JP7102792B2 - Print control device, print device, print control program, and print program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print control device, a print device, a print control program, and a print program.

Patent Document 1 describes specific means for specifying an operator who has input an output request for outputting an output target, output control means for controlling output processing for the output request, and immediate operation of the output request by the operator. The output control means is provided with an event detection means for detecting an event that may stop the output, and the output control means performs an immediate output process of the output request when the operator is specified. Even when the operator is instructed and the operator is specified, if the event detecting means detects the event, the immediate output processing of the output request is stopped. The information processing device to be used is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 is a printing system including a printing apparatus, which includes a receiving means for receiving a printing job generated in response to a user operation, and the printing job has either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is an attribute that requests the immediate execution of printing independently of other print jobs, and the second mode waits for the execution of printing until a predetermined condition is satisfied. The storage means for accumulating the received print jobs, the first determination means for determining the mode assigned to the stored print jobs, and the first mode for the stored print jobs. Is given, a second determination means for determining whether or not printing for the print job is possible based on the state of consumables required for printing, and printing for the accumulated print job. When it is determined that printing is not possible, a notification to the information processing device of the sender of the printing job that printing is not possible and that consumables necessary for printing need to be replenished / replaced. The second determination means, including means, redetermines whether or not printing of the accumulated print job is possible after the notification by the notification means, and further, printing of the accumulated print job is possible. A printing system is disclosed, which includes an execution means for executing printing for the print job when becomes.

Patent Document 3 includes a first board having a control unit for controlling the processing of print data received from the outside via an interface, the transition to the energy saving mode and the return from the energy saving mode under predetermined conditions. A second board for performing the expansion processing of the print data is provided, and the print data from the outside received by the first board is transferred to the second board and expanded on the second board. In the image processing apparatus in which the control unit controls the image data so that the image data is received by the first board and the received image data is printed in the recording unit, the control unit is set to the energy saving mode. Even if the migration condition is satisfied, if there is print data or image data being processed or waiting to be processed on either the first board or the second board, the transition to the energy saving mode is prohibited. The image processing apparatus is disclosed.

JP-A-2017-159618 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-199838 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-311884

The present invention can prevent a printing device managed by a specific administrator from printing printed matter of different users within a corresponding time range even when it is used by an external user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device, a print device, a print control program, and a print program that can be used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transmission unit that transmits the first print information to the printing device, the receiving unit that receives the state information indicating the state of the printing device, and the state information are the first printing information. A control unit that controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information to the printing device when different second print information represents a printing state or a state in which printing is scheduled to be performed. It is a print control device including.

In the invention according to claim 2, the control unit is in a state where the second print information of another user's identifier different from the user's identifier corresponding to the first print information is printed, or is scheduled to be printed. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of the first print information to the printing device when the state is represented.

In the invention according to claim 3, each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group, and the control unit belongs to the other group different from the group to which the user's identifier of the first print information belongs. A request for controlling the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information when the second print information of the user's identifier represents a state in which the second print information is printed or is scheduled to be printed. Item 2. The print control device according to Item 2.

In the invention according to claim 4, when the control unit controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information to the printing device, the second print information of the other user can be used. The print control device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit controls the display unit so that the printed state or the state to be printed is displayed on the display unit.

In the invention according to claim 5, when the control unit controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information to the printing device, the user belonging to the other group The print control device according to claim 3, wherein the display unit controls the display unit so that the display unit displays a state in which the second print information is printed or is scheduled to be printed.

The invention according to claim 6 has a transmission unit that transmits the first print information to the printing device, a normal state indicating that printing is possible by the printing device, and a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is less than the normal state. A receiving unit that receives operating state information representing any of the states, and a transmitting unit that prohibits transmission of the first print information to the printing device when the operating state information represents the normal state. It is a print control device including a control unit for controlling the above.

In the invention according to claim 7, the receiving unit further receives the identifier of the user corresponding to the second print information last printed by the printing device, and the control unit is received by the receiving unit. When the operating state information represents the normal state and the user's identifier of the second print information received by the receiver is different from the user's identifier of the first print information, the printing apparatus. The print control device according to claim 6, which controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information to.

In the invention according to claim 8, each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group, and in the control unit, the operation state information received by the reception unit represents the normal state, and the reception unit. When the group to which the user's identifier of the second print information belongs is different from the group to which the user's identifier of the first print information belongs, the transmission of the first print information is prohibited. The print control device according to claim 7, which controls the transmission unit.

In the invention according to claim 9, the transmitting unit that transmits the first print information to the printing device, the receiving unit that receives the time when the printing device last printed, and the current time are the last printing. It is a print control device including a control unit that controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit transmission of the first print information to the printing device when the time is within a predetermined range.

In the invention according to claim 10, the receiving unit further receives the identifier of the user corresponding to the second print information last printed by the printing device, and the control unit has the current time at the end. When it is within a predetermined range from the time when printing is performed, and when the user's identifier of the second print information is different from the user's identifier of the first print information, the printing device is supplied. The print control device according to claim 9, which controls the transmission unit so as to prohibit the transmission of the first print information.

