JP2004326426A - Printer driver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that it is impossible for a beginner who is unfamiliar with printer to easily set a print condition since a printer driver for controlling the print processing of a printer is complicatedly configured as the printer is highly functionalized. <P>SOLUTION: In this printer driver, a print condition setting picture for setting the print condition is provided with a plurality of print condition input pictures for inputting the print condition corresponding to each of a plurality of print condition setting items and a print condition procedure setting picture for setting the display order of the print condition inputting pictures, wherein the print condition can be set on the print condition inputting picture displayed on the basis of the order set by a user. Thus, it is possible for not only a beginner who is unfamiliar with the print condition setting operation but also a person who is familiar with the setting operation to set the print condition without feeling a stress. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printer driver having a function of setting printing conditions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When printing a text or image data by a printer connected to a computer or the like, the printing is performed based on printing conditions such as the number of copies, paper size, printing direction, and paper type set by the user using the computer. A printer driver that drives a printer and executes a printing process is required. That is, conventionally, the user has set the required printing conditions by using an input device such as a mouse on the printing condition setting screen (printer driver properties) 90 of the printer driver shown in FIG. 9, for example.
[0003]
However, due to the recent increase in the number of functions of the printer, such a printer driver has a complicated configuration corresponding to a large number of functions. Therefore, the above-described conventional printing condition setting method requires a great deal of labor and time for print setting. Furthermore, it is difficult for a novice or the like who is unfamiliar with printer printing to know where the printing conditions to be set are.
[0004]
In order to solve the above problem, there is a link-type printer driver that displays a print condition setting screen corresponding to (links to) a setting item selected from a printing condition setting item list. According to such a printer driver, it is possible to easily search for a print condition setting item to be set, so that print settings can be easily made.
[0005]
There is also a wizard-type printer driver that displays a printing condition setting screen while guiding the printing condition setting procedure in a predetermined order. According to such a printer driver, print settings can be made according to the guidance, so that there is no need to search for the print condition setting items that one wants to set, and even an unskilled beginner can make complicated print settings.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the above-described link-type printer driver, for example, a printing condition setting screen cannot be displayed unless the name of the setting item of the printing condition to be set is known, so that a beginner unfamiliar with printer printing can easily set the printing conditions. There is a problem that it cannot be set.
[0007]
Also, with the wizard-type printer driver described above, even if the driver is easy to set up for beginners at first, as the user becomes accustomed to the setting, it is troublesome to display a printing condition setting screen that does not need to be set. There are points.
[0008]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer driver capable of easily and quickly setting a printing condition of a printer.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a printer driver having a function of setting print conditions, wherein the print condition setting screen for setting the print conditions includes the print condition corresponding to each of a plurality of print condition setting items. And a printing condition procedure setting screen for setting the display order of the printing condition input screen.
This makes it possible to set print conditions on a print condition input screen displayed based on a procedure set by a user or the like. As a result, even a beginner who is unfamiliar with the setting operation can easily set the printing conditions because the printing conditions need only be input in accordance with the sequentially displayed screens.
[0010]
Further, the present invention can have the following configurations.
(A) The print condition setting screen displays, in a flow diagram format, print condition setting items corresponding to the print condition input screen based on the display order of the print condition input screen predetermined by the print condition procedure setting screen. It has a flow diagram format screen to be displayed.
[0011]
Thus, it is possible to easily grasp the setting order and the input order of the printing conditions in the flowchart while setting the printing conditions on the printing condition input screen displayed based on the predetermined setting procedure. . Therefore, the printing condition can be set even more easily for a beginner who is unfamiliar with the setting operation.
(B) The print condition input screen is switched to a print condition input screen corresponding to the print condition setting item by selecting the print condition setting item.
[0012]
As a result, the print condition input screen corresponding to (linking to) the selected print condition setting item can be directly displayed, so that the print condition to be set or the setting item including the print condition is known in advance. Can promptly set print conditions without displaying a print condition input screen that does not need to be set. Therefore, not only beginners who are unfamiliar with the setting operation but also those who are accustomed can set the printing conditions without stress.
(C) The print condition procedure setting screen includes an item list display section for displaying a list of the print condition setting items, and an order display section for displaying print condition setting items corresponding to the print condition input screen in the display order. Having a printing condition setting item included in the order display unit deleted from the order display unit or a printing condition setting item added from the item list display unit, or a printing condition setting item included in the order display unit Can be changed in the display order.
[0013]
Thus, the print setting items to be displayed as the print condition input screen and the display order can be freely set. That is, to prevent display of print setting items that do not change the printing conditions by the user in accordance with the usage status of the printer, and to make the display order of print settings items having high priority, for example, frequently used print items earlier. Can be. Therefore, the user can efficiently set the printing conditions without performing unnecessary work.
