JP2008071369A - Information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change constitution of a property sheet to be operated easily by a user. <P>SOLUTION: This information processor of the present invention is constituted to display, within a window 4, a "base setting" dialogue capable of setting individually a parameter of each setting item, an "expansion function" dialogue 43c, a "support" dialogue, and an "entrusted printing" dialogue capable of operating collectively the parameters of the plurality of setting items operable by those dialogues, and further to switch display/nondisplay of an "entrusted printing" tab by operating a check box 49 of the "expansion function" dialogue 43c. A non-beginner can thereby reduce the "entrusted printing" tab not so necessary for one's own-self from the window 4. In the information processor, a sequence determination processing part determines a display sequence of pages, based on operation history information with an operation frequency of the parameters of the respective pages recorded by an operation frequency recording processing part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that displays a dialog with tabs in a window, acquires user operation information related to various settings, and performs various settings for a control unit that controls an external device based on the operation information. And a program used therefor.

  As is well known, a general-purpose information processing apparatus known as a personal computer operates by incorporating an operating system such as the Windows (registered trademark) series or the MacOS (registered trademark) series.

  In recent operating systems, a graphical user interface (GUI) is implemented, and an application running on the operating system displays a dialog functioning as a GUI (also called a dialog box) on a monitor, for example. As a result, the user's operation information is obtained and various processes are executed. At this time, the user can input various commands to the application by operating a dialog using a pointing device such as a mouse.

  Incidentally, a tabbed dialog is known as one form of the dialog. In particular, a property sheet is known as an example in which such a tabbed dialog is adopted. The property sheet is used as a GUI for setting various data and confirming setting contents, and a plurality of property sheet pages (hereinafter also simply referred to as “pages”) which are tabbed dialogs. It is composed of overlapping pieces.

  The property sheet having such a configuration has high operability, and the user can call a desired dialog just by selecting a tab using a pointing device, and further, by selecting another tab. It is possible to close the previous dialog and call a new dialog without explicitly closing the previously called dialog. As described above, the property sheet is very convenient and is used in various applications.

  However, since multiple dialogs (pages) are embedded in the property sheet, even if the user wants to operate one of the multiple dialogs, the user must first call the property sheet. It was.

  That is, even when the user wants to call one dialog (page) in the property sheet, the user first calls the property sheet, and then calls it from a plurality of tabs arranged in the property sheet. If you didn't find and select the tab for the dialog you wanted, you couldn't call that dialog. Then, in order to find out the tab of the dialog to be called out from a plurality of tabs arranged in the property sheet, it is sometimes necessary to watch the monitor.

  With respect to such a problem, in Patent Document 1, an image as a mark is attached to a tab so that a user can easily confirm the position of the tab of a page to be called. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, in a dialog for setting an alarm function, when a check box related to validity / invalidity of the alarm function existing in the dialog is operated and the alarm function is invalidated, the dialog is displayed. An “x” mark is marked on the corresponding tab image to indicate that the alarm function is disabled.

By using the “x” mark in this way, you can configure the property sheet so that you can check the state of the dialog without opening the dialog and checking the state of the check box. Makes it easier for people to find other tabs.
JP 2001-75694 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, basically, the contents of a page expressed in tabs using conventional characters are made easy to understand using images, and “x” marks are added to tabs that need not be selected by the user. This makes it easier for the user to understand the location of the tabs that do not need to be selected, so if there are multiple tabs, the user still has no idea where the tabs that need to be selected exist. It was difficult to understand.

Further, such a problem has occurred remarkably in a property sheet of a software driver (for example, a printer driver) having many setting items and a large number of display tabs.
Of course, such a problem can be solved by reducing the number of tabs to be displayed. However, regarding software drivers, especially printer drivers, there is a strong demand from non-novices with advanced knowledge for a high degree of freedom regarding print settings, and it is difficult to make improvements such as reducing the number of setting items and the number of tabs. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and displays a dialog for setting a control means such as a software driver in a window, acquires user operation information related to the setting, and In the information processing device that performs various settings for the control means for controlling the external device based on the operation information, the display form of the tabbed dialog is changed so that the user can easily operate according to the usage method of the user It aims at providing the technology that can do.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a dialog display unit, a display necessity determination unit, and a tab display prohibition unit, and the dialog is displayed by the dialog display unit. Various settings are made for the control means for controlling the external device based on the user operation information input via.

  In the dialog display means provided in the information processing apparatus, for each setting item including one or more predetermined setting items, a first dialog capable of individually operating parameters of each setting item belonging to the setting item is displayed. First dialog information to be used, and first tab information necessary for displaying a tab attached to the first dialog are prepared.

  Further, the dialog display means includes second dialog information for displaying a second dialog capable of collectively operating parameters of a plurality of setting items belonging to any one of the setting items, and the second dialog. 2nd tab information necessary for displaying the tab attached to is prepared.

  Based on the first dialog information and the first tab information and the second dialog information and the second tab information, the dialog display means is provided in a window functioning as a graphical user interface (GUI). The tabs for each setting item and the tabs based on the second tab information are displayed side by side. When one tab is selected from the tab group, a dialog corresponding to the selected tab is displayed in the window. To do.

The display necessity determination unit determines whether or not the second dialog should be displayed in the window based on user operation information input via the window.
On the other hand, the tab display prohibiting means, when the display necessity determining means determines that the second dialog should not be displayed in the window, displays the tab based on the second tab information to the dialog displaying means. Ban.

  2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first dialog capable of individually operating the parameters of each setting item mainly functions as a dialog for non-beginners, and each setting item. The second dialog that can collectively operate the parameters of a plurality of setting items belonging to any of the above functions mainly as a dialog for beginners.

  In the second dialog, when one parameter is operated, other parameters are automatically changed so that the parameters of each setting item are in the correct relationship (or appropriate relationship). It has been known.

  In addition, as the second dialog, a plurality of setting patterns are prepared in advance, and when a parameter for specifying any one of the setting patterns is operated as a setting item of the second dialog, according to the specified setting pattern In addition, it is known to collectively operate parameters that can be operated in the first dialog.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whether or not the display necessity determination unit should be able to display the second dialog in the window based on the user operation information input through the window. Based on the determination result, the dialog display means switches the display / non-display of the tab based on the second tab information, so that unnecessary tabs for non-novice users can be reduced from the window.

  That is, according to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect, it is possible to change the display form of the window so as to suit the usage method of the user, and it is possible to improve the operability of the tabbed dialog.

