JP2010055218A - Data output indication device, data output system, program, and recording medium therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data output indication device capable of outputting easily a data under an output condition desired by a user. <P>SOLUTION: A user interface (UI) means sets the output condition for a data file when detecting a drag operation of an icon of the data file displayed on a display screen, and displays a UI screen for receiving an indication input. Determination about the propriety of the setting using the UI screen is stored corresponding to kinds of the data files as to a plurality of output functions constituting the output condition, and the UI means determines the kind of the drag-operated data file, and controls the setting of the output condition using the UI screen according to the kind of the data file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output instruction device that instructs a data output device to output data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for transmitting print data from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) to an image forming apparatus (printer apparatus, facsimile apparatus, multifunction machine, etc.) that is a data output apparatus, and printing it out.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a printer icon representing an image forming apparatus and printing conditions is displayed on a screen of a host device, 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 data of this document file is transmitted to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the printer icon together with the data of the printing condition corresponding to the printer icon when printing is performed.

  In Patent Document 2, in a printing system in which a host device and a printer device are connected via a network line, a printer driver provided in the host device requests the printer device when sending print data from the host device. Then, the function restriction information registered in the storage device provided in the printer device is read and transmitted, and the print data is converted into print data having a control command suitable for the printer according to the received function restriction information. A technique for outputting to the printer device and performing printing processing is disclosed.

  The print data transmitted from the host device to the image forming apparatus also includes print condition data consisting of a set of various print function settings such as the number of copies, the direction and size of recording paper, and N-UP. ing.

Such print conditions can be set by selecting a print menu or the like from the display screen of the activated application software, displaying the print setting screen of the printer driver, and setting various print functions. It can also be set by displaying the print setting screen of the printer driver with a utility without using application software.
JP 2007-286855 A (published on November 1, 2007) JP 2007-41875 A (published February 15, 2007)

  However, when the printer icon is displayed on the display screen such as the desktop screen of the host device as in the technique of Patent Document 1, the display area of the display screen is limited, and various software icons are displayed. The area where the printer icon can be displayed is limited due to the fact that it is often displayed, and the number of printer icons that can be displayed on the display screen is limited to a small number.

  As a result, the number of image forming apparatuses and printing conditions that can be selected by the user by 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 printing conditions. In addition, even if the technique of patent document 2 is used, such a problem cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data output instruction device that allows a user to more easily output under desired output conditions.

  In order to solve the above problems, a data output instruction device according to the present invention is a data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device that performs data output processing, and is a data file displayed on a display screen. When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the icon of the icon using the instruction input device, the user can set an output condition for the data file and display a user interface screen for receiving the instruction input on the display screen. An association storage unit that stores setting availability information as to whether or not setting using the user interface screen is possible for a plurality of output functions constituting the interface unit and the output condition in association with the type of the data file And the user interface means performs the predetermined operation on an icon. The type of the data file to be output is determined based on the setting availability information stored in the association storage unit, and the setting of the output condition using the user interface screen is determined. It is characterized in that it is controlled according to.

  In the data output instruction device of the present invention, the predetermined operation is a drag operation using a mouse as the instruction input device, and the user interface means drags the data file icon displayed on the display screen. When the operation is detected, the user interface screen may be displayed when the operation is detected.

  In the data output instruction device according to the present invention, the user interface means may be configured to make the display of the output function that cannot be set different from the display of the output function that can be set on the user interface screen. You can also.

  In the data output instruction device of the present invention, the association storage unit further determines the type of the data file using information on the extension of the data file, and the user interface means performs the predetermined operation. The extension of the data file to be printed can also be determined.

  In the data output instruction device of the present invention, the association storage unit further determines the type of the data file using information on the file name of the data file, and the user interface means performs the predetermined operation. It is also possible to determine the file name of the data file to be printed.

  According to the above configuration, when the user interface unit detects that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display screen using the instruction input device, the output condition setting for the data file is performed. And a user interface screen that accepts an instruction input is displayed.