The invention according to claim 11 is a case where each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group, and the control unit has a current time within a predetermined range from the time of the last printing. When the group to which the user's identifier of the second print information belongs is different from the group to which the user's identifier of the first print information belongs, the transmission of the first print information is prohibited. The print control device according to claim 10, which controls the transmission unit.

The invention according to claim 12 includes a print information receiving unit that receives print information and a user's identifier of the print information, a printing unit that prints the print information received by the print information receiving unit, and printing. Alternatively, a printing apparatus including a print control unit that controls the printing unit so as to prohibit printing of the printing information corresponding to an identifier of another user different from the user's identifier of the print information printed last. Is.

In the invention according to claim 13, each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group, and the print control unit is a group to which the user's identifier of the print information printed during printing or last printed belongs. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the printing unit is controlled so as to prohibit printing of the printing information corresponding to an identifier of a user belonging to another different group.

The invention according to claim 14 includes a print information receiving unit that receives print information, a printing unit that prints the print information received by the print information receiving unit, a normal state indicating that printing is possible, and the present invention. Of the operating state information indicating any of the power saving states indicating a state in which the power consumption is less than the normal state, when the operating state information of the printing device is the normal state, printing of the print information is prohibited. , A printing device including a printing control unit that controls the printing unit.

According to the invention of claim 15, when the operating state information of the printing device is the power saving state, the print control unit prints the printing information after changing the power saving state to the normal state. The printing apparatus according to claim 14, which controls the printing unit.

The invention according to claim 16 includes a print information receiving unit that receives print information and an identifier of a user who has transmitted the print information, a printing unit that prints the print information received by the print information receiving unit, and presently. When the time is within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed by the printing device, the printing corresponding to the identifier of another user different from the user's identifier of the print information last printed. It is a printing apparatus including a print control unit that controls the printing unit so as to prohibit printing of information.

In the invention according to claim 17, each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group, and the print control unit has the current time within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed. In a certain case, the printing unit is controlled so as to prohibit printing of the print information corresponding to the identifier of the user belonging to another group different from the group to which the user's identifier of the print information printed last belongs. The printing apparatus according to claim 16.

The invention according to claim 18 is a print control program for causing a computer to function as each part of the print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

The invention according to claim 19 is a printing program for making a computer function as each part of the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

The invention according to claim 20 includes a transmission step of transmitting the first print information to the printing device to a computer included in the print control device, a receiving step of receiving state information indicating the state of the printing device, and the above-mentioned invention. When the state information represents a state in which a second print information different from the first print information is being printed or is scheduled to be printed, transmission of the first print information to the printing device is prohibited. As described above, it is a print control program that executes a control step to be controlled.

The invention according to claim 21 includes a transmission step of transmitting the first print information to the printing device to the computer included in the printing control device, a normal state indicating that printing is possible by the printing device, and the normal state. A reception step for receiving operation state information indicating any of the power saving states indicating a state in which power consumption is less than the state, and the first print information on the printing apparatus when the operation state information represents the normal state. It is a print control program that executes a control step to control so as to prohibit the transmission of.

The invention according to claim 22 includes a transmission step of transmitting the first print information to the printing device to the computer included in the print control device, and a receiving step of receiving the time when the printing device last printed. , When the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed, printing is performed to execute a control step for controlling so as to prohibit the transmission of the first printing information to the printing device. It is a control program.

The invention according to claim 23 is a print information receiving step for receiving print information and a user's identifier of the print information to a computer included in the printing apparatus, and the print information received by the print information receiving step. A print step for printing the print information and a control step for controlling the printing of the print information corresponding to another user's identifier different from the user's identifier of the print information printed during or last printed. It is a printing program to be executed.

The invention according to claim 24 includes a print information receiving step for receiving print information, a printing step for printing the print information received by the print information receiving step, and printing on a computer included in the printing apparatus. When the operating state information of the printing apparatus is the normal state, out of the operating state information indicating either a normal state indicating that it is possible or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is less than the normal state. It is a printing program that executes a control step that controls so as to prohibit printing of the print information.

The invention according to claim 25 is a print information receiving step for receiving print information and an identifier of a user who has transmitted the print information to a computer included in the printing apparatus, and the print information receiving step received by the print information receiving step. The print step for printing the print information and other print steps that differ from the user's identifier for the last printed print information if the current time is within a predetermined range from the last print time. It is a printing program that executes a control step to control so as to prohibit printing of the print information corresponding to the user's identifier.

According to the inventions according to claims 1, 6, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20 to 25, a printing device managed by a specific administrator is used by an external user. However, it is suppressed that printed matter of different users is printed within the corresponding time range.

According to the invention of claim 2, when the printed matter is being printed or is scheduled to be printed, the printed matter of a different user is printed within the corresponding time range by using the user's identifier associated with the user terminal. Is suppressed.

According to the invention of claim 3, when the printed matter is being printed or is scheduled to be printed, it is suppressed that the printed matter of the user belonging to a different group is printed within the corresponding time range.

