JP2006309741A - Printer control program and printer control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user who selects a printer icon to easily specify (identify) which printer icon should be selected. <P>SOLUTION: When a print data icon ICd overlaps a printer icon ICp on a display part 11, the printer icon ICp is enlarged and at least a printer name and a printer location are displayed near the printer icon ICp. A user who selects a printer icon ICp can easily identify which printer icon ICp should be selected, which increases printer convenience. The display style of the printer icon ICp is a display mode displaying functions of an actual printer represented by the printer icon ICp, so that the user can easily image the actual printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer control program and a printer control apparatus, and is particularly effective for use in controlling a printer connected to a network.

  The operation of a printer connected to a network (hereinafter referred to as a network printer) or a printer directly connected to a computer without going through the network (hereinafter referred to as a local printer) is usually controlled by a computer device.

  The computer device is a computer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Semiconductor Storage Device), a RAM (Ready Storage Device) and a HDD (Magnetic Storage Device), a display unit such as a display, and a keyboard. And a pointing device such as a mouse and a track pad.

  In a computer device having a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) function, for example, when a user (human) operates a pointing device, an icon (hereinafter referred to as print data) displayed on a display is displayed. By overlaying a print data icon on an icon (hereinafter referred to as a printer icon) indicating a printer displayed on the display, the print data corresponding to the print data icon corresponds to the printer icon. Can be printed by a printer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Note that the GUI is a command for operating the computer device by selecting a specific part on the display with a pointer that moves on the display in conjunction with the operation of the pointing device when the user operates the computer device ( Command) to the computer device. An icon represents the contents and object of processing (command) with a small picture or symbol.

JP 2001-337765 A

  By the way, in the vicinity of the printer icon (usually immediately below the printer icon), the name of the printer that the printer icon means (hereinafter referred to as the printer name) is displayed.

  Therefore, for example, when there are a plurality of network printers on the network, when the user tries to print the print data from a specific network printer, the user specifies the network printer to be printed based on the printer name ( It is necessary to operate the pointing device so that the printer icon representing the specified network printer and the print data icon overlap each other on the display.

  However, since the printer name is not usually a name associated with the location where the printer is installed such as “Printer 1” or “Printer 2” or the function of the printer, the network printer that the user wants to print is specified only from the printer name. Is difficult. For this reason, when the user selects a printer icon, there is a high possibility that it cannot be determined which printer icon should be selected, which may reduce the usability of the printer.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily identify (determine) which printer icon should be selected when a user selects a printer icon.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer apparatus having a display unit for displaying images and characters, and pointing means for moving a pointer pointing to a specific part of the display unit. A printer control program that functions as a printer control device that controls the operation of a printer, wherein a printer icon display unit that displays a printer icon that represents a printer on a display unit and a pointing unit are operated to operate the printer icon And the print data icon indicating the print data displayed on the display unit are overlapped on the display unit, the display configuration of the printer icon indicating the printer is changed to a display mode in which the function of the printer is displayed. , Enlarge the icon of the printer It characterized in that to function stage as.

  Thereby, in the present invention, the display configuration (design) of the printer icon is a display form (design) in which the function of the actual printer that the printer icon means is displayed, so that the user can easily install the actual printer. Recall (image).

  Therefore, since it is possible to easily determine which printer icon should be selected, the usability of the printer can be improved.

  In addition, “the display configuration of the printer icon is a display form in which the functions of the printer are displayed” is, of course, when the display configuration of the printer icon is the same as the actual appearance of the printer. A display configuration in which the actual appearance shape is deformed or emphasized to such an extent that the function of the printer can be recognized by the user is also included.

  When the printer icon and the print data icon overlap, the printer icon is enlarged and displayed, so that the display configuration of the printer icon can be easily recognized visually.

  Therefore, it is possible to more easily determine which printer icon should be selected in combination with the display configuration in which the display configuration of the printer icon is a display form in which the function of the actual printer that the printer icon means is displayed. Therefore, the usability of the printer can be further improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the printer icon is enlarged and displayed by the printer icon enlargement display means, the computer apparatus functions as at least a printer information display means for displaying the printer name and the printer installation location. It is characterized by.

  Thus, in the present invention, the printer installation location indicated by the printer icon is also displayed, so that the desired printer icon can be selected in consideration of the installation location when selecting the printer.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the printer icon display means has a display configuration in which the functions of the printer are displayed during the normal display before the enlarged display by the printer icon enlargement display means. It is characterized by.

  Accordingly, in the present invention, even during normal display before enlarged display, the display configuration of the printer icon is a display form in which the functions of the actual printer that the printer icon means are displayed. Can more easily determine which printer icon should be selected.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the part of the printer icon where the function of the printer is displayed and the print data icon overlap on the display unit, the computer device has a function that the part means. It is characterized by functioning as an optional function setting means for setting.

  As a result, in the present invention, the function (option) of the part can be selected (set) by overlapping the part of the printer icon where the function of the printer is displayed and the print data icon on the display unit. You can easily select those options.

  Accordingly, even in a printer having abundant options, those options can be easily selected, and the usability of the printer can be improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the printer icon enlarged display means displays the part of the printer icon corresponding to the function set by the option function setting means in a different color.

  Thus, in the present invention, when a function is set for the printer, the part corresponding to the function is displayed in a different color on the printer icon, so that the user can visually determine which function has been set. It can be easily confirmed.

  The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that the functions of the printer include paper feed tray selection, paper discharge tray selection, and duplex printing.

  As a result, according to the present invention, the selection of the paper feed tray, the selection of the paper discharge tray, and the designation of duplex printing can be set by operations on the printer icon. The trouble of making a selection can be saved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer apparatus determines that the printer is in an unprintable state by the printable state monitoring means for monitoring whether the printer is in a printable state and the printable state monitoring means. In such a case, it is made to function as a non-printable display means for displaying on the display unit a display meaning that.

