JP2001075763A - Device and method for link information retrieval, device and method for link information setting, device and method for information processing, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the best combination of functions by relating the various functions that a printer has with each other by setting conditions needed to extract link information and updating the stored information according to the extracted link information. SOLUTION: An extraction condition setting part 7 previously stores conditions needed to extract link information. A link information storage part 8 includes multiple link information storage parts and stores an information group to be modified by being linked when a user changes settings of a printer driver. A setting information replacement part 9 receives the link information group reported by the link information storage part 8 to a data processing part 1 as a result of the extraction of the link information and replaces the contents of unchanged set values of setting items stored in a current value storage part 5 with the newly received link information. An extracted information storage part 10 stores the link information as the result of the extraction of the link information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a link information search device and method, a link information setting device and method, and a link information setting method capable of providing an optimum combination by associating various functions of a printing device. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a print information providing apparatus for providing information necessary for printing to a printing apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of types of printing paper and various printing methods. As such a print information providing apparatus, a user selects or inputs various information required for printing and obtains information necessary for printing by combining the selected or input information. What is provided to a printing apparatus is known.

The printing information providing apparatus includes printing information necessary for printing, for example, “BJ Cartridge (registered trademark)”, “paper type”, “paper feeding method”, “color scale printing”, “print quality”, and “tisa”. The setting values for each of the setting items such as "link", "image data correction", and "photo data correction" are displayed as shown in FIG. 2, so that the user can select or input the setting values from the displayed items. become.

However, in the above-described conventional example, the user has to select or input various information required for printing, which places a heavy burden on the user. In addition, there is a high possibility that optimal printing cannot be performed due to incorrect input or selection of information. For example, in order to print on paper for which manual paper feed must be selected as the paper feed method, although "OHP paper" was selected as the setting value for the setting item "paper type", the setting item "paper source" If "Auto sheet feeder" is selected as the setting value of "", manual paper feed is not performed, and there is a possibility that a printing failure such as a paper jam may occur.

[0005] Further, information is combined in the print information providing apparatus, and information necessary for printing is created from the result, and the created information is provided to the printing apparatus. When the content or number of information provided to the printing apparatus changes, it is difficult for the user to respond to these changes.

As means for solving these problems, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
09-979698 and JP-A-10-049318 have been proposed.

[0007]

However, in the prior art, when link information is obtained, a method for extracting information matching all the conditions is adopted. Therefore, when the number of conditions increases, the link information is stored. There was a drawback that the data table became huge.

In order to compensate for this drawback, the above-described conventional example employs a method in which a plurality of conditions necessary for data retrieval are combined to create a new condition, and data is extracted based on the newly created condition. . However, in such a method, a new condition is created by combining a plurality of conditions. Therefore, when there is a change in the extraction condition or a change in the link information, a new extraction condition is generated each time. It is necessary to create a condition combining the above. That is, the program source needs to be changed when the conditions required for data search are changed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide link information for solving the above problems and providing an optimum combination by associating various functions of a printing apparatus with each other. is there. It is another object of the present invention to provide link information without changing a program source even when a condition required for data retrieval is changed.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and to achieve the object, a link information retrieval apparatus and method, a link information setting apparatus and method according to the present invention, and a computer program for executing the methods. The storage medium storing the program has the following configuration.

That is, in accordance with the change, a link information search device that searches for link information in order to optimize information that does not involve the change includes a change value storage unit that stores the changed information, and a change value storage unit that stores the information that is not changed. Current value storage means, link information storage means for storing link information necessary for optimizing the information which is not changed with the change, and reference for determining link information to be referred for the optimization. Information determination means, extraction condition setting means for setting conditions necessary for extracting link information from the link information storage means, and information stored in the current value storage means based on the extracted link information. And setting value information replacing means for updating the value.

Further, in the link information search device,
The link information is identified and stored for each setting content.

[0013] In the link information search device,
Conditions necessary for extracting the link information are stored for each set content identified.

Further, in the link information search device,
According to the change input from the input unit, link information to be referred to is determined so as to optimize the printing result.

