JP2011186899A - Printer driver, print control device, and print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a user's convenience in a printer driver selectively usable of a plurality of PDLs (Page Description Languages). <P>SOLUTION: The printer driver accepts a print setting supported by a plurality of PDLs in common. The printer driver displays a print setting not supported by the plurality of PDLs in common in association with an area of a PDL supporting the print setting, and accepts the print setting. The printer driver accepts selection of a PDL to be used for printing. The printer driver generates print data for the selected PDL based on the accepted print setting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing technique using a page description language (PDL).

  Some printing apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines can use a plurality of PDLs. Such a printing apparatus is controlled by, for example, a host computer (printing control apparatus) such as a PC in which a printer driver that can selectively use a plurality of PDLs (for example, called a “common driver”) is installed. (For example, patent document 1).

JP 2006-172046 A

  By the way, in Patent Document 1, in order not to make the user aware of selection of PDL, a predetermined PDL is automatically selected according to the type of printing paper, and printing is executed.

  However, in Patent Document 1, the user cannot know which PDL is actually used for printing. For this reason, when it is desired to select a PDL corresponding to the purpose of printing while recognizing the functions and features of various PDLs, it is inconvenient for the user.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience in a printer driver that can selectively use a plurality of PDLs.

  A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs, and printing that is commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs Basic setting accepting means for accepting settings, and application setting accepting means for displaying print settings that are not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in association with PDL areas that support the print settings, and accepting the print settings And causing the computer to function as a PDL selection receiving unit that receives a selection of PDL used for printing, and a print data generation unit that generates print data of the selected PDL based on the received print setting. Features.

  Here, in the above printer driver, at least one or more valid PDLs are displayed so that they can be designated, and the computer functions as valid PDL reception means for accepting designation of at least one or more valid PDLs. It may be.

  A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs, and accepts print settings relating to the plurality of PDLs. A valid PDL accepting unit that displays at least one or more valid PDLs so as to be designated, accepts designation of at least one or more valid PDLs, a PDL selection accepting unit that accepts selection of PDLs used for printing, The computer is caused to function as print data generation means for generating print data of the selected PDL based on the set print settings.

  Here, in the printer driver, the setting reception unit receives print settings that are commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs, and print settings that are not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs. The print settings may be displayed in association with the PDL area that supports the print settings, and the print settings may be received.

  Further, in any one of the above printer drivers, the PDL selection receiving unit may display a designated effective PDL as a selection range and receive selection of a PDL used for printing. Good.

  Further, the above-described printer driver, the computer functions as a printer information acquisition unit that acquires printer information including PDL supported by the printer used for printing, and the valid PDL reception unit is acquired A PDL that can be specified is displayed based on the printer information.

  In any of the above printer drivers, the PDL selection accepting unit accepts a change of the print setting in a PDL area that supports a print setting not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs. If it is, the PDL corresponding to the change may be selected and displayed.

  In any of the above printer drivers, at least one preset print setting is displayed in a list in association with information indicating PDL that can use the preset print setting, and the preset print setting can be selected. The computer may function as a preset accepting unit that accepts, and the print data generation unit may generate print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print setting or the preset print setting. .

A third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs, and a basic setting receiving unit that receives print settings commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs A print setting not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in association with a PDL area that supports the print setting, and an application setting receiving unit that receives the print setting; and used for printing PDL selection accepting means for accepting selection of PDL;
A print data generation unit configured to generate print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print setting.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a printing system including at least a printer capable of printing with one or more PDLs and a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs, wherein the printing The control device includes a basic setting receiving unit that receives print settings that are commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs, and print settings that are not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs. Application setting receiving means for displaying in association with the area and receiving the print setting, PDL selection receiving means for receiving selection of PDL used for printing, and print data of the PDL selected based on the received print setting Print data generation means for generating the print data, and the printer executes printing based on the print data of the selected PDL , Characterized in that.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a printing system 3 that is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the host computer 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen 300 which receives the input of a basic setting. The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen 300 which receives the input of an application setting. The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen 300 which receives the input of a favorite setting. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen control table 1200. FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of a print setting and a printing process.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a printing system 3 which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing system 3 includes a host computer 1 that functions as a printing control device and a plurality of printers 2 that function as printing devices. For example, the host computer 1 and the printer 2 communicate with each other via a network such as a wired LAN.

