JP2007233665A - Program for creating installer, storage medium for storing program, method of creating installer, and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To install a device driver in a PC under the condition where desired setting has been made previously in the device driver. <P>SOLUTION: Driver constitutive files 711-714 are acquired from a system holder 7S in an installed side of a printer driver 71, other driver constitutive files 711B-714B, 711C-714C are extracted from a CD-ROM (storage medium) 70, and INI files 72, 72B, 72C and INI files 74, 74B, 74C are created to create an installer 100 integratedly therewith. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing technique for creating an installer for installing a device driver for controlling peripheral devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a multifunction peripheral in a computer.

  In recent years when computer network technology has been developed, a company, a university, or the like often constructs a network such as a large-scale LAN (Local Area Network) by connecting a large number of PCs (Personal Computers) to each other. Peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and multifunction peripherals are also connected to such a network, and these are shared by many PCs.

  Usually, in an environment where a network is constructed, there is an administrator who manages the network and the PCs and peripheral devices included in the network. For such an administrator, for example, the printer always wants to operate in a state where the toner save mode function is ON, and the desire to unify the settings when each PC controls peripheral devices to a desired setting in advance. is there. For this purpose, it is ideal to install a device driver for controlling the peripheral device on the PC in a state in which a desired setting has been performed in advance.

  Here, the device driver is installed using an installer. The installer performs a necessary configuration by copying a driver configuration file as a main body of the device driver, an initial setting file in which control setting values used when the device driver controls peripheral devices, and copying them into the PC. An installation program (this is also called an installation set).

JP 2003-280840 A

  However, in order to create an installer that can be installed on a PC in a state in which a device driver has been set in advance, it is necessary to rewrite the contents of the initial setting file included in the installer to a desired setting value. For this, it is necessary to be familiar with the contents of the initial setting file that is unique to each device driver, and it is difficult unless the vendor provides the device driver.

  For this reason, it is common to request the vendor that provides the device driver to create an installer that rewrites the contents of the initial settings file to the desired setting values. There is a problem that the burden on the side increases.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151858 discloses an installer that allows a user to input and store settings when installing a printer driver, and applies the settings stored at the time of installation to the printer driver. If this installer is used, desired settings can be applied to the printer driver at the time of installation, so that the trouble of setting the printer driver each time printing is saved from the user. However, in this installer, since it is necessary to make settings for each PC on which the printer driver is installed, it is very troublesome for the administrator to make desired settings for each PC included in the network.

  In an environment where a plurality of PCs are connected to a network, there may be a plurality of types of OSs (Operation Systems) installed on the PCs, and it is unnecessary to perform settings for each printer driver corresponding to each OS. Occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a program for creating an installer capable of installing a device driver on a PC in a state in which a device driver has been set in advance, and a storage for storing the program An object is to provide a medium, an installer creation method, and an information processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention provides:
A configuration extraction step of extracting a driver configuration file constituting the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
Other OS corresponding to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds, and another OS driver configuration file constituting another OS device driver capable of controlling the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium A configuration extraction step;
A setting acquisition step for acquiring an initial setting file in which control setting values reflecting the input contents of the control setting values used when the device driver and other OS device driver control the device are described;
An installer that creates an installer that includes a driver configuration file and / or another OS driver configuration file and an initial setting file, and that installs a device driver for controlling a device with a control setting value described in the initial setting file on the computer. Creation steps,
Is a program that causes a computer to execute.

  According to this, the user can create an installer of a device driver that controls a device with this control setting value by inputting a desired control setting value.

  In this way, it is possible to create an installer that can be installed on a computer with a device driver set in advance without being set by a vendor. By simply distributing, the settings of device drivers installed on each computer included in the network can be collected into desired settings.

  In addition, an installer can be created for other OS device drivers corresponding to an OS different from the OS installed on the computer. For example, when there are a plurality of types of OS installed on a PC included in the network. Even if it exists, the trouble of creating an installer for each OS can be saved.

  Also, by extracting the driver configuration file that configures the device driver installed on the computer, for example, an administrator of the network etc. tests whether the operation of the device driver is normal on its computer Then, you can create an installer for the device driver and distribute it.

  Here, “installation” refers to copying a driver configuration file and an initial setting file into a computer and performing necessary settings. Specifically, for example, if the computer OS (Operating System: basic software) is a Windows (registered trademark) OS, the driver configuration file that configures the device driver is stored in the “system folder” together with the initial setting file, and this device The driver is registered in the “registry” as a virtual device.

  Therefore, the “driver configuration file that configures the device driver installed in the computer” does not suffice if the driver configuration file is simply stored in the storage device of the computer, and the installation as described above is performed. It will be necessary. That is, for example, in the case of a Windows (registered trademark) OS, the driver configuration file of the device driver stored in the “system folder” and registered in the “registry” as a virtual device is required. This is a significant difference from the case where a vendor that provides a device driver creates an installer.

Next, in the program of the present invention,
Causing the computer to further execute an OS selection receiving step for receiving an input for selecting an OS different from the OS corresponding to the device driver;
In the other OS configuration extraction step, the other OS driver configuration file that configures the other OS device driver corresponding to the OS selected in the OS selection reception step can be extracted from the storage medium.

