JP2007118374A - Printing setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily perform printing setting by facilitating the printing setting while assisting it when performing the printing setting regarding each paper feed tray of a printer on a screen. <P>SOLUTION: Respective paper feed trays T1-T5 of a multifunction printer 2 are graphic-displayed in a printer driver 8. When any one of the respective paper feed trays is selected, paper imparted with a color and a mark of the selected paper feed tray is graphic-displayed. Consequently, it enables the user to immediately know from which paper feed tray the paper is fed while confirming the color and the mark of the graphic-displayed paper. It also facilitates and simplifies the printing setting since use form such as the order and arrangement position of each paper is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print setting apparatus for performing print settings for each paper feed tray of a printing apparatus on a screen.

  As is well known, some printing apparatuses include a plurality of paper feed trays. A plurality of sheets are respectively stored in these sheet feed trays, and when any one of these sheet feed trays is selected, the sheets are drawn out from the selected sheet feed tray and supplied. By appropriately using these paper feed trays, the functions of the printing apparatus can be used effectively.

  For this reason, for example, in Patent Document 1, a print paper library indicating various print papers stored in a plurality of paper feed trays is displayed on the screen, and a desired print paper is selected from the print paper library by a drag-and-drop operation. Then, the selected printing paper is displayed as a graphic.

Also, in Patent Document 2, when a paper feed tray selection screen is displayed and each check box associated with each paper feed tray is checked, the checked paper feed tray is selected. ing.
JP 2001-225525 A JP-A-7-175605

  By the way, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to input and set information about various types of printing paper in the printing paper library.

  However, although the same type of paper is normally stored in each paper feed tray, the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray may be changed for the convenience of the user. In this case, it is necessary to input this change content to the printing paper library, and the input operation for this is troublesome. For this reason, it is conceivable that the change of the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is prohibited, but such a restriction makes the usability of the printing apparatus worse.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, since the screen for selecting a paper feed tray is displayed instead of the paper itself, even if the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is changed for the convenience of the user, the contents of the change There is no need to input the desired paper, and desired paper can be used by selecting the paper feed tray.

  However, it is necessary to check each check box associated with each paper feed tray on the paper feed tray selection screen, and the visibility is poor. In particular, when a plurality of paper feed trays are selected at the same time, it takes time to check these paper feed trays, which causes troublesome input operations for selecting the paper feed trays.

  Furthermore, in both of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when simultaneously using the papers of a plurality of paper feed trays, it is not possible to display the usage form of these papers. It was difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and when performing print settings for each paper feed tray of the printing apparatus on the screen, the print settings can be supported and facilitated. An object is to provide a print setting apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an input operation means for performing an input operation for performing the print setting in a print setting device for performing print settings for each paper feed tray of the printing device on a screen; Each identification information is assigned to each of the paper feed trays, each of the paper feed trays is graphically displayed on the screen, and any one of the paper feed trays is selected on the screen by the input operation means. Control means for graphically displaying on the screen the sheet to which the identification information of the paper feed tray is attached.

  According to the present invention as described above, each paper feed tray is graphically displayed on the screen, and when any one of the paper feed trays is selected on the screen, the sheet to which the identification information of the selected paper feed tray is given. Is displayed graphically on the screen. Therefore, by confirming the identification information of the paper displayed in the graphic, it is possible to immediately know which paper feed tray this paper belongs to. Even when a plurality of paper feed trays are selected, the respective sheets with identification information of these paper feed trays are displayed on the screen. The input operation for selecting is easy and simple.

  Further, when setting the print order for performing the same printing on the paper in each paper feed tray, the control means instructs the print order of the paper in each paper feed tray by the input operation means. Each sheet to which the identification information of each sheet feeding tray is added is displayed on the screen as a graphic.

  Here, it is premised on print settings for storing sheets of each color in respective sheet feed trays and performing the same printing on sheets of different colors (referred to as carbon printing). In such a print setting, since each sheet to which the identification information of each sheet feed tray is assigned is displayed on the screen in the printing order of the sheets in each sheet feed tray, the usage form of these sheets is easily assumed. This print setting is easy and simple.

  Further, the control means is instructed to use the paper in the paper feed tray for the front cover or the back cover by the input operation means in the print setting for using the paper in the paper feed tray for the front cover or the back cover. Then, a graphic display of the state in which the sheet to which the identification information of the sheet feeding tray is attached is used as the front cover or the back cover.

