JP2017173930A - Information processing device, system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device, system, information processing method, and program capable of reducing a print job generation time by generating a print queue that allows printing to be normally performed even when print setting necessary in a printer driver is disabled.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment communicates with one or more apparatuses connected via a network. The information processing device includes: reading means that reads print setting information indicating functions relating to printing which can be requested to the apparatuses; storage means that stores necessary print setting information indicating functions for which settings are necessary to request printing to the apparatuses; determination means that compares between the read print setting information and necessary print setting information to determine whether or not functions which are not included in the print setting information exist in the necessary print setting information; and print setting addition means that when it is determined by the determination means that functions which are not included in the necessary print setting information exist, adds the functions which are determined not to be included, to the print setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and program.

  As a printing system that operates on an OS (Operating System), there is a CUPS (Common Unix (registered trademark) Printing System). Printer drivers that use CUPS can define supported print setting values, a filter that converts the data that they want to print into a print job data format, a data format that is passed to the filter, etc., in a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file Printer driver information can be described. A technology that allows a user to create a print queue including print setting information and change the settings of the created print queue based on the information of the printer driver's PPD (file defining settings) using the CUPS interface. It has been known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method for automatically constructing an optimal printing system environment when a print queue is created without the user being aware of the printing protocol. The method described in Patent Document 1 identifies a print protocol when creating a print queue, and defines communication settings used for bidirectional communication between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the print protocol. This is reflected in the print queue.

  A part of the contents of the print setting that shows a list of functions that can be accepted from the user defined in the PPD of the printer driver according to the specifications of the CUPS in the conventional print queue creation or print queue setting change by CUPS May be invalidated by CUPS.

  As a result, depending on the specifications of the printer driver, the print settings that are required for printing out of the print settings received from the user for a specific job are not specified, and printing cannot be performed correctly with the created and changed print queue. Will occur. For example, when the content of the print settings defined in the PPD when the CUPS creates the print queue from the PPD is changed and reflected in the print queue, for example, when the resolution setting is an indispensable print setting, If the resolution is disabled, the resolution cannot be selected in the first place (the display for setting is not displayed). As a result, the resolution information is not included in the setting information, and the filter of the printer driver In this case, data conversion fails and an abnormal print job is generated, which causes a problem that printing cannot be performed normally.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to generate a print queue that can perform printing normally even when essential print settings are invalidated in a printer driver, and to shorten a print job generation time. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method, and a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an information processing apparatus that communicates with one or more devices connected via a network, and that shows functions related to printing that can be requested from the devices. A reading unit that reads setting information; a storage unit that stores essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing to the device; the read print setting information; and the essential print setting information; And determining whether there is a function that is not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the essential print setting information, and the determination means includes the function included in the essential print setting information. Print setting adding means for adding a function determined not to be included to the print setting information when it is determined that there is no function.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to generate a print queue that can normally perform printing even when essential print settings in the printer driver are invalidated, and to shorten a print job generation time.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of print queue creation by CUPS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline in which a part of the print settings defined in the PPD of the printer driver is invalidated by CUPS according to the CUPS specification or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline when a part of the contents of the print setting cannot be normally printed because it is invalidated by the CUPS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline when printing is performed via a script. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the tool. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a script. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the PPD and the print queue. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence outside the tool when creating a print queue or changing settings. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence inside the tool when creating a print queue or changing settings. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence outside the script during printing. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence inside a script at the time of printing. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print queue print setting UI screen. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print queue print setting UI screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for auxiliary setting of a print queue. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an auxiliary setting UI screen for a print queue.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method, and a program will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

