change from a plurality of types of the recommended output modes with reference to the print history of the user. [1] to [3] ] The information processing apparatus as described in any one of.

  In the above invention, the print history of the user is stored, for example, in a storage unit provided in the information processing apparatus or stored in an external storage device. By referring to the print history of the user, if there is a recommended output mode corresponding to the output mode frequently used by the user in the past, the recommended output mode can be selected as a target for confirming the setting change. As a result, it is recommended to change the setting to the recommended output mode more suitable for the user.

[5] When there are a plurality of recommended output modes for confirming the setting change, a recommended output mode for approving the setting change can be selected from the plurality of types. [1] to [1] 4]. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 4).

  In the above invention, when the user confirms the setting change for the print job and receives confirmation of the setting change to a plurality of types of recommended output modes, the user selects a recommended output mode for approving the setting change from the plurality of types. can do. That is, it is possible to approve setting changes only for recommended output modes selected from a plurality of types (only for some recommended output modes). This increases the degree of freedom in approving setting changes for multiple types of recommended output modes and improves convenience.

[6] The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
With a printing department,
The information processing apparatus performs confirmation of the setting change for the print job received from the terminal apparatus through the terminal apparatus and changes the setting when the approval is performed through the terminal apparatus,
The printing apparatus, wherein the printing unit executes print output based on a print job whose setting has been changed by the information processing apparatus.

  In the above invention, the printing apparatus includes the information processing apparatus that performs the operations [1] to [4] described above, and the information processing apparatus confirms the setting change for the print job received from the terminal apparatus. This is done to the user through the terminal device. Further, when the above approval is made by the user through the terminal device, the information processing apparatus changes the setting of the output mode of the print job to the recommended output mode, and the printing unit outputs the print based on the print job whose setting is changed. Execute.

  With the printing apparatus having such a configuration, the output mode set for the print job at the terminal device can be changed to the recommended output mode, and the print output based on the print job whose setting has been changed can be executed.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus of the present invention, it becomes possible to change the setting of the output mode set for the print job at the terminal device to the recommended output mode, and convenience is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a printing system 5 that includes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 20 as a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a terminal 10. The printing system 5 is configured by connecting an arbitrary number of terminals 10 and an arbitrary number of multifunction peripherals 20 accessed from each terminal 10 to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The multi-function device 20 has a copy function for reading a document, printing the duplicate image on a recording sheet, and outputting it, a scan function for saving the read image data of the document as a file, and transferring it to a terminal 10 or a server, A printer function for printing an image obtained by rasterizing based on print data included in a print job received from the terminal 10 on a recording sheet and outputting the image (image data) with an external device via a public line network by facsimile A facsimile function (FAX function) for transmitting and receiving is provided.

  For the copy function and printer function that perform print output, the output mode is a paper size mode that specifies the size of the recording paper to be printed, a print direction mode that specifies the print direction in the vertical or horizontal direction, and the print side is single-sided or Single-sided / double-sided printing mode for specifying both sides, integrated printing mode (Nin1 mode) for specifying printing to consolidate multiple pages into one page, monochrome / color mode for specifying printing color as monochrome or color, and specifying printing resolution A print resolution mode, a print copy mode for designating the number of copies, and the like are provided.

  In addition, when the output mode set for the print job received from the terminal 10 is not the recommended output mode, the multi-function device 20 uses the terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the print job (the user who set the print job output mode). ) Has a function to change the setting if it is approved after confirming the change to the recommended output mode.

  A print job (print request) includes one or a plurality of print data and a series of processing instructions. The series of processing instructions includes each processing instruction specified by the various output modes described above.

  The recommended output mode is an output mode that the administrator recommends to the user to use. In this embodiment, the recommended output mode is an output mode (saving output mode) that contributes to saving of expenses in the print output by the multifunction machine 20. Specifically, the double-sided printing mode and the aggregate printing mode (2 in 1 mode) that can reduce the number of printed sheets and reduce the amount of recording paper and printing agent (toner) used, and the printing agent ( A monochrome mode that can reduce the amount of color toner used. These saving output modes are registered in advance in a “saving output mode list” in the multi-function device 20 to be described later in detail, and become a recommended output mode by being selected from this list for recommending use to the user. .