[0015] Further, in accordance with the change, a link information search method for searching for link information in order to optimize information that does not involve the change includes a change value storing step of storing the changed information in a first memory; A current value storing step of storing information that is not changed in the second memory, and a link information storing step of storing link information necessary for optimizing the information that is not changed in the third memory, with the change, A reference information determining step of determining link information to be referred to for the optimization, and an extraction condition setting step of setting conditions necessary for extracting link information stored in the third memory; Based on the extracted link information, the second
Setting value information exchanging step of updating the information stored in the memory.

Further, in the link information search method,
The link information is identified for each setting content and stored in the third memory.

Further, in the link information search method,
Conditions necessary for extracting the link information are stored for each set content identified.

In the link information search method,
According to the change input from the input unit, link information to be referred to is determined so as to optimize the printing result.

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for searching for and updating link information in order to optimize information that is not affected by the change, wherein the program is modified when the program is changed. Code of a change value storing step of storing the changed information in the first memory, code of a current value storing step of storing the unchanged information in the second memory, and optimizing the information that is not changed with the change. A link information storing step of storing link information necessary for the third memory, a reference information determining step of determining link information to be referred to for the optimization, and a third memory. Based on the code of the extraction condition setting step for setting the conditions necessary for extracting the stored link information and the extracted link information, the code is stored in the second memory. And a code setting information replacement step of updating the information have.

Further, the image processing apparatus has means for searching for link conditions based on the above-described link information search apparatus, and providing conditions that can be set according to the result of the search.

Preferably, the image processing device includes a printer and a facsimile device.

Further, the image processing method includes a step of searching for a link condition based on the above-described link information searching method, and providing a condition that can be set according to a result of the search.

Further, the link information setting device includes: an obtaining unit for obtaining an ID of the link information storage unit corresponding to the changed item; a setting unit for setting an extraction condition of the link information storage unit of the obtained ID; Extracting means for extracting link information from the link information storage unit of the acquired ID according to the set extraction condition, and changing means for changing the set value when the extracted link information is different from the set value. Have.

Also, the link information setting method includes: an acquiring step of acquiring an ID of a link information storage section corresponding to a changed item; a setting step of setting an extraction condition of the link information storage section of the acquired ID. An extraction step of extracting link information from the link information storage unit of the acquired ID according to the set extraction condition, and a change step of changing the set value when the extracted link information is different from the set value. Have.

A storage medium storing a program code for executing the above link information setting method on a computer, wherein the program code obtains an ID of a link information storage unit corresponding to a changed item. A process code, a setting process code for setting an extraction condition of the acquired ID link information storage unit, and an extraction of extracting link information from the acquired ID link information storage unit according to the set extraction condition. When the extracted link information and the set value are different from each other, a code of a change step for changing the set value is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a link information retrieval apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a drawing that best illustrates the features of a link information search device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The link information search device will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the “link information” is parameter information given to an image processing apparatus (for example, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or the like) in close association with the set or changed printing conditions. A desired printing condition can be realized by combining one or more pieces of parameter information (link information).

Reference numeral 1 denotes a data processing unit which performs various data processing described below. A display device 2 displays the status of the printer driver to the user.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a data input unit for inputting data when the user changes the settings of the printer driver or executes printing. Reference numeral 4 denotes a changed value storage unit. When the user changes the setting of the printer driver from the data input unit 3, the changed setting item and the set value are notified from the data processing unit 1 and the value is stored.

When link information is extracted, the setting items and setting values changed by the user stored in the change value storage unit 4 are notified to the data processing unit 1. 5
Is a current value storage unit, which stores all of the remaining other setting items and setting values after the changed setting items and setting values are stored in the changed value storage unit 4.