According to the invention of claim 4, information indicating that the print information of a different user is being printed or is scheduled to be printed by the printing apparatus is presented to the user.

According to the invention of claim 5, information indicating that the print information of the users belonging to different groups is being printed or is scheduled to be printed by the printing apparatus is presented to the user.

According to the invention of claim 7, when the printing apparatus is in a normal state, printed matter of different users is printed within the corresponding time range by using the user's identifier associated with the user terminal. Is suppressed.

According to the invention of claim 8, when the printing apparatus is in a normal state, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being printed within the corresponding time range.

According to the invention of claim 10, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time of the last printing, a different user is used by using the user's identifier associated with the user terminal. Printed matter is suppressed from being printed within the corresponding time range.

According to the invention of claim 11, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time of the last printing, the printed matter of the user belonging to a different group is printed within the corresponding time range. Is suppressed.

According to the invention of claim 13, when the printed matter is being printed or printed, the printed matter of the user belonging to a different group is suppressed from being printed within the corresponding time range.

According to the invention of claim 15, printing information is printed even when the printing apparatus is in a power saving state.

According to the invention of claim 17, if it is within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed, the printed matter of the user belonging to a different group may be printed within the corresponding time range. It is suppressed.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the printing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the external user terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the lending side user terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration of each device. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing flow of each apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the state information. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process flow of each apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the state information. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing flow of each apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing flow of each apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print target information. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing flow of each apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing flow of each apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process flow of each apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technique will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes an external user terminal 12, a lending side management system 14, and a management server 16. The lending side management system 14, the management server 16, and the mobile phone base station 18 are connected to each other via a network 19 such as the Internet. The external user terminal 12 and the mobile phone base station 18 are connected via the mobile phone line 20. The external user terminal 12 can be connected to the lending side management system 14 via the external connection access point 21. The external user terminal 12 is an example of a print instruction device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lending side management system 14 includes a lending side manager terminal 22, a management device 24, a lending side user terminal 26, and a printing device 28.

<External user terminal>

As shown in FIG. 2, the external user terminal 12 functionally includes a receiving unit 12A, a transmitting unit 12B, a control unit 12C, and a display unit 12D.

The receiving unit 12A receives the information transmitted from the printing device 28. Specifically, the receiving unit 12A receives the state information indicating the state of the printing apparatus 28.

The transmission unit 12B transmits the print information stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the external user terminal 12 and representing the information to be printed to the printing device 28. The print information scheduled to be transmitted from the external user terminal 12 to the printing device 28 is an example of the first print information.

The control unit 12C is in a state in which the status information received by the reception unit 12A is different from the print information scheduled to be transmitted from the external user terminal 12 to the printing device 28, or is scheduled to be printed. When representing a certain state (hereinafter, referred to as “printing state”), the transmission unit 12B is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of print information to the printing device 28. The print information different from the print information scheduled to be transmitted from the external user terminal 12 to the printing device 28 is an example of the second print information.

Specifically, the control unit 12C prohibits the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28 when the print information of the identifier of another user different from the identifier of the user of the external user is in the print state.

The display unit 12D displays a display screen or the like according to the control of the control unit 12C. When the control unit 12C controls the transmission unit 12B so as to prohibit the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28, the control unit 12C causes the display unit 12D to display that the print information of another user is in the print state. Controls the display unit 12D.

<Management server>

The management server 16 manages the use of the printing device 28 of the lending side management system 14 by the external user terminal 12.

Specifically, the lending-side administrator logs in to the management server 16 via the lending-side administrator terminal 22, and transmits the following information as administrator information.

(1) Name of printing device 28, IP address, attribute information (for example, usable paper size, usable color (color can be used or only black and white can be used), etc.), and current status (is it available? (Or is it unavailable?), Etc. (2) Name and IP address of the lending side administrator terminal 22 (3) Name and IP address of the management device 24, and a management ID representing the identification information of the lending side management device 24
(4) Address or location of the place where the printing device 28 is installed (5) Calculation formula of the rental fee of the printing device 28 (6) Payment method of usage fee from the management server 16 to the lending side, credit card number, etc.

Further, the external user operates the external user terminal 12, logs in to the management server 16 via the mobile phone line 20, and transmits the following information as user information.

(1) Name and IP address of the external user terminal 12 (2) User ID representing the identification information of the external user terminal 12.
(3) Position information of the external user terminal 12 (4) Attribute information of the printing device to be used (for example, paper size, color, and whether double-sided printing is possible, etc.)
(5) Payment method of usage fee from external user to management server 16, credit card number, etc.

The management server 16 stores the administrator information and the user information in a storage unit (not shown). Then, the use of the printing device 28 by the external user is managed. For example, when an external user uses the printing device, the management server 16 links the user information and the administrator information, and manages the billing and the like according to the use of the printing device.