  Therefore, the user can set desired printing conditions using the displayed user interface screen without starting an application or calling a utility print setting screen. Thereby, data can be more easily output under a desired output condition.

  By the way, as described above, the printing condition (each printing function) can be set both by an application via the application software and by the utility, and it is difficult to understand which setting has priority. Like the “Color Mode” function, which will be described later, it can be set from a utility, but there is also an output function in which application settings are always valid. Such functions are invalid even if set by the user using the above-described user interface screen, so that setting errors and output errors occur.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, the association storage unit further sets the setting information on whether or not the setting using the user interface screen is possible for the plurality of output functions constituting the output condition, the type of data file The user interface means determines the type of the data file in which the predetermined operation has been performed on the icon, and sets the output condition using the user interface screen as an output target. Control is performed according to the type of the data file.

  As a result, the user interface means displays a user interface screen corresponding to the type of the data file and does not accept the setting from the user for the output function that cannot be set. It can be prevented in advance.

  In addition, by making the display on the user interface screen different between the output function that can be set and the output function that cannot be set, the user can recognize the output function that cannot be set clearly.

  The type of the data file is preferably determined using information on the extension of the data file. Differences in extensions, that is, output functions that enable application settings are specified by the application software being used. Therefore, by assigning information on whether or not the output function can be set using the extension in this way, it is possible to more effectively prevent the occurrence of setting errors and output errors as described above.

  Further, information on the file name of the data file may be used as the type of the data file. For example, a rule is given so that a predetermined file name is assigned to confidential information, and a watermark setting such as watermark printing is not accepted (cannot be changed) for a data file having this file name. In this way, illegal copying and the like can be suppressed.

  In the data output instruction device of the present invention, the output function assigned to the association storage unit that cannot be set using the user interface screen cannot be set. A message storage unit for storing a message indicating a reason, wherein the user interface unit is configured to drop an icon of the data file in a display area of an output function that cannot be set on the user interface screen; When the cursor is overlaid, a message corresponding to the corresponding output function can be read from the message storage unit and displayed.

  According to this, a message indicating the reason why the output function cannot be set is displayed in the display area of the output function that cannot be set on the user interface screen. Can improve convenience.

  The data output instruction device of the present invention can further instruct data output to a plurality of data output devices, and can select and set a data output device that issues an output instruction using the user interface screen. And the association storage unit stores information on whether or not the plurality of data output devices can be selected in association with the type of the data file, and the user interface unit performs the predetermined operation on an icon. When the type of the data file that has been performed is determined, the selection of the data output device using the user interface screen is performed based on the association information of the data output device stored in the association storage unit. It can also be set as the structure controlled according to the classification of the said data file which is an output object. In this case, it is preferable that the display of the data output device that cannot be selected on the user interface screen is different from the display of the data output device that can be selected.

  Depending on the application software used to create the data file, monochrome printing or color printing can be differentiated to some extent. However, when multiple data output devices are used in this way, inexperienced users can use color data. It is easy to make mistakes such as monochrome printing or color printing monochrome data.

  Therefore, as described above, by assigning data output devices that can be selected according to the type of data file, the above-described mistakes can be prevented in advance.

  Furthermore, a data output system including a data output device that performs data output processing and the above-described data output instruction device of the present invention is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  Further, the data output instruction device may be realized by a computer. In this case, by causing the computer to operate as the user interface means, a program for realizing the data output instruction device by the computer, and A recorded computer-readable recording medium is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the data output instruction device of the invention is a data output instruction device for instructing data output to the data output device that performs data output processing, and displays the data file icon displayed on the display screen. On the other hand, when it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed using the instruction input device, user interface means that enables setting of an output condition for the data file and displays a user interface screen for receiving an instruction input on the display screen; An association storage unit that stores setting availability information as to whether or not setting using the user interface screen is possible for a plurality of output functions constituting the output condition in association with the type of the data file. The user interface means is the data on which the predetermined operation is performed on the icon. The type of the file is determined, and the setting of the output condition using the user interface screen is made according to the type of the data file to be output based on the setting availability information stored in the association storage unit It is the structure to control.