When link information is extracted in the same manner as the change value storage unit 4, the setting items and the set values stored in the change value storage unit 4 are notified to the data processing unit 1. Reference numeral 6 denotes a reference information determination unit which receives from the data processing unit 1 what setting items have been changed by the user, and extracts link information based on the information. This is for determining and determining which storage unit is to be referred to.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an extraction condition setting unit for storing conditions necessary for extracting link information in advance. Reference numeral 8 denotes a link information storage unit, which includes a plurality of link information storage units, and stores a group of information to be linked and changed when the user changes the setting of the printer driver. . Reference numeral 9 denotes a setting information replacement unit which receives the link information group notified to the data processing unit 1 from the link information storage unit 8 as a result of extracting the link information, stores the link information group in the current value storage unit 5, It functions to replace the contents of the setting values of the setting items other than the changed one with the newly received link information. Reference numeral 10 denotes an extraction information storage unit that stores link information as a result of extracting the link information.

Hereinafter, the contents of the embodiment will be specifically described. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of the link information change process, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the acquisition of the link information in detail.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the settings of the printer driver are displayed on the screen of the display device 2. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, among the printer functions, the setting items of “BJ cartridge”, “paper type”, “paper feeding method”, “color scale printing”, “print quality”, “tether link”, “image data correction”, and “photo data correction” The user can select a setting according to the purpose of printing.

In FIG. 2, the user changes the set value of the setting item “BJ cartridge” from “black / color” to “black / black” in the setting contents of the printer driver displayed on a display device such as a monitor.
When you want to change to “Photo”, change the setting value of “BJ cartridge” to “Flash” from an input device such as a keyboard or mouse.
/ Photo ”(step S100 in FIG. 8). Immediately after this change is made, the data input unit 3 notifies the data processing unit 1 that the changed setting item is “BJ cartridge” and the changed setting value is “black / photo” ( Step S110 in the figure.

FIG. 3 shows an example of change items to be changed and set value information received by the data processing unit 1. Upon receiving this notification, the data processing unit 1 notifies the changed value storage unit 4 of the changed setting item and the changed setting value, and stores the value (step S120 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the data processing unit 1 checks which setting value is set for all the setting items, notifies the current value storage unit 5 of the result,
The value is stored (step S130 in FIG. 8).

FIG. 4 shows an example of data stored in the current value storage 5. Here, the setting value of “Paper Type” is “Plain Paper”, the setting value of “Paper Source” is “Auto Sheet Feeder”, the setting value of “Quality Scale Printing” is “OFF”, and “Print Quality” is “ 2nd (from left) ”,“ Tisa Link ”is“ Phatern (high speed) ”,
“Image data correction” is “OFF” and “Photo data correction” is “OF
The data “F” is stored in the current value storage unit.

Subsequently, the data processing unit 1 includes a reference information determining unit 6
Is notified of the changed setting item (step S140 in FIG. 8), and the reference information determining unit 6 having received the notification determines which link information needs to be referred to according to the changed setting item. Of the link information storage unit 8 to be referred to.
The ID is notified to the data processing unit 1 (step S15 in FIG. 8).
0).

The ID of the link information storage unit 8 to be referred to may need to refer to a plurality of link information storage units depending on the setting item changed by the user, or may have no effect on other items depending on the setting item. Is not given, there may be no link information storage unit to be referred to (step S160 in FIG. 8).

FIG. 7 shows an example of data stored in the reference information determining section 6. When the “BJ cartridge” is the changed target item, the IDs of the link information storage units 8 to be referred to are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The storage unit of these ID numbers is referred to when changing data. Similarly, when the changed target item is “print quality”, it is necessary to refer to the fifth and sixth link information storage units 8.

Further, the change item is "image data correction".
In the case of, since the ID of the link information storage unit to be referred to is not described, in this case, the link information to be referred to does not exist. As described above, the link information storage unit 8 to be referred to may need to refer to a plurality of link information storage units depending on the setting item changed by the user, and may have no effect on other items depending on the setting item. There may be no case. If the item changed by the user is “BJ cartridge”, the ID number 1
2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are returned to the data processing unit 1.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the link information storage units of ID numbers 1 to 6 of the link information storage unit 8 which need to be referred to when the set value "BJ cartridge II" is changed by the user and the corresponding contents. FIG.

The data processing unit 1 accesses the link information storage unit 8 based on the ID number to be referred and determined and notified by the reference information determination unit 6, and acquires necessary link information. The details of this processing will be described below.