  Thus, in the present invention, when the printer is in an unusable state, this is displayed, so that the user selects the specific printer without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state. Can be prevented beforehand.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined by the printable state monitoring means that the printer is in an unprintable state, the pointing means is operated to display the printer icon and the print data icon. Even when they overlap each other, the printer icon enlargement display means functions as an enlargement display function stop means that does not function.

  Accordingly, in the present invention, even if the user overlooks the display that the printer is in an unusable state and the print data icon and the printer icon are overlapped, the printer icon is not enlarged and displayed. The user can reliably recognize that a failure has occurred in the printer corresponding to the selected printer icon.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from issuing a print command to the computer device without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer information acquisition unit for acquiring printer information including at least information on functions of a printer, information on functions acquired by the printer information acquisition unit, and a printer icon. It is characterized by functioning as icon changing means for changing the display configuration of the printer icon so that the function display form matches.

  As a result, in the present invention, the content of the function provided in the printer main body and the display configuration of the printer icon coincide with each other, and even when the function provided in the printer main body is temporarily changed, the change is made. The user can surely grasp the contents of the functions that the printer main body has at that time based on the display configuration of the printer icon.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer control apparatus that includes a display unit that displays images and characters, and pointing means that moves a pointer that points to a specific part of the display unit, and controls the operation of the printer. The display configuration of the printer icon means that the function of the printer is displayed as a display form. The printer icon display means for displaying the printer icon on the display section and the pointing means are operated to display the printer icon on the display section. And a printer icon enlargement display means for enlarging and displaying the printer icon when the print data icon representing the printed data overlapped on the display unit.

  Thus, in the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 1, since the user can easily recall (image) an actual printer from the printer icon, it is easier to select which printer icon to select. Since it can be determined, the usability of the printer can be further improved.

  Since the printer icon is enlarged and displayed as in the first aspect of the invention, the display configuration of the printer icon is a display form in which the functions of the actual printer that the printer icon means are displayed. In combination with this, it is possible to more easily determine which printer icon should be selected, and the usability of the printer can be further improved.

  The invention described in claim 11 further comprises printer information display means for displaying at least the name of the printer and the installation location of the printer when the printer icon is enlarged and displayed by the printer icon enlargement display means.

  Thus, in the present invention, similarly to the invention described in claim 2, the printer installation location indicated by the printer icon is also displayed, so that it is desired in consideration of the installation location when selecting the printer. A printer icon can be selected.

  In the invention described in claim 12, the printer icon display means is a display form in which the functions of the printer are displayed in the normal display before the enlarged display by the printer icon enlargement display means. It is characterized by.

  Thus, in the present invention, as in the third aspect of the invention, even during the normal display before the enlarged display is performed, the display configuration of the printer icon has the function that the actual printer means by the printer icon. Since the display form is displayed, the user can more easily determine which printer icon should be selected.

  In the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, when a part of the printer icon where the function of the printer is displayed and the print data icon overlap on the display unit, the function that the part means is set for the printer. An optional function setting means is provided.

  Thus, similarly to the invention according to the fourth aspect, even in a printer having abundant options, those options can be easily selected, so that the usability of the printer can be improved.

  In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the printer icon enlarged display means displays the printer icon portion corresponding to the function set by the option function setting means in a different color.

  Thus, as in the invention described in claim 5, when a function is set for the printer, the part corresponding to the function is displayed in a different color on the printer icon. The user can easily visually confirm whether or not

  The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the functions of the printer include selection of a paper feed tray, selection of a paper discharge tray, and duplex printing.

  Thus, similarly to the invention described in claim 6, selection of the paper feed tray, selection of the paper discharge tray, and designation of double-sided printing can be set by operation on the printer icon, and bothering the print setting screen You can save time and effort to select these functions.

  In the invention according to claim 16, when it is determined by the printable state monitoring unit that monitors whether or not the printer is in a printable state, and the printable state monitoring unit determines that the printer is in a nonprintable state, It is characterized by comprising a non-printable display means for displaying on the display section a display meaning that.

  Thus, similarly to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the user from selecting the specific printer without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the printable state monitoring unit determines that the printer is in an unprintable state, the pointing unit is operated and the printer icon and the print data icon overlap on the display unit. In this case, an enlarged display function stopping unit that does not function the printer icon enlarged display unit is provided.

  Thus, similarly to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the user from issuing a print command to the computer device without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state.

  In the invention described in claim 18, printer information acquisition means for acquiring printer information including at least information on functions of the printer, information on the functions acquired by the printer information acquisition means, and functions in the printer icon And an icon changing means for changing the display configuration of the printer icon so that the display form matches.

  As a result, as in the ninth aspect of the invention, the content of the function provided in the printer main body and the display configuration of the printer icon coincide with each other, and the function provided in the printer main body is temporarily changed. Even in this case, the change is reflected in the display of the printer icon, and the user can surely grasp the contents of the functions provided in the printer main body at that time based on the display configuration of the printer icon.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the printer control program of the first aspect of the present invention, the display configuration (design) of the printer icon displays the functions of the actual printer that the printer icon means. Therefore, the user can easily recall (image) an actual printer. Therefore, since it is possible to easily determine which printer icon should be selected, the usability of the printer can be improved.

  According to the printer control program of the second aspect, the printer installation location indicated by the printer icon is also displayed, so that the desired printer icon can be selected in consideration of the installation location when selecting the printer. You can choose.

  According to the printer control program of claim 3, even during the normal display before the enlarged display is performed, the display configuration of the printer icon displays the functions of the actual printer that the printer icon means. Since the display form is used, the user can more easily determine which printer icon should be selected.