  According to this, the user can easily create an installer corresponding to them by selecting a type of OS as required.

Next, in the program of the present invention,
The setting acquisition step includes a step of displaying a common setting screen for accepting an input about a control setting value common to the device driver and the other OS device driver, and the control setting value reflecting the contents of the input accepted on the common setting screen is described. The obtained initialization file can be obtained.

  According to this, it is possible to save input time and collect settings easily among different types of OSs by collectively accepting input of control setting values common to device drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of OSs. It becomes.

In the program of the present invention,
The setting acquisition step includes a step of displaying a difference setting screen that accepts inputs of control setting values of the device driver and other OS device driver that are not common to both, and includes a control setting that reflects the contents of the input received on the difference setting screen It is possible to obtain an initialization file in which values are described.

  According to this, by accepting an input for a control setting value that is not common to device drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of OSs, finer settings can be made for each OS.

In the program of the present invention,
In the setting acquisition step, the common setting screen can be displayed by calling and executing a function for displaying a setting screen that accepts an input regarding the control setting value of the device driver.

  According to this, when receiving an input about a control setting value common to device drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of OSs, the function of the installed device driver is called and executed. It is not necessary to include a function for displaying a setting screen for accepting input of common control setting values, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, by using the setting screen displayed by the functions provided by the device driver, the user can input on the setting screen that is familiar to the user, so the control setting value can be understood while intuitively understanding the usage method. Can be entered.

Next, in the program of the present invention,
In the installer creation step, a single installer that collectively includes a driver configuration file corresponding to the device driver and another OS device driver or a set of another OS driver configuration file and an initial setting file may be created. it can.

  According to this, since a single installer capable of installing device drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of OSs can be obtained, an administrator such as a network only distributes the created single installer to PC users. Thus, even when there are a plurality of types of OSs installed on PCs included in the network, corresponding device drivers can be installed.

Or, in the program of the present invention,
In the installer creation step, a plurality of installers each including a driver configuration file corresponding to a device driver and another OS device driver or a set of another OS driver configuration file and an initial setting file can be created.

  According to this, since a plurality of installers capable of installing device drivers corresponding to a plurality of types of OSs can be obtained, an administrator of the network or the like can select only the necessary installers from the created installers. Can be distributed to users.

Next, the program of the present invention can be an installation program included in an installer that installs a device driver for controlling a device on a computer,
Installation steps to install device drivers on the computer;
An acceptance reception step for accepting an acceptance input as to whether to execute the installer creation step or the installation step;
Can be further executed by a computer.

  According to this, by providing a function for creating a new installer as described above as one function of the installation program, it is included in the installer only by receiving provision of the installer including the installation program from the vendor. It is possible to realize both installation of a device driver and creation of an installer for installing the device driver in a computer in a state where desired settings have been made in advance.

  In the installation step, the device driver can be installed in the computer so that the device is controlled by the control setting value described in the initial setting file acquired in the setting acquisition step.

  According to this, since the initial setting file acquired in the setting acquisition step is also used in the installation step, for example, the device driver included in the installer is installed in the computer with a desired setting in advance together with the installation program. Alternatively, it is possible to newly install a copy of a device driver already installed in a computer with desired settings.

  The present invention can also be understood as a computer-readable storage medium for storing the program.

The present invention can also be understood as a method for creating an installer.
That is, the method for creating the installer of the present invention is as follows.
A configuration extraction step of extracting a driver configuration file constituting the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
Other OS corresponding to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds, and another OS driver configuration file constituting another OS device driver capable of controlling the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium A configuration extraction step;
An input receiving step for receiving an input of a control setting value used when the device driver and other OS device driver control the device;
A setting creation step for creating an initial setting file in which control setting values reflecting input contents are described;
An installer that creates an installer that includes a driver configuration file and / or another OS driver configuration file and an initial setting file, and that installs a device driver for controlling a device with a control setting value described in the initial setting file on the computer. Creation steps,
Is provided.

The present invention can also be understood as an information processing apparatus.
That is, the information processing apparatus of the present invention
A configuration extracting unit that extracts a driver configuration file that configures the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
Other OS corresponding to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds, and another OS driver configuration file constituting another OS device driver capable of controlling the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium Component extraction means;
An input receiving means for receiving an input of a control setting value used when the device driver and other OS device driver control the device;
A setting creation means for creating an initial setting file in which control setting values reflecting input contents are described;
An installer that creates an installer that includes a driver configuration file and / or another OS driver configuration file and an initial setting file, and that installs a device driver for controlling a device with a control setting value described in the initial setting file on the computer. Creating means;
Is provided.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a network environment in which a scanner 2, a printer 3, and a multifunction device 4 as peripheral devices are connected to a PC (Personal Computer) 1 as an information processing apparatus via a network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). It is a system block diagram which shows the outline | summary. In addition, you may connect directly with a serial cable, a USB cable, etc. not via the network 5. FIG.

  Here, a printer driver for controlling the printer unit 20 (see FIG. 3) of the printer 3 or the multifunction machine 4 is installed in the PC 1. In the present embodiment, a printer driver is targeted as a device driver, but a scanner driver for controlling the scanner 2 may be targeted.