(Embodiment)
First, an outline of the flow of print processing in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of print queue creation by CUPS. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 includes an OS, and a printer driver 120 and a printing system (CUPS) 130 are installed in the OS. The printer driver 120 includes a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) 121 file. The PPD 121 file is a file in which driver print settings and the like are defined. Definition of supported print setting values, specification of a filter 122 for converting data to be printed into a data format of a print job, and specification of a data format to be passed to the filter 122 Such as printer driver information. Using the CUPS 130 interface, the user creates and creates a print queue 140 including print setting information indicating a list of functions that can be accepted from the user based on the information of the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120 by the CUPS 130. The settings (protocol, etc.) of the print queue 140 can be changed. The print queue 140 is data for managing print settings, filters 122, protocols, option states, and the like for each printer destination. The print queue 140 is the same format as the PPD 121 in the file format.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline in which a part of the print settings defined in the PPD of the printer driver is invalidated by CUPS according to the CUPS specification or the like. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the resolution is invalidated as a part of the contents of the print setting. The print setting defined in the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120 has a resolution. However, when the CUPS 130 creates the print queue 140 from the PPD 121 due to the CUPS specification or failure, the contents of the print settings defined in the PPD 121 are changed and reflected in the print queue 140, so that the printing with the required resolution is required. In the case of the setting, if the resolution is disabled, the resolution cannot be selected in the print setting in the first place (the resolution for setting is not displayed). As a result, the resolution information is included in the setting information. Will not be included.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline when a part of the contents of the print setting cannot be normally printed because it is invalidated by the CUPS. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the resolution is invalidated as a part of the contents of the print setting. Depending on the specifications of the printer driver 120, the resolution may not be set among the print settings of the print data received from the application 150, and thus a phenomenon may occur in which printing cannot be normally performed with the created and changed print queue 140. In FIG. 3, the CUPS 130 indicates that the print setting with the resolution disabled is set when the print queue 140 is created from the PPD 121. In this state, since the display for setting the resolution is not displayed in the application 150, when the data to be printed is sent to the CUPS 130, for example, the filter 122 of the printer driver 120 that performs data conversion / print job generation requires the resolution. If the resolution is invalidated, the data conversion fails, an abnormal print job is generated, and normal printing cannot be performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline when printing is performed via a script. When the above problem occurs, for example, if the user is knowledgeable, the print queue 140 created from the PPD 121 is manually rewritten so that the filter definition part of the PPD 121 is processed before the filter 122 by the script 124. It is conceivable that the script 124 supplements the information of the essential print setting that has been invalidated. In FIG. 4, when the CUPS 130 creates the print queue 140 from the PPD 121, it is shown that the print setting with the resolution disabled is set. When data to be printed including print setting information having no resolution is sent from the application 150, the resolution is complemented by executing the script 124 process that supplements the resolution to the print setting information before the process of the filter 122. The data to be printed can include print setting information, and a normal print job can be generated.

  However, even if a knowledgeable user executes the process of the script 124 for supplementing the resolution to the print setting information as described above and prints normally, the print job can be obtained by performing the process by the script 124 for all jobs. There is a problem that the generation process takes time and the printing time becomes long.

  Further, the problem that a part of the contents of the print setting defined in the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120 is invalidated by the CUPS 130 does not occur depending on the specification or version of the CUPS 130. For this reason, it is not desirable that the processing by the script 124, which takes time to generate the print job, is always performed.

  According to the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in order to solve the further problem described above, when the essential print setting is disabled in the printer driver 120 by the CUPS 130, the disabled print setting is set. This is characterized in that the print queue 140 supplementing the above information can be generated and the print job generation time can be shortened.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 1 includes a PC (Personal Computer: information processing apparatus) 10, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 20 a, and an MFP 20 b. A PC (information processing apparatus) 10 and MFPs (devices) 20 a and 20 b are connected to each other via a network 30. The network 30 is, for example, an in-house computer network such as an in-house LAN used in a company office. Hereinafter, the PC 10 is referred to as “information processing apparatus 10”. Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the MFPs 20a and 20b, they are simply referred to as MFP20.

  Hereinafter, a case where the device 20 according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is a device having at least two functions among a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The device 20 is not limited to an MFP, and may be a printer, an LP (Laser Printer), an inkjet printer, a FAX device, a digital copying machine, a scanner device, a projector, or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 10 performs bidirectional communication with the device 20 via the network 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits data (for example, image data) and print setting information to the device 20 via the network 30 to execute printing. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 can inquire about information of the device 20 by transmitting and receiving a job to the device 20.

  The device 20 is a network device, an electronic device, for example, an MFP. In the present embodiment, an MFP will be described as an example of the device 20. The device 20 performs bidirectional communication with the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 30. For example, the device 20 receives data (image data) from the information processing apparatus 10 and performs printout (image formation) on a recording medium.

