JP2005157479A - Installation method for printer driver, information processor, print controller, printing system and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an installation method for a printer driver capable of easily customizing setting of the printer driver to initial setting desired by a printer manager. <P>SOLUTION: A server device side performing environment creation produces an installer including a plurality of pieces of setting changing data (customizing data), and transmits it to a client device. A user on the client device side selects the initial setting from choices by use of the received installer to customize a set value of the printer driver. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver installation method for initial setting of a printer driver, an information processing apparatus, a print control apparatus, a printing system, and a control program for realizing the installation method.

  Generally, conventional printer driver installation methods include a method that depends on an OS (Operating System) and a method that uses an installer (software dedicated to installation). In the case of a method that depends on the OS, for example, when the OS is Windows (registered trademark), the user selects “Add Printer” from the “Printer Properties” item, and then has an interactive format called a wizard. Enter the necessary information and install the printer driver. In the method using the installer, the printer driver can be installed with a minimum amount of operation by the user.

  At the time of installation, the printer driver initializes various setting data used by itself, for example, data related to device settings and print settings, and registers them in the OS or saves them in a file or the like. The device settings include information such as the duplex unit, finisher for function expansion, memory and hard disk capacity, etc., and control what functions can be used during printing by managing what is installed in the device itself on the driver side. Can do. The print setting includes information such as the paper size and number of copies, layout, and quality, and can specify the printing method. Furthermore, some drivers have a mechanism for batch-converting print settings. In the case of the driver, some batch conversion data is also registered.

  However, these initial values are usually default values that are created taking into account the initial settings and general use of the device itself. In many cases, it is necessary to change the setting, which is a heavy burden on the user.

Therefore, as an installation method of the printer driver that can easily perform the initial settings required at the time of installation, for example, the application registration environment stored in the storage device is analyzed, and the initial values based on the analysis results are automatically set in the driver program Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-84986 A

  However, in the above-described conventional printer driver installation method, when a large number of users (client PCs) are owned by a large number of computers such as corporate users, the printer manager ( It was difficult to change the initial settings as desired by the IT manager.

  For example, even if the same settings are made on all client PCs, it takes a lot of work to handle each client, and some knowledge and skills are required for the operation. Manual preparation required a certain amount of man-hours.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a printer driver installation method, an information processing apparatus, a print control apparatus, a printing system, and a control capable of easily customizing a printer driver setting to an initial setting desired by a printer administrator. The purpose is to provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the printer driver installation method according to the first aspect of the present invention, a setting for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing the setting of the printer driver using the first processing device. A data creation step, a setting data transmission step for transmitting the created plurality of setting change data from the first processing device to the second processing device, and the plurality of setting changes received by the second processing device. A selection step of selecting predetermined setting change data from the data for use and an installation step of installing the selected setting change data in the second processing device are sequentially executed.

  In a printer driver installation method according to a second aspect of the present invention, a setting data creating step for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing printer driver settings using the first processing device; A setting data transmission step of transmitting predetermined setting change data of the plurality of setting change data from the first processing device to the second processing device in response to an inquiry from the processing device; And an installation process for installing the setting change data received in the second processing apparatus in the second processing apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer driver installation method according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein after the setting data creation step, a list information of the plurality of setting change data is received in response to a request from the second processing device. A first transmission step of transmitting the information from the first processing device to the second processing device, and option information indicating predetermined setting change data from the list information received by the second processing device. A selection step to select, and the setting data transmission step transmits setting change data corresponding to the option information selected in the selection step from the first processing device to the second processing device. It is characterized by.

  According to a printer driver installation method of a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the setting data creating step sets the change point data obtained by extracting the change point of the setting of the printer driver as the setting. It is created as change data, and the installation step updates the setting value for the printer driver stored in the second processing device based on the change point data.

  In the printer driver installation method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourth aspect, the setting change request is issued for each change item with reference to the change point data selected using the selection step. The process is executed, and the subsequent installation process updates the setting value for the printer driver stored in the second processing device in response to each setting change request.

