JP4093873B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that prints print data provided from a plurality of users.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In offices and companies, it has been known that printers (printing devices) are connected to each other by a plurality of personal computers and a local area network (LAN), and the plurality of personal computers share a printer. .
In this configuration, the personal computer transmits print data with print settings (paper size, number of copies, etc.) to the printer. The printer that has received these prints the print data based on the print settings.
[0003]
By the way, recent printers have various functions and can cope with various print settings. However, there are cases where printing corresponding to given print settings cannot be performed. In other words, the printer has a physically compatible function (for example, a stapling function), but it is not appropriate to operate the function (for example, when stapling a sheet bundle exceeding 10 thick sheets). There is a print setting including a combination of such inappropriate operations (hereinafter, this print setting is referred to as “prohibited specification”). This prohibition specification is described in the instruction manual of the printer, but there are few users who know all prohibition specifications. For this reason, when print data with prohibited specifications is sent to the printer, the printer stops printing because of an error, and even if print data is sent to the printer from another personal computer connected to the LAN, There was a problem that the sent print data was not printed.
[0004]
In order to solve this problem, there is provided a printing apparatus (printer) that stores print data with prohibition specifications in a storage device when the print data is provided (for example, Patent Document 1). Some of these printers can also print data by changing given print settings. As a result, even if the print data accompanied by the prohibition specification is given, the print data given thereafter can be processed without interruption, and the print data given from a plurality of personal computers can be processed efficiently.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 1996-139981 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when print data with prohibited specifications is given to the printer, the user is not immediately notified that the prohibited specifications are specified, and the print data is stored in the storage device or changed to a print setting different from the user's desired print setting. Since it was printed, there was a complaint that it was not easy to use.
The present invention has been made based on such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a printing apparatus that can further improve convenience.
[0007]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of efficiently processing print data given from a plurality of users.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
  In the first aspect of the invention, the print setting of the input print data is set in the printing apparatus.Physically compatibleDetermining means for determining whether or not to set, and print setting to which the determining means is inputIs physically compatibleWhen judgingIn addition, the print settings correspond to prohibited specifications.An identification means for identifying whether or notWhen it is determined by the determination means that it cannot physically copeIncludes means for storing print data and print settings thereof, and printing by the identification means.Setting corresponds to prohibited specificationsWhen the information is identified, the notification means for notifying the user of the cause of printing, and after notification by the notification means,PlaceDefiniteCannot print in timeMeans for executing printing in response to the cause being eliminated.
[0009]
  According to the present invention, when the printing apparatus (printer) cannot perform printing with the print settings of the input print data, the printing is performed.Data and print settings are stored. When printing is not possible,This is a case where a print setting that cannot be physically handled is given to the printer. For example, the printer has only A4 (Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) A row No. 4 (hereinafter the same)) size and A5 size paper, but is given the setting to print on A3 size paper. Cases apply. on the other hand,The printer can physically respond, but there are print settings that are not appropriate for the printer to operate,ExistenceTo do. For example, the printer can perform stapling, but the prohibition specification that stapling a bundle of sheets exceeding 10 thick sheets cannot guarantee reliable stapling, but for example, changing thick paper to plain paper or stapling Can be printedBecome so.
[0010]
  For print settings that cannot be physically supportedStores print data and its print settings. by this,Physically compatibleEven if print data with an impossible print setting is given, processing of print data given thereafter is not interrupted, and print data given from a plurality of personal computers can be processed efficiently.
  on the other hand,Print configurationButIt is a prohibition specificationIf itIs notified. As a result, the user can immediately know that the print setting corresponds to the prohibition specification, and thus a user-friendly printing apparatus can be provided.
[0011]
  The print settings are reported to be prohibited specifications.TheWhen the print setting is changed to a print setting that does not correspond to the prohibition specification, printing is performed with the changed print setting. Thus, when print data with print settings corresponding to the prohibition specification is given, the print data is stored in the storage device, or the problem that the print settings differ from the print settings desired by the user is avoided. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can further improve user convenience.
[0012]
  The invention according to claim 2 provides theidentificationPrint settings entered by meansDiscriminated from prohibited specificationsThe disposal information detecting means for detecting whether or not the disposal information for disposing the printing data is accompanied, and the disposal information detected by the disposal information detecting means includes the printing data and the printing thereof. If the disposal information for storing the settings is included, the print data and the print settings are discarded in the disposal information detected by the means for storing the print data and the print settings and the disposal information detection unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for discarding the print data and the print setting when the disposal information is included.