<Lending side management system>

(Lending side administrator terminal)

The lending side administrator terminal 22 is operated by the administrator of the lending side management system 14. The lending side administrator terminal 22 has, for example, a function of approving or rejecting the use of the printing device 28 by the external user terminal 12. Specifically, the lending side administrator terminal 22 approves or rejects the use of the printing device 28 by the external user terminal 12 based on the approval or refusal of the connection with the external user terminal 12 input from the administrator. Make a refusal. The lending side administrator terminal 22 includes a fax port 22X.

The following information is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the lending side administrator terminal 22.

(1) Management ID representing information for identifying the management device 24
(2) Information on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection point 21A for external user terminals (3) Information on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection point 51 for lending user terminals

(Management device)

The management device 24 manages the communication between the external user terminal 12 and the printing device 28. As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 24 includes a lending side interface 50, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection point 51 for a lending side user terminal, a firewall 52, and an external user side interface 54. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection point 21A for external user terminals, Bluetooth (registered trademark) point 21B for external user terminals, USB port 21C for external user terminals, wired LAN for external user terminals It has a port 21D and a FAX port 21E for an external user terminal. The lending-side interface 50 stores a management ID that represents information for identifying the management device 24. The firewall 52 passes information necessary for the printing process, but does not pass unnecessary information. Therefore, the security of the lending side management system 14 and the external user terminal 12 is protected.

(Lending user terminal)

The lending side user terminal 26 is a terminal operated by the lending side user. For example, the lending-side user operates the lending-side user terminal 26 to print with the printing device 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lending-side user terminal 26 functionally includes a receiving unit 26A, a transmitting unit 26B, a control unit 26C, and a display unit 26D.

The receiving unit 26A receives the information transmitted from the printing device 28. Specifically, the receiving unit 26A receives the state information indicating the state of the printing apparatus 28.

The transmission unit 26B transmits the print information stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the lending side user terminal 26 to the printing device 28.

The control unit 26C controls the transmission unit 26B so as to prohibit the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28 when the status information received by the reception unit 26A represents the print state of other print information.

Specifically, the control unit 26C prohibits the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28 when the print information regarding the identifier of another user different from the user's identifier of the lending side user is in the print state.

The display unit 26D displays a display screen or the like according to the control of the control unit 26C. When the control unit 26C controls the transmission unit 26B so as to prohibit the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28, the control unit 26C causes the display unit 26D to display that the print information of another user is in the print state. Controls the display unit 26D.

(Printing equipment)

The printing device 28 is a device that prints by a known method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. For example, a printing function for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper, a scanning function for reading an image formed on a recording medium such as paper, and an image read and read on an image formed on a recording medium such as paper. It is a device having a printing function related to printing, such as a copy function formed on a recording medium such as paper.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 28A that controls the printing device 28 functionally includes a receiving unit 28B, a transmitting unit 28C, a printing control unit 28D, and a printing unit 28E. The receiving unit 28B is an example of a print information receiving unit. Further, the printing device 28 includes a fax port 28X for an external user terminal.

The receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the print information transmitted from the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26.

The transmission unit 28C of the printing device 28 transmits information to another device.

The print control unit 28D controls the print unit 28E of the printing device 28 so that when the reception unit 28B receives the print information, printing is performed according to the print information.

The printing unit 28E prints the print information received by the receiving unit 28B under the control of the print control unit 28D.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the external user terminal 12, the management server 16, the management device 24, the lending side manager terminal 22, and the control device 28A of the printing device 28.

The external user terminal 12, the management server 16, the management device 24, the lending side administrator terminal 22, and the control device 28A of the printing device 28 have a function as a computer, and have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 66A and a ROM (Read). It has a Only Memory) 66B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 66C, a non-volatile memory 66D, a hard disk 66E, and a communication interface (I / F: Interface) unit 66F. The CPU 66A, ROM 66B, RAM 66C, non-volatile memory 66D, hard disk 66E, and communication interface unit 66F are connected to each other via the bus 66G.

The CPU 66A is a central arithmetic processing unit that executes various programs and controls each unit. At that time, the program is executed using the RAM 66C as a work area.

The non-volatile memory 66D is a memory in which the data contents are retained even when the power of the management server 16, the management device 24, the lending side administrator terminal 22, or the control device 28A of the printing device 28 is turned off.

For example, each program and each information described later are stored in the hard disk 66E.

The communication interface unit 66F communicates with other devices.

Next, the flow of the print management process in the printing system 10 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the first embodiment.

The processing of the external user terminal 12 is executed by the CPU (not shown) reading a program from the hard disk (not shown). Further, the processing of the management server 16 is executed by the CPU (not shown) reading a program from the hard disk (not shown).

The processing of the lending side administrator terminal 22 is executed by the CPU (not shown) reading a program from the hard disk (not shown). The processing of the management device 24 is executed by the CPU (not shown) reading a program from the hard disk (not shown). The process of the control device 28A that controls the printing device 28 is executed by the CPU (not shown) reading a program from the hard disk (not shown).

