JP2008077565A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform printout within the range of printout conditions settable by a connected printer without requiring any user operation. <P>SOLUTION: In an information processor 100 connectable to a printer, information relating to the output conditions for past printout is stored in a first storage part 301, and information relating to settable conditions being printout conditions settable in the printer is acquired by an acquisition part 302 while connected to the printer. Then, when it is determined that printout is impossible under the same conditions as the past output conditions by a determination part 303 by using the connected printer, printout conditions as the initial value of print condition setting set by the initial value setting part are replaced with the other printout conditions within the settable conditions by a replacement part 304. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device.

  Conventionally, for example, there is a storage device that stores image data captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera. An image based on the image data stored in such a storage device can be printed out on a recording medium such as paper by connecting the storage device to a printer. At the time of print output, for example, various conditions relating to printing (hereinafter referred to as “print conditions”) such as the size of the recording medium can be set as appropriate.

  Conventionally, there are many types of printers that can print out images based on image data stored in a storage device, and the conditions that can be set for printing differ from printer to printer. In some cases, the same print conditions as the selected print conditions cannot be set by another printer. In such a case, an initial value set for another printer in the past is often set as a new print condition.

  Conventionally, for example, in a printing system using a mobile phone, when a print condition that is not supported by the mobile phone occurs, a technology is used to request a proxy response from the server and receive the result. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 below.) According to such a technique, a storage device (mobile phone) is directly connected to a printer without using a personal computer, and an image based on the image data stored in the storage device (mobile phone) is output from the printer. It is possible to perform so-called direct printing.

JP 2004-249020 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, the print condition set at the previous print cannot be used as the print condition at the next print, and the user has to set the print condition every time the print output is performed. There was a problem that it was bothersome.

  Further, in the above-described conventional technology, when the initial value in another printer is set as a new print condition, the user must set the print condition every time the connected printer is changed, which is troublesome. There was a problem.

  On the other hand, for example, when performing multiple print outputs using the same model, the previous print output is stored by storing the previously set print conditions and displaying the stored print conditions at the next print output. There has been a technology that reduces the burden on the user related to setting of print conditions by setting only the print conditions that need to be changed compared to the print conditions at the time.

  However, even in such a technique, when a storage device is connected to a model different from the model that stores the print conditions, the initial value set in a different printer is set as a new print condition. Since the user has to set the print conditions every time the model of the printer to be connected is changed, there is a problem that it is troublesome.

  In particular, the storage device (mobile phone) that supports direct printing described above does not include a printer driver that stores print conditions that can be set in a printer connected to the storage device (mobile phone). When direct printing is performed, it is necessary to acquire the capability of the connected printer every time the printer is connected. For this reason, there is a problem that the user has to set print conditions every time print output is performed, which is troublesome.

  The electronic device according to the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores information relating to a “past output condition” that is a print output condition related to a past print output in an electronic device connectable to a printer; Initial value setting means for setting information relating to the past output conditions stored in the storage means to print output conditions as initial values for print condition settings; and prints that can be set in the printer while connected to the printer Using an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the “settable condition” that is an output condition, the initial value set by the initial value setting unit, and the information acquired by the acquisition unit, using the connected printer Determining means for determining whether or not print output is possible under the same print output condition as the initial value, and printing by the determining means; If it is determined that a force can not, characterized in that and a replacement means for replacing the another print output conditions in the initial values of the settable condition.

  According to the present invention, when printing is performed using a connected printer, the same print output condition as the past output condition cannot be set as the print output condition as the initial value of the print condition setting. The past output conditions can be replaced with other print output conditions within the print conditions that can be set in the connected printer without any user operation.

  Further, according to the present invention, by storing information relating to another replaced print output condition, even when connected to another printer next time, the past output condition can be stored without any user operation. The print condition can be replaced with another print output condition that can be set in the connected printer.

  As a result, even when the electronic device cannot set the same print output condition as the past output condition, it is possible to set the print output condition that can be set in the connected printer without the user changing the print output condition. It is possible to print out within the range. Thus, the user of the electronic device can use the electronic device by connecting it to a plurality of printers without performing complicated input operations.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, the replacement unit replaces the output condition with the highest use frequency among the settable conditions when the determination unit determines that the print output is impossible. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the past output condition can be replaced with the output condition having the highest use frequency among the print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer. As a result, even when the electronic device cannot set the same print output condition as the past output condition, the electronic device is made as close as possible to the past print condition without the user changing the print output condition. The print output conditions can be reset. As a result, the user of the electronic device can obtain a print output result that is close to the print output result that has been most frequently used in the past, without performing complicated input operations.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit sets the past output condition according to a condition closest to the past output condition. It is characterized by being replaced with another print output condition within the settable condition.