[0014]
Further, the above item (c) can further have the following configuration.
(D) The print condition procedure setting screen has a setting name display unit capable of displaying a plurality of setting names in the display order,
A new setting name can be added to the setting name display section, and a setting name displayed on the setting name display section can be edited or deleted.
[0015]
As a result, a plurality of printing conditions can be registered with names. Therefore, the user can efficiently set the printing conditions by appropriately selecting the setting name that matches the print content to be performed.
(E) The print condition procedure setting screen displays the setting contents corresponding to the selected setting name on the sequence display section by selecting the setting name displayed on the setting name display section.
[0016]
Thus, it is possible to easily understand which print setting items are included in the selected setting name and in what display order they are displayed.
(F) The print condition procedure setting screen is used to edit the setting contents corresponding to the selected setting name by switching the display from the setting name selection screen for selecting the setting name and the setting name selection screen. And a setting content edit screen of
The setting name selection screen has the setting name display section and the order display section, and the setting content editing screen has the item list display section and the order display section.
[0017]
Thus, the display order of the print setting items can be confirmed both when the setting name is selected and when the setting content corresponding to the setting name is edited. Further, by switching the screen, it is possible to provide a screen with only the display unit specialized for the selection or editing. Therefore, even a novice who is unfamiliar with the setting operation can not only work without being confused, but also can set printing conditions efficiently for a novice.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
[0019]
Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation environment of the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing of the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a print condition input screen selection process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting start screen which is an example of the print condition input screen; FIG. 6 shows a paper setting screen as an example of an input screen, FIG. 6 shows a paper feed setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen, and FIG. 7 shows a paper ejection setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a discharge setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a print setting confirmation screen as an example of a printing condition input screen, and FIG. 9 is an example of a printing condition procedure setting screen. is there FIG. 10 is a view showing a fixed name selection screen, FIG. 10 is a view showing a setting content editing screen which is an example of a printing condition procedure setting screen, and FIG. 11 is a view showing the display order of the printing condition input screen in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting process, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name selection process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name editing process, FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print setting item editing process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting item deletion processing in the printer driver. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name adding process in the printer driver according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name deleting process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a print condition setting screen of the printer driver of FIG.
[0020]
First, a schematic configuration of a printing system A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS.
[0021]
The printing system A is configured by connecting a printer 5, an input unit 6, and a display unit 7 via an interface 4 of the computer 1 to a computer 1 for realizing a printing process or the like by a printer driver 10 or a printer 5. ing.
[0022]
The computer 1 temporarily stores a program area 3-1 in which software programs such as the printer driver 10 and an operation system are installed, a setting screen corresponding to printing conditions, setting data such as setting items, and a display order of the printing condition input screen. And a control unit 2 including, for example, a CPU for controlling these programs, the printer 5, the input unit 6, the display unit 7, and the like. Have been. The printer driver 10 becomes operable on the control unit 2 when the control unit 2 executes the printer driver program stored in the program area 3-1. The computer 1 is a normal computer capable of performing general arithmetic processing and storage processing, and does not use special hardware. Here, the printing conditions are those set by the user to exercise the function of the printer driver or the printer that executes the printing process, and include, for example, paper size, printing direction, paper type, double-sided printing, and binding. There are conditions such as whether there is a fee, allocation, magnification, arrangement, and the like.
[0023]
The printer 5 is a device that prints print data output by the printer driver 10.
[0024]
The input unit 6 is an external input unit such as a mouse or a keyboard, and is used for inputting print conditions, giving an instruction to execute print processing, and the like.
[0025]
The display unit 7 is for displaying a print condition setting screen 200 of the printer driver 10, a mouse pointer, and the like.
[0026]
The printer driver 10 converts character or image data or the like into print data suitable for the print processing of the printer 5 based on the print conditions set and input by the user through the operation of the input unit 6, and the print processing is executed. It has a basic function of outputting to the printer 5. Further, the printer driver 10 divides each of the printing conditions into similar categories and displays the printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen 200 as printing condition setting items. For example, taking FIG. 5 as an example, the document size, the output paper size, and the paper orientation are included in the print condition setting items of paper settings.
[0027]
Then, the printer driver 10 determines a plurality of print condition input screens 210 for inputting the print conditions corresponding to each of the print condition setting items shown in FIGS. A flow diagram format screen 220 for displaying print condition setting items corresponding to the print condition input screen 210 in a flow diagram format, and printing for setting the display order of the print condition input screen 210 shown in FIGS. It has a function of displaying the condition procedure setting screen 101. Further, the printer driver 10 has a function of switching to a printing condition input screen 210 according to the selected printing condition setting item when a printing condition setting item in the flow diagram format input screen 220 is selected.
