JP2009288985A - Data output instruction apparatus, data output system, data output instruction method, program, and recording medium of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data output instruction apparatus that enables a user to easily select desired output conditions from among more various output conditions. <P>SOLUTION: A display control part 31 displays a list of output conditions stored in a data storage part 50 on a display 11, and an output instruction part 36 instructs a data output apparatus to output according to output conditions selected by a user via a mouse 14 from the listed output conditions. The list is hidden until a predetermined operation is made on the mouse 14, and the list is switched to display from the hidden state when the predetermined operation is made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output instruction device for instructing data output to a data output device such as an image forming apparatus or a facsimile.

  Conventionally, various techniques for transmitting data indicating output contents to a data output apparatus such as an image forming apparatus and instructing output of the data have been proposed.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a printer icon representing an image forming apparatus and printing conditions is displayed on a screen of a personal computer or the like, and an icon of a document file to be printed is drag-drop (drag and drop) on the printer icon. A technique is disclosed in which when a drop operation is performed, a print condition corresponding to the document file and the printer icon is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer icon to be printed.
JP 2007-286855 A (published on November 1, 2007)

  However, when the printer icon is displayed on the display screen such as the desktop screen as in the technique of Patent Document 1, the display area of the display screen is limited, and various software icons are displayed. Since there are many cases, the area where the printer icon can be displayed is limited. For this reason, the number of printer icons that can be displayed on the display screen is limited to a small number. Therefore, the number of image forming apparatuses and print conditions that can be selected by the user through the Drag-Drop operation is limited to a small number, and there is a problem that the user cannot always select the desired image forming apparatus and print conditions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data output instruction device and a data output that allow a user to easily select a desired output condition from a variety of output conditions. It is to provide an instruction method.

  In order to solve the above problems, a data output instruction device of the present invention is a data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device that performs data output processing. An instruction input device for performing an instruction input, a storage device that stores output conditions including one or more output processing functions used during data output processing, and a control unit that controls an output instruction operation for the data output device The control unit causes the display device to display a user interface screen including the list of output conditions stored in the storage device, and outputs the output conditions included in the list via the instruction input device. The data output device is instructed to output based on the selected output condition, and a predetermined operation is performed on the instruction input device. Is characterized in that switching Leave non-display state the user interface screen, the non-display state the user interface screen when the predetermined operation is performed in the display state.

  The data output system of the present invention includes a data data output device that performs data output processing, and any one of the data output instruction devices described above that instructs the data output device to output data.

  The data output instruction method of the present invention is a data output instruction method for instructing data output to a data data output apparatus that performs data output processing, and is one or more output processes used during data output processing. A step of causing the display device to display a user interface screen including a list of output conditions including functions, and an output instruction to the data output device based on an output condition selected and instructed by the user among the output conditions included in the list The user interface screen is hidden until a predetermined operation is performed by the user, and the user interface screen is switched from the non-display state to the display state when the predetermined operation is performed. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above data output instruction device, data output system, and data output instruction method, a user interface screen including a list of output conditions including one or more output processing functions used at the time of data output processing is displayed on the display device. The data output apparatus is instructed to output based on the output conditions selected and instructed by the user among the output conditions included in the list. In this way, by displaying the output conditions in a list format, it is possible to display more output conditions on the display screen as compared to the configuration in which the printer icon indicating the print conditions is displayed as in the conventional technique. Therefore, the user can easily select a desired output condition from a variety of output conditions.

  Further, according to the data output instruction device, the data output system, and the data output instruction method, the user interface screen is not displayed until the predetermined operation is performed by the user, and the predetermined operation is performed. When this happens, the user interface screen is switched from the non-display state to the display state. In this manner, by keeping the user interface screen in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed, more information other than the user interface can be displayed, thereby improving user convenience. Can be made.

  The control unit may be configured to display the user interface screen on the display device when a data file icon displayed on the display screen of the display device is dragged.

  According to the above configuration, the user interface screen is not displayed on the display device until the data file icon is dragged, and the user interface screen is displayed when the data file icon is dragged. The Thus, more information on the user interface screen can be displayed until the data file icon is dragged, and the convenience for the user can be improved. Further, by displaying the user interface screen when the drag operation is performed, a user operation for switching the user interface screen from the non-display state to the display state can be simplified. In addition, the time until switching from the non-display state to the display state can be shortened, and as a result, the time until the data output process is executed can be shortened.

  In addition, when the data file icon displayed on the display screen of the display device is dragged and dropped on a display area corresponding to one of the output conditions included in the list, the control unit The output instruction for causing the data output device to output the data file may be performed based on the output condition corresponding to the display area.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to collectively specify a data output device and an output processing function for performing data output processing by dragging and dropping data files. As a result, the operation burden on the user can be reduced and the time until the output process is executed can be shortened.