The external user obtains permission to use the printing device 28 after performing the user registration process on the management server 16 via the external user terminal 12. In this case, in the lending side management system 14, the external user terminal 12 and the lending side user terminal 26 can use the printing device 28. In the following processing, a case where the lending side user prints using the printing device 28 will be described as an example.

In step S100, the transmission unit 12B of the lending-side user terminal 26 transmits a request signal representing a request for status information of the printing device 28 in response to control by the control unit 26C.

Next, in step S102, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the request signal transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26 in step S100. Then, in step S102, the transmission unit 28C of the printing device 28 transmits the state information of the printing device 28 to the lending side user terminal 26.

FIG. 7 shows an example of state information. As shown in FIG. 7, the state information includes a data ID representing the identification information of the print information, a group identifier representing the group to which the user belongs, a user identifier representing the user, and a name of the print information. This is information in which the number of printed sheets when the print information is printed, the state of the printing device 28, and the required printing time when the print information is printed are associated with each other. As the group identifier, for example, different identifiers are given to the user on the administrator side and the external user. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the print information of the data ID "00001" is the print information transmitted from the terminal whose user identifier is "User_XXX".

In step S104, the transmission unit 12B of the lending side user terminal 26 receives the state information transmitted from the printing device 28 in step S102. Then, in step S104, the control unit 26C of the lending side user terminal 26 determines whether or not the state information received by the receiving unit 26A represents the print state. Specifically, the control unit 26C of the lending-side user terminal 26 determines in the printing device 28 whether or not the print information of another user is in the print state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the print information of the user identifier "User_XXX" is included in the status information and the user identifier of the lending side user terminal 26 is "User_WWW", the other It is determined that the print information of the user is in the print state.

The control unit 26C proceeds to step S106 when the print information of another user is in the print state. On the other hand, if the print information of another user is not in the print state, the control unit 26C proceeds to step S110.

In step S106, the control unit 26C controls the transmission unit 26B so as to prohibit the transmission of the print information to the printing device 28. That is, the control unit 26C does not transmit the print information to the printing device 28.

In step S108, the display unit 26D displays that the print information of another user is in the print state according to the control of the control unit 26C. For example, the display unit 26D displays a message such as "Waiting for the end of printing by another user."

In step S110, the control unit 26C controls the transmission unit 26B so as to transmit the print information to the printing device 28.

In step S112, the display unit 26D indicates that the print information is transmitted to the printing device 28 under the control of the control unit 26C. For example, the display unit 26D displays a message such as "send print information."

In step S114, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the print information transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26. Then, in step S114, when the receiving unit 28B receives the printing information, the printing control unit 28D controls the printing unit 28E of the printing device 28 so as to perform printing according to the printing information. Then, the printing process by the printing device 28 is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the state information indicating the state of the printing device represents the printing state of the print information related to another user, the transmission of the print information to the printing device is prohibited. As a result, even when the printing apparatus managed by a specific administrator is used by an external user, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

In the first embodiment, a case where the printing device 28 controls so as to prohibit the transmission of the printing information to the printing device 28 when the printing information of another user is in the printing state has been described as an example. , Not limited to this. For example, when the printing device 28 is simply in the printing state, the transmission unit 26B may be controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of print information to the printing device 28.

Further, each of the user's identifiers may be set to belong to a predetermined group, and the transmission of print information may be prohibited according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs. Specifically, even if the print information of the user's identifier belonging to another group different from the group to which the user's identifier of the print information to be transmitted belongs is in the print state, the transmission of the print information is prohibited. good. In this case, for example, the group of users on the lending side and the group of external users are preset as different groups. Further, for example, when a plurality of external users use the printing device, different groups are set for different external users. As a result, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the user of the lending side group and the printed matter of the user of the external group from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent users belonging to a certain group from seeing the contents of printed matter of users belonging to a different group. For example, it is possible to prevent the users of the lending group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the external group and the users of the external group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the lending group. ..

Further, when prohibiting the transmission of print information according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs, the display unit 26D may display that the print information of the user belonging to another group is in the print state. good.

Further, although the processing of the lending side user terminal 26 has been described in the first embodiment, the processing of the external user terminal 12 is the same as the above processing.

(Second Embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, when the print information is transmitted from the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26 to the printing device 28, a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the printing process of another user. If not, the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the print information is controlled not to be transmitted.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the second embodiment.

In step S200, the transmission unit 12B of the lending-side user terminal 26 transmits a request signal representing a request for status information of the printing device 28 in response to control by the control unit 26C. The state information of the second embodiment includes the time when the printing device 28 last printed and the identifier of the user of the printing information in which the printing was last performed.

In step S202, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the request signal transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26 in step S200. Then, in step S102, the transmission unit 28C of the printing device 28 transmits the state information of the printing device 28 to the lending side user terminal 26.

FIG. 9 shows an example of state information. As shown in FIG. 9, the state information includes a data ID representing the identification information of the print information, a group identifier representing the group to which the user belongs, a user identifier representing the user, and a name of the print information. This is information in which the number of prints when the print information is printed, the state of the printing device 28, and the print end time indicating the time when the printing of the print information is finished are associated with each other.