  The printer 3 is a peripheral device that has a printer function and prints an image or document on a recording sheet based on print data including image data and document data transmitted from the PC 1. The scanner 2 is a peripheral device that has a scanner function and reads image data of a document.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction machine 4 includes a printer unit 20 disposed at a lower portion, a scanner unit 21 disposed at an upper portion thereof, a document cover 23 including an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22, This is a multi-function device (MFP: Multi Function Product) that is integrally provided with an operation panel 24 and the like disposed on the front side of the upper surface of the device, and has a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the PC 1. The PC 1 includes a control unit 10, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14 in which various programs and data are stored, a display unit 15, an input unit 16, and data stored in a CD-ROM (an example of a storage medium). A network interface card (NIC) 17 such as a LAN adapter for connecting to the network 5, and these components are connected via an internal bus 19 so that they can communicate with each other. Configured.

  The information processing apparatus is not limited to such a PC 1 and may be a terminal apparatus such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) terminal having a computer inside.

  The display unit 15 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 15 is connected to the control unit 10 via a video board or graphic board (not shown). The display unit 15 displays a setting screen (details will be described later), a mouse pointer, and the like for setting printing conditions (control setting values) and the like in the printer 3 and the multifunction device 4. Note that the display on the display unit 15 is realized by a known GUI (Graphical User Interface) function of the PC 1.

  The input unit 16 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The input unit 16 is connected to the control unit 10 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal and a PS / 2 terminal (not shown). The input unit 16 inputs setting input of printing conditions (control setting values) of the printer 3 and the multifunction device 4 to the control unit 10 by an operation from the user.

  The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each component of the PC 1, and is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and the like. It is configured. In the PC 1, the control unit 10 is called a so-called mother board.

  An operating system (OS) is installed in the PC 1, and processing in accordance with the procedures of flowcharts (FIGS. 6 to 12, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 34, FIG. 39) to be described later is realized in the OS environment. To do. That is, the processing is executed by the CPU 11 to realize the configuration extraction unit, other OS configuration extraction unit, input reception unit, setting generation unit, and installer generation unit of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that Windows 2000 or Windows XP, which is a Windows (registered trademark) OS, is installed in the PC 1. Of course, the present invention can be applied to a PC in which another OS is installed.

  The HDD 14 is configured by integrating a high-capacity disk (an example of a storage medium) and a reading device. As shown in FIG. 4, the HDD 14 is provided with a system folder 7S for storing various system files necessary for the operation of the OS, a registry 7R for recording system file and application setting data, and the like. .

  The system folder 7S stores a printer driver (driver main body) 71 installed in the PC 1, and an INI file (information on printing conditions (control setting values) applied to the printer driver 71). An initial setting file) 72 and an INI file (setting information file) 74 holding setting information of the printer driver 71 are also stored. Here, the printer driver 71 corresponds to Windows 2000 / XP.

  Specifically, the printer driver 71 includes a driver file 711 which is a main file used for printing, a configuration file 712 which is a main file used for displaying a UI (User Interface; setting screen), and these main files. Dependent Files file group 713, which is an auxiliary file group, and Data File file 714 in which all control setting values that can be set are described. These files 711 to 714 are called driver configuration files.

  On the other hand, the registry 7R is provided with a virtual printer registration registry 73 for registering the printer driver 71 as a virtual printer. In the virtual printer registration registry 73, the correspondence between the virtual printer name and the printer driver 71 is described.

  The above printer driver 71 is installed in the system folder 7S of the HDD 14 from the installer 7 as shown in FIG. The installer 7 is distributed in a state of being stored in a CD-ROM (storage medium) 70 and read from the CD-ROM drive 18 of the PC 1. Or you may receive distribution via the internet etc. from the server of the vendor which provides a driver.

  Further, the installer 7 includes a printer driver 71B (compatible with Windows 95/98 / Me) and a printer driver 71C (compatible with Windows NT4.0) corresponding to an OS different from the printer driver 71 (compatible with Windows 2000 / XP). It is possible to install the one corresponding to the OS of the PC to be executed. The printer drivers 71, 71B, and 71C are the same printers to be controlled. The installer 7 also includes INI files 72B and 72C and INI files 74B and 74C corresponding to the printer drivers 71B and 71C, respectively.

  The installer 7 includes the above-described printer drivers 71, 71B, 71C, INI files 72, 72B, 72C, and INI files 74, 74B, 74C, and an installation program for installing these into the PC 1 75 is included. The installation program 75 is read by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 to copy the printer driver 71, the INI file 72, and the INI file 74 to the system folder 7S of the HDD 14, and uses the printer driver 71 as a virtual device in the virtual printer registration registry of the registry 7R. The process of registering in 73 is performed.

  The installation program 75 has a function of creating a new installer as will be described later in addition to such an installation function. That is, the installation program 75 corresponds to the program of the present invention, and the CD-ROM 70 for storing the program corresponds to the storage medium of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, processing contents (installer creation method) of the installation program 75 which is the program of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart representing the main routine of the installation program 75. When starting the installation program 75, the PC 1 first displays an interface selection screen 81 for selecting a connection form of the target printer on the display unit 15 (S10). As shown in FIG. 13, the selection screen 81 includes an input field 811 for receiving a selection input as to whether the target printer is a local printer or a network printer, a NEXT button 813 for proceeding to the next step, and the like. Is displayed. Note that the input to the selection screen is performed by the user operating the input unit 16 (the same applies hereinafter).

