JP2009146277A - Information processing device, print control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device which can carry out printing that a user desires by preventing a printing setting failure occurring due to the print setting that is set beforehand at the document data which received a printing instruction when making a printing instruction via an application that operates on an OS. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing device retains the setting date and time (time stamp) of the time when the printing setting is conducted as a document property for document data at DEVMODE information 501, and obtains the DEVMODE information 501 which has the printing setting conducted as a document property or the DEVMODE information 501 which has the setting date and time retained when a printing instruction is given from an application 201. Then, it obtains the setting time and date from the obtained printing setting information, obtains a start date and time of an application which gave the printing instruction and changes the printing setting based on the result of comparing the start date and time with the setting date and time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a print control method, and a program, and in particular, an information processing apparatus and a print control method for a printing system in which a printing apparatus executes print processing based on print settings set by the user on the information processing apparatus And the program.

  In printing in the Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) environment, printing processing is generally performed via a printing processing module called a printer driver. The printer driver performs a printing process based on a print setting called DEVMODE designated by an application via GDI (Graphics Device Interface). DEVMODE is a data structure for defining print settings, and is used when printing is performed in a Windows (registered trademark) environment. The DEVMODE structure is a binary data structure, and the printer driver can place data relatively freely in the extended area (PrivateDEVMODE member).

  There are various forms of DEVMODE used at the time of printing, such as those held in the printer driver as initial values and those held in the document data file created by the application. Which DEVMODE is used when printing is executed. Whether or not to print depends on the operation specifications of the application. For example, in an application called Microsoft (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as “MS-Excel”) manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, DEVMODE is held in a data file with an extension “xls”, and DEVMODE is selected from a plurality of print menus by the application. Can be changed. Further, DEVMODE is held in each sheet in the MS-Excel data file, and the print setting is applied to each sheet.

  For this reason, when a user issues a print instruction via an application that holds DEVMODE such as MS-Excel, a print setting (DEVMODE) set by a user other than the user in the past with respect to the data file of MS-Excel May be reflected when the user performs printing, and an output result desired by the user may not be obtained.

As one means for avoiding the above problem, there is disclosed a print setting simple display system having a flag indicating whether or not a print dialog is displayed and displaying a simple print confirmation dialog when the flag is OFF. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Further, in this print setting simple display system, if the print setting is different from that desired by the user, a print setting screen can be displayed by pressing a print setting change button.
JP 2006-79246 A

  However, the print setting simple display system described in Patent Document 1 can prevent a problem that results different from the output expected by the user when the print setting input in advance by the user is different from the memory. However, every time printing processing is performed, the user must confirm the contents of the print settings. Further, when the contents of the print settings are different from those intended by the user, it is necessary to reset the print settings from the print setting screen, and there is a problem that complicated work is required for the user.

  According to the present invention, when a print instruction is issued via an application operating on the OS, a print setting error caused by a print setting preset in the document data for which the print instruction has been issued is prevented, and a print desired by the user is performed. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, a print control method, and a program that can be performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting for document data configured in units of pages or sheets. A first print setting unit that performs print settings to be held in page units or sheet units of data, and print setting information of the print settings set by the first print setting unit, and the setting date and time of the print settings are stored Print setting information storage means to perform, second print setting means for performing print settings held by the printer driver, and print setting information stored in the print setting information storage means from the operating system in accordance with a print instruction for the document data Is stored together with the print setting information acquisition means for acquiring the print setting information acquired by the print setting information acquisition means. Print setting for changing from the print setting set by the first print setting means to the print setting set by the second print setting means according to a fixed date and time and an application start date and time when the document data print instruction is given And a changing unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a print control method according to claim 9 is a print control method of an information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting for document data configured in units of pages or sheets. The first print setting step for performing print settings to be held in units of pages or sheets of the document data, and the print setting information of the print settings set in the first print setting step In accordance with the print setting information storing step for storing the setting date and time, the second print setting step for performing the print setting held by the printer driver, and the print setting information storing step from the operating system according to the print instruction for the document data. A print setting information acquisition step for acquiring the print setting information; and the print setting information acquired in the print setting information acquisition step; The print setting set in the first print setting step is changed from the print setting set in the first print setting step in accordance with the setting date and time stored in the memory and the start date and time of the application instructed to print the document data. And a print setting changing step for changing.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 10 executes, in a computer, a print control method of an information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting for document data configured in units of pages or sheets. A first print setting step for performing print settings to be held in units of pages or sheets of the document data, and print setting information of the print settings set in the first print setting step A print setting information storing step for storing the set date and time of the print setting, a second print setting step for performing the print setting held by the printer driver, and the print setting from the operating system in accordance with a print instruction for the document data. Print setting information acquisition for acquiring the print setting information stored in the information storage step. Printing set in the first print setting step in accordance with the setting date and time stored together with the print setting information acquired in the print setting information acquisition step and the start date and time of the application instructed to print the document data And a print setting changing step for changing the setting to the print setting set in the second print setting step.

  According to the present invention, when a print instruction is issued via an application running on the OS, a print setting error caused by a print setting preset in document data for which a print instruction has been issued can be prevented, and a user's request can be made. Printing can be performed.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system including an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  1, the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a computer 3000 as an information processing apparatus and a printer 1500 as a printing apparatus, which are connected to each other via a data transfer path 121.

  The computer 3000 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an input controller (input C) 105, a video controller (VC) 106, a memory controller (MC) 107, and a communication I / F controller (communication I / FC). 108, an operation device 109, a display device 110, and an external memory 111. The CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, input controller 105, video controller 106, memory controller 107, and communication I / F controller 108 are connected to each other via a system bus 104.