  As a result, the user can set the desired print condition using the displayed user interface screen without starting the application or calling the utility print setting screen, so that the desired output condition can be obtained. As a result, data can be output more easily.

  In addition, since the user interface means displays a user interface screen corresponding to the type of the data file and does not accept settings from the user for output functions that cannot be set, settings can be made using the user interface screen. There is also an effect that it is possible to prevent setting errors and output errors from occurring without making unnecessary settings for invalid output functions.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  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.

  As the data output device 1, for example, a device that performs predetermined output processing (for example, printing processing, transmission processing, editing processing, filing processing, etc.) on data, such as a printing device, a copying machine, a facsimile device, and a multifunction device 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 of data to be printed (output) and print conditions relating to this data (output condition: combination of functions used at the time of output). 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 above 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 user interface unit that executes output instruction software for performing processing for causing the data output apparatus 1 to print (output) data under a printing condition (output condition) according to a user instruction. , A display control unit 31, an instruction detection unit 32, a communication control unit 33, a storage control unit 34, an output data generation unit 35, and an 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. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 31 will be described later according to the type of file to be printed based on the association data stored in the association storage unit 52. The display of the print function button 100 for setting the print function on the user interface screen IF1 (see FIG. 3) is displayed separately depending on whether the function can be set or not from the screen. The setting change screen that enables the change is not displayed. Further, the display control unit 31 outputs data on a user interface screen IF1 (see FIG. 3) to be described later according to the type of file to be printed based on the association data stored in the association storage unit 52. The icons 111 for selecting the device 1 are displayed separately from the data output device 1 that can select the icon of the data output device 1 that cannot be selected.

  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 setting storage unit 51, an association storage unit 52, a message storage unit 53, a registration list storage unit 54, and a history list storage. A portion 55 is provided.

  The setting storage unit 51 includes the setting contents of the printing conditions on the user interface screens IF1 and IF2 displayed on the display 11, and 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. I remember. In the initial state, defaults are stored as the setting conditions of the printing conditions on the user interface screens IF1 and IF2.

  The association storage unit 52 stores information on whether or not function setting using the print function button 100 (see FIG. 3) on the user interface screen IF1 is possible (whether or not setting can be changed) in the data file. Stored according to type. In addition, the association storage unit 52 uses a data output device 1 icon 111 (see FIG. 3) (described later) on the user interface screen IF1 to select information on the data output device 1 that can be selected, as described later. Is stored according to the type of Details of the information stored in the association storage unit 52 will be described later.

  The message storage unit 53 stores the content of the message to be displayed in the vicinity of the print function button in the association storage unit 52 in which the print function setting is set to NO. The content of the message indicates the reason why the print function cannot be set, the action to be taken by the user to set the print function, and the like. This will also be described later.

  The registration list storage unit 54 and the history list storage unit 55 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 54 stores a registration list that is a list of output conditions instructed by the user, and the history list storage unit 55 stores a history list that is a list of output conditions executed in the data output device 1. To do. The setting storage unit 51 also temporarily stores contents of instruction input from the user, data to be written in the registration list or history list, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the data output instruction device 10 will be described. First, a user interface IF1 displayed when a data file icon drag operation on the display screen of the display 11 is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example.

  As shown in this figure, the user interface IF1 includes a display area A1, a display area A2, a display area A3, and a display area A4.

  The display area A1 is an area for displaying the icons 111 of the data output apparatus 1 connected to the data output instruction apparatus 10 so as to be communicable. The user can select the data output device 1 that performs the output process by selecting an arbitrary icon from the displayed icons 111.

  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, and may be a FAX device or an image processing device, and a plurality of types of data output devices 1 may be displayed.