  Here, it is assumed that the print setting for using the paper in the paper feed tray for the front cover or the back cover is used. In such a print setting, a state in which the paper to which the identification information of the paper feed tray is added is used as the front cover or the back cover is graphically displayed on the screen. Therefore, the usage form of these papers can be easily assumed. This print setting is easy and simple.

  The control means may insert the paper in the paper feed tray between the other sheets by the input operation means at the time of print setting for inserting the paper in the paper feed tray between the other papers. When instructed, a graphic display of the state in which the sheet with the identification information of the sheet feeding tray is inserted between the other sheets is displayed.

  Here, it is assumed that the print setting is for inserting the paper in the paper feed tray between the OHP paper. In such a print setting, a state in which each sheet to which identification information of the sheet feeding tray is inserted is inserted between each OHP sheet is displayed on the screen as a graphic, so that the usage form of these sheets can be easily assumed. This print setting is easy and simple.

  The identification information of the paper feed tray is represented by a color or a mark, for example. As the color, those having good visibility such as red, blue, yellow and pink are preferable. Further, as the mark, a generally known mark is preferable.

  The print setting device is attached to a printer driver outside the printing device. Alternatively, the print setting device is attached to the printing device itself.

  That is, it is preferable that the print setting apparatus is built in a printer driver outside the printing apparatus or built in the printing apparatus itself. This facilitates the combined use of print settings that can be made by the print setting apparatus of the present invention and other types of print settings that can be made by a printer driver outside the printing apparatus or the printing apparatus itself.

  According to such a print setting apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to immediately know which paper feed tray the paper is in by checking the graphic identification information of the paper. Even when a plurality of paper feed trays are selected, the respective sheets with identification information of these paper feed trays are displayed on the screen. The input operation for selecting is easy and simple. Furthermore, since the usage forms such as the order and the arrangement position of the sheets are displayed on the screen, the usage forms of these sheets can be easily assumed, and this print setting is easy and simple.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system to which a print setting apparatus of the present invention is applied. In this system, a host computer 1 and a multifunction printer 2 are connected via a LAN 3 or the like, and other terminal devices (not shown) such as a personal computer are also connected to the LAN 3. The LAN 3 or the like may be either wired or wireless.

  The host computer 1 includes a main control unit 4 including a CPU, an operation display unit 5 including a display device, a keyboard, and a mouse, an image editing unit 6 that edits image data received from the outside, and a storage unit 7. The printer driver 8 is provided. The printer driver 8 is for controlling the multifunction printer 2, and includes a print setting unit 11 that performs print settings related to printing performed by the printer 2, and a setting screen generation unit that generates a screen used for the print settings. 12, a print data generation unit 13 that converts image data into print data that can be interpreted by the printer 2, and a communication unit 14 that performs data communication with the printer 2.

  The multi-function printer 2 has functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine, and includes a control unit 21 including a CPU, a print setting unit 22 that performs print settings related to printing performed by the printer 2, and a print. A setting screen generation unit 23 that generates a screen used for setting, an output unit 24 that prints characters or images indicated by print data on paper, a scanner unit 25 that reads a document image, and a printer of the host computer 1 A communication unit 26 that performs data communication with the driver 8, an operation display unit 27 including a display device, a touch panel overlaid on the screen of the display device, keys, and the like, and a storage unit 28 are provided.

  The multi-function printer 2 includes a plurality of paper feed trays (not shown). Each paper is stored in these paper feed trays, and each paper is supplied from these paper feed trays for printing. Used for.

  In the system having such a configuration, the print setting of the multi-function printer 2 can be performed by the printer driver 8 of the host computer 1, and the contents of the print setting are transmitted from the printer driver 8 to the multi-function printer 2 together with the print data. Then, the print data can be printed on a sheet according to the contents of the print setting on the multifunction printer 2 side.

  Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 and the screens of FIGS. 4 to 11, a description will be given of a process for performing print settings related to printing performed by the multifunction printer 2 by the printer driver 8 of the host computer 1. To do. 2 and FIG. 3 indicate the connection points between the steps.

  First, in the host computer 1, when the printer driver 8 is activated (step S101), the setting screen generation unit 12 of the printer driver 8 displays a basic setting screen A for print settings as shown in FIG. The information is displayed on the display device (step S102). This basic setting screen A is an arrangement display of icons C1-1, C1-2, C1-3,... Showing various print settings. When one of the scroll buttons SB1 and SB2 on the basic setting screen A is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, the icons are scrolled on the basic setting screen A by the operation display unit 5. The type of icon displayed on the basic setting screen A is changed.