  The CPU 101 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing to be described later into the RAM 102 and executing the program. Further, the CPU 101 displays display information on the display device 110 by, for example, executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 102. Further, the CPU 101 displays a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on the display device 110, thereby enabling an instruction from the user.

  The RAM 102 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 101. The ROM 103 or the external memory 111 includes a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is a control program of the CPU 101, an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as “OS”), and various programs necessary for executing each process described later. Etc. are stored. The OS used in the present embodiment is assumed to be, for example, Windows (registered trademark) XP manufactured by Microsoft Corporation, but is not limited thereto.

  The input controller 105 controls input from the operation device 109 configured by a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The video controller 106 controls display on the display device 110 such as a CRT display. The display device 110 is not limited to the CRT, and may be a liquid crystal display.

  The memory controller 107 controls access to the external memory 111. The external memory 111 stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like, and includes a hard disk (HD), floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), or PCMCIA. It consists of a CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory connected to the card slot via an adapter. The communication I / F controller 108 controls connection / communication with an external device via a network or the like. For example, data can be transmitted / received to / from the printer 1500 via the data transfer path 121 by Internet communication using TCP / IP. The data transfer path 121 may be a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or a local network connected by a cable or the like.

  The printer 1500 includes a CPU 112, a RAM 119, a font ROM 113a, a program ROM 113b, a data ROM 113c, an input unit 118, a printing unit interface (printing unit I / F) 116, a printing unit (printer engine) 117, and an operation. Unit 122, memory controller (MC) 120, and external memory 114. The CPU 112, the RAM 119, the ROM 113, the input unit 118, the printing unit I / F 116, the operation unit 122, and the MC 120 are connected to each other via a system bus 115.

  The CPU 112 outputs an image signal as output information to the printing unit 117 via the printing unit I / F 116 based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM 113b or the external memory 114. The program ROM 113b stores a control program executed by the CPU 112 and the like. The font ROM 113a stores font data used when generating the output information. The data ROM 113c stores information used on the computer 3000 when the printer 1500 does not have an external memory 114 such as a hard disk.

  The CPU 112 can perform communication processing with the computer 3000 via the input unit 118 to notify the computer 3000 of information in the printer 1500 and the like. A RAM 119 is a main memory of the CPU 112 and functions as a work area. The RAM 119 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 119 is also used for an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

  The memory controller 120 controls access to the external memory 114. The external memory 114 is connected as an option, stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like, and includes a hard disk (HD), an IC card, and the like.

  The operation unit 122 is an operation panel on which switches and LEDs for operation are arranged. Note that the external memory 114 included in the printer 1500 is not limited to one, and may be plural. In addition to the built-in font, the printer 1500 may be configured so that an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected. Further, the printer 1500 may have an NVRAM (not shown) that stores printer mode setting information set by the operation unit 122.

  In this embodiment, the page description language (hereinafter referred to as “PDL”) supported by the printer 1500 is assumed to be a relatively advanced PDL such as an LBP Image Processing System (hereinafter referred to as “LIPS”). However, it is not limited to this.

  A print control program (hereinafter referred to as “printer driver”) for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 111 and is executed by the CPU 101 by being loaded into the RAM 102 as necessary. Definition files and various information tables used by the printer driver are stored in the external memory 111.

  The configuration of the printing system is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various configuration examples depending on the application and purpose. For example, as long as the function of the present invention is realized, the present invention may be applied to a single device, or may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices connected via a network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network). May be.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of software that functions during print control processing in the computer 3000 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the computer 3000 includes an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”) 201, a graphics engine 202, a printer driver 203, and a print subsystem 204. Each of these is a program module stored as a file in the external memory 111. These modules are loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the OS and modules that use the modules.

  The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the external memory 111 such as a hard disk (HD) from the external memory 111 or from an external device connected via the network 301 shown in FIG. The application 201 stored in the external memory 111 is loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 1500, output (rendering) is performed using the graphics engine 202 that is similarly loaded into the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101.

  The graphics engine 202 activates a printer driver 203 prepared for each printer. As a result, the printer driver 203 is executed by the CPU 101 loaded from the external memory 111 to the RAM 102. The graphics engine 202 uses the printer driver 203 to convert a print command or drawing command output from the application 201 into a printer control command using PDL.

  The printer control command converted by the printer driver 203 is output to the printer 1500 via the print subsystem 204 and the data transfer path 121. The print subsystem 204 is activated by the OS, loaded from the external memory 111 to the RAM 102 and executed by the CPU 101, scheduling of print jobs, connection control between the computer 3000 and the printer 1500, and status of the printer 1500. Manage.

  The printer driver 203 converts the print command or drawing command output from the application 201 into a printer control command and instructs the printer 1500 to reflect the print command in the print output. A function for performing settings for controlling the functions of the printer 1500 (hereinafter referred to as “user interface (UI)”), a function for storing the settings, and information on functions of the printer driver 203 and the printer 1500 are stored in the application 201 and When the function provided to the OS, the function set by the UI is a function of the printer 1500, the function for generating a printer control command, and the function set by the UI are functions performed by the printer driver 203 It has a function for realizing the function.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of another printing system to which the computer 3000 and the printer 1500 in FIG. 1 are applied.