[0013]
  According to the present invention, when the user does not change the print setting even though the print setting is informed that the print setting is prohibited, it is detected whether or not disposal information is included in the print setting. The disposal information is information for instructing to store or discard (cancel) the print data input to the printer and its print settings. When the disposal information is included in the print setting, the print data input based on the disposal information and the print setting are stored or discarded. Therefore, if the print settings corresponding to the prohibited specifications are still input to the printer without being changed,Based on disposal informationBy storing or discarding the print data, it is possible to process the print data given from a plurality of personal computers more efficiently without interrupting the processing of the print data given thereafter.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an outline of a configuration of a digital copying machine 1 having a function of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The digital copying machine 1 can be connected to a network such as a LAN or the Internet, and the digital copying machine 1 can receive print data from a personal computer or the like connected to the network. This print data is accompanied by a print setting (print setting) for setting a function installed in the digital copying machine 1.
[0015]
A personal computer or the like in this embodiment can set a paper size, a paper type, a printing direction, a printing quality, a printing range, a post-processing function, and the like by print settings.
Setting the paper size means setting the size of the paper to be printed, and setting the paper type means setting printing to plain paper, colored paper, cardboard, or the like. The print direction setting is a setting for whether printing is performed along the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the paper. The print quality setting is a print density setting or a print light / dark setting. Setting, printing speed setting, and the like. Furthermore, the setting of the printing range means setting whether to print all pages or only some pages.
[0016]
Post-processing function settings include settings for whether or not to perform staple processing on printed paper, settings for the position and number of staple processing, settings for whether or not to perform punch processing on printed paper, and punch processing For example, setting of the number of processes and setting of whether or not to perform shift processing. The shift process will be described later.
Further, when the digital copying machine 1 cannot print the print data, the user of the personal computer can accompany the print data with disposal information for disposing the print data. The disposal information is an instruction to store print data that has not been printed by the digital copier 1 in the digital copier 1 or to cancel (discard) the print data.
[0017]
The digital copying machine 1 to which print data (image data) is given controls each part of the digital copying machine 1 in order to realize a print setting function. Also, the given print data is converted into image data, and the image data is subjected to image formation processing (printing) by an electrophotographic method and is output. That is, the digital copying machine 1 includes a function as a network printer.
When the digital copying machine 1 cannot print the print data and the print data is accompanied by the disposal information, the print data given based on the disposal information is disposed. Yes.
[0018]
The digital copying machine 1 includes a main body 2 for printing and outputting given print data, a finisher 3 for performing post-processing such as punching and stapling of paper output from the main body 2, and a finisher 3 A sorter 4 for discharging the post-processed paper is provided.
A paper cassette 21 for storing paper is provided at the bottom of the main body 2. The paper cassette 21 includes an upper paper cassette 211, a middle paper cassette 212, and a lower paper cassette 213. Each of the paper cassettes 211 to 213 includes different sizes of paper according to the purpose and application, Different types of paper are stored. Each of the paper cassettes 211 to 213 is not only centimeter-sized paper such as A4 (Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) A row 4 (hereinafter the same)) size, but also legal size (8.5 × 14 inches), for example. Inch-type paper such as can be accommodated. Each of the paper cassettes 211 to 213 can store not only plain paper but also special paper such as thick paper and colored paper.
[0019]
An image forming unit 22 is provided at the center of the digital copying machine 1, and a paper transport mechanism (not shown) provided in each of the paper cassettes 211 to 213 can transport paper to the image forming unit 22. it can. In the image forming unit 22, print data given from a personal computer or the like connected to the network is converted into image data. Then, the toner image corresponding to the image data is transferred to the paper transported by the paper transport mechanism. That is, the print data given to the digital copying machine 1 is printed and output by the image forming unit 22.
[0020]
The paper transport mechanism selects the paper to be transported to the image forming unit 22 based on the paper size, paper type, number of copies, etc. set in the print settings attached to the print data.
The image forming unit 22 prints print data on paper based on information set by the print direction, print quality, print range, number of copies, and the like of print settings.
On the upper part of the digital copying machine 1, an operation / display unit 23 for receiving and displaying user operations is provided. The operation / display unit 23 includes a liquid crystal display.
[0021]
The finisher 3 includes a shift processing function. The shift process is a sheet discharged from the finisher 3 to the sorter 4 in order to make it easier for the user to take out a portion of the sheet discharged to the sorter 4 when printing a plurality of pages of print data. This is a process of changing the discharge method for each part.
