JP7543737B2 - Printing device and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device that executes image printing processing, and a control program that can be read by a computer of the printing device.

There are printing devices that display an image based on image data as a preview image and then print the image. The following patent document describes an example of such a printing device:

JP 2010-147569 A

The objective of the present invention is to display a preview image in an optimal manner.

In order to solve the above problem, the printing device disclosed in the embodiment is a printing device including a display interface, a user interface, and a computer, and is characterized in that the computer functions as an acquisition means for acquiring image data, a first reception means for receiving, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means on the display interface, a first display control means for displaying an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means on the display interface when the display conditions received by the first reception means are satisfied, a second reception means for receiving, via the user interface, print conditions for executing a print process of the image data whose image is displayed on the display interface by the first display control means when the display conditions are satisfied, the candidate images to be printed based on the image data are displayed on the display interface by the first display control means, and a print process execution means for executing a print process of an image whose image is displayed on the display interface when the display conditions are satisfied, the candidate images to be printed based on the image data are displayed on the display interface by the first display control means, and the print conditions received by the second reception means are satisfied.

Also, a printing device disclosed in an embodiment is a printing device including a display interface, a user interface, and a computer, the computer including an acquisition means for acquiring image data, a fifth acceptance means for accepting, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means on the display interface, a fourth display control means for displaying, on the display interface, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means when the display conditions accepted by the fifth acceptance means are satisfied, and a fifth display control means for displaying, on the display interface, a notification screen notifying of restrictions on printing processing of the image when the image is displayed by the fourth display control means.
The present invention is characterized in that it functions as a

In the printing device and control program disclosed in the embodiments, display conditions are input by a user operation, and a preview image is displayed when the display conditions are met. Then, printing conditions are input, and when the printing conditions are met, a print process of the displayed preview image is executed. This allows the preview image to be displayed appropriately before the print process is executed. Also, in the printing device and control program disclosed in the embodiments, display conditions are input by a user operation, and when the display conditions are met, a preview image is displayed. Then, when the preview image is displayed, a notification screen is displayed to notify the user of restrictions on the print process of the image. This allows the preview image to be displayed appropriately before the print process is restricted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a control program 32. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing preview display conditions, display information, print permission conditions, and reset information. FIG. 1 shows a condition confirmation screen 100. FIG. 1 shows a preview screen 110. FIG. 13 shows a first final preview screen 120. FIG. 13 shows a reconfiguration screen 140.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an MFP (an example of a printing device) 10 exemplified as an embodiment of the present application. The MFP 10 mainly comprises a CPU (an example of a computer) 12, a memory 14, an LCD (an example of a display interface) 16, an input I/F (an example of a user interface) 18, a reading unit 20, a recording unit 22, a modem 24, and a telephone line connection unit 26. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a bus 30.

The CPU 12 executes processing according to a control program (one example of a control program) 32 in the memory 14. The control program 32 is a program for executing image formation processes such as scanning and printing. Hereinafter, the CPU 12 that executes the control program 32 may be referred to simply by the program name. For example, the description "the control program 32" may mean "the CPU 12 that executes the control program 32."

The memory 14 also includes a data storage area 34. The data storage area 34 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the control program 32 and the like. The memory 14 is configured by combining RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, portable storage media such as a USB memory that is detachably attached to the PC 10, a buffer provided in the CPU 12, and the like.

The memory 14 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

The LCD 16 displays various information of the MFP 10. Note that the display of this application is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be a display of another display type such as an organic EL display. The input I/F 18 is, for example, a touch panel that is configured integrally with the display, and accepts user operations on icons, buttons, etc. displayed on the display. Also, instead of a touch panel, hard keys, etc. may be used.

The reading unit 20 is a part that reads images and executes scanning, and is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a contact image sensor. This allows the MFP 10 to execute a scanning process. The recording unit 22 is a printing mechanism, and is, for example, an inkjet head. The CPU 12 inputs a drive signal to the recording unit 22, and if the recording unit 22 is an inkjet head, it ejects ink from nozzles in response to the input drive signal. This allows the MFP 10 to execute a printing process.

The modem 24 modulates the document data to be sent by the facsimile function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 36 and transmits it via the telephone line connection unit 26, or receives a signal input from the telephone line network 36 via the telephone line connection unit 26 and demodulates the document data. In this way, the MFP 10 executes fax processing.

In this specification, the term basically refers to the processing of the CPU 12 according to the instructions written in the program. In other words, the processing of "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "acceptance," "control," "setting," and the like in the following description represents the processing of the CPU 12. The processing by the CPU 12 also includes hardware control via the OS. Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the processing of the CPU 12 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU 12 acquiring data." In addition, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. In addition, the processing of "command," "response," "request," and the like is performed by communicating information indicating "command," "response," "request," and the like. In addition, the words "command," "response," "request," and the like may be written to mean the information itself indicating "command," "response," "request," and the like. Furthermore, the process by the CPU to determine whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B." The process by the CPU to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

In the MFP 10, multiple image forming processes such as copy processing and scan processing can be executed. In this case, when a copy processing is executed, for example, a document is placed on the ADF (short for Automatic Document Feeder) of the MFP 10, and the document is read by the reading unit 20 to create scan data. Then, a print processing of an image based on the scan data is executed, and whether or not to display an image based on the scan data as a preview image before the print processing is executed can be arbitrarily set as the authority of the MFP 10 administrator. Furthermore, in the MFP 10, a condition for allowing the print processing of the image displayed as a preview image can be set as the authority of the administrator, and if the condition is met, the print processing is allowed. Below, the process of the control program 32 executed at that time will be described in detail using the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 7.

