JP2015170295A - Information processing apparatus performing output setting of image formation and output, and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology to assist changing print settings to be used in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: When a setting mode is enabled of performing setting of post-processing including at least one of stapling and punching, an information processing apparatus sets the post-processing as output settings, sets output settings excluding the post-processing, displays a preview image of image formation and output on the basis of the two output settings, and when the output settings conflicting with the post-processing has been changed, disables the setting mode and displays the preview image.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for setting post-processing.

  When printing a document or drawing created on a computer, it is common to convert drawing data generated by an application into a page description language (PDL) and send it to a printer via a printer driver. When printing, print settings such as the type of paper used for printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, monochrome / color printing, and paper feeding method are also set. Such print settings are performed via a print setting user interface (UI) of the application or a print setting UI provided by the printer driver. Furthermore, the print setting UI uses a function of displaying a preview image exemplarily showing a state where printing is actually performed and visually notifying the user of the current print setting state.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a preview image on a touch panel of a digital multifunction peripheral and accepting post-processing settings by a touch operation from a user. Specifically, a configuration is disclosed in which when a predetermined area of a preview image is touched, a setting screen for post-processing corresponding to the predetermined area is displayed.

JP 2010-41063 A

  However, depending on the designated print settings (output paper size, print orientation, page integration, etc.), there may be a conflict with post-processing settings such as stapling and punching. Therefore, print settings and post-processing settings are complicated for general users.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of unintended post-processing setting being performed by switching the function for performing post-processing setting to valid or invalid. It is said.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an information processing apparatus that performs output setting of an image forming output by an image forming apparatus,
Switching means for switching the setting mode for setting the post-processing including at least one of staple and punch to valid or invalid;
A first setting means for setting the post-processing when the setting mode is valid among the output settings;
Second setting means for setting output settings excluding the post-processing;
Display means for displaying a preview image of the image forming output based on the output setting set by the first setting means and the second setting means,
When the output setting that conflicts with the post-processing is changed by the second setting unit after the post-processing is set by the first setting unit, the display unit invalidates the setting mode, The preview image is displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an unintended post-processing setting is performed by switching the function for performing the post-processing setting to valid or invalid.

Diagram showing the configuration of the print processing system Block diagram showing internal configuration of client computer Diagram showing the software configuration of the client computer The figure which shows an example of the print setting initial screen provided by the function of a printing subsystem The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen provided by the function of a device application Flowchart for explaining processing when starting the staple / punch setting mode The figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which displays the print summary image by which the guide was displayed Flowchart for explaining processing for canceling staple / punch setting mode The figure explaining control of cancellation of staple / punch setting mode Print settings screen when the staple / punch setting mode is enabled at the same time Flowchart for explaining the display control processing of the guide showing the position of the punch The figure explaining the display control of the guide which shows the position of a punch Flowchart for explaining the display control processing of the guide showing the position of the punch Table that specifies the punch positions that can be set and the start control of the punch setting mode The figure explaining the display control of the guide which shows the binding position of a staple Print settings screen including settings to always enable staple / punch setting mode Flowchart explaining processing for starting staple / punch setting mode Screen transition diagram of client computer 100 when an error occurs

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
As a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a client computer (information processing apparatus) of a print processing system will be described below as an example.

  In recent years, tablet computers equipped with a touch panel display have become widespread. A new version of Windows (registered trademark), which is an operating system (OS) of Microsoft Corporation, provides a user interface (UI) environment suitable for a tablet computer. Specifically, in addition to the conventional desktop UI environment, a touch panel UI environment that is easy to operate with a touch called a “start screen” is added.

  In the desktop UI environment, a type of application called a desktop application operates. On the other hand, in the touch panel UI environment, a type of application called a Windows Store application (hereinafter referred to as a store application) operates. Then, the print setting UI provided by the printer driver is switched according to each UI environment.