  According to the present invention, the past output condition can be replaced with a condition closest to the past output condition among the print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer. As a result, even if the electronic device cannot set the same print output condition as the past output condition, the print output condition closest to the past print condition without the user changing the print output condition. Can be reset. Thus, the user of the electronic device can obtain a print output result closest to the past print output result without performing a complicated input operation.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention further comprises second storage means for storing information relating to another print output condition replaced by the replacement means, wherein the second storage means is the first storage means. In addition to the information stored in step (b), information relating to another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit is stored.

  According to the present invention, another print output condition can be added and stored while the past output condition remains. As a result, when the electronic device is connected again to a printer that can set the same print output conditions as the past output conditions, the electronic device performs the print output according to the past output conditions without any user operation. Can be made. Thus, the user of the electronic device can reset the past output conditions without performing a complicated input operation.

  The electronic device according to the present invention further includes a second storage unit that stores a print output condition set by an operator, and the replacement unit is diagnosed as being incapable of print output by the determination unit. In this case, the initial value is replaced with a print output condition set by the operator stored in the second storage means within the settable condition.

  According to the present invention, the initial value can be replaced with the print output condition set in the settable condition and set by the operator.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention further includes a second storage unit that stores information on another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit, and the second storage unit is replaced by the replacement unit. Information about another print output condition is stored for each printer, and the replacement unit replaces the print output condition corresponding to the connected printer with the initial value in the second storage unit. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the present invention, the print output condition corresponding to the printer can be replaced with the initial value from the print output conditions stored for each printer.

  Exemplary embodiments of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus.

(Appearance of information processing device)
FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2 are external views ((No. 1) and (No. 2)) of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. 1-1 illustrates a top view of the information processing apparatus, and FIG. 1-2 illustrates a front view of the information processing apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the information processing apparatus 100 includes an SD memory card slot 101, a CF card slot 102, and a CF card eject button 103. An SD memory card (registered trademark), MMC (multimedia card), or the like is inserted into the SD memory card slot 101.

  A CF card microdrive is inserted into the CF card slot 102. The CF card eject button 103 is pressed when the CF card inserted into the CF card slot 102 is taken out. When the CF card eject button 103 is pressed, the CF card inserted into the CF card slot 102 is ejected outside the information processing apparatus 100. Although not shown in FIG. 1-1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a USB connector. For example, a printer is connected to the USB connector via a USB cable.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a high-definition liquid crystal display 104 and various operation keys 105 to 111. The high-definition liquid crystal display 104 displays an operation screen and image data. Among various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 105 in FIG. 1-2 denotes a “Print” button. When the “Print” button 105 is pressed on a printable screen, a print setting screen is displayed on the high-definition liquid crystal display 104.

  Among the various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 106 in FIG. 1-2 indicates a “Menu” button. When the “Menu” button 106 is pressed, operation items that can be executed when the “Menu” button 106 is pressed are displayed on the high-definition liquid crystal display 104 in a pop-up menu or the like. Among various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 107 in FIG. 1-2 denotes an “↑ ↓ ← →” key (4-Way ring). An arbitrary item can be selected by pressing the 4-Way ring 107.

  Among the various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 108 in FIG. 1-2 indicates an “OK” button. The item selected by pressing the 4-Way ring 107 is confirmed by pressing the “OK” button 108. Although illustration is omitted, for example, when the “OK” button 108 is pressed while the “Print” button 105 is selected, processing related to the print output process is started. Among various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 109 in FIG. 1-2 denotes a “Cancel” button. When the “Cancel” button 109 is pressed, the operation being executed at the time when the “Cancel” button 109 is pressed is stopped, and the previous screen is displayed.

  Among various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 110 in FIG. 1-2 denotes a “Display” button. When the “Display” button 110 is pressed, an operation description and screen information are displayed on the high-definition liquid crystal display 104. Among various operation keys 105 to 111, reference numeral 111 in FIG. 1-2 indicates a “Home” button. When the “Home” button 111 is pressed, the operation being executed at the time when the “Home” button 111 is pressed is stopped, and the “home screen (initial menu screen)” is displayed.