Specifically, first, in the MFP 10, the administrator of the MFP 10 sets the conditions for whether or not to display an image based on the scan data as a preview image before the print process is executed (hereinafter referred to as the "preview display conditions"), the conditions for allowing the print process of the image displayed as the preview image (hereinafter referred to as the "print permission conditions") (an example of a print start condition), etc. At this time, in the MFP 10, a user ID is input via the input I/F 18. Then, the control program 32 judges whether or not the input user ID is registered as an administrator. At this time, if the input user ID is registered as an administrator, the control program 32 judges that the user of the MFP 10 has administrator authority (S100: YES).

Next, the MFP 10 administrator inputs the preview display conditions, and the control program 32 accepts the preview display conditions (S102). The preview display conditions include a parameter condition and a number of sheets condition, as shown in FIG. 8. The parameter condition indicates the parameters of the setting items during the copy process, and it is possible to set color copy and the number of copies as parameter conditions. When color copy is set as the parameter condition, as will be described in detail later, when the parameter indicating the print color of the setting item set by the user when the copy process is executed is set to color copy, an image based on the scan data is displayed as a preview image. When the number of copies is set as the parameter condition, an arbitrary number of copies is set as the upper limit number of copies. When the number of copies of the setting item set by the user when the copy process is executed exceeds the upper limit number of copies set as the parameter condition, an image based on the scan data is displayed as a preview image. The number of sheets condition indicates the upper limit number of copies during the copy process, and an arbitrary number is set as the upper limit number of copies. If the number of sheets printed when the copy process is executed exceeds the upper limit set as the number of sheets condition, an image based on the scan data is displayed as a preview image. Note that as the preview display condition, the administrator can set any one or more of the parameter condition color setting, the parameter condition number of copies to be printed, and the number of sheets condition. In other words, the administrator can set multiple preview display conditions.

In addition, the administrator of MFP 10 inputs display information, and control program 32 accepts the display information (S104). The display information is information indicating whether or not the preview display condition that has been met is to be displayed on LCD 16 when a preview image is displayed when the preview display condition is met. Therefore, when the administrator of MFP 10 wants the preview display condition that has been met to be displayed on LCD 16 when a preview image is displayed, information indicating that the display of the preview display condition is enabled is input as display information. On the other hand, when the administrator of MFP 10 does not want the preview display condition that has been met to be displayed on LCD 16 when a preview image is displayed, information indicating that the display of the preview display condition is disabled is input as display information. In this way, control program 32 accepts the input display information.

When the administrator of the MFP 10 inputs the print permission conditions, the control program 32 accepts the print permission conditions (S106). As shown in FIG. 8, the print permission conditions include individual image print permission conditions and all image print permission conditions, and either of these conditions is set. In this case, when the individual image print permission conditions are set as the print permission conditions, printing of an image corresponding to one preview image is permitted each time that preview image is displayed on the LCD 16. On the other hand, when the all image print permission conditions are set as the print permission conditions, printing of images corresponding to all of the preview images is permitted as all of the preview images are displayed on the LCD 16.

In addition, when the administrator of the MFP 10 inputs the reconfiguration information, the control program 32 accepts the reconfiguration information (S108). The reconfiguration information is information indicating whether or not a screen for reconfiguring the setting items when the printing process of the image corresponding to the preview image is executed (hereinafter, referred to as the "reconfiguration screen") is displayed on the LCD 16 when the printing process of the image corresponding to the preview image is permitted. Therefore, when the administrator of the MFP 10 wants to display the reconfiguration screen on the LCD 16, information indicating the enablement of the display of the reconfiguration screen is input as the reconfiguration information. On the other hand, when the administrator of the MFP 10 does not want to display the reconfiguration screen on the LCD 16, information indicating the disablement of the display of the reconfiguration screen is input as the reconfiguration information. Note that the reconfiguration information is set only when the print permission conditions are set to the all image print permission conditions. In other words, the process of S108 is executed only when the print permission conditions are set to the all image print permission conditions, and the process of S108 is skipped when the print permission conditions are set to the individual image print permission conditions. The setting items that are reset on the reset screen are setting items that correspond to the preview display conditions. That is, if the parameter condition color copy is set as the preview display condition, the setting items related to the print color can be changed on the reset screen. If the parameter condition number of copies to print is set as the preview display condition, the setting items related to the number of copies to print can be changed on the reset screen. If the number of sheets condition is set as the preview display condition, the setting items related to the number of copies to print can be changed on the reset screen.