  In the following description, a print setting UI in a touch panel UI environment will be described as an example in a client computer which is a tablet computer provided with a touch panel display. That is, in the following description, it is assumed that various setting screens are displayed on the touch panel display and accept a touch operation from the user.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print processing system including a client computer according to the first embodiment. The print processing system includes one or more client computers 100, one or more servers 2000, and one or more printers 2500. For example, the client computer 100 is a terminal owned by each user. The server 2000 and the printer 2500 are installed on each floor of a building, for example, and are shared by a plurality of users. The client computer 100, the server 2000, and the printer 2500 are connected via a local area network (LAN) 3000 so that they can communicate with each other.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the client computer. The CPU 101 controls the entire computer 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 1021, the RAM 1022 or the auxiliary storage device 105 of the main storage device 102. A device application (hereinafter referred to as a device application) 1052 and a printer driver (hereinafter referred to as a driver) 1053 are stored in the auxiliary storage device 105, read into the RAM 1022, and executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 1022 is also used as a work area when the CPU 101 performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 105 stores various programs such as an application (hereinafter referred to as an application) 1051, a device application 1052, a driver 1053, and an operating system (OS) 1054.

  An input device such as a pointing device (mouse) 109 typified by a keyboard 108 and a mouse / touch panel is connected to the computer 100 through an input I / F 103. An output device such as a monitor 110 is connected to the output I / F 104, and various user interfaces (UI) are displayed on the monitor according to instructions of the program. The computer 100 receives an operation from a user via these input / output devices. The communication I / F 106 is connected to the network 3000 and performs communication with external devices (for example, the server 2000 and the printer 2500) of the computer 100.

  The above-described units are connected by a common data system bus 107, and are configured so that data can be exchanged between the functional units. Various programs 1051 to 1054 can be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via a CD-ROM (not shown) or a USB memory. Various programs 1051 to 1054 can be added to the auxiliary storage device 105 via the network 3000. FIG. 2 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the internal configuration. Further, it may be configured by a single device, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of devices via a network such as a LAN or WAN.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the client computer. The software configuration includes an application 1051, a print subsystem 10540, a driver 1053, a system spooler 10541, and a device application 1052. Programs corresponding to these software are stored in the auxiliary storage device 105, and each program is loaded from the auxiliary storage device 105 to the RAM 1022 and executed by the CPU 101 in response to a user request or another system request. Is done.

  The application 1051 is a general application such as a word processor or a browser. When the CPU 101 executes the application 1051, a UI is displayed on the monitor 110, and input from the user is received by an input device such as the pointing device 109 or the keyboard 108, and document data is generated. When the application 1051 receives a print request input from the user, the application 1051 outputs a print request for the target document data to the print subsystem 10540.

  The printing subsystem 10540 is a subsystem of the OS 1054. It is located between the application 1051 and the driver 1053, and executes common processing in print processing. Specific processing includes selection processing for a printer to be printed, generation processing for setting information using the driver 1053 of the selected printer, and conversion processing to PDL for standard document data.

  The driver 1053 is a functional module that is responsible for processing that depends on the printer (image forming apparatus) that is the print output destination. Broadly divided, it is composed of two sub-modules, a configuration module 300 and a graphics filter 303. The configuration module 300 mainly includes a setting generation unit 301, and performs processing for creating setting information for image formation output that can be realized by the printer 2500. The graphics filter 303 is mainly composed of three submodules: a standard document data analysis unit 304, an output data generation unit 305, and a setting analysis unit 306.

  First, standard document data including setting information received from the application 1051 via the print subsystem 10540 is analyzed by the standard document data analysis unit 304. The analyzed standard document data is converted into output data by the output data generation unit 305, the print setting in the standard document data is analyzed by the setting analysis unit 306, and the print setting to be added to the output data is generated. Finally, the data is converted into PDL 314 which is print data that can be interpreted by the printer 2500. The converted PDL 314 is transferred to the system spooler 10541 that is a subsystem of the OS 1054 and transmitted to the printer 2500.

  The device application 1052 is an application that assists the driver 1053. Similar to the driver 1053, the software is compatible with the printer 2500 and includes a detailed setting generation unit 307 and a detailed setting analysis unit 308. The device application 1052 is configured to be able to interpret a setting list and setting information.

