JP2010067215A - Print instruction device, print instruction program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print instruction device for enabling even a user who is unfamiliar with the setting of printing conditions and does not know processing contents of each printing function well to easily obtain a desired printed matter without failing. <P>SOLUTION: The print instruction device 10 is provided with an image picture storing part 54 for storing an image picture which represents a printed image that is finished by using a function provided in a printer to perform printing processing by a printing function for each the prescribed printing function and is composed of a plurality of continuously displayed images. When an instruction detecting part 32 detects that a user uses a mouse to designate of the prescribed printing functions, an image picture of a corresponding printing function is read from the image picture storing part 54, and a display control part 31 displays the image picture in a display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing instruction apparatus, a printing instruction program, and a recording medium thereof, which are configured of a plurality of printing functions and instruct printing conditions used for the data printing process, with respect to a printing apparatus that performs data printing processing. It is.

  In recent years, multi-functionality and high performance of printer drivers have been advanced. Conventionally, a help function has been added as a support function that allows a user to smoothly perform printing operations by effectively utilizing such a printer driver.

  In this help function, when the user checks the print setting method or the like, for example, by depressing a help key on the screen, an explanation of the content can be displayed on the screen.

  By checking the print setting method using the help function, the user can confirm whether or not the desired print setting is correctly set before executing printing on the printing device.

  However, the explanatory text to be displayed is described on the assumption that the user has a certain knowledge about the printing device, the computer, etc., and even if a user who does not have a certain knowledge reads this explanatory text, the print setting method Is not easy to understand.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a data processing apparatus that displays on a screen a print image of print data created based on a desired output format for printing intended by a user.

A user can check a print image in advance by using this data processing device before using a printing service by a printing device installed in a store or the like.
JP 2007-328448 A (released on December 20, 2007)

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, a print image is displayed that directly represents the appearance of the page when it is actually printed. For this reason, characteristic printing functions such as Nin1 printing, staple printing, and watermark printing can be confirmed relatively easily, but pages that are actually printed such as fit page printing and OHP interleaf printing are used. Even if the appearance of is displayed as it is, it is difficult to grasp whether the selected printing function is appropriate or not for the thing that it is difficult to grasp the processing content.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to express how a page looks when it is actually printed, and it is difficult to grasp the contents of processing. Even if the user is not familiar with the print condition setting and is not familiar with the process contents of each print function, the user can easily grasp the contents of the process executed by each print function including the print function. Another object of the present invention is to realize a print instruction apparatus that can easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first print instruction apparatus of the present invention provides a print apparatus that performs data print processing with print conditions used for the data print process, which are configured by a plurality of print functions. A printing instruction device for instructing, for a predetermined printing function provided in the printing device, for each printing function, an image image representing a printing image finished by performing a printing process using the printing function, When it is detected that a first user operation for designating any one of the predetermined printing functions is performed using an image image storage unit that stores an image image including a plurality of displayed images and an instruction input device, And a first display control unit that reads out an image image of a corresponding printing function from the image image storage unit and displays the image on the display unit.

  According to the above configuration, the image image storage unit represents, for each print function, a print image finished by performing print processing using the print function for a predetermined print function provided in the printing apparatus, An image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession is stored. When the first display means detects that a first user operation for designating any of the predetermined printing functions is performed using the instruction input device, the image of the corresponding printing function is displayed as the image. Read from the image storage unit and display on the display unit.

  As a result, the user can confirm the finished print image with a plurality of images displayed in succession for a predetermined print function, and is unfamiliar with setting the print conditions. Even a user who does not know the processing contents can easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure.

  In the first print instruction apparatus of the present invention, when it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display unit using the instruction input apparatus, the data file A user interface unit that allows the display unit to display a user interface screen that accepts an instruction input, the user interface unit functions as the first display control unit, and the user interface screen On the other hand, when it is detected that the first user operation for designating one of the predetermined printing functions is performed, an image of the corresponding printing function is displayed in a predetermined area on the user interface screen. It can also be.

  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 unit using the instruction input device, the printing 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.

  In addition, in the above configuration, since the image image composed of the plurality of images displayed in succession is displayed on the user interface screen for the predetermined print function, each print function is not used to setting print conditions. Even a user who does not know the details of the process can easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure using the user interface screen.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the second print instruction apparatus of the present invention provides a print apparatus that performs data print processing with a print condition used for the data print process, which includes a plurality of print functions. A printing instruction device for instructing, for a predetermined printing function provided in the printing device, for each printing function, an image image representing a printing image finished by performing a printing process using the printing function, An image image storage unit storing an image composed of a plurality of images to be displayed, and a second instruction for sending a printing instruction to the printing apparatus under a printing condition including any of the predetermined printing functions using an instruction input device. And a second display control means for reading out an image image of the corresponding printing function from the image image storage unit and displaying the image on the display unit. It is characterized in that to obtain.

  According to the above configuration, the image image storage unit represents, for each print function, a print image finished by performing print processing using the print function for a predetermined print function provided in the printing apparatus, An image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession is stored. Then, the second display means detects that a second user operation for sending a printing instruction to the printing apparatus under a printing condition including any of the predetermined printing functions using the instruction input device has been performed. Then, the image image of the corresponding printing function is read from the image image storage unit and displayed on the display unit.