In this way, in the MFP 10, a user with administrator authority inputs preview display conditions, display information, print permission conditions, and reset information, and the control program 32 accepts the preview display conditions, display information, print permission conditions, and reset information, which causes these conditions and information to be stored in the data storage area 34. Then, a copy process is performed by a general user, i.e., a user without administrator authority, using the preview display conditions, etc. input by the user with administrator authority. The process at that time is described below.

In the MFP 10, when a general user executes a copy process, the control program 32 displays a copy execution screen (not shown) on the LCD 16 (S110). The copy execution screen displays input fields for inputting parameters for setting items during the copy process, and any parameter is set by user operation into the input field. The control program 32 then accepts the parameters set by operation into the input field (hereinafter referred to as "input parameters") (S112). Note that setting items that can be input on the copy execution screen include a setting item indicating the print color, a setting item indicating the number of copies to be printed, etc.

The copy execution screen also displays an execute button, and when the execute button is operated (S114: YES), the control program 32 outputs a scan instruction to the reading unit 20 (S116). This starts the scanning process of the document set in the ADF or the like of the MFP 10. Next, the control program 32 judges whether the input parameters correspond to the parameter conditions of the preview display conditions (S118). For example, if color copy is set as the parameter condition and the print setting item indicating the print color input as the input parameter is color copy, it is judged that the input parameters correspond to the parameter condition. Also, if the upper limit number of copies is set as the parameter condition and the print setting item indicating the number of copies input as the input parameter exceeds the upper limit number, it is judged that the input parameters correspond to the parameter condition.

If the input parameter corresponds to the parameter condition (S118: YES), the control program 32 judges whether the display information is information indicating that the display of the preview display condition is valid (S120). At this time, if the display information is information indicating that the display of the preview display condition is valid (S120: YES), the control program 32 displays the condition confirmation screen 100 shown in FIG. 9 on the LCD 16 (S122). The condition confirmation screen 100 displays a comment 102 indicating that a preview image will be displayed, and the preview display condition 104 determined to be applicable in the processing of S118. Note that, in the condition confirmation screen 100 of FIG. 9, the parameter condition color copy 104a, the parameter condition number of copies 104b, and the number of copies 104c of the number of sheets condition are exemplified as the preview display condition 104, but in the actual condition confirmation screen 100, only the preview display condition 104 determined to be applicable in the processing of S118 is displayed. That is, if it is determined in the process of S118 that only the parameter condition "color copy" is satisfied, only color copy 104a is displayed as the preview display condition 104 on the condition confirmation screen 100, and if it is determined in the process of S118 that the parameter conditions "color copy" and "number of copies" are satisfied, color copy 104a and number of copies 104b are displayed as the preview display condition 104 on the condition confirmation screen 100. This allows the user to recognize the reason why the preview image is displayed. Then, when the condition confirmation screen 100 is displayed on the LCD 16, the process proceeds to S124. On the other hand, if the display information in S122 indicates that the display of the preview display condition is invalid (S120: NO), the process of S122 is skipped, that is, the condition confirmation screen 100 is not displayed, and the process proceeds to S124.

Next, in S124, the control program 32 determines whether the print permission conditions are the individual image print permission conditions (S124). If the print permission conditions are the individual image print permission conditions (S124: YES), the control program 32 executes a subroutine for executing a print process according to the individual image print permission conditions (hereinafter, referred to as the "individual image print execution subroutine") (S126).

In each image print execution subroutine, the control program 32 displays the preview screen 110 shown in FIG. 10 on the LCD 16 (S200). A preview image 112 is displayed on the preview screen 110. The preview image 112 displays an image based on the scan data of the first page of the document that has been read by the reading unit 20. In other words, for example, if multiple pages of documents are set in the ADF, an image based on the scan data of the first page of the document is displayed in the preview image 112.

In addition, a cancel button (an example of a first object) 114 and a send button 116 are displayed on the preview screen 110. If the cancel button 114 is operated (S202: YES), the process returns to S110 of the main routine. As a result, a copy execution screen is displayed on the LCD 16 instead of the preview screen 110. In other words, if the user checks the preview image 112 and does not want to print it, the copy process of the document set in the ADF is canceled by operating the cancel button 114, and the copy execution screen is displayed on the LCD 16 to execute a new copy process.

Furthermore, if the forward button 116 is operated on the preview screen 110 (S204: YES), the control program 32 outputs a print instruction to the recording unit 22 (S206). At this time, the control program 32 outputs a print instruction for the image displayed in the preview image 112. As a result, the printing process for the image displayed in the preview image 112 is executed in the recording unit 22. That is, in the printing process according to each image printing allowable condition, after the preview image 112 is confirmed on the preview screen 110, the forward button 116 is operated to print the image displayed in the preview image 112.

Then, the control program 32 judges whether the images of all the documents have been displayed as the preview images 112 (S208). At this time, if the images of all the documents have not been displayed as the preview images 112 (S208: NO), the processes of S200 to S206 are repeated. That is, when a document of multiple pages is set in the ADF, when the image of the document of the first page is displayed in the preview image 112, if the feed button 116 is operated, the image of the document of the first page is printed. Then, on the preview screen 110, the image of the document of the second page is displayed as the preview image 112. At this time, when the feed button 116 is operated, the image of the document of the second page is printed, and on the preview screen 110, the image of the document of the third page is displayed as the preview image 112. In this way, in the printing process according to each image printing permission condition, the printing process of the preview image 112 is executed each time the feed button 116 is operated on the preview screen 110, and the image of the new document is displayed sequentially as the preview image 112. Then, when all the images of the original are displayed as preview images 112 (S208: YES), the image print execution subroutine ends and the main routine also ends.