<Acquisition of Link Information> The data processing unit 1 extracts conditions required for extracting link information from the link information storage unit 8 in advance.
Then, the ID of the link information storage unit 8 to be referred to which is determined and notified by the reference information determination unit 6 is notified to the extraction condition setting unit 7 (steps S200 and S210 in FIG. 9).

The extraction condition setting unit 7 notifies the data processing unit 1 of conditions necessary for extraction that differ for each ID (step S220 in FIG. 9).

FIG. 6 shows an example of an extraction condition set for each ID. In the figure, for example, when data is extracted from the link information storage unit 1 (reference medium correction table), the contents of the setting values of two setting items of “BJ cartridge” and “paper type” are necessary, and It is described that what is required when accessing the link information storage unit 3 (gray scale correspondence table) is the setting item of “BJ cartridge”. The reference information determination unit 6 determines an appropriate ID number to be referenced based on the relationship between the link information storage unit and the extraction condition having the relationship shown in FIG. Acquisition of link information is performed sequentially in ascending order of ID.

The data processing section 1 transmits one of the smallest IDs among the IDs received from the reference information storage section 6 to the extraction condition storage section 7, and the extraction condition storage section 7 having received the ID acquires the link information. Are returned to the data processing unit 1 (step S16 in FIG. 8).
0).

The data processing unit 1 obtains the setting items and the setting values according to the extraction condition returned from the extraction condition storage unit 7 from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5 and stores them in the link information storage unit 8. An access is made and information matching the extraction condition is obtained (step S170 in FIG. 8).

When extracting the link information from the link information storage unit 8, the data processing unit 1 receives the ID of the link information storage unit to be referred from the reference information storage unit 6 (step 200 in FIG. 9). , The received ID, the extraction condition setting unit 7
(Step S210 in FIG. 9). The extraction condition setting unit 7 notifies the data processing unit 1 of conditions required for extraction that differ for each ID (step S220 in FIG. 9).

FIGS. 10 to 16 are diagrams showing an example of the extraction condition storage section 7 in which setting items necessary for extracting link data from the plurality of link information storage sections 8 are stored as extraction conditions.

For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting items necessary for extracting data from the link information storage unit 1 (reference medium correction table). In order to extract the data, the contents of the setting values of the two setting items “BJ cartridge” and “paper type” are necessary. In FIG. 12, the link information storage unit 3 (gray scale correspondence table) This indicates that the setting items required for access are the setting items of “BJ cartridge”. The acquisition of link information as described above is performed sequentially in ascending order of the ID number.

The data processing unit 1 transmits the smallest ID among the IDs received from the reference information storage unit 6 to the extraction condition storage unit 7, and the extraction condition storage unit 7 receiving the ID is required to acquire the link information. The conditions of the various setting items are returned to the data processing unit 1 (step 160 in FIG. 8).

The data processing unit 1 obtains the setting items and the set values according to the extraction conditions returned from the extraction condition storage unit 7 from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5, and stores them in the link information storage unit 8. It accesses and acquires information that matches the extraction conditions (step 170 in FIG. 8).

When extracting the link information from the link information storage unit 8, the data processing unit 1 receives the ID of the link information storage unit to be referred from the reference information storage unit 6 (step 200 in FIG. 9). , The received ID, the extraction condition setting unit 7
(Step S210 in FIG. 9).

The extraction condition setting unit 7 notifies the data processing unit 1 of conditions necessary for extraction that differ for each ID (step S220 in FIG. 9).

The data processing unit 1 receives conditions required for extraction from the extraction condition storage unit, sets necessary setting items and setting values from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5, and matches the data condition. The information to be accessed accesses the link information storage unit having the same ID among the plurality of link information storage units 8, and acquires link data whose extraction conditions match (step S230 in FIG. 9). This acquisition work is performed for the IDs notified from the reference information storage unit 6.

For example, when the “BJ cartridge” is changed, as described in the reference information storage section 6, all of the link information storage sections 8 having IDs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 With reference to the link information from the link information storage unit, the extraction process proceeds.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of the link information storage unit 1 (correction of the reference medium) in which the ID of the link information storage unit corresponds to 1. From this figure, the combination of the BJ cartridge and the paper type is extracted. It turns out that it is a condition.
FIG. 10 illustrates the link information storage unit 1 as an example, but the same applies to other link information storage units.