  The host computer 1 is installed with a printer driver that can selectively use a plurality of PDLs, which will be described later, and controls PDL printing by the printer 2. The printer 2 can use at least one or more PDLs, and executes printing based on the PDL sent by the host computer 1. Further, the printer 2 sends printer information to be described later to the host computer 1 in response to a request from the host computer 1.

  The host computer 1 includes, for example, a CPU 10 that performs various calculations, a RAM 11 that stores programs and data executed by the CPU 10, a ROM 12 that stores programs and data necessary for startup, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. An auxiliary storage device 13 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a network interface (I / F) 14 that communicates by connecting to a network such as a wired LAN, and a USB interface (I / F) 15 that communicates by USB , A media reader 16 that reads information from a portable storage medium having portability such as a CD-ROM, a display device 17 such as an LCD that displays a user interface (UI) screen, and an input device 18 such as a keyboard and a mouse. With.

  The printer 2 has, for example, a laser type or ink jet type printing mechanism, and performs color or monochrome printing. Of course, the printing method is not limited to the above.

  The above-described configurations of the printing system 3, the host computer 1, and the printer 2 are not limited to the above-described configurations because the main configurations have been described in describing the features of the present invention. Further, the configuration of a general printing system, a host computer, and a printer is not excluded. For example, a plurality of host computers 1 may be provided, and a single printer 2 may be provided. Further, for example, the host computer 1 and the printer 2 may communicate via a wireless LAN or USB. Further, for example, printing may be executed via an independent print server.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the host computer 1.

  The host computer 1 includes an OS (Operating System) unit (not shown), an application unit 100, and a printer driver unit 110.

  The OS unit and application unit 100 are realized, for example, when the CPU 10 executes a predetermined OS program and application program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 13 to the RAM 11. The printer driver unit 110 is realized, for example, when the CPU 10 executes a predetermined printer driver program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 13 to the RAM 11.

  The printer driver program can be downloaded from a server on a network such as the Internet and installed or updated in the host computer 1. It may be read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM by the media reader 16 or read from a storage medium such as a flash ROM by the USB interface 15 and installed or updated in the host computer 1.

  The OS unit has a so-called basic software function that provides system management and a basic user operating environment of the host computer 1. The application unit 100 and the printer driver unit 110 are realized under the management of the OS unit.

  The application unit 100 has a so-called application software function that provides a user with specific functions according to various purposes. In the present embodiment, the application unit 100 performs processing such as creation, display, and editing of a document file and an image file, for example.

  In addition, the application unit 100 receives a print instruction for a file (print target data) selected by the user via a predetermined UI screen. When the application unit 100 receives the print instruction, the application unit 100 notifies the printer driver unit 110 of the print settings received together with the print target data, and instructs printing.

  The printer driver unit 110 performs processing for controlling the printer 2 to execute printing. The printer driver unit 110 prints data based on, for example, processing for controlling display of various UI screens of the printer driver, processing for controlling input of user operations via the UI screen, and print target data received from the application unit. Processing for generating the print data, processing for transmitting print data to the printer 2 and executing printing, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the printer driver unit 110 can handle a plurality of printers 2 and performs a process of searching for a printer 2 that can be instructed to print from the host computer 1, a process of accepting selection of the printer 2 that performs printing, and the like. Do.

  The printer driver unit 110 includes a setting reception unit 120, a printer information acquisition unit 130, and a print data generation unit 140 in order to implement the above-described processing.

  The setting reception unit 120 displays a print setting screen for receiving print settings on the display device 17. Also, input of print settings on the print setting screen is received via the input device 18. Further, it accepts a print instruction and sends print target data and various print settings to the print data generation unit 140.