  In an information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a setting data creating means for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing settings of a printer driver and a plurality of setting change data are used for the printer driver. An information processing apparatus comprising: an installer creating unit that creates an installer that enables customization of setting values; and a transmission unit that transmits the created installer to an installation target device. A storage unit configured to store an initial setting value setting in the system; and a control unit configured to operate according to the setting value stored in the storage unit, wherein the installer includes an installation unit configured to install the printer driver; Selection that enables selection of data that should be the initial value from setting change data Using a stage, the setting change data selected by said selecting means, and having a customization unit that can change the set values in which the printer driver is used.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the setting data creating means creates, as the setting change data, change point data obtained by extracting a change point of the setting of the printer driver. It is characterized by doing.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus comprising: an information processing apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect via a communication medium; and an environment for receiving and executing an installer from the information processing apparatus. A setting data reading unit that reads data selected from a plurality of setting change data via a selection unit that is activated by execution of the installer, and is read by the setting data reading unit And updating means for updating setting values used by the printer driver using the setting change data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing control apparatus according to the eighth aspect, further comprising means for issuing a setting change request for each change item with reference to the change point data selected via the selection means. And the updating unit updates setting values used by the printer driver in response to the setting change requests.

  In a printing system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a printing system comprising a printing control device that controls a printing device and an information processing device connected to the printing control device via a communication medium, the information processing device includes: Setting data creating means for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing the setting of the printer driver, and an installer for customizing setting values for the printer driver using the plurality of setting change data The printer driver includes an installer creating unit and a transmitting unit that transmits the created installer to the print control apparatus, and the printer driver stores an initial setting value setting value in the system at the time of installation; Control means for operating according to the stored setting value, and the installer Using the installation means for installing a data driver, selection means for enabling selection of data to be an initial value from the plurality of setting change data, and the printer using the setting change data selected by the selection means Customizing means for enabling a setting value used by the driver to be changed, and the print control apparatus is activated by receiving the installer from the information processing apparatus and executing the installer, and executing the installer. A reading means for reading data selected from a plurality of setting change data via the selection means, and a setting value used by the printer driver using the setting change data read by the setting data reading means. And updating means for updating.

  In a printing system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the tenth aspect, the setting data creating means creates, as the setting change data, change point data obtained by extracting a change point of the setting of the printer driver. It is characterized by that.

  A printing system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the printing system according to the eleventh aspect, further comprising means for issuing a setting change request for each change item with reference to the change point data selected via the selection means. The updating unit updates a setting value used by the printer driver in response to each setting change request.

  A control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable control program for executing a control method for an information processing apparatus connected to a print control apparatus via a communication medium, and setting a printer driver A setting data creating step for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing the setting, an installer creating step for creating an installer that enables customization of printer driver parameters using the plurality of setting change data, A transmission step of transmitting the created installer to the print control apparatus, and the printer driver stores a parameter initial setting in a system at the time of installation, and operates according to the parameter stored in the storage step. And a control step to The installer includes an installation step for installing the printer driver, a selection step for enabling selection of data to be an initial value from the plurality of setting change data, and setting change data selected by the selection step. And a customizing step for changing parameters used by the printer driver.

  According to the printer driver installation method, information processing apparatus, print control apparatus, printing system, and control program of the present invention, the printer driver settings can be easily customized to the initial settings desired by the printer administrator.

  Embodiments of a printer driver installation method, an information processing apparatus, a print control apparatus, a print system, and a control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A server device 40, a plurality of client devices 41, 42, 43 and a printer 50 are connected on the network 30. In the server device 40, the administrator sets up the printer 50 and prepares and distributes the installer, and the client devices 41, 42, and 43 are connected to the network 30 via the installed printer drivers. 50 can be printed (see arrow in FIG. 1). Although not shown, a scanner, a digital camera, a facsimile machine, a mouse, a speaker, a sound source device, a telephone set, a copying machine, and the like are connected to the network 30.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the print processing system shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, a host computer 300 and a printer 50 are connected via a network 30. Needless to say, the network 30 for connecting the host computer and the printer 50 can be applied in any form such as a LAN, WAN, public line, and the Internet.

  The host computer 300 includes the server device 40 or the client devices 41 to 43 illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes a CPU 1 that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

  Connected to the system bus 4 are RAM 2, ROM 3, keyboard controller (KBC) 5, CRT controller (CRTC) 6, disk controller (DKC) 7, printer controller (PRTC) 8, and transmission / reception unit 31. .