  Here, the local printer refers to a printer that is directly connected to the PC 1 through a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, or the like. The network printer refers to a printer that is indirectly connected to the PC 1 via the network 5.

  When the NEXT button 813 is pressed, the PC 1 determines which connection form is selected in the input field 811 of the selection screen 81 (S11).

  When the target is a network printer (S11: YES), the PC 1 displays a selection screen 82 for accepting selection of the network printer on the display unit 15 (S12). As shown in FIG. 14, the selection screen 82 includes a display field 821 that displays a list of network printers connected via the network 5, a cursor 823 that can be selected in the display field 821, a port A driver selection field 822, a NEXT button 813 for proceeding to the next step, and the like are displayed. When the NEXT button 813 is pressed, the PC 1 stores the printer name / node name / IP address / protocol information of the selected network printer (S13).

  On the other hand, if the target is a local printer (S11: NO), the PC 1 displays a selection screen 83 for accepting selection of a local port on the display unit 15 (S14). As shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen 83 includes a display field 831 for displaying a list of local ports of the PC 1, a cursor 832 that can be selected in the display field 831, and a NEXT button for proceeding to the next step. 834 or the like is displayed. When the NEXT button 834 is pressed, the PC 1 stores the selected port name (S15).

  Next, the PC 1 performs processing for displaying the display screen 84 of the installed printer driver on the display unit 15 (S2). As shown in FIG. 16, the display screen 84 has a check field (Currently Installed drivers check field) 843 for displaying installed printer drivers and a printer installed by checking the check field 843. A display field 841 for displaying a driver, a cursor 842 that can be selected in the display field 841, a search button (Have Disk button) 844 for searching for another printer driver, and a NEXT for proceeding to the next step. A button 846 and the like are displayed.

  FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of step S2. When the check column 843 for displaying the printer driver is checked (S21: YES), the PC 1 acquires the installed printer driver name (S22), and displays the acquired printer driver name in the display column 841 as a list. (S23). The printer driver name can be acquired from the virtual printer registration registry 73 of the registry 7R. On the other hand, if the check column 843 is not checked (S21: NO), the PC 1 empties the display column 841 (S24).

  When the Have Disk button 844 is pressed (S28: YES), the PC 1 performs an OS selection process (S29). FIG. 26 shows a detailed flowchart of step S29.

  When step S29 starts, the PC 1 performs a process of displaying the OS selection screen 910 on the display unit 15 (S291: OS selection reception step). As shown in FIG. 28, the OS selection screen 910 displays an OS selection field 912, an OK button 912 for confirming the OS selection, and the like. Next, the PC 1 performs processing for displaying a location designation screen 920 for designating a location for searching for a printer driver on the display unit 15 (S292). As shown in FIG. 29, the place designation screen 920 includes a display field 923 indicating the path of the place to be searched, a change button 924 for changing the path of the place to be searched, and an OK button 921 for starting the search. Etc. are displayed.

  Here, the printer driver is searched not only in the CD-ROM 70 mounted on the CD-ROM drive 18 of the PC 1 but also in the HDD 16 of the PC 1 or in another PC connected to the network 5. good.

  Next, when the OK button 921 is pressed, the PC 1 performs a process of searching for the location of the path specified in the display field 923 (S293). FIG. 27 shows a detailed flowchart of step S293.

  When step S293 starts, the PC 1 determines whether an INF file exists in the designated folder (path) (S301). If an INF file exists in the designated folder (S301: YES), the PC 1 determines whether it is an INF file of the OS selected in the selection field 912 of the OS selection screen 910 (S302). If it is an INF file of the selected OS (S302: YES), the PC 1 acquires a driver file name from the INF file (S303). Here, the INF file is a file in which a driver configuration file installation procedure is described, and is included in, for example, the installer 7 (not shown).

  Next, the PC 1 determines whether a printer driver having the acquired driver file name exists in the same folder (S304). If the printer driver exists (S304: YES), the PC 1 acquires and stores the driver file name and OS information from the INF file (S305, S306), and acquires and stores the folder name in which the printer driver is stored. (S307).

  If another folder exists in the designated folder (S308: YES), the PC 1 performs the processing of steps S301 to S307 again with that folder as a new search destination, while another folder exists. If not (S308: NO), the process returns.

  Returning to FIG. 26, when the PC 1 has acquired and stored the printer driver information (S294: YES), the PC 1 displays a list screen 930 that displays a list of acquired and stored printer drivers (S295). As shown in FIG. 30, the list screen 930 displays a display column 931 for the acquired / stored printer driver, an OK button 932 for confirming the selection of the printer driver in the display column 931, and the like. When the OK button 932 is pressed (S296: YES), the PC 1 stores the name of the selected printer driver and OS information (S298).

  Returning to FIG. 7, when the NEXT button 846 on the display screen 84 (see FIG. 16) is pressed (S 26: YES), the PC 1 is selected by the cursor 842 in the display field 841 that displays the list of acquired printer driver names. The printer driver name is acquired (S27), and the process returns. Returning to FIG. 6, thereafter, the PC 1 stores the acquired printer driver name (S16). Here, it is assumed that “printer driver 71” in FIG. 4 is selected and “printer drivers 71B and 71C” corresponding to other OSs are selected.