  In addition, when the user drags the data file icon to the display area corresponding to any output condition in the list via the instruction input device, the control unit moves the display area to another output condition. It is good also as a structure displayed by the method different from a display area.

  According to the above configuration, the output condition corresponding to the position where the drag operation is currently performed can be clearly shown to the user, and the drop operation can be prevented from being performed at a position different from the output condition desired by the user. .

  In addition, when the user drags the data file icon to the display area corresponding to one of the output conditions in the list via the instruction input device, the control unit sets the output condition corresponding to the display area. The detailed information may be displayed on the display device.

  According to said structure, the content of the output conditions contained in the said list can be grasped | ascertained easily, and a user's convenience can be improved.

  The control unit may be configured to store an output condition corresponding to the output instruction in the storage device when an output instruction is issued to the data output device.

  According to said structure, the output conditions which performed the output process in the past can be memorize | stored in a memory | storage device, and this output condition can be included and displayed on the said list | wrist. Thereby, when it is desired to perform the output process under the same output condition as the output condition for which the output process has been performed in the past, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user and the time required for the output process.

  The control unit may be configured to store the output condition in the storage device when the output condition is designated by the user via the instruction input device and the registration of the output condition is instructed. .

  According to said structure, the output conditions which a user desires can be memorize | stored in a memory | storage device, and this output conditions can be included and displayed on the said list | wrist. As a result, when it is desired to perform output processing under the output conditions desired by the user, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user and reduce the time required for the output processing.

  The control unit is a history output condition that is an output condition corresponding to an output instruction given to the data output device, and an output condition designated by the user via the instruction input device and instructed to be registered. The registered output condition is stored in an identifiable manner in the storage device, a history icon for selecting the history output condition and a registration icon for selecting the registered output condition are displayed on the display device, and the user instructs the instruction The history output condition list may be displayed when the history icon is selected via the input device, and the registered output condition list may be displayed when the registration icon is selected.

  According to the above configuration, since the user can arbitrarily select whether to display a list of history output conditions or a list of registered output conditions, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  The controller may be configured to automatically assign a name to the output condition based on a predetermined naming rule when the output condition is stored in the storage device.

  According to the above configuration, when the output condition is stored in the storage device, it is not necessary for the user to perform a process of assigning a name to the output condition, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, the control unit may be configured to change the name of the output condition stored in the storage device in response to a user instruction input via the instruction input device.

  According to said structure, the name of the output conditions registered by the user can be changed as needed. Thereby, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  The control unit may be configured to store the output condition in a portable recording medium.

  According to said structure, the said output conditions memorize | stored in the said portable recording medium can be made to read an arbitrary data output instruction | indication apparatus by a user, and the said output conditions can be used in this data output instruction | indication apparatus. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  The control unit has a function of executing application software, and the user interface screen is displayed on the display device when a data output processing menu related to the application software is selected during execution of the application software. It is good also as a structure displayed on.

  According to said structure, since the said user interface screen can be displayed during execution of application software, a user's convenience can further be improved.

  Also, a data output instruction device for instructing data output to a data output device selected from a plurality of data output devices, wherein the output condition specifies a data output device for executing output processing The information may be included.

  According to said structure, the output instruction | indication based on the said output condition can be performed with respect to the data output instruction | indication apparatus corresponding to this output condition by selecting the output condition contained in the said list | wrist. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  The data output instruction device may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program for causing the computer to operate the data output instruction device by operating the computer as the control unit, and recording the program. Such computer-readable recording media are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the data output instruction device, the data output system, and the data output instruction method of the present invention display a list of output conditions including one or more output processing functions used at the time of data output processing on the display device, Out of the output conditions included in the list, an output instruction is issued to the data output device based on the selected output condition. The user interface screen is kept in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed by the user, and the user interface screen is switched from the non-display state to the display state when the predetermined operation is performed.

  Therefore, more output conditions can be displayed on the display screen as compared with the configuration in which the printer icon indicating the print conditions is displayed as in the above-described prior art. It is possible to easily select an output condition to be performed. Further, by keeping the user interface screen in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed, more information other than the user interface screen can be displayed, thereby improving user convenience. be able to.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(1. Configuration of data output instruction device 10 and data output instruction system 100)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the data output instruction system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the data output instruction system 100 has a configuration in which one or more data output instruction devices 10 and one or more data output devices 1 are communicably connected via a communication network.

  The data output device 1 is, for example, a predetermined output process for data such as a printing apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine (for example, a printing process, a copying process, a transmission process, an editing process, a filing process, etc.) An apparatus for performing the above can be used. In the present embodiment, a case where a printing apparatus is used as the data output apparatus 1 will be mainly described.