Also, if the print permission conditions in S124 are not the individual image print permission conditions (S124: NO), that is, if the print permission conditions are the all image print permission conditions, the control program 32 executes a subroutine for executing the print process in accordance with the all image print permission conditions (hereinafter referred to as the "all image print execution subroutine") (S128).

In the all image print execution subroutine, the control program 32 displays the preview screen 110 shown in FIG. 10 on the LCD 16 (S300). That is, in the all image print execution subroutine, the preview screen 110 is displayed as in each image print execution subroutine. Then, when the cancel button 114 is operated on the preview screen 110 (S302: YES), the process returns to S110 of the main routine as in each image print execution subroutine. Also, when the forward button 116 is operated on the preview screen 110 (S304: YES), the control program 32 determines whether the next page of the document displayed as the preview image 112 on the preview screen 110 is the final page of the document (S306). At this time, if the next page of the document displayed as the preview image 112 is not the final page of the document (S306: NO), the processes of S300 to S304 are repeated. On the other hand, if the page of the document next to the one displayed as the preview image 112 is the final page of the document (S306: YES), the process proceeds to S308.

In other words, for example, if three pages of originals are set in the ADF, when the image of the first page of the original is displayed in the preview image 112, if the forward button 116 is operated, the image of the second page of the original is displayed as the preview image 112 on the preview screen 110, since the second page of the original is not the final page of the original (S306: NO). In this case, if the forward button 116 is operated, the image of the third page of the original is the final page of the original (S306: YES), and the process proceeds to S308.

In S308, the control program 32 determines whether the reconfiguration information indicates that the display of the reconfiguration screen is enabled (S308). At this time, if the reconfiguration information is not information indicating that the display of the reconfiguration screen is enabled (S308: NO), that is, if the reconfiguration information is information indicating that the display of the reconfiguration screen is disabled, the control program 32 displays the first final preview screen 120 shown in FIG. 11 on the LCD 16 (S310). The first final preview screen 120 displays a preview image 122, and the preview image 122 displays an image based on the scan data of the final page of the document. In addition, the first final preview screen 120 displays a cancel button (an example of a first object) 124 and a print button (an example of a second object) 126. Then, if the cancel button 124 is operated (S312: YES), the process returns to S110 of the main routine. Also, if the print button 126 is operated (S314: YES), the all image printing execution subroutine ends, and in the main routine, the control program 32 outputs a print instruction to the recording unit 22 (S130). At this time, the control program 32 outputs a print instruction for the images of all documents for which scanning has been completed. As a result, all images of the documents are printed. In this way, in the printing process according to the all image printing permission conditions, after all images of the documents are confirmed in the preview image 112 of the preview screen 110 and the preview image 122 of the first final preview screen 120, the print button 126 is operated to print the images of all those documents.

If the reconfiguration information indicates that the reconfiguration screen display is enabled (S308: YES), the control program 32 displays a second final preview screen (not shown) on the LCD 16 (S316). The second final preview screen is substantially the same as the first final preview screen 120, but displays not only a preview image, a print button, and a cancel button, but also a reconfiguration button. If the cancel button or print button is operated, the same processing is executed as if the cancel button 124 and print button 126 were operated on the first final preview screen 120.

When the re-setting button is operated on the second final preview screen (S322: YES), the control program 32 displays the re-setting screen (an example of a notification screen) 140 shown in FIG. 12 on the LCD 16 (S324). This re-setting screen 140 displays a setting field 142 for re-setting the setting items according to the preview display conditions. Note that the re-setting screen 140 of FIG. 12 displays an example of a setting field 142a for re-setting the setting items related to the print color, a setting field 142b for re-setting the setting items related to the number of copies to be printed, and a setting field 142c for re-setting the setting items related to the print surface, but the actual re-setting screen 140 displays a setting field 142 for re-setting the setting items according to the preview display conditions determined to be applicable in the process of S118. In other words, if the process of S118 determines that only the parameter condition color copy in the preview display conditions is applicable, then the reconfiguration screen 140 displays only the setting field 142a for reconfiguring the setting items related to the print color, and if the process of S118 determines that the parameter conditions color copy and number of copies in the preview display conditions are applicable, then the reconfiguration screen 140 displays the setting field 142a for reconfiguring the setting items related to the print color and the setting field 142b for reconfiguring the setting items related to the number of copies.

When any of the setting fields 142 is operated by the user (S326: YES), the control program 32 changes the input parameters to parameters corresponding to the operated setting field 142 (S328). This causes the reconfiguration screen 140 to be displayed according to the reconfiguration information, and the setting field 142 on the reconfiguration screen 140 can be operated to change the setting items corresponding to the preview display conditions. Note that if the setting field 142 is not operated (S326: NO), the processing of S326 is skipped.