  Further, the device application 1052 has a detailed setting display unit 309 and displays a unique print setting UI specialized for the printer 2500. By accepting various designations from the user via the unique print setting UI, more detailed print settings can be performed. The detailed setting analysis unit 308 analyzes the acquired setting information, and the detailed setting generation unit 307 generates setting information 311 based on the analysis. The generated setting information 311 is passed to the printer driver 1053 via the printing subsystem 10540.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting initial screen provided by the function of the print subsystem based on a print instruction from the store application. This print setting initial screen is a screen that the print subsystem 10540 displays in response to a print instruction from the application 1051. On the print setting initial screen, only print setting items with high priority are displayed. In this example, the print setting initial screen 400 includes a paper summary image 401 that exemplarily shows print settings. The print setting initial screen 400 further includes setting items of “Copy” 402 indicating the number of copies, “Media Size” 403 indicating the output paper size, “Orientation” 404 indicating the print direction, and “Color Mode” 405 indicating the color mode.

  When the Print button 408 on the print setting initial screen 400 is pressed by the user, the printing process is started. In addition, when the “More Settings” link 406 for performing detailed settings is pressed by the user, the device application 1052 is called.

  Unlike general applications, the device application 1052 has an interface that uniquely communicates with the printer driver. Therefore, it is possible to exchange about print setting items unique to a printer driver that a general application cannot know. For example, it is possible to change the print quality color detail setting provided by the printer driver development vendor, the staple / punch detail setting based on the finisher setting, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen that is called from the print setting initial screen and provided by the function of the device application. The print setting screen 500 has a screen configuration capable of switching between “easy setting” considering touch operation and “full function setting” considering mouse operation. Although details will be described later, on the “Easy Setting” screen, a print summary image and a print setting item with a high priority are displayed so that the touch operation is easy. Note that FIG. 5 is an example and is not limited to the screen configuration.

  The simple setting screen of the print setting screen 500 includes a print summary image 503 by a touch operation. The simple setting screen of the print setting screen 500 is a high-priority print setting item such as the number of copies 504, the output paper size 505, the print orientation 506, the page aggregation 507, the single-sided / double-sided 508, and the color mode 509. (Output setting excluding post-processing). Further, a staple setting mode button 510 and a punch setting mode button 511 for setting so-called “post-processing” are arranged on the simple setting screen of the print setting screen 500.

  For example, when the device application 1052 identifies that the staple setting mode button 510 is pressed, the function for setting the staple is enabled, and a position where the staple binding position can be set is displayed as a “guide” on the print summary image 503. . By displaying the guide, the print summary image is displayed in a state in which candidate areas for which post-processing can be set can be identified. When the guide is displayed, the print setting screen 500 accepts post-processing settings (accepting means). Specifically, the device application 1052 can determine the staple binding position by identifying the user's pressing of one of the displayed guide position buttons.

  The print summary image 503 is displayed based on output settings including post-processing. Specifically, if the color mode is color, it is displayed in color, or the staple binding position and punch binding position set as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B can be identified for the user. Is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the device application 1052 identifies that the staple setting mode button 510 is pressed in a state where the staple setting function is enabled, the staple setting function is disabled. As a result, a print summary image 503 without guides is displayed in a state in which candidate areas for which post-processing can be set cannot be identified. If no guide is displayed, the print setting screen 500 does not accept post-processing settings. The staple setting mode button 510 and the punch setting mode button 511 may be configured to have only one.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the staple / punch setting mode is activated. Unless otherwise specified, the processing is executed by the device application 1052.

  In step S600, the device application 1052 checks whether stapling / punching can be specified with the current print settings. If the print setting is such that stapling / punching cannot be specified (No in step S600), the processing is terminated without entering the setting mode. For example, when the finisher capable of stapling / punching is not installed or when the paper size capable of stapling / punching is not set, the stapling / punching setting mode is not entered. On the other hand, if the print setting allows stapling / punching (Yes in step S600), the process advances to step S601 to enter a stapling / punch setting mode in accordance with the clicked button.