The finisher 3 controls post-processing performed by the finisher 3 based on the post-processing function set in the print settings attached to the print data.
[0022]
The sorter 4 includes a main tray 41 and a sub-tray 42, and the paper post-processed by the finisher 3 is discharged to the main tray 41 or the sub-tray 42.
In this embodiment, the upper paper cassette 211 contains A4 size thick paper, the middle paper cassette 212 contains A4 size plain paper, and the lower paper cassette 213 contains legal size plain paper. Shall.
[0023]
Further, it is assumed that the finisher 3 can discharge thick paper only to the main tray 41 and can perform shift processing only on the paper discharged to the sub-tray 42. Further, the finisher 3 can perform a punching process for making two holes in the paper and a punching process for making three holes in the paper, but can perform a punching process that makes three holes in the legal size paper. It shall not be possible.
[0024]
By the way, in the print settings associated with the print data given to the digital copying machine 1, the digital copying machine 1 physically corresponds to the print settings, but there are print settings that cannot actually operate. . In this embodiment, for example, there are the following two print settings.
The first print setting is a print setting of “print data is printed on a legal size paper, and punch processing is performed to open three holes on the printed paper”. The lower paper cassette 213 contains legal size paper, and the finisher 3 can make three holes in the printed paper. Therefore, the digital copying machine 1 physically uses this print setting. It corresponds. However, the finisher 3 cannot perform the punching process for making three holes in the legal size paper, so the digital copying machine 1 cannot cope with this print setting.
[0025]
The second print setting is a print setting of “printing print data on A4 size cardboard and performing shift processing on the printed paper”. The upper paper cassette 211 contains A4-sized thick paper, and the finisher 3 can shift the printed paper, so the digital copier 1 physically supports this print setting. is doing. However, the finisher 3 cannot shift the paper printed on A4 size thick paper, so the digital copying machine 1 cannot cope with this print setting.
[0026]
In this way, the digital copier 1 is physically compatible, but a print setting in which the digital copier 1 cannot actually operate is referred to as “prohibited specification”. The digital copying machine 1 is preset with the two prohibition specifications described in the previous example and several other prohibition specifications.
The digital copying machine 1 further has a prohibition process corresponding to the prohibition specification. The prohibition process is a function for switching to a print setting that can be set by the printer that is close to the given prohibition specification when the digital copying machine 1 is provided with a print setting corresponding to the prohibition specification.
[0027]
  Therefore, when print data with print settings corresponding to the first prohibition specification described above is given to the digital copying machine 1, the prohibition process causes the print data to be printed on legal-size paper, The print setting is switched to “perform punch processing for making two holes in the printed sheet”. In addition, when print data accompanied by print settings corresponding to another prohibition specification described above is given to the digital copying machine 1, the prohibition process causes the “A4 size accommodated in the middle sheet cassette 212”. Print the image on the paper, and print it on the printed paper.Apply shift processing"Is switched to the print setting.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital copying machine 1.
The control unit 10 that controls the entire digital copying machine 1 includes a timer 100 and a microcomputer (not shown). The control unit 10 is connected to the image forming unit 22 and the finisher 3, and the control unit 10 controls them. Although not shown here, the controller 10 is supplied with data indicating the state of each part from each part of the digital copying machine 1.
[0029]
The digital copying machine 1 is provided with a network interface 11. The control unit 10 is connected to the network interface 11, and the control unit 10 controls the network interface 11. In this embodiment, a LAN is further connected to the network interface 11, and a plurality of personal computers PC1, PC2,..., PCn (n is a natural number) are connected to the LAN. Therefore, print data given to the digital copying machine 1 from any personal computer PCi (i = 1, 2,..., N) on the LAN is given to the control unit 10 via the network interface 11.
[0030]
The digital copying machine 1 further includes a storage device 12 and a determination unit 13, and the control unit 10 controls them. The storage device 12 has a print data storage unit 121 for storing print data given from the personal computer PCi, and a status data storage unit 122 for storing data indicating the status of each part of the digital copying machine 1. When a change occurs in the state data provided from each part of the digital copying machine 1, the data stored in the state data storage unit 122 is changed to correspond to the change.
[0031]
The determination unit 13 refers to the data stored in the state data storage unit 122 to determine whether or not the digital copying machine 1 can physically cope with the print settings attached to the print data. can do. The determination unit 13 can also determine whether or not the print setting determined to be physically compatible corresponds to the prohibition specification.