The reconfiguration screen 140 also displays a cancel button 144 and a print button 146. If the cancel button 144 is operated (S330: YES), the process returns to S110 of the main routine. If the print button 146 is operated (S332: YES), the all image print execution subroutine ends, and in the main routine, the control program 32 outputs a print instruction to the recording unit 22 (S130). At this time, the control program 32 outputs a print instruction for the images of all original documents for which scanning has been completed. As a result, the images of all original documents are printed.

The processes of S200, S300, S310, and S316 may be executed in parallel with the scan process based on the scan instruction output in S116. Therefore, in the processes of S200, S300, S310, and S316, when the preview screen 110, the first final preview screen 120, and the second final preview screen are displayed, the scanning process of the document displayed as the preview images 112 and 122 may not be completed. Therefore, in such a case, for example, a comment indicating that scanning is in progress is displayed at the position of the preview images 112 and 122, and the system goes into a standby state. Then, after the scanning process of the document displayed as the preview images 112 and 122 is completed, the preview images 112 and 122 are displayed.

In addition, in S118, if the input parameters do not meet the parameter conditions (S118: NO), the control program 32 judges whether the scanning process of all documents set in the ADF or the like has been completed (S132). Then, if the scanning process of all documents has been completed (S132: NO), the control program 32 calculates the number of sheets to be printed when the printing process is executed based on the scan data after the scanning process has been completed (hereinafter, referred to as the "number of sheets to be printed") (S134). That is, the control program 32 specifies the number of sheets of documents that have been scanned, and calculates the number of sheets to be printed by multiplying the number of sheets of documents by the number of copies to be printed, which is the input parameter. Then, the control program 32 judges whether the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136). At this time, if the upper limit number of sheets to be printed is set as the preview display condition, and the number of sheets to be printed exceeds the upper limit number, it is judged that the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition.

If the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136: YES), the process from S120 onwards is executed. Note that the process from S120 onwards when the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136: YES) is substantially the same as the process from S120 onwards when the input parameters meet the parameter condition (S118: YES), so only the differences will be explained. First, in the process of S122, the condition confirmation screen 100 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the LCD 16, but when the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136: YES), only the preview display condition 104 determined to be met in the process of S136, i.e., the number of sheets to be printed 104c of the number of sheets condition, is displayed on the condition confirmation screen 100.

In addition, when the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136: YES), the processes of S200, S300, S310, and S316 are executed after the scanning process of all documents is completed (S132: YES), so there is no standby state as described above. In addition, in the process of S324, the reset screen 140 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the LCD 16, but in the reset screen 140 when the number of sheets to be printed meets the number of sheets condition (S136: YES), a setting field 142 for resetting the setting items according to the preview display condition determined to be met in the process of S136 is displayed. In other words, the setting field 142 for resetting the number of sheets to be printed is displayed. However, a setting field for indirectly resetting the number of sheets to be printed is displayed, not a setting field for directly resetting the number of sheets to be printed. Specifically, a setting field 142c for resetting the setting items related to the printing surface is displayed. This is because, for example, if the setting item for the printing side is set to single-sided printing and the number of sheets to be printed is 10, the setting item for the printing side can be reset to double-sided printing, changing the number of sheets to be printed from 10 to 5.

Except for this type of processing, if the number of sheets to be printed meets the sheet count condition (S136: YES), the processing from S120 onwards is executed, thereby achieving the same effect as when the number of sheets to be printed meets the sheet count condition (S136: YES).

If the number of sheets to be printed does not meet the sheet count condition (S136: NO), the control program 32 outputs a print instruction to the recording unit 22 to print the images of all documents for which scanning has been completed (S130). This causes all images of the documents to be printed. In other words, if the input parameters do not meet the parameter conditions (S118: NO) and the number of sheets to be printed does not meet the sheet count condition (S136: NO), the preview image is not displayed, and the copy process is executed by operating the execute button on the condition confirmation screen 100.

The CPU 12 that executes S102 is an example of the first reception means and the fifth reception means. The CPU 12 that executes S106 is an example of the second reception means. The CPU 12 that executes S108 is an example of the sixth reception means. The CPU 12 that executes S112 is an example of the fourth reception means and the seventh reception means. The CPU 12 that executes S130 and S206 is an example of the print processing execution means. The CPU 12 that executes S132 is an example of the acquisition means. The CPU 12 that executes S200, S300, S310, and S316 are an example of the first display control means, the second display control means, the third display control means, and the fourth display control means. The CPU 12 that executes S204 and S304 is an example of the third reception means. The CPU 12 that executes S324 is an example of the fifth display control means.

The above-described embodiment provides the following advantages:

The control program 32 accepts preview display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed as preview images, and displays the preview image on the LCD 16 when the preview display conditions are met. The control program 32 also accepts print permission conditions for executing a print process of the preview image displayed on the LCD 16, and outputs a print instruction for the preview image displayed on the LCD 16 when the print permission conditions are met. In other words, it executes a print process of the preview image displayed on the LCD 16. This makes it possible to display a preview image according to any preview display condition, and execute a print process of the preview image according to any print permission condition.