  The terminal 10 is a device (terminal device) that accesses the multifunction device 20 through the network 2 and requests various operations such as printing and operation, and is, for example, a personal computer (PC). 20 driver programs (print drivers) are incorporated.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in the terminal 10. The terminal 10 is equipped with an operating system (OS) and various application programs that operate on the OS. When the terminal 10 prints a document or the like, a function for creating a document (file) or the like by the application program. It has a function of accepting the output mode setting by the driver program, generating a print job in which the output mode is set, and transmitting it to the multi-function device 20 through the network 2. In addition, a user authentication function (login function) for receiving a user ID (Identification) and password and authenticating the user is provided.

  The terminal 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11 serving as a control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, and a hard disk device (Hard Disk Drive; HDD) 15 via a bus 12. The display unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the network communication unit 18 are connected.

  The CPU 11 controls the operation of the terminal 10 based on a program stored in the ROM 13. The RAM 14 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes a program. In addition to the OS and application programs, the hard disk device 15 stores a driver program 40 of the multifunction machine 20, a user ID and password that are user authentication information, a document, various saved data, and the like.

  The display unit 16 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a screen for operating and setting the OS, application programs, and driver programs 40, and images and videos. The operation unit 17 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and receives operations and inputs performed by the user on the terminal 10. The network communication unit 18 performs a function of communicating with the multifunction device 20 through the network 2.

  A request for printing from the terminal 10 to the multifunction device 20 is made when a user who has logged in to the terminal 10 instructs printing of a desired document or the like through the display unit 16 and the operation unit 17. Also, when printing is instructed, an output mode is set as necessary.

  When a print instruction including output mode setting is issued by the user, the driver program 40 of the terminal 10 generates a print job including print data such as a document instructed to be printed, and transmits the print job to the multi-function device 20 for printing. Ask. The driver program 40 adds information (terminal information) about the terminal 10, user ID, attribute information such as the document, output mode information indicating the set output mode, and the like to the print job header. To the machine 20.

  The terminal information added to the print job is, for example, information such as an ID (Identification) of the terminal 10 or an IP (Internet Protocol) address on the network 2. The attribute information includes the name (file name) of a document instructing printing, the number of pages, the size of print data, and the like. Output mode information includes the size of recording paper to be printed (A4 / A3, etc.), printing direction (vertical / horizontal), single-sided / double-sided printing, aggregated printing (1in1 / 2in1 / 4in1, etc.), monochrome / color, This is information indicating the output mode such as the resolution and the number of copies.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in the multifunction machine 20. The multifunction machine 20 includes a CPU 21 serving as a control unit, a ROM 23, a RAM 24, a nonvolatile memory 25, a hard disk device 26 (HDD), an operation display unit 27, a scanner unit 28, and an image processing unit via a bus 22. 29, a printer unit 30 (printing unit), a facsimile communication unit 31, and a network communication unit 32 are connected.

  The CPU 21 controls the operation of the multifunction device 20 based on a program stored in the ROM 23. The RAM 24 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and is also used for an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

  The nonvolatile memory 25 is a memory that retains memory even when the power is turned off, and stores device-specific information, various setting information, the aforementioned saving output mode list, and the like. The hard disk device 26 stores various saved data, user print history, and the like, image data obtained by reading the original in scanning and copying of the original, and printing included in the print job requested from the terminal 10. Data (image data) is also saved.

  The user's print history is stored in association with the user ID (or terminal ID) added to the print job in relation to the print job for which the multifunction device 20 has received a request from each terminal 10. Or a database stored and managed so that each user can be identified based on the terminal ID). The information regarding the print job includes, for example, a job ID issued at the time of receiving the print job, a reception date and time, a status (executed / completed with error), an execution date and time, the above-described attribute information and output mode information added to the print job, etc. It is.

  The operation display unit 27 functions as a display unit for displaying various screens such as an operation screen, a setting screen, an information input screen and a registration screen, and inputs and registrations of operations, settings, and information related to the functions of the multifunction machine 10. And function as an operation unit that accepts various manual operations. The operation display unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display, a touch panel that covers the surface, and other buttons. In addition, the operation display unit 27 uses a user's print history (print history information) stored in the hard disk device 26 to display a history list of print jobs requested by each user (received from each terminal 10). A print job history screen is also displayed.

  The scanner unit 28 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. For example, a light source that irradiates a document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in its width direction, a moving mechanism that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and a reflected light from the document as a line image It has an optical path consisting of a lens and a mirror that guides the sensor to form an image. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D (Analog to Digital) converted and output as digital image data.

  The image processing unit 29 functions to perform various types of image processing such as image correction, rotation, enlargement / reduction, compression / expansion on the image data. In addition, the print data received from the terminal 10 (vector format print data) is subjected to a rasterizing process.