[0028]
The print condition input screen 210 is displayed according to the display order set on the print condition procedure setting screen 101, and prompts the user to make settings interactively by asking a plurality of print setting items in an order that is easy for the user to understand. be able to. Therefore, the user can set the display order in advance on the print setting procedure setting screen suitable for his / her use situation. A plurality of display orders can be set in accordance with print contents to be performed by the user, or in order to support use by a plurality of users or departments.
[0029]
For example, the following display order can be set.
{Circle around (1)} Display order of “simple settings” such that basic print setting items are displayed in order.
{Circle over (2)} A display order of “detailed settings” in which detailed print setting items, in other words, all or almost all print setting items are displayed in order.
(3) A display order of “standard settings” such that print setting items normally usable by a general user intermediate between (1) and (2) are displayed in order.
(4) User-specific display order.
{Circle over (5)} A display order for each department so that print setting items that can be normally used for the business content of each department are displayed in order.
(6) In each of the display orders (1) to (5), basic printing conditions such as the original size and the printing direction are first set so that the user can easily understand them. Display order to set complicated printing conditions such as print finishing method.
[0030]
As an example of a specific procedure of the printing operation, in the case of performing the “standard setting” of the above-mentioned (3) in the above-mentioned (6), first, when a user gives a print processing instruction, first, the printing condition setting is performed. A setting start screen 211 (FIG. 4) for notifying that the print setting of the printer driver 10 is started is displayed on a printing condition input screen 210 of the screen 200, and then conditions such as a document size and an output paper size are set. Setting screen 212 (FIG. 5) for setting conditions such as a paper feed stage and the type of original paper, and setting conditions such as a discharge destination and print finishing. The print setting screen 214 (FIG. 7) is sequentially displayed, and the print condition is finally set by displaying the setting confirmation screen 215 (FIG. 8) for reconfirming the print condition set by the user. It is.
[0031]
Here, in the case of the "simple setting" of (1), the procedure can be simplified by, for example, not displaying the sheet feed setting screen from the procedure based on the standard setting. In the case of the “detailed setting” of the above item (2), for example, a layout setting screen for setting conditions such as the number of pages per sheet, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, the enlargement / reduction ratio, etc. Font setting screen to set conditions such as font type and size of print data, graphic setting screen to set conditions such as resolution and gray scale setting, and setting of watermark type and position conditions Watermark setting screen, job extension setting screen for setting conditions such as (* Please specify what *), prologue / epilogue setting for setting conditions for attaching a prolobe document or epilogue document to printed matter And the like can be added to provide a procedure corresponding to detailed print condition settings.
[0032]
The user-specific display order of (4) is set by the user in accordance with his / her own use situation, and can be appropriately selected from the above-described setting screens and added to the display order.
[0033]
In the case of the setting for each department in the above (5), for example, the same procedure as the standard setting in the above (3) is performed in the design department, and in the design department, in order to cope with various printing styles, the above (2) The same procedure as the detailed setting can be performed.
[0034]
The print condition setting screen 200 is a setting screen displayed by the printer driver 10 that has received a print instruction from the user to prompt the user to set print conditions. The setting screens 211 to 215 are the print condition input screens. This is an example.
[0035]
The print input setting screen 210 is switched based on a predetermined order when the user selects the next button 203 or the return button 202 provided on the printing condition setting screen 200. Accordingly, the setting screen is switched in an order that is easy for the user to understand, so that the user can easily set the printing conditions. Such a switching method will be described later in detail. When the cancel button 201 shown on the print condition setting screen 200 is selected, the setting of the print condition and the print process are stopped, and when the completion button 204 is selected, the print process is executed based on the set print condition. You.
[0036]
The flow diagram format screen 220 is a flow diagram format screen 220 (for example, from the start of setting to the completion of setting, based on a predetermined sequence of sheet setting, sheet feeding setting, sheet discharging setting, etc., which are examples of printing condition setting items). 4 etc.). In this case, it is preferable that the setting item of the printing condition is a name corresponding to the printing condition input screen 210. Further, it is preferable to color-code or mark the setting items of the flowchart corresponding to the setting screen being set, for example, so that the user can easily grasp the printing items or printing conditions being set from the flowchart. By doing so, the user can easily grasp the setting order and the input order of the printing conditions from the start of the print setting to the completion of the setting.
[0037]
The setting items displayed on the flow diagram format screen 220 have been described as including a plurality of printing conditions. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and individual printing conditions are described in a flow diagram format based on a predetermined order. It may be displayed.
[0038]
The printer driver 10 has a function of displaying the above-described printing condition input screen 210 and the flow diagram format screen 220 side by side on the printing condition setting screen 200. This function is, for example, as shown in FIGS. This is a function of arranging a flow diagram format screen 220 on the left side of the print condition setting screen 200 and a print condition input screen 210 (specifically, each of the setting screens 211 to 215) on the right side. With this arrangement, the user can easily change the order in which the print condition input screen is displayed on the flow diagram format screen 220, that is, the print condition setting order and the input order, while inputting the print conditions on the print condition input screen 210. Can be grasped.