  In FIG. 3, the printing system includes a plurality of computers 3000, a printer 1500, and a print server computer 4000, which are connected to each other via a network 301. The communication I / F controller 108 in the computer 3000 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  The printer 1500 may be connected to the print server computer 4000 via a local interface 302 such as Centronics or USB (Universal Serial Bus), and may be connected to the network 301 via the print server computer 4000. It may be configured to be directly connected to 301. Note that the input unit 118 in the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301 has a function of a network interface card (NIC).

  When the computer 3000 transmits a print job to the printer 1500 connected to the network 301 via the print server computer 4000, first, the computer 3000 transmits the print job to the print server computer 4000 via the print subsystem 204. The print server computer 4000 transmits the print job transmitted from the computer 3000 to the printer 1500 via a print subsystem (not shown) on the print server computer 4000.

  Further, when transmitting a print job to the printer 1500 directly connected to the network 301, the computer 3000 transmits the print job directly to the printer 1500 via the print subsystem 204.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic flow of print control processing executed by the computer 3000 of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the application 201 does not directly transmit / receive information to / from the printer driver 203 but transmits / receives information to / from the printer driver 203 via the graphics engine 202 included in the OS. The graphics engine 202 receives an instruction from the application 201 and instructs the printer driver 203.

  First, when outputting document data, the application 201 uses a graphics engine to store print setting information such as single-sided / double-sided printing settings and the number of copies set by the application 201 or the printer driver 203 via a memory area secured in the RAM 102. 202 is notified.

  The printer driver 203 stores the print setting information from the graphics engine 202 on the RAM 102 in order to store information (printer driver information) necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print control processing based on the print setting information. An initialization request for the secured memory area is received (S401). As a result, the printer driver 203 secures a memory area for holding the printer driver information, and initializes the memory area in accordance with the print setting information.

  When the printer driver 203 completes the necessary processing by receiving the initialization request for the memory area holding the printer driver information referred to by the printer driver 203, the printing capability of the printer driver 203 according to the print setting information received in S401. Information is notified to the graphics engine 202.

  The application 201 acquires a handle value necessary for associating the print job that is finally transmitted to the printer 1500 with the print setting information to be reflected in the print job from the graphics engine 202 (S402).

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print start request to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print start request from the graphics engine 202 (S403). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command by PDL necessary for the printer 1500 to start printing. The process for generating the printer control command is the time when the printing process for the first page (first page) or sheet (sheet 1) is started, that is, the first page or sheet drawing instruction from the application 201 is received. It may be done at the time.

  When the application 201 issues a drawing instruction for realizing drawing of a drawing object such as a character, figure, or image to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the drawing instruction from the graphics engine 202 ( S404). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command reflecting the drawing instruction including the designated drawing object or page break as appropriate, and outputs the generated printer control command to the printer 1500. Note that the number of pages or sheets to be printed depends on the designation from the application 201.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print setting switching (change) request to the graphics engine 202 in order to change the print setting information in units of pages or sheets, the printer driver 203 switches the print settings ( A change request is received from the graphics engine 202 (S405). Specifically, the printer driver 203 receives print setting information after switching (change) from the graphics engine 202 and information necessary for the printer driver 203 to perform print processing based on the print setting information (printer driver). And an initialization request for the memory area secured on the RAM 102 for storing the information. As a result, the printer driver 203 secures a memory area for holding the printer driver information, and initializes the memory area in accordance with the print setting information.

  Next, the printer driver 203 notifies the graphics engine 202 of the print capability information of the printer driver 203 corresponding to the received print setting information after switching (change). The printer driver 203 receives the printer driver information before and after switching (change) from the graphics engine 202 as a print setting switching (change) request, and is necessary for switching (changing) print settings. Perform proper processing. Next, the printer driver 203 receives from the graphics engine 202 a request to discard the printer driver information stored in the memory area in S401. As a result, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information before switching (changing). The printer driver 203 generates a printer control command that reflects the print setting information after the designated switching (change) as appropriate, and outputs the generated printer control command to the printer 1500. Whether or not the print setting is switched (changed) in units of pages (or sheets) depends on an instruction from the application 201.

  Next, when the application 201 makes a print end request to the graphics engine 202, the printer driver 203 receives the print end request from the graphics engine 202 (S406). As a result, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command necessary for the printer 1500 to end printing, and ends the printer control command generation processing.

  Next, the application 201 notifies the graphics engine 202 of a request for discarding the handle value acquired in S402. The printer driver 203 receives a request for discarding the printer driver information stored in the memory area from the graphics engine 202. As a result, the printer driver 203 discards the printer driver information (S407). One print job to be transmitted to the printer 1500 is generated by the processes of S403 to S406.

  In this embodiment, the printer driver 203 receives a request from the graphics engine 202 mainly in user interface processing for storing (holding) print setting information (not shown) of the printer driver 203 and in steps S401, S403, and S405. Function is added to the process.

  Next, print setting information and printer driver information exchanged between the graphics engine 202 and the printer driver 203 in S401 of FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a holding form of print setting information and printer driver information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a DEVMODE structure holding the print setting information, and FIG. 3 shows a DEVDATA structure that holds printer driver information. Members that hold (store) print setting information and various setting information are stored in this DEVMODE structure (print setting information storage unit).

  In FIG. 5A, DEVMODE information 501 is a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information such as single-sided / double-sided printing setting and number of copies setting. In the present embodiment, the PrivateDEVMODE member (PrivateDEVMODE area) in the DEVMODE information 501 is provided with a member 501a that holds the setting date and time (time stamp) when the DEVMODE information (print setting information) 501 is made. This set date and time is date and time information related to the date and time.