  According to the printer control program of claim 4, the function (option) of the part is selected by superimposing the part of the printer icon on which the function of the printer is displayed and the print data icon on the display unit. (Settings) can be made, so those options can be easily selected. Accordingly, even in a printer having abundant options, those options can be easily selected, and the usability of the printer can be improved.

  According to the printer control program of claim 5, when a function is set for the printer, the part corresponding to the function is displayed in a different color on the printer icon. The user can easily visually confirm whether or not

  According to the printer control program of the sixth aspect, selection of the paper feed tray, selection of the paper discharge tray, and designation of double-sided printing can be set by operation on the printer icon. You can save time and effort to select these functions.

  According to the printer control program of the seventh aspect, when the printer is in an unusable state, that effect is displayed. Therefore, without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state, It is possible to prevent the user from selecting the specific printer.

  According to the printer control program of claim 8, even if the user overlooks the display that the printer is in an unusable state and overlaps the print data icon and the printer icon, the printer icon is enlarged. Since it is not displayed, at that time, the user can surely recognize that a failure has occurred in the printer corresponding to the selected printer icon. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from issuing a print command to the computer device without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state.

  According to the printer control program of the ninth aspect, the contents of the function provided in the printer main body and the display configuration of the printer icon coincide with each other, and the function provided in the printer main body is temporarily changed. Even in this case, the change is reflected in the display of the printer icon, and the user can surely grasp the contents of the functions provided in the printer main body at that time based on the display configuration of the printer icon.

  According to the printer control apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, as in the first aspect of the present invention, the user can easily recall (image) an actual printer from the printer icon. Since it is possible to more easily determine whether an icon should be selected, the usability of the printer can be further improved.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the eleventh aspect, as in the second aspect of the invention, the printer installation location indicated by the printer icon is also displayed. In consideration of the above, the desired printer icon can be selected.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the twelfth aspect, similarly to the invention of the third aspect, the display configuration of the printer icon means that the printer icon is displayed even during the normal display before the enlarged display is performed. Since the display form displays the functions of the actual printer, the user can more easily determine which printer icon should be selected.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the thirteenth aspect, similarly to the invention according to the fourth aspect, even in a printer having abundant options, those options can be easily selected. Can be improved.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the fourteenth aspect, as in the fifth aspect, the user selects the specific printer without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state. Can be prevented in advance.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the fifteenth aspect, similarly to the sixth aspect of the invention, the selection of the paper feed tray, the selection of the paper discharge tray, and the designation of the duplex printing are made by operations on the printer icon. It is possible to save the trouble of opening the print setting screen and selecting these functions.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the sixteenth aspect, similar to the seventh aspect of the invention, the user selects the specific printer without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state. Can be prevented in advance.

  According to the printer control device of claim 17, as in the invention of claim 8, the user issues a print command to the computer device without knowing that the specific printer is in an unusable state. Can be prevented.

  Further, according to the printer control device of the eighteenth aspect, as in the ninth aspect of the invention, the contents of the functions provided in the printer main body and the display configuration of the printer icon are the same. Even if there is a temporary change in the functions provided by the printer, the change is reflected in the display of the printer icon, and based on the display configuration of the printer icon, the user can ascertain the contents of the function that the printer itself has at that time. can do.

  Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, a printer control program and a printer control apparatus according to the present invention are applied to control of a network printer. That is, in the present embodiment, the computer apparatus functions as a printer control apparatus by incorporating (installing) the printer control program according to the present invention into the computer apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a network composed of a printer control device (computer device) 10, a server machine 50, a printer 100, and the like according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the printer control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. An outline of the configuration will be described.

  The configuration of the printer control device 10 is the same as a known computer device. Specifically, the printer control device (computer device) 10 includes a display unit 11 configured by an LCD, a CRT, or the like that displays images and characters, and a pointer 12c that points to a specific part of the display unit 11 (FIG. 2B). The operation unit 12, a central processing unit (CPU) 13, a read-only semiconductor memory device (ROM) 14, and a read / write writable semiconductor memory device (referred to as a pointing means for moving a reference) RAM) 15, magnetic storage device (HDD) 16, and network interface 17 (LAN I / F) for connecting printer control device (computer device) 10 to the network. Hereinafter, the printer control device (computer device) 10 is referred to as a PC 10.

  In addition to the printer function (printing function), the printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes a so-called facsimile function and a scanner function that reads characters and images recorded on paper or the like and digitizes the read information. It is a multipurpose printer.

  A printer 100 according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as MFC 100) includes an operation key 101 for selecting a function provided in the MFC 100, a display panel 102 for displaying an operation content, a work status, and the like, and recording of paper or the like. Printing unit 103 that prints characters and images on a medium, reading characters and images recorded on paper and the like, reading unit 104 that converts the read information into digital data, and digital data as an audio signal for facsimile communication A modem 105, a central processing unit (CPU) 106, and a read-only semiconductor memory having a function of converting and transmitting to a public telephone line and a function of converting a voice signal for facsimile transmitted via the public telephone line into digital data Device (ROM) 107, Read / Write semiconductor memory device (RAM) 108, Magnetic storage device (H D) 109, connecting the MFC 100 to the network, and the MFC 100, which can hold the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, and the MFC 100 can be read and written at any time The network interface (LAN I / F) 111 is configured.

  The server machine 50 is a computer device having the same configuration as the PC 10 and provides services such as providing shared data (shared resources) to the PC 10 connected to the network via the LAN cable 60. .