[0039]
The function of switching the print condition input screen to a print condition input screen corresponding to the print condition setting item by selecting a print condition setting item in the flow diagram format screen 220 of the printer driver 10 includes, for example, a mouse or the like. When the user selects a setting item displayed on the flow format screen 220 and its icon, the print condition input screen 210 (specifically, the setting screens 211 to 211) corresponding to (links to) the selected setting item 215) on the print condition setting screen 200. By doing so, it is possible to directly display the print condition input screen 210 (specifically, each of the setting screens 211 to 215, etc.) corresponding to (linking to) the selected print condition setting item. Alternatively, when the setting items including the printing conditions are known in advance, the printing settings can be made without displaying the input screen of the printing conditions that need not be set.
[0040]
Next, an example of a procedure of a printing condition setting process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. S10, S20,... In the figure indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S10.
[0041]
Upon receiving a print instruction from the user (S10), the printer driver 10 causes the display unit 7 to display a print condition setting screen 200 (FIG. 4). The print condition setting screen 200 includes a print condition input screen 210 for switching the setting screens 211 to 215 based on the display order of the print condition input screen 210 predetermined by the print condition procedure setting screen 101, And a flow graphic screen 220 for displaying print setting items in a flow diagram format on the basis of the print setting items. The print condition input screen 210 and the flow diagram format screen 220 are created on the print condition setting screen 200 by the printer driver 10.
[0042]
The flow diagram format screen 220 indicates that the start item 221, paper setting item 222, paper feeding setting item 223, paper discharging setting item 224, and setting completion item 225, which are examples of printing condition setting items, are set in this order. The flowchart shown is displayed. The setting start screen 211 is displayed on the printing condition input screen 210 of the printing condition setting screen 200 which is displayed first after receiving the printing instruction from the user, and is displayed on the printing condition input screen 210 on the flow format screen 220. The start item 221 corresponding to the set start screen 211 is displayed (S20). In this case, in order to clearly recognize that the flow format screen 220 is displaying the setting start screen 221, for example, only the start item can be distinguished from other setting items by color coding or marking. Is preferred.
[0043]
Next, in step S30, a process of selecting a print condition input screen 210 displayed when a setting item on the flow diagram format screen 220 is selected is performed. In this process, for example, when a print condition setting item is selected with a mouse or the like, a print condition input screen 210 corresponding to the selected setting item is displayed on the print condition setting screen 200. The processing procedure in step S30 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
[0044]
In step S40, it is determined whether or not the next button 203 has been selected by the user, and the next print condition input screen 210 is displayed on the print condition setting screen 200 based on the display order (S41).
[0045]
In step S50, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the return button 202. If it is determined that the return button 202 has been selected, the previous print condition input screen 210 is displayed on the print condition setting screen 200 based on the display order (S51). ).
[0046]
Thus, the processing executed in steps S40, S41, S50, and S51 is a processing in which the print condition setting screen for setting the print conditions switches the print condition input screen based on a predetermined print condition setting procedure. It is an example of a process for displaying an input screen in a wizard format.
[0047]
In step S60, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the cancel button 201. If it is determined that the cancel button 201 has been selected, the setting of the printing conditions and the printing process are stopped (S61).
[0048]
In step S70, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the completion button 204, and if it is determined that the selection has been made, the printing process is executed based on the set printing conditions. (S71).
[0049]
The processing of steps S30 to S70 forms a loop, and the printing condition setting processing does not end unless the cancel button 201 or the completion button 204 is selected.
[0050]
Next, an example of a processing procedure for selecting a printing condition input screen performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. S100, S200,... In the figure indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The process is started from step S100.
[0051]
The printer driver 10 determines whether any setting item is selected from the printing condition setting items displayed on the flow diagram format screen 220 by the user, and if it is determined that the setting item is selected, the printer driver 10 corresponds to the selected setting item. A print condition input screen 210 for linking (linking) is displayed on the print condition setting screen 200.
[0052]
In step S100, it is determined whether or not a start item has been selected. If it is determined that a start item has been selected, a setting start screen 211 is displayed on the print condition input screen 210 (S110). In step S200, the paper setting item, in step S300, the paper feeding setting item, and in step S400, the paper discharging setting item are determined in the same manner as in step S100. 210 (the paper setting screen 212, the paper feeding setting screen 213, and the paper discharging setting screen 214) are displayed on the printing condition setting screen 210. Once the selection process (S30) of the printing condition input screen 210 is started, the processes of steps S100 to S400 are executed until the completion item (S500) or the completion button 204 (FIG. 2) is selected. If it is determined in step S500 that the completion item has been selected, the printing process is executed based on the set printing conditions.