  The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area of the CPU 1, and the ROM 3 includes a program ROM, a font ROM, and a data ROM. The ROM 3 program ROM stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program of the CPU 1, and the ROM 3 font ROM stores font data used for the document processing. The data ROM stores various data used when the document processing is performed. The data stored in the ROM 3 may be stored in the external memory 11 in some cases.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown), and a CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 is a hard disk (HD) or floppy (registered trademark) disk that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the like. Controls access to the external memory 11 such as (FD).

  A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 50 via the network 30 and executes bidirectional communication control processing with the printer 50. Note that a command corresponding to the connection protocol may be added to the print job at the time of transmission. Further, the command may be automatically added by the OS.

  The transmission / reception unit 31 has a function of performing communication with a device connected to the network 30. For example, when the host computer 300 is the server device 40, an installer described later is distributed to the client devices 41 to 43 connected to the network 30 through the transmission / reception unit 31.

  The CPU 1 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc. are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM or the external memory 11, and for example, The development (rasterization) of the outline font to the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 is executed to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing. When executing printing, the user can open a window related to print settings and set the print processing method for the printer driver, including setting of the printer 50 and selection of a print mode.

  On the other hand, the printer 50 includes a CPU 12 that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 15. The system bus 15 is connected to the RAM 13, the ROM 14, the printing unit I / F 16, the input unit 18, the memory controller MC 20, and the operation unit 22. A printing unit 17 is connected to the printing unit I / F 16, and an external memory 21 is connected to the memory controller MC 20.

  The RAM 13 is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 13 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, and an NVRAM.

  The program ROM of the ROM 14 stores a control program for the CPU 12 and the like. The CPU 12 outputs an image as output information to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 via the printing unit I / F 16 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 14 or a control program stored in the external memory 21. Output a signal. Further, the font ROM of the ROM 14 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the data ROM of the ROM 14 has a printer 50 that does not have the external memory 21 such as a hard disk. Information used on the host computer 300 is stored.

  The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 300 via the input unit 18 and is configured to notify the host computer 300 of information in the printer 50 and the like. Data received from the printer driver is stored in the RAM 13 and converted into an image signal by a control program. The command added according to the communication protocol is also interpreted by the control program.

  Access to the external memory 21 such as the hard disk (HD) or IC card described above is controlled by the memory controller MC20. The external memory 21 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Note that the number of external memories 21 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory 21 is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected. May be. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation unit 22. The operation unit 22 is provided with switches for operation, an LED display, a liquid crystal panel, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the description will be given assuming an environment in which the host computer 300 and the printer 50 are connected via the network 30 as shown in FIG. Is possible.

<RAM2 memory map>
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a memory map of the RAM 2 in this embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a memory map of the server device 40, and FIG. 3B shows a memory map of the client device. Show.

  This memory map is a memory map in a state in which the control program in this embodiment is loaded into the RAM 2 on the host computer 300 and can be executed.

  In the figure, 301 to 306 are memory maps of the server device 40, 301 is a BIOS, 302 is an OS-related area composed of an OS and an OS management data section, 303 is a free area, 304 is an application area, and 305 is the present embodiment. An installation processing related program area 306 operating in the above-described manner is a related data area 306 for holding data related to the present embodiment.

  The installation processing related program area 305 is an area for storing a program for performing processing for creating an installer used by the client apparatuses 41 to 43. This program is used to change settings for using printer driver settings for customization. Data (hereinafter referred to as customized data) is created, and the created customized data is held in the related data area 306.

  Reference numerals 311 to 316 denote memory maps of the client apparatuses 41 to 43, which are the same as the corresponding items of the server apparatus 40, respectively. Reference numeral 315 denotes an installation process related program area in the client apparatuses 41 to 43, and includes a data update process for customizing the setting value of the printer driver by the customization data in addition to the driver installation process. Reference numeral 316 denotes an area for holding data related to the present embodiment, and customization data is held in the area 315 or 316.

<Details of OS-related area 302>
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration and a memory relationship in the present embodiment.

  The system 350 of the host computer 300 includes a driver module 351 including a printer driver main body program, and an OS management data unit 352 (in the OS related area 302) in which various setting value data used by the printer driver exist. The OS management data unit 352 is a data area that can be used by the printer driver via the OS, and indicates a data area managed by a file or system (for example, a registry in the case of Windows (registered trademark)). The OS management data unit 352 includes device setting data 352a, print setting data 352b, favorite data 352c, and a favorite management table 352d.