  Although FIG. 5 illustrates the case where the number of information processing apparatuses 10 is one, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of information processing apparatuses 10 is arbitrary. Moreover, although the case where the number of the apparatuses 20 is two is illustrated, it is not limited to this, and the number of the apparatuses 20 is arbitrary.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, a device I / F 105, A network I / F 108 is included, and these are connected to each other via a system bus 109. In addition, a display unit 106 and an operation unit 107 are connected to the device I / F 105.

  The CPU 101 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 10. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like. The HDD 104 stores files and data necessary for realizing various functions of the information processing apparatus 10.

  The device I / F 105 is an interface for connecting each of the display unit 106 and the operation unit 107 to the system bus 109. The display unit 106 is a visual user interface for displaying various types of information, and includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 107 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input various information to the information processing apparatus 10. The network I / F 108 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 10 to the network 30. The network I / F can also be regarded as “transmission means”.

  In such a hardware configuration, the software control unit is configured by the CPU 101 performing calculations in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 103 or a program loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 or an optical disk (not shown). A functional block that realizes the function of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  The program for the information processing apparatus 10 may be a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device (MFP). As shown in FIG. 7, the MFP 20 includes a controller board 210, an operation panel 221, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 222, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 223, an IEEE 1394 I / F 224, a print / scanner engine 225, Peripheral device 226.

  The controller board 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory) 212, a flash memory 213, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive Management) 214, and an ASIC (Applied 15 Management Application). A system memory 216, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 217, and a modem 218 are provided.

  The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 20. The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 20 by executing programs stored in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214. Further, the CPU 211 implements various functions. In addition, the CPU 211 performs data calculation based on programs in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214, controls each unit of the MFP 20, and executes processing as the MFP 20.

  The SDRAM 212 is a memory that stores various programs. The SDRAM 212 is a memory used by the CPU 211 during data processing.

  The flash memory 213 is a memory that stores various programs and an OS (Operating System) image. The flash memory 213 is a memory for storing data (model number, IP address, etc.) requiring various non-volatility. The flash memory 213 is also a storage memory for realizing each function in the MFP 20.

  The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage medium, and stores various management information, update firmware, and execution firmware of the target MFP 20. The HDD 214 stores image data and the like.

  The ASIC 215 supports sharing of devices to be controlled by the CPU 211, and supports high efficiency of development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. The ASIC 215 performs various image processing.

  The management system memory 216 is a memory that stores various data necessary for realizing each function of each process in the MFP 20.

  The NIC 217 is an interface connected to an external device (for example, an information processing device (client PC), a print server, etc.) via a local area network (LAN) or a network. The NIC 217 realizes the function of “accepting means” in the claims.

  The modem 218 is connected to an interface device (modem) of an external device via a public line network.

  The operation panel 221 is an interface for an operator who operates the MFP 20 and receives data input, job execution, and the like. The operation panel 221 includes various operation keys and function keys, and also includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands necessary for causing the MFP 20 to perform various operations are input from the operation keys. On the display, the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various information notified from the MFP 20 to the operator are displayed.

  The FCU 222 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line. Further, the FCU 222 exchanges facsimile control signals with an external FAX apparatus and executes G3 and G4 facsimile communication procedures.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) 223 is a serial bus for connecting to a corresponding device such as a peripheral device. For example, a USB device is connected to the USB 223, and data is exchanged with the connected USB device under the control of the CPU 211.

  The IEEE 1394 I / F 224 is used for connection with a corresponding device such as an external scanner or a plotter.

  The print / scanner engine 225 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the ASIC 215, scans the document in the main scanning / sub scanning, reads the image data of the document, and outputs it to the ASIC 215. A peripheral unit 226 such as a post-processing machine or an ADF (automatic document feeder) is connected to the printing / scanner engine 225. The print / scanner engine 225 implements the function of “printing means” in the claims.

  The above-mentioned program for the MFP 20 is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing apparatus 10 includes an OS, and a printer driver 120, a printing system (CUPS) 130, and an application 150 are installed in the OS.

  The printer driver 120 includes a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) 121, a filter 122, a tool 123, and a script 124, and is installed in the OS upon installation. The CUPS 130 creates a print queue 140 from the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120. The print queue 140 manages information such as print settings, a filter 122, a protocol, an option status, and default values of print settings that show a list of functions that can be accepted from the user for each printer transmission destination. The default value of the print setting can be changed by the user using an interface such as the Web Interface of the CUPS 130. The filter 122 corresponds to the “job generating unit” in the claims, the tool 123 corresponds to the “print setting information generating unit” in the claims, and the script 124 corresponds to the “complementing unit” in the claims.

