CN101038535A

CN101038535A - Information processing device

Info

Publication number: CN101038535A
Application number: CN 200710087787
Authority: CN
Inventors: 中重麻美
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-17
Filing date: 2007-03-19
Publication date: 2007-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-19
Also published as: CN100504753C

Abstract

An information processing device is disclosed that is able to extend functions without performing installation and enables easy function settings. The information processing device is able to communicate with an image forming device, and includes a storage unit for storing basic information of the information processing device; an information acquisition unit for acquiring function information from the image forming device; a function detection unit for detecting a function of the image forming device from the function information; and a storage controller which determines whether function data of the detected function is included in the basic information, and modifies the basic information according to the determination results. When the function data of the detected function is not included in the basic information, the storage controller stores the function data in the storage unit.

Description

Information processing apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus.

Background

When a host terminal like a Personal Computer (PC) and an image forming apparatus like a printer are connected via a network, software, which is generally called a printer driver, is installed in the host terminal to convert a document created or browsed by an application installed in the host terminal into print data compatible with (i.e., printable by) the image forming apparatus connected to the host terminal via the network by using a page description language supported by the image forming apparatus. Here, "print data compatible with the image forming apparatus" means print data that can be printed in the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a printer driver.

As shown in fig. 1, the printer driver 12 is installed in the host terminal 1, and includes: a data receiving section 121 that receives document data created or browsed by the application 11 installed in the host terminal 1; a GUI (graphical user interface) controller 122 that performs control so as to store the set values of the printer driver 12 or document data in the storage unit 123; a storage unit 123 that stores setting values of the document data received by the data receiving portion 121 and setting values of the printer driver 12 controlled by the GUI controller 122; and a writing section 124 that converts the document data into print data compatible with the image forming apparatus based on the setting values stored in the storage unit 123.

The data receiving portion 121 receives document data created or browsed by the application 11, and the storage unit 123 obtains the setting values of the document data received by the data receiving portion 121 from the application 11. Further, the storage unit 123 obtains the setting values of the printer driver 12 from the GUI controller 122 to convert the document data received by the data receiving portion 121 into print data compatible with the image forming apparatus. The setting values obtained by the storage unit 123 are sent to the writing section 124 through the data receiving section 121 together with the document data received by the data receiving section 121. The writing section 124 converts the document data into print data compatible with the image forming apparatus based on the setting values of the document data obtained from the application 11 and based on the setting values of the printer driver 12 obtained from the GUI controller 122. The print data converted by the writing section 124 is transmitted from the port controller 13 of the host terminal 1 to the image forming apparatus via the network.

In the latest network environment, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are generally connected to a network. Furthermore, with the widespread use of mobile phones and portable PCs, it becomes necessary for one user to be able to use different imaging apparatuses in different places; there is a need for one host terminal capable of controlling a plurality of image forming apparatuses. For example, a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to respective image forming apparatuses must be installed in the host terminal.

For example, japanese laid-open patent application No.2004-310488 (hereinafter, referred to as "reference 1") discloses a printing system in which one driver is installed in a plurality of printing apparatuses of the same type in one installation. In the printing system disclosed in reference 1, a plurality of printing apparatuses appear to be managed with the same ID number but different network ID numbers; therefore, on the host terminal side that manages a plurality of printing apparatuses, it is not necessary to install a plurality of printer drivers.

However, the host terminal does not always control the same type of printing apparatus. When a host terminal controls different types of printing apparatuses, a corresponding printer driver should be installed in the host terminal. Further, even when the host terminal always controls the same type of printing apparatus, it is possible to exchange the printing apparatus in use with a new printing apparatus for the reason of the lifetime or failure. Due to the exchange of the printing apparatus, if it is required to expand the functions of the printer driver installed in the host terminal, a printer driver having an expanded function should be installed in the host terminal. Installing a printer driver in a host terminal increases a workload imposed on an OS (operating system) of the host terminal; furthermore, such installation increases the cost and working time of the user.

In order to solve this problem, it has been proposed to install a plug-in module into a printer driver already installed in a host terminal, and to add an extended function only when a new printer driver having the extended function needs to be installed.