  Thus, when the user inputs a print instruction using the instruction input device and sends the print instruction to the printing device, the user can check the finished print image with an image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession. Even a user who is unfamiliar with setting the printing conditions and does not know the processing contents of each printing function can easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure.

  In the second print instruction apparatus of the present invention, when it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display unit using the instruction input apparatus, the data file A user interface unit that allows the display unit to display a user interface screen that accepts an instruction input, the user interface unit functions as the second display control unit, and the user interface screen On the other hand, when it is detected that the second user operation for sending a print instruction under a printing condition including any one of the predetermined printing functions is performed, printing corresponding to a predetermined area on the user interface screen is performed. It can also be set as the structure which displays the image of a function.

  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 unit using the instruction input device, the printing 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.

  In addition, in the above configuration, when a user instructs to send a print instruction under a print condition including any of the predetermined print functions using the user interface screen for the predetermined print function on the user interface screen. Since the image consisting of a plurality of images displayed in succession as described above is displayed, even a user who is unfamiliar with the setting of printing conditions and does not know the details of processing of each printing function can display the user interface screen. It is possible to easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure.

  The second print instructing device of the present invention further comprises receiving means for receiving information indicating completion of the printing process from the printing apparatus, and the second display control means has the receiving means for performing the printing process. The image may be repeatedly displayed on the display unit until the information indicating completion is received.

  In the second print instruction apparatus of the present invention, the second display control means further sends the print instruction to the printing apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image was displayed. It is preferable that

  According to the above configuration, since a print instruction is sent to the printing apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image image was displayed, the user can make an error in setting print conditions from the image image during the predetermined period. It can be confirmed whether or not there is, and if there is, the instruction can be canceled using some means.

  In this case, in particular, it is preferable that the printing apparatus further includes a cancel instruction sending unit that sends a cancel instruction for instructing cancellation or interruption of the printing process. The print instruction can be easily canceled using.

  In addition, if such a cancel instruction sending means is configured to include the user interface means, the user interface means functions as a cancel instruction sending means, and cancels or interrupts the printing process on the user interface screen. It is preferable that a cancel instruction to be instructed is accepted.

  In the first and second print instruction devices, the image image of each print function can be an animation image. In the case of an animation image, the continuously displayed images are frame images constituting the animation image.

  In the first and second print instruction devices, the predetermined print function for storing the image image in the image image storage unit includes color mode printing, fit page printing, overlay printing, watermark printing, Any one of OHP interleaf printing, 180-degree rotation printing, punch printing, staple printing, black printing, brightness adjustment printing, and copy printing can be performed.

  The print instruction apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a print instruction program that realizes the print instruction apparatus in the computer by operating the computer as each of the above means falls within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium on which the print instruction program as described above is recorded also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  As a result, the contents of the processing performed by each printing function, including the printing function that makes it difficult to grasp the contents of the processing with the representation of the appearance of the page when it is actually printed, are displayed. Can be easily grasped, and even if the user is not familiar with the setting of printing conditions and does not know the processing contents of each printing function, the desired printed matter can be easily obtained without failure. Play.

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment of a print instruction apparatus 10 and a print instruction system 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

  As the printing apparatus 1, for example, an apparatus that performs a printing process on data, such as a printing apparatus, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral, can be used.

  The print instruction apparatus 10 instructs data to be output to the printing apparatus 1 and output conditions (combination of functions used at the time of output) relating to this data. For example, a personal computer or a workstation can be used as the print instruction apparatus 10.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the print instruction apparatus 10. As shown in this figure, a print 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, and a communication I / F 16. , A control unit 20 and a data storage unit 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 apparatuses such as the printing apparatus 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 a print 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 print instruction control unit (first display control unit, user interface unit, cancel instruction transmission unit, reception unit) 30 performs processing for causing the printing apparatus 1 to output data under an output condition according to a user instruction. A processing unit that executes print instruction software to be executed, and includes 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 a print 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 apparatuses such as the printing apparatus 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 printing apparatus 1.

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

  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, a setting storage unit 53, and an image image storage unit 54. Yes.

  The registration list storage unit 51 and the history list storage unit 52 are storage units that store a list (list) of data output conditions (the printing apparatus 1 that performs output processing and the output processing function used in the output processing in the printing apparatus 1). is there. 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 printing apparatus 1. .

  The setting storage unit 53 stores the setting contents of the display screen (user interface screen) to be displayed on the display 11, the function of each printing apparatus 1 connected to the print instruction apparatus 10 through the communication network so as to be communicable. . 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.

  The image image storage unit 54 stores, for a predetermined print function, an image image representing a print image that is finished by performing an output process using the function, and is an image formed of a plurality of images displayed in succession. ing. Details of the image stored for each print function will be described later.

(2. Operation of print instruction apparatus 10)
(2-1. User interface screen display start processing)
Next, the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10 will be described. First, a display method of the user interface screen of the print instruction software will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of display processing of the user interface screen in the print instruction apparatus 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 that a drag operation has been performed in S1, the display control unit 31 controls the display I / F 12 to display a user interface screen screen IF1 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later (S2). Perform the process shown.