  The data output instruction device 10 instructs the data output device 1 to output data and output conditions (combination of functions used at the time of output) relating to this data. As the data output instruction device 10, for example, a personal computer, a workstation or the like can be used.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the data output instruction device 10. As shown in this figure, a data output instruction device 10 includes a display 11, a display I / F (interface) 12, a keyboard (key input device) 13, a mouse (pointing device) 14, an instruction input I / F 15, a communication I / F. F16, the control part 20, and the data storage part 50 are provided.

  The display 11 is a display device that displays image data sent from the control unit 20 via the display I / F 12 and an image corresponding to the control signal. The configuration of the display 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can display an image according to image data. For example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, a CRT display, or the like can be used. The display I / F 12 is an interface for transmitting image data and control signals output from the control unit 20 to the display 11.

  The keyboard 13 and the mouse 14 are instruction input devices for the user to input instructions, and the user's operation content on these instruction input devices is transmitted to the control unit 20 via the instruction input I / F 15. In this embodiment, a mouse is used as a pointing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a trackball, a trackpad, a pointing stick, a joystick, a pen input device, or the like may be used.

  The communication I / F 16 is a communication unit for performing communication with other devices such as the data output device 1 via a communication network. As the communication network, for example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, etc. are used. it can.

  The control unit 20 includes an output instruction control unit 30 and an application processing unit 40.

  The application processing unit 40 is a processing unit that executes various application software. Examples of the application software include word processing software, spreadsheet software, image processing software, and image browsing software.

  The output instruction control unit 30 is a processing unit that executes output instruction software that performs processing for causing the data output apparatus 1 to output data under an output condition according to a user instruction. Unit 32, communication control unit 33, storage control unit 34, output data generation unit 35, and output instruction unit 36.

  The display control unit 31 controls display contents to be displayed on the display 11 via the display I / F 12.

  The instruction detection unit 32 detects user operation details (for example, key operation, drag operation, drop operation, click operation, etc.) on the keyboard 13 and the mouse 14.

  The communication control unit 33 controls communication with other devices such as the data output device 1 via the communication I / F 16 and the communication network.

  The storage control unit 34 controls writing of information to the data storage unit 50 and reading of information from the data storage unit 50.

  The output data generation unit 35 generates output data to be transmitted to the data output device 1.

  The output instruction unit 36 determines a data output condition, that is, a combination of the data output device 1 that performs data output processing and an output processing function used in the data output device 1, and issues an output instruction to the data output device 1. Do.

  The data storage unit 50 is a storage unit that stores various data used in the processing of the control unit 20, and includes a registration list storage unit 51, a history list storage unit 52, and a setting storage unit 53.

  The registration list storage unit 51 and the history list storage unit 52 store a list (list) of data output conditions (the data output device 1 that performs output processing and the output processing function used during the output processing in the data output device 1). It is a storage unit. The registration list storage unit 51 stores a registration list that is a list of output conditions instructed by the user, and the history list storage unit 52 stores a history list that is a list of output conditions executed in the data output device 1. To do.

  The setting storage unit 53 includes the setting contents of the display screen (user interface screen) to be displayed on the display 11, the functions of each data output device 1 connected to the data output instruction device 10 through the communication network so as to be communicable. Remember. In addition, the setting storage unit 53 temporarily stores the contents of instruction input from the user, data to be written in the registration list or history list, and the like.

(2. Operation of data output instruction device 10)
(2-1. User interface display start processing)
Next, the operation of the data output instruction device 10 will be described. First, the display method of the user interface of the output instruction software will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of display processing of the user interface in the data output instruction device 10.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the instruction detection unit 32 performs output processing of print files (various data files; for example, document files, image files, chart files, etc.) displayed on the display screen (desktop screen) of the display 11. It is determined whether any of the icons of the data file that can be the target of the drag operation has been dragged (S1).

  If it is determined in S1 that a drag operation has been performed, the display control unit 31 controls the display I / F 12 to display a user interface (user interface screen) IF1 shown in FIG. 4 described later (S2), which will be described later. The process shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial state, the output instruction software operates in the background, and the user interface of the output instruction software is not displayed on the display screen (desktop screen) of the display 11, As shown in FIG. 5B, the user interface IF1 is displayed by dragging the data file icon ic1. The instruction detection unit 32, for example, moves the cursor cu1 over a predetermined distance on the display screen while pressing the mouse button while the cursor cu1 is on the icon ic1, or the cursor cu1 is on the icon ic1. When the cursor cu1 is moved to a predetermined display area with the mouse button held down, it is determined that a drag operation has been performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the drag operation has not been performed, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether the application software has been activated (S3). This determination may be made based on whether or not an application software activation instruction has been given by the user via the keyboard 13 or the mouse 14, for example, or may be made by detecting the processing state of the application processing unit 40. .