  Next, the PC 1 displays a selection screen 85 on the display unit 15 as to whether or not to install a program for realizing interactive help (S31). As shown in FIG. 17, the selection screen 85 displays a check field 851 for selecting whether or not to install Interactive Help, a NEXT button 853 for proceeding to the next step, and the like. When the NEXT button 853 is pressed, the PC 1 determines whether or not the check box 851 is checked (S32). If it is checked (S32: YES), the installation of Interactive Help is selected. (S33).

  Next, the PC 1 performs a process of displaying installation setting information of the selected printer driver 71 (S4). FIG. 8 shows a detailed flowchart of step S4. First, the PC 1 performs a process of displaying an installation setting information display screen 86 for the selected printer driver 71 on the display unit 15 (S41). As shown in FIG. 18, on the display screen 86, a display field 861 for displaying installation setting information such as a printer name, a driver name, and a port name, and whether or not to perform a process for creating an installer to be described later are selected. A check field 862 (display as an acceptance reception step), a setting button 863 for moving to a process for changing the installation setting information of the printer driver 71, and a custom button 864 for moving to a process for changing the initial setting of the printer driver. A FINISH button 866 for confirming the setting is displayed. Here, installation setting information such as a printer name, driver name, and port name displayed in the display field 861 can be acquired from the INI file 74 described above.

  When the setting button 863 is pressed on the display screen 86 (S42: YES), the PC 1 performs a process of accepting a change of the printer name and the port name related to the selected printer driver 71 (S7). FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of step S7. First, the PC 1 displays on the display unit 15 a setting screen 87 for accepting a change of the printer name and port name related to the printer driver 71 (S71). As shown in FIG. 19, the setting screen 87 displays a setting field 871 in which a port name, printer name, and default information can be set, an OK button 872 for confirming the setting, and the like.

  When the OK button 872 is pressed (S72: YES), these pieces of information are stored in the INI file (setting information file) 74 (S73 to S75). FIG. 22 shows an example of the contents of the INI file 74. Setting values are defined for port name, printer name, and default information.

  Here, since the port name / printer name / default information is used by the printer driver 71 for communication with the printer (specifically, used for selecting the communication interface), the “device driver in the present invention” This is included in the concept of “control setting value used when controlling the device”. Therefore, step S7 (S71 to S76) corresponds to the setting acquisition step of the present invention. Above all, step S71 corresponds to the input receiving step of the present invention. The steps S73 to S75 correspond to the setting creation step of the present invention, and the INI file (setting information file) 74 saved (created) by this is included in the concept of the initial setting file of the present invention. It is what

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, when the custom button 864 is pressed on the display screen 86 (S43: YES), the PC 1 performs a process of acquiring the initial setting file 72 of the selected printer driver 71 (S8; setting acquisition). Step).

  Note that the PC 1 performs steps S81 to S86 in step S8 (setting acquisition step) by calling and executing a function for displaying a setting screen (User Interface) of the device driver 71. Specifically, the setting screen is displayed based on the configuration file 712 (see FIG. 4) that the printer driver 71 has.

  FIG. 10 shows a detailed flowchart of step S8 in which the PC 1 calls and executes a function for displaying a setting screen (User Interface; so-called property screen) of the device driver 71. When the printer driver 71 is activated from the installation destination system folder 7S (S81), the PC 1 reads the INI file 72, initializes each control setting value (S82), and accepts the change of the control setting value. Is displayed on the display unit 15 (S83; input receiving step).

  As shown in FIG. 20, the driver initial setting change screen 88 includes a tab 881 for switching the screen, a setting field 882 in which control setting values can be set, an OK button 883 for confirming these settings, and the like. Is displayed.

  Here, the control setting values displayed on the driver initial setting change screen 88 are the creation of data to be transmitted when controlling the printer, such as paper size, multi-page printing, printing direction, number of prints, paper type, paper tray, etc. The value used for the value or the value indicating the command content.

  When the OK button 883 is pressed (S84: YES), the PC 1 acquires the contents of the control setting value input on the driver initial setting change screen 88 (S85), and the INI file (initial setting file) 72 (S86; setting creation step). FIG. 23 shows an example of the contents of the INI file 72.

  As described above, the PC 1 creates the INI file 72 by the operation of the installed printer driver 71. When the return is made, the PC 1 returns to the operation of the installation program 75 again.

  Here, the driver initial setting change screen 88 not only sets the control setting value for the printer driver 71 but also the setting items (common to the device driver 71) for the printer drivers 71B and 71C which are “other OS device drivers”. It also functions as a “common setting screen” for setting the control setting value of the setting item. The control setting value of the common setting item is stored in the INI files 72B and 72C in step S805 described later.

  Next, when a plurality of OSs are selected in the OS selection process (S29) described above (that is, when an OS (another OS) different from the OS corresponding to the device driver 71 is selected) (S801). : YES), the PC 1 displays the setting item setting screen (difference setting screen) 940 depending on the OS on the display unit 15 (S802). As shown in FIG. 31, the setting screen 940 includes display fields 941 and 942 indicating setting items unique to the other OS, a change field 943 for changing the setting items, and OK for confirming the setting change. A button 944 and the like are displayed.