The control unit 10 is connected to the operation / display unit 23, and the control unit 10 controls the operation / display unit 23. The user's operation signal received by the operation / display unit 23 is given to the control unit 23.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the digital copying machine 1.
The operation of the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described according to the flow of FIG. When print data is given from the arbitrary personal computer PCi on the LAN to the digital copying machine 1, the print data is converted into image data (step S1). Then, the digital copying machine 1 determines whether or not it can physically cope with the print settings attached to the print data (step S2).
[0033]
Thereafter, when it is determined that the print settings cannot be physically handled (No in step S2), the print data given to the digital copying machine 1 is stored in the print data storage unit 121 (step S3), and digital copying is performed. The control operation of the machine 1 ends.
Therefore, for example, although the A3 size paper is not accommodated in each of the paper cassettes 211 to 213 of the digital copying machine 1, print data with a print setting that is set to perform printing on the A3 size paper, When given to the digital copying machine 1, the above-described processing is performed.
[0034]
In this way, when print data associated with print settings that the digital copying machine 1 cannot physically handle is provided to the digital copying machine 1, the print data and the print settings are stored in the print data storage unit 121. Therefore, it is possible to quickly cope with print data accompanied with other print settings given to the digital copying machine 1 from another personal computer connected to the LAN. Therefore, it is possible to provide a digital copier 1 that is easy to use.
[0035]
When it is determined that the print setting can be physically supported (Yes in step S2), the determination unit 13 determines whether the print setting corresponds to the prohibition specification (step S4).
When it is determined that the print setting does not correspond to the prohibition specification (No in step S4), each part of the digital copying machine 1 is controlled based on the print setting, print data is printed (step S14), and the digital copying machine The control operation 1 is completed.
[0036]
That is, the digital copying machine 1 can physically correspond to the given print setting, and if the print setting does not correspond to the prohibition specification, the control of the entire digital copying machine 1 is controlled based on the print setting. Promptly, print data is printed. Therefore, the digital copier 1 that is easy to use for the user of the personal computer PCi on the LAN can be provided as long as the digital copier 1 does not transmit print settings that cannot be printed.
[0037]
When it is determined that the print setting corresponds to the prohibited specification (Yes in step S4), a message that the given print setting is the prohibited specification of the digital copying machine 1 is displayed on the operation / display unit 23 ( Step S5), the timer 100 is started (Step S6).
Usually, a user who has transmitted print data accompanied by print settings is in the vicinity of the digital copying machine 1 in order to obtain a sheet on which the print data is printed. For this reason, by displaying a message on the operation / display unit 23, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the content of the message.
[0038]
Therefore, a message that the given print setting is a prohibited specification of the digital copying machine 1 is displayed on the operation / display unit 23, so that the user is surely notified that the print setting corresponds to the prohibited specification. can do. That is, the digital copying machine 1 with improved user convenience can be provided.
The print setting given to the digital copying machine 1 is changed after the timer 100 is started and until a predetermined time elapses (No in step S7 → No in step S8 → No in step S7 →...). As a result, if the prohibited specification is not met (Yes in step S7), the print data is printed and output according to the changed function (step S14).
[0039]
The user operates the operation / display unit 23 until a predetermined time from the start of the timer 100, that is, when a message indicating that the print setting is a prohibited specification is displayed on the operation / display unit 23, This print setting can be changed. Then, in response to the change of the print setting given to the digital copying machine 1 by this change operation to the print setting not corresponding to the prohibition specification, print output of the print data is performed with the changed print setting. That is, when a print setting corresponding to the prohibition specification is given, not only the fact is displayed to the user, but also the print setting changed by the user can be accepted promptly. Therefore, it is possible to provide the digital copying machine 1 that is more convenient for the user.
[0040]
  The print setting is not changed during the period from when the timer 100 is started until the predetermined time elapses (No in Step S7 → No in Step S8 → No in Step S7 →...).WhereIn the case (No in Step S7 and Yes in Step S8), it is determined whether or not the disposal information attached to the print data includes an instruction to store the print data in the print data storage unit 121 (Step S7). S9).
[0041]
If it is determined that the disposal information includes an instruction to store in the print data storage unit 121 (Yes in step S9), the print data and print settings given to the digital copying machine 1 are stored in the print data storage unit 121. Then (step S10), the control operation of the digital copying machine 1 ends.