[0053]
As described above, the processing executed in steps S100 to S400 is the processing of switching to the printing condition input screen corresponding to the selected printing condition setting item by selecting the printing condition setting item in the flow diagram format screen 220. This is an example.
[0054]
Next, an example of a procedure of a printing condition procedure setting process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, S600, S700,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S600.
[0055]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the print condition procedure setting screen 101 is a setting name selection screen for selecting a setting name of a display order of the print condition input screen 210 (specifically, the setting screens 211 to 215 and the like). It has a screen 110 and a setting content editing screen 120 for editing the setting content corresponding to the selected setting name. Therefore, the operation of the print condition procedure setting process is performed on the setting name selection screen 110 and the setting content editing screen 120.
[0056]
When the printer driver 10 receives a print condition procedure setting instruction from the user (S600), the printer driver 10 displays the setting name selection screen 110 on the display unit 7 (S700). On the setting name selection screen 110, a setting name display section 111, an order display section 112, an add button 113, an edit button 114, a delete button 115, an OK button 102, a cancel button 103, and an apply button 104 are displayed. In the setting name display section 111, setting names such as "simple setting", "standard setting", and "detailed setting" are displayed in a list format. In the order display unit 112, print condition setting items corresponding to the setting names selected in the setting name display unit are displayed according to the display order. By operating the add button 113, the edit button 114, and the delete button 115, it is possible to shift to the process of adding, editing or deleting the display order. The procedure for selecting these setting names will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
[0057]
After the setting name selection processing (S800), in step S900, it is determined whether or not the OK button 102 has been selected by the user, and if it is determined that the OK button 102 has been selected, the setting corresponds to the setting name displayed on the setting name display unit 111. The setting contents of the printing condition procedure to be performed (the display order of the printing condition input screen 210 and the corresponding printing condition setting items and setting names) are stored in the setting data area 3-2 (S910). After saving, the print condition procedure setting process ends.
[0058]
Next, in step S1000, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 103 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the cancel button 103 has been selected, the process ends without saving the above-described settings.
[0059]
Next, in step S1100, it is determined whether or not the apply button 104 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the apply button 104 has been selected, the setting content is stored in the setting data area 3-2 (S1110). However, the print condition procedure setting process does not end, and the print condition procedure setting operation can be continuously performed.
[0060]
The processing of steps S800 to S1110 forms a loop, and the printing condition setting processing does not end unless the OK button 102 or the cancel button 103 is selected.
[0061]
Next, an example of a setting name selection process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. S8100, S8110,... In the figure indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S8000.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 9, the setting name selection screen 110 includes a setting name display section 111, an order display section 112, an add button 113, an edit button 114, a delete button 115, an OK button 102, a cancel button 103, and an apply button. 104 is displayed. Setting names such as simple settings, standard settings, and detailed settings are displayed in a list format on a setting name display unit 111, and print condition settings such as paper settings, paper feed settings, and paper discharge settings are displayed on an order display unit 112. The items are displayed according to the display order.
[0063]
After the above-described step S700, the printer driver 10 determines whether or not the user has selected any setting name from the setting name display section 111 displayed on the setting name selection screen 110, that is, whether or not the selection of the setting name has been changed. Is determined (S8100), and when it is determined that the selection has been changed, the selected setting name is highlighted (S8110). Then, the setting contents of the printing condition procedure (the display order of the printing condition input screen 210 and the corresponding printing condition setting items and setting names) corresponding to the selected setting name are read from the setting data area 3-2 (S8120). ), The printing condition setting items corresponding to the setting name are displayed on the order display unit 112 in accordance with the display order of the printing condition input screen 210 (S8130). At this time, the print condition setting items previously displayed on the order display section are deleted. Note that the change of the setting name selection indicates that a setting name different from the previously selected setting name is selected, or that a setting name is selected when the setting name is not selected. . The setting name is not selected at the beginning of the printing condition procedure setting process or after the deletion process of step S8310 described later. In the example of FIG. 9, “standard setting” is selected as the setting name, and paper setting, paper feeding setting, and paper discharging setting are displayed in this order together with the numbers indicating the display order in this order. ing.
[0064]
Next, in step S8150, it is determined whether or not the setting name has already been selected. If it is not determined that the setting name has been selected, that is, if the setting name has not yet been selected, the process proceeds to step S8400 described below.
[0065]
Next, in step S8200, it is determined whether or not the edit button 114 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the edit button 114 has been selected, the process proceeds to a process of editing the setting contents of the print condition procedure for the selected and set name ( S8210). The editing process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. As the setting name selected after the editing process, the setting name before the editing process is maintained as it is.