  That is, in the initial state, the print instruction software operates in the background, and the user interface screen of the print instruction software is not displayed on the display screen (desktop screen) of the display 11, but the data file icon ic1 is dragged. As a result, the user interface screen IF1 is displayed. 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 screen screen IF2 shown in FIG. 15, which will be described later (S6), and FIG. The process shown in is performed.

(2-2. User interface screen when displayed by drag operation)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface screen IF1 displayed when the data file icon is dragged. As shown in this figure, the user interface screen IF1 includes a display area A1 of icon groups indicating each printing apparatus 1 that is communicably connected to the print instruction apparatus 10, and the currently selected printing apparatus 1. When the print function (output processing function) is classified into a plurality of categories, a button group display area A2 indicating each category, a button group display area A3 indicating each print function included in the currently selected category, At least one of a list (registration list and history list) of printing conditions (printing apparatus 1 that performs printing processing (output processing) and a combination of one or more printing functions (output processing functions) to be executed by the printing apparatus 1; output conditions) ) Display area A4, and an image image (animation image or the like) display area A5 that allows the user to easily grasp the printing conditions. It is provided. The x mark mk2 in the upper right corner of the screen is a button that hides (deletes) the user interface screen IF1 when clicked.

  In the display area A1, icons indicating the respective printing apparatuses 1 that are communicably connected to the print instruction apparatus 10 are displayed. The user can select the printing apparatus 1 that performs output processing by selecting any icon from these icons. The above selection operation is performed, for example, by clicking on the icon of the desired printing apparatus 1 or by superimposing the mouse cursor on the icon of the desired printing apparatus 1 while dragging the data file icon. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and a specific printing apparatus 1 may be selected by default in the initial state. The printing apparatus 1 displayed in the display area A1 is not limited to a printing apparatus, but may be a FAX apparatus or an image processing apparatus, and a plurality of types of printing apparatuses 1 may be displayed.

  In the display area A2, a group of buttons indicating categories of printing functions that can be used in the printing apparatus 1 currently selected in the display area A1 is displayed, and the user selects an arbitrary button from the group of buttons. The category of buttons 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 printing apparatus 1 that performs a printing process, and one or more printing functions that are used at the time of output in the printing apparatus 1.

  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 “registration” button is clicked when the history list is displayed in the display area A4, the registration list stored in the registration list storage unit 51 is displayed in the display area A4. When the “history” button is clicked when the registration list is displayed in the display area A4, the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 is displayed in the display area A4.

  The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a registration list is displayed in the display area A4. 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 printing apparatus 1 is selected in the display area A1, only the registration list and / or history list corresponding to the selected printing 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 (the printing apparatus 1 and one or more printing functions) selected at that time are added to the registration list in the registration list storage unit 51, and the registration list displayed in the display area A4 is updated.

  In the display area A5, the instruction detection unit 32 allows the user to move the mouse over any item in the list displayed in the display area A4 or any print function button displayed in the display area A3. When it is detected that the cursor is overlapped, an image image representing a print image that is finished when printing is performed under the output condition corresponding to the item or the button of the print function is displayed. The display of the image image may be, for example, an animation image display or a frame advance display of a plurality of still images.

  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 screen IF1, but the instruction detection unit 32 operates the mouse 14 by the user. When the icon ic1 is dragged to detect that the cursor cu1 is superimposed on any item in the list displayed in the display area A4, the display control unit 31 sets the printing condition corresponding to this item. An image image representing the included print function is read from the image image storage unit 54 and displayed in the display area A5.

  The display control unit 31 may continue displaying the image image until a predetermined time elapses after the display is started. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 31 includes the instruction detection unit 32. Until the further movement of the mouse cursor is detected, or a drop operation by the user is performed at the overlapped portion, the print instruction unit 36 displays a print instruction corresponding to the output condition of the item where the cursor cu1 is overlapped. Until the communication control unit 33 receives print processing completion information indicating that the output of data has been completed. It should be noted that the display of the image may be terminated when a predetermined time elapses before further movement of the mouse cursor is detected.

  In the case of the list displayed in the display area A4, one item includes a plurality of printing functions, and image images may be stored in the image storage unit 54 for the plurality of printing functions included. In such a case, the display control unit 31 displays images of the respective printing functions sequentially or simultaneously.

  When the instruction detection unit 32 detects that the user has performed a drop operation through the mouse 14 when the cursor cu1 is on any item in the list displayed in the display area A4, the print instruction unit 36 transmits a print instruction based on the output condition corresponding to this item to the printing apparatus 1 indicated by the icon in the display area A1 selected by the user. After performing the printing process, the printing apparatus 1 transmits information indicating that the printing process is completed (printing process completion information) to the printing instruction apparatus 10.

  Further, when the instruction detection unit 32 detects a drop operation on the button where the icon ic1 is displayed in the display area A3, the print instruction unit 36 executes the output process using the print function corresponding to the button. An instruction is given to the printing apparatus 1 selected at that time. For example, when a drop operation is performed on the “N-Up Printing” button, a print instruction is transmitted to execute printing using only the N-Up function. Further, when the icon ic1 is dropped on the icon of the printing apparatus 1 displayed in the display area A1, the output using the output processing function selected at that time for the printing apparatus 1 corresponding to the icon is output. Execution of processing is instructed. After performing the printing process, the printing apparatus 1 transmits information indicating that the printing process is completed (printing process completion information) to the printing instruction apparatus 10.