  In particular, when the control means is a printer driver and the tabbed dialog displayed in the window is a property sheet for setting a printer driver having a high degree of freedom for setting, all tabs are displayed in the window. And the number of tabs increases, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention that can hide the tab for beginners, the operability of the tabbed dialog is improved.
In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the first dialog corresponding to at least one setting item may be configured as described in claim 2.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 is configured such that the first dialog corresponding to at least one setting item can acquire display necessity information indicating whether or not the second dialog should be displayed. ing.

  Furthermore, in this information processing apparatus, according to the display necessity information acquired by the first dialog displayed in the window, the display necessity determination unit determines whether the second dialog should be displayed. .

  According to the present invention (Claim 2), since the display necessity information can be acquired in the first dialog without providing a dedicated dialog for acquiring the display necessity information, the operability of the tabbed dialog is improved. The information processing apparatus can be configured so that display / non-display of the second tab can be switched by a user's operation while keeping it intact.

Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, the operability of the tabbed dialog is further improved.
Further, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 may be provided with a display order determining means for determining a tab display order based on user operation information input through a window. . When the display order determining unit is provided in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the tab display prohibiting unit may be configured as described in claim 3.

  The tab display prohibiting means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3 is determined by the display order determining means when the display necessity determining means determines that the second dialog should be displayed. In order, the tabs for each setting item and the tabs based on the second tab information are displayed side by side in the window.

  The tab display prohibiting unit prohibits the dialog display unit from displaying a tab based on the second tab information when the display necessity determining unit determines that the second dialog should not be displayed. The tabs for each setting item are displayed in the window in the order determined by the display order determining means.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 3 configured as described above, not only can the display / non-display of the second tab be switched, but also the tab can be set in accordance with the usage method of the window by the user. They can be rearranged and displayed, and the operability of the tabbed dialog can be improved more effectively.

The display order determining means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3 may be configured as described in claim 4.
5. The display order determining means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: selection number recording means for recording the number of selections of each tab selected through a window by a user's operation, and recording by the selection number recording means. The tab display order is determined based on the number of times each tab is selected.

According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the tabs can be rearranged so that the frequently used tabs are arranged at positions that are easily noticeable to the user.
Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, it is possible to change the display form of the window more appropriately according to the usage method of the user, regardless of whether the user is a beginner or a non-beginner. The operability of the tabbed dialog can be greatly improved.

  In particular, if the tabbed dialog displayed in the window is a property sheet for setting the printer driver, there are many cases where specific setting items are biased with respect to the number of parameter operations. According to the described information processing apparatus, it is possible to effectively improve the operability of the property sheet for printer driver setting.

In addition, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, the display order determination means may be configured as described in claim 5.
6. The display order determining means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when any of the number of selections of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means reaches a predetermined number, the selection of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means is selected. The tab display order is determined based on the number of times.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, since the tab display order is not changed until one of the number of times of selection of each tab reaches a predetermined number, the tab display order is frequently switched. It is possible to prevent the operability of the tabbed dialog from being deteriorated.

Therefore, according to the present invention (Claim 5), the operability of the tabbed dialog can be further improved.
Further, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, the display order determination means may be configured as described in claim 6.

  7. The display order determining means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the total number of selections of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means reaches a predetermined number, the number of selections of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means. The display order of tabs is determined based on the above.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the total number of selections for each tab reaches a predetermined number, the display order of the tabs is determined by the display order determination unit. As with the device, it is possible to prevent the operability of the window from being deteriorated by frequently switching the tab display order.

In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the selection count recording means may be configured as described in claim 7.
The number-of-selections recording means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 7 records the number of operation times of the parameter operated in the dialog corresponding to each tab as the number of times of selection of each tab.

  As described in claim 7, as the number of tab selections, instead of simply counting the number of tab selections when the dialog is called, the number of times the dialog has been operated is counted. The tabs can be arranged in an order more suitable for the user's usage.

As a result, according to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, the operability of the tabbed dialog can be further improved.
In addition, the invention according to claims 1 to 7 may be applied to an information processing apparatus for performing various settings for a printer driver that controls an external printer apparatus, as described in claim 8. .

  According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, the above-described effects can be further exhibited, and the operability of the tabbed dialog for setting the printer driver can be effectively improved according to the usage method of the user. .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to realize the functions as the dialog display unit, the display necessity determination unit, and the tab display prohibition unit is provided to a control unit that controls an external device. If it is incorporated into an information processing apparatus that performs various settings, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 can be configured.

  In addition, as described in claim 10, a program for causing a computer to realize the functions as the dialog display means, the display necessity determination means, the tab display prohibition means, and the display order determination means is controlled by an external device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7 can be configured by incorporating the information into the information processing apparatus that performs various settings for the control means.

The above-described program may be configured as a printer driver setting program.
In addition, the above-described program can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk and provided to the user.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. In the following, first, a reference example of the present invention will be described as a first embodiment, and then an embodiment of the present invention will be described as a second embodiment.

  The information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is mainly composed of a CPU 11, a ROM 13, a RAM 15, and the like. Connected monitor 21, CD-ROM drive 23 and hard disk device 30 connected to control unit 10 via a bus, input device 25 (keyboard, pointing device, etc.) and printer connected via USB interface or the like And a device 27.

  The CD-ROM drive 23 is loaded with a CD-ROM 24 as a recording medium. The hard disk device 30 is connected to the operating system (OS) 31, printer driver 33, and printer driver 33 through the CD-ROM drive 23. A print setting program 35 for performing various settings is installed.

  In the hard disk device 30 of this embodiment, a known Windows (registered trademark) series in which a graphic user interface (GUI) is mounted is installed as an operating system (OS) 31. The printer driver 33 and the print setting program 35 operate on the operating system (OS) 31, and the printer device 27 is controlled by the printer driver 33 and displays an image based on the print data generated by the printer driver 33. Print on recording paper.

  The print setting program 35 is a program for making various settings for the printer driver 33. The print setting program 35 uses a GUI function implemented in the operating system (OS) 31 to allow the control unit 10 to operate the various parameters related to the settings of the printer driver 33 on the user side. Is displayed.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of each function realized on the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 executes the print setting program 35 on the operating system (OS) 31. The control unit 10 executes the print setting program 35 to thereby serve as an order change processing unit 51, a property sheet generation processing unit 53, a property sheet display processing unit 55, an operation count recording processing unit 57, and an order determination processing unit 59. Fulfills the function. Then, the sheet information DS necessary for displaying the property sheet 40 is generated by the property sheet generation processing unit 53, and the property sheet 40 is displayed on the monitor 21 based on the sheet information DS.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the property sheet 40 displayed on the monitor 21 by the print setting program 35. 3B can be operated using each dialog displayed in the property sheet 40 (“automatic printing” dialog 43a, “basic setting” dialog, “extended function” dialog 43b, “support” dialog). It is explanatory drawing showing the kind of parameter.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the property sheet 40 of the first embodiment includes a tab display area 42 for displaying the tabs 41a to 41d in the window 4 and dialogs attached to the tabs 41a to 41d. A dialog display area 44 for displaying (“automatic printing” dialog 43a, “basic setting” dialog, “extended function” dialog 43b, “support” dialog).