  In FIG. 5B, printer driver information 502 is a DEVDATA structure in which information necessary for the printer driver to perform print processing is stored. In this embodiment, a member 502b that holds (stores) DEVMODE information at the start of printing (hereinafter referred to as “start DEVMODE”) in the printer driver information 502, and DEVMODE information that is currently being processed (hereinafter “ Member 502a holding (storing) and a member 502c holding (storing) a print start flag for determining whether printing has started.

  For example, in the case of MS-Excel, as shown in FIG. 6, the print settings (DEVMODE) set in the order of [File] 2001- [Print] 2002- [Property] 2003 are held (stored) as the start DEVMODE in the member 502b. ) As shown in FIG. 6, the method in which the application 201 sets the print setting information in the document data by the printer driver via the OS is a general print setting method (first print setting) based on document properties.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the print settings (DEVMODE) set in the order of [File] 2101- [Page settings] 2102- [Options] 2103 and stored in each sheet are stored in the MS-Excel data file. It is held in units of sheets, and is held in order in the member 502a as the current DEVMODE during each sheet printing process. As shown in FIG. 7, the method in which the application 201 sets print setting information in the document data by the printer driver via the OS is also a general print setting method (first print setting) based on document properties.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the print setting information set from the print setting 2201 of the printer property is held as default DEVMODE in registry information (not shown) stored in the external memory 111. This print setting information is held for each printer driver (for each printer object generated on the printer management screen). As shown in FIG. 8, a method for setting print setting information in document data by a printer driver via the operating system is a print setting method (second print setting) based on printer properties.

  The print start flag held in the member 502c is a flag that is referred to or changed in step S807 in FIG. 12, step S904 in FIG. 13, and steps S1001 and S1007 in FIG.

  Note that an area for holding the above-described DEVMODE information 501 and printer driver information 502 is secured in the RAM 102 by the printer driver 203.

  Next, the contents of the time stamp when the print setting (DEVMODE) of the MS-Excel data file having three sheets is changed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of print settings and time stamps when the print setting (DEVMODE) of an MS-Excel data file having three sheets is changed, and FIG. 9A is an example of print setting information before the change. (B) shows an example of print setting information after the print setting change by the print setting method shown in FIG. 7, and (c) shows an example of the print setting information after the print setting change by the print setting method shown in FIG. Indicates.

  9A, in the print setting before change (DEVMODE setting) 2301, the same print settings: A4, 4up, staple OFF,... The time stamp is 2007/10/31/09: 00: 00, the time stamp of sheet 2 is 2007/10/31/09: 30, and the time stamp of sheet 3 is 2007/10/31/09: 01: 00. It has become. Here, when MS-Excel is started on the computer 3000 at 13: 00: 01: 00 on 2007/11/01, the time stamp held in the sheets 1 to 3 of the print setting 2301 before the change is MS- The date and time is older than the startup date and time of Excel. Thereafter, the user selects the sheet 2, displays a printer driver user interface (hereinafter referred to as "driver UI") screen 2104 by the method shown in FIG. 7, changes the print setting to 2up, staple ON, and is OK. The button 2104a is pressed. The time stamp (2007/11/01/13: 00: 30) at this time is held on the sheet 2 of the print setting 2302 after the change shown in FIG. 9B.

  After that, the user displays the driver UI screen 2004 by the method shown in FIG. 6, changes the print setting to 1 up and staples off, and executes printing (the time stamp is set to 2007/11/01/13: 01: 54). ). The print setting (1 up, staple OFF) at this time is held in the member 502b as the DEVMODE information (start DEVMODE) at the start of printing described above. The time stamp 2007/11/01/13: 01: 54 is held in the member 501a.

  The time stamps of the sheets 1 and 3 (2007/10/31/09: 00: 00, 2007/10/31/09: 01: 00) are the application start date and time (2007/11/01/13: Since the time stamp is older than 00:00), it can be overwritten with DEVMODE information (start DEVMODE) (2007/11/01/13: 01: 54) at the start of printing, as shown in FIG. 9C. As a result, the print setting of the sheets 1 and 3 is 1 up and stapling OFF, and the printing setting of the sheet 2 is 2 up and stapling ON.

  Next, the print control process in the first embodiment will be described. The print control process described below is a process executed by the CPU 101 based on the printer driver 203, but for the sake of convenience, the printer driver 203 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing DEVMODE storage processing for storing (holding) print setting information in the DEVMODE information 501 of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, in step S601, the printer driver 203 acquires the DEVMODE information passed from the application 201 to the UI module of the printer driver 203 via the OS when displaying the driver UI screen (print setting information acquisition unit). ).

  In step S602, the printer driver 203 determines whether the acquired DEVMODE information is NULL. For example, in the case of MS-Excel, the DEVMODE information set in each sheet of the MS-Excel data file on the driver UI screen 2104 shown in FIG. Note that there are some simple printing applications that do not hold print settings in the application, and the DEVMODE information is set to NULL and printing is performed with default print settings.

  If the acquired DEVMODE information is NULL as a result of the determination in step S602, the printer driver 203 acquires default DEVMODE information stored in the registry of the external memory 111 (step S603). On the other hand, if the DEVMODE information is not NULL, the process proceeds directly to step S604.

  In step S604, the printer driver 203 displays a driver UI screen and initializes each control based on the acquired DEVMODE information. In step S605, the printer driver 203 determines whether the OK button on the driver UI screen has been pressed or the cancel button has been pressed. If the OK button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S606. If the cancel button is pressed, this process is terminated.