(Hardware configuration of information processing device)
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, an information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a memory controller 203, an HDD (hard disk drive) 204, an ATA I / F (interface) 205, an input device 206, and a general-purpose input / output control unit. 207, a video I / F (interface) 208, a video decoder 209, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 210, the above-described high-definition liquid crystal display 104, an audio I / F (interface) 211, an audio decoder 212, Speaker 213, headphones 214, power supply control unit 215, and battery 216. Each unit 201 to 216 included in the information processing apparatus 100 is connected by a bus 217.

  The CPU 201 controls the entire information processing apparatus 100 by executing a program stored in the memory 202, the HDD 204, or the like. The memory 202 stores a basic processing program of the information processing apparatus 100 and the like. As the memory 202, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) are used. Further, the memory controller 203 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the memory 202 according to the control of the CPU 201.

  The HDD 204 stores various information such as image data and control programs. Instead of the HDD 204 or in addition to the HDD 204, a storage device using a removable storage medium such as a DVD or a compact disk (CD) may be used. The HDD 204 is connected to the CPU 201 via an ATA I / F 205, and the data stored in the HDD 204 is read and written by the ATA I / F 205.

  The input device 206 includes various buttons as shown in FIG. 1-2 for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The general-purpose input / output control unit 207 controls input / output from the input device 206.

  The video I / F 208 is connected to the above-described high-definition liquid crystal display 104 via the video decoder 209. The video I / F 208 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire high-definition liquid crystal display 104, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a high-definition liquid crystal display. It is comprised by the control IC etc. which display-control the display 104.

  Specifically, the video I / F 208 decodes the image data output from the graphic controller by the video decoder 209, and controls the display of the high-definition liquid crystal display 104 based on the decoded image data. The LED 210 is lit or blinked to notify the user of the state of the information processing apparatus 100 or predetermined information (for example, warning information) to the user.

  The audio I / F 211 is connected to the speaker 213 and the headphone 214 via the audio decoder 212. Specifically, the audio data output from the audio I / F 211 is decoded by the audio decoder 212 and output from the speaker 213 and the headphone 214.

  The power supply control unit 215 supplies the power from the battery 216 to each component when the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on by the user. Further, when the power of the information processing apparatus 100 is turned off by the user, the supply of power to each component is terminated. In addition, although not shown, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication I / F that performs communication with a printer connected to a USB connector.

(Functional configuration of information processing device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a first storage unit 301, an acquisition unit 302, a determination unit 303, a replacement unit 304, a second storage unit 305, an issuing unit 306, It has. The first storage unit 301 stores information relating to print output conditions (hereinafter referred to as “past output conditions”) relating to past print outputs.

  Here, the print output condition is a condition for determining the state of the print output result. Specific examples of print output conditions include paper size, paper type, monochrome / color, high-speed priority / image quality priority, and the like. The past output condition may be, for example, a print output condition set at the time of the previous print output, or may be a print output condition set before the previous time.

  The acquisition unit 302 acquires information regarding print output conditions (hereinafter, referred to as “settable conditions”) that can be set in the printer while connected to the printer. The settable conditions are set in advance for each printer at the time of manufacturing the printer, for example. Specifically, for example, paper size (A4 / B5, etc.), paper type (glossy paper / matte paper / plain paper, etc.), color (monochrome / full color, etc.), priority (speed priority / (Image quality priority).

  Information relating to the settable condition (hereinafter referred to as “settable condition information”) may be information that directly describes the settable condition or code information that can specify the settable condition. When the settable condition is specified by code information, the printer and the information processing apparatus 100 store an information table in which the settable condition in the printer and the code information are associated with each other.

  Whether the determination unit 303 can print out using the information stored in the first storage unit 301 and the information acquired by the acquisition unit 302 under the same print output conditions as the past output conditions using the connected printer. Judge whether or not. For example, the determination unit 303 compares the past output condition stored in the first storage unit 301 with the settable condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 302, and sets the past output condition in the settable condition information. By determining whether or not there is a matching condition for each setting item, it is determined whether or not print output is possible under the same print output condition as the past output condition using the connected printer.