  The icon C1-1 represents a print setting function for performing the same printing on different colors of paper (referred to as carbon printing). This function is used, for example, when printing an invoice with the same contents on each color paper. The icon C1-2 represents a print setting function for inserting a sheet between OHP sheets. The icon C1-3 represents a print setting function for using paper on the front cover or the back cover.

  Note that image data such as icons necessary for the basic setting screen A is stored in, for example, the storage unit 7 and is read from the storage unit 7 and used.

  Subsequently, the setting screen generation unit 12 of the printer driver 8 searches the system for paper feed tray data indicating the number and position of each paper feed tray of the multifunction printer 2, and receives the paper feed tray data. Obtained (step S103), this paper feed tray data is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5 together with the basic setting screen A. For example, paper tray data is received from the multifunction printer 2 or paper tray data is received from another terminal device such as a server on the system. Then, a paper feed tray screen B indicating the number and position of each paper feed tray as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5 together with the basic setting screen A.

  On this paper feed tray screen B, four paper feed trays T1, T2, T3, T4 for automatic paper feed and a manual feed tray T5 for manual paper feed are displayed, and the positions of these trays are displayed. Yes. The user can recognize the number and position of each paper feed tray of the multi-function printer 2 by looking at the paper feed tray screen B. The manual feed tray T5 is also one of the paper feed trays.

  Further, when displaying the paper feed tray screen B, the setting screen generation unit 12 generates identification information indicating each of the trays T1 to T5 of the paper feed tray screen B, and uses the identification information as the paper feed tray screen. It is given to each tray T1 to T5 of B (step S104). For example, five types of colors and five types of marks M1 to M5 are generated as identification information, and the respective trays T1 to T5 are represented by respective colors on the paper feed tray screen B, and the respective marks are displayed on the respective trays T1 to T5. M1 to M5 are assigned. For example, the colors include pink, yellow, red, blue, green, purple, and the like, and the marks M1 to M5 include hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs, stars, and the like.

  When the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B are displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5, the icons C1-1, C1-2, C1-3, When any of the above is selected, a screen for performing print setting of the selected icon is displayed on the display device, and the print setting can be performed on this screen.

  For example, when the icon C1-1 indicating the carbon print setting is selected by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 (“Yes” in step S105), the setting screen generation unit 12 selects the icon C1-1. 6 is received from the operation display unit 5, and instead of the paper feed tray screen B, a print setting screen C for carbon printing as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5 (step S106). ). At this time, the default setting is displayed on the print setting screen C, the check box cb1 of the paper feed tray T1 is checked, the paper P1 supplied from the paper feed tray T1 is displayed, and the paper feed tray T1 is displayed on this paper P1. And the mark M1 are given.

  The image data necessary for the print setting screen C is stored in, for example, the storage unit 7 and is read from the storage unit 7 and used.

  Then, the setting screen generation unit 12 initially sets the number of sheets I to 1 (step S107), and then waits for a paper feed tray to be selected (step S108). For example, when the check box cb2 of the paper feed tray T2 on the print setting screen C is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 and the selection button SB3 is selected and instructed, the setting screen generation unit 12 displays the contents of the check. And the confirmation button SB3 is selected from the operation display unit 5, it is determined that the first paper feed tray is selected ("Yes" in step S108), and the received content is displayed on the print setting screen. Reflecting this in C, the print setting screen C is updated as shown in FIG. 6B (step S109). In the print setting screen C of FIG. 6B, since the check box cb2 of the first paper feed tray T2 is checked, the paper P2 supplied from the paper feed tray T2 is displayed. The color of the paper feed tray T2 and the mark M2 are given. Further, the portion of the selected paper feed tray T2 is grayed out. Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 12 increments the sheet number I to 2 (step S110), and then returns to step S108.

  Subsequently, when the check box cb3 of the paper feed tray T3 on the print setting screen C is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, and the selection button SB3 is selected and instructed, the setting screen generation unit 12 performs the check. It is determined from the operation display unit 5 that the content and confirmation button SB3 has been selected, and it is determined that the second paper feed tray has been selected (“Yes” in step S108). Reflecting on the screen C, the print setting screen C is updated as shown in FIG. 7A (step S109). In the print setting screen C of FIG. 7A, since the check box cb3 of the second paper feed tray T3 is checked, the paper P3 supplied from the paper feed tray T3 is superimposed below the paper P2. The paper P3 is given the color of the paper feed tray T3 and the mark M3. Further, the portion of the selected paper feed tray T3 is grayed out. Thereafter, the number of sheets I is incremented (step S110), and the process returns to step S108.