  If it is determined in S3 that the application software has not been activated, the instruction detection unit 32 returns to the process of S1. On the other hand, if it is determined in S3 that the application software has been activated, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether a print menu (output processing menu) has been selected on the display screen of the application software (S4). For example, the user can select the print menu by clicking a button corresponding to the print menu displayed on the display screen of the application software or by selecting and operating the print menu from the toolbar.

  If it is determined in S4 that the print menu is not selected, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the application software has been terminated (S5). If it is determined that the process has not been completed, the process returns to S4. If it is determined that the process has been completed, the process returns to S1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 that the print menu has been selected, the display control unit 31 controls the display I / F 12 to display a user interface (user interface screen) IF2 shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later (S6). The process shown in FIG. 15 is performed.

(2-2. User interface when activated by drag operation)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the user interface IF1 displayed when the data file icon is dragged. As shown in this figure, in the user interface IF1, an icon group display area A1 indicating each data output device 1 communicably connected to the data output instruction device 10, the currently selected data output device When the printing function (output processing function) in 1 is classified into a plurality of categories, a button group display area A2 indicating each category, and a button group display area indicating each printing function included in the currently selected category A3, and a combination of the printing conditions (the data output device 1 that performs the printing process (output process) and one or more printing functions (output processing functions) that the data output apparatus 1 executes; A display area A4 of at least one of the history lists).

  In the display area A1, icons indicating the data output devices 1 that are communicably connected to the data output instruction device 10 are displayed. The user can select the data output device 1 that performs the output process by selecting any icon from these icons. The above selection operation is performed, for example, by clicking on the icon of the desired data output device 1 or by superimposing the mouse cursor on the desired icon of the data output device 1 while dragging the data file icon. . In the present embodiment, when a data file icon is dropped on the icon of the desired data output device 1, data output is performed on the data output device 1 under the output processing conditions selected at that time. A data output instruction is sent as is done. Note that a specific data output device 1 may be selected by default in the initial state. The data output device 1 displayed in the display area A1 is not limited to a printing device, but may be a FAX device or an image processing device, and a plurality of types of data output devices 1 may be displayed.

  In the display area A2, a button group indicating a category of printing functions (output processing functions) that can be used in the data output device 1 currently selected in the display area A1 is displayed. By selecting the button, the category of the button group to be displayed in the display area A3 can be selected. Note that the above selection operation is performed, for example, by clicking a button of a desired category or by overlaying a mouse cursor on a button of a desired category while dragging an icon of a data file. In addition, a specific category may be selected by default in the initial state.

  In the display area A3, buttons for each print function belonging to the category currently selected in the display area A2 are displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display area A <b> 2 includes a “Home” button that summarizes frequently used functions, a “Paper” button that summarizes functions for selecting print paper, and print final processing functions such as staple and punch. "Finishing" button that summarizes the "Image Quality" button that summarizes the function to adjust the quality of the print image, "Job Handling" button that summarizes the function to save the print data in the MFP and the function to select the storage location It is displayed.

  For example, when the user selects the category “Home”, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of print pages are displayed on one print sheet as buttons for the print functions belonging to the category “Home” in the display area A3. “N-Up Printing” button for printing all together, “Zoom” button for enlarging / reducing an image included in print data, “Orientation” button for designating the printing direction of paper, single-sided printing or double-sided printing A “Document Style” button for designating “Color”, a “Copy” button for designating the number of copies, and a “Color Mode” button for designating whether to perform color printing or monochrome printing are displayed.

  A list (registration list and / or history list) of printing conditions (output processing conditions) is displayed in the display area A4. Each printing condition includes a data output device 11 that performs a printing process and one or more printing functions that are used at the time of output in the data output device 11.

  In the present embodiment, when the number of printing conditions included in the list is large and it is difficult to display at a time, a scroll bar is displayed at the end of the display area A4, and the scroll bar is operated by the mouse. Thus, the printing conditions to be displayed are scrolled up and down to display each printing condition sequentially.

  In addition, a “registration” button and a “history” button are displayed below the display area A4, and which of the registration list and the history list is displayed in the display area A4 by operating these buttons. Is to be switched. Specifically, when the “Register” button is clicked when the history list is displayed in the display area A4, and when the data file icon is dragged when the history list is displayed in the display area A4. When the mouse cursor is superimposed on the “registration” button, the registration list stored in the registration list storage unit 51 is displayed in the display area A4 as shown in FIG. In addition, when the “history” button is clicked when the registration list is displayed in the display area A4, and when the registration list is displayed in the display area A4, the mouse cursor is dragged with the data file icon being dragged. When superimposed on the “history” button, the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 is displayed in the display area A4 as shown in FIG.