  The display area A2 is a display area of a category button for selecting a category of a printing function (output processing function) in the currently selected data output apparatus 1. The print functions are classified into a plurality of predetermined categories. The user can select a category of print function buttons to be displayed in the display area A3 by selecting an arbitrary button from among the plurality of displayed category buttons.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the display area A2 includes a category button 101, a "Home" button that summarizes frequently used functions, a "Paper" button that summarizes functions for selecting printing paper, staples and punches. "Finishing" button that summarizes the final print processing functions such as "Image Quality" button that summarizes the function to adjust the quality of the print image, and the function to save the print data in the MFP and the function to select the save location A “Job Handling” button is displayed.

  The selection operation of the category button 101 is performed by, for example, clicking the desired category button 101 or superimposing the mouse cursor on the desired category button 101 while dragging the data file icon. In addition, a specific category may be selected by default in the initial state.

  The display area A3 is a display area for the print function buttons 100... Indicating the print functions included in the currently selected category. Therefore, when the category button 101 selected in the display area A2 changes, the print function button 100 in the display area A3 also switches.

  The example shown in FIG. 3 shows the print function buttons 100... Displayed in the display area A3 when the user selects the “Home” button in the display area A2. In the display area A3, as a print function button 100 belonging to the category “Home”, an “N-Up Printing” button for printing a plurality of print pages together on one print sheet, an enlargement of an image included in the print data “Zoom” button for performing reduction, “Orientation” button for designating the printing direction of paper, “Document Style” button for designating whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is performed, “Copy” button for designating the number of copies, A “Color Mode” button for specifying whether to perform color printing or monochrome printing is displayed.

  In each print function button 100, a set value or default already set in each print function is displayed. For example, “1-UP” is displayed on the “N-Up Printing” button, and in this setting, the number of print pages is one on one print sheet.

  The display area A4 is a display area of a list (registration list and / or history list) of printing conditions (output processing conditions). 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. The example of FIG. 3 shows a case where a registration list is displayed in the display area A4.

  FIG. 14 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. 3, an icon ic1 of the document data file “Print.dot” and a mouse cursor cu1 of the mouse are displayed below the user interface screen IF1.

  In the present embodiment, when the user operates the mouse 14 to drag the icon ic1, and the mouse cursor cu1 is dropped on any item in the print condition list displayed in the display area A4, this item is handled. A print instruction (output instruction) based on the print condition (output processing condition) to be transmitted is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1 corresponding to this item.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the icon ic1 is dragged and the drop operation is performed with the item “Setting2” in the print condition list displayed in the display area A4 being overlaid, the icon ic1 is associated with “Setting2”. An output instruction is transmitted to the data output apparatus 1 to be printed using the printing function associated with “Setting 2”.

  When the user operates the mouse 14 to drag the icon ic1 and drops the mouse cursor cu1 on any print function button 100 displayed in the display area A3, the corresponding print function button 100 is supported. Then, a setting change screen (not shown) opens, for example, in the vicinity of the corresponding print function button 100, and the setting can be changed. In addition to a button for inputting a setting change, the setting changing screen includes an “OK” button for instructing print output, and a setting changing screen for enabling the setting and closing a “return” button.

  Clicking the “OK” button on the setting change screen closes the setting change screen, and regarding the print function of the corresponding print function button 100, the conditions set in the setting change screen are valid, and other With respect to the print function of the print function button 100, execution of print processing according to the conditions displayed on each print function button 100 is instructed to the data output apparatus 1 selected at that time.

  On the other hand, when the “return” button is clicked on the setting change screen, the setting change screen is closed, and regarding the print function of the corresponding print function button 100, the condition that is set to be valid on the setting change screen is the print function button 100. Displayed. In this state, when the icon ic1 is dropped again on any one of the print function buttons 100, a setting change screen (not shown) corresponding to the corresponding print function button 100 is opened and the setting can be changed as described above. Become.

  Thereafter, when the user clicks the “OK” button on the displayed setting change screen, the setting change screen is closed as described above, and the print function of the corresponding print function button 100 is set as the setting change screen. With respect to the conditions that are set to be effective in the above and the print functions of the other print function buttons 100, the execution of the print processing according to the conditions displayed on each print function button 100 is the data output device 1 selected at that time. Is directed against.