  Furthermore, when the check box cb4 of the paper feed tray T4 on the print setting screen C is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, and the confirmation button SB3 is selected and instructed, the setting screen generation unit 12 displays the contents of the check. And the confirmation button SB3 is selected from the operation display unit 5, it is determined that the third paper feed tray is selected ("Yes" in step S108), and the received content is displayed on the print setting screen. Reflecting in C, the print setting screen C is updated as shown in FIG. 7B (step S109). In the print setting screen C of FIG. 7B, the paper P4 supplied from the paper feed tray T4 is displayed superimposed on the papers P2 and P3, and the color of the paper feed tray T4 and the mark M4 are displayed on the paper P4. Is granted. Further, the portion of the selected paper feed tray T4 is grayed out. Thereafter, the number of sheets I is incremented (step S110), and the process returns to step S108.

  Similarly, when the check box of the paper feed tray on the print setting screen C is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 and the selection button SB3 is further selected, the paper feed tray on the print setting screen C is displayed. The sheets supplied from the printer are displayed one after the other, and the color and mark of the paper feed tray are given to the sheets.

  Therefore, by looking at the color and mark of each sheet on the print setting screen C for carbon printing, it is possible to immediately confirm the respective paper feed trays that supply the respective sheets, and the printing order of these sheets is easily assumed. This carbon printing setting can be easily performed.

  When the print setting for carbon printing is thus completed, the OK button SB4 is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5. When the setting screen generation unit 12 receives from the operation display unit 5 that the OK button SB4 has been selected, the selection of the paper feed tray is completed (“No” in step S108), and the setting of the carbon printing is completed. (“Yes” in step S111), the contents of the print settings on the print setting screen C, that is, the respective paper feed trays for supplying the respective sheets and the sheet feeding order of the respective sheets are sent to the print setting unit 11. . The print setting unit 11 receives and sets the contents of the print settings for the carbon printing (step S112).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 12 closes the print setting screen C and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S113).

  If the cancel button SB5 is selected by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 during the selection of the paper in the paper feed tray used for carbon printing (“No” in step S111, “No” in step S114, “ Yes ”), all the contents set on the print setting screen C are deleted, and the display returns to the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S113). If the return button SB6 is instructed to be selected by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, the process returns to the previous process.

  Next, on the basic setting screen A, the icon C1-1 is not selected (“No” in step S105), and the icon C1- showing the print setting of the front cover or back cover by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 is performed. When 3 is selected (“Yes” in step S115), the setting screen generation unit 12 receives from the operation display unit 5 that the icon C1-3 has been selected, and instead of the paper feed tray screen B, FIG. A print setting screen D for setting a front cover or a back cover as shown in (a) is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5 (step S116).

  In the print setting screen D, the front cover check box cb11, the back cover check box cb12, and the paper group Pn are clearly displayed, and each paper feed tray, manual feed tray, and the like are grayed out. Each paper feed tray, manual feed tray, and the like are clearly displayed sequentially in the processing stage.

  The image data necessary for the print setting screen D is stored in, for example, the storage unit 7 and is read from the storage unit 7 and used.

  The setting screen generation unit 12 displays the print setting screen D in FIG. 8A on the display device, and then waits for selection of a front cover or a back cover. For example, when the check box cb11 on the front cover of the print setting screen D is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 and the check box cb3 on the paper feed tray T3 is further checked, the setting screen generation unit 12 It is received from the operation display unit 5 that the check content has been instructed to select, and it is determined that the front cover and the paper feed tray T3 have been selected (“Yes” in step S117, step S118), and the received content is set to print settings. Reflecting on the screen D, the print setting screen D is updated as shown in FIG. 8B (step S119). In the print setting screen D of FIG. 8B, since the front cover check box cb11 is checked and the check box cb3 of the paper feed tray T3 is checked, the paper P3 supplied from the paper feed tray T3 is the paper. It is displayed as the front cover of the group Pn, and the color of the paper feed tray T3 and the mark M3 are given to the paper P3.

  If the check box cb12 on the back cover of the print setting screen D is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 and the check box cb4 on the paper feed tray T4 is further checked, the setting screen generation unit 12 It is determined from the operation display unit 5 that the check content has been selected and determined that the back cover and the paper feed tray T4 have been selected ("Yes" in step S120, step S121), and the received content is set for printing. Reflecting on the screen D, the print setting screen D is updated as shown in FIG. 9 (step S122). In the print setting screen D of FIG. 9, since the back cover check box cb12 is checked and the check box cb4 of the paper feed tray T4 is checked, the paper P4 supplied from the paper feed tray T4 is the paper group Pn. Displayed as a back cover, the color of the paper feed tray T4 and the mark M4 are given to the paper P4.