In step S204, the transmission unit 12B of the lending side user terminal 26 receives the state information transmitted from the printing device 28 in step S102. Then, in step S204, the control unit 26C of the lending side user terminal 26 sets the current time within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed, based on the state information received by the receiving unit 26A. It is determined whether or not the identifier of the user of the print information that is present and the last print was performed is the identifier of the user of another user.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the print information of the user identifier "User_YYY" was printed last.

In the control unit 26C, the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed, and the identifier of the user of the print information on which the last printing was performed is the identifier of the user of another user. If, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, when the control unit 26C is not within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed, or when the identifier of the user of the print information on which the last printing was performed is not the identifier of the user of another user. To step S110.

In step S208, the display unit 26D displays that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the print information of the other user was printed under the control of the control unit 26C. For example, the display unit 26D displays a message such as "Waiting for 5 minutes to elapse from the end of printing by another user."

As described above, in the second embodiment, the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the last printing was performed by the printing device, and the identifier of the user of the printing information in which the last printing was performed is different. When it is the identifier of the user of the user, the transmission of print information to the printing device is prohibited. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

In the second embodiment, the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed, and the user's identifier of the printing information last printed is used for other purposes. The case where the transmission of the print information to the printing device is prohibited in the case of the identifier of the user of the person has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed, the transmission unit 26B is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of print information to the printing device 28. You may.

Further, each of the user's identifiers may be set to belong to a predetermined group, and the transmission of print information may be prohibited according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs. Specifically, the group to which the user's identifier of the print information that was last printed is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed is the other group. If this is the case, the transmission of print information may be prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the user of the lending side group and the printed matter of the user of the external group from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent users belonging to a certain group from seeing the contents of printed matter of users belonging to a different group. For example, it is possible to prevent the users of the lending group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the external group and the users of the external group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the lending group. ..

(Third Embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, when the print information is transmitted from the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26 to the printing device 28, after the printing process of another user is completed and the printing device 28 When the operating state is the normal state, it is different from the first and second embodiments in that it controls not to transmit the print information.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the third embodiment.

In step S300, the transmission unit 12B of the lending-side user terminal 26 represents a request for the user's identifier of the operation state information of the printing device 28 and the print information finally printed according to the control by the control unit 26C. Send the request signal. The operating state information is information indicating either a normal state indicating that printing is possible by the printing device 28 or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state.

In step S302, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the request signal transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26 in step S300. Then, in step S302, the transmission unit 28C of the printing device 28 transmits the operating state information of the printing device 28 and the user's identifier of the print information that was printed last to the lending side user terminal 26.

In step S304, the transmission unit 12B of the lending side user terminal 26 receives the user identifier of the operating state information and the print information finally printed, which was transmitted from the printing device 28 in step S302. Then, in step S304, in the control unit 26C of the lending side user terminal 26, the operating state information represents the normal state, and the identifier of the user of the print information printed last is the identifier of the user of another user. It is determined whether or not it is.

The control unit 26C proceeds to step S106 when the operating state information represents a normal state and the user's identifier of the print information printed last is the identifier of another user's user. On the other hand, the control unit 26C proceeds to step S110 when the operation state information is not in the normal state or when the user's identifier of the print information printed last is not the identifier of another user's user. When the operating state information is not in the normal state, it means that the operating state information is in the power saving state.

In step S308, the display unit 26D displays that the state of the printing device 28 is not in the power saving state after the print information of another user is printed according to the control of the control unit 26C. For example, the display unit 26D displays a message such as "Waiting for another user to shift to the power saving state from the end of printing."

As described above, in the third embodiment, when the operating state information of the printing device represents the normal state and the user identifier of the print information printed last is the identifier of the user of another user. , Prohibits the transmission of print information to the printing device. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

In the third embodiment, printing is performed when the operating state information of the printing device represents a normal state and the user's identifier of the print information printed last is the identifier of another user's user. The case where the transmission of print information to the device is prohibited has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the operating state information of the printing device simply represents a normal state, the transmission unit 26B may be controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of the printing information to the printing device 28.

Further, each of the user's identifiers may be set to belong to a predetermined group, and the transmission of print information may be prohibited according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs. Specifically, when the operating state information of the printing device represents a normal state and the group to which the user's identifier of the print information that was printed last belongs is another group different from the print information to be transmitted. , The transmission of print information to the printing device may be prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the user of the lending side group and the printed matter of the user of the external group from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent users belonging to a certain group from seeing the contents of printed matter of users belonging to a different group. For example, it is possible to prevent the users of the lending group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the external group and the users of the external group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the lending group. ..

(Fourth Embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, after the print information is transmitted from the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26 to the printing device 28, the printing device 28 controls whether or not to print the print information. Will be printed. Specifically, the fourth embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments in that the printing device 28 is controlled so that the print information of the same user is continuously printed.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the fourth embodiment.

In step S400, the transmission unit 12B of the lending side user terminal 26 transmits the print information and the user's identifier to the printing device 28 according to the control by the control unit 26C.