  Note that the setting reception unit 120 receives a selection of a printer that performs printing when a print execution instruction is received by a user operation via a predetermined UI screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit 100, for example. A predetermined UI screen is displayed and the selection of the printer is accepted. Then, the print setting screen for the selected printer is displayed. Of course, when a selection of a printer to execute printing is received from the user in advance and a print setting instruction is received by a user operation via a predetermined UI screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit 100, printing is performed. A setting screen may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the setting reception unit 120 explicitly displays whether or not various print settings (print functions) can be used (supported) by a PDL among a plurality of PDLs. Then, the setting reception unit 120 receives selection of one of the plurality of PDLs and instructs the print data generation unit 140 to generate print data based on the selected PDL.

  More specifically, the setting reception unit 120 displays a print setting screen 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, for example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen 300 that accepts input of basic settings. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen 300 that accepts input of application settings. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen 300 that receives input of favorite settings.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the print setting screen 300 includes a basic setting screen 400, an application setting screen 500, and a favorite setting screen 600 that can be switched by tabs. The print setting screen 300 includes an OK button 310 for applying various print settings changed on the print setting screen 300 as print settings used for generating print data, and a cancel button 320 for canceling application. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the basic setting screen 400 includes a basic setting area 410 including areas and buttons for inputting various print settings that can be commonly set for all of the plurality of PDLs 1 to 4, and a PDL used for printing. And a PDL selection area 420 for inputting the selection. In the example of this figure, the PDL selection area 420 is realized by a drop-down list capable of selecting a PDL from a list displayed by a user's click operation.

  The setting reception unit 120 displays an area and buttons for inputting print settings that can be used by all of the plurality of PDLs 1 to 4 in the basic setting area 410. In this example, PDL1-4 support paper size, paper type, paper feeding device, paper ejection device, layout, duplex printing, printing color (color or black), toner save, number of copies, and unit printing. Therefore, these setting areas and buttons are displayed in the basic setting area 410.

  In addition, when the PDL selection area 420 is selected, the setting reception unit 120 displays a list of PDLs that are effectively designated in the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654 (see FIG. 5) of the valid PDL area 650. In the example of FIG. 5, since PDL1 to PDL3 are effectively designated, PDL1 to PDL3 are displayed in a list so as to be selectable in the PDL selection area 420.

  The setting reception unit 120 can display, for example, the first PDL in the list as a default in the PDL selection area 420. Of course, for example, the PDL selected in the previous printing may be recorded and displayed. Further, for example, a history of PDL used for printing may be recorded, and the PDL with the largest number of uses may be displayed.

  In addition, when the settings in the application setting areas 510 to 540 (see FIG. 4) are changed, the setting reception unit 120 displays the PDL corresponding to the area in which the setting is changed last among these areas as the PDL selection area 420. May be displayed. For example, when the setting of the poster print area in the application setting area 520 is changed, the setting reception unit 120 displays “PDL2” in the PDL selection area 420.

  The setting reception unit 120 is in a state where the user cannot select setting areas and buttons corresponding to functions that cannot be used based on the printer information acquired from the printer 2 used for printing by the printer information acquisition unit 130. To. For example, when the printer does not have a duplex printing function, the setting reception unit 120 grays out the duplex printing setting area of the basic setting area 410 and deactivates it.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the application setting screen 500 includes an application setting area including buttons and areas for inputting various print settings not supported by at least one other PDL for each of the plurality of PDLs 1 to 4. 510-540 are included. Of course, each of the application setting areas 510 to 540 may be displayed on, for example, another screen capable of tab switching.

  The setting accepting unit 120 includes areas and buttons for inputting various settings of PDL1 that cannot be set by other PDLs (in the example of the figure, watermark, form overlay, header / footer, enlargement / reduction, job combination). Are displayed in the application setting area 510 of PDL1. In addition, an area and buttons for inputting various settings of PDL2 that cannot be set by other PDL (in the example of this figure, poster printing) are displayed in the application setting area 520 of PDL2. In addition, an area and buttons for inputting various settings of PDL3 that cannot be set by other PDLs (Postscript option in the example of this figure) are displayed in the application setting area 530 of PDL3. In addition, an area and buttons for inputting various settings of PDL4 (data compression method and driver update in the example of this figure) that cannot be set by other PDLs are displayed in the application setting area 540 of PDL4.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 120 displays, in the application setting areas 510 to 540, an area corresponding to the PDL that is invalidly designated in each of the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654 (see FIG. 5) of the valid PDL area 650. Make it impossible to select. In the example of FIG. 5, since PDL1 to PDL3 are designated effectively, the application setting area 540 is deactivated.