  Accordingly, by looking at the color or mark of each sheet on the front cover or back cover print setting screen D, it is possible to immediately confirm the respective paper feed trays that supply the respective sheets, and it is easy to use these sheets. This print setting can be easily performed.

  When the front cover or back cover print setting is thus completed, the OK button SB4 on the print setting screen D is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5. At this time, the setting screen generation unit 12 receives from the operation display unit 5 that the OK button SB4 has been selected and determines that the print setting for the front cover or the back cover has been completed (“Yes” in step S123). Then, the contents of the print settings on the print setting screen D, that is, at least one paper feed tray for supplying paper to be a front cover or a back cover and the paper feed order are sent to the print setting unit 11. The print setting unit 11 receives and sets the contents of the print settings for the front cover or the back cover (step S124).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 12 closes the print setting screen D and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S125).

  If the cancel button SB5 on the print setting screen D is instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 after selecting the paper in the paper feed tray used as the front cover or the back cover (in step S123). “No”, “Yes” in step S126), all the contents set on the print setting screen D are erased, and the display returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S125).

  Next, neither of the icons C1-1 and C1-3 is selected on the basic setting screen A (“No” in step S105, “No” in step S115), and the mouse click operation on the operation display unit 5 is performed. When the icon C1-2 indicating the print setting for inserting the sheet between the OHP sheets is selected by (Step S127: “Yes”), the setting screen generation unit 12 selects the icon C1-2 from the operation display unit 5. In place of the paper feed tray screen B, a print setting screen E for setting paper insertion between OHP sheets as shown in FIG. 10A is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5 (step S128). ).

  The image data necessary for the print setting screen E is stored in the storage unit 7, for example, and is read from the storage unit 7 and used.

  Then, the setting screen generation unit 12 waits for selection of a paper feed cassette for paper to be inserted between OHP paper. For example, when the check box cb21 for inserting the slip sheet on the print setting screen E is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, and the check box cb3 for the paper feed tray T3 is checked, the setting screen generating unit 12 is checked. Receives from the operation display unit 5 that this check content has been instructed to be selected, determines that the paper feed tray T3 has been selected (step S129), reflects the received content on the print setting screen E, and prints. The setting screen E is updated as shown in FIG. 10B (step S130). In the print setting screen E of FIG. 10B, since the check box cb3 of the paper feed tray T3 is checked, a state where the paper P3 supplied from the paper feed tray T3 is inserted into each OHP paper Ph is displayed. Then, the color of the paper feed tray T3 and the mark M3 are given to the paper P3.

  Furthermore, when the check box cb22 for printing on the slip sheet (paper inserted between the OHP sheets) on the print setting screen E is checked by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, the setting screen generating unit 12 The fact that the check content is instructed to be selected is received from the operation display unit 5, it is determined that the interleaf printing has been selected, and the print setting screen E is updated as shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, by looking at the color and mark of the paper on the print setting screen E for inserting paper between OHP paper, the paper feed tray for supplying the paper can be immediately confirmed, and the usage form of this paper is easily assumed. This print setting can be easily performed.

  When the print setting for inserting the sheet between the OHP sheets is completed, the OK button SB4 on the print setting screen D is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5. At this time, the setting screen generation unit 12 receives from the operation display unit 5 that the OK button SB4 has been selected and determines that this print setting has been completed (“Yes” in step S131), and the print setting screen E The contents of the print settings in the above, that is, the paper feed tray for supplying the paper inserted between the OHP paper and the paper feed order of the paper are sent to the print setting unit 11. The print setting unit 11 receives and sets the contents of this print setting (step S132).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 12 closes the print setting screen E and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S133).

  If the cancel button SB5 on the print setting screen D is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 after selecting the paper in the paper feed tray used as the front cover or the back cover (in step S131). “No”, “Yes” in step S134), all the contents set on the print setting screen E are erased, and the display returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the paper feed tray screen B (step S133).

  Next, none of the icons C1-1, C1-2, C1-3 is selected on the basic setting screen A (“No” in step S105, “No” in step S115, “No” in step S127). ) When another icon is selected by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, the setting screen generation unit 12 receives the selection of the other icon from the operation display unit 5 and corresponds to the other icon. The print setting screen is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 5. On the print setting screen, a function is selected by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 (step S135).