To refer to the link information storage unit 1 (reference medium correction table) from the extraction condition setting unit 7, "BJ cartridge" and "paper type" are required (FIG. 6). The contents of the set values are set to the current value or the changed data from the change value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5 to access the link information storage unit 1 (reference medium correction table) having the smallest ID number, The link information is searched for when the extraction condition “BJ cartridge” is “black / photo” and the paper type is “plain paper”. Information that matches the conditions, here, link information that the paper type is changed to “coated paper” can be obtained. This result is immediately notified to the data processing unit 1.

The matched information is transmitted to the data processing unit 1, and the data processing unit 1 transmits the received link information to the extracted information storage unit 10, and the extracted information storage unit 10 receiving the link information stores the link information. Store (Step 24 in FIG. 9)
0).

Further, when the link information is notified, the data processing section 1 notifies the information to the setting value information replacing section 9, and the setting information replacing section 9 sets the setting values of the setting items included in the received data. The setting value “coated paper” of the setting item “paper type” is replaced with the setting value “plain paper” of the setting item stored in the current value storage unit 5 (step 250 in FIG. 9).

The link information extraction processing ends here.
When the condition of “BJ cartridge” is changed, the access condition is accessed in ascending order of ID for the ID numbers 1 to 6 of the link information storage unit, and the changed extraction condition is obtained again. Acquisition of link information after number 2) is described below.

Next, access is made to the link information storage unit 2 (media correspondence table) shown in FIG.
Get link information.

To obtain link information from the link information storage unit 2 (media correspondence table), the extraction condition storage unit 7
Since it is understood that “BJ cartridge” and “paper type” are necessary, the contents of the set values of these setting items are set from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5 and the link information storage unit 2 ( Access the media). At this time, since the “paper type” has been switched from “plain paper” to “coated paper” by the setting information replacing unit 9,
The “BJ cartridge” is “black / photo” and the paper type is “coated paper”.

The link information storage unit 2 that matches this condition
In the information of (Media Correspondence Table), “Paper Type” is “Delete” for “Plain Paper”, “Select” for “Paper Type” and “Coated Paper”, and “Delete” for “Paper Type” and “OHP”. , “Glossy paper” is “selectable”. The matched information is transmitted to the data processing unit 1, and the data processing unit 1 transmits the received link information to the extraction information storage unit 10, and the extraction information storage unit 10 receiving the information stores the link information.

The data processing unit 1 transmits the returned link information to the setting value information replacing unit 9, and the setting value information replacing unit 9 selects “select” from the setting values of the setting items included in the received data. , That is, the data of “coated paper” is replaced. However, here, since the plain paper has already been deleted and the coated paper has been selected, no change is apparently made.

Next, the link information storage unit 3 (corresponding to gray scale) shown in FIG. 12 corresponding to ID3 is accessed to acquire link information.

To obtain link information from the link information storage unit 3 (corresponding to gray scale), the extraction condition storage unit 7
Thus, it is understood that the “BJ cartridge” is necessary. The content of the set value of this setting item is set from the change value storage unit 4, and the link information storage unit 3 (corresponding to gray scale)
To access. Since the content of the extraction condition “BJ cartridge” is “black / photo”, “gray scale” and “ON” are “added” and “gray scale” and “OFF” are “selected” for link information that meets this condition. It has become. The matched information is transmitted to the data processing unit 1, and the data processing unit 1 transmits the received link information to the extraction information storage unit 10, and the extraction information storage unit 10 receiving the information stores the link information.

The data processing unit 1 transmits the returned link information to the set value information replacing unit 9, and the set value information replacing unit 9 replaces the set values of the setting items included in the received data. Here, since the “gray scale” and “OFF” that have been “selected” have already been selected, the replacement operation is not performed visually.