  The setting reception unit 120 is in a state where the user cannot select setting areas and buttons corresponding to functions that cannot be used based on the printer information acquired from the printer 2 used for printing by the printer information acquisition unit 130. To.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the favorite setting screen 600 includes a preset area 610 for performing settings related to print setting presets input on the print setting screen 300, and a print setting screen 300 for each of the plurality of PDLs 1 to 4. And an effective PDL area 650 for setting whether to enable or disable the display.

  The preset area 610 includes a preset selection area 620 for displaying a list of presets, a preset explanation area 630 for displaying a description about the preset selected in the preset selection area 620, and saving and deleting of the preset selected in the preset selection area 620. And a save / delete button 640 to perform.

  The setting reception unit 120 reads presets included in advance in the printer driver program from the RAM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 and displays them in a list in the preset selection area 620. In the list, for example, an available PDL area 612 indicating whether or not each PDL can be used is associated with each preset name area 611 indicating a preset name. For example, since the PDL 1 to 3 can be used in the “initial setting” preset, a circle symbol “◯” is displayed in the usable PDL area 612 of the PDL 1 to 3.

  In addition, the setting reception unit 120 displays the usable PDL area 612 corresponding to each PDL designated as valid in the valid PDL area 650. In addition, the setting reception unit 120 displays a list of presets that can use at least one or more of the PDLs designated as valid in the valid PDL area 650 in the preset selection area 620.

  For example, a preset of “initial setting” can be selected as a default by a cursor. When the user selects any preset, the preset is selected by the cursor, and when any setting on the print setting screen 300 is changed, “current setting” is selected. it can. Of course, for example, the preset used in the previous printing may be selected as the default.

  When any preset is selected by the user, the setting reception unit 120 reads various print settings of the preset from the RAM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 and reflects them in each area of the print setting screen 300. Further, the explanation about the selected preset is read from the RAM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 and displayed in the preset explanation area 630.

  Further, when the save / delete button 640 is selected, the setting reception unit 120 updates the UI selected in the preset selection area 620, saves it as a new preset, and deletes the UI screen. Is displayed. Then, edits such as update, storage, and deletion of presets are accepted and stored in the RAM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

  The valid PDL area 650 includes a PDL valid designation area 651 to 654 for setting validity or invalidity of display on the print setting screen 300 for each of the plurality of PDL1 to PDL4, and valid among the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654. A reflection button 655 for reflecting various print setting areas related to the designated PDL on the print setting screen 300 is included. In the example of this figure, the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654 are realized by check boxes.

  Based on the printer information acquired from the printer 2 used for printing by the printer information acquisition unit 130, the setting reception unit 120 displays a check mark in the PDL designation area corresponding to the PDL usable in the printer 2. . In the example of this figure, PDL valid designation areas 651 to 653 corresponding to PDL1 to PDL3 are designated effectively. When the printer information cannot be acquired, check marks are displayed in all the PDL designation areas 651 to 654.

  In addition, when the setting reception unit 120 receives selection of the reflection button 655, as described above, various settings that can be used by each PDL corresponding to the selected region among the PDL valid designation regions 651 to 654 are as follows. This is reflected in each area of the basic setting screen 400, the application setting screen 500, and the favorite screen 600.

  The setting reception unit 120 can perform control so that at least one selection remains so that all selections in the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654 are not released. Further, the reflection button 655 may not be provided, and in this case, the setting reception unit 120 may perform reflection automatically according to the settings of the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654.

  In order to control the print setting screen 300 described above, the setting reception unit 120 can use a table included in the printer driver program as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print setting screen control table 1200.