  Here, in the display fields 941 and 942 of the setting screen (difference setting screen) 940, the setting items of the printer driver 71 corresponding to the OS of the PC 1 are set from the setting items of the printer drivers 71B and 71C which are “other OS device drivers”. The subtracted difference setting item is displayed. This difference setting item is displayed based on an OS-dependent item file in which setting items that are differences between the printer drivers 71, 71B, and 71C having the same control target printer are described, for example, as shown in FIG. be able to. This OS dependent item file can be stored in the installer 7, for example.

  When the OK button 944 is pressed (S803: YES), the PC 1 acquires the control setting value of the difference setting item (S804), and is acquired on the above-described driver initial setting change screen (common setting screen) 88. Along with the control setting value of the common setting item, it is stored in the INI files 72B and 72C related to the printer drivers 71B and 71C which are “other OS device drivers” (S805). 33A and 33B show examples of contents of the INI files 72B and 72C. In each case, the control setting value of the difference setting item is described together with the control setting value of the common setting item.

A modification of step S8 described so far will be described.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a modification of step S8. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the overlapping process and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  According to this, the PC 1 first activates the generic driver (S811), and displays the common setting change screen 950 on the display unit 15 (S812). The generic driver is common to all printer drivers that can control the target printer, and accepts input of control setting values of setting items (common setting items) common to all printer drivers corresponding to the target OS. A common setting change screen (common setting screen) 950 is displayed. This common setting item can be displayed based on a common setting item file as shown in FIG. This common setting item file can be stored in, for example, the installer 7 (the same applies to a model-specific item file and an OS-specific item file described later).

  As shown in FIG. 35A, the common setting change screen 950 includes a setting field 951 in which setting of common setting items can be changed, and a button 954 for moving to a screen 956 for setting more detailed common setting items. Then, an OK button 952 for confirming the setting change is displayed. FIG. 35B shows a screen 956 for setting more detailed common setting items, a setting column 957 in which settings of the more detailed common setting items can be changed, and a common setting change screen by confirming the setting change. An OK button 958 for returning to 950 is displayed.

  When the OK button 958 is pressed (S813: YES), the PC 1 acquires the control setting value of the common setting item (S814), and stores it in the INI files 72, 72B, and 72C related to the printer drivers 71, 71B, and 71C. Save (S815).

  Next, the PC 1 displays on the display unit 15 a model-specific setting change screen 960 that accepts input of control setting values of setting items (model-specific setting items) unique to each target printer (S817). This model-specific setting item can be displayed based on a model-specific setting item file as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 36, the model-specific setting change screen 960 displays a setting field 961 in which setting of model-specific setting items can be changed, an OK button 962 for confirming the setting change, and the like.

  When the OK button 962 is pressed (S818: YES), the PC 1 acquires the control setting value of the model-specific setting item (S819), and the INI files 72, 72B, 72C relating to the printer drivers 71, 71B, 71C. (S820).

  Next, the PC 1 displays on the display unit 15 an OS-specific setting change screen (difference setting screen) 970 that accepts an input for the control setting value of the setting item (OS-specific setting item) unique to each target OS ( S822). This OS-specific setting item can be displayed based on an OS-specific setting item file as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 37, the OS-specific setting change screen 970 includes display fields 971, 972, and 973 for displaying OS-specific setting items, a setting field 974 that allows setting changes of OS-specific setting items, and setting changes. An OK button 975 for confirmation is displayed.

  When the OK button 975 is pressed (S823: YES), the PC 1 acquires the control setting value of the OS-specific setting item (S824), and the INI files 72, 72B, 72C relating to the printer drivers 71, 71B, 71C. (S825).

  As described above, the INI files 72, 72B, 72C are acquired in the modified example of step S8.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When step S8 ends, the PC 1 performs a process of accepting a change in the center connection setting / update setting of the printer driver 71 (S9). FIG. 11 shows a detailed flowchart of step S9. First, the PC 1 displays on the display unit 15 a setting screen 89 for accepting the change of the center connection setting / update setting of the printer driver 71 (S91). As shown in FIG. 21, the setting screen 89 displays a setting field 891 for setting whether or not the center connection setting / update setting of the printer driver 71 is possible, an OK button 892 for confirming the setting, and the like.

  When the OK button 892 is pressed (S92: YES), these pieces of information are stored in the INI file (setting information file) 74 (S93). FIG. 22 shows an example of the contents of the INI file 74. In the INI file 74, in addition to the port name, printer name, and default information described above, setting values for center connection setting and update setting are defined.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the PC 1 displays the installation setting information display screen 86 (see FIG. 18) again (S41). Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the FINISH button 866 for confirming the setting described above is pressed on the display screen 86 (S <b> 51; YES), the PC 1 displays the installer creation step (S <b> 6) and the installation on the display screen 86. It is determined whether or not a check column 862 (“Only Create an Installation Program other users” check column) for accepting an adoption input as to which step (S54) to execute is selected (S53). Here, the display screen 86 also functions as an acceptance screen for accepting such an acceptance input as a display in the acceptance acceptance step.

  If the check field 862 is selected (S53: YES), the PC 1 performs processing for creating an installer including the INI files 72, 72B, 72C and the INI files 74, 74B, 74C created as described above. (S6). FIG. 12 shows a detailed flowchart of step S6. FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing the processing content of step S6.