  The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a registration list is displayed in the display area A4. FIG. 6 shows an example of a history list displayed in the display area A3 when the “history” button is selected. In the initial state, both the registration list and the history list may be displayed, or one of them may be selected and displayed by default. Further, a button for simultaneously displaying both the registration list and the history list may be provided. When the data output device 1 is selected in the display area A1, only the registration list and / or history list corresponding to the selected data output apparatus 1 may be displayed in the display area A4.

  In addition, when the registration list is displayed in the display area A4 and the user clicks the “Register” button in a state where any one or more of the print functions displayed in the display area A3 are selected. The printing conditions (data output device 1 and one or more printing functions) selected at that time are added to the registration list of the registration list storage unit 51, and the registration list displayed in the display area A4 is updated. .

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of registration conditions registered in the registration list. As shown in this figure, each item in the registration list includes a registration name, registration date and time, a data output device that performs output processing, and an output processing function used during output. Each item of the history list includes the name of the item, the date and time when the output process was performed, the data output device that performed the output process, and the output processing function used at the time of output, as in the registration list.

  In the example of FIG. 4, an icon ic1 of the document data file “Print.dot” and a mouse cursor cu1 are displayed below the user interface IF1.

  In the present embodiment, when the user operates the mouse 14 to drag the icon ic1 and drops the cursor cu1 onto any item in the list displayed in the display area A4, the printing condition corresponding to this item is displayed. A print instruction (output instruction) based on (output processing conditions) is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1 corresponding to this item. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the icon ic1 is dragged and the drop operation is performed on the item “Setting2” in the list displayed in the display area A4, the icon ic1 is associated with “Setting2”. An output instruction is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1 to print using the printing function associated with “Setting 2”.

  Similarly, when the history list shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in the display area A4, the user operates the mouse 14 to drag the icon ic1, and the cursor cu1 is displayed in the list displayed in the display area A4. When a drop operation is performed in a state of being superimposed on the item “History 3/5 15:31”, “History 3/5 15: for the data output device 1 associated with“ History 3/5 15:31 ”. An output instruction is transmitted so as to print using the printing function associated with “3”. As described above, the history list is stored and displayed as necessary, and when an item included in the history list is selected, an output process associated with the item is performed, thereby frequently used printing. When printing with the same settings as the function settings (output function settings) or what was printed (output) in the past, there is no need to set the print function (output function) again, and the number of function setting steps until printing (output) And the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Further, when the icon ic1 is dropped on the button displayed in the display area A3, an instruction is given to the data output device 1 selected at that time to execute the output process using the function corresponding to the button. Is done. For example, when a drop operation is performed on the “N-Up Printing” button, an output instruction is transmitted to execute printing using only the N-Up function. When the icon ic1 is dropped on the icon of the data output device 1 displayed in the display area A1, the output processing function selected at that time is used for the data output device 1 corresponding to the icon. The specified output process is instructed.

  The user interface IF1 issues an output instruction to the data output device 1 and then the “x” button at the upper left of the user interface IF1 is clicked, or the user interface is displayed and a specific time has elapsed. In this case, an erased state that is not displayed on the display screen is entered.

(2-3. Operation when activated by drag operation)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the icon of the data file to be printed is dragged and the user interface IF1 is displayed.

  First, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the data file icon has been dragged over the display format change position (S11). When it is determined that the icon of the data file has been dragged on the display format change position, the display control unit 31 switches a part of the user interface to a display format corresponding to the display format change position (S12).

  Here, the display format change position is an area that is set to change the display to a display format corresponding to the position when the mouse cursor is overlaid with the icon of the data file being dragged to the position.

  For example, in the registration list displayed in the display area A4, each item is displayed in the same way as shown in FIG. 10A in the initial state, but the data file icon is displayed on any item. When the mouse cursor is overlapped in the dragged state, the display state of the item is reversed as shown in FIG. The display method is not limited to the reverse display, and the display method may be different from other items by, for example, highlighting, changing the display color, changing the size of the display area, or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, detailed information (for example, a registration name, a registration date, a data output device, an output processing function, etc.) of an item on which the mouse cursor is overlapped with the icon of the data file being dragged is displayed. May be. In this case, the display area of the item may be enlarged more than other items.