For example, japanese laid-open patent application No.2005-173701 (hereinafter, referred to as "reference 2") discloses an information processing apparatus capable of efficiently installing a plug-in module for realizing an additional function in an existing printer driver.

In recent years, printer drivers have more and more functions as functions of utility programs executed in image forming apparatuses and host terminals are improved. However, different parts of the functions of the printer driver are used depending on the user, and in many cases, not all the functions of the printer driver are necessary.

For example, japanese laid-open patent application No.2001-75758 (hereinafter, referred to as "reference 3") discloses a printer driver that presents functions owned by a printer in a system only when the printer driver is set to use the functions of the printer, and thus it is possible to concentrate the setting on the functions owned by the (faithfull to) printer in a simple manner and with high operability.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in reference 2, since only the new additional function is installed as a plug-in module, the workload applied to the information processing apparatus is reduced as compared with an apparatus having to reinstall the entire printer driver. However, since the number of operations in installation is not reduced, the workload imposed on the user, such as cost and working time, is hardly reduced.

In the printer driver disclosed in reference 3, since a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is required to provide data for setting a print condition for each connected printer, a mass storage device is required to store many DLLs in an environment including an unspecified number of connected printers.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention may address one or more problems in the related art.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention can provide an information processing apparatus capable of expanding its functions without performing installation and capable of easy function setting.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an imaging apparatus, comprising:

a storage unit that stores basic information of the information processing apparatus;

an information acquisition unit that acquires function information from an imaging device;

a function detection unit that detects a function of the imaging apparatus from the function information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and

a storage controller determining whether function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is included in the basic information stored in the storage unit and modifying the basic information stored in the storage unit according to the determination result,

wherein

When the function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is not included in the basic information stored in the storage unit, the storage controller stores the function data in the storage unit.

According to the present embodiment, when a new function is added to the information processing apparatus of the present invention capable of communicating with an imaging apparatus, or when a different type of imaging apparatus is connected, it is sufficient to cause the information processing apparatus in the present invention to acquire only information that is not included in basic information prepared in advance from the imaging apparatus. Therefore, when an image forming apparatus is added or updated, it is not necessary to introduce an information processing apparatus corresponding to the image forming apparatus each time the addition or update is performed. That is, the workload imposed on the user by the installation process is reduced. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of expanding functions without performing installation.

Here, the "basic information" means the minimum necessary information included in software installed in advance as a device driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus, and information added later.

As an embodiment, the basic information includes function data and a status flag associated with a function of the information processing apparatus, the function information includes the function data and a status flag associated with a function of the image forming apparatus, and the storage controller assigns the status flag associated with the function of the image forming apparatus to the status flag associated with the function of the information processing apparatus, which is the same as the function of the image forming apparatus.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the function of the information processing apparatus in response to the state of the image forming apparatus. For example, when the image forming apparatus is a printer, it is possible to recognize that some functions of the information processing apparatus are not currently available due to factors on the printer side, such as that an optional apparatus is not installed, or that the printer runs out of consumables like staples or toner, or that the size or type of paper is not compatible. For example, if an optional device is installed in the printer later, and a factor preventing execution of a specific function is eliminated, this function becomes available.

As an embodiment, when the function data included in the basic information is not included in the function information, the memory controller assigns a value to a status flag corresponding to the function data to indicate that the function data is included in the basic information but not included in the function information.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of utilizing actually required functions. That is, when the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a PC or other host terminal, even when an optional device is added, it is possible to minimize the workload imposed on the OS of the host terminal because the information processing apparatus does not call a function that is not currently available in the image forming apparatus.

As an embodiment, the information processing apparatus further includes: a setting item input-output unit that displays a setting graphic image based on the basic information stored in the storage unit,

wherein,

the setting item input-output unit modifies a form of setting the graphic image in response to a status flag corresponding to a function of the information processing apparatus included in the basic information.

According to the present embodiment, the user can visually confirm the function of the information processing apparatus, and when setting the function parameters of the information processing apparatus, the user can easily and appropriately set the parameters in response to the state of the information processing apparatus.

As an embodiment, the setting item input-output unit refers to a status flag corresponding to function data included in the basic information but not included in the function information, and does not display the setting item associated with the function data on the setting graphic image.