  When the printer driver operates, the printer driver reads stored setting value data, operates according to the setting value data, and performs writing back when the setting value data is changed. In this embodiment, device setting data 352a, print setting data 352b, and favorite data 352c will be described as examples of setting value data.

  The device setting data 352a is mainly information related to hardware capabilities and detachable options, and includes a unit for double-sided printing, a finisher that staples and punches holes, a paper cassette that increases the number of paper feed stages, Paper deck, memory size related to receiving ability, presence or absence of hard disk, etc. are those. By managing the device setting data on the driver module 351 side, it is possible to limit the functions that can be used by the printer driver during printing.

  The print setting data 352b is various setting data for specifying a printing method when printing from the application to the printer 50. The print setting data 352b includes information such as the paper size, the number of copies, the layout, and the quality, whether double-sided printing and stapling are possible, and the like. Some items are affected by device settings.

  The favorite data 352c has a set of print settings and management information (name, comment, etc.), and is used for batch conversion of print settings. The favorite management table 352d exists for managing a plurality of favorite data, and stores a name list, flags for indicating attributes, and the like.

  The format list of each setting data is shown in FIGS.

<Process during printer driver installation>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of installation of the printer driver in the present embodiment.

  Installation can be done using a tool provided by the system or a dedicated installer provided by the manufacturer. When they are executed, first, the driver module 351 (see FIG. 4) is copied and registered in the system 350 according to the exchange with the system (step S601). Next, the printer driver is loaded and executed by the system 350, and the initial value creation mode is set. At this time, in step S602, an initial value of the device setting data 352a is created and registered in the OS management data unit 352.

  Similarly, in step S603, an initial value of the print setting data 352b is created and registered in the OS management data unit 352. Finally, in step S604, each favorite data 352c and a favorite management table 352d in which the management information is collected are registered in the OS management data unit 352.

<Processing when operating the printer driver (when changing settings)>
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing processing when the printer driver is operated (setting change) in this embodiment.

  In the printer driver, the setting value can be changed through a GUI (graphic user interface) or the like. First, when a printer driver is loaded by the system or application, the printer driver is activated (step S701), and the printer driver initializes necessary data (step S702). Here, the device setting data, the print setting data, and the favorite data are read from the OS management data unit 352 and are made available. Further, when the mode is a mode in which the setting is changed using the GUI, the GUI is displayed at this time.

  Next, when the device setting is changed (step S704), the device setting data is updated (step S705), and if necessary, the print setting data is matched (step S706). When the print setting is changed (step S707), the print setting data is updated (step S708). If an existing favorite is selected (step S709), the print setting data is batch converted with the corresponding favorite data (step S710), and if necessary, the print setting data is matched (step S711). When a favorite is added or edited (step S712), the corresponding favorite data is registered in the OS management data unit 352 (step S713), and the favorite management table 352d is updated (step S714). Other printer driver processes are performed according to appropriate processing procedures (step S715).

  When the work is completed, a printer driver end notification is made (step S703), and the end process is performed in step S716. In this end process, device setting data and print setting data are written back. Since the printer driver retains the setting value in the OS management data section 352, the setting by the previous operation becomes valid at the next activation. Finally, the printer driver is unloaded by the system or application.

<Characteristic processing of this embodiment>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 21, processing for creating an installer for customizing the setting desired by the administrator in the server device 40 and installing the installer in the client devices 41 to 43 will be described.

I. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of creating an installer in the server device 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration and a memory relationship in this processing, and shows a customization data creation environment for creating customization data of the present embodiment on the server device 40.

  The processing on the server device 40 for creating an installer for customizing the printer driver settings to the initial settings desired by the printer administrator will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S <b> 801, the installation processing unit 361 of the customization data creation tool 360 installs a printer driver to be installed in the system 350 on the server device 40. At this time, the processing described in FIG. 6 is executed, and initial setting value data, that is, device setting data, print setting data, and favorite data are written in the OS management data unit 352 (see T1 and T2 in FIG. 10). .

  In step S <b> 802, the administrator changes a target setting via a user interface (UI) of the printer driver. At this time, the processing described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed, and the change result is saved in the OS management data unit 352 (T2 in FIG. 10). FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 exemplify how the settings are actually changed on the UI, and FIG. 14 illustrates a set of default setting values and a set of changed setting values (custom setting values). It is a thing.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are device setting screens. If the three items of the side paper deck, the paper discharge option, and the LIPS extended memory are changed as illustrated in FIG. The device setting data whose part has been changed is stored in the OS management data section 352 as shown in FIG. FIG. 14A shows the data.