  When the determination unit 303 determines that print output is impossible, the replacement unit 304 replaces the past output condition with another print output condition within the settable condition. When the determination unit 303 determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit 304 may replace all the past output conditions with another print output condition, or among the past output conditions, A print output condition that cannot be set in the connected printer may be replaced with another print output condition within the settable condition.

  Specifically, for example, when “full-color printing” is set as the past output condition, and the connected printer can execute only monochrome print processing, the color setting in the past output condition is set. , Replace “Full Color Print” with “Monochrome Print”. Further, when the determination unit 303 determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit 304 may replace the output condition with an output condition having the highest use frequency among the settable conditions.

  Further, when the determination unit 303 determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit 304 sets another past output condition within the settable condition according to the condition closest to the past output condition. May be substituted. A print output condition that is considered to be similar to the past output condition among conditions other than the condition closest to the past output condition, and is set by the user of the information processing apparatus 100 or the manufacturer of the information processing apparatus 100 Print output conditions.

  For example, regarding the paper size, if the condition “paper size closest to the past output condition” is set as a predetermined replacement condition, it is set in the past output condition from the settable conditions in the connected printer. The paper of the size physically closest to the paper size being printed is replaced as another print output condition.

  Specifically, for example, “A4 size” is set as a past output condition, and the connected printer can execute print processing using “Letter” size paper and “B5” size paper. In some cases, the paper size setting in the past output condition is replaced from the “A4” size to a “Letter” size that is closer to the “A4” size than the “B5” size.

  The second storage unit 305 stores information regarding another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304. In addition to the information stored in the first storage unit 301, the second storage unit 305 may store information on another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304, or the first storage unit The information stored in 301 may be updated and stored as information regarding another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304.

  Further, the second storage unit 305 may store information regarding another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304 for each printer. In this case, specifically, the second storage unit 305 includes, for example, a unique number for each printer such as a printer manufacturing number, information that can specify the printer model, and other information replaced by the replacement unit 304. By storing the print output conditions in association with each other, information regarding another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304 is stored for each printer.

  The issuing unit 306 connects a print output instruction stored in the second storage unit 305, including information regarding another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304 and image information to be printed according to the print output condition. Issue to the printer inside.

  Although not shown, in addition to the above-described configuration, an initial value setting unit that sets information related to past output conditions stored in the first storage unit 301 as a print output condition as an initial value of print condition setting May be further provided. In this case, the determination unit 303 described above uses the initial value set by the initial value setting unit and the information acquired by the acquisition unit 302 described above using the connected printer under the same print output conditions as the initial value. It is determined whether print output is possible. When the determination unit 303 determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit 304 described above replaces the initial value with another print output condition within the settable condition.

(Processing procedure of information processing device)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 100. Next, a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, first, as described above, wait until the “OK” button 108 is operated while the “Print” button 105 is selected by pressing the 4-Way ring 107 (step S401: No). If it is operated (step S401: Yes), it is determined whether a printer is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S402).

  If no printer is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 in step S402 (step S402: No), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the “Print” button 105 was operated (step S403). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S403: No), the process returns to step S402. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S403: Yes), the process proceeds to step S415.

  On the other hand, when a printer is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 in step S402 (step S402: Yes), information on settable conditions in the connected printer (hereinafter referred to as “settable condition information”) is acquired. (Step S404) Using the acquired settable condition information and the information stored in the first storage unit 301, it is possible to perform print output under the same print output conditions as the past output conditions using the connected printer. Whether or not (step S405).

  In step S405, when print output under the same print output condition as the past output condition is possible (step S405: Yes), the past output condition is set as the print output condition (step S406) and the connection is established. A print output instruction is issued to the printer (step S407), and the series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not possible to perform print output under the same print output conditions as the past output conditions in step S405 (step S405: No), step S402 is performed using the information stored in the second storage unit 305. In step S408, it is determined whether a printer of the same model as the printer connected to the information processing apparatus 100 has been connected in the past.

  In step S408, when a printer of the same model as the printer connected to the information processing apparatus 100 in step S402 has been connected in the past (step S408: Yes), the information stored in the second storage unit 305 is used. Then, the past output condition is replaced with the print output condition associated with the printer of the corresponding model (step S409). Here, the printer of the corresponding model is a printer of the same model as the printer connected to the information processing apparatus 100 in step S402.