According to the present embodiment, the user can visually confirm the functions currently available, and when setting the function parameters of the information processing apparatus, it is clear which functions can be set with the settings modified, and operability is improved as compared with a printer driver including unnecessary functions.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the information processing apparatus can acquire only information that is not included in the basic information that is the function information of the connected imaging apparatus and is the minimum necessary information included in the software installed in advance, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that is capable of expanding the function without performing the installation and that enables easy function setting.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a printer driver;

fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of printer function information;

fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the basic information stored in the storage unit 21;

fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 for adding or enabling a printer function; and

fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 when detecting a function present in the information processing apparatus 2 other than the printer.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[ configuration of information processing apparatus ]

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 2, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a GUI controller 222, a setting storage unit 223, and a writing unit 224. These components implement the functions of a printer driver for generating data interpretable by a printer connected via a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN).

The setting storage unit 223 stores document data to be printed by the printer and setting values of the information processing apparatus 2, and includes a storage unit 21 and an information acquisition unit 22. The storage unit 21 stores basic information of the information processing apparatus. This basic information is used by the information processing apparatus 2 to control the printer. The information acquisition unit 22 acquires function information of the printer from the printer.

The GUI controller 222 performs control so that the setting values of the information processing apparatus 2 or the setting values of document data to be printed by the printer are stored in the setting storage unit 223. The GUI controller 222 includes a function detection unit 23, a storage controller 24, and a setting item input-output unit 25.

The function detection unit 23 detects all functions of the printer from the function information of the printer obtained by the information acquisition unit 22. The storage controller 24 controls the data stored in the storage unit 21 so as to match the function of the printer detected by the function detection unit 23.

The setting item input-output unit 25 displays a graphic image on a screen to make settings based on information stored in the storage unit 21 to adjust setting values or issue control commands that generate data interpretable by a printer. For example, when the information processing apparatus 2 is included in a PC, the setting item input-output unit 25 displays a setting graphic image on a display device (such as a monitor) of the PC, and in response to the setting graphic image on the display, the user operates an input device like a mouse and a keyboard to receive an input setting value.

The writing unit 224 converts document data into print data that can be interpreted by and printed by a printer based on information stored in the setting storage unit 223. The writing unit 224 includes a function execution unit 26 that executes a function corresponding to the target printer based on the data stored in the storage unit 21.

If the printer is powered on or connected when the information processing apparatus 2 is powered on, the information acquisition unit 22 detects a printer that is available to it, and acquires function information from the detected printer.

The function detection unit 23 detects all functions of the printer from the function information of the printer obtained by the information acquisition unit 22. The storage controller 24 controls the basic information stored in the storage unit 21 so as to match the printer function detected by the function detection unit 23, such as the storage controller 24 adding, deleting, and updating information in the storage unit 21.

The setting item input-output unit 25 displays a setting graphic image on a display device (such as a monitor) based on the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, thereby allowing a user to adjust a setting value or issue a control command in order to generate data interpretable by a printer. Once the graphic image is displayed on the display device, the user inputs a setting value by using the input device. The setting item input-output unit 25 receives setting values input by the user, and reflects these setting values as basic information stored in the storage unit 21. The function execution unit 26 generates data interpretable by the target printer based on the basic information stored in the storage unit 21 updated by including therein the setting value input by the user.

[ method of information description ]

Next, the printer function information obtained by the information obtaining unit 22 is explained with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of printer function information.

As shown in fig. 3A, the printer function information is managed as a data list of functions p (N) (1, 2.., N) currently available in the printer. Alternatively, the printer function information may be managed to include a plurality of function groups, each function group including a plurality of functions currently available in the printer. Further, the function information also includes data of functions that are not currently available but become available when an optional device is added.

The function information includes a status flag for identifying whether the function p (n) is currently available. For example, the status flag has an "ON" state and an "OFF" state; when the status flag is in the "ON" state, a function corresponding to data including the status flag is currently available in the target printer. When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently unavailable in the target printer, for example, because an optional device is not installed, or the printer runs out of consumables like staples or toner, or the size or type of paper is not compatible.