  Specifically, a display unit 51 configured with an LCD, a CRT, or the like that displays images and characters, a mouse that forms a pointing means for moving a pointer that points to a specific part of the display unit 51, and an operation unit 52 configured with the like. , A central processing unit (CPU) 53, a read-only semiconductor memory device (ROM) 54, a read / write writable semiconductor memory device (RAM) 55, a magnetic memory device (HDD) 56, and a server machine 50 are connected to a network. The network interface 57 (LAN I / F) is included.

  Next, an operation performed by the user when printing predetermined print data from the MFC 100 in the PC 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a case where Windows (registered trademark) having a GUI function is used as an OS (Operating System) of the PC 10 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of display contents of the display unit 11. In a GUI using Windows (registered trademark), as shown in FIG. 2A, “desktop” and “window” are usually displayed. An icon indicating the MFC 100 (hereinafter referred to as a printer icon ICp) and an icon indicating print data (hereinafter referred to as a print data icon ICd) are displayed in a display area called.

  The printer icon ICp is usually designed in a configuration (shape) reminiscent of a general printer, while the print data icon ICd is normally designed in a configuration (shape) reminiscent of a document.

  Further, the name of the printer (MFC 100) that the printer icon ICp means, such as “Printer1” and “Printer2”, is displayed in the vicinity of the printer icon ICp (in this embodiment, immediately below the printer icon ICp).

  Then, when the printer icon ICp and the print data icon ICd are displayed on the desktop or window of the display unit 11, the user operates the mouse 12a to set the pointer 12c as shown in FIG. The print data icon ICd is superimposed on the print data icon ICd, and a selection button (not shown) provided on the mouse 12a is pressed while the state is maintained to select the print data icon ICd on which the pointer 12c is superimposed. Incidentally, the selection button is normally arranged on the left side of the mouse 12a.

  When the selection button is pressed, the display color of the selected print data icon ICd is changed. Therefore, when the print data icon ICd whose display color has changed is different from the print data icon ICd intended by the user, The pressing of the selection button is released, the pointer 12c is moved again onto the intended print data icon ICd, and the selection button is pressed.

  If the mouse 12a is operated while the selection button is pressed, the selected print data icon ICd moves on the display unit 11 together with the pointer 12c. Next, the selected print data icon ICd is printed. The print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp are overlapped on the display unit 11 by moving to the printer icon ICp meaning the desired MFC 100.

  At this time, if the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp overlap with the selection button being pressed, the printer icon ICp is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. 2C. , The name of the MFC 100 indicated by the printer icon ICp, the name of the port to which the MFC 100 indicated by the printer icon ICp is connected, and the location where the MFC 100 indicated by the printer icon ICp is actually installed (for example, 5F West floor) is displayed.

  In addition, when the printer icon ICp is displayed in an enlarged manner, the display configuration of the displayed icon, that is, the icon design, is a display form (design) in which the function of the actual MFC 100 that is meant by the printer icon ICp is displayed. . Therefore, the printer icon ICp data used for the enlarged display is prepared for each printer (MFC 100). For example, when the printer driver is installed, the printer icon ICp data is also included. It is stored in a predetermined area in the PC RAM 15 or HDD 16 in association with the printer name. In addition, the printer icon ICp data is stored in advance in the ROM 107 of the printer (MFC100) main body, and when the printer 10 can communicate with the PC 10, the PC 10 requests the printer icon ICp data from the printer, The configuration may be such that it is acquired from a printer.

  Specifically, for example, in the actual MFC 100, when a plurality of types of paper feed trays that store recording paper are provided, a plurality of types of paper feed trays are provided even in the enlarged printer icon ICp. This is a display form that can be recognized by the user.

  Similarly, for example, when there are a plurality of types of paper discharge trays on which the recording paper after printing is discharged, a plurality of types of paper discharge trays may also be provided in the enlarged printer icon ICp. The display form can be recognized by the user.

  Then, when the print data icon ICd is superimposed on a part of the printer icon ICp where the function of the MFC 100 is displayed while the selection button is pressed, as shown in FIG. 3, the display color of the part where the function is displayed is displayed. Changes, and the function (option) that the part means is selected.

  Specifically, for example, when the actual MFC 100 has an upper paper feed tray and a lower paper feed tray, the selection button is pressed to a portion corresponding to the lower paper feed tray in the enlarged printer icon ICp. If the print data icons ICd are overlapped as they are, the lower paper feed tray is selected as shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, when the actual MFC 100 has a front side discharge tray and a rear side discharge tray, the print data is pressed while pressing the selection button at a portion corresponding to the front side discharge tray in the enlarged printer icon ICp. When the icon ICd is overlapped, the front side discharge tray is selected as shown in FIG.

  Then, when the selection button is released in a state where the print data icon ICd overlaps the printer icon ICp, printing is performed with the currently selected function, that is, the recording paper stored in the lower paper feed tray, The actual print data associated with the print data icon ICd is printed in the state in which an optional function such as discharging the recording paper that has been printed from the front discharge tray is set.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, when the selection button is released without the selected print data icon ICd being superimposed on the part of the printer icon ICp where the function of the MFC 100 is displayed, printing is performed with standard option settings. Actual print data associated with the data icon ICd is printed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, printing may be performed with option settings set at the previous printing. Good.

  Also, when the MFC 100 is in a print-disabled state due to the power source of the MFC 100 being cut off or a failure occurring in the connection through the network, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the printer icon ICp corresponding to the printer icon ICp, and the print data icon ICd is superimposed on the printer icon ICp meaning the MFC 100 in which the failure has occurred. However, the printer icon ICp is not displayed in an enlarged manner, and option setting cannot be performed.

  Further, when the print data icon ICd is superimposed on the printer icon ICp that is displayed as “currently cannot use the MFC 100”, or is displayed as “currently the MFC 100 cannot be used”. When the printer icon ICp that has been marked is selected with the pointer 12c, the cause (error information) that the MFC 100 corresponding to the selected printer icon ICp cannot be printed is displayed.