  Similarly, it is possible to sequentially select other icons and sequentially perform print settings corresponding to the other icons.

  After that, when an OK button on the print setting screen is instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5, the setting screen generation unit 12 receives from the operation display unit 5 that the OK button has been instructed to select. It is determined that the print setting has been completed (“Yes” in step S136), and the contents of this print setting are sent to the print setting unit 11. Upon receiving the contents of the print settings, the print setting unit 11 sets the contents of the print settings.

  Then, the setting screen generation unit 12 closes the print setting screen and closes the basic setting screen A. In addition, the print setting unit 11 transmits the contents of all the print settings so far to the multi-function printer 2 via the communication unit 14. At the same time, the print data generation unit 13 transmits the print data to the multi-function printer 2 via the communication unit 14 (step S137).

  In the multi-function printer 2, all print setting contents and print data from the host computer 1 are received through the communication unit 26, print processing is performed according to all print setting contents, and the output unit 24 indicates the print data. Print text and images on paper.

  If the cancel button is selected and instructed by clicking the mouse on the operation display unit 5 after all the print settings (“No” in step S136, “Yes” in step S138), all of the previous print settings are made. The contents of the print settings are deleted, and the basic setting screen A is also closed (step S139).

  In this way, the printer driver 8 displays each of the paper feed trays T1 to T5 of the multifunction printer 2 in a graphic form, and when any of the paper feed trays is selected, the color and mark of the selected paper feed tray are displayed. The added paper is displayed in graphic form. Therefore, by confirming the color and mark of the paper displayed in the graphic, it is possible to immediately know which paper feed tray this paper is from. Even when a plurality of paper feed trays are selected, the papers with the colors and marks of these paper feed trays are displayed on the screen. The input operation for selecting the tray becomes easy and simple. Furthermore, since the form of use such as the order and arrangement position of each sheet is displayed for each print setting, the print setting is easy and simple.

  By the way, the multifunction printer 2 includes a print setting unit 22, a setting screen generation unit 23, and a communication unit 26, as with the printer driver 8 of the host computer 1, and can perform the same print settings as the printer driver 8.

  The flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13 show a process for performing print settings in the multi-function printer 2. The processing steps of FIGS. 12 and 13 are substantially the same as the processing steps of the printer driver 8 shown in FIGS.

  First, the setting screen generation unit 23 of the multifunction printer 2 displays a basic setting screen A for print setting as shown in FIG. 4 on the display device of the operation display unit 27 (step S202).

  In addition, the setting screen generation unit 23 obtains paper feed tray data indicating the number, position, various functions, and the like of each paper feed tray of the multifunction printer 2 from the printer 2 (step S203). It is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 27 together with the basic setting screen A. For example, a screen B1 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 27 together with the basic setting screen A.

  On this screen B1, four sheet feeding trays T1, T2, T3, T4 for automatic sheet feeding and a manual feed tray T5 for manual sheet feeding are displayed, and the positions of these trays are displayed.

  Further, when displaying the screen B1, the setting screen generating unit 23 generates identification information indicating the respective trays T1 to T5 on the screen B1, and uses the identification information as the respective trays T1 to T5 on the screen B1. (Step S204). For example, five types of colors and five types of marks M1 to M5 are generated as identification information, and the respective trays T1 to T5 are represented by respective colors on the screen B1, and the respective marks M1 to M5 are displayed on the respective trays T1 to T5. Is granted.

  When the basic setting screen A and the screen B1 are displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 27 in this way, for example, when the icon C1-1 indicating the print setting of carbon printing is selected by the operation of the operation display unit 27 (Step S1). The setting screen generation unit 23 displays the carbon printing print setting screen C as shown in FIG. 6A on the display device of the operation display unit 27 instead of the screen B1 (step S206). ).

  Then, the setting screen generation unit 23 initially sets the number of sheets I to 1 (step S207), and then waits for selection of a paper feed tray (step S208). For example, when the check box cb2 of the paper feed tray T2 on the print setting screen C is checked by the operation of the operation display unit 27 and the selection button SB3 is selected and instructed, the setting screen generation unit 23 sets the first paper feed. It is determined that the tray has been selected (“Yes” in step S208), and the print setting screen C is updated as shown in FIG. 6B (step S209). Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 23 increments the sheet number I to 2 (step S210), and then returns to step S208.