  In step S606, the printer driver 203 determines whether the driver UI screen has been opened from the printer properties illustrated in FIG. 8 or from the document properties illustrated in FIG. 6 or FIG. When opened from the printer properties (YES in step S606), the printer driver 203 sets all the time stamp settings of the DEVMODE information 501 to zero (0) (step S607). Here, the printer driver 203 sets the time stamp held in the time stamp member 501a to 0: 0: 0.

  Then, the printer driver 203 updates the default DEVMODE information stored in the registry of the external memory 111 (step S608).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S606, when the driver UI screen is opened from the document property shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 (NO in step S606), the printer driver 203 adds the time stamp to the time stamp member 501a of the DEVMODE information 501. DEVMODE setting date and time (print setting date and time) is saved (held) (step S609), and DEVMODE information is returned to the calling application (step S610). The calling application described below means an application that has issued a print instruction.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of print processing for generating a print job.

  In step S701, the printer driver 203 receives an instruction from the graphics engine 202 in step S401 of FIG. 4 and initializes the printer driver information 502 based on the DEVMODE information 501 (first DEVMODE setting process). Details will be described later.

  Next, in step S702, the printer driver 203 performs processing at the start of printing (print start processing) at the timing when an instruction is received from the graphics engine 202 in step S403 of FIG. Details will be described later.

  Next, in step S703, the printer driver 203 receives DEVMODE information 501 for switching (changing) print settings (DEVMODE after switching (changing)) at the timing of receiving an instruction from the graphics engine 202 in S405 of FIG. Information) is initialized (second DEVMODE setting process).

  In step S704, the printer driver 203 receives the print setting switching (change) instruction from the graphics engine 202 in step S405, and the printer driver before and after switching (changing) the print settings. Based on the information 502, a print setting switching (changing) process is performed. This process is performed when the print setting (DEVMODE) is switched (changed) in print page units (or sheet units) from the application 201. Some applications manage DEVMODE information in units of sheets, and switch (change) print settings in units of sheets.

  In step S <b> 705, the printer driver 203 generates a printer control command and a drawing command based on a drawing instruction of a drawing object such as a character, a graphic, or an image specified from the application 201 via the graphics engine 202. (Page drawing process). In the case of a sheet, sheet drawing processing is performed.

  In step S706, the printer driver 203 determines whether all page drawing has been completed. Depending on the application, it is determined whether drawing for each sheet has been completed. The processes in steps S703 to S705 are repeated until the process is completed. In step S707, the printer driver 203 generates and transmits a printer control command for ending the job (print end process). Further, the printer driver 203 releases the current DEVMODE and start DEVMODE memories held in the printer driver information 502.

  Next, details of the DEVMODE setting process in step S701 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the first DEVMODE setting process in step S701 of FIG. Note that the second DEVMODE setting process in step S703 in FIG. 11 is the same as the first DEVMODE setting process, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S801, the printer driver 203 acquires the DEVMODE information 501 passed from the graphics engine 202 to the graphics module of the printer driver 203 in step S401 in FIG.

  Next, in step S802, the printer driver 203 acquires the time stamp (set date and time) held in the time stamp member 501a of the DEVMODE information 501 acquired in step S801. In step S <b> 803, the printer driver 203 acquires the activation date and time of the calling application. Specifically, the process handle of the calling application is acquired by GetCurrentProcess () Win32API, and the start date and time of the calling application is acquired by GetProcessTime () Win32API.

  In step S804, the printer driver 203 compares the application start date and time acquired in step S803 with the time stamp acquired in step S802, that is, the DEVMODE (print setting) setting date and time. If the DEVMODE setting date / time is newer than the activation date / time as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to step S806. If the DEVMODE setting date / time is older than the activation date / time, the printer driver 203 stores the DEVMODE setting date / time in the external memory 111. The default DEVMODE information stored in the registry is acquired, and the DEVMODE information 501 acquired in step S802 is overwritten with the default DEVMODE (step S805). When overwriting with the default DEVMODE, only a part of the DEVMODE information 501 (for example, other than the paper size / orientation member of the public DEVMODE) may be used.

  In step S806, the printer driver 203 copies the DEVMODE information 501 acquired in the previous step and stored in the RAM 102 to the member 502a that holds the current DEVMODE of the printer driver information 502 that is also stored in the RAM 102 (step S806). S806). In step S807, the printer driver 203 sets the print start flag held in the printer driver information 502 to FALSE in order to determine whether printing has started.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the details of the print start process in step S702 of FIG. 11 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the print start process in step S702 of FIG.

  In step S901, the printer driver 203 acquires a print start flag from the printer driver information 502 specified in the graphics module of the printer driver 203 from the graphics engine 202 in step S403 in FIG. 4, and determines whether it is FALSE. Since the print start process may be executed at times other than when printing is started, it is determined by the print start flag whether printing is starting.

  If the result of determination in step S901 is that the print start flag is FALSE, the printer driver 203 acquires the current DEVMODE from the printer driver information 502 (step S902). On the other hand, in the case of TRUE, this process ends.

  In step S903, the printer driver 203 copies the current DEVMODE acquired in step S902 to the member 502b holding the start DEVMODE of the printer driver information 502 as the start DEVMODE at the start of printing. In step S904, the printer driver 203 sets the print start flag of the printer driver information 502 to TRUE.

  Next, the details of the DEVMODE switching (change) process in step S703 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the DEVMODE switching (change) process in step S703 of FIG.

  In step S1001, the printer driver 203 acquires a print start flag from the printer driver information 502 before switching (changing) the print settings specified in the graphics module of the printer driver 203 from the graphics engine 202 in step S405 of FIG. It is determined whether it is TRUE. As a result, in the case of TRUE, the process proceeds to step S1002, while in the case of FALSE, the process proceeds to step S1007.