In step S402, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the print information and the user's identifier transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26 in step S400. Then, in step S402, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 stores the print information and the user's identifier in the storage unit (not shown) as print target information.

FIG. 12 shows an example of print target information. For example, FIG. 12 includes an identifier of the user of the external user “User_XXX” and an identifier of the user of the user on the lending side “User_YYY”.

In step S404, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 uses the print target information of the storage unit (not shown) of another user whose identifier is different from the user's identifier of the print information being printed or last printed. The printing unit 28E is controlled so as to prohibit printing of the print information of the identifier. That is, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 controls the print unit 28E so that the print information of the same user is continuously printed.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, printing of an identifier of another user different from the user's identifier of the print information being printed or last printed is printed based on the print information and the user's identifier of the print information. Prohibit printing of information. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

In the fourth embodiment, the case where printing of the print information of the identifier of another user different from the user's identifier of the print information during or last printed has been described as an example, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not something that is done. For example, each of the user's identifiers may be set to belong to a predetermined group, and printing of print information may be prohibited according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs. Specifically, printing of print information of a user's identifier belonging to a group different from the group to which the user's identifier of the print information being printed or last printed may belong may be prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the user of the lending side group and the printed matter of the user of the external group from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent users belonging to a certain group from seeing the contents of printed matter of users belonging to a different group. For example, it is possible to prevent the users of the lending group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the external group and the users of the external group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the lending group. ..

(Fifth Embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fifth embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that the printing device 28 is controlled so that the print information of the same user as the print information last printed is continuously printed.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the fifth embodiment.

In step S504, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 sets the current time within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device 28 last printed, based on the print target information of the storage unit (not shown). (For example, within 5 minutes), the printing unit 28E is controlled so as to prohibit printing of print information of another user's identifier different from the user's identifier of the last printed print information. That is, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 prints the print information of a user different from the arbitrary user when the print information of the arbitrary user is printed and a predetermined time elapses. The printing unit 28E is controlled so as to.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed, the identifier of the user of the last printed information is different. Prohibits printing of print information of other users' identifiers. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

In the fifth embodiment, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed, the identifier of the user of the last printed information is different. The case where printing of the print information of the user's identifier is prohibited has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the user's identifiers may be set to belong to a predetermined group, and printing of print information may be prohibited according to the group to which the user's identifier belongs. Specifically, when the current time is within a predetermined range from the time when the printing device last printed, the group to which the user's identifier of the printing information being printed or last printed belongs. May prohibit printing of print information of user identifiers belonging to other different groups. As a result, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of users belonging to different groups from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the user of the lending side group and the printed matter of the user of the external group from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent users belonging to a certain group from seeing the contents of printed matter of users belonging to a different group. For example, it is possible to prevent the users of the lending group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the external group and the users of the external group from seeing the printed matter of the users of the lending group. ..

(Sixth Embodiment)

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first to fifth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The sixth embodiment is different from the first to fifth embodiments in that the printing unit 28E is controlled so as to wait for the printing device 28 to be in the power saving state to print the print information.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the sixth embodiment.

In step S604, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 prohibits printing of the printing information when the operating state information of the printing device 28 is in the normal state based on the print target information of the storage unit (not shown). As a result, the printing unit 28E is controlled. That is, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 controls the printing unit 28E so as to print the printing information when the current operating state information of the printing device 28 is in the power saving state.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when the operating state information of the printing device is in the normal state, printing of the printing information is prohibited. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of the lending side user and the printed matter of the external user from being mixed and taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent one user from seeing the contents of printed matter of another user. For example, it is possible to prevent the lending side user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the external user and the external user from seeing the contents of the printed matter of the lending side user.

(7th Embodiment)

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, the same parts as those in the first to sixth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the seventh embodiment, when the printing device 28 receives the fax information, the printing unit 28E is controlled so as to prohibit printing the received fax information when the printing device 28 is in the printing state. It is different from the first to sixth embodiments. The fax information is an example of print information.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of the print management process of the seventh embodiment.

In step S700, the receiving unit 28B of the printing device 28 receives the fax information transmitted from the other device.

In step S702, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 determines whether or not the current state of the printing device 28 is the printing state. The print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 controls the printing unit 28E so as to prohibit printing of the fax information received in step S700 when the current state of the printing device 28 is the printing state. That is, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 ends the process without printing the fax information received in step S700. On the other hand, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 shifts to step S704 when the current state of the printing device 28 is not the printing state.