  The auxiliary settings are stored in the print queue 140. The auxiliary setting is a setting value that the script 124 complements when the print setting is invalidated. As with the print settings, the user can specify default values using the CUPS 130 interface or the like. The script 124 complements the setting value designated by the user when the print setting is invalidated. The auxiliary setting is defined in advance in the PPD 121 in an invalid state, and the auxiliary setting is validated and can be specified only when the invalidated setting exists. For example, when the resolution is disabled in the print queue 140, it is possible to specify auxiliary settings for the resolution. When the user designates 600 dpi, the script 124 supplements the print setting information with information of resolution 600 dpi when printing. The script 124 is a file describing a procedure necessary for completing a task, and can supplement all setting information.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the tool. As shown in FIG. 9, the tool 123 includes a print queue monitoring unit 161, a print setting reading unit 162, a determination unit 163, a filter designation changing unit 164, an auxiliary setting valid unit 165, and an essential print setting information storage unit. 166 and a read instructing unit 167.

  The tool 123 is activated when the OS is activated, and monitors all the print queues (file format) 140. A general means may be used as a means for starting the tool 123 when the OS is started. For example, there is a method of registering the tool 123 in the system as a daemon.

  The print queue monitoring unit 161 monitors the print queue file. When the CUPS 130 generates (creates) the print queue 140 or detects that the setting of the print queue 140 is changed, the position of the print queue 140 (file Pass) to the print setting reading unit 162. That is, the print queue monitoring unit 161 performs a procedure for processing print settings indicating print settings, auxiliary setting information indicating auxiliary settings that complement the print settings when the print settings are invalidated, and data. The print queue 140 (print setting information) including at least the procedure information (protocol) indicated is monitored. The print queue monitoring unit 161 is an example of a monitoring unit.

  Based on the position (file path) of the print queue 140 passed from the print queue monitoring unit 161, the print setting reading unit 162 reads and reads a print setting indicating a list of functions that can be accepted from the user. Information (print setting information indicating a print-related function that can be requested to the device 20) is passed to the determination unit 163, and the print settings required for the print settings of the generated (created) or changed print queue 140 are not invalidated. Is requested (requested) from the determination unit 163 for confirmation. That is, the print setting reading unit 162 reads the print setting information included in the print queue 140 when the monitoring unit (print queue monitoring unit 161) detects that the print queue 140 has been generated or changed. Further, the print setting reading unit 162 reads the print setting information when receiving an instruction to start reading the print setting information from the instruction unit. The print setting reading unit 162 has a function of “reading unit”.

  The determination unit 163 compares the received print setting information with the essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request the device 20 to print, and the essential print setting is not invalidated. Is determined. That is, the print setting information and the essential print setting information are compared to determine whether there is a function that is not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the essential print setting information. As a result of determination, if the required print settings are invalidated (if there are functions that are not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information), in order to change the processing order, The filter specification change unit 164 is requested (requested) to change the filter designation (changed via the script 124), and the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 is requested (requested) to validate the auxiliary setting. That is, the determination unit 163 compares the read print setting information (print setting) with the indispensable print setting information (essential print setting) indicating the print setting that is essential for normal printing. Determine whether there are mandatory print settings that have been disabled in the information (print settings) (determine whether there are any functions included in the mandatory print setting information that are not included in the print setting information) To do). A request to change the filter specification to script specification when the print settings that require the discrimination result are invalidated (when there are functions that are not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information) (Request) is the filter designation changing unit 164 and the request (request) for enabling the auxiliary setting is the auxiliary setting validating unit 165. The determination unit 163 has a function of “determination means”.