  For example, when a drop operation is performed on the “N-Up Printing” button, the N-Up function is changed from the default “1-UP” to “2-UP” or “4-UP” currently set. A setting change screen that can be changed such as “6-UP”, “8-UP”... Is displayed.

  For example, when “4-UP” is selected here and the “return” button is clicked, the setting change screen is closed, and the display on the “N-Up Printing” button shown in FIG. “UP” is changed to “: 4-UP”.

  If “4-UP” is selected here and the “OK” button is clicked, the setting change screen is closed, and the display on the “N-Up Printing” button shown in FIG. ": 4-UP" and "4-UP, zoom: 100% (actual magnification), orientation: Portrait, 1-sided (single-sided printing), number of copies: 1, color mode: automatic" An instruction is given to the data output device 1 selected at that time in the printing conditions.

  Further, when an output instruction is given to the data output device 1, the user interface screen IF1 is again in an erasure state that is not displayed on the display screen. Also, regardless of the output instruction to the data output device 1, when the “x” button at the upper left of the user interface screen IF1 is clicked or when the user interface screen IF1 is displayed, a specific time has elapsed. If you do, you will be in an erased state that is not displayed on the display screen.

  The point to be noted here is that the display control unit 31 stores information on whether or not to set the print function assigned according to the type of the data file, which is stored in the association storage unit 52 of the data storage unit 50. For the print function that cannot be changed, the display state of the print function button 100 is displayed in a different display state from the print function button 100 that can change the setting, and the user performs a drop operation on the mouse cursor cu1. Also, the configuration change screen is not opened.

  In FIG. 3, the lowermost “Color Mode” button, which is the print function button 100, is displayed in a display state different from the print function button 100 that can change other settings, for example, grayed out, and the user moves the mouse cursor Even if cu1 is dropped, the setting change screen is not opened.

  As a result, the setting value of the printing function of the application is prioritized, and the setting of the printing function is easy without the user performing unnecessary setting change for the printing function in which the setting from the user interface screen IF1 becomes invalid. Therefore, it is possible to prevent setting mistakes in the printing function.

  In this embodiment, when the user performs a drop operation of the mouse cursor cu1 on the print function button 100 displayed in gray out, a message indicating the reason why the setting of the print function cannot be changed is displayed as a corresponding print function button. It is displayed in the vicinity of 100.

  FIG. 4 shows a message 120 displayed when the user performs a drop operation of the mouse cursor cu1 on the “Color Mode” button displayed in gray out, when the mouse cursor is overlaid or clicked. In this example, the message “The setting value set in the application is valid” is displayed. By displaying such a message, the user can easily know what kind of treatment is necessary when the user wants to change the printing function.

  In this embodiment, in order to realize such a display, whether or not the print function setting can be changed is allocated and managed in advance according to the type of the data file to be printed. The data file to be printed includes a document file, an image file, a chart file, and the like. Depending on the application software used to create these files, the setting value of the application is set to the print function on the user interface screen IF1. Whether or not priority is given to the set value can be specified.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, an extension that can identify the application software is used to determine the type of the data file, and the extension of the print function on the user interface screen IF1 (whether or not the setting can be changed) is associated with the extension. It is stored in the association storage unit 52.

  In addition, if the file name of the data file is managed according to a predetermined rule, such as “HR file” or “confidential file”, the type of the data file can be determined from the file name. is there.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the file name is also used to determine the type of the data file. The specific storage file name is associated with whether or not the print function setting (setting change is possible) on the user interface screen IF1 is associated with the specific file name. I remember it.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of association information that is stored in the association storage unit 52 and associates whether or not each print function can be set with an extension. As shown in this figure, whether or not the print function can be set is determined for “extension: DOC”, such as “N-UP; possible”, “ZOOM: acceptable”, “Color Mode: impossible”, etc. Yes.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of association information stored in the association storage unit 52 and associated with whether or not the print function can be set with the file name. As shown in this figure, it is determined that the print function “Watermark” cannot be set (setting change cannot be accepted) as “Watermark: Impossible” for “File name: Personnel data”.