  In step S1002, the printer driver 203 acquires the start DEVMODE from the printer driver information 502 before switching (changing) the print settings specified in the graphics module of the printer driver 203 from the graphics engine 202 in step S405 of FIG. In step S1003, the printer driver 203 acquires the current DEVMODE from the printer driver information 502 after switching (changing) the print settings specified in the graphics module of the printer driver 203 from the graphics engine 202 in step S405.

  In step S1004, the printer driver 203 determines the current DEVMODE time stamp after the print setting switching (change) acquired in step S1003. If the time stamp settings are all zero (0), the current DEVMODE held in the printer driver information 502 after the print setting switching (change) is overwritten with the start DEVMODE acquired in step S1002 (step S1005). When overwriting with the start DEVMODE, not only the entire current DEVMODE held in the DEVDATA after switching (change) but only a part (for example, other than the paper size / direction member of the Public DEVMODE) may be used.

  In step S1006, the printer driver 203 takes over (copies) the start DEVMODE setting of the printer driver information 502 after the print setting switching (change) from the start DEVMODE of the printer driver information 502 before the print setting change (change). In step S1007, the printer driver 203 takes over (copies) the print start flag setting of the printer driver information 502 after the print setting switching (change) from the print start flag of the printer driver information 502 before the print setting change (change). .

  According to the first embodiment, the set date and time (time stamp) when the print setting is made for the document data with the document property is held in the DEVMODE information 501, and when the print instruction is issued from the application 201. The DEVMODE information 501 in which the print setting is made in the document property or the DEVMODE information 501 in which the setting date / time is held is acquired. Then, the setting date / time is acquired from the acquired print setting information, the activation date / time of the application that has instructed printing is acquired, and the print setting information is switched (changed) based on the comparison result between the activation date / time and the setting date / time. . As a result, when a print instruction is issued via an application running on the OS, it is possible to prevent a user from making a print setting error and reduce waste of paper and toner regardless of whether print settings have been made in advance. Can do.

  In particular, when the user does not explicitly set the print settings, the default print settings are applied. When the user explicitly sets the print settings, the print settings are reflected in all sheets (or pages). Is done. When print settings are made in units of sheets (or pages), the print settings are changed (changed) to the print settings set in units of the sheets. Thereby, the said effect is acquired.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the DEVMODE information (print setting information) is switched (changed) based on the time stamp (setting date / time) held in the time stamp member of the DEVMODE information 501 and the activation date / time of the calling application. Therefore, even if the DEVMODE information is set by itself, there is a problem that the default DEVMODE information is always overwritten after the application is restarted.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, by newly holding a key name such as a user name or a computer name in the DEVMODE information, the print settings set by itself are always effective even after the application is restarted. It is to make. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in a part of the conditions for determining whether to switch (change) DEVMODE, and is the same as the first embodiment. These parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Members that hold (store) print setting information and various setting information are stored in this DEVMODE structure (print setting information storage unit).

  The print setting information is exchanged between the graphics engine 202 and the printer driver 203 in S401 of FIG. 4 as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, DEVMODE information 1101 is a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information such as single-sided / double-sided printing setting and number of copies setting. In this embodiment, the private DEVMODE member in the DEVMODE information 1101 includes the time stamp member 1101a that holds the setting date and time (time stamp) when the DEVMODE information (print setting information) is made, and the user who changed the setting of the DEVMODE information A user name member 1101b for holding a name. Note that an area for holding the DEVMODE information 1101 is secured in the RAM 102 by the printer driver 203. The set date and time is date and time information related to the date and time.

  Next, print control processing in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing for storing (holding) print setting information in the DEVMODE information 1101 of FIG. Note that steps S601 to S610 in FIG. 16 are the same as steps S601 to S610 in FIG.

  In step S1201, the printer driver 203 holds the user name of the user who has logged into the computer 3000 in the user name member 1101b of the DEVMODE information 1101. The user name of the logged-in user is acquired using GetUserName Win32 API or the like.

  Next, details of the DEVMODE setting process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the DEVMODE setting process in the second embodiment. This process is a DEVMODE setting process in step S701 in FIG. 11, and steps S801 to S807 are the same as steps S801 to S807 in FIG.

  In step S1301, the printer driver 203 acquires the user name of the login user at the time of printing. The user name of the login user at the time of printing is acquired by GetUserName Win32 API or the like. In step S1302, the printer driver 203 compares the user name stored in the DEVMODE information 1101 acquired in step S801 with the user name acquired in step S1301, and determines whether they are different. As a result of the determination, if the user names are the same, the processing after step S806 is performed, whereas if the user names are different, the processing after step S804 is performed. As a result, when the user name held in the DEVMODE information 1101 is the same as the user name of the login user at the time of printing, the login user sets even after the login user restarts the application. The DEVMODE information is not switched to the default DEVMODE information, and user convenience can be improved.

  Note that if the user's settings are always valid, it is sufficient to determine only the user name. However, in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the time stamp determination (step S1302) is performed after the user name determination (step S1302). S804) is also performed. This is because the case where the user is switched (changed) after printing and printing is performed (impersonation) is considered.

  Next, the DEVMODE switching (change) process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the DEVMODE switching (change) processing in the second embodiment. This process is a DEVMODE switching (change) process in step S704 in FIG. 11, and steps S1001 to S1007 are the same as steps S1001 to S1007 in FIG.