For example, when an optional device is later installed in the printer and a factor that prevents the function from being executed is eliminated, a function having a status flag in an "OFF" state becomes available. In this case, the status flag becomes "ON". That is, the status flag value is changed depending on the status of the target printer.

The storage controller 24 controls data stored in the storage unit 21 based on the function information shown in fig. 3A.

Fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the basic information stored in the storage unit 21.

As shown in fig. 3B, the basic information includes initial information 31 and additional information 32 added after installation, where the initial information 31 is the minimum necessary information included in software installed in advance for generating data interpretable by the printer.

The initial information 31 is managed as a data list of functions d (X) (X ═ 1, 2.., X) currently available in the information processing apparatus 2. Similarly, the additional information 32 is also managed as a data list of functions dt (Y) (1, 2. ·, Y) currently available in the information processing apparatus 2. Alternatively, the initial information 31 and the additional information 32 may also be managed to include a plurality of function groups, each group including a plurality of functions currently available in the information processing apparatus 2.

Whether function d (x) and function dt (y) are executable depends on whether these functions are currently available in the target printer.

The various function data includes status flags identifying whether function d (x) and function dt (y) are currently executable. For example, the status flag has an "ON" state, an "OFF" state, and an "IMP" state. When the status flag is in the "ON" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently executable. When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is currently not executable, for example, because an optional device is not mounted, the printer runs out of consumables like staples or toner, or the size or type of paper is not compatible, or other factors of the printer side. However, when a factor that prevents the function from being executed is eliminated, such as when an optional device is later installed in the printer, this function becomes available.

When the status flag is in the "IMP" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is absolutely not executable because of the specification of the target printer. However, when controlling other types of printers, a function having a status flag in the "IMP" state becomes executable. In this case, the state flag becomes "ON" or "OFF". That is, the status flag value changes depending on the type of target printer.

The additional information 32 corresponds to functions available in the printer, and the additional information 32 is detected by the function detection unit 23 from the function information shown in fig. 3A. When the additional information 32 has not been previously included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, the additional information 32 corresponds to the function information that is added by the storage controller 24, detected by the function detection unit 23, and is not included in the basic information.

[ operation of information processing apparatus ]

Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 in the present embodiment is explained with reference to the drawings.

When the information processing apparatus 2 in the present embodiment as shown in fig. 2 is applied to a PC or other host terminal in order to cause a printer to print document data created or browsed by an application installed in the host terminal, the information processing apparatus 2 converts the document data into print data that can be interpreted by the printer and includes a control command input by the user. The information processing apparatus 2 can utilize the function of a printer.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 for adding or enabling the printer function.

As shown in fig. 4, in step S101, when a printer that performs printing is powered on or connected, the information acquisition unit 22 acquires function information of the printer from the printer.

In step S102, the function detection unit 23 detects all the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer described in the function information acquired by the information acquisition unit 22.

In step S103, the storage controller 24 determines whether the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer detected by the function detection unit 23 are included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21. In other words, the memory controller 24 determines whether the function p (n) included in the function information shown in fig. 3A coincides with one of the functions D (1) to D (x) included in the initial information 31 (basic information) shown in fig. 3B.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the memory controller 24 determines whether the functions p (n) exist in the initial information 31 (basic information) in the order of description in the function information.

If the storage controller 24 determines that the function p (n) is consistent with one of the functions D (1) to D (x) included in the initial information 31 (basic information), that is, the function p (n) of the target printer is included in the initial information 31 (basic information), the routine proceeds to step S104. Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S105.

In step S104, since the function p (n) of the target printer is included in the initial information 31, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function p (n) in the target printer, and assigns the status flag value of the function p (n) to the status flag of the function d (x) corresponding to the function p (n). In other words, memory controller 24 replaces the state flag value of function D (x) with the state flag value of function P (n).

In step S105, since the storage controller 24 determines that the function p (n) does not coincide with any of the functions D (1) to D (x) included in the initial information 31, that is, the function p (n) of the target printer is not included in the initial information 31, the storage controller 24 regards the function p (n) of the target printer as an additional function dt (y). Further, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function p (n) of the target printer, and associates the status flag value of the function p (n) with the function dt (y).