  Similarly, FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 14B are examples of changes related to print settings, and FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14C are views when a favorite is added. The change of the favorite management table 352d is illustrated.

  Here, three types of data are shown simultaneously, but only some of them may be customized.

  In step S803, the customization data creation unit 362 of the customization data creation tool 360 reads the setting data stored in the OS management data unit 352, and stores it in the customization data file 370 as customization data (step S804). T3 in FIG. The customization data stored in the file 370 is one set of custom setting values in FIGS. 14A and 14B in the case of device settings or print settings, and the management table shown in FIG. 14C in the case of favorites. And actual favorite data.

  A plurality of files can be registered by repeating steps S802 to S804. In order to distinguish and manage them, management information such as a name and a comment is added to each file in step S805.

  Thereafter, in step S806, an installer is created that integrates the driver module to be installed, the customization data file, and the data update processing unit that reflects the customization data in the setting data (already stored in the system), and further in step S807. Then, the created installer is transmitted to the client devices 41 to 43, and this processing is terminated.

II. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing printer driver installation processing by the installer according to this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration and a memory relationship in this processing, and shows a flow of processing for actually installing in the client devices 41 to 43 using the installer created by the server device 40.

  When the client apparatuses 41 to 43 receive the installer transmitted from the server apparatus 40 and the installer is activated, first, in step S1201, a printer driver is installed on the client apparatuses 41 to 43. At this time, the processing described in FIG. 6 is executed, and initial setting value data, that is, device setting data, print setting data, and favorite data are written in the OS management data unit 352 (T11 and T12 in FIG. 16).

  In step S1202, the user interface is displayed, and the user selects which setting is the initial value. FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18 exemplify how the initial value is actually selected on the UI. FIG. 17A shows a screen for changing the device setting. When the equipment is different depending on the device, the device corresponding to the device used by the user is selected. This screen shows an example that can be selected based on the title and comment. FIG. 17B is a screen for changing the print setting, and an option having a setting to be set as an initial value is selected. FIG. 18 is a screen for registering favorite data. A favorite to be added is selected.

  By confirming the selection, the process proceeds to the next step S1203, and the corresponding setting data is read, and the data stored in the OS management data unit 352 is overwritten in step S1204 (T3 in FIG. 16). 19, 20 and 21 show user interfaces reflecting the selection results shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 18, respectively.

  FIG. 19 shows the device settings, and FIG. 20 shows the print settings. The left figure shows the contents of the data, and the right figure shows the result reflected. FIG. 21 shows a favorite, and the favorite selected in FIG. 18 is added.

  If it is desired to create an environment in which the administrator has the same settings for all users, this can be realized by preparing only one piece of data and omitting the selection step in step S1202.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the administrator creates and transmits an installer including a plurality of customization data in the server device 40 in advance, and the users of the client devices 41 to 43 perform initial settings using the installer. Since the setting value of the printer driver is customized by selecting from the choices, the following advantages are obtained.

  (1) By only creating one installer by the administrator, it is possible to easily construct a printing environment suitable for the business as desired by the administrator in all client apparatuses that use the installer. This is particularly useful when there are a large number of users in a large office or the like.

  (2) The administrator can prepare multiple customization data and select it at the time of installation, so that even if the work is fragmented or user needs are diversified, one installer can handle it. it can. Thereby, when there are many necessary initial value patterns, a large cost reduction effect can be expected.

  (3) Since the device settings of the client apparatuses 41 to 43 can be reflected as determined by the administrator, the functions that can be used at the time of printing in all the client apparatuses 41 to 43 should be set from the beginning without excess or deficiency. Can do. This can be set without bothering the client device user even when the device is offline.

  (4) By reflecting the print settings of each of the client devices 41 to 43 as determined by the administrator, it is effective to save the trouble of changing the settings by the client device user during printing if the standard document is printed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the entire setting data of the printer driver is updated. In the present embodiment, a processing flow in which the corresponding item is updated pinpointly will be described.

<Processing when creating an installer in the server device 40>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of creating an installer in the server device 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S1601, the printer driver is installed, and in the subsequent step S1602, the setting value is changed on the driver UI. This is the same as steps S801 and S802 of FIG. 9 in the first embodiment.