[0066]
Next, in step S8300, it is determined whether the delete button 115 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the delete button 115 has been selected, the process proceeds to a process of deleting the setting content of the printing condition procedure for the selected setting name (step S8300). S8310). The deletion process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Since the selected setting name is deleted in the deletion processing, no setting name is selected after the processing is completed.
[0067]
Next, in step S8400, it is determined whether or not the add button 113 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the addition button 113 has been selected, the process proceeds to a process of adding the setting name and the setting content of the printing condition procedure (S8410). The additional processing will be described later in detail. If it is not determined in step S8400 that the selection has been made, or after the addition process in step S8410 ends, the selection process of the setting name ends, the process returns to the setting process of the printing condition procedure, and the process proceeds to step S900. As the setting name selected after the addition processing, the setting name before the addition processing is maintained as it is.
[0068]
Next, an example of a setting name editing process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, S8220, S8232,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S8220, and is performed by the user operating on the setting content editing screen.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 10, on the setting content editing screen 120, a selection name display section 121, an item list display section 122, an order display section 123, arrow buttons 126 and 127, an OK button 124, and a cancel button 125 are displayed. I have. The setting name selected on the setting name selection screen 110 is displayed on the selection name display section 121. The print condition setting items corresponding to the setting names are displayed in the order display section 123 in accordance with the display order of the print condition input screen 210. In the item list display section 122, all print condition setting items except those displayed on the order display section 123 are displayed.
[0070]
After step S8200, the printer driver 10 switches the screen from the setting name selection screen 110 to the setting content editing screen 120 and causes the display unit 7 to display the screen (S8222). At this time, the printer driver 10 displays the setting contents read last in step S8120 on the setting contents editing screen 120. In the example of FIG. 10, “standard setting” is selected as the selected setting name in the selection name display unit 121, and the setting contents corresponding to this are set in the order display unit 123 such as paper setting and sheet feeding setting. The paper discharge setting is displayed in this order together with a number indicating the display order. In addition, the item list display unit 122 displays print condition setting items that are not displayed on the order display unit 123, such as layout setting, font setting, graphic setting, watermark setting, job extension setting, and prologue / epilogue setting. You. Note that the setting name selection screen 110 may be made invisible or inactive to prohibit operation.
[0071]
Next, in step S8230, processing for shifting the print condition setting items displayed on the item list display unit 122 to the order display unit 123 is performed. This is nothing but a process of adding a new print condition setting item to the above setting condition of the setting name being edited on the setting content editing screen 120. The additional processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
[0072]
Next, in step S8240, processing for shifting the print condition setting items displayed on the order display unit 123 to the item list display unit 122 is performed. This is nothing but a process of deleting a print condition setting item from the setting condition of the setting name being edited on the setting content editing screen 120. The deletion process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
[0073]
Next, in step S8250, it is determined whether or not the OK button 124 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the OK button 124 has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8270. If it is not determined in step S8250 that the OK button 124 has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8260.
[0074]
In step S8270, the setting contents of the printing condition procedure (the display order of the printing condition input screen 210 and the corresponding printing condition setting items and setting names) corresponding to the setting names displayed in the selected name display unit 121 are set data. It is stored in the area 3-2. After saving, the print condition procedure setting process ends.
[0075]
In step S8260, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 125 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the cancel button 125 has been selected, the process ends without saving the setting content. Conversely, if it is not determined that the setting has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8230 to continue the setting name editing operation.
[0076]
Next, an example of a printing condition setting item addition processing procedure performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, S8232, S8234,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S8232.
[0077]
If it is not determined that the cancel button 125 has been selected after step S8220 or in step S8260, whether any of the print condition setting items has been selected again from the item list display unit 122 by the user, that is, the selection of the setting item Is determined (S8232), and if it is determined that the selection has been changed, the selected print condition setting item is highlighted (S8234).
[0078]
Next, in step S8235, it is determined whether the print condition setting item of the item list display unit 122 has already been selected. If it is not determined that the print condition setting item has been selected, that is, the print setting item of the order display unit 123 described later is selected. If yes, the process moves to step S8240.
[0079]
Next, in step S8236, it is determined whether or not the arrow 126 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the arrow 126 has been selected, the print condition setting items that are highlighted are deleted from the item list display unit 122 (S8238), and the order is determined. It is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 123 (S8239).
[0080]
Next, an example of a print condition setting item deletion process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, S8242, S8244,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S8242.
[0081]
After the above step S8230, it is determined whether or not any of the print condition setting items has been newly selected by the user from the order display unit 123, that is, whether or not the selection of the setting item has been changed (S8242). If it is determined, the selected print condition setting item is highlighted (S8244).
