JP2002073236A - Information processor, method for processing information and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which enables each user to change an initialization value according to his or her own print method. SOLUTION: In the information processor for supplying print data to output equipment such as a printer or a copying machine so that pictures can be formed, a setting picture for setting picture formation conditions is displayed, and an initialization value to be referred to when displaying the initial picture of a setting screen is held in a memory or the like, and a unit for changing the initialization value held in the memory or the like is arranged so that each user can customize his or her own print method in the information processor. In this case, an initialization value dialog or an initialization value menu is displayed for allowing the user to change the initialization value by performing a mouse input or a key input.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system capable of printing from an information processing device such as a personal computer to an output device such as a printer or a copying machine.
In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having various print setting screens, an information processing method, and a medium recording the information processing program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An information processing apparatus in a recent print system holds an initial setting value which is referred to when a print setting screen is displayed. When an initial screen of the print setting screen is opened, a screen corresponding to the set value is displayed. Was displayed. In addition, when the user wants to return the print setting screen to the initial setting screen after performing various print settings, this can be realized by operating means provided on the print setting screen.

[0003]

However, in the print setting screen of the conventional information processing apparatus, the initial setting value referred to for displaying the initial setting screen is determined in advance, and the print setting screen depends on the usage status of each user. There is a problem in that it is far from the display of a convenient and convenient initial setting screen. Therefore, there is a trouble that each user has to first make extra print settings according to his / her own usage method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a means for allowing a user to edit an initial setting value to be referred to when displaying an initial screen of a print setting screen in an information processing apparatus. Is to provide a division processing apparatus that allows each user to change the initial screen according to his or her own printing method.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus for supplying image data to an image forming apparatus and forming an image. Display means for displaying, holding means for holding an initial setting value that the display means refers to when displaying the initial screen of the setting screen, and control means for changing the initial setting value held by the holding means, The display means refers to the setting value changed by the control means and held by the holding means, and displays a setting screen. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a first invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the information processing apparatus further includes a means for inputting a mouse, and the control means controls an initial state for inputting the set value by a specific mouse input. The configuration is such that a setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu is displayed, and the initial setting value is changed by inputting to the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. Less than,
This is referred to as a second invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the information processing apparatus further includes keyboard input means for inputting a key, and the control means inputs the initial setting value by a specific key input. For displaying an initial setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu, and inputting the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu to change the initial setting value. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a third invention.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is a figure, an image, a character, a table (including a spreadsheet, etc.) based on a program ROM of the ROM 3 or a document processing program or the like stored in the external memory 11. And a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which the CPU 1 is mixed, and the CPU 1 controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole. An operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 1, is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11, and a font ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11 stores the above-mentioned document processing. Font data and the like to be used when the above-mentioned document processing is performed are stored in the data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11. 2 is a RAM, a CPU 1
Function as main memory, work area, etc.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. 7 is a disk controller (DK
C) a hard disk (H) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter, print driver), etc.
D), and controls access to an external memory 11 such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). Reference numeral 8 denotes a print controller (PRTC), which is a printer 15 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21.
00, and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) an outline font in a display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Also, the CPU 1
The registered data processing is executed based on a command specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10. When executing printing, the user opens a window related to print settings, and can set a printer and a print processing method for a printer driver including selection of a print mode.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls a system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 14.
And outputs an image signal as output information. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12 and the like. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk, It stores information used on the computer.

The CPU 12 is connected to a host
The communication processing with the computer can be performed, and information and the like in the printer can be notified to the host computer 3000. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an unillustrated expansion port. In addition,
The RAM 19 is used for an output information development area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a memory controller (MC), which controls access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card. Reference numeral 14 denotes an external memory, which is connected as an option,
Stores data, emulation programs, form data, etc. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.
The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory can be connected. A plurality of external memories storing an optional font card, a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system in addition to a built-in font can be connected. It may be configured as follows. Further, an NVR (not shown)
An AM may be provided, and the printer mode setting division from the operation panel 22 may be stored.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a typical printing process in a host computer to which a printing device such as a printer is directly connected or connected via a network. The application 201, the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203, and the system spooler 204 exist as files stored in the external memory 11, and are loaded into the RAM 2 by the OS or a module using the module when executed. The program module to be executed.
Further, the application 201 and the printer driver 203 are connected to the FD of the external memory 11 or a CD-R (not shown).
It can be added to the HD of the external disk 11 via the OM or a network (not shown).