  The printer unit 30 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the input image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. For example, a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) that is controlled to be turned on in accordance with input image data, and laser light emitted from the LD on the photosensitive drum. It is configured as a so-called laser printer having a scanning unit for scanning, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. Instead of an LED printer that irradiates a photosensitive drum with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser beam, other types of printers may be used.

  The facsimile communication unit 31 performs a function of communicating with an external device having a facsimile function through a public network. The network communication unit 32 performs a function of communicating with the terminal 10 through the network 2.

  The CPU 21 executes the program so that when the output mode set for the print job received from the terminal 10 is not the saving output mode, the user (the print job output mode is set to the print job transmission source terminal 10). If the setting user) confirms the setting change to the saving output mode (recommended output mode) and is approved, it fulfills the function of changing the setting. In addition, when the content of the print job satisfies a predetermined inappropriate condition, a function of excluding the saving output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition from the target for checking the setting change is achieved. Further, the function of selecting a saving output mode (recommended output mode) for checking the above-described setting change from a plurality of types of saving output modes with reference to the user's print history is achieved.

  Further, the multifunction device 20 has a plurality of types of saving output modes registered in advance, and a saving output mode to be compared with the output mode set for the print job can be selected from the plurality of types. This is done in administrator mode. As described above, the plurality of types of saving output modes registered in advance include a duplex printing mode, a consolidated printing mode (2 in 1 mode), a monochrome mode, and the like that contribute to saving printing costs.

  When the terminal 10 receives a confirmation from the multi-function device 20 to change the print job output mode to the recommended output mode (saving output mode), the driver program 40 performs an approval or non-approval operation or setting change from the user. When there are a plurality of recommended output modes to be confirmed, an operation for selecting a recommended output mode for approving the setting change from the plurality of types is accepted, and the result is returned to the multifunction device 20.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the saving output mode list 50 stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 of the multi-function device 20. In the saving output mode list 50, the type (name) of the saving output mode, the type (name) of the output mode to be changed to the saving output mode, and the inappropriate condition (recommended exclusion condition) are associated in advance. It is registered. Further, “OFF” or “ON” indicating the setting information set to invalid (off) or valid (on) in the administrator mode is stored in association with the saving output mode.

  In this example, “double-sided” indicating the duplex printing mode, “2in1” indicating the 2-in-1 mode, “monochrome” indicating the monochrome mode, and the like are registered as types of the saving output mode.

  The unsuitable condition is a condition in which the saving output mode is unsuitable for the contents of the print job. Specifically, running a print job using that reduced output mode can adversely affect the printed material in combination with post-processing in the printed output, or can cause unacceptable degradation in the printed image. It is a certain condition.

  In the double-sided printing mode, if you change the single-sided printing with the vertical orientation and post-processing to top-sided printing to double-sided printing, the back page will be flipped upside down when the printed material is spread, so this condition is an example of an inappropriate condition It becomes. In the 2-in-1 mode, a small image in a page may be crushed and become difficult to see due to a reduction in print size that accompanies 2 pages into 1 page, so such a condition is an example of an unsuitable condition. In the monochrome mode, a full color image may be significantly lost due to a change to a monochrome image, and the image may become extremely difficult to see. Such a condition is an example of an unsuitable condition.

  As the change target output mode of the double-sided printing mode, “single-sided” indicating the single-sided printing mode is registered, and as an inappropriate condition, for example, information indicating that the printing direction is the vertical direction and the post-processing is top binding Is registered. As the change target output mode of the 2in1 mode, “1in1” indicating the 1in1 mode is registered. As an inappropriate condition, for example, the size of the image included in the print data (document) is the size of the recording paper on which printing is performed. Information indicating that the size is 50% or less is registered. “Color” indicating the color mode is registered as the change target output mode of the monochrome mode. As an inappropriate condition, for example, the print data (document) includes a full-color image (color photograph or the like). The information shown is registered.

  The type and inappropriate condition of the saving output mode registered in the saving output mode list 50 may be configured to be changed in the administrator mode.

  Further, when all the saving output modes in the saving output mode list 50 are set to invalid, the recommended use of the output mode for saving the cost becomes invalid (expense saving mode invalid state). When at least one saving output mode is set to be valid, the recommended use of the output mode that saves the cost becomes valid (expense saving mode valid state). In the saving output mode list 50 of this example, the duplex printing mode is set to invalid (off), the 2-in-1 mode and the monochrome mode are set to valid (on), and the expense saving mode is in the valid state.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a recommended output mode menu screen 60 displayed on the operation display unit 27 (liquid crystal display) of the multifunction machine 20. The recommended output mode menu screen 60 is a screen on which the setting state of each saving output mode set in the administrator mode is displayed in a menu format. In this example, the recommended output mode menu screen 60 corresponds to the saving output mode list 50 described with reference to FIG. is doing.