  Upon receiving a request (request) from the determination unit 163, the filter designation changing unit 164 changes the filter designation of the print queue 140 so as to pass through the script 124. That is, if it is determined that there is no disabled mandatory print setting (when it is determined that there is no function not included in the mandatory print setting information), the filter designation changing unit 164 disables the required mandatory print setting. If it is determined that there is a mandatory print setting that has been disabled without executing the complementary processing for enabling the print settings (functions that are not included), (functions that are not included in the required print setting information) If it is determined that there is, the procedure information (protocol) included in the print setting information (print queue 140) is invalidated and the essential print setting disabled (function determined not to be included) is enabled. Change the specification to add a procedure to execute complement processing. That is, the specification of the procedure for processing the data is changed from the filter specification to the script specification for performing the complementary processing for enabling the disabled essential print setting (the function determined not to be included). The procedure information (protocol) is information specifying a procedure so that the supplementary process is executed and then another process is executed. Further, the filter designation changing unit 164 determines that there is a function that is not included in the essential print setting information by the determination unit 163 (determination unit) (when it is determined that there is a disabled essential print setting). ), A filter (script 124) for executing the print setting adding means is designated in the print queue 140 for designating a module to be executed when the print data is generated. The print setting adding unit is executed when designated by the filter designation changing unit 164 (designating unit). The filter designation changing unit 164 has functions of “designating means” and “print setting adding means”.

  When receiving the request (request) from the determination unit 163, the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 validates the auxiliary setting of the invalid print setting. In other words, the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 activates auxiliary setting information (auxiliary setting of print settings) corresponding to the disabled essential print setting (function determined not to be included). In other words, the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 validates the auxiliary setting information, and uses the function determined to be not included by the determining unit 163 (determining unit) (required disabled print setting) as the print setting information. to add. The auxiliary setting validating unit 165 has functions of “auxiliary setting validating means” and “print setting adding means”.

  The essential print setting information storage unit 166 holds in advance mandatory print setting information indicating information on a function name list of print settings that are essential for the printer driver 120 to perform normal printing. That is, essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing from the device 20 is held. The function names in the function name list are the same as the definitions of the PPD 121 and the print queue 140. That is, the function names defined in the PPD 121 are held as a list. In addition, the essential print setting information storage unit 166 can be shared with the essential print setting information storage unit 176 included in the script 124. In that case, either the tool 123 or the script 124 may be provided, or the tool 123 and the script 124 may be provided outside. The essential print setting information storage unit 166 has a function of “storage means”.

  The reading instruction unit 167 instructs the print setting reading unit 162 to start reading the print setting information. The reading instruction unit 167 has a function of “instruction means”.

  The tool 123 may be software or a program having the same functional block, a script format program, or any program format.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a script. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the script 124 includes a print setting information input / output unit 171, a data input / output unit 172, a print setting information complementing unit 173, a print setting information check unit 174, and an auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175. And an essential print setting information storage unit 176.

  The print setting information input / output unit 171 receives the print setting information delivered by the CUPS 130 (accepts input of the print setting information), passes it to the print setting information complementing unit 173, and requests (requests) complementation. At this time, the data input / output unit 172 is requested (requested) to receive data from the CUPS 130. When the print setting information complementing unit 173 returns the complemented print setting information as a response, it receives the supplemented print setting information and outputs it to the filter 122. When outputting the supplemented print setting information to the filter 122, the print setting information input / output unit 171 requests (requests) the data input / output unit 172 to output print data to the filter 122 at the same time. That is, the print setting information input unit accepts input of print setting information from the CUPS 130, and the supplemented print setting information is output from the print setting information output unit to the print job generation unit (filter 122) that converts the data. To do. The print setting information input / output unit 171 has functions of “print setting information input unit” and “print setting information output unit”.

  When the data input / output unit 172 receives print data from the CUPS 130 (accepts data input) and receives a request (request) to output the print data from the print setting information input / output unit 171 to the filter 122, the data input / output unit 172 does not convert the data as it is. Output to the filter 122. That is, data input is received from the CUPS 130 by the data input unit, and the data is output from the data output unit to the print job generation unit (filter 122). The data input / output unit 172 has functions of “data input means” and “data output means”.

  When the print setting information complementing unit 173 receives the print setting information from the print setting information input / output unit 171, the print setting information complementing unit 173 instructs the print setting information checking unit 174 to disable the print setting (print setting of the functions included in the essential print setting information). Request (request) check whether there is a function that is not included in the information. As a result of the check, if there is an invalid print setting (a function that is not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the essential print setting information), the invalid print setting is sent to the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175. Request to obtain auxiliary setting information corresponding to (functions included in mandatory print setting information that are not included in print setting information), and invalidated print settings (print out of functions included in mandatory print setting information) Supplementary setting information (functions not included in the setting information) is received and added to the print setting information to complement. That is, the print setting information complementing unit 173 complements the print setting information by adding the auxiliary setting information acquired by the auxiliary setting information acquiring unit 175 to the print setting information transferred from the print setting information input / output unit 171. The print setting information complementing unit 173 delivers the supplemented print setting information to the print setting information input / output unit 171.