The application 201 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed.
When printing is performed on the graphic engine 202, the graphic engine 202 is also loaded into the RAM 2 and becomes executable.
Is used to output (draw). The graphic engine 202 uses a printer driver 203 prepared for each printing device to convert the commands into printer control commands.
RAM 2 is converted by the converted printer control command OS.
Is output to the printer 1500 via the interface 21 via the system spooler 204 loaded into the printer.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a print setting screen displayed by the printer driver on the information processing apparatus at the time of printing in the present embodiment. This print setting screen 300
Is a Restore Default button 30 for returning all the print setting items 301 for performing various print settings and the setting items 301 in the print setting screen to the initial setting values and displaying the initial setting screen.
2. It is composed of a preview screen 303.

FIG. 4 is an example of a table storing initial setting values 401 immediately after installation, which are referred to by the printer driver when displaying the initial setting screen of the print setting screen 300. This table is a data table (hereinafter referred to as an initial setting table 400) storing a correspondence between a prefix indicating the setting item 301 arranged in the sheet and an initial setting value 401 of each setting item 301. As shown in FIG.
It is a data table on a matrix of 1 and the initial setting value 401, and the initial setting value 401 can be obtained from the setting item 301. The initial setting table 400 is stored in the external memory 11 or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an initial setting screen 500 after a certain user has changed the initial setting screen at the time of printer driver installation in consideration of a usual method of using the printer. Here, A4 and Page Lap are always set for Output Size for the initial setting screen when installing the printer driver.
It is assumed that you set 2Pages per Sheet in yout.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 is set to display the initial setting screen 500. When the printer driver refers to this initial setting table 600 when the initial setting screen of the print setting screen is displayed, the output size is set to A.
4. An initial setting screen 500 in which 2 Pages per Sheet is set in Page Layout is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of means for providing an initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 for the user to edit.

Restore Defa on the print setting screen 300
By right-clicking the “ult” button 302, an initial setting dialog 700 for setting initial setting values 401 of the setting items 301 can be opened. This dialog is for setting items 30 arranged on the print setting screen 300.
1, the user selects each of the setting items 701 in the initial setting dialog 700, and the initial setting value 400 of the initial setting table 400 is set.
It can be reflected as 1. Also, an initial setting dialog 701
Has a preview screen 702 and can check the settings. If you want to return to the settings at the time of the printer driver installation, click on the “Restor
e It can be realized by pressing the Default button 703.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of means for providing an initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 for the user to edit.

Here, a menu is provided in which the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 can be changed by right-clicking on each of the setting items 301 on the print setting screen 300. This is one of the setting items 301. Or
This figure shows an example of the ientation 801. Orie
Right-click on ntation 801 to set DefaultSet
Display a menu containing the item ting 802,
From ault Setting 802, Portrait, Landsc
A menu 803 for selecting ape is displayed.

For other items of the setting item 301, the same setting is selected from the same menu, and the initial setting is reflected in the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400. To return all of the setting items 301 to the settings at the time of printer driver installation, use the “Restor
e Use the menu that appears when you right-click the Default button.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of operation and processing of print setting in the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart at the time of printing immediately after installation, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart at the time of printing after the user has previously made print settings whose initial setting values have been changed.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to two figures.

In step S901, the printer driver refers to the initial setting table 400 immediately after installation, and displays an initial setting screen. In step S902, when the user considers his or her usual printing method and determines that changing the initial settings is more convenient, the user initializes the initial setting table 400 using the initial setting dialog 700 provided by the printer driver. To edit. Step S90
In 3, the user presses the Restore Default button 302 when the user wants to reflect the initial setting value on the print setting screen on the spot, displays the initial setting screen in step S904, sets the print setting item 301 in step S905, Perform printing.

The flow of the print setting operation / process shown in FIG. 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. 9, but is displayed in step S1001 for editing the initial set values by the user at the time of printing already performed. 9 differs from that shown in FIG.