  Next, a printer control program for realizing the printing operation and functions described above will be described.

  The printer control program according to the present embodiment is incorporated (installed) in each PC 10 connected to the network to which the target MFC 100 is connected, thereby causing the incorporated PC 10 to function as a printer control device. is there.

  The built-in printer control program is stored in the magnetic storage devices (HDD) 16 and 56 of the PC 10 and the server machine 50, and can be read and written from the magnetic storage devices (HDD) 16 and 56 as needed. It is read into the devices (RAM) 15 and 54 and controls the operation of the MFC 100 in cooperation with the OS.

1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an overview of the entire printer control program. This printer control program is automatically incorporated in the PC 10 and then automatically activated simultaneously with the activation of the OS. Terminates at the same time as shutdown (shutdown).

  Then, when the OS is started and this printer control program is started, first, such as a printer connected indirectly to the network via the MFC 100 directly connected to the network or the PC 10 connected to the network. A printer icon ICp indicating an available MFC 100 or a printer (hereinafter, the MFC 100 and the printer are collectively referred to as MFC 100) is displayed on the display unit 11 (desktop or window) (S10).

  Next, after the state of the MFC 100 corresponding to the printer icon ICp displayed on the display unit 11 is monitored (S12), information on the MFC 100 is acquired (S14). Here, the state of the MFC 100 indicates whether or not the MFC 100 can operate normally as a printer, for example, there is no recording paper, or the recording paper is jammed and the printing operation cannot be executed. Details will be described later.

  The information of the MFC 100 means the name, port name, and setting location of the MFC 100 corresponding to the printer icon ICp. These information are usually stored in the MFC 100 manually or automatically when the MFC 100 is connected to the network. The setting is input and stored (saved) in the nonvolatile RAM 110 of the MFC 100. Details of acquiring the MFC 100 information will be described later.

  Next, in cooperation with the OS, it is determined whether or not the print data icon ICd has been selected, that is, whether or not the selection button has been pressed in a state where the print data icon ICd and the pointer 12c overlap the display unit 11 ( If it is determined that the print data icon ICd is not selected (S16) (S16: NO), the printer control program returns to S12.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data icon ICd has been selected (S16: YES), a processing program that activates functions such as the enlarged display of the printer icon ICp and the display of the installation location of the MFC 100 (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as “processing”). The printer icon enlarged display / setting process is started (S18). Details of the printer icon enlarged display / setting process will be described later.

  When the printer icon enlargement display / setting process ends, the print process of the print data associated with the print data icon ICd is started (S20). When the print process ends, the process returns to S12 again.

2. Printer Status Monitoring Control FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of the printer status monitoring control (S12). When the printer status monitoring control is activated, information indicating the status of the MFC 100 is returned from the PC 10 to the MFC 100. A command (status request command) is issued (S30), information (status information) indicating the state of the MFC 100 is acquired (S32), and the information is stored in the RAM 17 of the PC 10 (S38). .

  At this time, if the status information cannot be received due to a power failure of the MFC 100 (S34: NO), information indicating that a communication error has occurred is stored as the status information. (S36, S38).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stored information is information indicating an error of the MFC 100 (S40), and when it is determined that the stored information is information indicating an error of the MFC 100 (S40: (YES) After the printer icon ICp corresponding to the MFC 100 determined to be in error is in an error state (S42), the printer state monitoring control (S12) is terminated and S14 (see FIG. 5) is executed. .

  Here, when the printer icon ICp is in an error state, the display form of the printer icon ICp is changed to display that “the MFC 100 corresponding to the printer icon ICp cannot be used at present”, and If the print data icon ICd overlaps the printer icon ICp, or if the printer icon ICp is selected by the pointer 12c, the cause (error information) that the MFC 100 corresponding to the printer icon ICp cannot be printed is displayed. It means to be done.

  Incidentally, the displayed error information includes “out of paper” and “paper jam” as shown in FIG. 7, or a communication error.

  If it is determined that the stored information is not information indicating an error of the MFC 100 (S40: NO), the printer status monitoring control (S12) ends without displaying the printer icon ICp in an error state. Then, S14 (see FIG. 5) is executed.

3. Printer Information Acquisition Control FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an overview of printer information acquisition control (S14). When the printer information acquisition control flow is activated, the printer information stored in the MFC 100 is transferred from the PC 10 to the MFC 100. A command to return (printer information acquisition command) is issued (S50), then the printer information of the MFC 100 is acquired (S52), the printer information is stored in the RAM 17 of the PC 10 (S56), and the printer information is acquired. The control is terminated and S16 (see FIG. 5) is executed.

  On the other hand, if the status information cannot be received because the power of the MFC 100 is down at this time (S54: NO), the printer information is not stored in the RAM 17 of the PC 10, etc. The information acquisition control ends, and S16 (see FIG. 5) is executed.

  The printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition control includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the printer name, the number of paper feed trays, whether double-sided printing is possible, the presence / absence of a paper discharge tray, the MFC 100 Connection port name, and the installation location of the MFC 100.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 9, the tray 2 being 1 means that the tray 2 can be selected as a function (option) of the MFC 100, and conversely, the tray 2 being 0 is a function of the MFC 100. This means that the tray 2 cannot be selected as (optional).

  Similarly, a double-sided printing of 1 means that double-sided printing can be performed as a function (option) of the MFC 100, and conversely that a double-sided printing of 0 means as a function (optional) of the MFC 100. This means that duplex printing is not possible.

4). Printer setting control (printer icon enlarged display / setting process)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the printer icon enlargement display / setting process (S18). When the printer icon enlargement display / setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the selection button of the mouse 12a is pressed. It is determined (S70). Here, there are two reasons why it is determined whether or not the selection button of the mouse 12a is pressed.