  More specifically, since the duplex printing mode is invalid, the duplex printing mode setting display unit 61 is in an invalid display state (displayed as “white” in the figure), and the simplex printing mode setting display unit 62 is in an effective display state ( In the figure, “shaded” is displayed). Since the 2in1 mode is an effective setting, the 2in1 mode setting display unit 63 is in an effective display state, and the 1in1 mode setting display unit 64 is in an invalid display state. Since the monochrome mode is an effective setting, the monochrome mode setting display unit 65 is in an effective display state, and the color mode setting display unit 66 is in an invalid display state.

  In the output mode setting screen for copying, a setting screen corresponding to the recommended output mode menu screen 60 is first displayed (initial display state), and is in an effective display state for the user who performs copying with the multifunction device 20. It is recommended to use the output mode. The user can check the output mode (recommended output mode) set for copying through the above setting screen, and can change the setting accordingly.

  Next, operations of the printing system 5 and the multifunction machine 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a flow of processing (outline) relating to a print job setting change performed between the terminal 10 and the multifunction device 20 in the printing system 5.

  When the user operates the terminal 10 to set and output a print output mode for the multi-function device 20, the driver program 40 generates a print job in which the output mode is set in the terminal 10 and transmits it to the multi-function device 20 (step). S101).

  When the multifunction device 20 receives a print job from the terminal 10 (step S111), the multifunction device 20 checks whether or not the expense saving mode is set based on the setting state of the saving output mode in the saving output mode list 50 (step S112). If all the saving output modes in the saving output mode list 50 are invalid and the expense saving mode is in an invalid state (step S112; no), printing is performed according to the output mode set for the received print job. (Step S119).

  If at least one saving output mode in the saving output mode list 50 is enabled and the expense saving mode is enabled (step S112; present), the saving output mode in the saving output mode list 50 and the print job are set. The output mode is compared, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a saving output mode (a saving output mode not set in the print job) that is in the saving output mode list 50 but not in the print job (step S113).

  If there is no saving output mode (step S113; no), that is, if all saving output modes in the saving output mode list 50 are set for the print job, the print job setting is changed. Since there is no need, print output is performed according to the output mode set in the print job (step S119).

  If there is the above-described saving output mode (step S113; present), there is a room for changing the setting to the saving output mode that is not included in the print job, and the contents of the print job corresponding to the saving output mode are not suitable. Confirm whether to do.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, if the content of the print job is, for example, the print direction is vertical and the post-processing corresponds to top binding, or the print data includes an image, the size of the image Confirms whether it corresponds to 50% or less of the size of the recording paper to be printed, or whether the image corresponds to full color (step S114).

  If the contents of the print job correspond to an inappropriate condition, the saving output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition is excluded.

  Next, it is confirmed from the print history of the user who requested the print job whether there is an output mode that the user has used frequently in the past. If there is, the output mode corresponds to the remaining saving output mode. Is confirmed (step S115 (confirm user information)).

  Regarding the determination of the heavy use of the output mode, for example, the usage rate (U) of each output mode is calculated from the number of uses (N) for each output mode used in the latest predetermined number (M) of print jobs by the user. Then, it is determined that the output mode in which the usage rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Z) is frequently used (the output mode in which N / M = U ≧ Z is determined to be heavy).

  If there is a frequently used output mode and the output mode corresponds to the remaining saving output mode, the output mode (saving output mode) is selected as a recommended output mode recommended for the user. Further, if the remaining saving output mode has an effective saving output mode, the saving output mode is also selected as a recommended output mode recommended for use by the user (step S116). The multi-function device 20 transmits the selected recommended output mode to the terminal 10 (step S117), and confirms the setting change to the recommended output mode through the terminal 10 to the user who has requested the print job.

  In the terminal 10, the driver program 40 displays the recommended output mode received from the multifunction device 20 on the display unit 16 (step S102), and accepts an operation to confirm (approve) the setting change to the recommended output mode from the user (step S102). S103), the approved recommended output mode is transmitted to the multi-function device 20 (step S104).

  Upon receiving the approved recommended output mode from the terminal 10, the multi-function device 20 changes the setting of the print job output mode to the recommended output mode (step S118), and performs print output according to the recommended output mode (step S119).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a message box (dialog box) 70 for confirming the setting change to the recommended output mode displayed on the display unit 16 of the terminal 10 in step S102 of FIG.