  Here, the image image representing the print image of each print function displayed in the display area A5 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Note that the image images shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 are merely examples.

  FIG. 6 shows an image image relating to the color mode (image 1001 to image 1005), an image image relating to the fit page (image 1011 to image 1016), an image image relating to the overlay (image 1021 to image 1025), and an image image relating to the watermark ( Images 1031 to 1038) are shown.

  FIG. 7 shows image images (images 1041 to 1049) regarding the OHP interleaving paper. FIG. 8 shows image images (images 1051 to 1056) relating to the 180 ° rotation and image images (images 1061 to 1065) relating to the punch. FIG. 9 shows image images (images 1071 to 1075) related to staples and image images (images 1081 to 1088) related to binding margins. FIG. 10 shows an image image (image 1091 to image 1096) related to processing for printing lines in black, an image image related to brightness adjustment (image 1101 to image 1106), and an image image related to unit printing (image 1111 to image 1115). Indicates.

  As described above, when the items included in the list displayed in the display area A4 include a plurality of print functions, the display control unit 31 displays image images of the plurality of print functions in the display area A5. However, when displaying a plurality of image images, the image images representing the print images of the respective print functions may be displayed side by side on the time axis, or as shown in FIG. In addition, the images of the printing functions may be displayed side by side.

  In addition, after the print instruction unit 36 sends a print instruction to the printing apparatus 1, the display control unit 31 superimposes the mouse cursor on the display area A <b> 5 displaying the image of the print function included in the output condition. When the instruction detection unit 32 detects that the mouse 14 has been clicked, as shown in FIG. 11, a x mark mk1 is further displayed in the display area A5. When the instruction detection unit 32 detects that the user has clicked the mouse 14 with the mouse cursor over the x mark mk1, the print instruction unit 36 cancels or cancels the output of data. Is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.

  In addition, the timing for displaying the x mark mk1 in the display area A5 is that the icon ic1 is dropped on the button displayed in the display area A3, or the cursor cu1 is displayed in the list displayed in the display area A4. A configuration may be adopted in which the user performs a drop operation through the mouse 14 in a state where the item is on any item and instructs the printing apparatus 1 to send a print instruction. In this way, even a user who does not know how to display the x mark mk1 can instruct to cancel the printing process.

  As described above, when the print instruction unit 36 starts processing, the display control unit 31 displays the x mark mk1, and gives the user a means to stop or cancel the output of data, thereby allowing the user to The printing process can be easily canceled when the instruction is incorrect.

  Further, the display control unit 31 relates to an image displayed in the display area A5 among the buttons of the print function displayed in the display area A3 and each item of the list displayed in the display area A4. The display of the print function buttons and list items may be displayed in a different form from the other unrelated print function buttons and list items.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the color mode (Color Mode) button in the display area A3 is different from the buttons of other printing functions in the state where the image related to the color mode is displayed in the display area A5. Indicates the state displayed by.

  Further, when the display control unit 31 clicks the x mark mk1 by the user and cancels or cancels the output of the data, the button of the print function or the list item related to the displayed image is displayed. May be grayed out.

  Further, the display control unit 31 displays the user interface screen IF1 when a printing instruction is given to the printing apparatus 1, when the “x” button on the upper right of the user interface screen IF1 is clicked, or when the user interface screen IF1 is displayed. Therefore, when a predetermined time has passed without any operation being performed, the user interface screen IF1 is erased to be in a non-display state.

(2-3. Operation when interface is displayed by drag operation)
FIGS. 13A and 13B show the flow of processing performed by the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment after the icon of the data file to be printed is dragged and the user interface screen IF1 is displayed. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, after the setting file is read in S10, the instruction detection unit 32 first determines whether or not the position of the mouse cursor is a printing condition selection position (S11). . If it is determined that the position of the mouse cursor is not the print condition selection position, the process proceeds to S17. In S17, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting any instruction since the user interface screen IF1 is displayed, or whether or not the x mark mk2 has been clicked with the mouse. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed and the x mark mk2 has not been clicked, the process returns to S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed or the x mark mk2 has been clicked, the process proceeds to S23 shown in FIG. 13B, and the display control unit 31 deletes the display on the user interface screen IF1 and performs processing. Exit.

  Here, the printing condition selection position is a position that is set so that when a data file icon is dropped at the position, the printing condition corresponding to the position is selected. In the present embodiment, the printing condition selection position is in the display area A3. The buttons for each printing function and the buttons for each item in the display area A4 correspond to this. 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.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that the position of the mouse cursor is the printing condition selection position, the instruction detection unit 32 detects the printing condition corresponding to the printing condition selection position (S12), and the display control unit 31 An image (such as an animation image) of the printing function designated by the printing conditions detected from the image images stored in the image image storage unit 54 is selected and displayed in the display area A5 (S13). When there are a plurality of printing functions specified in the printing conditions, the display control unit 31 selects the image of each printing function stored in the image storage unit 54 and combines the image together. Or it displays in order.