Next, access is made to the link information storage unit 4 (correspondence between quality and level) shown in FIG. 13 corresponding to ID number 4, and link information is acquired. In order to obtain link information from the link information storage unit 4 (correspondence between quality and level), it is understood from the extraction condition storage unit 7 that "BJ cartridge" and "paper type" are necessary (FIG. 6). The contents of the setting values of these setting items are set from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5, and the link information storage unit 4 (correspondence between quality and level) is accessed. The information that matches the conditions of “BJ cartridge” for “black / photo” and “paper type” for “coated paper” includes “selectable” and “fourth” for “fifth” of “print quality”. “Select”, “first” to “third” are described as “delete”. This is BJ
If the cartridge is black / photo and coated paper is selected, the first to third print qualities are deleted (not selectable), the fourth is selected, and the fifth is selectable It is to be.

The matched “print quality” information is transmitted to the data processing unit 1, which transmits the received link information to the extraction information storage unit 10 and receives the received link information. Reference numeral 10 stores link information. When the link information is notified, the data processing unit 1 notifies the information to the setting value information replacing unit 9, and the setting information replacing unit 9 sets the setting value of the setting item included in the received data, here, the setting item " The setting value “fourth” of “print quality” is changed to the setting value “second” of the setting item stored in the current value storage unit 5.
And replace it.

Next, it accesses the link information storage unit 5 (corresponding to the quality message-binarization method) shown in FIG. 14 corresponding to the ID number 5, and acquires the link information. In order to obtain link information from the link information storage unit 5 (correspondence of the quality message-binarization method), the extraction condition storage unit 7
"BJ cartridge", "paper type", "print quality"
Therefore, the contents of the setting values of these setting items are set from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5, and the link information storage unit 5 (corresponding to the quality message-binarization method) To access.

At this time, the “paper type” is changed from “plain paper” to “coated paper” by the setting information changing unit 9 and the “print quality” is changed to “fourth”. Is "Black / Photo"
The paper type is "coated paper" and the print quality is "fourth".

When the link information storage unit 5 (corresponding to the quality message-binarization method) is searched under these conditions,
“Quality message” and “PHOTO” are described as “select”, “dithering” and “pattern (high-speed)” and “pattern” are described as “delete”, and “error diffusion” is described as “select”. This means that the message of print quality (print mode in FIG. 2) is set to “PHOTO”, “error diffusion” is selected from the dithering process, and the others are deleted. These pieces of information are transmitted to the data processing unit 1, and the data processing unit 1 transmits the received link information to the extraction information storage unit 10, and the extraction information storage unit 10 receiving the information stores the link information.

When the data processing unit 1 is notified of the link information, the data processing unit 1 notifies this information to the setting value information replacing unit 9, and the setting information replacing unit 9 sets the setting values of the setting items included in the received data. , Setting item "Dithering"
The setting value “error diffusion” is replaced with the setting value “pattern (high speed)” of the setting item stored in the current value storage unit 5.

Finally, access is made to the link information storage unit 6 (resolution correspondence table) shown in FIG. 15 corresponding to ID 6 to acquire link information.

In order to obtain link information from the link information storage unit 6 (resolution correspondence table), the extraction condition storage unit 7
"BJ cartridge", "paper type", "print quality", "dithering", and "gray scale" are required (FIG. 6). The contents of the set values of these setting items are set from the changed value storage unit 4 and the current value storage unit 5, and the link information storage unit 6 (resolution correspondence table) is accessed.

At this time, the "paper type" is changed from "plain paper" to "coated paper" by the setting information changing unit 9, the "print quality" is changed to "fourth", and the "dithering" is changed. Since "pattern (high speed)" is replaced with "error diffusion", "BJ cartridge" is "black / photo", paper type is "coated paper", print quality is "fourth", and dithering is " Error diffusion "and the gray scale are" OFF ". When the link information storage unit (corresponding to the resolution) is searched under these conditions, “resolution (vertical)” and “720” are “select (selection)”, “resolution horizontal” and “720” are “select (selection)”, “ "Smoothing information""smoothing" to "s
select (selection). " These pieces of information are transmitted to the data processing unit 1, and the data processing unit 1 transmits the received link information to the extraction information storage unit 10, and the extraction information storage unit 10 receiving the information stores the link information. Thus, a series of link information acquisition work is completed.