  In accordance with the sheet information DS generated by the property sheet generation processing unit 53, the property sheet display processing unit 55 includes, in the tab display area 42, an “automatic printing” tab 41a, a “basic setting” tab 41b, and an “extended function” tab 41c. The “support” tab 41d and the like are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction. In addition, when one tab 41a to 41d is selected through a pointing device or the like, the property sheet display processing unit 55 selects the selected tab 41a to 41d based on the dialog information DD0 to DD3 associated with the tab 41a to 41d. A dialog corresponding to 41d (any of “automatic printing” dialog 43a, “basic setting” dialog, “extended function” dialog 43b, and “support” dialog) is displayed in the dialog display area 44.

  FIG. 3A shows a configuration of an “automatic printing” dialog 43a associated with the “automatic printing” tab 41a. As can be understood from this figure, each dialog forms the above-described property sheet page together with the tabs 41a to 41d attached thereto.

  The “Random Print” dialog 43a displays “Regular Print (A4)”, “Clean Print (A4)”, “Save and Print (A4)”, “Photo Print (A4)”, “L size full photo” Selection items such as “print”, “postcard printing”, and “inkjet postcard printing” are provided. When the property sheet display processing unit 55 selects one item from the selection item group by a pointing device or the like and then clicks the “read” button 45, the property sheet display processing unit 55 stores the pattern information 61 in the pattern information 61 associated with the selection item. The parameter values of the setting items shown in FIG. 3B are set according to the parameter values. That is, the property sheet display processing unit 55 collectively changes the parameter values of the setting items shown in FIG. 3B in accordance with the pattern information 61 in which the parameter values to be set are written, and stores the change results in the RAM 15 or the like. Memorize temporarily.

  When the “OK” button 46 at the bottom of the property sheet 40 is clicked, the property sheet display processing unit 55 rewrites the setting information 63 for the printer driver 33 stored in the hard disk device 30 according to the change result. Various settings are made for the printer driver 33. The pattern information 61 and the setting information 63 include parameter values for each setting item shown in FIG. 3B. In particular, the pattern information 61 sets the parameter value to be set for each selection item. Prepare for.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the setting items are classified in advance into setting items such as “automatic printing”, “basic setting”, “extended function”, and “support”. That is, each setting item such as “Random Print”, “Basic Settings”, “Extended Function”, and “Support” is composed of one or more setting items, and the dialog for each setting item indicates each setting item belonging to that setting item. It is configured to be able to operate parameters for each item.

  For example, the “automatic printing” dialog 43 a collectively displays parameters for each setting item that can be individually operated in the “basic setting” dialog, “extended function” dialog 43 b, and “support” dialog according to the pattern information 61. It is configured to be operable.

  On the other hand, the “Basic Settings” dialog has “Paper Type”, “Print Quality”, “Paper Size”, “Layout”, “Print Orientation”, “Number of Copies”, “Flip Job”, “Color / Monochrome Print” The parameters of each setting item can be individually operated. As shown in FIG. 3B, the parameters assigned to the “paper type” setting item take values such as “plain paper” and “postcard”, and the parameters assigned to “print quality”. Takes values such as "Standard", "Fine", etc. The parameter assigned to the setting item of “paper size” takes a value (“A4”, “B5”, etc.) relating to the paper size that can be printed by the printer device 27.

In addition, parameters assigned to the “layout” setting item take values (“1 page”, “2 pages”, etc.) related to the function of printing data for a plurality of pages on one recording sheet.
The parameter assigned to the “print orientation” setting item takes a value (“vertical”, “horizontal”) relating to the orientation of the recording paper set in the printer device 27. The parameter assigned to the setting item “number of copies” takes a numerical value relating to the number of copies to be printed. In addition, the parameter assigned to the setting item of “border printing” takes a value related to ON / OFF switching of the border printing function. The parameter assigned to the setting item “color printing / monochrome printing” takes values (“color”, “monochrome”) relating to switching between color printing and monochrome printing.

  In addition, the “support” dialog has “image type” as a setting item related to the type of print image (text, photo, etc.), “image quality enhancement” as a setting item related to the image quality enhancement function, and setting items related to the horizontal reversal function. As for “reversing left and right”, each parameter can be individually operated. In addition, the “Extended Function” dialog 43 b can individually operate the parameter of the setting item “Quick Print Setup” related to the shortening operation of the print setup and the parameter of the setting item “Date / Time Print” related to the date / time printing. It is configured.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the “extended function” dialog 43b. The “extended function” dialog 43b is configured to be able to operate the parameters of the setting items described above, and switches the validity / invalidity of the tab deletion function for hiding pages with low usage frequency. A check box 47 is provided. In other words, the “extended function” dialog 43b is configured to be able to acquire information regarding whether or not a dialog with low usage frequency should be displayed through a check box 47 operable by a pointing device or the like. The property sheet display processing unit 55 uses this check box when reflecting the parameter values of the setting items changed through the dialogs described above in the setting information 63 for the printer driver 33 stored in the hard disk device 30. Information indicating the state of 47 is written in the hard disk device 30 as the setting information 63.

  The configuration of the property sheet 40 and the operation of the property sheet display processing unit 55 have been described above. However, the plurality of tabs 41a to 41d configuring the property sheet 40 according to the present embodiment include the number of operations C [i ] To be rearranged. Specifically, the rearrangement of the tabs 41a to 41d is performed based on the operation count C [i] of each property sheet page recorded by the operation count recording processing unit 57.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation count recording process executed by the operation count recording processing unit 57 when the property sheet 40 is displayed in the window 4. When the operation number recording processing unit 57 starts executing the process, first, the operation history information 65 stored in the hard disk device 30 or the like is read, and the operation number C [i] of each property sheet page is stored in the work of the RAM 15. Set in the area (S110). The operation history information 65 describes the number of past operations C [i] for each property sheet page (page [i]) corresponding to each setting item.

  Thereafter, each time the parameter of each setting item is operated through the dialog displayed in the window 4, the operation count recording processing unit 57 causes the tabs 41a to 41d corresponding to the dialog to open the window 4 by the user's operation. In step S120, “Yes” is determined and the number of page operations C [i] used in the operation is counted up (S130). With this operation, the operation count recording processing unit 57 updates the operation count C [i] of each page stored in the work area. The operation count recording processing unit 57 assumes that the tab 41a to 41d is selected every time the dialog displayed in the dialog display area 44 is switched by the selection of the tabs 41a to 41d. ] May be configured to count up.