  Next, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the data file icon has been dropped at the print condition selection position (S15). If it is determined that the drop operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S15. In S15, it is determined whether or not the mouse cursor has moved outside the print condition selection position corresponding to the detected print condition. When it is determined that the mouse cursor has moved, that is, when it is determined that the mouse cursor has moved outside the print condition selection position, the display control unit 31 deletes the animation image being displayed in the display area A5 (S16). The process returns to S11. On the other hand, if it is determined in S15 that the mouse cursor has not moved, the process returns to S14.

  If it is determined in S14 that the drop operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S18 in FIG. 13B, and the output data generation unit 35 generates the print data of the data file based on the printing conditions detected in S12.

  Next, the communication control unit 33 transmits the generated print data (print instruction) to the printing apparatus 1 indicated by the icon in the display area A1 selected by the user (S19). The storage control unit 34 registers (updates the history list) the detected printing conditions in the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 (S20).

  Next, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the display area A5 (S21). If it is determined that the mouse has not been clicked, the process proceeds to S <b> 22, and the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether the communication control unit 33 has received print processing completion information from the printing apparatus 1. If it is determined that the print process completion information has been received, the process proceeds to S23, where the display control unit 31 deletes the display on the user interface screen IF1 and ends the process. If it is determined that the print process completion information has not been received, the process returns to S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S22 that the mouse is clicked on the display area A5, the process proceeds to S24, and the display control unit 31 displays the x mark mk1 for sending the print cancel instruction information in the display area A5. To do. The print cancel instruction information is information that the print instruction apparatus 10 transmits to the printing apparatus 1 in order to cancel or cancel the printing process in the printing apparatus 1.

  Then, the process proceeds to S25, and the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1. If it is determined that the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1, the communication control unit 33 transmits print cancel instruction information to the printing apparatus 1 (S26), and the display control unit 31 displays the animation image being displayed in the display area A5. , X mark mk1 is deleted (S27), and the process returns to S11 shown in FIG. If it is not determined in S25 that the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1, the process proceeds to S22.

  Note that, after the storage control unit 34 registers the printing condition in the history list in S20, the process proceeds to S24 without performing the process in S21, and the x mark mk1 may be displayed. In this case, for example, when the file is dropped at the printing condition selection position in S15, the display control unit 31 may display the x mark mk1 in the display area A5.

(2-4. User interface screen when displayed through application print menu)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface screen IF2 displayed when a print menu (output processing menu) is selected from the application software display screen.

  As shown in this figure, on the user interface screen IF2, buttons “OK”, “Cancel”, and “Apply” are displayed in a display area A6 provided below the display area A3. The “OK” button is a button for executing a print instruction, “Cancel” is a button for canceling the selection of the print conditions so far, and the “Apply” button is the print selected at that time. This is a button for saving a condition as a subsequent initial setting condition.

  When the “OK” button is clicked in a state where one or more printing functions in the display area A3 are selected, the processing from S63 onward in FIG. That is, after the display control unit 31 selects an image image (animation image or the like) indicating the printing conditions and displays it in the display area A5, the communication control unit 33 transmits a printing instruction based on each printing function to the printing apparatus 1. Note that the printing conditions are determined according to the setting contents regarding each selected printing function.

  Also, when the “OK” button is clicked with one print condition item selected in the display area A4, the processing from S63 in FIG. 14 is similarly performed, and a print instruction based on this print condition is printed. Sent to the device 1.

  In the present embodiment, each application software is associated with a specific printing apparatus 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 screen IF1, the display control unit 31 does not display the icon group for selecting the printing device 1 in the display area A1. It has become. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 4, the icon group of the printing apparatus 1 is displayed in the display area A1, and the user selects the desired printing apparatus 1 from these icons, thereby associating with the application software. The printing apparatus 1 may be changed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, 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 screen IF1. You may make it display.

(2-5. Operation when the interface is displayed through the application print menu)
FIG. 14 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 screen IF2 is displayed.

  First, the storage control unit 34 reads a setting file (a registration list file stored in the registration list storage unit 51) (S60). Next, the display control unit 31 displays a registration list based on the read registration list file.

  Next, the instruction detection unit 32 receives an instruction input from the user regarding the printing conditions (S61). This instruction is input by, for example, appropriately clicking a desired item from the category, print function, registration list, or history list items displayed on the user interface screen IF2.

  Then, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not a print execution instruction has been made (S62). 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 issued, the process proceeds to step S63. If it is determined that a print execution instruction has not been issued, the process returns to step S61.

  The display control unit 31 selects and displays an image image (animation image or the like) indicating the printing condition on the display area A5 based on the instruction input of the printing condition received from the user in S61 (S63). 35 generates print data of the data file based on the print condition instruction input received from the user in S61 (S64).

  Next, the communication control unit 33 transmits the generated print data (print instruction) to the printing apparatus 1 indicated by the icon in the display area A1 selected by the user (S65). Next, the storage control unit 34 registers the detected printing condition in the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 (updates the history list) (S66).