  The message box 70 indicates a message sentence 71 indicating whether the MFP (multifunction device 20) is set in the expense saving mode and may change the setting of the print job, the current setting, and the recommended setting. Setting change contents 72 are displayed.

  In the setting change content 72, only the recommended output mode received from the multi-function device 20 and the current output mode corresponding to the recommended output mode are displayed as setting change detail items. Further, a check box with a check symbol is displayed corresponding to the setting change detail item.

  For example, when the user sets the output mode to the 1 in 1 mode, the single-sided printing mode, and the monochrome mode, and the recommended output mode received from the multifunction device 20 is the 2 in 1 mode and the double-sided printing mode, as shown in FIG. 1in1 mode and single-sided printing mode are displayed, and recommended settings are 2in1 mode for 1in1 mode (setting change detail items in the first row), and double-sided printing mode for single-sided printing mode Is displayed (detailed setting change item in the second row). Further, two check boxes 73 and 74 with check symbols are displayed corresponding to these two setting change detail items. Further, since the monochrome mode set by the user corresponds to the saving output mode (recommended output mode), the display about the monochrome mode (display of “color → monochrome”) is not performed.

  The user performs a predetermined confirmation operation when confirming (approving) the contents of the setting change by the message box 70. For an item whose setting is not changed (setting change detail item), a confirmation operation is performed after removing the check mark attached to the check box of the item. It is also possible to remove the check symbol from the check boxes for all items and perform the confirmation operation.

  When the terminal 10 accepts the confirmation operation, the terminal 10 transmits the recommended output mode of the item with the check symbol in the check box to the multifunction device 20 as the approved recommended output mode (approval answer). If there is no item with a check symbol, “no approved recommended output mode” is transmitted to the multi-function device 20 (non-approved answer).

  Next, the operation of the multifunction device 20 in changing the print job setting described with reference to FIG. 6 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 shows a flow (details) of processing related to a print job setting change by the multifunction machine 20.

  Here, the details from the confirmation of the user information (print history) in step S115 described in FIG. 6 to the selection of the recommended output mode in step S116 are the three levels of priorities described in (1) to (3) below. To do based on.

(1) Select a saving output mode frequently used by the user in the past as a recommended output mode. (2) Select a saving output mode set by the administrator as a recommended output mode. (3) (1) / (2) If there is not, select the output mode with the invalid setting as the recommended output mode.

  In (1), if there is a saving output mode corresponding to an output mode frequently used by the user in the past in the saving output mode remaining after excluding the saving output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition of the print job, Regardless of the valid / invalid setting by the administrator, first, the saving output mode is preferentially selected as the recommended output mode.

  In (2), regardless of whether or not the recommended output mode is selected in (1), if there is a saved output mode that the administrator has enabled among the remaining saved output modes, that saved output mode is recommended output Select as mode.

  In (3), the remaining invalid setting saving output mode is selected as the recommended output mode only when the recommended output mode is not selected in (1) and (2).

  When the MFP 20 starts this processing (Start) and receives a print job from the terminal 10 via the network 2 (Step S201), the CPU 21 checks whether the saving output mode list 50 has an effective saving output mode. (Step S202). If there is no valid setting saving output mode (step S202; No (expense saving mode invalid state)), the CPU 21 maintains the setting of the print job (step S203), and printing by the printer unit 30 according to the print job output mode. The output is executed (step S204), and this process ends (End).

  If there is an effective setting saving output mode (step S202; Yes (expense saving mode enabled state)), the CPU 21 selects all the saving output modes (including the effective setting and the invalid setting) in the saving output mode list 50. The output mode set in the print job is compared, and it is confirmed whether or not a save output mode (a non-set save output mode in the print job) that is in the save output mode list 50 but not in the print job can be extracted. (Step S205).

  If all the saving output modes in the saving output mode list 50 are set for the print job, extraction is impossible (step S205; No), and in this case, the CPU 21 recognizes that it is not necessary to change the setting of the print job. Then, step S203 and step S204 are performed in the same manner, and this process is terminated (End).

  If a saving output mode that is in the saving output mode list 50 and not in the print job can be extracted (step S205; Yes), the CPU 21 has room to change the setting to the saving output mode not in the print job. The information corresponding to the extracted saving output mode is read from the saving output mode list 50 stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 and copied to the list (temporary table) created on the RAM 14 (temporary memory). (Step S206).