  Thereafter, the operation count recording processing unit 57 determines whether or not the property sheet 40 is closed (S140). If the property sheet 40 is determined not to be closed (No in S140), the process returns to S120, and the above-described operation (S120). ˜S130) are repeatedly executed until the “OK” button 46 at the bottom of the window 4 is clicked and the property sheet 40 is closed.

  When the “OK” button 46 is clicked and the property sheet 40 is closed, the operation count recording processing unit 57 determines Yes in S140, and then the operation count C [i] for each page stored in the work area. Is reflected in the operation history information 65 stored in the hard disk device 30, and the operation history information 65 is updated. As a result, the operation count C [i] of each page counted up in the process is recorded in the hard disk device 30. Thereafter, the operation count recording processing unit 57 ends the operation count recording process.

  On the other hand, the order determination processing unit 59 determines the arrangement of the tabs 41 a to 41 d based on the operation history information 65 stored in the hard disk device 30. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the order determination process executed by the order determination processing unit 59.

  The order determination processing unit 59 operates at the start of execution of the print setting program 35, and first reads the operation history information 65 stored in the hard disk device 30 (S210). Thereafter, based on the operation count C [i] of each page written in the read operation history information 65, it is determined whether any of the operation counts C [i] of each page has reached a predetermined value A. (S220).

  If it is determined that none of the operation counts C [i] of each page has reached the predetermined value A (No in S220), the order determination processing unit 59 uses the page identification information (page ) And array information 67 (see FIG. 7A) in which the names and the page identification numbers are arranged are created (S230). That is, the order determination processing unit 59 creates the same array information 67 as the previous time. Thereafter, the order determination processing unit 59 inputs the created array information 67 to the order change processing unit 51 described later (S235), and ends the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the operation counts C [i] of each page has reached the predetermined value A (Yes in S220), the order determination processing unit 59 moves the process to S225 and stores it in the hard disk device 30. Based on the set information 63, it is determined whether or not the tab deletion function is enabled. If it is determined that the tab deletion function is disabled (No in S225), the process proceeds to S230.

  In addition, if the order determination processing unit 59 determines that the tab deletion function is enabled (Yes in S225), the process proceeds to S240, and the page whose operation count is B or more (that is, C [i ]> B, the array information 67 in which the page identification information (page name, etc.) is arranged in descending order of the number of operations is created (see FIG. 7B). Thereafter, in S250, the order determination processing unit 59 has the number of operations C [2] of the “extended function” page (ie, page [2]) equal to or greater than B (ie, C [2] ≧ B). Whether or not (S250).

  If it is determined that the number of operations C [2] on the “extended function” page is B or more (Yes in S250), the order determination processing unit 59 changes the order of the array information 67 created in S240 as it is. The data is input to the processing unit 51 (S260), and the order determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if the order determination processing unit 59 determines in S250 that the number of operations C [2] on the “extended function” page is less than B (No in S250), the order determination processing unit 59 ends the sequence information 67 created in S240. In addition, identification information of the “extended function” page (page [2]) is added to correct the array information 67 (S270), and the corrected array information 67 (see FIG. 7D) is reordered. The data is input to the unit 51 (S280), and the order determination process ends.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the array information 67 input to the order change processing unit 51 in each process of S235, S260, and S280. As shown in FIG. 7A, when A> C [0], A> C [1], A> C [2], A> C [3], in S235, the default order is set. Arrangement information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in the order of page [0], page [1], page [2], and page [3] is input to the order change processing unit 51. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when C [1] ≧ A> C [2]> C [3]> C [0] ≧ B, in S260, the page [1], Arrangement information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in the order of page [2], page [3], and page [0] is input to the order change processing unit 51. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, if C [1] ≧ A> C [2]> C [3] ≧ B> C [0], page [1], Arrangement information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in the order of page [2] and page [3] is input to the order change processing unit 51.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7D, when C [1] ≧ A> C [3] ≧ B> C [0]> C [2], page [1], Array information 67 in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [3] is generated. Thereafter, the arrangement information 67 is modified, and the arrangement information 67 after modification in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1], page [3], and page [2] is changed in order in S280. The data is input to the processing unit 51.

  The reason why the “extended function” page is specially treated in this way is that the above-described check box 47 regarding the tab deletion function exists in the “extended function” dialog 43b. In other words, in the first embodiment, the tab deletion function is disabled for the “extended function” dialog 43b, so that the tab deletion function is always switched.

  Next, the operation of the order change processing unit 51 to which the array information 67 is input will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the order change process executed by the order change processing unit 51 when the print setting program 35 is executed.

  When the order change processing unit 51 starts the order change processing, the order change processing unit 51 acquires the array information 67 from the order determination processing unit 59 (S310). Based on the array information 67, the number N of property sheet pages created is calculated as the array information. The number of pages registered in 67 is determined, and information relating to the number of creation N is input to the property sheet generation processing unit 53 described later (S320).

  Thereafter, the order change processing unit 51 initializes the counter by setting m = 1 (S330), and repeatedly executes the subsequent processes of S340 and S350 to obtain each value of m = 1, 2,... In the arrangement information 67, the dialog information and tab information of the page [i] designated as the m-th page are set as arguments of the m-th page generation function. When the processes of S340 and S350 are completed for m = 1 to N, the order change processing unit 51 determines that m> N in S360 (Yes in S360), and ends the order change process.

  For example, when the arrangement information 67 is configured as shown in FIG. 7A, the order change processing unit 51 first stores the dialog information DD0 and tab information DT0 of the page [0] designated as the first page. The first page generation function is set as an argument (S340), m is counted up (S350), and m is determined to be N = 4 or less in S360 (No in S360), and the process returns to S340. Then, the dialog information DD1 and tab information DT1 of the page [1] designated as the second page are set as arguments of the second page generation function (S340), and m is further counted up (S350).

  After that, the order change processing unit 51 sets the dialog information DD2 and tab information DT2 of the page [2] designated as the third page as arguments of the third page generation function (S340), and further designates the fourth page. The dialog information DD3 and tab information DT3 of the page [3] thus set are set as arguments of the fourth page generation function (S340). Thereafter, by counting up m, m = N + 1 is determined, and it is determined that m> N (Yes in S360), and the order changing process ends.

  When the arrangement information 67 is configured as shown in FIG. 7B, the order change processing unit 51 first stores the dialog information DD1 and tab information DT1 of the page [1] designated as the first page. Set as the argument of the first page generation function, set the dialog information DD2 and the tab information DT2 of the page [2] specified as the second page as the arguments of the second page generation function, and specify the page specified as the third page Dialog information DD3 and tab information DT3 in [3] are set as arguments of the third page generation function. Thereafter, the dialog information DD0 and tab information DT0 of the page [0] designated as the fourth page are set as arguments of the fourth page generation function, and m> N = 4 is determined (Yes in S360). The order change process ends.