The control program 32 also switches between images based on one page of the image data for multiple pages and displays them as preview images, and when the print permission condition of displaying all images based on the image data for multiple pages is met, executes the printing process for the images based on the image data for multiple pages. This allows the image for one page to be switched between and properly checked before the printing process for all images is executed.

In addition, when a print permission condition is met in which an image based on image data of a specified page among multiple pages of image data is displayed as a preview image by a user operation of the forward button 116 on the preview screen 110, the control program 32 executes a print process of the displayed image. This makes it possible to execute a print process of the image of the page specified by the user operation.

In addition, when a user operates the forward button 116 on the preview screen 110 to display an image based on image data of a specific page among multiple pages of image data as a preview image, the control program 32 executes a print process for the displayed image on the condition that the print button 126 on the first final preview screen 120 is operated. This makes it possible to execute the print process with the operation of the print button 126 as a final confirmation.

The control program 32 also accepts parameter conditions as preview display conditions, and displays a preview image on the LCD 16 when the parameter conditions are met. This allows the user to check the image to be printed as a preview image before a printing process that uses a lot of ink or a printing process that uses color ink is executed, for example, by setting print parameters that use a lot of ink or parameters for a printing process that uses color ink as parameter conditions.

The control program 32 also accepts a number of sheets condition as a preview display condition, and displays a preview image on the LCD 16 if the number of sheets condition is met. The number of sheets condition is a condition indicating the number of prints calculated from the number of sheets of the document based on the scan data and the number of copies to be printed as a printing parameter, and is a condition related to the scanned document. An upper limit is set as the number of sheets condition, and if the calculated number of sheets to be printed exceeds the set upper limit, the number of sheets condition is met and a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16. This allows the image to be printed to be checked as a preview image before a printing process involving a large number of prints is executed.

The control program 32 also receives preview display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed as preview images, and displays the preview image on the LCD 16 when the preview display conditions are met. When a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16, the control program 32 also displays a reconfiguration screen 140 on the LCD 16 to notify the user of restrictions on the printing process of the preview image. This allows the user to restrict the printing process after checking the preview image.

The control program 32 also receives reconfiguration information indicating whether or not to display the reconfiguration screen 140 via the input I/F 18. This allows the reconfiguration screen 140 to be displayed according to the user's wishes.

The control program 32 also accepts input parameters as parameters for the candidate image to be printed. Then, when the input parameters meet the parameter conditions of the preview display conditions, the control program 32 displays a preview image on the LCD 16. Then, the control program 32 displays a reconfiguration screen 140 on the LCD 16 that notifies the user of restrictions on the print process according to the parameter conditions. This allows the user to check the image to be printed when the print process is executed according to parameters corresponding to the parameter conditions, and restricts the print process according to the print parameters.

Specifically, for example, when the parameter condition of the preview display condition is set to color copy and the input parameter is color copy, a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16. Then, the control program 32 displays a resetting screen 140 on the LCD 16 for executing a print process according to monochrome printing instead of color printing. This makes it possible to execute a print process with a limited amount of color ink used. Also, for example, when the parameter condition of the preview display condition is set to the upper limit number of copies to be printed and the input parameter number of copies to be printed exceeds the upper limit, a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16. Then, the control program 32 displays a resetting screen 140 on the LCD 16 for executing a print process with the upper limit number of copies or less. This makes it possible to execute a print process with a limited number of copies to be printed.

The control program 32 also accepts a number of sheets condition as a preview display condition, and displays a preview image on the LCD 16 when the number of sheets condition is met. The control program 32 then displays a re-setting screen 140 on the LCD 16 that limits the number of sheets condition. The number of sheets condition is a condition indicating the number of prints calculated from the number of sheets of the document based on the scan data and the number of copies to be printed as a print parameter, and is a condition related to the scanned document. Therefore, when an upper limit is set as the number of sheets condition, and the calculated number of sheets to be printed exceeds the set upper limit, the number of sheets condition is met and a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16. The control program 32 then displays a re-setting screen 140 on the LCD 16 for executing a print process with the number of sheets not exceeding the upper limit. This makes it possible to execute a print process with a limited number of prints.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, when an image based on the image data of all pages of the image data of multiple pages is displayed as the preview image 112, the print permission condition is met and the image print process is executed. However, when an image based on the image data of a predetermined percentage of pages of the image data of multiple pages, for example, an image of 5 pages, which is half of the images of 10 pages, is displayed as the preview image 112, the print permission condition may be met and the image print process may be executed. Also, when an image containing a large amount of text data of the images of multiple pages is displayed as the preview image 112, the print permission condition may be met and the image print process may be executed.

In the above embodiment, when the print permission condition is met, the print process of the image displayed as the preview image 112 is executed, but the print process of an image not displayed as the preview image 112 may also be executed. For example, when images for five pages out of images for ten pages are displayed as the preview image 112, the print process of images for ten pages may be executed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the print permission conditions are met during the copy process, a print process of an image based on the scan data formed by the scan process is executed, but when the print permission conditions are met during the print process, a print process of an image based on the image data stored in the data storage area 34 may be executed. In other words, when any image data is selected by a user operation from the image data stored in the data storage area 34 during the print process, the print permission conditions are met and a print process of an image based on the selected image data may be executed. Also, a print process of an image based on image data obtained from a device other than the MFP 10 may be executed.