In step S704, the print control unit 28D of the printing device 28 controls the printing unit 28E so as to print the fax information received in step S700.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, when the operating state of the printing device is the normal state, printing of fax information, which is an example of print information, is prohibited. This prevents printed matter of different users from being printed within the corresponding time range. Then, it is possible to prevent printed matter of different users from being mixed and taken away by mistake. For example, it is possible to prevent the printed matter of fax information and the printed matter of an external user from being mixed and the printed matter of fax information being taken away by mistake. In addition, it is possible to prevent a certain user from seeing the printed contents of the fax information. For example, it is possible to prevent an external user from viewing the printed matter of fax information.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention, and the modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the fourth to sixth embodiments, the case where printing of print information is prohibited when the predetermined conditions are not satisfied has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the predetermined conditions are not satisfied, the receiving unit may be controlled so as not to receive new print information. In this case, for example, when the print information of a user belonging to an arbitrary group is being printed or is scheduled to be printed, the print information transmitted from the terminal of a user belonging to another group different from the arbitrary group is received. It may be controlled so that it does not occur.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, when the print information of an arbitrary user is printed and a predetermined time elapses, the print information of a user different from the arbitrary user is printed. The case of controlling the printing unit has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of waiting for a predetermined time to elapse, the printing device may wait for the power saving state to be reached, and printing may be performed when the power saving state is reached.

Further, each control in the first to seventh embodiments may be performed by the management server 16 or the management device 24.

Further, in the first to seventh embodiments, it may be determined which print information is controlled to be preferentially printed. For example, when the print information transmitted from the external user terminal 12 and the print information transmitted from the lending side user terminal 26 exist, the print information transmitted from the external user terminal 12 is preferentially printed. It may be controlled to do so.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26 receives the state information or the like from the printing device 28 and determines whether or not to transmit the printing information. Although explained as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user's identifier (or group) is transmitted from the terminal to the printing device 28, and the printing device 28 determines whether or not the printed information may be transmitted if it is the received user's identifier, and determines the determination result. Send to the terminal. Then, the external user terminal 12 or the lending side user terminal 26 receives the determination result, and when the determination result indicates that the print information may be transmitted, the print information is transmitted to the printing device 28. You may control it.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the print function and the copy function are used has been described as an example, but as another function, an external user scans a paper document using a printing device and scans the image data. Can also be sent to an external user terminal.

In the present embodiment, the case where each program is pre-installed on the hard disk 66E has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each program may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) and provided, or may be provided via a network.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where each process is realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each process may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

In addition, the configuration of the device described in the present embodiment is an example, and unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

Further, the processing flow of each program described in the above embodiment is also an example, and unnecessary steps are deleted, new steps are added, and the processing order is changed within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. It may be replaced.

10 Printing system 12 External user terminal 12A Reception unit 12B Transmission unit 12C Control unit 12D Display unit 26 Side user terminal 26A Reception unit 26B Transmission unit 26C Control unit 26D Display unit 28 Printing device 28A Control device 28B Reception unit 28C Transmission unit 28D Print control unit 28E Printing unit

Claims (7)

A transmitter that transmits the first print information to the printing device,
A receiving unit that receives operation state information indicating either a normal state indicating that printing is possible by the printing device or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state.
When the operating state information represents the normal state, the transmission unit is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of the first print information to the printing device .
When the operating state information represents the power saving state, a control unit that controls the transmitting unit so as to transmit the first printing information to the printing device .
A print control device comprising. The receiving unit further receives the identifier of the user corresponding to the second print information last printed by the printing device.
In the control unit, the operating state information received by the receiving unit represents the normal state, and the user's identifier of the second print information received by the receiving unit is the user's identifier of the first print information. The transmission unit is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of the first print information to the printing device when the identifier is different from the user's identifier.
The print control device according to claim 1 . Each of the user's identifiers belongs to a predetermined group
In the control unit, the group in which the operating state information received by the receiving unit represents the normal state and the user's identifier of the second printing information received by the receiving unit belongs to the first group. The transmission unit is controlled so as to prohibit the transmission of the first print information when the print information is different from the group to which the user's identifier belongs.
The print control device according to claim 2 . A print information receiver that receives print information and
A printing unit that prints the print information received by the print information receiving unit, and a printing unit that prints the print information.
When the operating state information of the printing device is the normal state, out of the operating state information indicating either a normal state indicating that printing is possible or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is less than the normal state. In addition, the printing unit is controlled so as to prohibit printing of the printing information .
A print control unit that controls the print unit so as to print the print information when the operation state information represents the power saving state .
A printing device equipped with. The print control unit controls the print unit so as to print the print information after changing the power saving state to the normal state when the operation state information of the printing device is the power saving state. ,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4 . To the computer included in the print control unit
The transmission step of transmitting the first print information to the printing device, and
A receiving step for receiving operation state information indicating either a normal state indicating that printing is possible by the printing device or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state.
When the operating state information represents the normal state, control is performed so as to prohibit transmission of the first printing information to the printing device, and when the operating state information represents the power saving state, the first printing A print control program that executes a control step that controls transmission of information to the printing device . On the computer included in the printer
The print information reception step for receiving print information and
A printing step for printing the print information received by the print information receiving step, and a printing step for printing the print information.
When the operating state information of the printing device is the normal state, out of the operating state information indicating either a normal state indicating that printing is possible or a power saving state indicating a state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state. A printing program that controls so as to prohibit printing of the print information and executes a control step for controlling the print information to be printed when the operation state information represents the power saving state .

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