Therefore, it is not clear whether or not the print setting set by the user corresponds to the prohibition specification. However, if the print setting corresponds to the prohibition specification, the print setting can be changed by operating the operation / display unit 15 later. Since the setting is changed to a setting that does not correspond to the prohibition specification, it is possible to provide the digital copying machine 1 that is very convenient for a user who wants to store the print setting data and the print data in the print data storage unit 121. Further, the digital copying machine 1 can quickly respond to printing of other print data given from another personal computer connected to the LAN.
[0042]
If it is determined that the disposal information does not include an instruction to store the print data in the print data storage unit 121 (No in step S9), it is determined whether or not the disposal information includes an instruction to cancel the print data. (Step S11).
If it is determined that the disposal information includes an instruction to cancel the print data (Yes in step S11), the print data given to the digital copying machine 1 is canceled (step S12), and the digital copying machine The control operation 1 is completed.
[0043]
Therefore, it is not clear whether or not the print settings that you set correspond to the prohibition specifications, but if the print settings correspond to the prohibition specifications, the print data is printed by other printers, so the print data and For the user who wants to cancel the print setting, the digital copying machine 1 that is very easy to use can be provided. Further, the digital copying machine 1 can quickly respond to printing of other print data given from another personal computer connected to the LAN.
[0044]
  Disposal information is not attached to the print dataNoWhen (StepS9,No in S11), print setting is prohibitedThe(Step S13),finish.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation when data indicating a state given from each part of the digital copying machine 1 to the control unit 10 changes.
When a change occurs in the data indicating the state given from the digital copying machine 1 to the control unit 10 (step S20), the data stored in the state data storage unit 122 is also changed corresponding to the change (step S21). ). Then, it is determined whether or not print data is stored in the print data storage unit 121 (step S22).
[0046]
The change in the data given from each part of the digital copying machine 1 to the control unit 10 occurs when, for example, a new sheet is stored in the sheet cassette 211 to 213 or the finisher 3 that has been malfunctioning has been corrected. This is a case where a physical change has occurred in the digital copying machine 1, such as a case.
If the print data is not stored in the print data storage unit 121 (No in step S22), the control operation is terminated, but if the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 121 (Yes in step S22). The determination unit 13 determines whether or not the stored print data can be printed (step S23).
[0047]
If the print data stored in the print data storage unit 121 cannot be printed (No in step S23), the control operation ends, but the print data stored in the print data storage unit 121 is printed. If it is possible (Yes in step S23), the print data is read from the print data storage unit 121, printed and output by the image forming unit 22 (step S24).
That is, although print data accompanied with print settings is given from the personal computer PCi to the digital copying machine 1, the digital copying machine 1 cannot physically cope with the given print data, so that they are stored in the print data storage. Stored in the unit 121. Thereafter, when the digital copying machine 1 changes to a state where it can physically correspond to the print settings, the print data stored in the print data storage unit 121 is printed by the image forming unit 22 and output. . Therefore, the print data stored in the print data storage unit 121 can be used efficiently and without waste.
[0048]
Here, the digital copying machine 1 having the function of a printing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the digital copying machine, and any printing apparatus having a network printer function may be used.
In addition, the error message is displayed on the operation / display unit 23 to notify that the sent print setting corresponds to the prohibited specification, but the digital copying machine 1 has transmitted the print setting. The configuration may be such that a message to that effect is transmitted to a personal computer or the like.
[0049]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an outline of a configuration of a digital copying machine having a function of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the digital copying machine.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when data indicating a state given from each part of the digital copying machine to a control unit is changed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital copier
10 Control unit
100 timer
12 Storage device
121 Print data storage unit
122 State data storage unit
13 Judgment part
22 Image forming unit
23 Operation / display section

Claims (2)

A determination means for determining whether or not the print setting of the input print data is a setting physically compatible with the printing apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the input print setting can be physically supported , an identification unit for identifying whether the print setting corresponds to a prohibited specification ;
Means for storing the print data and its print settings when it is determined that the determination means cannot physically cope ;
An informing means for informing the user of the cause of the printing failure when the identification means identifies that the print setting falls under the prohibition specification ;
Printing apparatus characterized by having a means for executing a printing in response to the after notification by the notification means, cause that can not be printed in Jo Tokoro time is eliminated. Disposal information detection means for detecting whether or not disposal information for disposing of print data is accompanied when the print setting input by the identification means is identified as a prohibited specification ;
Means for storing the print data and the print setting when the disposal information detected by the disposal information detection means includes the disposal information for storing the print data and the print setting;
And further includes means for discarding the print data and its print settings when the disposal information detected by the disposal information detection means includes disposal information for discarding the print data and its print settings. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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