Therefore, in the display of the initial setting screen in step S1001, the print setting screen suitable for the user's usage is initially displayed. Further, when the method of use is changed, the initialization table 600 is edited again, and when it is desired to change the initialization screen, the initialization table 600 is edited in step S1002 through the initialization dialog 700 or the like. I do.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be configured as a single device. (Copiers, printers, facsimile machines, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of a system or apparatus storing a program stored in the storage medium. It is also achieved by reading and executing the code.

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.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk,
Disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-RO
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,
A ROM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is written based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
The case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By providing a means by which the user can edit the initial setting values that are referred to when displaying the initial screen of the print setting screen, each user can display a convenient initial screen according to his / her own printer usage method. There is an effect that can be. As a result, each user can reduce the burden of operation during printing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a printer and a host computer are connected according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed by the printer driver according to the first embodiment during printing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table storing initial setting values referred to by a printer driver when displaying an initial setting screen of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen that a user wants to display as an initial setting screen according to a usual method of using the printer.

FIG. 6 is an initial setting table in which the user has edited initial setting values in order to display an initial setting screen corresponding to a method of using the printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unit that provides an initial setting value of an initial setting table for a user to edit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unit that provides an initial setting value of an initial setting table for a user to edit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print setting operation / process at the time of printing immediately after installation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print setting operation / process in printing after an initial setting value has been previously changed by a user according to the first embodiment.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for supplying image data to an image forming apparatus and forming an image, wherein a display means for displaying a setting screen for setting image forming conditions, and wherein the display means is an initial screen of the setting screen Holding means for holding an initial setting value to be referred to at the time of display; and control means for changing an initial setting value held by the holding means. The display means is changed by the control means and held by the holding means. An information processing apparatus characterized in that a setting screen is displayed by referring to a set value that has been set. 2. The information processing apparatus further includes a mouse input unit, and the control unit displays an initial setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu for inputting the setting value by a specific mouse input. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit changes the initial setting value by inputting the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. 3. The information processing apparatus further includes keyboard input means for inputting a key, and the control means includes an initial value dialog and / or an initial value dialog for inputting the initial value by a specific key input. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is means for changing a default value by displaying a menu and inputting the default value dialog or the default value menu. 4. An information processing method for supplying image data to an image forming apparatus and forming an image, wherein a display step of displaying a setting screen for setting image forming conditions, and wherein the displaying step is an initial screen of the setting screen A holding step of holding an initial setting value to be referred to at the time of display; and a control step of changing an initial setting value held by the holding step. The display step is changed by the control step and held by the holding step. An information processing method characterized by displaying a setting screen with reference to a setting value. 5. The information processing method further includes a step of inputting a mouse, and the control step displays an initial setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu for inputting the setting value by a specific mouse input. 5. The information processing method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of changing an initial setting value by inputting the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. 6. The information processing method further includes a keyboard inputting step of inputting a key, and the control step includes an initial setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu for inputting the setting value by a specific key input. 5. The information processing method according to claim 4, further comprising: displaying an initial setting value and changing the initial setting value by inputting the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. 7. A computer-readable memory storing program code for information processing for supplying image data to an image forming apparatus and forming an image, wherein a display step of displaying a setting screen for setting image forming conditions is performed. A code for executing, a code for executing a holding step for holding an initial setting value referred to when the display step displays the initial screen of the setting screen, and a control for changing an initial setting value held by the holding step And a code for executing the step, wherein the code for executing the display step is changed by the code for executing the control step, and the setting value held by the code for executing the holding step is changed. A computer-readable memory, which refers to and displays a setting screen. 8. The computer readable memory further includes code for executing a mouse input step, wherein the code for executing the control step includes an initial value for inputting the setting value by a specific mouse input. A code for displaying a setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu and executing a step of changing an initial setting value by inputting in the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. Item 8. A computer-readable memory according to Item 7. 9. The computer readable memory further includes a code for executing a keyboard inputting step of inputting a key, and the code for executing the control step is configured to input the setting value by a specific key input. A code for displaying an initial setting value dialog and / or an initial setting value menu, and performing a step of changing an initial setting value by inputting into the initial setting value dialog or the initial setting value menu. The computer readable memory of claim 7, wherein