  In the present embodiment, when the mouse cursor is overlaid on the icon of the desired data output device 1 in the display area A1 while the data file icon is being dragged, the button group displayed in the display area A2 displays the mouse cursor. The button is changed to a button group indicating a category of print functions (output processing functions) that can be used in the data output device 1 superimposed. In addition, when the mouse cursor is over the desired category button in the display area A2 while the data file icon is being dragged, the category of each print function button displayed in the display area A3 is overlaid with the mouse cursor. It is changed to the button of each print function corresponding to. When the mouse cursor is overlaid on the “registration” button while the data file icon is being dragged, a registration list is displayed in the display area A4, and the mouse cursor is overlaid on the “history” button. In this case, a history list is displayed in the display area A4.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the mouse cursor is overlaid on a predetermined display format change position while the data file icon is dragged on the user interface IF1, a part of the display format of the user interface IF1 is superimposed on the mouse cursor. The display format is changed according to the displayed display format change position.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that the data file icon is not dragged to the display format change position, the instruction detection unit 32 performs the drop operation of the data file icon to the print condition selection position (output condition selection position). It is determined whether or not (S13).

  Here, the printing condition selection position (output condition selection position) is a position that is set so that when a data file icon is dropped at the position, the printing condition (output processing condition) corresponding to the position is selected. In this embodiment, the buttons for the printing functions in the display area A3 and the buttons for the items in the display area A4 correspond to this.

  If it is determined that the icon of the data file has been dropped, the instruction detection unit 32 detects a printing condition corresponding to the position where the drop operation has been performed (S14), and the output instruction unit 36 determines the data according to the detection result. The file printing conditions are determined (S15). That is, in this embodiment, the user performs a drop operation on the button of the desired print function in the display area A3 or a drop operation on the item of the desired print condition in the display area A4. The print condition of the data file is designated, and the instruction detection unit 32 determines the print condition for the data file based on the print condition corresponding to the position where the icon of the data file is dropped.

  When the printing conditions are determined in S15, the output data generation unit 35 generates print data for printing the data file based on the determined printing conditions (S16), and the output instruction unit 36 determines the printing data and S15. The printing conditions are transmitted to the data output device 1 via the communication control unit 33 and the communication I / F 16 (S17), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that the data file icon has not been dropped, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the printing condition has been directly selected in the user interface IF1, that is, the data file icon has not been dragged. In step S18, it is determined whether or not an operation for selecting a print function button in the display area A3 or a print condition item in the display area A4 is performed.

  If it is determined that the printing conditions are not directly selected, the process of S11 is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing condition has been directly selected, the selected printing condition is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 50, and it is determined whether or not a print execution instruction has been issued (S19). The print execution instruction is performed, for example, by pressing a predetermined button on the keyboard 13 in a state where one or more desired print functions are selected in the display area A3 or in a state where desired items are selected in the display area A4. . Alternatively, the user interface IF1 may be displayed by displaying a button for instructing execution of printing and clicking this button.

  When there is an instruction to execute printing, the storage control unit 34 registers the selected printing condition in the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 (updates the history list) (S20), and the output instruction unit 36 determines the print condition of the data file based on the user's selection (S15), and the output data generation unit 35 generates print data for printing the data file based on the determined print condition (S16). ), The output instruction unit 36 transmits the print data and the print conditions to the data output device 1 via the communication control unit 33 and the communication I / F 16 (S17), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S19 that no print execution instruction has been issued, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not a print condition registration instruction has been issued (S21). In this registration instruction, for example, the user clicks the “Register” button in a state where the registration list is displayed in the display area A4 and any of the printing functions displayed in the display area A3 is selected. Or by dragging or dropping a data file icon onto the “Register” button.

  If it is determined that a registration instruction has not been given, the instruction detection unit 32 performs the process of S19 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that a registration instruction has been given, the storage control unit 34 registers the selected printing condition in the registration list stored in the registration list storage unit 51 (updates the registration list) (S22), and ends the process. To do.

  Note that the name of the printing condition registered in the registration list may be automatically assigned based on a predetermined naming rule, or may be arbitrarily set by the user. FIG. 12A shows an example when the name of the printing condition is automatically given, and FIG. 12B shows an example when the user arbitrarily sets the name. In the example of FIG. 12A, “Setting + registration number” is automatically set. In addition, when a user sets a name arbitrarily, for example, the user may input a name to be registered when performing registration in the registration list. Once the name is automatically assigned, the user needs The name may be changed accordingly. The method for changing the name is not particularly limited. For example, the display condition is reversed by right-clicking the item of the print condition displayed in the display area A4 with the mouse, and the desired state is displayed via the keyboard 13 in that state. This is done by pressing the “Enter” button on the keyboard 13. The name of each printing condition in the history list may be set by the user as in the registration list.

  In the processing example shown in FIG. 9, when the icon of the print data file is dropped on an item in the list displayed in the display area A4, a print instruction is given under the print condition corresponding to this item. The history list is not updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the history list may also be updated in this case.