  On the other hand, when the arrangement information 67 is configured as shown in FIG. 7C, the order change processing unit 51 first stores the dialog information DD1 and tab information DT1 of the page [1] designated as the first page. Set as the argument of the first page generation function, set the dialog information DD2 and the tab information DT2 of the page [2] specified as the second page as the arguments of the second page generation function, and specify the page specified as the third page Dialog information DD3 and tab information DT3 in [3] are set as arguments of the third page generation function. Thereafter, it is determined that m> N = 3 (Yes in S360), and the order changing process is terminated.

  When the arrangement information 67 is configured as shown in FIG. 7D, the order change processing unit 51 first stores the dialog information DD1 and tab information DT1 of the page [1] designated as the first page. Set as the argument of the first page generation function, set the dialog information DD3 and tab information DT3 of the page [3] specified as the second page as the argument of the second page generation function, and specify the page specified as the third page Dialog information DD2 and tab information DT2 in [2] are set as arguments of the third page generation function. Thereafter, it is determined that m> N = 3 (Yes in S360), and the order changing process is terminated.

  The tab information DT0 to DT3 and the dialog information DD0 to DD3 prepared for each setting item are incorporated in the print setting program 35 in advance. The order change processing unit 51 of the present embodiment changes the tab information DT0 to DT3 and the dialog information DD0 to DD3 specified as the arguments of each page generation function according to the arrangement information 67 as described above, whereby the property sheet 40 The arrangement of the tabs 41a to 41d displayed on the screen is changed.

  Next, the processing operation of the property sheet generation processing unit 53 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet generation process executed by the property sheet generation processing unit 53 when the print setting program 35 is executed.

  When executing the sheet generation process, the property sheet generation processing unit 53 acquires the number N of property sheet page creations from the order change processing unit 51 (S410). Thereafter, the first to Nth page generation functions, the tab information DT0 to DT3 set in the argument of the function, and the dialog information DD0 to DD3 are used to generate each page information of the first to Nth pages. Further, based on these pieces of information, sheet information DS for displaying the property sheet 40 in which the tabs 41a to 41d of the first to Nth pages are sequentially arranged from the left is generated (S420). The sheet is input to the sheet display processing unit 55 (S430), and the process ends. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet information DS includes page information of each page and header information indicating a connection relationship between the pages.

  Based on the sheet information DS, the property sheet display processing unit 55 arranges the tabs 41a to 41d of the first to Nth pages in order from the left, and displays the property sheet 40 in the window 4 functioning as a GUI. For example, in the property sheet shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the “basic setting” dialog, the “extended function” dialog 43b, and the “support” dialog are frequently used. As a result, the number of operations on each page is C [1] ≧ A> C When [2]> C [3] ≧ B> C [0], the property sheet display processing unit 55 follows the sheet information DS generated based on the array information 67 shown in FIG. The property sheet 40 shown in FIG.

  The property sheet display processing unit 55 then selects one tab from the plurality of tabs 41a to 41d displayed in the tab display area 42 based on the user operation information input from the pointing device or the like as described above. When it is determined that is selected, a dialog corresponding to it is displayed in the dialog display area 44 in the window 4. Further, the property sheet display processing unit 55 changes the parameter of the setting item displayed in the dialog based on the user operation information input via the window 4 from the pointing device or the like, and sets the value as the setting information 63. The various print settings are made to the printer driver 33.

  In S220, the order determination processing unit 59 described above adds the total number of operation C [i] of the property sheet page corresponding to each setting item (that is, C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [ 3]) reaches a predetermined value A, and the total number of operations for each page (C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3]) reaches the predetermined value A. If S220 is Yes, S225 is executed and S225 is executed. If the total number of operations for each page does not reach the predetermined value A, it is determined No in S220 and S230 is executed. Also good.

  In the information processing apparatus configured as described above, when A> C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3], the default order of page [0] and page [1] is set in S235. ], Page [2], and page [3], array information 67 (see FIG. 7A) in which the page identification information is arranged is input to the order change processing unit 51. In addition, for example, when C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3] ≧ A and C [1]> C [2]> C [3]> C [0] ≧ B In S260, the sequence information 67 (see FIG. 7B) in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1], page [2], page [3], and page [0] is changed in order. The data is input to the processing unit 51.

  On the other hand, when C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3] ≧ A and C [1]> C [2]> C [3] ≧ B> C [0] In S260, sequence information 67 (see FIG. 7C) in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1], page [2], and page [3] is input to order change processing unit 51. . Further, when C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3] ≧ A and C [1]> C [3] ≧ B> C [0]> C [2], In S240, array information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1] and page [3] is generated. After that, the arrangement information 67 is corrected, and the corrected arrangement information 67 in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1], page [3], and page [2] (see FIG. 7D). ) Is input to the order change processing unit 51 in S280.

  Although the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment has been described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, dialog information DD0 to DD3 for displaying a dialog for each setting item, and the dialog The property sheet generation processing unit 53 generates sheet information DS based on the tab information DT0 to DT3 necessary for displaying the tabs attached to the property sheet, and based on the sheet information DS, the property sheet display processing unit 55 displays the GUI. The tabs 41a to 41d for the respective setting items are displayed side by side in the window 4 functioning as a window, and when one tab is selected from the plurality of tabs 41a to 41d, a dialog corresponding to the selected tab is displayed. Is displayed in the window 4. In addition, the property sheet display processing unit 55 changes various settings for the printer driver 33 that controls the printer device 27 by changing the setting information 63 described above based on user operation information input via the window 4. Apply.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the operation count recording processing unit 57 counts the number of parameter operations performed through each page by the user's operation for each page (S130). The result is recorded in the operation history information 65 (S150). Then, the order determination processing unit 59 determines the page display order based on the operation history information 65 in which the number of operations of each page recorded by the operation count recording processing unit 57 is recorded (S240 to S280).

  At this time, the order determination processing unit 59 sets the page display order to a predetermined default order until one of the number of operations of each page (or the total number of operations of each page) reaches a predetermined number A. When one of the number of operations for each page (or the total number of operations for each page) reaches a predetermined number A, the number of operations is equal to or greater than a predetermined value B (<A) based on the operation history information 65. A certain page is selected as a display target page, and the display order of the pages is determined for each selected page (S260, S280).