  That is, the printer icon enlargement display / setting process (S18) is started when the print data icon ICd is selected, that is, when the selection button is pressed while the print data icon ICd and the pointer 12c overlap each other. The print data icon ICd may be selected in order to view or edit the content of data corresponding to the print data icon ICd.

  However, when the print data icon ICd is selected in order to view or edit the content of the data corresponding to the print data icon ICd, the data corresponding to the print data icon ICd is opened by a predetermined application. The pressing of the selection button is released, and the selection button is not kept pressed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the printer icon enlargement display / setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the selection button of the mouse 12a is pressed, thereby browsing the data content corresponding to the print data icon ICd. Alternatively, the print data icon ICd is selected for editing, or the data corresponding to the print data icon ICd is printed, that is, the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp are overlapped. Judging whether it was.

  As will be described later, in the printer icon enlarged display / setting process, the print data icon ICd can be set on a specific part of the enlarged printer icon ICp, so that the function that the specific part means can be set. This is to determine whether or not these option setting operations have been completed.

  In other words, in this embodiment, it is determined that the option setting operation is not completed when the selection button is pressed, and the option is displayed when the selection button is released after the printer icon ICp is enlarged and displayed. It is determined that the setting operation has been completed, the printer icon enlarged display / setting process is completed, and the next printing process (S20) is executed.

  If it is determined in S70 that the selection button has been pressed (S70: YES), it is considered that the user intends to print the contents of the data corresponding to the print data icon ICd. The printer icon enlargement display / setting process is executed.

  That is, in cooperation with the OS, the position coordinates of the print data icon ICd and the position coordinates of the printer icon ICp are acquired (S72, S74). Next, it is determined whether or not the printer icon ICp is in an error display state, that is, whether or not it is determined in S40 of the printer state monitoring control (S12) that the printer icon ICp is in an error state (S76). If it is determined that the printer is in the state (S76: YES), the printer icon enlarged display / setting process ends the printer icon enlarged display / setting process and returns to the printer status monitoring control (S12).

  Therefore, if it is determined that the printer icon ICp is in an error state (S76: YES), the subsequent control steps are not executed. Therefore, unless the error state of the printer icon ICp is canceled, the enlarged display function of the printer icon ICp is performed. And option setting functions will not work.

  If it is determined that the printer icon ICp is not in an error state (S76: NO), it is based on the position coordinate of the print data icon ICd acquired in S72 and the position coordinate of the printer icon ICp acquired in S74. Whether the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp overlap on the display unit 11 is determined (S78), and it is determined that the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp do not overlap on the display unit 11. If the printer icon has been received (S78: NO), the printer icon enlarged display / setting process returns to S70.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp overlap on the display unit 11 (S78: YES), the printer icon ICp currently displayed on the display unit 11 is enlarged. It is determined whether it is the displayed printer icon ICp (see FIG. 2C) or the normally displayed (reduced display) printer icon ICp (see FIG. 2A) (S80).

  When it is determined that the printer icon ICp displayed on the display unit 11 is the normally displayed (reduced display) printer icon ICp (S80: NO), the normally displayed printer icon ICp is displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 2C, the printer icon is enlarged and displayed so as to have a display form (design) in which functions actually possessed by the MFC 100 corresponding to the printer icon ICp are displayed. After the port name to which the MFC 100 indicated by the printer icon ICp is connected and the location where the MFC 100 indicated by the printer icon ICp is actually installed (for example, the 5F west floor) are displayed in the vicinity of the ICp (S82). ), The printer icon enlarged display / setting process returns to S70.

  Note that the printer icon ICp data used in the enlarged display is stored in advance in the PC 10 as described above, and it is determined that the normally displayed printer icon ICp and the print data icon ICd overlap. Then, it is determined which printer icon ICp corresponds to which MFC 100, and the data of the printer icon ICp for enlarged display stored in association with the name of the MFC 100 is read and displayed on the display unit 11. Yes.

  Further, when there is a change in the printer information of the MFC 100 acquired in S14, the icon data is changed so as to match the content indicated by the latest printer information, and the display is performed. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, “Printer 2” originally provided with the paper feed tray 2, but “0” is stored as the printer information in the paper feed tray 2 when it cannot be used after being removed. Is done.

  In this case, when “Printer 2” is selected, the printer icon ICp is changed so that the portion of the tray 2 cannot be selected on the display. Specifically, a change that deletes the portion of the tray 2 or a mark indicating that the portion of the tray 2 cannot be selected is added.

  Similarly, when “Printer1” is selected, “0” is stored in the paper discharge tray, and thus the printer icon ICp changed to delete the paper discharge tray is displayed. In this case, the printer icon ICp of “Printer1” enlarged in FIG. 3A has a shape to which a paper discharge tray is added, but is enlarged in FIG. 2C. The printer icon ICp of “Printer1” has a shape in which the paper discharge tray is deleted.

  Such an icon with the tray deleted or an icon with a mark indicating that the tray cannot be selected is also acquired when the printer driver is installed, and the functions provided in each printer (MFC 100). Various types of icon data are prepared corresponding to the types.

  If the currently displayed printer icon ICp is determined to be the enlarged printer icon ICp (S80: YES), it corresponds to any paper feed tray of the enlarged printer icon ICp. It is determined whether or not the print data icon ICd overlaps the part (S84).