  In step S1401, the printer driver 203 acquires the user name of the login user at the time of printing from the DEVMODE information 1101. The user name of the login user at the time of printing is acquired by GetUserName Win32 API or the like. In step S1402, the printer driver 203 compares the user name stored in the DEVMODE information 1101 acquired in step S1002 with the user name acquired in step S1401, and determines whether they are different. As a result of this determination, if the user names are the same, the processing after step S1006 is performed, whereas if the user names are different, the processing after step S1004 is performed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 18, the time stamp is determined (step S1004) after the user name is determined (step S1402), but this is also the case where the user is switched (changed) after printing and printing is performed. This is because (impersonation) is taken into consideration.

  According to the second embodiment, the user name of the logged-in user is stored in the DEVMODE information 1101, and when a print instruction is issued from the application 201, the user name stored in the DEVMODE information 1101 and the print execution time If the user name of the logged-in user is the same, the print setting information is not switched (changed) even after the application 201 is restarted. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, The set DEVMODE information can be maintained even after the application 201 is restarted, and the usability at the time of print output by a user who issues a print instruction using an application operating on the OS can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, the embodiment in which the user name of the login user is held in the DEVMODE information 1101 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a form in which a computer name is held may be used. In this case, the printing system as shown in FIG. 3 can be applied to a printing control method between a plurality of computers 3000 and the print server computer 4000.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, since the DEVMODE information is switched (changed) using the user name as a key, when the user who sets the DEVMODE information performs printing, the DEVMODE information is always printed with the set DEVMODE information. Therefore, there is a problem that the DEVMODE information switching (changing) process is not always applied.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, a check box “Enable this setting even after restarting the application” is provided on the driver UI screen, and DEVMODE information is switched (changed) based on this setting information. By determining whether or not, for example, even if the user name of the user who set DEVMODE is the same as the user name of the user who executes printing, DEVMODE switching (change) can be performed as necessary. It becomes possible. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in part of the conditions for determining whether to switch (change) DEVMODE or not, and is the same as the first embodiment. Detailed description will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals to the portions.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Members that hold (store) print setting information and various setting information are stored in this DEVMODE structure (print setting information storage unit).

  The print setting information is exchanged between the graphics engine 202 and the printer driver 203 in S401 of FIG. 4 as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 19, DEVMODE information 1501 is a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information such as single-sided / double-sided printing setting and number of copies setting. In this embodiment, the private DEVMODE member in the DEVMODE information 1501 includes a time stamp member 1501a that holds the set date and time (time stamp) when the DEVMODE information (print setting information) is made, and the DEVMODE information after the application is restarted. And a member 1501b that holds a flag (a print setting application flag that always enables print setting) indicating whether or not the setting is valid. Note that an area for holding the DEVMODE information 1501 is secured in the RAM 102 by the printer driver 203.

  The set date and time is date and time information related to the date and time. Further, in the MS-Excel data file, the data structures of the DEVMODE information 501 in FIG. 5, the DEVMODE information 1101 in FIG. 15, and the DEVMODE information 1501 in FIG. 19 are held as they are in each sheet.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed on the driver UI screen.

  When the check box is checked on the dialog 1601 illustrated in FIG. 20, “ON” is held in the “flag that enables this setting even after application activation” member in the DEVMODE information 1501. On the other hand, if the check box is not checked, “OFF” is held in the “flag that enables this setting even after application activation” member in the DEVMODE information 1501. The dialog 1601 may be displayed in a pop-up on the driver UI screen, and is not limited to the illustrated form, and may be incorporated in the driver UI screen.

  Next, a print control process in the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for storing (holding) print setting information in the DEVMODE information 1501 of FIG. Note that steps S601 to S610 in FIG. 21 are the same as steps S601 to S610 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1701, the printer driver 203 sets the flag for enabling this setting even after the application is activated in the DEVMODE information 1501 depending on whether or not the check box of the dialog 1610 displayed on the driver UI screen is checked. “OFF” is held.

  Next, a DEVMODE setting process in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing details of the DEVMODE setting process in the third embodiment. This process is a DEVMODE setting process in step S701 in FIG. 11, and steps S801 to S807 are the same as steps S801 to S807 in FIG.

  In step S1801, the printer driver 203 acquires from the DEVMODE information 1501 a flag that enables this setting even after the application is activated. Next, in step S1802, the printer driver 203 determines whether the flag acquired in step S1801 is OFF. As a result of this determination, when the flag is ON, the processing after step S806 is performed, and when it is OFF, the processing after step S804 is performed.

  Next, a DEVMODE switching (change) process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the DEVMODE switching (change) processing in the third embodiment. This process is a DEVMODE switching (change) process in step S704 in FIG. 11, and steps S1001 to S1007 are the same as steps S1001 to S1007 in FIG.

  In step S1901, the printer driver 203 acquires from the DEVMODE information 1501 a flag that enables this setting even after the application is activated. In step S1902, the printer driver 203 determines whether the flag acquired in step S1801 is OFF. As a result of this determination, when the flag is ON, the processing after step S1006 is performed, and when it is OFF, the processing after step S1004 is performed.

  According to the third embodiment, the dialog 1601 for setting whether or not the print setting is always enabled is displayed on the driver UI screen, and the contents (ON / OFF) set on the dialog 1601 are displayed. ) Is stored in the DEVMODE information 1501 as a print setting application flag. When a print instruction is issued from the application 201, the print setting information is switched (changed) according to the print setting application flag. Thereby, a user's usability can further be improved.

  In the third embodiment, the user name member 1101b of FIG. 15 may be provided in the DEVMODE information 1501 of FIG. Thus, even if the user name of the user who set DEVMODE is the same as the user name of the user who executes printing, DEVMODE switching (change) is performed according to the setting contents of the print setting application flag. As a result, it is possible to improve usability at the time of print output by a user who issues a print instruction using an application operating on the OS.