  When the association data as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is registered, if the extension of the data file to be printed is “DOC”, the “Color Mode” button is set so that the Color Mode setting cannot be changed. Grayed out.

If the file name of the data file to be printed is “HR”,
When the “Watermark” button is grayed out and the extension is “DOC”, the “Color Mode” button is also grayed out.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 31 stores information on the selectable data output device 1 that is allocated according to the type of the data file stored in the association storage unit 52 of the data storage unit 50. The icons 111 of the data output device 1 that cannot be selected are also displayed in gray out.

  For example, depending on the application software used to create the data file, it can be distinguished to some extent whether it is monochrome printing or color printing. Therefore, a data file created by an application mainly used in color printing is selected from the data output device 1 compatible with color printing so that the data output device 1 compatible with monochrome printing cannot be selected. The problem of monochrome printing of color data can be avoided. Similarly, a data file created by a monochrome printing-oriented document creation application is selected from the data output device 1 compatible with monochrome printing so that the data output device 1 compatible with color printing cannot be selected. Thus, the problem of monochrome printing of monochrome data can be avoided.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of association information stored in the association storage unit 52, in which the data output device 1 is associated with the extension. As shown in this figure, “Printer A” and “Printer B” are associated with “extension: DOC” as an effective data output apparatus 1 (MFP in the figure). Further, “Printer A” and “Printer C” are associated with “extension: AI” as the valid data output device 1 (MFP in the figure).

  When the association data is registered as shown in FIG. 7, if the extension of the data file to be printed is “DOC”, and “Printer A” and “Printer B” are connected together, these two The icons 111 and 111 of the data output device 1 are displayed. Even if “PrinterC” is connected, the icon 111 is not displayed.

  The input of information to be stored in the association storage unit 52 is performed by an administrator or the like according to a prescribed format.

  Next, the display procedure of the user interface of the output instruction software will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 (a), and FIG. 9 (b). FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of display processing of the user interface in the data output instruction device 10. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are explanatory diagrams showing the display state of the display screen (desktop screen) of the display 11.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the initial state, the output instruction software operates in the background, and the user interface screen IF1 is not displayed on the display screen (desktop screen) of the display 11.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the instruction detection unit 32 is a target for 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 or not any of the icons of possible data files has been dragged (S1).

  The instruction detection unit 32, for example, when the user moves the mouse cursor cu1 over a predetermined distance on the display screen while the mouse cursor cu1 is on the icon ic1, or when the user moves the mouse cursor cu1 on the display screen, or the mouse cursor cu1. When the mouse cursor cu1 is moved to a predetermined display area while pressing the mouse button while the icon is on the icon ic1, it is determined that the drag operation has been performed.

  If it is determined in S1 that the drag operation has not been performed, the instruction detection unit 32 next determines whether or not the application software has been activated (S10). 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 S10 that the application software has not been activated, the instruction detection unit 32 returns to the process of S1, and repeats S1 and S10 until YES is determined in S1 or S10.

  If it is determined that a drag operation has been performed in S1, the display control unit 31 controls the display I / F 12 and activates the user interface screen IF1 shown in FIG. 3 (S2).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the user interface screen IF1 is activated when the user drags the icon ic1 of the data file displayed on the display screen (desktop screen). In FIG. 9B, the user interface screen IF1 is also displayed, but at the time of activation, the user interface screen IF1 is not yet displayed.