[0082]
Next, in step S8245, it is determined whether the print condition setting item of the order display unit 123 has already been selected. If it is not determined that the print condition setting item has been selected, that is, the print setting item of the item list display unit 122 described later is selected. If yes, the process moves to step S8250. Next, in step S8246, it is determined whether or not the arrow 127 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the arrow 127 has been selected, the print condition setting items that are highlighted are deleted from the order display unit 123 (S8248), and the item list is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit 122 (S8249).
[0083]
In the present embodiment, both the print condition setting items displayed on the item list display unit 122 and the order display unit 123 cannot be selected at the same time. However, the print condition setting items may be selected at the same time. Anything that can be done.
[0084]
Next, an example of a setting name adding process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. S8420, S8432,... In the figure indicate the processing procedure (step) number. The processing is started from step S8420, and is performed by the user operating the setting content editing screen 120.
[0085]
After the above step S8400, the printer driver 10 switches the screen from the setting name selection screen 110 to the setting content editing screen 120 and causes the display unit 7 to display the screen (S8420). At this time, the selection name display section 121 and the order display section 123 are blank, and the item list display section 122 displays all print condition setting items. Further, the user can input an arbitrary setting name into the selection name display section 121. Others are the same as in the setting name editing process procedure (S8220).
[0086]
Next, in step S8430, processing for shifting the print condition setting items displayed on the item list display unit 122 to the order display unit 123 is performed. This process is the same as step S8230 of the setting name editing process.
[0087]
Next, in step S8440, a process for shifting the print condition setting items displayed on the order display unit 123 to the item list display unit 122 is performed. This process is the same as step S8240 of the above-described setting name editing process procedure.
[0088]
Next, in step S8455, it is determined whether or not the OK button 124 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the OK button 124 has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8452. If it is not determined in step S8450 that the OK button 124 has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8460.
[0089]
In step S8452, it is determined whether a setting name has already been input to the selection name display unit 121, and if it is determined that the setting name has been selected, the flow shifts to step S8454. If it is not determined in step S8450 that the setting name has been input, an error message indicating that the setting name has not been input is displayed on the display unit 7 (S8456), and the flow shifts to step S8430 to change the setting name. Continue the add operation.
[0090]
In step S8454, it is determined whether or not the print setting item is displayed on the order display unit 123. If it is determined that the print setting item is selected, the setting content of the print condition procedure corresponding to the setting name displayed on the selected name display unit 121 (The display order of the printing condition input screen 210 and the corresponding printing condition setting items and setting names) are stored in the setting data area 3-2. After saving, the print condition procedure setting process ends. If it is not determined in step S8454 that a setting name has been input, processing similar to that in step S8456 is executed.
[0091]
In step S8460, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 125 has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the cancel button 125 has been selected, the process ends without saving the above-described settings. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the selection has been made, the flow shifts to step S8430 to continue the setting name editing operation.
[0092]
Next, an example of a setting name adding process performed by the printer driver 10 in the printing system A will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, S8312, S8314,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The processing is started from step S8412.
[0093]
After the step S8300, the printer driver 10 deletes the setting name selected from the item list display section (S8312), and deletes the setting condition items displayed on the order display section (S8314).
[0094]
Next, in step S8310, the setting condition data related to the selected setting name stored in the setting data area 3-2 is deleted.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a printing condition setting screen for setting printing conditions includes a plurality of printing condition input screens for inputting the printing conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of printing condition setting items, Since there is a printing condition procedure setting screen for setting the display order of the printing condition input screen, the printing conditions can be set on the printing condition input screen displayed based on the procedure set by the user. As a result, even a beginner who is unfamiliar with the setting operation can easily set the printing conditions because the printing conditions need only be input in accordance with the sequentially displayed screens.
[0096]
The printing condition setting screen displays a printing condition setting item corresponding to the printing condition input screen in a flow diagram format based on a display order of the printing condition input screen predetermined by the printing condition procedure setting screen. Since the user has a flow diagram format screen, the user can easily understand the setting order and input order of the printing conditions in the flow diagram while setting the printing conditions on the printing condition input screen displayed based on the predetermined setting procedure. It becomes possible. As a result, for a beginner who is unfamiliar with the setting operation, the printing conditions can be set even more easily.
[0097]
In addition, since the print condition input screen is switched to a print condition input screen corresponding to the print condition setting item by selecting the print condition setting item, printing corresponding to the selected print condition setting item (linking). The condition input screen can be displayed directly. Therefore, when the printing condition to be set or the setting item including the printing condition is known in advance, the printing condition can be quickly set without displaying the input screen of the printing condition which does not need to be set. As a result, not only a beginner unfamiliar with the setting operation but also a familiar person can set the printing conditions without stress.