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, the CPU 21 confirms whether the content of the print job meets the inappropriate condition for the saving output mode in the list. For example, if there is a 2 in 1 mode or a monochrome mode in the list, the image included in the print data is analyzed, and the image size that is an inappropriate condition of the 2 in 1 mode corresponds to 50% or less of the size of the recording paper to be printed. Or whether it corresponds to a full-color image which is an unsuitable condition for the monochrome mode (step S207).

  If the contents of the print job correspond to an inappropriate condition for the saving output mode in the list, the CPU 21 excludes the saving output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition from the list (step S208). Here, when the saving output mode does not remain in the list (step S209; No), the CPU 21 recognizes that the saving output mode recommended for the user has disappeared, and performs steps S203 and S204 in the same manner. Is terminated (End).

  If the saving output mode remains in the list (step S209; Yes), the CPU 21 recognizes that there is a saving output mode that can be recommended to the user, and as described with reference to FIG. The printing history is confirmed (step S210), and it is determined whether or not the output mode frequently used by the user in the past corresponds to the remaining saving output mode in the list (step S211).

  If applicable (step S211; Yes), the CPU 21 selects the corresponding saving output mode as the recommended output mode (step S212). Further, when the remaining saving output mode in the list includes an effective saving output mode (step S213; Yes), the CPU 21 also selects the effective saving output mode as the recommended output mode (step S214). Subsequently, the CPU 21 transmits the recommended output mode to the terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the print job, and confirms the setting change to the recommended output mode through the terminal 10 to the user who has requested the print job (step S215).

  If there is no effective saving output mode among the remaining saving output modes in the list (step S213; No), the CPU 21 selects the recommended output mode selected in step S212 (an output frequently used by the user in the past). The saving output mode corresponding to the mode) is transmitted to the terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the print job, and the same confirmation is performed (step S215).

  On the other hand, if the output mode frequently used by the user does not correspond to the remaining saving output mode in the list (step S211; No), the CPU 21 saves the remaining saving output mode in the list as the effective saving output mode. It is confirmed whether there is any (step S216). If there is an effective setting saving output mode (step S216; Yes), the CPU 21 selects the effective setting saving output mode as the recommended output mode (step S214), and the recommended output mode is the terminal of the print job transmission source. 10 to confirm the same (step S215).

  If there is no valid setting saving output mode (step S216; No), the invalid setting saving output mode remains in the list. The CPU 21 selects the invalid output saving output mode remaining in the list as the recommended output mode (step S217), transmits the recommended output mode to the terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the print job, and performs the same confirmation (step S217). Step S215).

  When an answer to the setting change to the recommended output mode is received from the terminal 10 (step S218), the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the setting change is approved from the answer (step S219).

  As described above, when receiving an answer indicating that there is no approved recommended output mode from the terminal 10, the CPU 21 determines that the setting change has not been approved (step S219; No), and performs steps S203 and S204 in the same manner. This process is then ended (End).

  When the approved recommended output mode is received from the terminal 10, the CPU 21 determines that the setting change has been approved (step S219; Yes). Then, among the output modes set for the print job, only the output mode corresponding to the approved recommended output mode received from the terminal 10 is changed to the recommended output mode (step S220), and the changed setting contents are used. Print output by the printer unit 30 for the print job is executed (step S204), and the process is terminated (End).

  As described above, the MFP 20 according to the present embodiment can change the setting of the print job received from the terminal 10 to the recommended output mode. Specifically, as described above, it is recommended and approved that the user who has set the print job on the terminal 10 changes the setting to the recommended output mode (an output mode that contributes to saving of printing expenses) through the terminal 10. Change the settings if necessary.

  Further, the multi-function device 20 can select a recommended output mode that recommends the user to change the setting by switching between valid / invalid among the plural types of saved output modes in the saved output mode list 50. Thereby, when the administrator determines and sets the recommended output mode in advance, the options are expanded and convenience is improved.

  When the purpose is to save costs as in this embodiment, it is possible to select an output mode with a high saving effect. For example, in 2-sided printing mode and 2-in-1 mode for printing two pages on one sheet of recording paper, the 2-in-1 mode, which uses less toner than the double-sided printing mode, is selected, or color printing with a particularly high printing cost per sheet is not so much. It is possible to select a monochrome mode so as not to use it (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Further, in an environment where a large number of prints are performed in which the image quality cannot be lowered when the print size is reduced, it is possible to select the duplex printing mode instead of the 2-in-1 mode.