  In step S6, if there is the selected printer driver 71 (S61: YES), the PC 1 acquires the names of the driver configuration files 711 to 714 constituting the device driver 71 from the virtual printer registration registry 73 of the registry 7R. (S62).

  If there is another OS selected, the following processing (S63 to S654) is performed on the printer driver 71 and the printer drivers 71B and 71C related to the other OS (S69: YES). Here, for those copied to the installer creation folder 9, "X to Z" are added to the numbers to make them "printer drivers 71X, Y, Z", etc. (the same applies hereinafter).

  Next, the PC 1 acquires the driver configuration files 711 to 714 from the system folder 7S where the printer driver 71 is installed, and copies it to the installer creation folder 9 (S63: configuration extraction step).

  When copying the driver configuration files (other OS driver configuration files) 711B to 714B and 711C to 714C constituting the printer drivers 71B and 71C related to the other OS to the installer creation folder 9, the CD in which these are stored is stored. -Relevant ones are extracted from the ROM (storage medium) 70 (another OS configuration extraction step).

  Next, the PC 1 copies the INI file 72 and the INI file 74 created as described above to the installer creation folder 9 (S64).

  Note that the INI files 72B and 73B and the INI files 74B and 74C related to the other OS are also copied to the installer creation folder 9 as described above. Here, the created INI files 72B and 73B and INI files 74B and 74C are temporarily stored in a storage medium (for example, HDD 14) of the PC 1, for example.

  Next, when a port driver is selected in the selection field 822 of the selection screen 82 (see FIG. 14) displayed in step S12 (S651: YES), the PC 1 creates a port driver (not shown) as an installer. Copy to the folder 9 (S652).

  Next, when the installation of Interactive Help is selected in the check field 851 of the selection screen 85 (see FIG. 17) displayed in Step S31, the PC 1 selects an Interactive Help data file (not shown). ) Is copied to the installer creation folder 9 (S654).

  When the above processing is performed on the printer driver 71 and the printer drivers 71B and 71C related to the selected other OS (S69: NO), the PC 1 copies the installation program 75 to the installer creation folder 9 ( S66). Alternatively, a normal installation program that does not have such an installer creation function may be copied.

  Then, the PC 1 collects the printer driver 71 (driver configuration files 711 to 714), the INI file 72 and the INI file 74 (X to Y) included in the installer creation folder 9, and the installation program 75XYZ. The installer 100 is created (S67: installer creation step). Thus, a series of processes for creating the installer 100 ends.

  The installer 100 thus obtained includes the INI files 72X to Z and the INI files 74X to Z created and copied as described above when the installation program 75XYZ included in the installer 100 is executed on, for example, another PC. Can be installed in the PC as printer drivers 71X to 71Z that operate based on the above. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer driver 71Z. For example, when the printer driver 71Z is activated for the first time after installation (S901: YES), it determines whether the INI file 72Z exists (S902), and if it exists (S902: YES), The contents are acquired (S903), and the control setting value is changed (S904).

A modified example of step S6 will be described.
FIG. 39 shows a flowchart showing a modification of step S6. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the overlapping process and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 40 is a diagram schematically showing the processing contents of the modified example of step S6. According to this, by repeating the processes from step S63 to S67, a plurality of printer drivers 71X to Z respectively corresponding to the printer driver 71 currently installed in the PC 1 and printer drivers 71B and 71C related to other OSs are included. Installers 100X-Z are created.

  Specifically, the printer driver 71 (driver configuration files 711 to 714) is copied to the installer creation folder 9 (S63), the INI file 72 and the INI file 74 are copied (S64), and the installation program 75 is copied. (S66) A series of processes of creating these installers 100 together (S67) is sequentially performed for the printer drivers 71B and 71C of other OSs (S69: YES). As a result, a plurality of installers 100X to 100Z corresponding to the printer drivers 71, 71B, and 71C can be obtained.

  Returning to step S53, if the check field 862 is not selected in the flowchart of FIG. 6 (S53: NO), the printer driver 71 is installed in the PC 1 (S54: installation step). Here, for example, not only the printer driver 71 (see FIG. 5) included in the installer 7 is installed in the PC 1, but also the printer driver 71 (see FIG. 4) already installed in the PC 1 is installed in the PC 1 again. be able to.

  Here, in the installation step S54, the INI file 72 and the INI file 74 created as described above can be used for installation. That is, when the printer driver 71 (see FIG. 5) included in the installer 7 is installed in the PC 1, desired settings can be applied to the newly installed printer driver 71. Further, when the printer driver 71 (see FIG. 4) already installed in the PC 1 is installed in the PC 1 again, desired settings can be applied to the printer driver 71 installed again.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these forms, In the range of the same identity as the invention embodied in these, it can change suitably and can implement. In the above embodiment, the printer driver installed in the computer is used as the display target of the printer driver (device driver) in steps S2 (see FIG. 6) and steps S21 to S27 (see FIG. 7). A printer driver in which a file and an INF file describing its installation procedure are stored in a computer may be used.