  In step S1603, a change point is detected. The detection of the change point includes, for example, a method of comparing data before and after the change, a method of tracing user operation and determining from the operation history, and other methods may be used.

  In step S1604, the extracted changed points are converted into data, and the changed point data (customized data) is stored in a file. Here, when the changes as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are made, the change point data created are as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, respectively. Although the changes are expressed in a table format here, they can also be expressed in a script or in other data formats. In FIG. 24, data relating to favorites is not shown, but it goes without saying that it can be realized in the same manner.

  In subsequent step S1605, management information is added to each changed data file, and an installer is created in step S1606. In step S1607, the installer is transmitted to each client device 41-43. These three steps (step S1605, step S1606, step S1607) are the same as step S805 to step S807 in the first embodiment.

  Note that, as in the flow shown in FIG. 23, it is also possible to directly create change point data without an operation on the user interface. Here, in step S1701, change point data (customized data) as shown in FIG. 24 is created directly, and management information is added to this (step S1702). In this way, an installer similar to step S1606 can be created (step S1703).

<Processing during installation on the client device>
I. First Example FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing printer driver installation processing (first example) by an installer according to this embodiment. With reference to this flowchart, processing for actually installing in the client apparatuses 41 to 43 using the installer created in the server apparatus 40 will be described.

  When the installer is activated, a printer driver is first installed on the client devices 41 to 43 in step S1901, and in step S1902, the user selects customization data to be set as an initial value via the user interface.

  In step S1903, setting data stored in the OS management data unit 352 is read. In step S1904, items to be changed based on change data attached to the installer with respect to the read setting data. Finally, in step S1905, the changed setting data is written back to the OS management data unit 352.

II. Second Example When the printer driver has an external request processing unit (see 353 in FIG. 27) that accepts a setting value change request from an external program, a setting value change request can also be issued. This example will be described below.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing printer driver installation processing (second example) by the installer according to this embodiment. FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing the system configuration and the memory relationship in this processing, and the flow of processing (second example) for actually installing on the client devices 41 to 43 using the installer created by the server device 40. Is shown.

  First, in steps S2001 and S2002, the printer driver is installed by the installation processing unit 381 of the installer 380 (T21 and T22 in FIG. 27), and the customization data to be used as the initial value is selected in the same manner as in steps S1901 and S1902. I do.

  In the next step S2003, the installer 380 loads the installed printer driver, and the data update processing unit 382 refers to the changed data in step S2004 and issues a setting change request for all items to be changed (FIG. 27). T23). When all the change requests are completed, the printer driver is unloaded by the installer 380 in step S2005.

  Next, the processing of the printer driver when receiving this setting change request will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, when the printer driver is loaded by the installer 380, the printer driver is activated (step S2201), and the printer driver initializes necessary data (step S2202). Here, the device setting data, the print setting data, and the favorite data are read from the OS management data unit 352 so as to be usable. Thereafter, various requests including a setting change request from an external program are received through the processing request receiving interface of the external request processing unit 353.

  When a device information acquisition request is received (step S2204), device information such as device option equipment status is acquired by directly communicating with the device in step S2206, and internally held in step S2207. Update the device setting data (initialized in step S2202). Here, since the device setting has been changed, if necessary, the print setting data is matched in step S2208.

  Next, when a device setting change request is received (step S2205), the specified item in the device setting data is updated with the specified setting value (step S2207), and if necessary, the print setting data is matched. Processing is performed (step S2208).

  When a print setting change request is received (step S2209), the specified item in the print setting data is updated with the specified setting value (step S2210), and when a favorite change request is received (step S2211). The print setting data held internally (initialized in step S2202) with the print setting data of the designated favorite is updated (step S2212). Since batch conversion is performed ignoring device settings, print setting data matching processing is performed if necessary (step S2213).

  If a favorite registration request is received (step S2214), the designated favorite data is registered in the OS management data unit 352 (step S2215), and update processing such as adding a new favorite to the favorite management table 352d is performed. (Step S2216). Other printer driver processes are performed according to an appropriate processing procedure (step S2217).

  When all the data update request processes are completed, a printer driver end notification is made (step S2203), and the end process is performed in step S2218. Here, the device setting data and the print setting data are written back. Since the printer driver retains the setting value in the OS management data section 352, the setting by the previous operation becomes valid at the next activation. Finally, the printer driver is unloaded by the installer 380.