  Further, the order change processing unit 51, in accordance with the arrangement information 67 reflecting the determination result of the order determination processing unit 59, in the order of tabs to be displayed in the window 4, tab information DT0 to DT3 and dialog information DD0 corresponding to the tabs. To DD3 are set as arguments of the page generation function of the property sheet generation processing unit 53 (S340), and each page selected by the order determination processing unit 59 is displayed in the window 4 in the order determined by the order determination processing unit 59. The sheet information DS to be displayed side by side is generated in the property sheet generation processing unit 53 (S420). In accordance with the sheet information DS, the property sheet display processing unit 55 displays the tabs 41a to 41d of each page in the window 4 in the tab display area in the page order specified by the property change sheet generation processing unit 53 by the order change processing unit 51. 42 are displayed side by side.

  According to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment having such a configuration, the tabs 41a to 41d that are frequently used are positioned so that the user can easily see them in accordance with the method of using the window 4 by the user. The tabs 41a to 41d (pages) can be rearranged and displayed so as to be arranged. That is, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the display form of the window 4 can be changed so as to be adapted to the usage method of the user. Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 1, the operability of the property sheet 40 for setting the printer driver is greatly improved.

  In particular, in the property sheet 40 for setting a printer driver having a high degree of freedom in setting, there is a great difference between a beginner and a non-beginner in using a dialog. However, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the user Regardless of whether the user is a beginner or non-beginner, the operability can be improved.

  In addition, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, tabs that are less frequently used can be hidden, so that only the tabs that are necessary for the user can be selectively displayed so that the user can easily see the tabs. Can be arranged. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the pages are displayed in the default order until any of the number of operations of each page (or the total number of operations for each page) reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operability of the property sheet 40 from being deteriorated because the display order of the tabs 41a to 41d is switched even though the operation is not so much performed. For example, the user can immediately understand the display positions of the tabs 41a to 41d based on past experience, but switches the display order of the tabs 41a to 41d even though the user does not operate much. There is also a possibility that the improvement of operability based on experience may be hindered. According to the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, since such a problem can be solved, the operability of the property sheet 40 can be further improved.

  Also, according to the present embodiment, the print setting program 35 can be created using an existing library (specifically, a function for generating the property sheet 40, etc.), which is convenient.

  Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the “extended function” dialog 43c in the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an order determination processing unit 59 in the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an order determination process that operates and executes at the start of execution of the print setting program 35. In the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment described below, the configuration of the “extended function” dialog 43c and the configuration of the order determination process executed by the order determination processing unit 59 are partially the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Since it is a different grade from the structure of the information processing apparatus 1, only the difference will be described in detail below, and description of each part having the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the “extended function” dialog 43c of the second embodiment is configured to be able to operate each parameter of the setting items (“quick print setup”, “date / time printing”) described above. In addition, a “automatic printing” tab 41 a and a check box 49 for switching display / non-display of the dialog 43 a are provided.

  That is, the “extended function” dialog 43c of the second embodiment is configured to be able to acquire information regarding whether or not the “automatic printing” dialog 43a should be able to be displayed through a check box 49 operable by a pointing device or the like. ing.

  The property sheet display processing unit 55 uses this check box when reflecting the parameter values of the setting items changed through the dialogs described above in the setting information 63 for the printer driver 33 stored in the hard disk device 30. Information indicating the status of 49 is written in the hard disk device 30 as the setting information 63.

  On the other hand, the order determination processing unit 59 reads the operation history information 65 stored in the hard disk device 30 (S610), and then the property sheet page corresponding to each setting item described in the read operation history information 65. Based on the number of operations C [i], it is determined whether any of the number of operations C [i] for each page has reached a predetermined value A (S620).

  If it is determined that none of the operation counts C [i] of each page has reached the predetermined value A (No in S620), the order determination processing unit 59 uses the page identification information ( Arrangement information 67 (see FIG. 12A) in which page names and page identification numbers are arranged is created (S630). Thereafter, the order determination processing unit 59 shifts the processing to S650.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the operation counts C [i] of each page has reached the predetermined value A (Yes in S620), the order determination processing unit 59 moves the process to S640, in order of increasing operation counts. Then, array information 67 in which page identification information (page name and the like) is arranged is created (see FIG. 12B), and the process proceeds to S650.

  In step S650, the order determination processing unit 59 determines whether the display function of the “automatic printing” tab 41a and the dialog 43a is enabled based on the setting information 63 stored in the hard disk device 30. If it is determined that the display function of the “automatic printing” tab 41a and the dialog 43a is enabled (Yes in S650), the sequence information 67 created in S630 or S640 is input to the order change processing unit 51 as it is. (S660), the order determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if the order determination processing unit 59 determines in S650 that the display function of the “automatic printing” tab 41a and the dialog 43a is disabled (No in S650), the sequence information created in S630 or S640 67, the identification information of the “automatic printing” page (page [0]) registered in 67 is deleted, the arrangement information 67 is corrected (S670), and the corrected arrangement information 67 (FIG. 12 (c) (d) )) Is input to the order change processing unit 51 (S680), and the order determination process ends.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the array information 67 input to the order change processing unit 51 in each process of S660 and S680. As shown in FIG. 12A, A> C [0], A> C [1], A> C [2], A> C [3], and page [0] (that is, If the display function of the “automatic printing” tab 41a and the dialog 43a) is enabled, the default order of page [0], page [1], page [2], page [3] is selected in S660. ], The sequence information 67 in which the page identification information is arranged in this order is input to the order change processing unit 51. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, C [1] ≧ A> C [2]> C [3]> C [0], and the display function of page [0] is enabled. If so, the array information 67 in which the page identification information is arranged in the order of page [1], page [2], page [3], and page [0] is sent to the order change processing unit 51 in S660. Entered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, A> C [0], A> C [1], A> C [2], A> C [3] (as another example, C [1] ≧ A> C [2]> C [3]> C [0]), and if the display function of page [0] is disabled, in S680, page [1], Arrangement information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in the order of page [2] and page [3] is input to the order change processing unit 51.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12D, when C [1] ≧ A> C [3]> C [0]> C [2], page [1], page [ 3], page [0], and page [2], array information 67 in which page identification information is arranged in this order is generated. If the display function of page [0] is disabled, the array information 67 is modified in S670, and page identification information in the order of page [1], page [3], and page [2]. The modified array information 67 in which are arranged is input to the order change processing unit 51 in S680.

  On the other hand, the sequence change processing unit 51 to which the sequence information 67 is input acquires the sequence information 67 from the sequence determination processing unit 59 (S310), as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8). The number N of property sheet pages created is determined as the number of pages registered in the array information 67, and information relating to the number N created is input to the property sheet generation processing unit 53 described later (S320).