In the above embodiment, the control program 32 switches between images based on one page of image data among multiple pages of image data, and the print process is executed by operating the print button 126 on the first final preview screen 120. However, the print process may be executed even if the print button 126 is not operated, with the first final preview screen 120 being continuously displayed for a predetermined time as a print permission condition. The print process may also be executed with the cancel button 124 on the first final preview screen 120 not being operated as a print permission condition.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an all-image printing permission condition is set such that all images based on the scanned data are displayed as preview images, and printing is performed when the all-image printing permission condition is met and the print button 126 is operated on the first final preview screen 120. However, a condition that the print button 126 is operated on the first final preview screen 120 may be set as a printing permission condition, and printing may be performed when the condition is met.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the printing process is restricted by the parameter conditions and the number of sheets conditions, i.e., the printing process is restricted by restricting the printing process for color copies, the printing process that exceeds the upper limit of copies, and the printing process that exceeds the upper limit of sheets, but the printing process itself may be restricted. In other words, when the preview display conditions are met and a preview image is displayed on the LCD 16, the printing process of the image displayed as the preview image may be forcibly canceled, and a notification screen may be displayed on the LCD 16 to notify that the printing process has been canceled.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the processes shown in Figures 2 to 7 were executed by the CPU 12, but these processes may be executed not only by the CPU 12 but also by an ASIC or other logic integrated circuit, or these processes may be executed by a CPU, an ASIC, or other logic integrated circuit working together.

10: MFP, 12: CPU, 14: memory, 16: LCD, 18: input I/F, 32: control program

Claims (19)