  Through the above processing, while the users of the client apparatuses 41 to 43 perform a series of installation operations, the device setting, print setting, and / or favorite setting data are set as one of the settings prepared by the administrator. It is customized to the setting desired by the administrator.

  According to this embodiment, the data size included in the installer can be reduced, and customization that is not affected by the difference in data format can be performed.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, a plurality of customized data is included in the installer. However, in this embodiment, the list information of customized data and the substance of the data are managed by the server device 40, and the client devices 41 to 43 are used. A processing flow in the form of sending only necessary items upon request will be described. Note that the setting data may be changed by overwriting the entire setting data as in the first embodiment, or may be partially changed as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing customization data management processing in the server device 40 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Processing when the server device 40 receives an inquiry about customization data from the client devices 41 to 43 is shown. It is shown.

  It is assumed that customized data is created in advance and managed by the server device 40.

  First, when a request for list information of customized data is received from the printer driver (step S2301), the list information managed by the server device 40 is returned to the requesting client device (step S2302). Next, when a request for the customization data entity is received (step S2303), the customization data entity is returned to the requesting client device (step S2304). The above request reception process is continued as long as there is a request from the client apparatuses 41 to 43.

  Note that the processing in step S2302 may be processing in which a requesting client device is determined and list information limited to some customized data is returned. As a result, it is possible to list only those that match the department or floor to which the client device belongs, or the administrator can place a restriction according to the authority of the client device.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing printer driver installation processing by the installer according to the present embodiment, and shows processing for actually installing the client devices 41 to 43 using the installer created by the server device 40. Is.

  First, in step S2401, the printer driver is installed, and in the next step S2402, communication with the server device 40 is performed and a request for obtaining customization data list information is issued. Here, since the list information is returned from the server device 40, it is displayed on the user interface in step S2403, and the user selects an appropriate one from here.

  Next, the server device 40 is requested to download the customization data entity corresponding to the option selected by the user. When a data reply is received from the server device 40 (step S2404), the setting data stored in the OS management data unit 352 is updated in step S2405, and the process ends.

  With the above processing, while the user of the client apparatus performs a series of installation operations, the device setting, print setting, and / or favorite setting data is stored in one of the settings prepared by the administrator or the administrator's It will be customized to the setting you want.

  According to the present embodiment, the latest customization data can be managed in the server device 40, and the installer size can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program codes stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, it will be completed by doing.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, 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 (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM is used. Can do. In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the processing, is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is expanded based on the instruction of the next program code. It goes without saying that the functions of the embodiment described above are realized by performing some or all of the actual processing by the CPU or the like provided on the expansion board or expansion unit.

1 is a configuration example of a print processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a print processing system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the memory map of RAM2 in embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of a system configuration and memory relationship in the embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the data format list | wrist of the setting value in embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver installation processing according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the internal process at the time of printer driver operation in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the installer preparation in the server apparatus 40 in 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of a system configuration and memory relation in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the GUI operation | work at the time of installer preparation. It is a figure which shows the GUI operation | work at the time of installer preparation. It is a figure which shows the GUI operation | work at the time of installer preparation. It is a figure which shows the example of customization data. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver installation processing by an installer according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of a system configuration and memory relation in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI displayed for initial value selection at the time of installation execution. It is a figure which shows an example of UI displayed for initial value selection at the time of installation execution. It is a figure which shows an example of a result screen when initial value is selected at the time of installation execution. It is a figure which shows an example of a result screen when initial value is selected at the time of installation execution. It is a figure which shows an example of a result screen when initial value is selected at the time of installation execution. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the installer preparation in the server apparatus 40 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other process at the time of the installer preparation in the server apparatus 40 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the customization data which concern on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver installation processing by an installer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver installation processing by an installer according to the embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the system configuration | structure and memory relationship in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a processing request is received by a printer driver according to a second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 28. It is a flowchart which shows the customization data management process in the server apparatus 40 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating printer driver installation processing by an installer according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

30 Network 31 Transmission / Reception Unit 40 Server Device 41 to 43 Client Device 352 OS Management Data Unit 362 Customized Data Creation Unit 370 Customized Data File 380 Installer 381 Installation Processing Unit 382 Data Update Processing Unit

Claims (13)