  In step S602, the device application 1052 checks the staple / punch binding positions that can be set according to the current print settings. For example, when the stapler that can be stapled is capable of stapling only at the four corners of the sheet, “double stapling” cannot be set. Also, depending on the finisher installed, when “A3” is set as the paper size, “double stapling on the long side” may not be set.

  In step S603, the device application 1052 displays the binding position guide superimposed on the print summary image 503 (preview image) based on the set binding positions.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen 500 that displays a print summary image 503 on which a “guide” indicating stapling positions that can be set is displayed. In this description, only the staple binding position is displayed, but the same display is performed for the punch position.

  When the device application 1052 identifies that the staple setting mode button has been pressed and switches to the staple setting mode, the device application 1052 displays a stapleable binding position guide 700 on the print summary image 503. The user can set the staple binding position by identifying pressing of one or more of the displayed guides. When the setting instruction of the staple binding position from the user is identified, the binding position is confirmed and the staple setting mode is canceled.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing for canceling (invalidating) the staple / punch setting mode when another print setting item is operated.

  In step S800, the device application 1052 checks which print setting item has been changed by the user. In step S801, the device application 1052 determines whether the changed setting item affects stapling / punching. When stapling / punching is affected (Yes in step S801), the process proceeds to step S802 to cancel the stapling / punch setting mode (switching unit). On the other hand, if there is no influence (No in step S801), the staple / punch setting mode is not canceled and the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the control for canceling the staple / punch setting mode. FIG. 9A shows an example of a print setting screen 900 that displays a print summary image 901 in which the staple / punch setting mode is canceled. In the example of FIG. 9A, it is identified that the user has operated the item 902 of “output paper size”, the output setting of the first group that conflicts with the stapling or punching position is determined, and the stapling / punching is determined. The setting mode is cancelled. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9B, it is determined that the user has operated the item 903 “number of copies” and the output setting of the second group does not conflict with the staple or punch position. Display the print summary image without canceling the setting mode.

  Such determination of whether or not the staple or punch position is affected may be set in advance as a table, for example. FIG. 9C is a table showing a list of print setting items for canceling the staple / punch setting mode. In step S801, the device application 1052 refers to the table and determines whether to cancel the setting mode.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when setting of another print setting item is performed in a state where any one of the staple / punch settings is set, the other print setting item in which the change has been performed is performed. Cancel the staple / punch setting according to the type. With this configuration, even when the user changes the setting of the print setting item, the user can obtain a desired output result without having to perform the stapling / punching setting again.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case where both staple setting and punch setting are performed will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen when both the staple setting mode and the punch setting mode are simultaneously enabled. As shown in FIG. 10, here, the stapling setting mode and the punching setting mode can be enabled simultaneously on the print setting screen 500 of the device application 1052. For example, the device application 1052 identifies the pressing of the staple setting mode button 1003 and enables the staple setting mode. After that, when the device application 1052 identifies that the punch setting mode button 1004 has been pressed, the device application 1052 displays a guide for both stapling / punching on the print summary image 1000. Note that the staple / punch guide position display is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  When both the staple setting mode and the punch setting mode are enabled at the same time, the device application 1052 limits the binding position of the other when the binding position of one of the staple and the punch is determined, or binds the binding. Determine the position. In particular, when the binding position is determined, the setting mode is canceled.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the guide display control process indicating the punch position. In particular, here, a flowchart illustrating the determination of the guide display of the punch position based on the determination of the staple binding position performed in advance is shown.

  In step S1100, the device application 1052 checks the set stapling position. In step S <b> 1101, the device application 1052 determines whether the number of staple binding locations is one or two. In step S1102, the device application 1052 uniquely determines the punch position when there are two staple binding positions. Details of the determination will be described later with reference to FIG. In this case, since the punch position is uniquely determined, in step S1103, the device application 1052 cancels the punch setting mode.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the display control of the guide indicating the position of the punch. Here, FIG. 12A shows a print summary image when double stapling (two binding locations) is set at the left end in a state where both the staple / punch setting modes are enabled. Since the punch binding position is also determined, the punch setting mode is also canceled.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1101 that one staple is bound, the punch position is not uniquely determined, and there are a plurality of position options (candidate positions and candidate areas) where the punch can be set. In step S1104, the device application 1052 displays a guide at a position where punching can be set based on the set staple binding position.