  Further, in the multi-function device 20, the output mode in which the unsuitable condition corresponds to the content of the print job is excluded from the target (recommended target) whose setting change is confirmed by the user. As described in the saving output mode list 50 shown in FIG. 4, in the double-sided printing mode, if the printing direction is vertical and the post-processing is changed to single-sided printing with top binding, double-sided printing causes the back page to be displayed when the printed material is spread. Since it is difficult to see it upside down, a print job in which such a print direction and post-processing is set is excluded from the recommended target. In the 2-in-1 mode, a small image (for example, printing is performed in a page) because a small image in the page may be crushed and become difficult to see due to a reduction in print size caused by combining two pages into one page. A print job including an image having a size equal to or less than 50% of the recording paper size is excluded from the recommended target. In monochrome mode, full-color images may be extremely difficult to see due to a significant loss of information as they are changed to monochrome images. Is done.

  As described above, the output modes inappropriate for the contents of the print job are excluded from the recommended objects in advance, so that the occurrence of the above-described problems can be avoided.

  The multifunction device 20 refers to the print history of the user, and if the saved output mode corresponding to the output mode frequently used by the user is in the list, selects the saved output mode as the recommended output mode. As a result, it is recommended to change the setting to the recommended output mode more suitable for the user.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of recommended output modes for which the setting change has been confirmed from the multifunction device 20, the terminal 10 can select a recommended output mode for approving the setting change from the plurality of types. That is, it is possible to approve setting changes only for recommended output modes selected from a plurality of types (only for some recommended output modes). This increases the degree of freedom in approving setting changes for multiple types of recommended output modes and improves convenience.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the recommended output mode has been described by taking the output mode (saving output mode) that contributes to cost saving in printing output by the multifunction machine 20 as an example, but this recommended output mode is a condition other than cost saving. You may make it decide with. That is, an output mode recommended to the user arbitrarily determined by the administrator under conditions other than cost saving can be set in advance in the multi-function device 20.

  In addition to the duplex printing mode, the 2-in-1 mode (aggregate printing mode), and the monochrome mode described in the embodiment, the output density that contributes to cost savings is a printing density that reduces the density of the printed image and suppresses the toner usage. A reduction mode (toner save mode) or a printing speed reduction mode that reduces the power consumption by reducing the printing speed may be used.

  Further, the unsuitable conditions in the double-sided printing mode, the 2-in-1 mode, and the monochrome mode described in the embodiment are merely examples, and other unsuitable conditions may be used. For example, in the 2 in 1 mode, a print job including a small image (for example, an image having a size equal to or less than 50% of the recording paper size to be printed) in the page is inappropriate. However, a small character (for example, a minimum font) A print job including a character whose size is less than or equal to X points) may be made unsuitable, or the character and the unsuitable condition of the image may be used together.

  In addition, an inappropriate condition may not be set for all types of saving output modes (recommended output modes), but an inappropriate condition may be set only for arbitrarily selected saving output modes. For example, in the three types of saving output modes described in the embodiment, an inappropriate condition may be set only for the 2-in-1 mode, and an inappropriate condition may not be set for the duplex printing mode and the monochrome mode.

  Further, the contents of the processing by the multifunction machine 20 shown in FIG. 7 are not limited to those described in the embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, there is no saving output mode corresponding to the output mode frequently used in the past by the user who requested the print job among the saving output modes remaining in the list after the affirmative determination in step S209. (Step S211; No), and when there is no saving output mode that is enabled in the multifunction device 20 (Step S216; No), the recommended output is the saving output mode that is disabled in the multifunction device 20. The mode is selected (step S217). This step S217 may be omitted, and when there is no saving output mode that is enabled in the multifunction device 20 (step S216; No), the process may proceed to step S203 as indicated by a broken line in the figure. .

  The saving output mode list 50 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 in the multi-function device 20, but may be configured to be stored in an external server connected to the multi-function device 20 through the network 2. In this case, the multifunction device 20 accesses the server and operates as described in the embodiment based on the saved output mode list 50 in the server (steps S111 to S116 in FIG. 6 and the like, and step S202 in FIG. 8). To Step S217).

  The user's print history is stored in the hard disk device 26 in the multifunction device 20, but may be configured to be stored in an external server connected to the multifunction device 20 through the network 2 in the same manner. In this case, the multi-function device 20 can access the server and request the server to update the user's print history or acquire the user's print history from the server.

  In the MFP 20 according to the embodiment, the touch panel type operation display unit 27 has the functions of the operation unit and the display unit. However, the operation unit and the display unit may be configured separately.