A setting data creating step for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing settings of the printer driver using the first processing device;
A setting data transmission step of transmitting the created plurality of setting change data from the first processing device to a second processing device;
A selection step of selecting predetermined setting change data from the plurality of setting change data received in the second processing device;
A printer driver installation method comprising: sequentially performing an installation step of installing the selected setting change data in the second processing device. A setting data creating step for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing settings of the printer driver using the first processing device;
A setting data transmission step of transmitting predetermined setting change data of the plurality of setting change data from the first processing device to the second processing device in response to an inquiry from the second processing device; ,
An installation method for a printer driver, comprising: sequentially performing an installation step of installing the setting change data received in the second processing device into the second processing device. After the setting data creation process,
A first transmission step of receiving a list of the plurality of setting change data from the first processing device to the second processing device in response to a request from the second processing device;
A selection step of selecting option information indicating predetermined setting change data from the list information received in the second processing device;
The setting data transmission step includes
The printer driver installation method according to claim 2, wherein setting change data corresponding to the option information selected in the selection step is transmitted from the first processing device to the second processing device. The setting data creation step creates change point data obtained by extracting change points of the setting of the printer driver as the setting change data,
4. The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the installation step updates a setting value for the printer driver stored in the second processing device based on the change point data. How to install Referring to the change point data selected using the selection step, executing a step of issuing a setting change request for each change item,
5. The printer driver installation according to claim 4, wherein, in the subsequent installation step, setting values for the printer driver stored in the second processing device are updated in response to the setting change requests. Method. A setting data creation means for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing printer driver settings and an installer that enables customization of setting values for the printer driver using the plurality of setting change data. An information processing apparatus comprising: an installer creating means for transmitting; and a transmitting means for transmitting the created installer to an installation target device,
The printer driver is
A storage means for storing the initial setting values in the system during installation;
Control means for operating according to the set value stored in the storage means,
The installer
Installation means for installing the printer driver;
Selection means for enabling selection of data to be an initial value from the plurality of setting change data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a customization unit that enables a setting value used by the printer driver to be changed using the setting change data selected by the selection unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting data creation unit creates, as the setting change data, change point data obtained by extracting a change point of the setting of the printer driver. A print control apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 via a communication medium and having an environment for receiving and executing an installer from the information processing apparatus,
Setting data reading means for reading data selected from a plurality of setting change data through the selection means that is activated by the execution of the installer;
A printing control apparatus comprising: an updating unit that updates setting values used by a printer driver using the setting change data read by the setting data reading unit. Means for issuing a setting change request for each change item with reference to the change point data selected via the selection means;
The print control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the update unit updates a setting value used by a printer driver in response to each setting change request. In a printing system having a printing control device for controlling a printing device and an information processing device connected to the printing control device via a communication medium,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Setting data creating means for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing the setting of the printer driver, and an installer for customizing setting values for the printer driver using the plurality of setting change data An installer creating means; and a transmitting means for sending the created installer to the print control apparatus;
The printer driver includes a storage unit that stores initial settings of setting values in the system at the time of installation, and a control unit that operates according to the setting values stored in the storage unit, and the installer installs the printer driver. The printer driver uses an installation unit, a selection unit that enables selection of data to be an initial value from the plurality of setting change data, and the setting change data selected by the selection unit. Customizing means for changing the setting value,
The print control device includes:
Execution means for receiving and executing the installer from the information processing apparatus, and reading means for reading data selected from a plurality of setting change data through the selection means that is activated by execution of the installer And a updating unit that updates setting values used by the printer driver using the setting change data read by the setting data reading unit.   The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the setting data creation unit creates, as the setting change data, change point data obtained by extracting a change point of the setting of the printer driver. Means for issuing a setting change request for each change item with reference to the change point data selected via the selection means;
12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the updating unit updates setting values used by a printer driver in response to the setting change requests. A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of an information processing apparatus connected to a print control apparatus via a communication medium,
A setting data creation step for creating a plurality of setting change data for changing printer driver settings, and an installer for creating an installer that enables customization of printer driver parameters using the plurality of setting change data A creating step and a sending step for sending the created installer to the print control device;
The printer driver has a storing step for storing initial parameter settings in the system at the time of installation, and a control step for operating according to the parameters stored in the storing step, and the installer installs the printer driver. A selection step that enables selection of data to be an initial value from the plurality of setting change data, and a parameter used by the printer driver using the setting change data selected in the selection step. A control program comprising: a customization step that allows change.

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