  FIG. 12B illustrates a print summary image in the case where the staple (one binding position) is set in the upper left corner in a state where both the staple / punch setting modes are enabled. In this case, the binding position of the punch is either “left end” or “upper end” of the output paper. Therefore, the device application 1052 displays the punch guide as shown in FIG. 12B and does not cancel the punch setting mode.

  Such determination of the punch position or guide display is preferably set in advance as a table, for example. FIG. 12C is a table for associating the staple binding positions determined in advance with the punch candidate positions. In step S1101, the device application 1052 refers to the table, determines the punch position, and determines whether to cancel the punch setting mode.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, a position where a punch can be set is determined based on the staple binding position determined in advance, and is displayed on the print summary image. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the position where the punch can be set. That is, the user can easily select and specify the punch position. Further, when the punch position is uniquely determined, it is possible to save the user from manually setting the punch binding position.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the punch setting mode is started when the stapling binding position has already been determined.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the guide display control process indicating the punch position. Specifically, it is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining a guide display of the binding position when the punch setting mode is enabled in a state where the staple binding position has already been determined.

  In step S1300, the device application 1052 checks the staple binding position that has already been set. In step S <b> 1301, the device application 1052 determines whether the number of staple binding locations is one or two.

  In step S1302, the device application 1052 uniquely determines the punch position when there are two staple binding positions. Details of the determination will be described later with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that double stapling (two binding locations) has already been set at the left end of the print summary image. Even if the punch setting mode is enabled in this state, the punch position is automatically determined to be “left end” in the end. Therefore, the punch position is controlled to be set to the left end without starting the punch setting mode. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12A, both the staple / punch are set to the left end.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1301 that one staple is bound, the punch position is not uniquely determined, and there are a plurality of position options (candidate positions) where the punch can be set. In step S1303, the device application 1052 displays a guide at a position where punching can be set based on the set staple binding position, and activates the punch setting mode in step S1304. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the binding position of the punch is either “left end” or “upper end”. Therefore, the device application 1052 displays the punch guide as shown in FIG. 12B and activates the punch setting mode.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplarily showing a table for designating a punch position that can be set and activation control of a punch setting mode in a state where the staple binding position is set. In step S1301, the device application 1052 refers to the table, determines a punch binding position, and determines whether or not to start the punch setting mode.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the position where the punch can be set is determined based on the staple binding position determined in advance, and is displayed on the print summary image. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the position where the punch can be set. Further, when the punch position is uniquely determined, it is possible to save the user from manually setting the punch binding position.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the staple binding position when the staple binding position is determined in advance in a state where the staple setting mode and the punch setting mode are simultaneously enabled will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining display control of a guide indicating the staple binding position. Here, FIG. 15A shows a print summary image when punching is set at the left end in a state where both the staple / punch setting mode is enabled. In this case, the staple binding position is any one of “upper left”, “lower left”, and “double staple at the left end”. Therefore, a guide for these three staple binding positions is displayed, and the staple setting mode is not canceled.

  FIG. 15B is a table associating the punch positions determined in advance with the stapling positions that can be set. The device application 1052 refers to the table, determines the staple binding position, and determines whether to cancel the staple setting mode.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, based on the punch position determined in advance, the binding position where stapling can be set is determined and displayed on the print summary image. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the binding position where stapling can be set. That is, the user can easily select and specify the staple binding position.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, a description will be given of an operation when the staple setting mode is started when the punch position is determined in advance.

  Here, it is assumed that a punch has already been set at the left end of the print summary image. When the staple setting mode is enabled in this state, the staple binding position is any one of “upper left”, “lower left”, and “double staple at the left end”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15A, the staple guide position is displayed and the staple setting mode is activated.