  Next, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the display area A5 (S67). If it is determined that the mouse has not been clicked, the process advances to step S <b> 68, and the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether the communication control unit 33 has received print processing completion information from the printing apparatus 1. If it is determined that the print processing completion information has been received, the process proceeds to S69, where the display control unit 31 deletes the display on the user interface screen IF2 and ends the process. If it is determined that the print processing completion information has not been received, the process returns to S67.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S67 that the mouse is clicked on the display area A5, the process proceeds to S70, and the display control unit 31 displays the x mark mk1 for sending the print cancel instruction information in the display area A5. To do. The print cancel instruction information is information that the print instruction apparatus 10 transmits to the printing apparatus 1 in order to cancel or cancel the printing process in the printing apparatus 1.

  Then, the process proceeds to S71, where the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1. If it is determined that the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1, the communication control unit 33 transmits print cancel instruction information to the printing apparatus 1 (S72), and the display control unit 31 displays the animation image being displayed in the display area A5. , X mark mk1 is deleted (S73), and the process returns to S61. If it is not determined in S71 that the mouse has been clicked on the x mark mk1, the process proceeds to S68.

  Note that, after the storage control unit 34 registers the printing condition in the history list in S66, the process proceeds to S70 without performing the process in S67, and the x mark mk1 may be displayed.

  As described above, according to the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the image image storage unit 54 uses the print function to perform print processing for each predetermined print function of the print apparatus 1. Is stored, and an image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession is stored, and the display control unit 31 in the print instruction control unit 30 uses a mouse to perform a predetermined process. When it is detected that a user operation for designating any one of the print functions has been performed, an image of the corresponding print function is read from the image storage unit 54 and displayed on the display unit.

  As a result, the user can confirm the finished print image with a plurality of images displayed in succession for a predetermined print function, and is unfamiliar with setting the print conditions. Even a user who does not know the processing contents can easily obtain a desired printed matter without failure.

(Embodiment 2)
Another embodiment of the print instruction apparatus 10 and the print instruction system 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16, FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. 17 (b).

(3. Configuration of the print instruction apparatus 10 and the print instruction system 100)
Since the configurations of the print instruction apparatus 10 and the print instruction system 100 according to the present embodiment are the same as the configurations of the print instruction apparatus 10 and the print instruction system 100 according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

(4. Operation of print instruction apparatus 10)
(4-1. User interface screen display start processing)
A display start process of a user interface screen performed in the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing display start processing of a user interface screen performed in the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the display start process of the user interface screen performed in the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the display start process of the user interface screen according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Is omitted.

(4-2. User interface screen when displayed by drag operation)
A user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment when displayed by a drag operation will be described below.

  The user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment when displayed by a drag operation is communicably connected to the print instruction apparatus 10 in the same manner as the user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Icon group display area A1 indicating each selected printing apparatus 1, and button group indicating each category when the printing function (output processing function) in the currently selected printing apparatus 1 is classified into a plurality of categories Area A2, display area A3 of a button group indicating each printing function included in the currently selected category, printing apparatus 1 that performs printing conditions (printing process (output process)), and one or more to be executed by this printing apparatus 1 Print function (output processing function) combination; output conditions) list (registration list and history list) Display area A4 and the), a display area A5 of the user to easily print condition can be grasped image image (animation images, etc.).

  Next, each display area in the user interface screen will be described below. Only the difference between the display operation in the display area of the user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment and the display operation in the display area of the user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the description of the same display operation is omitted.

  Since the display operations of the display area A1, the display area A2, the display area A3, and the display area A4 are the same as those of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the display area A5, when the cursor cu1 is over any item in the list displayed in the display area A4, or over any of the print function buttons displayed in the display area A3 In addition, when it is detected that the user has performed a drop operation through the mouse 14, an image representing the output condition corresponding to the item or the button of the print function is displayed. Then, immediately after the image image is displayed or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the image image is displayed, the print instruction corresponding to the output condition is printed by the icon in the display area A1 selected by the user. It is transmitted to the device 1. After performing the printing process, the printing apparatus 1 transmits information indicating that the printing process is completed (printing process completion information) to the printing instruction apparatus 10.

  The display control unit 31 may continuously display the image image in the display area A5 until a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the image image is started, or a print instruction corresponding to the output condition described above May be continuously displayed on the display area A5 until print processing completion information indicating completion of data output is received.

  Further, as the timing of erasing the image displayed in the display area A5, the image image may be displayed for a predetermined time and the image image may be erased after the predetermined time has elapsed, or the print processing completion information may be displayed in the printing apparatus. The image may be continuously displayed from 1 until it is received, and the image may be deleted when the information is received. As a timing for sending a print instruction to the printing apparatus 1, the print instruction may be sent after erasing the image after a predetermined time has elapsed, or the image is displayed in the display area A5. A print instruction may be sent in between.

(4-3. Operation when interface is displayed by drag operation)
The operation when the interface is displayed by the drag operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 17A and 17B show the flow of processing performed by the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment after the icon of the data file to be printed is dragged and the user interface screen IF1 is displayed. FIG.