(2-4. User interface when started from application)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface IF2 displayed when a print menu (output processing menu) is selected from the application software display screen.

  As shown in this figure, in the user interface IF2, “OK”, “Cancel”, and “Apply” buttons are displayed in a display area A5 provided below the display area A3. The “OK” button is a button for executing an output instruction, “Cancel” is a button for canceling the selection of the print conditions so far, and the “Apply” button is the print currently selected. This is a button for saving a condition as a subsequent initial setting condition.

  For example, when an “OK” button is clicked in a state where one or more print functions in the display area A3 are selected, a print instruction based on each selected print function is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1. When an “OK” button is clicked with one print condition item selected in the display area A4, a print instruction based on this print condition is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, each application software is associated with a specific data output device 1 in advance, and this correspondence information is stored in the setting storage unit 53. Therefore, when the print menu is selected from the display screen of the application software, unlike the user interface IF1, the display control unit 31 does not display the icon group for selecting the data output device 1 in the display area A1. It has become. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 14, the icon group of the data output device 1 is displayed in the display area A1, and the user selects the desired data output device 1 from these icons, thereby enabling the application software. You may enable it to change the data output device 1 matched with this.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the “Register” button and the “History” button are not displayed below the display area A4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these buttons are displayed as in the case of the user interface IF1. You may make it make it.

(2-5. Operation when started from an application)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the print menu is selected from the display screen of the application software and the user interface IF2 is displayed.

  First, the instruction detection unit 32 receives an instruction input from a user regarding printing conditions (S31). This instruction is input, for example, when the user appropriately clicks a desired item from the category, print function, registration list, or history list items displayed on the user interface IF2.

  Further, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not an instruction to execute printing has been issued (S32). This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not the “OK” button is clicked.

  If it is determined that a print execution instruction has been made, the instruction detection unit 32 determines a print condition to be used for output processing based on the print function or print condition selected at that time (S33), and an output data generation unit Print data is generated based on the printing conditions determined by S35 (S134), and the communication control unit 33 transmits the print data and printing conditions to the data output device 1 via the communication I / F 16 (S35). In addition, the storage control unit 34 registers the selected printing condition in the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 (updates the history list) (S36), and ends the process.

  In the present embodiment, the registration to the registration list is not performed from the user interface IF2, but this is not a limitation. For example, as with the user interface IF1, a “registration” button and a “history” button may be displayed so that registration in the registration list can be performed by substantially the same processing of the user interface IF1.

  As described above, in the data output instruction device 10 according to the present embodiment, the display control unit 31 causes the display 11 to display the list of output conditions stored in the data storage unit 50, and the output conditions included in the list are displayed. Among them, the output instruction unit 36 issues an output instruction to the data output device based on the output condition selected by the user via the mouse 14. In this way, by displaying the output conditions as a list, it is possible to display more output conditions on the display screen as compared with the configuration in which the printer icon indicating the print conditions is displayed as in the conventional technique.

  The display control unit 31 keeps the list in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed by the user, and switches the list from the non-display state to the display state when the predetermined operation is performed. In this way, by keeping the list in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed, it is possible to display more information other than the list, thereby improving user convenience. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the registration list and the history list are stored in the data storage unit 50 provided in the data output instruction device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, these lists may be stored in a portable recording medium, or transferred or copied from the data storage unit 50 to the portable recording medium as necessary. In this case, by downloading the list stored in the portable recording medium to the data output instruction device 10, it is possible to easily restore the setting contents of the printing conditions that the user likes. Examples of the portable recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. A disk system including the above optical disk, a card system such as an IC card (including a memory card) / optical card, a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory system such as a mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM can be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the control part 20 with which the data output instruction | indication apparatus 10 is provided may be implement | achieved by software using processors, such as CPU and MPU. That is, the data output instruction device 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that implements each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, and a random access memory (RAM) that expands the program. ), A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the data output instruction device 10 which is software for realizing the above-described functions is recorded in a computer-readable manner. To the data output instruction device 10, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Alternatively, the data output instruction device 10 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  In addition, each block of the control unit 20 is not limited to that realized using software, and may be configured by hardware logic. Hardware that performs a part of processing and control of the hardware Or a calculation unit that executes software for performing the remaining processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device such as an image forming apparatus or a facsimile.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the data output instruction | indication apparatus with which the data output system concerning one Embodiment of this invention is equipped. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a data output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a display start process of the user interface in the data output instruction | indication apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed when a data file is dragged in the data output instruction device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the data output instruction | indication apparatus shown in FIG. 1, (a) has shown an example of the display screen in an initial state, (b) is displayed when a data file is drag-operated. An example of the displayed display screen is shown. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a history list displayed on the user interface illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for switching between display of a registration list and display of a history list in the user interface shown in FIG. 4. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the registration conditions registered into the registration list memorize | stored in the data output instruction | indication apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a data output instruction is issued using the user interface shown in FIG. 4. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the switching method of the display state of the registration list in the user interface shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a method for switching the display state of a registration list in the user interface shown in FIG. 4. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the provision method of the name with respect to the registration conditions registered into a registration list, (a) is a case where a name is automatically provided according to the preset naming rule, ) Shows a case where the user arbitrarily assigns a name. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed when an output processing menu is selected from a display screen of application software in the data output instruction apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the user interface shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of performing a data output instruction using the user interface shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data output device 10 Data output instruction | indication apparatus 11 Display 13 Keyboard 14 Mouse 20 Control part 30 Output instruction control part 31 Display control part 32 Instruction detection part 33 Communication control part 34 Storage control part 35 Output data generation part 36 Output instruction part 40 Application Processing unit 50 Data storage unit 51 Registration list storage unit 52 History list storage unit 53 Setting storage unit 100 Data output instruction system