  On the other hand, in step S408, if a printer of the same model as the printer connected to the information processing apparatus 100 in step S402 has not been connected in the past (step S408: No), it is stored by the second storage unit 305. Using the information, the past output condition is replaced with a print condition having a high frequency set in the past among print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer (step S410).

  Subsequently, the replaced print output condition is displayed on the high-definition liquid crystal display 104 (step S411), and it is determined whether or not the “OK” button 108 has been operated (step S412). When the “OK” button 108 is operated (step S412: YES), the print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410 is stored by the second storage unit 305 described above (step S413). The process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, if the “OK” button 108 is not operated in step S 412 (step S 412: No), the high-definition liquid crystal display 104 displays the print output condition replaced in step S 409 or step S 410 for a predetermined time. Is determined (step S414), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S414: No), the process returns to step S412.

  In step S414, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410 was displayed on the high-definition liquid crystal display 104 (step S414: Yes), predetermined error processing is performed. (Step S415), a series of processing ends.

  In step S410, the past output conditions are replaced with print output conditions that have been set in the past among the print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer. is not. For example, as described above, information on another print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410 may be stored separately from the past output condition, or the past output condition may be stored in step S409 or step S410. May be updated and stored in the information relating to another print output condition replaced in step (b).

  In step S413, information regarding another print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410 may be stored for each printer. As a result, the information used as the basis for judgment is accumulated from the next time when the past output conditions are replaced with the print output conditions set in the past among the print conditions that can be set in the connected printer. The

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display screen example (part 1). The display screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 104 when the past output condition is replaced with another print output condition in step S409 or step S410 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 500 includes information 510 representing another print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410, and whether or not the past output condition is replaced with another print output condition. And 520 for confirming with the user.

  The information 520 includes “Yes” and “No” keys for selecting whether to replace a past output condition with another print output condition. The “Yes” and “No” keys can be selected by operating the 4-Way ring 107 and the “OK” button 108. When the “No” key on the display screen 500 is selected, for example, when the print output condition that can be set in the connected printer is displayed on the display 104, the print output condition displayed at the head position is mechanically selected. Then, it is displayed as another replaced print output condition.

  In the process shown in FIG. 4, the replacement is performed after confirming with the user whether or not the past output condition is replaced with another print output condition, but this is not the only case. . For example, a past output condition may be replaced with another print output condition without a user's instruction operation according to a preset condition to be prioritized.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display screen example (part 2). The display screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 104 when a past output condition is replaced with another print output condition without the user's instruction operation. As shown in FIG. 6, the display screen 600 guides that information 510 representing another print output condition replaced in step S409 or step S410 and that a past output condition is replaced with another print output condition. Information 610 to be displayed is displayed.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, when print output is performed using a connected printer, if the same print output condition as the past output condition cannot be set, the past These output conditions can be replaced with other print output conditions within the print conditions that can be set in the connected printer without any user operation.

  In addition, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, by storing information regarding another replaced print output condition, even when the printer is connected to another printer next time, the past output condition is changed to the user. Without the above operation, it can be replaced with another print output condition within the print conditions that can be set in the connected printer.

  As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can set the print output that can be set in the connected printer without the user changing the print output condition even when the same print output condition as the past output condition cannot be set. It is possible to print out within the range of conditions. As a result, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can connect and use the electronic device to a plurality of printers without performing complicated input operations.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, if there are print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer in the past output conditions, the print output conditions can be set continuously. As a result, even when the information processing apparatus 100 cannot set the same print output condition as the past output condition, the past print condition can be set as much as possible without the user changing the print output condition. The close print output condition can be reset. As a result, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can obtain a print output result close to the past print output result without performing a complicated input operation.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, for example, when there is no paper of the same size, a paper having a size larger than the size set in the past output condition is selected. By setting predetermined replacement conditions in advance, the print output conditions can be replaced according to the user's intention.

  Thus, even when the information processing apparatus 100 cannot set the same print output condition as the past output condition, the print output in accordance with the user's intention without the user's operation to change the print output condition. You can reset the conditions. Thus, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can obtain an intended print output result without performing a complicated input operation.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, another print output condition can be added and stored while the past output condition remains. As a result, when the information processing apparatus 100 is reconnected to a printer that can set the same print output conditions as the past output conditions, the print output according to the past output conditions without any user operation. Can be performed. Thus, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can reset the past output conditions without performing a complicated input operation.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, the information stored in the first storage unit 301 is updated and stored as information related to another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304. Another print output condition can be stored without increasing the capacity of the storage medium for storing the print output condition.