  After reading the setting file in S40, the instruction detection unit 32 first determines whether or not the position of the mouse cursor is the printing condition selection position (S41). If it is determined that the position of the mouse cursor is not the print condition selection position, the process proceeds to S45. In S45, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting any instruction after the user interface screen IF1 is displayed, or whether the x mark mk2 has been clicked with the mouse. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed and the x mark mk2 has not been clicked, the process returns to S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed or the x mark mk2 has been clicked, the process proceeds to S52 shown in FIG. 17B, and the display control unit 31 deletes the display on the user interface screen IF1 and performs processing. Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S41 that one of the mouse cursors is the print condition selection position, the instruction detection unit 32 then determines whether or not the data file icon has been dropped to the print condition selection position ( S42). If it is determined that the drop operation has not been performed, the process returns to S41.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the data file icon has been dropped to the printing condition selection position, the process proceeds to S43, where the instruction detection unit 32 detects the printing condition corresponding to the printing condition selection position, and the display control unit 31 An image image (animation image or the like) indicating the printing condition detected from the image images stored in the image image storage unit 54 is selected and displayed in the display area A5 (S44). In S44, the display control unit 31 selects a plurality of image images stored in the image image storage unit 54 and combines the image images, thereby displaying an image image indicating the detected printing condition in the display area A5. It may be displayed.

  Next, the process proceeds to S46 in FIG. 17B, and the output data generation unit 35 generates the print data of the data file based on the print condition detected in S43. In addition, here, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not a predetermined standby time has elapsed after detecting the drop operation in S43 (S47), and determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, The communication control unit 33 transmits the generated print data (print instruction) to the printing apparatus 1 indicated by the icon in the display area A1 selected by the user (S48). Further, the storage control unit 34 registers (updates the history list) the detected printing conditions in the history list stored in the history list storage unit 52 (S49).

  Next, the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the display area A5 (S50). If it is determined that the mouse has not been clicked, the process proceeds to S 51, where the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether the communication control unit 33 has received print processing completion information from the printing apparatus 1. If it is determined that the print process completion information has been received, the process proceeds to S52, where the display control unit 31 deletes the display on the user interface screen IF1 and ends the process. If it is determined that the print processing completion information has not been received, the process returns to S50.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S50 that the mouse is clicked on the display area A5, the process proceeds to S53, and the display control unit 31 displays the x mark mk1 for sending the print cancel instruction information in the display area A5. To do. The print cancel instruction information is information that the print instruction apparatus 10 transmits to the printing apparatus 1 in order to cancel or cancel the printing process in the printing apparatus 1.

  Then, the process proceeds to S54, and the instruction detection unit 32 determines whether or not the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1. If it is determined that the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1, the communication control unit 33 transmits the print cancel instruction information to the printing apparatus 1 (S55), and the display control unit 31 displays the animation image being displayed in the display area A5. , X mark mk1 is deleted (S56), and the process returns to S41 shown in FIG. If it is not determined in S54 that the mouse is clicked on the x mark mk1, the process proceeds to S51.

  Note that after the storage control unit 34 registers the printing conditions in the history list in S49, the process proceeds to S53 without performing the process in S50, and the x mark mk1 may be displayed. In this case, for example, when the file is dropped at the printing condition selection position in S43, the display control unit 31 may display the x mark mk1 in the display area A5.

(4-4. User interface screen when displayed through application print menu)
Since the user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment when displayed through the application print menu is the same as the user interface screen of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

(4-5. Operation when an interface is displayed through the application print menu)
Since the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performed when the interface is displayed through the print menu of the application is the same as the operation of the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, when the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment detects the second user operation for sending the print instruction corresponding to the output condition determined by the setting contents of the plurality of setting items to the printing apparatus, Before sending the printing instruction to the printing apparatus, a second display control means for displaying the image on the display unit is provided. For example, in the print instruction apparatus 10, the instruction detection unit 32 detects that the user has performed a drop operation through the mouse 14 when the cursor cu1 is on any item in the list displayed in the display area A4. Then, before the communication control unit 33 sends a print instruction corresponding to the output condition determined by this item to the printing apparatus 1, the display control unit 31 displays an image image representing the print processing condition on the display 11.

  Furthermore, in the print instruction apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the second display control unit may display the image image on the display unit for a predetermined time after detecting the second user operation. For example, in the print instruction device 10, the display control unit 31 continuously displays the image image in the display area A <b> 5 until the communication control unit 33 receives the print processing completion information from the printing device 1, and the communication control unit 33 displays the information. The display control unit 31 may delete the image displayed in the display area A5.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the registration to the registration list is not performed from the user interface screen IF2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as with the user interface screen 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 on the user interface screen IF1.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the registration list and the history list are stored in the data storage unit 50 provided in the print instruction apparatus 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 printing instruction apparatus 10, the setting contents of the printing conditions that the user likes can be easily restored. 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.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 20 provided in the print instruction apparatus 10 may be realized by software using a processor such as a CPU or MPU. That is, the print instruction apparatus 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program. And 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 on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the print instruction apparatus 10 which is software for realizing the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This is achieved by supplying the print instruction apparatus 10 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  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.