  Thereafter, similarly, when the check box of the paper feed tray on the print setting screen C is checked by the operation of the operation display unit 27 and the selection button SB3 is further selected, the paper is supplied from the paper feed tray on the print setting screen C. The sheets to be printed are displayed one on top of the other, and the color and mark of the paper feed tray are given to the sheets.

  Accordingly, if the color or mark of each sheet on the carbon printing print setting screen C is viewed, the printing order of these sheets can be easily assumed, and the setting of the carbon printing can be easily performed.

  When the print setting for carbon printing is thus completed, the OK button SB4 is selected and instructed by operating the operation display unit 27. At this time, the setting screen generation unit 23 determines that the selection of the paper feed tray is finished (“No” in step S208), and the setting of the carbon printing is finished (“Yes” in step S211). The contents of the print settings in C, that is, the respective paper feed trays for supplying the respective sheets and the sheet feeding order of the respective sheets are sent to the print setting unit 22. The print setting unit 22 receives and sets the contents of the carbon print print settings (step S212).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 23 closes the print setting screen C and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the screen B1 (step S213).

  If the cancel button SB5 is instructed to be selected by operating the operation display unit 27 (“No” in step S211, “Yes” in step S214), all the contents set on the print setting screen C are deleted. Then, the display returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the screen B1 (step S213).

  Next, when the icon C1-3 indicating the print setting of the front cover or the back cover is selected by operating the operation display unit 27 on the basic setting screen A (“Yes” in step S215), the setting screen generation unit 23 Receives from the operation display unit 27 that the icon C1-3 has been selected, and instead of the paper feed tray screen B, a print setting screen for setting a front cover or back cover as shown in FIG. D is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 27 (step S216).

  Then, when the check box cb11 on the front cover of the print setting screen D is checked by the operation of the operation display unit 27 and the check box cb3 of the paper feed tray T3 is checked, the setting screen generation unit 23 displays the front cover and the paper feed. It is determined that the tray T3 has been selected (“Yes” in step S217, step S218), and the print setting screen D is updated as shown in FIG. 8B (step S219).

  Further, when the check box cb12 of the back cover of the print setting screen D is checked by the operation of the operation display unit 27 and the check box cb4 of the paper feed tray T4 is checked, the setting screen generating unit 23 displays the back cover and the paper feed. It is determined that the tray T4 has been selected (“Yes” in step S220, step S221), and the print setting screen D is updated as shown in FIG. 9 (step S222).

  Therefore, by looking at the color and mark of each sheet on the front or back cover print setting screen D, the usage form of these sheets can be easily assumed, and this print setting can be easily performed.

  When the front cover or back cover print setting is completed in this way, the OK button SB4 on the print setting screen D is selected and instructed by the operation of the operation display unit 27. At this time, the setting screen generating unit 23 determines that the print setting for the front cover or the back cover has been completed (“Yes” in step S223), and the contents of the print settings on the print setting screen D, that is, the front cover or the back cover At least one paper feed tray for supplying the cover paper and the paper feed order are sent to the print setting unit 22. The print setting unit 22 receives and sets the contents of the print setting for the front cover or the back cover (step S224).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 23 closes the print setting screen D and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the screen B1 (step S225).

  If the cancel button SB5 on the print setting screen D is instructed by operation of the operation display unit 27 (“No” in step S223, “Yes” in step S226), the contents set on the print setting screen D Are all deleted and the display returns to the basic setting screen A and screen B1 (step S225).

  Next, on the basic setting screen A, when the icon C1-2 indicating the print setting for paper insertion between OHP paper is selected by the operation of the operation display unit 27 (“Yes” in step S227), the setting screen generation is performed. The unit 23 receives the selection of the icon C1-2 from the operation display unit 27, and instead of the paper feed tray screen B, the print setting for setting the sheet insertion between the OHP sheets as shown in FIG. The screen E is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 27 (step S228).

  When the check box cb3 of the paper feed tray T3 on the print setting screen E is checked by operating the operation display unit 27, the setting screen generation unit 23 determines that the paper feed tray T3 has been selected (step S229). The print setting screen E is updated as shown in FIG. 10B (step S230).

  Further, when the check box cb21 for printing on the slip sheet (paper inserted between the OHP sheets) on the print setting screen E is checked by the operation of the operation display unit 27, the setting screen generation unit 23 prints the slip sheet. Is selected, and the print setting screen E is updated as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, by looking at the color and mark of the paper in the print setting screen E for inserting the paper between the OHP papers, the usage form of the paper can be easily assumed, and the print setting can be easily performed.