  The print setting screen control table 1200 has a tab (“basic” indicating the basic setting screen 400 or “application” indicating the application setting screen 500) for displaying the function for each function information 1210 for specifying the function (print setting). Tab information 1220 that identifies the function, and usable information 1230 to 1260 that identifies whether or not the functions are supported by PDL1 to PDL4 (usable: circle symbol “O”, unusable: cross symbol “x”), Are associated with each other.

  For example, when displaying the basic setting screen 400, the setting reception unit 120 refers to the print setting screen control table 1200 and identifies an entry whose tab information 1220 is “basic”. Then, a setting area and a button corresponding to the specified function 1210 of each entry are displayed in the basic setting area 410. When the application setting screen 500 is displayed, an entry whose tab information 1220 is “application” is specified. Then, referring to each identified entry, a setting area and a button corresponding to the function 1210 of each entry are displayed in the application setting area corresponding to the PDL whose usable information 1230 to 1260 is a circle symbol “◯”.

  The configuration, display mode, control method, and the like of the print setting screen 300 described above are given as an example in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the printer driver unit 110. The present invention is not limited by the configuration, display mode, and control method of the print setting screen 300. For example, all the various print settings can be displayed on one screen. In addition, for example, it is possible to display it divided into more screens. More specifically, for example, the number of PDLs is not limited to four. In addition, the basic setting screen 400, the application setting screen 500, and the favorite setting screen 600 may be integrated by combining any two or all of them.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the printer information acquisition unit 130 acquires printer information from the printer 2.

  Specifically, the printer information acquisition unit 130 searches for the printer 2 connected to the network, acquires printer information, and creates a printer list. Further, it receives a request from the setting reception unit 120 and acquires printer information from the designated printer 2.

  The printer information includes, for example, information for identifying the printer 2 connected to the network (IP address, MAC address, product model name, etc.), information indicating PDL usable by the printer 2, and information indicating the function of the printer 2 ( Information indicating the status of the printer 2 (idling, printing, toner amount, etc.), and the like. Such printer information is used, for example, for display processing of the UI screen of the setting reception unit 120 as described above.

  The print data generation unit 140 generates print data based on the print settings sent from the setting reception unit 120 and the print target data designated by the application unit 100 and transmits the print data to the designated printer 2.

  Specifically, a print instruction is received from the setting reception unit 120 and print settings (including print settings applied on the print setting screen 300 and print settings specified from the application unit 100) are received from the setting reception unit 120. get. In addition, print target data designated by the application unit 100 is acquired from the setting reception unit 120. Then, the acquired data is converted into PDL data (PDL input in the PDL selection area 420) specified by the print setting, and print data is generated. Then, it is transmitted to the printer 2 designated by the print setting. Note that if the host-based PDL is specified in the print settings, the print data generation unit 140 executes, for example, generation of RGB data, generation of CMYK data, and the like, and transmits them to the printer 2.

  The printer 2 that has received the print data (PDL) transmitted from the host computer 1 interprets the PDL to generate RGB data, further generates image data that can be interpreted by the print engine, and prints by the print engine. Execute.

  The above components are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the host computer 1. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the host computer 1 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing realized by the host computer 1 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print settings and print processing. This flow is started, for example, when the printer driver unit 110 receives a print setting instruction or a print start instruction from the application unit 100. The print setting instruction or the print start instruction is activated via, for example, a printing UI screen of the application unit 100.

  In S10, the setting reception unit 120 determines whether or not the bidirectional mode is set. Specifically, the bidirectional mode is a mode in which the printer driver unit 110 performs bidirectional communication with the printer 2 (that is, printer information can be acquired from the printer 2). On the other hand, printer information cannot be acquired in the unidirectional mode. The setting receiving unit 120 can display a predetermined UI screen and receive a setting of any mode from a user in advance, or can use a default setting. When the bidirectional mode is set (S10: YES), the setting reception unit 120 advances the process to S20. When the bidirectional mode is not set (S10: NO), the setting reception unit 120 advances the process to S80.

  In S20, the printer information acquisition unit 130 searches for a printer. Specifically, the printer information acquisition unit 130 searches for a printer 2 that can communicate with the host computer 1 via the network I / F 14 and the USB I / F 15. And the information which identifies the said printer 2 from each discovered printer 2 is acquired, and a list | wrist is created. Then, the process proceeds to S30.