  The print instruction apparatus 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.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a print instruction apparatus that issues a data print instruction to a printing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus or a facsimile.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print instruction apparatus provided in a print instruction system according to each embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a print instruction system according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a display start process of the user interface screen in the printing instruction | indication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen displayed when a data file is dragged in the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. In the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, when instructing the printing apparatus to perform printing based on setting contents of a plurality of printing functions, a user indicating that a plurality of image images indicating the setting contents of each printing function are displayed side by side It is a figure of an interface screen. It is an image displayed on the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating an image image showing the setting contents of the print function. It is another figure which illustrates the image image displayed on the printing instruction | indication apparatus which concerns on each embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The image image which shows the setting content of a printing function. FIG. 10 is still another diagram illustrating an image displayed on the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating an image showing the setting content of the print function. FIG. 10 is still another diagram illustrating an image displayed on the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating an image showing the setting content of the print function. FIG. 10 is still another diagram illustrating an image displayed on the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating an image showing the setting content of the print function. In the printing instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, when a mouse click on the display area A5 is detected after the transmission of the printing instruction, an X mark for instructing the printing apparatus to cancel the printing process is displayed. It is a figure of the user interface screen shown. In the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention, the X mark is displayed, and at the same time, the buttons in the display area A3 corresponding to the print function indicated by the displayed image are displayed in the other buttons in the display area A3. It is a figure of the user interface screen which shows changing to identifiable. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the print instruction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention issues a print instruction using the user interface screen illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the print instruction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention issues a print instruction using the user interface screen illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a print instruction is issued using the user interface screen shown in FIG. 15 in the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen displayed when an output processing menu is selected from a display screen of application software in the print instruction apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a display start process of the user interface screen in the printing instruction | indication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the print instruction apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention issues a print instruction using the user interface screen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the print instruction apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention issues a print instruction using the user interface screen shown in FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 10 Printing instruction apparatus 11 Display (display part)
12 Display I / F (interface)
13 Keyboard 14 Mouse 20 Control unit 30 Print instruction control unit (user interface means, first display control means, second display control means, cancel instruction transmission means, reception means)
Reference Signs List 31 Display Control Unit 32 Instruction Detection Unit 33 Communication Control Unit 34 Storage Control Unit 35 Output Data Generation Unit 36 Print Instruction Unit 40 Application Processing Unit 50 Data Storage Unit 51 Registration List Storage Unit 52 History List Storage Unit 53 Setting Storage Unit 54 Image Image Storage unit 100 Print instruction system (print instruction system)

Claims (13)

A print instructing device configured to instruct a printing condition used for the data printing process, which is configured by a plurality of printing functions, with respect to a printing device that performs data printing processing,
An image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession for a predetermined printing function provided in the printing apparatus, representing an image printed for each printing function, which is obtained by performing a printing process using the printing function. An image storage unit for storing images;
When it is detected that a first user operation for designating one of the predetermined printing functions is performed using the instruction input device, an image image of the corresponding printing function is read from the image image storage unit and displayed on the display unit. A printing instruction apparatus comprising: a first display control means for displaying. When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display unit using the instruction input device, a user can set a printing condition for the data file and accept an instruction input. User interface means for displaying an interface screen on the display unit,
When the user interface means functions as the first display control means and detects that the first user operation for designating any of the predetermined printing functions is performed on the user interface screen. The print instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image of a corresponding print function is displayed in a predetermined area on the user interface screen. A print instructing device configured to instruct a printing condition used for the data printing process, which is configured by a plurality of printing functions, with respect to a printing device that performs data printing processing,
An image composed of a plurality of images displayed in succession for a predetermined printing function provided in the printing apparatus, representing an image printed for each printing function, which is obtained by performing a printing process using the printing function. An image storage unit for storing images;
When it is detected that a second user operation for sending a print instruction to the printing apparatus under a printing condition including any of the predetermined printing functions is performed using the instruction input device, an image image of the corresponding printing function And a second display control means for reading out the image from the image storage unit and displaying it on the display unit. When it is detected that a predetermined operation has been performed on the data file icon displayed on the display unit using the instruction input device, a user can set a printing condition for the data file and accept an instruction input. User interface means for displaying an interface screen on the display unit,
The second user operation in which the user interface means functions as the second display control means and sends out a print instruction under a printing condition including any of the predetermined printing functions to the user interface screen. 4. The print instruction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image of a corresponding print function is displayed in a predetermined area on the user interface screen when it is detected that the operation has been performed. 5. Receiving means for receiving information indicating completion of the printing process from the printing apparatus;
5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the second display control unit repeatedly displays the image on the display unit until the receiving unit receives the information indicating completion of printing processing. 6. Print instruction device.   5. The print instruction according to claim 3, wherein the second display control unit sends the print instruction to the printing apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the image. apparatus.   The print instruction apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a cancel instruction sending unit that sends a cancel instruction that instructs the printing apparatus to cancel or interrupt the print process.   The user interface means can accept a cancel instruction for instructing cancellation or interruption of the print process on the user interface screen. When the cancel instruction is received, the user interface unit cancels the print process or cancels the print process. The print instruction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a cancel instruction for instructing interruption is transmitted.   The print instruction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image image is an animation image, and the image is a frame image constituting the animation image.   The predetermined printing functions include color mode printing, fit page printing, overlay printing, watermark printing, OHP interleaf printing, 180 degree rotation printing, punch printing, staple printing, black color printing, brightness adjustment printing, and copy unit. The printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing instruction apparatus is any one of printing.   11. A printing instruction system comprising: the printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1; and a printing apparatus that executes a data printing process based on a printing condition instructed by the printing apparatus. .   A program for operating the print instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer functions as each of the units.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the printing instruction program according to claim 12 is recorded.

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