FIG. 16 shows the link information stored in the extracted information storage unit 10. That is, "paper type" and "coated paper" are selected, "plain paper" and "OHP" are deleted, "glossy paper" is selectable, "gray scale" and "O
"N", select "OFF", "print quality" and "fifth" are selectable, select "fourth", "first to third"
Delete, select "Quality Message" and "PHOTO",
Select "Dithering" and "Error diffusion", delete "Pattern (high speed) and pattern" Select "Resolution vertical and horizontal" and "720", and select "Smoothing information" and "Smoothing".

The extracted information storage unit 10 transmits the link information to the data processing unit 1, and displays the result on the display device 2 (step S180 in FIG. 8).

Through the series of operations described above, the “BJ cartridge” is changed from “black / color” to “black / color”.
FIG. 17 shows a screen of the printer driver displayed after the display is changed to “photo”.

In FIG. 17, “BJ cartridge” is “black / photo”, “print quality” is “fourth” (indicating the fourth set value from the left), and “dithering” is “error diffusion”. Has been changed to 1,
The second and third cannot be selected in accordance with the selection of "delete", and the fifth can be selected. Further, the pattern of “dithering” and the pattern (high speed) cannot be selected.

As shown in the present embodiment, the reference information determination unit 6 which has a plurality of link information storage units and sets in advance from which information the extraction work needs to be performed and the extraction condition storage unit Since there is a unit 7 and it is possible to replace the newly obtained link information with the current value, if the extraction condition is changed, it is sufficient to correct only that part and newly add the link information.・ If deleted, add / delete link information storage section and add to extraction conditions
It is possible to provide link information with a high degree of freedom and with a reduced number of data, such as by deleting the data.

Further, since the link information can be provided only by the above change, the link information can be provided without changing the program source even when the condition necessary for the data search is changed.

[0082]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention,
If there is a change in the extraction condition, it is necessary to correct only that part.If new link information is added or deleted, the link information storage part is added or deleted, and the addition or deletion is also added to the extraction condition. It is possible to provide link information that suppresses the number of data with a high degree of freedom for adding or changing information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system including a link information search device, a display device, and an input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display regarding settings of a printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of change item and setting value information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a current value storage unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an ID of a link information storage unit and respective contents.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an extraction condition set for each ID.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data listing IDs of link information storage units that need to be referred to;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a link information change process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating acquisition of link information.

FIG. 10 is a link information storage unit 1 (reference medium correction).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating contents of a link information storage unit 2 (corresponding to a medium);

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of a link information storage unit 3 (corresponding to gray scale).

FIG. 13 is a link information storage unit 4 (correspondence between quality and level).
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of a link information storage unit 5 (correspondence of a quality message-binarization method).

FIG. 15 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of a link information storage unit 6 (correspondence of resolution).

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of link information stored in an extraction information storage unit.

FIG. 17 illustrates a printer driver in which link information is reflected after a series of processes.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data processing part 2 Display device 3 Data input part 4 Change value storage part 5 Current value storage part 6 Reference information determination part 7 Extraction condition setting part 8 Link information storage part 9 Setting value information exchange part 10 Extraction information storage part