In step S106, the storage controller 24 increments the index of the additional function dt (y). That is, the next additional function becomes DT (y + 1).

In step S107, in order to determine whether or not the function P (n +1) following the function P (n) in the function information exists in the basic information, the memory controller 24 increments the index of the function P (n). That is, the next function of the target printer to be compared becomes P (n + 1).

In step S108, the storage controller 24 determines whether the new index N of the function p (N) is smaller than N which is an upper limit of the index N. That is, the memory controller 24 determines whether all the functions p (n) included in the function information have been examined (inventived).

If all the functions p (n) included in the function information have been reviewed, the routine proceeds to step S109. Otherwise, the routine returns to step S103 to repeat steps S103 to S107.

In step S109, since the index N of the function p (N) is greater than or equal to N, that is, all the functions p (N) included in the function information have been reviewed, the storage controller 24 stores the additional functions DT (1) to DT (y) into the basic information of the storage unit 21 as the additional information 32 shown in fig. 3B.

Note that if all the functions p (n) of the target printer are included in the basic information, there is no additional function dt (n); therefore, step S109 is not performed.

In step S110, the setting item input-output unit 25 displays a graphic image on the screen in which various setting items are displayed in a display manner suitable for the status flags of the function d (x) and the additional function dt (y) included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21. Hereinafter, a graphic image displayed on a screen and used for a user to adjust a setting value is referred to as a "setting graphic image" or a "setting screen".

Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when a printer is newly connected, it is possible to expand the functions of the information processing apparatus 2 without performing installation.

As described above, when it is detected that the function exists in the information processing apparatus 2 but not in the printer, the setting item input-output unit 25 does not display the setting item of the function on the setting graphic image. Next, an operation of the information processing apparatus 2 when the information processing apparatus 2 detects that the function exists in the information processing apparatus 2 but does not exist in the printer will be described.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 when it is detected that the function exists in the information processing apparatus 2 but does not exist in the printer.

As shown in fig. 5, in step S201, when a printer that performs printing is powered on or connected, the information acquisition unit 22 acquires function information of the printer from the printer.

In step S202, the function detection unit 23 detects all the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer described in the function information acquired by the information acquisition unit 22.

In step S203, the storage controller 24 determines whether the function d (x) included in the initial information 31 (basic information) coincides with one of the functions P (1) to P (n) of the target printer detected by the function detecting unit 23.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, the storage controller 24 determines whether or not the function d (x) coincides with one of the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer in the order of description in the basic information.

If the storage controller 24 determines that the function d (x) included in the basic information coincides with one of the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer, that is, the function P (n) of the target printer exists in the basic information, the routine proceeds to step S204. Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S205.

In step S204, since the function p (n) of the target printer is already included in the initial information 31, the storage controller 24 obtains the status flag of the function p (n) in the target printer, and assigns the status flag value of the function p (n) included in the basic information to the status flag of the function d (x) corresponding to the function p (n). In other words, memory controller 24 replaces the state flag value of function D (x) with the state flag value of function P (n).

It is to be noted that when the process shown in fig. 5 is executed after the process shown in fig. 4 is completed, step 204 may be omitted because the status flag of the function p (n) of the target printer has already been obtained.

In step S205, since the storage controller 24 determines that the function d (x) included in the basic information does not coincide with any of the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer, that is, the function P (n) of the target printer does not exist in the basic information, the storage controller 24 sets the state flag value of the function d (x) included in the basic information to "IMP".

In step S206, in order to determine whether the function D (x +1) following the function D (x) in the basic information coincides with one of the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer, the memory controller 24 increments the index of the function D (x).

In step S207, the storage controller 24 determines whether the new index X of the function d (X) is smaller than X which is the upper limit of the index X. That is, the memory controller 24 determines whether all the functions d (x) in the basic information have been compared with the functions P (1) to P (n) of the printer.

If all functions d (x) in the basic information have been compared with the functions P (1) to P (n), the routine proceeds to step S208. Otherwise, the routine returns to step S203 to repeat steps S203 to S207.