  After that, the order change processing unit 51 repeatedly executes the processes of S340 and S350, so that each value of m = 1, 2,..., N is the page [i] designated as the mth page in the array information 67. Are set as arguments of the m-th page generation function. When the processes of S340 and S350 are completed for m = 1 to N, it is determined that m> N in S360 (Yes in S360), and the order change process is terminated.

  Also, the property sheet generation processing unit 53 acquires information on the number N of property sheet pages created from the order change processing unit 51 (S410), as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 9). Using the N-th page generation function, page information of the first to N-th pages is created, and based on these information, the property sheet 40 in which the tabs of the first to N-th pages are arranged in order from the left Sheet information DS to be displayed is generated (S420), and this is input to the property sheet display processing unit 55 (S430), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, the property sheet display processing unit 55 arranges the tabs of the first to Nth pages in order from the left based on the sheet information DS, and displays the property sheet 40 in the window 4 functioning as a GUI. For example, in the “extended function” dialog 43c of the property sheet shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, the check box 49 is checked, and the display function of the page [0] (that is, the “automatic printing” tab 41a and the dialog 43a) is disabled. Then, the property sheet display processing unit 55 displays the property sheet 40 shown in the lower part of FIG. 10 in the window 4 according to the sheet information DS generated based on the arrangement information 67 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the property sheet display processing unit 55 determines that one tab is selected from the plurality of tabs 41a to 41d displayed in the tab display area 42 based on user operation information input from a pointing device or the like. When the determination is made, a dialog corresponding to that is displayed in the dialog display area 44. Further, the property sheet display processing unit 55 changes the parameter of each setting item displayed in the dialog based on the user operation information input from the pointing device or the like, and reflects the changed value in the setting information 63. Thus, various print settings are performed on the printer driver 33.

  In step S620, the order determination processing unit 59 described above adds the total number of operation C [i] of the property sheet page corresponding to each setting item (that is, C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [ 3]) reaches a predetermined value A, and the total number of operations for each page (C [0] + C [1] + C [2] + C [3]) reaches the predetermined value A. If the answer is YES, it is determined YES in S620, and S640 is executed. If the total number of operations for each page has not reached the predetermined value A, it is determined NO in S620 and S630 is executed. Also good.

  The information processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment has been described above. According to the information processing apparatus 1, the “basic setting” dialog in which the property sheet generation processing unit 53 can individually operate the parameters of each setting item. , “Extended function” dialog 43c, “support” dialog and dialog information DD1 to DD3 and tab information DT1 to DT3 for displaying tabs 41b to 41d attached thereto, the above “basic setting” dialog, “extended function” Dialog information DD0 and tab information DT0 for displaying a “automatic printing” dialog 43a that can collectively operate parameters of a plurality of setting items that can be operated in the “support” dialog, and a tab 41a attached thereto, Based on the sheet information DS, and based on the sheet information DS, The property sheet display processing unit 55 having a function as a display unit displays tabs 41a to 41d for each setting item side by side in the window 4 functioning as a GUI, and selects one of the tabs 41a to 41d. When the tabs 41a to 41d are selected, dialogs corresponding to the selected tabs 41a to 41d are displayed in the window 4.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the order determination processing unit 59 having the functions as the display order determination unit and the display necessity determination unit is operated by the operation count recording processing unit 57 to operate the parameters of each page. The display order of the pages is determined based on the operation history information 65 in which the number of times is written (S630 or S640). At this time, the order determination processing unit 59 sets the page display order to a predetermined default order until one of the number of operations of each page (or the total number of operations of each page) reaches a predetermined number A. When the setting is made (S630) and one of the number of operations on each page (or the total number of operations on each page) reaches a predetermined number A, pages are displayed in descending order of the number of parameter operations based on the operation history information 65. The display order of the pages is determined so that they are arranged (S640).

  Further, the order determination processing unit 59 of the second embodiment displays the “automatic printing” dialog 43 a based on the information indicating the validity / invalidity of the display function of the “automatic printing” dialog 43 a described in the setting information 63. It is determined whether or not display should be possible (S650). When it is determined that the “automatic printing” dialog 43a is not displayable (S650), the identification information of the page [0] corresponding to the “automatic printing” dialog 43a is deleted from the arrangement information 67 in which the display target page is registered. Accordingly, the order change processing unit 51 having a function as a tab display prohibiting unit does not set the tab information DT0 and the dialog information DD0 corresponding to “automatic printing” as arguments of the page generation function of the property sheet generation processing unit 53. (S670).

  Then, the order change processing unit 51 having a function as a tab display prohibiting unit corresponds to the tabs in the order of tabs to be displayed in the window 4 in accordance with the arrangement information 67 in which the determination result of the order determination processing unit 59 is reflected. Tab information DT1 to DT3 and dialog information DD1 to DD3 are set as arguments of the page generation function of the property sheet generation processing unit 53 (S340), and tab information corresponding to “automatic printing” that is not registered in the array information 67 By not setting DT0 and dialog information DD0 as arguments of the page generation function of the property sheet generation processing unit 53, the generation of “automatic printing” page information by the property sheet generation processing unit 53 is prohibited, and the property sheet according to the sheet information DS Property sheet as a dialog display means to display 40 The display processing unit 55 is configured not to display the “automatic printing” page (tab 41a) based on the “automatic printing” dialog information DD0 and the tab information DT0, and the order determination processing unit 59 determines the other tabs 41b to 41d. Are displayed in the window 4 in the order of being performed.

  According to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment configured as described above, the user operates the check box 49 of the “extended function” dialog 43c to display / not display the “automatic printing” tab 41a. The display can be switched. Therefore, the non-beginner can reduce the “automatic printing” tab 41 a that is not necessary for the user from the window 4. In particular, in the case of the property sheet 40 for setting the printer driver 33 having a high degree of freedom of setting, displaying all the tabs 41a to 41d is inconvenient because the number of the tabs 41a to 41d increases, which is an inconvenience for beginners. According to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment that can hide the “print” tab 41a, the operability of the property sheet 40 is significantly improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the above-described check box 49 is provided in the “extended function” dialog 43c so that the display necessity information can be acquired without displaying an extra dialog. The operability of the property sheet 40 can be improved.

  In addition, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, not only can the “automatic printing” tab 41 a be displayed / hidden, but other tabs can be selected according to how the user uses the window 4. Since 41b-41d can be rearranged and displayed, it is very convenient. That is, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the tabs 41a to 41d can be rearranged so that the frequently used tabs 41a to 41d are arranged at positions that are easily noticeable to the user. Therefore, the operability of the property sheet 40 can be improved regardless of whether the user is a beginner or a non-beginner.