  As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can perform print output according to the latest output condition without any user operation. Thus, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can reset the latest output condition without performing a complicated input operation.

  In the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, when information about another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit 304 is stored for each printer by the second storage unit 305, the information is connected in the past. In the case of a printer, it is possible to perform print output in accordance with print output conditions without any user operation. Thus, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can reset the latest output condition without performing a complicated input operation.

  Note that the order of step S408 and step S409 in the process shown in FIG. 4 described above may be interchanged. Specifically, for example, the previously connected printer is “printer A”, the currently connected printer is “printer B”, and both printer A and printer B print on A4 size paper and A3 size paper. Description will be made assuming that the printer is capable of output.

  In this case, if the processing is performed in the order shown in FIG. 4 described above, print output on the A4 size paper set in the printer A is also possible on the printer B. Therefore, the A4 size paper is used. Replaced with print output conditions for print output. If the information processing apparatus 100 is reconnected to the printer A after switching to A3 size paper and printing out, the paper printed by the user A last time is printed on the printer A even though the paper is A4 size. After the latest print output condition of using A3 size paper is prioritized, the print output condition for printing output using A3 size paper is set with priority. Such a processing method is suitable for a user who always prioritizes the latest print output conditions.

  On the other hand, when the order of the process of step S408 and the process of step S409 in the process shown in FIG. 4 is switched, the print output condition that the printer A prints out using A4 size paper is set. When connected to the printer B in the set state, print output using A4 size paper is possible in the printer B. Therefore, a print output condition for printing output using A4 size paper is set. Is done.

  If the information processing apparatus 100 is connected again to the printer A after switching to A3 size paper and printing out, the paper size used when the user last printed out the printer A is A4. Therefore, priority is given to the print output condition that prints using A4 size paper, and the print output condition that prints using A4 size paper has priority. Such a processing method is suitable for a user who normally uses one type of printer and wants to temporarily change the settings of another printer.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment, even when it is not possible to set the same print output condition as the past output condition, without changing the print output condition by the user, Printing can be performed within the range of print output conditions that can be set in the connected printer. As a result, the user of the information processing apparatus 100 can connect and use the electronic device to a plurality of printers without performing complicated input operations.

FIG. 2 is an external view (part 1) of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. External view of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment (part 2). The hardware block diagram of the information processing apparatus concerning this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the information processing apparatus concerning this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of information processing apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen (the 1). Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen (the 2).

Explanation of symbols

  100 Information processing device 301 First storage unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Determination unit 304 Replacement unit 305 Second storage unit

Claims (6)

In electronic devices that can be connected to a printer,
First storage means for storing information relating to “past output conditions” which are print output conditions relating to past print outputs;
Initial value setting means for setting information relating to the past output condition stored in the first storage means to a print output condition as an initial value of print condition setting;
An acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a “settable condition” that is a print output condition that can be set in the printer while connected to the printer;
Using the initial value set by the initial value setting unit and the information acquired by the acquiring unit, it is determined whether or not print output is possible under the same print output conditions as the initial value using the connected printer. Judgment means,
A replacement unit that replaces the initial value with another print output condition within the settable condition when the determination unit determines that the print output is impossible;
An electronic device characterized by comprising:   2. The replacement unit according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit replaces the output condition with the highest use frequency among the settable conditions. Electronic equipment.   When the determination unit determines that the print output is impossible, the replacement unit converts the past output condition into another print output within the settable condition according to a condition closest to the past output condition. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is replaced with a condition. Second storage means for storing information relating to another print output condition replaced by the replacement means;
4. The second storage unit stores information related to another print output condition replaced by the replacement unit, in addition to the information stored by the first storage unit. The electronic device as described in any one of. A second storage means for storing print output conditions set by the operator;
The replacement means is a print set by the operator that stores the initial value within the settable condition and stored in the second storage means when the judgment means diagnoses that print output is impossible. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is replaced with an output condition. Second storage means for storing information relating to another print output condition replaced by the replacement means;
The second storage means stores information on another print output condition replaced by the replacement means for each printer.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement unit replaces a print output condition corresponding to the connected printer with the initial value in the second storage unit.

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