In step S208, since the index X of the function d (X) is greater than or equal to X, that is, all the functions d (X) in the basic information have been compared with the functions P (1) to P (n), the setting item input-output unit 25 refers to the status flag of the function d (X) included in the basic information stored in the storage unit 21, and displays a setting graphic image on which only the setting item having the function of the status flag in the "IMP" state (which indicates that the function is absolutely not executable) is not displayed.

Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, since a function having a status flag indicating that the function is absolutely unexecutable in the "IMP" state, that is, a function not existing in the target printer is not substantially displayed on the setting graphic image is not displayed on the setting graphic image, it is possible to improve the convenience and operability of setting the graphic image and to make function setting easy.

It should be noted that the process in fig. 4 and the process in fig. 5 may be combined. However, because the process in fig. 4 determines whether the function D (x) included in the basic information exists among the functions P (1) to P (n) of the target printer, and the process in fig. 5 determines whether the function P (n) of the target printer in the function information exists among the functions D (1) to D (x) included in the basic information, overlapping operations occur when the processes in fig. 4 and 5 are performed. Thus, for example, during the process of fig. 4, when the storage controller 24 determines that the function D (x) does not coincide with any of the functions p (n) included in the function information among the functions D (1) to D (x) included in the basic information, the storage controller 24 automatically sets the state flag value of the function D (x) to "IMP" at step S103. In this way, the process in fig. 5 may be omitted.

[ mode of setting Screen ]

As described above, the mode of the setting screen displayed by the setting item input-output unit 25 depends on the status flags of the functions d (x) and dt (y) included in the basic information in the storage unit 21.

For example, when the status flag is in the "ON" state, a function corresponding to the function data including this status flag is currently available, and the setting of the function may be further modified. In this case, for example, a setting item corresponding to this function may be displayed with full brightness to notify the user of the message.

When the status flag is in the "OFF" state, functions corresponding to data including the status flag are not available in the current state of the printer and the settings of the functions cannot be modified, but if the state of the printer changes, the corresponding functions become available. In this case, for example, a setting item corresponding to this function may be displayed to have half brightness to notify the user of the message.

When the status flag is in the "IMP" state, the function corresponding to the data including the status flag is absolutely not executable because of the specification of the target printer. In this case, for example, a setting item corresponding to this function is not displayed on the setting screen.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is capable of numerous modifications by one skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept and scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that the information processing apparatus is connected to a printer as an example of the image forming apparatus, and the printer driver is described as being used to generate data interpretable by the printer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is applicable to a scanner driver, a PC-FAX driver, or other device drivers as long as the drivers can convert instructions from an application into data that can be processed by the device.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to device drivers and equivalent modules, but is applicable to the application itself.

Further, the present invention may be realized by a program stored in a memory such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Read Only Memory (ROM) in the information processing apparatus. That is, the present invention can be realized by executing the program capable of function expansion as described above.

This patent application is based on Japanese priority patent application No.2006-075647 filed on 17.3.2006 and Japanese priority patent application No.2007-018552 filed on 29.1.2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, comprising:

an information acquisition unit that acquires function information from the imaging apparatus;

a storage controller that determines whether function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is included in the basic information stored in the storage unit, and modifies the basic information stored in the storage unit according to the determination result;

wherein,

the storage controller stores the function data in the storage unit when the function data associated with the function detected by the function detection unit is not included in the basic information stored in the storage unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the basic information includes function data and a status flag associated with a function of the information processing apparatus;

the function information includes function data and a status flag associated with a function of the image forming apparatus; and

the memory controller assigns a status flag associated with a function of the image forming apparatus to a status flag associated with a function of the information processing apparatus, the function of the information processing apparatus being the same as the function of the image forming apparatus.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,

when the function data included in the basic information is not included in the function information, the memory controller assigns a value to a status flag corresponding to the function data to indicate that the function data is included in the basic information but not included in the function information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:

a setting item input-output unit that displays a setting graphic image based on the basic information stored in the storage unit;

wherein,

the setting item input-output unit modifies a form of the setting graphic image in response to a status flag corresponding to a function of the information processing apparatus included in the basic information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting item input-output unit refers to a status flag corresponding to function data included in the basic information but not included in the function information, and does not display the setting item associated with the function data on the setting graphic image.