  FIG. 15C is a table showing a list of stapling binding positions that can be set in a state where punch positions are set. The device application 1052 refers to the table, determines the staple binding position, and determines whether or not to activate the staple setting mode.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, based on the punch position determined in advance, the binding position where stapling can be set is determined and displayed on the print summary image. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the binding position where stapling can be set.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when a print setting that affects stapling / punch settings is operated, the setting mode is canceled without permission, and the setting mode must be activated again to perform stapling / punching settings. . However, this operation may confuse the user when the stapling / punching setting is changed directly from the store application. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which a setting value that always activates the staple / punch setting mode is provided and the release of the setting mode is prohibited.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen including setting items for always enabling the staple / punch setting mode. Here, items to be set on the print setting screen 1600 of “full function setting” to be paired with “easy setting” with a print summary image are provided.

  When the setting 1601 “Always enable staple setting mode for simple settings” is set to ON in the print setting screen 1600 for full function settings, staple guides are displayed on the print summary image for simple settings, and staple settings can always be made. It becomes. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as “staple setting mode fixed”.

  When the setting 1602 of “always enable punch setting mode of simple setting” is turned ON, a punch guide is displayed on the print summary image of simple setting, and punch setting can always be performed. This state is referred to as “fixed punch setting mode” below, as with staple. Here, the setting item is added and displayed in the print setting screen 1600, but it is not necessary to be in the print setting screen 1600. For example, the setting item is added and displayed in the screen (not shown) of the device application 1052. May be.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining processing for starting the staple / punch setting mode.

  In step S1700, the device application 1052 checks whether “staple setting mode fixed” / “punch setting mode fixed” is set. If the staple / punch setting mode is fixed, in step S1701, the device application 1052 checks whether or not the staple / punch is set by the application. On the other hand, if the staple / punch setting mode is not fixed, the device application 1052 normally starts without displaying a guide on the print summary image.

  If the staple / punch is not set by the application, the device application 1052 activates the staple / punch setting mode in step S1703. On the other hand, when stapling / punching is set by the application, the device application 1052 normally starts without displaying a guide on the print summary image.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, control is performed so that the staple / punch setting is not canceled even when other print setting items are changed after the staple / punch setting. With this configuration, even when other print setting items are changed, the user can complete the setting without being confused.

(Seventh embodiment)
The printer driver 1053 transmits the PDL 314 to the printer 2500 via the system spooler 10541. The printer 2500 that has received the PDL 314 actually prints on paper based on the PDL 314, but at that time, the actual print processing may be hindered, for example, the remaining amount of toner may be reduced. . For example, there may be a toner low or the remaining amount of paper is reduced. An error that prevents printing from continuing may occur. For example, there are paper jams, no paper, and paper size mismatch errors.

  In such a case, the printer 2500 can notify the printing source client computer 100 of an appropriate warning or error. When the client computer 100 receives an event issued from the printer 2500, the print subsystem 10540 notifies the device application 1052 of the event. The device application 1052 interprets the notified event and displays a message corresponding to the content on the monitor 110.

  FIG. 18 is a screen transition diagram of the client computer 100 when an error occurs on the printer 2500 side of the print processing system according to the seventh embodiment. A screen 1800 shows an example in which a toner low warning is displayed on the monitor 110 by the OS standard toast display function while the user operates an arbitrary application (for example, a browser). The enlarged display 1802 is an enlargement of the toner low error toast display 1801 displayed on the screen 1800.

  When the toast display 1801 is tapped by the user, the device application 1052 can display more detailed information. A screen 1803 is a screen for displaying a list of print queues currently installed in the computer 100 by the device application 1052. The device application 1052 determines the printer 2500 that has notified the toner low warning event, and performs highlighting such as enclosing or highlighting the printer 2500. Further, the contents of warnings and errors are acquired from the printer 2500, and the contents are displayed as shown on a screen 1803. Needless to say, the screen 1803 is an example of displaying details of warnings and errors, and is not limited thereto.

  When the user taps the print queue highlighted on the screen 1803, a support site related to a warning or an error is opened by the browser. A screen 1804 shows a screen displaying a support site by a browser. If the displayed warning or error is related to consumables, the support site displays a page for purchasing consumables. If the displayed warning or error is related to a paper jam or other error that prevents you from continuing printing, the support site displays information such as a manual that contains instructions for clearing the paper jam and clearing the error.