  When the user interface screen IF1 is activated, first, the extension and file name of the data file to be printed are detected (S3). Next, information on whether or not to set the printing function associated with the detected extension and information on the selectable data output device 1 are read from the association storage unit 52 (S4). Similarly, information on whether or not to set the printing function associated with the detected file name is read from the association storage unit 52 (S5). Then, the user interface screen IF1 is displayed (S6), and the display content of the screen is switched based on the setting availability information and the selectable data output device 1 information acquired in S4 and S6 (S7).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the user interface screen IF1 reflecting the association information stored in the association storage unit 52 is displayed. If the detected file name is not associated, S5 is skipped.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S10 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 (S11). 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 S11 that the print menu is not selected, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the application software has been terminated (S15). If it is determined that the processing is not completed, the process returns to S11. If it is determined that the process is not completed, the process returns to S1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 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 (S12).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing 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, the icon group of the data output device 1 is displayed in the display area A1, and the data output device 1 associated with the application software is selected by selecting the desired data output device 1 from these icons. May be changed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing after the icon of the data file to be printed is dragged and the user interface IF1 is displayed.

  The instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the data file icon has been dragged to the display format change position (S21). 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 (S22).

  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 display method, but it corresponds when the mouse cursor is overlaid on one of the items while the icon of the data file is dragged. The item display state is reversed. 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, detailed information (for example, registration name, registration date / time, data output device, output processing function, etc.) of the item on which the mouse cursor is overlaid while the data file icon is dragged may be displayed. 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, 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. In addition, when the mouse cursor is overlaid on the above “Register Diagram” 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 S21 that the data file icon is not dragged on the display format change position, the instruction detection unit 32 performs a drop operation on the data file icon at the print condition selection position (output condition selection position). It is determined whether or not (S23).

  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 data file icon has been dropped, then it is determined whether or not it is a grayed out area (S24). The message corresponding to the print function button 100) is read from the message storage unit 53 and the message 120 is displayed (S25, S26). Thereafter, the movement of the mouse cursor is detected (S27), the message 120 is deleted (S28), and the process returns to S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S24 that the area is not grayed out, the process advances to S31 in FIG. 12 to determine whether the print function button 100 in the display area A3 or the print condition list in the display area A4.

  If it is determined that the print condition list is in the display area A4, the instruction detection unit 32 detects the print condition corresponding to the drop operation position (S39), and the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print function button 100 is in the display area A3, the display control 31 displays a setting change screen corresponding to the position where the drop operation has been performed (S32). And on the said screen, a setting value change is received and the received setting value is memorize | stored in the setting memory | storage part 51 (S33). Next, when it is detected that the “OK” button or “Return” button on the setting change screen is clicked (S34), when the “Return” button is clicked, the process returns to S21. In the case of an “OK” button, the process proceeds to S35.

  In S35, the output instruction unit 36 determines the print condition of the data file based on the current setting contents in the setting storage unit 51. When the print condition is determined, the output data generation unit 35 determines the print condition based on the determined print condition. Print data for printing the data file is generated (S36), and the output instruction unit 36 sends the print data and the print conditions determined in S35 to the data output device 1 via the communication control unit 33 and the communication I / F 16. Transmit (S37), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 in FIG. 11 that the data file icon has not been dropped, the process proceeds to S41 in FIG. 13 and the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the printing conditions are directly selected in the user interface IF1. That is, 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 in a state where the data file icon is not dragged.

  If it is determined that the printing conditions are not directly selected, the process returns to S21 and the process of S21 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 setting storage unit 51 of the data storage unit 50, and it is determined whether or not there has been a print execution instruction (S42). . 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.

  Then, 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) (S43), and FIG. The process proceeds to S35.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S42 that a print execution instruction has not been issued, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether a print condition registration instruction has been issued (S44). If it is determined that a registration instruction has not been issued, the instruction detection unit 32 performs the process of S42 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that a registration instruction has been issued, 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) (S45), and ends the process. To do.

  In the above description, an example has been disclosed in which the user interface screen IF1 is activated when the user drags the icon of one data file displayed on the display screen (desktop screen). However, a plurality of data file icons may be dragged together to instruct printing.