  In S30, the setting reception unit 120 receives a selection of a printer. Specifically, the setting reception unit 120 displays a list of the printers 2 discovered by the printer information acquisition unit 130 in S20 on a predetermined UI screen. Then, selection of the printer 2 that executes printing is accepted. Then, the process proceeds to S40.

  In S <b> 40, the printer information acquisition unit 130 acquires PDL and functions supported by the printer 2. Specifically, the printer information acquisition unit 130 communicates with the printer 2 selected in S30, and requests printer information regarding the PDL and functions of the printer 2. Then, the process proceeds to S50.

  In S50, the printer information acquisition unit 130 determines whether the printer information has been acquired. Specifically, it is determined whether or not printer information has been received as a response to the request transmitted in S40. If the printer information has been acquired (S50: YES), the process proceeds to S70. If the printer information cannot be acquired (S50: NO), the process proceeds to S60.

  In S60, the setting reception unit 120 performs error processing. Specifically, for example, the setting reception unit 120 displays information indicating that information necessary for printing cannot be obtained from the printer designated in S30, and notifies the user. Then, the process returns to S20.

  In S <b> 70, the setting reception unit 120 identifies the PDL and functions supported by the printer 2. Specifically, the setting reception unit 120 identifies a PDL supported by the printer 2 based on the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 130 in S40. Also, various functions that can be executed by the printer 2 are specified. Then, the process proceeds to S90.

  In S80, the setting reception unit 120 specifies that the printer 2 supports all PDLs and functions. Then, the process proceeds to S90.

  In S90, the setting reception unit 120 displays a print setting screen. Specifically, the setting reception unit 120 displays the above-described print setting screen 300 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) using the above-described print setting screen control table 1200 (see FIG. 6). At this time, among the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654, the area corresponding to the PDL supported by the printer 2 identified in S70 or S80 is set to be valid. In addition, for the PDL designated as invalid in the PDL valid designation areas 651 to 654, the basic setting screen 400, the application setting screen 500, and various setting areas in the preset area 610 are invalidated and deactivated. In addition, various setting areas corresponding to functions not supported by the printer 2 specified in S70 are also invalidated and deactivated. Then, the process proceeds to S100.

  In S100, the setting reception unit 120 receives print settings. Specifically, the setting receiving unit 120 receives changes in values of various setting areas on the print setting screen 300 as described above. Then, the selection of the OK button 310 or the cancel button 320 on the print setting screen 300 is accepted, and the process proceeds to S110.

  In S110, the setting reception unit 120 receives a print instruction. Specifically, for example, when this flow is started by a print setting instruction, the setting reception unit 120 advances the processing to S120 after receiving a print start instruction from the application unit 100. On the other hand, for example, when this flow is started by an instruction to start printing, the setting reception unit 120 advances the processing to S120 without waiting for an instruction to start printing from the application unit 100.

  In S120, the print data generation unit 140 performs print processing. Specifically, the print data generation unit 140 generates PDL print data based on the print setting sent from the setting reception unit 120 in S110 and the print target data specified by the application unit 100, and the specified data is specified. Send to printer 2. Then, this flow ends.

  The above description of the flow described the main processing flow in describing the characteristics of the present invention, and does not exclude other processing. Further, each processing unit of the above flow is divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of the host computer 1 easy to understand. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the host computer 1 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the present embodiment, user convenience can be improved in a printer driver that can selectively use a plurality of PDLs.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, the functions (print settings) supported by each of the plurality of PDLs are clearly displayed. Also, various PDLs supported by the printer that executes printing are clearly displayed. In addition, functions supported by the PDL designated as valid are clearly displayed. In addition, the PDL corresponding to each preset is clearly displayed. With at least one of these configurations, the user can select a PDL according to the purpose of printing while recognizing functions and features of various PDLs, and can execute optimum printing.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, a predetermined PDL that is considered to be relatively infrequently used or a host-based PDL may be incorporated by upgrade without being incorporated in advance in the printer driver program. In this way, it is possible to reduce the size of the printer driver program and suppress the enlargement of the size of the common driver.