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. Change value storage means for storing changed information; current value storage means for storing information that is not changed; and link information necessary for optimizing the information that is not changed with the change. Link information storing means for storing, reference information determining means for determining link information to be referred for the optimization, and extraction condition setting for setting conditions necessary for extracting link information from the link information storing means And a setting value information replacing means for updating information stored in the current value storing means based on the extracted link information. 2. The link information search device according to claim 1, wherein the link information is identified and stored for each set content. 3. The link information search device according to claim 1, wherein conditions required for extracting the link information are stored for each set content identified. 4. The link information search device according to claim 1, wherein the link information to be referred to is determined so as to optimize the printing result in accordance with the change input from the input unit. 5. A change value storing step of storing changed information in a first memory; a current value storing step of storing information that is not changed in a second memory; A link information storing step of storing link information necessary for optimization in a third memory; a reference information determining step of determining link information to be referred to for the optimization; and storing in the third memory Condition setting step of setting conditions necessary for extracting the link information that has been extracted; and setting value information replacing step of updating information stored in the second memory based on the extracted link information. A link information search method, comprising: 6. The link information search method according to claim 5, wherein the link information is identified for each set content and stored in the third memory. 7. The link information search method according to claim 5, wherein conditions necessary for extracting the link information are stored for each set content identified. 8. The link information search method according to claim 5, wherein link information to be referred to optimize printing results is determined in accordance with a change input from an input unit. 9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for retrieving and updating link information in order to optimize information that does not affect the change in accordance with the change. Code of a changed value storing step of storing the changed information in the first memory, code of a current value storing step of storing the unchanged information in the second memory, and optimizing the information that is not changed in accordance with the change. A link information storing step of storing link information necessary for the third memory, a reference information determining step of determining link information to be referred to for the optimization, and a third memory. A code of an extraction condition setting step of setting a condition necessary for extracting the stored link information, and a code stored in the second memory based on the extracted link information. Storage medium characterized by comprising a code setting information replacement step of updating that information. 10. An image processing apparatus, comprising: means for searching for a link condition based on the link information search apparatus according to claim 1, and providing a condition that can be set in accordance with the result of the search. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a printer and a facsimile machine. 12. An image processing method comprising a step of searching for a link condition based on the link information search method according to claim 5, and providing a condition that can be set in accordance with a result of the search. 13. An extracting means for extracting link information based on link information to be referred to determined by said reference information determining means and data of an extraction condition set by said extraction condition setting means. The link information search device according to claim 1. 14. The link information search device according to claim 1, further comprising means for changing and displaying the set value replaced by the set value information replacing means. 15. The display means displays, in accordance with the extracted link information, an unselectable setting value so as not to be selectable, and displays a selectable setting value so as to be selectable. The link information search device according to claim 14, wherein: 16. An acquiring unit for acquiring an ID of a link information storage unit corresponding to a changed item, a setting unit for setting an extraction condition of the link information storage unit of the acquired ID, Accordingly, there is provided an extracting unit for extracting link information from the link information storage unit of the acquired ID, and a changing unit for changing the set value when the extracted link information is different from the set value. Link information setting device. 17. In accordance with the extracted link information, an unselectable setting value is displayed so as not to be selected,
17. The link information setting device according to claim 16, further comprising means for displaying selectable setting values so that the setting values can be selected. 18. The link information setting device according to claim 16, wherein the link information includes an appropriate setting value. 19. The link information setting device according to claim 16, wherein the link information includes a setting item, a setting value, and a processing content. 20. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an extraction step of extracting link information based on link information to be referred to determined in the reference information determination step and data of an extraction condition set in the extraction condition setting step. The link information search method according to claim 5. 21. The link information search method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of changing and displaying the set value replaced in the set value information replacing step. 22. In the displaying step, in accordance with the extracted link information, an unselectable setting value is displayed so as not to be selected, and a selectable setting value is displayed so as to be selectable. 22. The link information search method according to claim 21, wherein: 23. An acquiring step of acquiring an ID of a link information storage section corresponding to a changed item; a setting step of setting an extraction condition of the link information storage section of the acquired ID; Accordingly, there is provided an extraction step of extracting link information from the link information storage unit of the acquired ID, and a change step of changing the set value when the extracted link information is different from the set value. Link information setting method. 24. In accordance with the extracted link information, an unselectable setting value is displayed so as not to be selected,
24. The link information setting method according to claim 23, further comprising a step of displaying a selectable set value so that the set value can be selected. 25. The link information setting method according to claim 23, wherein the link information includes an appropriate setting value. 26. The link information setting method according to claim 23, wherein the link information includes a setting item, a setting value, and a processing content. 27. A storage medium storing a program code for causing a computer to execute a link information setting method, wherein the program code obtains an ID of a link information storage unit corresponding to a changed item. A code of a process; a code of a setting step for setting an extraction condition of the link information storage unit of the acquired ID; and an extraction of extracting link information from the link information storage unit of the acquired ID according to the set extraction condition. A storage medium comprising: a process code; and a change process code for changing the set value when the extracted link information and the set value are different.