  If it is determined that the print data icon ICd overlaps a portion corresponding to one of the paper feed trays in the enlarged printer icon ICp (S84: YES), the print data icon ICd overlaps. After the display color of the part is changed (S86), information indicating that the paper feed tray with the changed display color is selected (set) is stored in the storage device such as the RAM 15, 55 (S88). The printer icon enlargement display / setting process returns to S70.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data icon ICd does not overlap any portion of the enlarged printer icon ICp corresponding to any of the paper feed trays (S84: NO), of the enlarged printer icon ICp It is determined whether or not the print data icon ICd overlaps the portion corresponding to which paper discharge tray (S90).

  If it is determined that the print data icon ICd overlaps a portion corresponding to one of the paper discharge trays in the enlarged printer icon ICp (S90: YES), the print data icon ICd overlaps. After the display color of the part is changed (S92), information indicating that the paper discharge tray whose display color has been changed is selected (set) is stored in the storage device such as the RAM 15, 55 (S94). The printer icon enlargement display / setting process returns to S70.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data icon ICd does not overlap any part of the enlarged printer icon ICp corresponding to any of the paper discharge trays (S90: NO), of the enlarged printer icon ICp. It is determined whether or not the print data icon ICd overlaps the portion corresponding to the duplex printing unit (S96).

  If it is determined that the print data icon ICd overlaps the portion corresponding to the duplex printing unit in the enlarged printer icon ICp (S96: YES), the display of the portion where the print data icon ICd overlaps is displayed. After the color is changed (S98), information indicating that double-sided printing is selected (set) is saved in a storage device such as the RAM 15, 55 (S100), and then the printer icon enlarged display / setting process is performed. Return to S70.

  If it is determined that the print data icon ICd does not overlap the portion corresponding to the duplex printing unit in the enlarged printer icon ICp (S96: NO), the printer control program returns to S70.

  As described above, the function is selected (set) by overlaying the print data icon ICd on the part corresponding to the function of the MFC 100 such as the paper feed tray and the paper discharge tray in the enlarged printer icon ICp. Therefore, the size of the paper feed tray or paper discharge tray portion in the enlarged printer icon ICp is equal to the size of the print data icon ICd, or the size of the print data icon ICd is smaller. In addition, it is desirable to set the size of the printer icon ICp at the enlarged display.

  As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the PC 10 functions as printer icon display means, printer icon enlargement display means, printer information display means, and icon change means in S82, and in S84 to S90. The PC 10 functions as an option function setting unit, the PC 10 functions as a printable state monitoring unit at S12, the PC 10 functions as a non-printable display unit at S42, and the PC 10 functions as an enlarged display function stop unit at S76. .

  Next, features of the print control program and printer control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp overlap on the display unit 11, at least the name (printer name) of the MFC 100 and the installation location of the MFC 100 are displayed near the printer icon ICp. Therefore, when the user selects the printer icon ICp, it can be easily determined which printer icon ICp should be selected. Therefore, the usability of the MFC 100 (printer) can be improved.

  In addition, since the display configuration (design) of the printer icon ICp is a display form (design) in which the functions of the actual MFC 100 that the printer icon ICp means are displayed, the user can easily recall the actual MFC 100. be able to.

  Accordingly, since it is possible to more easily determine which printer icon ICp should be selected, the usability of the printer can be improved.

  When the printer icon ICp and the print data icon ICd overlap, the printer icon ICp is enlarged and displayed, so that the display configuration of the printer icon ICp can be easily recognized visually.

  Therefore, in combination with the display configuration (design) of the printer icon ICp being the display form (design) in which the function of the actual MFC 100 that the printer icon ICp means is displayed, which printer icon ICp should be selected. Since it is possible to more easily discriminate whether or not, the usability of the MFC 100 (printer) can be further improved.

  Further, by superimposing the print data icon ICd on a portion corresponding to a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray or the like in the printer icon ICp, it is possible to select (set) the function (option) of that portion. Options can be selected.

  Therefore, even in the MFC 100 having abundant options, those options can be easily selected, so that the usability of the MFC 100 (printer) can be improved.

  In addition, when the MFC 100 (printer) is in an unusable state, this is displayed, so that the user selects the specific MFC 100 without knowing that the specific MFC 100 is unusable. It can be prevented beforehand.

  Also, even if the user overlooks the display indicating that the MFC 100 (printer) is in an unusable state and the print data icon ICd and the printer icon ICp are overlapped, the printer icon ICp is not enlarged and displayed at that time. The user can reliably recognize that a failure has occurred in the MFC 100 (printer) corresponding to the selected printer icon ICp. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from issuing a print command to the PC 10 without knowing that the specific MFC 100 is in an unusable state.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, during normal display, the printer icon ICp corresponding to each printer is displayed as a common one, and the display configuration of the printer icon ICp is configured only when the printer icon ICp is enlarged. Although the display mode displays the functions of the actual MFC 100 that the icon ICp means, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 11, the printer icon ICp can be displayed even during normal display. The display configuration may be a display form in which the functions actually possessed by the MFC 100 that are indicated by the printer icon ICp are displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, only when the printer icon ICp is enlarged and displayed, the display configuration of the printer icon ICp is a display form in which the function of the actual MFC 100 that the printer icon ICp means is displayed. In normal display, the printer icon ICp is displayed in a reduced size. In this reduced display state, the display configuration of the printer icon ICp is displayed with the functions of the actual MFC 100 that the printer icon ICp means. This is because the printer icon ICp is difficult to see in the display form.

  In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention has been described by taking a printer that can select a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, and the like as an example. However, the application of the present invention is limited to such a printer. It is not a thing.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an optional function, the selection of the paper feed tray, the selection of the paper discharge tray, and the presence / absence of the double-sided printing function are exemplified, but the optional function is not limited to these examples.

  In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention has been described by taking a network printer as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to such a printer, but can be applied to a local printer. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer control apparatus according to the present invention is configured by incorporating the printer control program according to the present invention into a general-purpose computer apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printer control device according to the present invention may be configured by a dedicated computer device configured by dedicated hardware that operates in the same manner as the printer control program.