  In such a case, when printing of the first data file is completed in accordance with the printing order based on the icon arrangement or the like, the second data file is displayed from the user interface screen IF1 corresponding to the first data file. The display content (such as gray-out display of the print function button 100 that cannot be changed) is appropriately switched to the corresponding user interface screen IF1.

  In the present embodiment, the registration list, the history list, the association, and the message 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 tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as 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. 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. In the data output instruction device shown in FIG. 1, an example of a user interface screen including a message displayed when a grayed-out print function button on the user interface screen is clicked, dropped, or hovered with a mouse cursor. It is explanatory drawing shown. In the data output instruction apparatus shown in FIG. 1, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correlation information which linked | related the setting availability of each printing function with the extension memorize | stored in the correlation memory | storage part. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of association information stored in an association storage unit and associated with whether or not a print function is set to a file name in the data output instruction device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of association information associated with a selectable data output device stored in an association storage unit in the data output instruction device illustrated in FIG. 1. 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. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the data output instruction device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a display screen in an initial state, and FIG. 9B illustrates a drag operation on a data file. An example of a display screen displayed when the operation is performed is shown. 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 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. FIG. 12 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 12. 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.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data output device 10 Data output instruction | indication apparatus 11 Display 13 Keyboard 14 Mouse | mouth 20 Control part 30 Output instruction | indication control part (user interface means)
31 display control unit 32 instruction detection unit 33 communication control unit 34 storage control unit 35 output data generation unit 36 output instruction unit 40 application processing unit 50 data storage unit 51 setting storage unit 52 association storage unit 53 message storage unit 100 data output instruction system

Claims (11)

A data output instruction device that instructs data output to a data output device that performs data output processing,
When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display screen using the instruction input device, an output condition for the data file can be set, and a user interface screen that receives the instruction input User interface means for displaying on the display screen;
For a plurality of output functions constituting the output condition, an association storage unit that stores setting availability information as to whether or not the setting using the user interface screen is possible is associated with the type of the data file, and
The user interface means determines the type of the data file in which the predetermined operation has been performed on an icon, and the setting of output conditions using the user interface screen is stored in the association storage unit. A data output instruction device that performs control according to the type of the data file to be output based on the setting availability information.   When the predetermined operation is a drag operation using a mouse as an instruction input device and the user interface means detects that the data file icon displayed on the display screen is dragged, The data output instruction device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface screen is displayed.   3. The data output instruction according to claim 1, wherein the user interface means changes a display of an output function that cannot be set to a display of an output function that can be set on the user interface screen. 4. apparatus. The association storage unit determines the type of the data file using information on the extension of the data file,
4. The data output instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit determines an extension of a data file to be printed on which the predetermined operation has been performed. The association storage unit determines the type of the data file using information on the file name of the data file,
5. The data output instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit determines a file name of a data file to be printed on which the predetermined operation has been performed. A message storage unit for storing a message indicating the reason why the output function cannot be set for the output function assigned as being impossible to set using the user interface screen in the association storage unit; Prepared,
The user interface means corresponds to the message storage unit when the icon of the data file is dropped on the display area of the output function that cannot be set on the user interface screen or the mouse cursor is overlaid on the display area. 6. A data output instruction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a message corresponding to the output function is read and displayed. It is possible to instruct data output to a plurality of data output devices, and using the user interface screen, it is possible to select and set a data output device that issues an output instruction,
The association storage unit stores information on availability of selection for the plurality of data output devices in association with the type of the data file,
When the user interface means determines the type of the data file in which the predetermined operation has been performed on the icon, the selection of the data output device using the user interface screen is stored in the association storage unit. The data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein control is performed in accordance with a type of the data file to be output based on information on association of the data output device. .   8. The data output instruction according to claim 7, wherein the user interface means changes the display of the data output device that cannot be selected from the display of the selectable data output device on the user interface screen. apparatus.   A data output device that performs data output processing, and the data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 that instructs data output to the data output device. Data output system.   A program for operating the data output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the program causes a computer to function as the user interface means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 10.

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