  In the embodiment, the case has been described in which the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in the claims is provided with the multifunction device 20 that is the printing apparatus according to claim 6. This information processing apparatus generates a print job (print server) that transmits (transfers) a print job received from the terminal apparatus to a printing apparatus that it controls, or generates a print job and transmits it to the printing apparatus or print control apparatus. It may be configured to be prepared for a terminal device or the like.

  When the information processing apparatus is provided in the print control apparatus, the saving output mode list 50 and the user print history described in the embodiment are, for example, (A) a storage unit (print in the print control apparatus) Including a storage unit in the information processing device provided in the control device), (B) a printing device connected to be communicable with the print control device, or (C) an external device connected to be communicable with the print control device You may comprise so that it may preserve | save in a server etc.

  Similarly, when the information processing apparatus is provided in the terminal device, the saving output mode list 50 and the user print history as described in the embodiment are, for example, (D) a storage unit (terminal device in the terminal device). (E) including a storage unit in the information processing apparatus included in the communication device), (E) a printing device connected to be communicable with the terminal device, or (F) an external server communicably connected to the terminal device, etc. You may comprise so that it may preserve | save.

  In the case of (A) and (D), the control unit of the information processing apparatus provided in the print control apparatus / terminal apparatus is based on the saving output mode list 50 in the storage unit and the print history of the user. (Steps S111 to S116 in FIG. 6, etc., steps S202 to S217 in FIG. 8, etc.) can be performed. In the case of (B) and (E), the control unit of the information processing apparatus provided in the printing control apparatus / terminal apparatus accesses the printing apparatus, and the saving output mode list 50 in the printing apparatus and the user's printing history Based on the above, the operation as described in the embodiment can be performed. In the case of (C) and (F), the control unit of the information processing apparatus provided in the print control apparatus / terminal apparatus accesses the above server, and displays the saved output mode list 50 in the server and the print history of the user. Based on this, the operation described in the embodiment can be performed.

  Further, the printing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the multifunction machine described in the embodiment, and may be another printing apparatus such as a printer.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the terminal (terminal device) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine as a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the saving output mode list | wrist memorize | stored in the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the recommended output mode menu screen displayed on the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of processing related to a change in print job settings performed between a terminal and a multifunction peripheral in the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the message box which confirms the setting change to the recommended output mode displayed on the terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing related to a print job setting change by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Network 5 ... Printing system 10 ... Terminal (PC)
11 ... CPU
12 ... Bus 13 ... ROM
14 ... RAM
15. Hard disk device (HDD)
16: Display unit 17 ... Operation unit 18 ... Network communication unit 20 ... Multifunction peripheral (MFP)
21 ... CPU
22 ... Bus 23 ... ROM
24 ... RAM
25 ... Non-volatile memory 26 ... Hard disk drive (HDD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 27 ... Operation display part 28 ... Scanner part 29 ... Image processing part 30 ... Printer part 31 ... Facsimile communication part 32 ... Network communication part 40 ... Driver program 50 ... Saving output mode list 60 ... Recommended output mode menu screen 61 ... Duplex printing mode Setting display section 62 ... Single-sided printing mode setting display section 63 ... 2 in 1 mode setting display section 64 ... 1 in 1 mode setting display section 65 ... Monochrome mode setting display section 66 ... Color mode setting display section 70 ... Message box 71 ... Message sentence 72 ... Setting Contents of change 73, 74 ... check box

Claims (6)

When the output mode set for the print job on the terminal device is not the recommended output mode, if the user who has set the output mode of the print job confirms the setting change to the recommended output mode and is approved, the setting change is made An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit that performs the following. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recommended output mode to be compared with the output mode set for the print job can be selected from a plurality of types. The control unit, if the content of the print job satisfies a predetermined inappropriate condition, excludes a recommended output mode corresponding to the inappropriate condition from a target for checking the setting change. The information processing apparatus described in 1. 4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects a recommended output mode for confirming the setting change from a plurality of types of the recommended output modes with reference to the print history of the user. 5. Information processing apparatus described in one. The recommended output mode for approving the setting change can be selected from the plurality of types when there are a plurality of recommended output modes for confirming the setting change. The information processing apparatus according to one. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
With a printing department,
The information processing apparatus performs confirmation of the setting change for the print job received from the terminal apparatus through the terminal apparatus and changes the setting when the approval is performed through the terminal apparatus,
The printing apparatus, wherein the printing unit executes print output based on a print job whose setting has been changed by the information processing apparatus.

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