  When the print setting for inserting the sheet between the OHP sheets is completed in this way, the OK button SB4 on the print setting screen D is selected and instructed by the operation of the operation display unit 27. At this time, the setting screen generation unit 23 determines that this print setting has been completed (“Yes” in step S231), and the contents of the print settings on the print setting screen E, that is, the sheets to be inserted between the OHP sheets. The paper feed tray to be supplied and the paper feed order of the paper are sent to the print setting unit 22. The print setting unit 22 receives and sets the contents of this print setting (step S232).

  Thereafter, the setting screen generation unit 23 closes the print setting screen E and returns to the display of the basic setting screen A and the screen B1 (step S233).

  If the cancel button SB5 on the print setting screen D is instructed by the operation of the operation display unit 27 (“No” in step S231, “Yes” in step S234), the contents set on the print setting screen E Are all deleted and the display returns to the basic setting screen A and screen B1 (step S233).

  Next, when another icon is selected by operating the operation display unit 27 on the basic setting screen A, the setting screen generation unit 23 displays a print setting screen corresponding to the other icon as a display device of the operation display unit 27. To display. On the print setting screen, a function is selected by operating the operation display unit 27 (step S235).

  Similarly, it is possible to sequentially select other icons and sequentially perform print settings corresponding to the other icons.

  Thereafter, when the start key of the operation display unit 27 is selected and instructed, the setting screen generation unit 23 determines that the print setting has been completed (“Yes” in step S236), and prints the contents of the print setting. It is sent to the setting unit 22. Upon receiving the contents of the print settings, the print setting unit 22 sets the contents of the print settings.

  Then, according to the contents of all the print settings set by the print setting unit 22, the output unit 24 prints characters and images indicated by the print data on a sheet (step S237).

  In this way, the multi-function printer 2 can perform the same print settings as the printer driver 8.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can deform | transform variously. For example, the graphic display form, the paper display form, the paper usage form, or the paper feed tray identification information display form of each paper feed tray may be changed as appropriate.

1 is a block diagram showing a system to which a print setting apparatus of the present invention is applied. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for print setting by the printer driver of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing process subsequent to FIG. 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the basic setting screen which displayed each icon. It is a figure which shows the paper feed tray screen which displayed each paper feed tray. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the transition of the print setting screen of carbon printing. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the transition of the print setting screen following FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the transition of the print setting screen for setting a front cover or a back cover. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating transition of a print setting screen subsequent to FIG. 8. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the transition of the print setting screen for setting the paper insertion between OHP paper. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a transition of a print setting screen subsequent to FIG. 10. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for print setting by the multifunction printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process subsequent to FIG. 13. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen in the multifunction printer of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Host computer 2 Multifunction printer 3 LAN
4 main control unit 5, 27 operation display unit 6 image editing unit 7, 28 storage unit 8 printer driver 11, 22 print setting unit 12, 23 setting screen generation unit 13 print data generation unit 14, 26 communication unit 21 control unit 24 output Part 25 Scanner part

Claims (7)

In the print setting device for performing print settings on the screen for each paper feed tray of the printing device,
An input operation means that is input to perform the print settings;
Each identification information is assigned to each of the paper feed trays, each of the paper feed trays is graphically displayed on the screen, and any one of the paper feed trays is selected on the screen by the input operation means. And a control unit that graphically displays the sheet to which the identification information of the sheet feeding tray is attached on the screen.   In the print setting for performing the same printing on the paper in each paper feed tray, when the input operation means instructs the print order of the paper in each paper feed tray, the control means performs each of the print orders in the print order. The print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each sheet to which identification information of a sheet feeding tray is added is displayed on a screen as a graphic.   When the print setting for using the paper in the paper feed tray for the front cover or the back cover is instructed by the input operation means to use the paper in the paper feed tray for the front cover or the back cover, The print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a state in which the sheet to which the identification information of the sheet feeding tray is added is used as a front cover or a back cover is displayed on a screen as a graphic.   The control means is instructed to insert the paper in the paper feed tray between the other sheets by the input operation means at the time of print setting for inserting the paper in the paper feed tray between the other papers. Then, the print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a state in which the sheet to which the identification information of the sheet feeding tray is added is inserted between the other sheets is displayed on the screen as a graphic.   The print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the paper feed tray is represented by a color or a mark.   The print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting apparatus is attached to a printer driver outside the printing apparatus.   The print setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting apparatus is attached to the printing apparatus itself.

Images