  In the above-described embodiment, the selection button must always be pressed during the printer icon enlargement display / setting process (S18). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, each option The selection button may be pressed only when selecting.

  In the above-described embodiment, since printer information is stored on each MFC 100 (printer) side, the information is acquired each time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, MFC 100 ( When installing the printer) and its driver, the printer information may be stored on the PC 10 side.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as it matches the gist of the invention described in the claims.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a network configured by a printer control device, a server machine, a printer, and the like according to the present embodiment. 3 is an example of a display screen of the printer control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an example of a display screen of the printer control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an example of a display screen of the printer control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a printer control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of printer status monitoring control according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the error information in embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of printer information acquisition control according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a chart showing printer information in an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of printer setting control according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an example of a display screen of the printer control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 .. Display unit, 12 .. Operation unit, 12 a .. Mouse, 12 c.
17..Network interface, 50..Server machine, 51..Display unit,
52..Operation part, 57..Network interface, 60..LAN cable,
100-Printer (MFC), 101-Operation keys, 102-Display panel,
103 ... Printing unit 104 ... Reading unit 105 ... Modem
ICd ... print data icon, ICp ... printer icon.

Claims (18)

A printer control program for causing a computer device having a display unit for displaying images and characters and pointing means for moving a pointer pointing to a specific part of the display unit to function as a printer control device for controlling the operation of the printer,
Said computer device,
The printer icon display means for displaying a printer icon representing the printer on the display section, and the pointing means are operated so that the printer icon and the print data icon representing the print data displayed on the display section are A printer icon enlargement display means for enlarging and displaying the icon as a display form in which a function of the printer is displayed as a display configuration of a printer icon representing the printer when overlapping on the display unit;
A printer control program that functions as a printer. Said computer device,
Printer information display means for displaying at least the name of the printer and the installation location of the printer when the printer icon is enlarged and displayed by the printer icon enlargement display means;
The printer control program according to claim 1, wherein the printer control program functions as a printer.   The printer icon display means has a display configuration in which the functions of the printer are displayed during the normal display before the enlarged display by the printer icon enlarged display means is performed. A printer control program according to claim 1 or 2. Said computer device,
Optional function setting means for setting, for the printer, a function meant by the part when the part of the printer icon where the function of the printer is displayed overlaps the print data icon on the display unit. ,
4. The printer control program according to claim 1, wherein the printer control program functions as a printer.   5. The printer control program according to claim 4, wherein the printer icon enlargement display unit displays the portion of the printer icon corresponding to the function set by the option function setting unit in a different color.   The printer control program according to claim 1, wherein the functions of the printer include selection of a paper feed tray, selection of a paper discharge tray, and duplex printing. Said computer device,
Printable state monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the printer is in a printable state, and a display indicating that if the printer is determined to be in a nonprintable state by the printable state monitoring means Non-printable display means for displaying on the display unit,
The printer control program according to claim 1, wherein the printer control program is made to function as: Said computer device,
When it is determined by the printable state monitoring means that the printer is in an unprintable state, when the pointing means is operated and the printer icon and the print data icon overlap on the display unit, Even if there is an enlarged display function stop means that does not cause the printer icon enlarged display means to function,
The printer control program according to claim 7, wherein the printer control program is made to function as: Said computer device,
Printer information acquisition means for acquiring printer information including at least information of functions provided in the printer, and the function information acquired by the printer information acquisition means and the function display form in the printer icon match. Icon changing means for changing the display configuration of the printer icon,
The printer control program according to claim 1, wherein the printer control program functions as a printer. A printer control device that includes a display unit that displays images and characters, and pointing means that moves a pointer that points to a specific part of the display unit, and controls the operation of the printer.
Printer icon display means for displaying a printer icon representing the printer on the display unit;
When the pointing means is operated and the printer icon and the print data icon indicating the print data displayed on the display unit overlap on the display unit, a display configuration of the printer icon indicating the printer is configured. And a printer icon enlargement display means for enlarging and displaying an icon as well as a display form in which functions of the printer are displayed.
A printer control apparatus comprising:   11. The printer according to claim 10, further comprising printer information display means for displaying at least the name of the printer and the installation location of the printer when the printer icon is enlarged and displayed by the printer icon enlargement display means. Control device.   The printer icon display means has a display configuration in which the functions of the printer are displayed during the normal display before the enlarged display by the printer icon enlarged display means is performed. The printer control apparatus according to claim 10 or 11.   Optional function setting means for setting, for the printer, a function meant by the part when the part of the printer icon where the function of the printer is displayed overlaps the print data icon on the display unit. The printer control apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:   The printer control apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the printer icon enlargement display unit displays the printer icon portion corresponding to the function set by the option function setting unit while changing the color.   The printer control apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the functions of the printer include paper feed tray selection, paper discharge tray selection, and duplex printing. Printable state monitoring means for monitoring whether the printer is in a printable state;
When the printable state monitoring unit determines that the printer is in a nonprintable state, the printable state monitoring unit includes a print disable display unit that displays a display indicating that fact on the display unit. Item 16. The printer control device according to any one of Items 10 to 15.   When it is determined by the printable state monitoring means that the printer is in an unprintable state, when the pointing means is operated and the printer icon and the print data icon overlap on the display unit, 17. The printer control apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an enlarged display function stopping unit that does not cause the printer icon enlarged display unit to function. Printer information acquisition means for acquiring printer information including at least information on functions of the printer;
18. The icon changing means for changing the display configuration of the printer icon so that the function information acquired by the printer information acquiring means matches the function display form of the printer icon. The printer control apparatus in any one of.

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