  Note that the present invention can be applied not only to a printer but also to a printing system including a printing apparatus such as a copier or a multifunction machine having a printer function.

1: host computer, 2: printer, 3: printing system, 10: CPU, 11: RAM, 12: ROM, 13: auxiliary storage device, 14: network interface (I / F), 15: USB interface (I / F) ), 16: media reading device, 17: display device, 18: input device, 100: application unit, 110: printer driver unit, 120: setting reception unit, 130: printer information acquisition unit, 140: print data generation unit, 300 : Print setting screen, 310: OK button, 320: Cancel button, 400: Basic setting screen, 410: Basic setting area, 420: PDL selection area, 500: Application setting screen, 510: Application setting area, 520: Application setting area 530: Application setting area, 540: Application setting area, 600: Favorite setting Screen, 610: Preset area, 611: Preset name area, 612: Available PDL area, 620: Preset selection area, 630: Preset description area, 640: Save / delete button, 650: Valid PDL area, 651-654: PDL Valid designation area, 655: Reflect button, 1200: Print setting screen control table, 1210: Function information, 1220: Tab information, 1230: Usable information, 1240: Usable information, 1250: Usable information, 1260: Usable information

Claims (10)

A printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs,
Basic setting accepting means for accepting print settings commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs;
An application setting receiving unit that displays a print setting that is not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in association with an area of the PDL that supports the print setting, and receives the print setting;
PDL selection accepting means for accepting selection of PDL used for printing;
Causing the computer to function as print data generation means for generating print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print settings;
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to claim 1,
Displaying at least one or more valid PDLs so that they can be designated, and causing the computer to function as valid PDL accepting means for accepting at least one or more valid PDLs.
A printer driver characterized by this. A printer driver that causes a computer to function as a print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs,
Setting accepting means for accepting print settings relating to the plurality of PDLs;
Effective PDL accepting means for displaying at least one or more valid PDLs so as to be designated, and accepting designation of at least one or more valid PDLs;
PDL selection accepting means for accepting selection of PDL used for printing;
Causing the computer to function as print data generation means for generating print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print settings;
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to claim 3,
The setting receiving unit receives print settings that are commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs, and sets print settings that are not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in a PDL area that supports the print settings. Display in association and accept the print settings,
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The PDL selection accepting unit displays a designated valid PDL as a selection range, and accepts selection of a PDL used for printing.
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to claim 4,
The computer functions as a printer information acquisition unit that acquires printer information including PDL supported by the printer used for printing,
The valid PDL reception unit displays a PDL that can be specified based on the acquired printer information.
A printer driver characterized by this. The printer driver according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The PDL selection accepting unit selects a PDL corresponding to the change when the change of the print setting is accepted in the PDL area that supports the print setting not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs. Display,
A printer driver characterized by this. A printer driver according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A list of at least one preset print setting is displayed in association with information indicating PDL that can use the preset print setting, and the computer functions as a preset reception unit that receives selection of the preset print setting.
The print data generation means generates print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print setting or preset print setting.
A printer driver characterized by this. A print control apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs,
Basic setting accepting means for accepting print settings commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs;
An application setting receiving unit that displays a print setting that is not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in association with an area of the PDL that supports the print setting, and receives the print setting;
PDL selection accepting means for accepting selection of PDL used for printing;
Print data generation means for generating print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print settings;
A printing control apparatus characterized by that. A printing system comprising a printer capable of printing with at least one PDL and a print control device capable of selecting a plurality of PDLs,
The print control device includes:
Basic setting accepting means for accepting print settings commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs;
An application setting receiving unit that displays a print setting that is not commonly supported by the plurality of PDLs in association with an area of the PDL that supports the print setting, and receives the print setting;
PDL selection accepting means for accepting selection of PDL used for printing;
Print data generation means for generating print data of the selected PDL based on the accepted print settings,
The printer is
Printing based on the print data of the selected PDL;
A printing system characterized by that.

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