  The present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, Moreover, you may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, there is a case where the OS running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. In this case, the program is supplied by downloading directly from a storage medium storing the program or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the computer in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the printing system to which the computer and printer in FIG. 1 were applied. It is a figure which shows the basic flow of the printing control process performed in a computer. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a holding form of print setting information and printer driver information according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3A illustrates a DEVMODE structure that holds print setting information, and FIG. The DEVDATA structure to hold is shown. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver user interface screen displayed when print setting is performed on document data with document properties by selecting a print menu. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a printer driver user interface displayed when print setting is performed with document properties by selecting a page setting menu for document data. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a printer driver user interface displayed when print setting is performed with printer properties. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of print settings and time stamps when changing print settings of an MS-Excel data file having three sheets, (a) showing an example of print setting information before the change, and (b). 7 shows an example of print setting information after the print setting is changed by the method shown in FIG. 7, and (c) shows an example of print setting information after the print setting is changed by the method shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a DEVMODE storage process for storing print setting information in the DEVMODE information of FIG. 6 is a flowchart of print processing for generating a print job. 12 is a flowchart showing details of DEVMODE setting processing in step S701 in FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of a print start process in step S702 in FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of DEVMODE switching (change) processing in step S703 of FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the DEVMODE structure which hold | maintains the print setting information in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 16 is a flowchart of processing for storing print setting information in the DEVMODE information of FIG. 15. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the DEVMODE setting process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the DEVMODE switching (change) process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the DEVMODE structure which hold | maintains the print setting information in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the dialog displayed on a driver UI screen. 20 is a flowchart for storing print setting information in the DEVMODE information of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the DEVMODE setting process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the DEVMODE switching (change) process in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

3000 Computer 1500 Printer 101, 112 CPU
109 Operation Device 110 Display Device 111, 114 External Memory 122 Operation Unit 201 Application 202 Graphics Engine 203 Printer Driver 501, 1101, 1501 DEVMODE Information 502 Printer Driver Information

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting on document data configured in units of pages or sheets,
First print setting means for performing print settings to be held in units of pages or sheets of the document data;
Print setting information storage means for storing the setting date and time of the print setting together with the print setting information of the print setting set by the first print setting means;
Second print setting means for performing print settings held by the printer driver;
Print setting information acquisition means for acquiring print setting information stored in the print setting information storage means from an operating system in accordance with a print instruction for the document data;
According to the setting date and time stored together with the print setting information acquired by the print setting information acquisition unit and the start date and time of the application for which the document data print instruction is issued, the print setting set by the first print setting unit is An information processing apparatus comprising: a print setting changing unit that changes the print setting to be set by the second print setting unit.   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the print setting changing unit changes the print setting to the print setting set by the second print setting unit when the set date is older than the start date. apparatus.   The print setting change unit switches to the print setting set by the first print setting unit when the print setting information acquisition unit cannot acquire print setting information including a set date and time. The information processing apparatus described.   The print setting changing unit changes the print setting based on a comparison result between the setting date and time of the print setting set by the first print setting unit for each page or sheet and the start date and time. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The print setting information storage means stores a user name of a user who has logged into the information processing apparatus together with the print setting information,
User name acquisition means for acquiring the user name of the login user at the time of printing execution,
A user name comparing means for comparing the user name stored together with the print setting information acquired by the print setting information acquiring means and the user name acquired by the user name acquiring means;
5. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein when the user name is the same, the print setting changing unit does not change the print setting even after the application is restarted. 6. apparatus. The print setting information storage means stores a print setting application flag indicating whether or not to enable the print setting information even after restarting the application together with the print setting information,
A print setting application flag acquisition unit that acquires a print setting application flag stored together with the print setting information acquired by the print setting information acquisition unit;
6. The information according to claim 1, wherein the print setting changing unit changes the print setting in accordance with a print setting application flag acquired by the print setting application flag acquisition unit. Processing equipment.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising display means for displaying a dialog for setting whether or not to enable print settings even after the application is restarted.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information is a DEVMODE structure. A print control method for an information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting for document data configured in units of pages or sheets,
A first print setting step for performing print settings to be held in units of pages or sheets of the document data;
A print setting information storage step for storing the setting date and time of the print setting together with the print setting information of the print setting set in the first print setting step;
A second print setting step for performing print settings held by the printer driver;
A print setting information acquisition step of acquiring print setting information stored in the print setting information storage step from an operating system in accordance with a print instruction of the document data;
According to the setting date and time stored together with the print setting information acquired in the print setting information acquisition step and the start date and time of the application instructed to print the document data, from the print setting set in the first print setting step A print control method comprising: a print setting change step for changing to the print setting set in the second print setting step. A program for causing a computer to execute a print control method of an information processing apparatus including a printer driver for performing print setting for document data configured in units of pages or sheets,
A first print setting step for performing print settings to be held in units of pages or sheets of the document data;
A print setting information storing step for storing the print setting information of the print setting set in the first print setting step together with the setting date and time of the print setting;
A second print setting step for performing print settings held by the printer driver;
A print setting information acquisition step for acquiring the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage step from the operating system according to the print instruction of the document data;
According to the setting date and time stored together with the print setting information acquired in the print setting information acquisition step and the start date and time of the application instructed to print the document data, from the print setting set in the first print setting step A program comprising: a print setting changing step for changing to the print setting set in the second print setting step.

Images