System block diagram showing an overview of the network environment Block diagram showing schematic configuration of personal computer (PC) Perspective view showing the outline of the external configuration of the multifunction device Schematic diagram showing the data structure of the HDD in which the printer driver is installed Schematic diagram showing the data structure of a CD-ROM in which a printer driver is stored Flow chart showing basic processing performed by PC that started installation program Flow chart showing display processing to display installed printer driver Flowchart showing display processing for displaying information of selected printer driver Flowchart representing printer driver setting process (1) Flowchart representing printer driver setting process (2) Flowchart representing printer driver setting process (part 3) Flow chart showing installer creation process Display example in step S10 Display example in step S12 Display example in step S13 Display example in step S23 Display example in step S31 Display example in step S41 Display example in step S71 Display example in step S83 Display example in step S91 Configuration information file contents example Sample contents of initialization file The figure which represents the processing content of step S6 typically Flow chart showing the operation of the printer driver installed by the created installer Flow chart showing OS selection process Flowchart representing search process in OS selection process Display example in step S291 Display example in step S292 Display example in step S295 Display example in step S802 Example of contents of initialization file for other OS device driver OS dependent item file contents example The flowchart showing the modification of step S8 Display example in step S812 Display example in step S817 Display example in step S822 Contents of common setting item file, model specific item file, OS specific item file The flowchart showing the modification of step S6 The figure which represents typically the processing content of the modification of step S6

Explanation of symbols

1 PC (Personal Computer)
2 Scanner (peripheral device)
3 Printer (peripheral device)
4 MFPs (peripheral devices)
5 network 11 CPU (configuration extraction means / input reception means / setting creation means / installer creation means)
14 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Display part 16 Input part 18 CD-ROM drive 20 Printer part 7S System folder 7R Registry 7 Installer 70 CD-ROM (storage medium)
71 Printer driver 72 INI file (initial setting file)
74 INI file (setting information file)
75 Installation program

Claims (11)

A configuration extraction step of extracting a driver configuration file constituting the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
The other OS driver configuration file that configures another OS device driver that corresponds to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds and can control the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium. Another OS configuration extraction step;
A setting acquisition step of acquiring an initial setting file in which a control setting value reflecting the input contents of the control setting value used when the device driver and the other OS device driver control the device;
An installer for installing in a computer a device driver that includes the driver configuration file and / or the other OS driver configuration file and the initial setting file, and that controls a device with control setting values described in the initial setting file; An installer creation step to create,
A program that causes a computer to execute. Causing the computer to further execute an OS selection receiving step of receiving an input for selecting an OS different from the OS corresponding to the device driver;
The program according to claim 1, wherein in the other OS configuration extraction step, another OS driver configuration file that configures the other OS device driver corresponding to the OS selected in the OS selection reception step is extracted from a storage medium.   The setting acquisition step includes a step of displaying a common setting screen for accepting an input about a control setting value common to the device driver and the other OS device driver, and a control reflecting the contents of the input accepted on the common setting screen The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an initial setting file in which setting values are described is acquired.   The setting acquisition step includes a step of displaying a difference setting screen for receiving an input of a control setting value of the device driver and the other OS device driver that is not common to both, and the contents of the input received on the difference setting screen are displayed. The program according to claim 3, wherein an initial setting file in which the reflected control setting value is described is acquired.   The program according to claim 3, wherein in the setting acquisition step, the common setting screen is displayed by calling and executing a function for displaying a setting screen for accepting an input of the control setting value included in the device driver.   In the installer creation step, a single installer is created that collectively includes a set of the driver configuration file or the other OS driver configuration file and the initial setting file respectively corresponding to the device driver and the other OS device driver. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The installer creation step creates a plurality of installers each including the driver configuration file corresponding to the device driver and the other OS device driver or a set of the other OS driver configuration file and the initial setting file, respectively. The program according to any one of 1 to 5. An installation program included in an installer for installing a device driver for controlling a device on a computer,
Installation steps to install device drivers on the computer;
An acceptance acceptance step for accepting an acceptance input of whether to execute the installer creation step or the installation step;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further causing the computer to execute.   A computer-readable storage medium for storing the program according to claim 1. A configuration extraction step of extracting a driver configuration file constituting the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
The other OS driver configuration file that configures another OS device driver that corresponds to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds and can control the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium. Another OS configuration extraction step;
An input receiving step for receiving an input of a control setting value used when the device driver and the other OS device driver control the device;
A setting creation step for creating an initial setting file in which control setting values reflecting the contents of the input are described;
An installer for installing in a computer a device driver that includes the driver configuration file and / or the other OS driver configuration file and the initial setting file, and that controls a device with control setting values described in the initial setting file; An installer creation step to create,
How to create an installer with A configuration extracting unit that extracts a driver configuration file that configures the device driver from a computer in which a device driver for controlling the device is installed;
The other OS driver configuration file that configures another OS device driver that corresponds to an OS different from the OS (Operation System) to which the device driver corresponds and can control the same device as the device driver is extracted from the storage medium. Other OS configuration extraction means,
An input receiving means for receiving an input of a control setting value used when the device driver and the other OS device driver control the device;
Setting creation means for creating an initial setting file in which control setting values reflecting the contents of the input are described;
An installer for installing in a computer a device driver that includes the driver configuration file and / or the other OS driver configuration file and the initial setting file, and that controls a device with control setting values described in the initial setting file; Installer creation means to create,
An information processing apparatus comprising:

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