Claims (17)

A data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device that performs data output processing,
A display device;
An instruction input device for the user to input instructions;
A storage device for storing output conditions including one or more output processing functions used during data output processing;
A control unit for controlling an output instruction operation to the data output device,
The control unit
A user interface screen including a list of the output conditions stored in the storage device is displayed on the display device, and among the output conditions included in the list, an output condition selected and instructed via the instruction input device is selected. Based on the output instruction to the data output device based on,
The user interface screen is kept in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed on the instruction input device, and the user interface screen is switched from the non-display state to the display state when the predetermined operation is performed. A data output instruction device. The control unit
2. The data output instruction device according to claim 1, wherein when a data file icon displayed on the display screen of the display device is dragged, the user interface screen is displayed on the display device. The control unit
When the data file icon displayed on the display screen of the display device is dragged and dropped on the display area corresponding to one of the output conditions included in the list, the icon corresponds to the display area 3. The data output instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output instruction for causing the data output apparatus to output the data file is issued based on an output condition. The control unit
When the user drags the data file icon to the display area corresponding to one of the output conditions in the list via the instruction input device, the display area is different from the display area of the other output conditions. 4. The data output instruction device according to claim 3, wherein the data output instruction device is displayed. The control unit
When the user drags the data file icon to the display area corresponding to one of the output conditions in the list via the instruction input device, detailed information on the output condition corresponding to the display area is displayed on the display device. 5. The data output instruction device according to claim 4, wherein the data output instruction device is displayed. The control unit
6. The data output according to claim 1, wherein when the output instruction is given to the data output device, an output condition corresponding to the output instruction is stored in the storage device. Pointing device. The control unit
7. The output condition is stored in the storage device when the output condition is designated by the user via the instruction input device and the registration of the output condition is instructed. The data output instruction device according to any one of the preceding claims. The control unit
A history output condition which is an output condition corresponding to an output instruction made to the data output device, and a registered output condition which is an output condition designated by the user via the instruction input device and instructed to be registered. Identifiably stored in the storage device,
A history icon for selecting the history output condition and a registration icon for selecting the registered output condition are displayed on the display device,
The history output condition list is displayed when the user selects the history icon via the instruction input device, and the registered output condition list is displayed when the user selects the registration icon. The data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The control unit
9. The name according to claim 6, wherein when the output condition is stored in the storage device, a name is automatically given to the output condition based on a predetermined naming rule. Data output instruction device. The control unit
10. The data output instruction device according to claim 9, wherein the name of the output condition stored in the storage device is changed in accordance with a user instruction input via the instruction input device. The control unit
11. The data output instruction device according to claim 1, wherein the output condition is stored in a portable recording medium. The control unit
A function of executing application software, and displaying the user interface screen on the display device when a data output processing menu related to the application software is selected during execution of the application software; The data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device selected from a plurality of data output devices,
The data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the output condition includes information for specifying a data output device for executing an output process.   A data output device that performs data output processing, and the data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 that instructs the data output device to output data. Data output system. A data output instruction method for instructing data output to a data output device that performs data output processing,
Displaying a user interface screen including a list of output conditions including one or more output processing functions used in data output processing on a display device;
A step of performing an output instruction to the data output device based on an output condition selected by the user among the output conditions included in the list,
The user interface screen is kept in a non-display state until a predetermined operation is performed on the instruction input device, and the user interface screen is switched from the non-display state to the display state when the predetermined operation is performed. A data output instruction method characterized by the above.   A program for operating the data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the program causes a computer to function as the control unit.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 16.

Images