[0098]
The print condition procedure setting screen includes an item list display unit that displays a list of the print condition setting items, and an order display unit that displays print condition setting items corresponding to the print condition input screen in the display order. The printing condition setting items included in the order display unit are deleted from the order display unit, or the printing condition setting items are added from the item list display unit, or the printing condition setting items included in the order display unit are deleted. The display order can be changed. As a result, it is possible to freely set the print setting items to be displayed as the print condition input screen and the display order thereof, so that the user does not change the print conditions in accordance with the usage of the printer. Can be prevented from being displayed, and the display order of print setting items having high priority, for example, frequently used can be made earlier. As a result, the user can efficiently set the printing conditions without performing unnecessary work.
[0099]
Further, the printing condition procedure setting screen has a setting name display unit capable of displaying a plurality of setting names in the display order,
A new setting name can be added to the setting name display section, and a setting name displayed on the setting name display section can be edited or deleted. Can be kept. As a result, the user can efficiently set the printing conditions by appropriately selecting the setting name that matches the print content to be performed.
[0100]
Further, the print condition procedure setting screen displays the setting contents corresponding to the selected setting name on the sequence display section by selecting the setting name displayed on the setting name display section. It is possible to easily grasp which print setting items are included in the name and in what display order.
[0101]
Further, the print condition procedure setting screen includes a setting name selection screen for selecting the setting name, and a display for switching the display from the setting name selection screen to edit the setting content corresponding to the selected setting name. It has a setting content edit screen,
The setting name selection screen has the setting name display section and the sequence display section, and the setting content editing screen has the item list display section and the sequence display section. The display order of the print setting items can be confirmed both when editing the setting contents corresponding to. Further, by switching the screen, it is possible to provide a screen with only the display unit specialized for the selection or editing. As a result, even a novice who is unfamiliar with the setting operation can not only work without being confused, but also can set the printing conditions efficiently for a novice.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operating environment of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing of a printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print condition input screen selection process of the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a setting start screen as an example of a printing condition input screen.
FIG. 5 shows a paper setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a sheet feeding setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a discharge setting screen as an example of a printing condition input screen.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a print setting confirmation screen as an example of a print condition input screen.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a setting name selection screen as an example of a printing condition procedure setting screen;
FIG. 10 is a view showing a setting content editing screen as an example of a printing condition procedure setting screen;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of setting a display order of a print condition input screen in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name selection process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name editing process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting item editing processing in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print setting item deletion processing in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name adding process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting name deletion process in the printer driver according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a print condition setting screen of a conventional printer driver.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Computer
2 ... Control unit
3. Storage unit
3-1 Program area
3-2 ... Setting data area
4. Interface
5. Printer
6 Input unit
7 Display unit
10 Printer driver
90 ... Conventional print condition setting screen
101: Print condition procedure setting screen
110… Setting name selection screen
111: Setting name display
112 ... Order display section
120… Setting content edit screen
121 ... Selection name display section
122: Item list display section
123 ... Order display section
200 Print condition setting screen
203 ... Next button
202 ... Back button
201: Cancel button
204 ... Complete button
210: Print condition input screen
211 ... Setting start screen
212: Paper setting screen
213: Paper feed setting screen
214: discharge setting screen
215… Setting confirmation screen
220: Flow diagram format screen

Claims (7)

In a printer driver with a function to set printing conditions,
A print condition setting screen for setting the print conditions includes a plurality of print condition input screens for inputting the print conditions corresponding to the respective print condition setting items, and a display order for the print condition input screens. A printer condition setting screen. The print condition setting screen displays a print condition setting item corresponding to the print condition input screen in a flow diagram format based on a display order of the print condition input screen predetermined by the print condition procedure setting screen. The printer driver according to claim 1, further comprising a diagram-type screen. 3. The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition input screen is switched to a printing condition input screen corresponding to the printing condition setting item by selecting the printing condition setting item. The print condition procedure setting screen includes an item list display unit that displays a list of the print condition setting items, and an order display unit that displays print condition setting items corresponding to the print condition input screen in the display order. ,
Deleting the print condition setting items included in the order display unit from the order display unit, adding the print condition setting items from the item list display unit, or displaying the print condition setting items included in the order display unit 4. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the printer driver can be changed. The printing condition procedure setting screen has a setting name display unit capable of displaying a plurality of setting names in the display order,
The printer driver according to claim 4, wherein a new setting name can be added to the setting name display section, and a setting name displayed on the setting name display section can be edited or deleted. The printing condition procedure setting screen displays a setting content corresponding to the selected setting name on the sequence display unit by selecting a setting name displayed on the setting name display unit. 5. The printer driver according to 5. The print condition procedure setting screen includes a setting name selection screen for selecting the setting name,
Having a setting content editing screen for switching the display from the setting name selection screen and editing the setting content corresponding to the selected setting name,
The setting name selection screen has the setting name display unit and the order display unit,
The printer driver according to claim 6, wherein the setting content editing screen includes the item list display unit and the order display unit.

Images