A printing device comprising a display interface, a user interface, and a computer,
The computer,
An acquisition means for acquiring image data;
a first receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed on the display interface based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means;
a first display control means for causing the display interface to display an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means when the display condition accepted by the first acceptance means is satisfied;
a second receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, print conditions for executing a print process of the image data when the display conditions are met and the image is displayed on the display interface by the first display control means;
a print process execution means for executing a print process of an image based on the image data displayed on the display interface when the display condition is met, the image candidate to be printed based on the image data is displayed on the display interface by the first display control means, and the print condition accepted by the second acceptance means is met;
A printing device characterized in that it functions as a printing apparatus. The acquisition means includes:
Acquire image data for multiple pages,
The first display control means
When the display condition accepted by the first accepting means is satisfied, images based on the image data of the plurality of pages are displayed on the display interface while switching between images based on the image data of one page;
The second reception means is
a condition that a predetermined time period elapses after the first display control means displays all of the images based on the image data of the plurality of pages, is accepted as the printing condition;
The printing process execution means includes:
The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a printing condition is met in which a predetermined time has elapsed after the first display control means has displayed all of the images based on the image data for the multiple pages, a printing process is executed for the images based on the image data displayed on the display interface. The acquisition means includes:
Acquire image data for multiple pages,
The computer,
functioning as a third reception unit that receives, via the user interface, an operation to designate an arbitrary page among the plurality of pages;
The first display control means
when the display condition accepted by the first accepting means is satisfied, an image based on the image data of the arbitrary page is displayed on the display interface in response to the operation accepted by the third accepting means;
The second reception means is
the first display control means accepts, as the printing condition, a condition that images based on image data for a predetermined number of pages among the plurality of pages are displayed in response to the operation accepted by the third acceptance means;
The printing process execution means includes:
The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a printing condition is met in which the first display control means displays an image based on the image data for the specified number of pages in response to an operation accepted by the third acceptance means, the first display control means executes a printing process for the image based on the image data displayed on the display interface. The computer,
functioning as a second display control means for displaying, on the display interface, a first object for canceling printing of the image displayed by the first display control means;
The printing process execution means includes:
The printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that when a printing condition is met in which the first display control means displays an image based on the image data for the specified number of pages in response to an operation accepted by the third acceptance means, the first display control means executes a printing process of the image based on the image data displayed on the display interface, provided that the first object is not operated. The computer,
a third display control means for causing the display interface to display a second object for executing printing of the image displayed by the first display control means;
The printing process execution means includes:
A printing device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when a printing condition is met in which the first display control means displays an image based on the image data for the specified number of pages in accordance with the operation accepted by the third acceptance means, the first display control means executes a printing process of an image based on the image data displayed on the display interface, on the condition that the second object has been operated. The computer,
a fourth reception unit that receives, via the user interface, printing parameters of setting items for executing a printing process;
The first reception means is
a condition that the printing parameters accepted by the fourth accepting means are predetermined printing parameters is accepted as the display condition;
The first display control means
A printing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when a display condition is met in which the printing parameters accepted by the fourth accepting means are specified printing parameters, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means is displayed on the display interface. The computer,
a third display control means for causing the display interface to display a second object for executing printing of the image displayed by the first display control means;
The second reception means is
accepting, as the printing condition, a condition that an operation on the second object is accepted via the user interface;
The printing process execution means includes:
A printing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that when a printing condition is met that accepts operations on the second object via the user interface, a printing process of an image based on image data in which the image is displayed on the display interface is executed. The acquisition means includes:
The scanned data created by scanning the document is acquired as the image data;
The first reception means is
accepts, as the display conditions, conditions related to a document scanned when the scan data acquired by the acquisition means was created;
The first display control means
A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when a condition relating to the document accepted by the first accepting means is met, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface. A printing device comprising a display interface, a user interface, and a computer,
The computer,
An acquisition means for acquiring image data;
a fifth receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed on the display interface based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means;
a fourth display control means for causing the display interface to display an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means when the display condition accepted by the fifth acceptance means is satisfied;
a fifth display control means for, when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, displaying, on the display interface, a notification screen for notifying the user of a restriction on printing of the image;
A printing device characterized in that it functions as a printing apparatus. The computer,
a sixth reception unit that receives information indicating whether the notification screen is to be displayed or not via the user interface;
The fifth display control means is
A printing device as described in claim 9, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, the notification screen is displayed on the display interface, provided that the information accepted by the sixth acceptance means indicates the display of a notification screen. The computer,
a seventh reception unit that receives, via the user interface, printing parameters of setting items for executing a printing process;
The fifth reception means is
a condition that the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are predetermined printing parameters is accepted as the display condition;
The fourth display control means is
when the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are the predetermined printing parameters, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface;
The fifth display control means is
The printing device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen notifying of restrictions on printing processing in accordance with the specified printing parameters is displayed on the display interface. The fifth reception means is
a condition that the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are printing parameters indicating color printing is accepted as the display condition;
The fourth display control means is
when the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are printing parameters indicating color printing, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface;
The fifth display control means is
The printing device according to claim 11, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen is displayed on the display interface to notify of restrictions on printing processing by performing printing processing according to monochrome printing rather than color printing. The fifth reception means is
a condition that the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are printing parameters indicating printing more than a predetermined number of copies is accepted as the display condition;
The fourth display control means is
when the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are printing parameters indicating printing more than the predetermined number of copies, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface;
The fifth display control means is
The printing device according to claim 11, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen is displayed on the display interface to notify the user of a printing process restriction by performing printing processing of less than the specified number of copies. The acquisition means includes:
The scanned data created by scanning the document is acquired as the image data;
The fifth reception means is
accepts, as the display conditions, conditions related to a document scanned when the scan data acquired by the acquisition means was created;
The fourth display control means is
when a condition related to the document accepted by the fifth accepting means is satisfied, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface;
The fifth display control means is
A printing device as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen is displayed on the display interface to notify of restrictions on the printing process by restricting conditions related to the document. The fifth reception means is
a condition regarding the number of documents scanned when the scan data acquired by the acquisition means was created is received as the display condition;
The fourth display control means is
when a condition related to the number of sheets of the document accepted by the fifth accepting means is satisfied, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means is displayed on the display interface;
The fifth display control means is
The printing device according to claim 14, characterized in that when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen is displayed on the display interface to notify the user of a restriction on the printing process by limiting the number of prints. The computer,
a seventh reception unit that receives, via the user interface, printing parameters of setting items for executing a printing process;
The acquisition means includes:
The scanned data created by scanning the document is acquired as the image data;
The fifth reception means is
accepts, as the display conditions, a condition that the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are predetermined printing parameters and a condition related to an original scanned when the scan data acquired by the acquiring means was created;
The fourth display control means is
A printing device as described in any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that when the printing parameters accepted by the seventh accepting means are the specified printing parameters, or when a condition related to the document accepted by the fifth accepting means is met, an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means is displayed on the display interface. The fifth display control means is
The printing device according to claim 16, characterized in that when the printing parameters accepted by the seventh acceptance means are the specified printing parameters and an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen notifying of restrictions on printing processing in accordance with the specified printing parameters is displayed on the display interface, and when a condition related to the document accepted by the fifth acceptance means is met and an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, a notification screen notifying of restrictions on printing processing by restricting the conditions related to the document is displayed on the display interface. A computer readable control program for a printing device having a display interface and a user interface, comprising:
The computer,
An acquisition means for acquiring image data;
a first receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed on the display interface based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means;
a first display control means for causing the display interface to display an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means when the display condition accepted by the first acceptance means is satisfied;
a second receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, print conditions for executing a print process of the image data when the display conditions are met and the image is displayed on the display interface by the first display control means;
a print process execution means for executing a print process of an image based on the image data displayed on the display interface when the display condition is met, the image candidate to be printed based on the image data is displayed on the display interface by the first display control means, and the print condition accepted by the second acceptance means is met;
A control program for causing a computer to function as described above. A computer readable control program for a printing device having a display interface and a user interface, comprising:
The computer,
An acquisition means for acquiring image data;
a fifth receiving means for receiving, via the user interface, display conditions for displaying candidate images to be printed on the display interface based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means;
a fourth display control means for causing the display interface to display an image based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means when the display condition accepted by the fifth acceptance means is satisfied;
a fifth display control means for, when an image is displayed by the fourth display control means, displaying, on the display interface, a notification screen for notifying the user of a restriction on printing of the image;
A control program for causing a computer to function as described above.

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