  In addition, in the case of the property sheet 40 for setting the printer driver, there are many cases in which specific setting items are biased with respect to the number of parameter operations. Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the printer driver The operability of the setting property sheet 40 can be effectively improved. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, each page is displayed in the default order until any of the number of operations of each page (or the total number of operations for each page) reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operability of the property sheet 40 from being deteriorated because the display order of the tabs 41a to 41d is switched even though the operation is not so much performed.

  The above-described print setting program 35 for causing a computer to realize the functions of the dialog display means, display necessity determination means, tab display prohibition means, and display order determination means of the present invention is the CD-ROM 24, flexible disk, and so on. It can be stored in a recording medium such as and provided to the user.

Further, the information processing apparatus and the program of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various forms.
For example, the information processing apparatus 1 described above may be configured so that a selection item can be added to the “automatic printing” dialog 43 a according to a user's request and the pattern information 61 can be rewritten. Such an information processing apparatus 1 is very convenient because batch setting of parameters frequently set by the user can be performed in the “automatic printing” dialog 43a.

  In the above embodiment, the display order of each page is set to the default order until one of the number of operations on each page (or the total number of operations for each page) reaches a predetermined number, and the operation of each page is performed. The order determination processing unit 59 is configured to determine the display order of pages based on the operation history information 65 when any of the numbers (or the total number of operations for each page) reaches a predetermined number A. For example, until the total number of operations for each page reaches a predetermined number A1, and the number of operations for each page reaches a predetermined number A2 (<A1), the display order of each page is set as the default. In this order, the total number of operations for each page reaches a predetermined number A1, and when any of the number of operations for each page reaches a predetermined number A2 (<A1), based on the operation history information 65, order of display As determining it may be configured to order determination processing unit 59. Configuring the order determination processing unit 59 in this way is convenient because the display order is not easily switched when the number of operations on each page is equally used.

  In addition, when the reset command based on the user's operation is input via the window 4, the operation count recording processing unit 57 resets the operation history information 65 (that is, each page stored in the operation history information 65. The operation count C [i] may be changed to zero), or the operation history information 65 may be automatically reset every predetermined period.

  Further, FIG. 3B merely illustrates the classification method of each setting item. Therefore, the above setting items do not need to be classified as shown in FIG. Since the setting items are determined by the configuration of the printer driver 33, the setting items should be flexibly changed by the printer driver 33 to which the configuration of the property sheet 40 is applied.

2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of each function realized on a control unit 10. FIG. It is explanatory drawing (a) showing the structure of the property sheet | seat 40, and explanatory drawing (b) showing the kind of parameter which can be operated using each dialog. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the "extended function" dialog 43b of a 1st Example. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation frequency recording process executed by an operation frequency recording processing unit 57; It is a flowchart showing the order determination process which the order determination process part 59 of a 1st Example performs. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the arrangement | sequence information 67 input into the order change process part 51 of a 1st Example. It is a flowchart showing the order change process which the order change process part 51 performs. It is a flowchart showing the sheet | seat generation process which the property sheet | seat generation process part 53 performs. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the "extended function" dialog 43c of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart showing the order determination process which the order determination process part 59 of 2nd Example performs. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the arrangement | sequence information 67 input into the order change process part 51 of 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 4 ... Window, 10 ... Control part, 21 ... Monitor, 23 ... CD-ROM drive, 25 ... Input device, 27 ... Printer device, 30 ... Hard disk device, 31 ... OS, 33 ... Printer driver, 35 ... print setting program, 40 ... property sheet, 41a to 41d ... tab, 42 ... tab display area, 43a, 43b, 43c ... dialog, 44 ... dialog display area, 47, 49 ... check box, 51 ... order change processing section 53 ... Property sheet generation processing unit, 55 ... Property sheet display processing unit, 57 ... Operation frequency recording processing unit, 59 ... Order determination processing unit, 61 ... Pattern information, 63 ... Setting information, 65 ... Operation history information, 67 ... Array information, DD0 to DD3 ... Dialog information, DT0 to DT3 ... Tab information, DS ... Sheet information

Claims (10)

First dialog information for displaying a first dialog prepared for each setting item composed of one or more predetermined setting items and capable of individually operating parameters of the setting items belonging to the setting item; In addition, the first tab information necessary for displaying the tab attached to the first dialog and the second dialog capable of collectively operating the parameters of the plurality of setting items belonging to any of the setting items are displayed. In a window functioning as a graphical user interface (GUI) based on the second dialog information to be displayed and the second tab information necessary for displaying the tab attached to the second dialog The tabs for each setting item and the tabs based on the second tab information are displayed side by side. When one tab is selected from the tab group, a dialog corresponding to the tab is displayed. Dialog display means for displaying the grayed in the window,
An information processing device that performs various settings for a control unit that controls an external device based on user operation information input through the window,
Display necessity determination means for determining whether the second dialog should be displayed based on user operation information input via the window;
A tab display prohibiting unit that prohibits the dialog display unit from displaying a tab based on the second tab information when the display necessity determining unit determines that the second dialog should not be displayed; ,
An information processing apparatus comprising: The first dialog corresponding to at least one setting item is configured to be able to acquire display necessity information indicating whether or not the second dialog should be displayed as user operation information. And
The display necessity determination unit determines whether the second dialog should be displayable according to the display necessity information acquired by the first dialog displayed in the window. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Display order determining means for determining the display order of tabs based on user operation information input via the window;
When the tab display prohibiting unit determines that the display necessity determination unit should be able to display the second dialog, the tab display prohibiting unit is configured to display the dialog in the order determined by the display order determining unit. A tab for each setting item and a tab based on the second tab information are displayed side by side in the window, and the display necessity determination unit determines that the second dialog should not be displayed. Prohibiting the dialog display means from displaying tabs based on the second tab information, and displaying the tabs for each setting item in the window in the order determined by the display order determining means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed.   The display order determining means comprises selection number recording means for recording the number of selections of each tab selected through the window by a user operation as user operation information, and the selection number recording means The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display order of the tabs is determined based on the recorded number of times each tab is selected.   The display order determining means, when any of the number of selections of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means reaches a predetermined number, based on the number of selections of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a display order of the tabs is determined.   When the total number of times of selection of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means reaches a predetermined number, the display order determining means, based on the number of times of selection of each tab recorded by the selection number recording means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a display order of the tabs is determined.   7. The selection number recording unit records the number of times of operation of the parameter operated in a dialog corresponding to each tab as the number of times of selection of each tab. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a printer driver that controls an external printer apparatus.   The program for making a computer implement | achieve the function as the said dialog display means in the information processing apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, the said display necessity determination means, and the said tab display prohibition means.   The functions of the dialog display means, the display necessity determination means, the tab display prohibition means, and the display order determination means in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7 are realized in a computer. Program to let you.

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