  As described above, when a situation that would interfere with the actual printing process in the printer 2500 or an error that prevents printing from continuing, the error is displayed on the monitor 110. With this configuration, the user can recognize in advance without actually going to the printer 2500.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus for performing output setting of an image forming output by an image forming apparatus,
Switching means for switching the setting mode for setting the post-processing including at least one of staple and punch to valid or invalid;
A first setting means for setting the post-processing when the setting mode is valid among the output settings;
Second setting means for setting output settings excluding the post-processing;
Display means for displaying a preview image of the image forming output based on the output setting set by the first setting means and the second setting means,
When the output setting that conflicts with the post-processing is changed by the second setting unit after the post-processing is set by the first setting unit, the display unit invalidates the setting mode, An information processing apparatus that displays the preview image. The display means superimposes and displays a post-processing candidate that can be set by the user via the first setting means on the preview image based on the output setting set by the second setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The output settings of the first group, which are output settings that conflict with the post-processing, include output paper size, print orientation, and page aggregation settings,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output setting of the second group, which is an output setting that does not conflict with the processing, includes setting of the number of copies, a color mode, and single-sided / double-sided. A first storage means for storing a first table for identifying the output setting of the first group and the output setting of the second group;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit controls cancellation of the post-processing with reference to the first table. The first setting means includes a staple setting means for setting a staple position, and a punch setting means for specifying a punch position,
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the punch setting unit sets a punch position based on a staple position set by the staple setting unit. 6. The display means displays a settable punch candidate position superimposed on the preview image based on the staple position set by the staple setting means,
The information processing apparatus further includes accepting means for accepting selection designation of one candidate position from the candidate positions of the punch from a user,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the punch setting unit sets a punch position based on one candidate position received by the receiving unit. A second storage means for storing a second table associating the staple position and the punch candidate position;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display unit refers to the second table and displays the punch candidate positions so as to be superimposed on the preview image. The first setting means includes a staple setting means for setting a staple position, and a punch setting means for specifying a punch position,
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the staple setting unit sets a staple position based on the punch position set by the punch setting unit. 6. The display means displays a settable stapling candidate position superimposed on the preview image based on the punch position set by the punch setting means,
The information processing apparatus further includes accepting means for accepting selection designation of one candidate position from the staple candidate positions from a user;
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the staple setting unit sets a staple position based on one candidate position received by the reception unit. Third storage means for storing a third table for associating the punch position and the staple candidate position;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display unit refers to the third table and displays the stapling candidate position superimposed on the preview image. Further comprising designation means for designating whether or not to cancel the setting mode;
When the prohibition of the cancellation of the post-processing is specified by the specifying means, the display means is configured to set the first group by the second setting means after the post-processing is set by the first setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the preview image is displayed without canceling the post-processing even when the output setting is changed. A program executed in a computer that performs output setting of an image forming output by an image forming apparatus,
In the computer,
A switching step for switching the setting mode for setting the post-processing including at least one of staple and punch to valid or invalid;
A first setting step of setting the post-processing when the setting mode is valid among the output settings;
A second setting step for setting output settings excluding the post-processing;
A display step of displaying a preview image of the image forming output based on the output setting set by the first setting step and the second setting step;
And execute
In the display step, when the output setting that conflicts with the post-processing is changed by the second setting step after the post-processing is set by the first setting step, the setting mode is invalidated, A program for displaying the preview image. An information processing apparatus control method for performing output setting of an image forming output by an image forming apparatus,
A switching step for switching the setting mode for setting the post-processing including at least one of staple and punch to valid or invalid;
A first setting step of setting the post-processing when the setting mode is valid among the output settings;
A second setting step for setting output settings excluding the post-processing;
A display step of displaying a preview image of the image forming output based on the output setting set by the first setting step and the second setting step;
Have
In the display step, when the output setting that conflicts with the post-processing is changed by the second setting step after the post-processing is set by the first setting step, the setting mode is invalidated, A control method comprising displaying the preview image.

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