  Further, when the print setting information complementing unit 173 receives the print setting information from the print setting information input / output unit 171, the print setting information check unit 174 has a print setting (function) that is invalidated except for the essential print setting. Request (request). As a result of the check, if there are print settings (functions) that are invalidated except for the mandatory print settings, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 has the invalid print settings other than the mandatory print settings (insufficient). This is supplemented by requesting acquisition of print settings (functions), receiving print settings invalidated other than essential print settings (missing print settings (functions)), and adding them to the print setting information. The print setting information complementing unit 173 has a function of “print setting information complementing means”.

  The print setting information check unit 174 compares the print setting information passed from the print setting information complementing unit 173 with the essential print setting information, and checks whether there is an invalid print setting (missing print setting). To do. That is, the print setting information check unit 174 (identifying means) compares the print setting information with the essential print setting information indicating the print setting that is essential for normal printing, and invalidates the print setting information. The required mandatory print settings. In addition, the print setting information check unit 174 compares the print setting information with the essential print setting information, and specifies an essential function indicating a function that needs to be set, invalidated in the print setting information. When the print setting information check unit 174 specifies an insufficient print setting (function), the print setting information check unit 174 returns the specified print setting (function) to the print setting information complement unit 173 as a response. In addition, the print setting information check unit 174 (identifying means) identifies print settings (functions) invalidated other than the essential print settings in the print setting information. The print setting information check unit 174 (identifying means) returns, to the print setting information complementing unit 173, a print setting (function) invalidated other than the specified essential as a response. Note that the print setting information check unit 174 has a function of “specifying means”.

  The auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 receives an insufficient print setting acquisition request from the print setting information complementing unit 173 and acquires auxiliary setting information stored in the print queue 140. That is, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 acquires from the print queue 140 auxiliary setting information corresponding to the invalidated essential print setting (function) specified by the specifying unit (print setting information check unit 174). Then, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 returns the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information complementing unit 173 as a response. Further, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 acquires auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified invalidated print setting (function) from the print queue 140. Then, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 returns the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information complementing unit 173 as a response. The auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 has a function of “auxiliary setting information acquisition unit”.

  The essential print setting information storage unit 176 holds essential print setting information indicating information of a function name list of print settings that are essential for the printer driver 120 to perform normal printing. The function names in the function name list are the same as the definitions of the PPD 121 and the print queue 140. That is, the function names defined in the PPD 121 are held as a list. In addition, the essential print setting information storage unit 176 can be shared with the essential print setting information storage unit 166 included in the tool 123. In that case, either the tool 123 or the script 124 may be provided, or the tool 123 and the script 124 may be provided outside. The essential print setting information storage unit 176 has a function of “storage unit”.

  Note that the script 124 may be software or a program having the same functional block, a tool format program, or any program format.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the PPD and the print queue. As shown in FIG. 11, the PPD 121 file and the print queue 140 setting file include printer driver basic information 181, filter specification 182, tool specification 183, print setting definition 184, auxiliary setting definition 185, and exclusive definition 186. And data of the term 187. Among these, the auxiliary setting definition 185 is a unique data definition in the present embodiment. Other data has a general PPD configuration.

  The printer driver basic information 181 includes a printer driver name and information necessary for printing.

  The filter designation 182 describes designation of a filter module to be converted into print data. For example, it is specified in the following format. The designation method is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

* CupsFilter: "(format of data across filters) (priority) (filter name)"

  The tool designation 183 designates the tool 123 used when the print queue 140 is created or printed. As the tool 123 for creating the print queue 140, for example, AutoSetupTool that can be used only by MacOSX (registered trademark) is generally used, but the specification can be used only by MacOSX (registered trademark). For this reason, for example, since Linux (registered trademark) cannot be handled, AutoSetupTool is specified in the following format, for example.

(For AutoSetupTool)
* APAutoSetupTool: "(Tool file path)"

  The print setting definition 184 defines supported print settings. Also, default values for each print setting are defined. In the print queue 140, the user can change the default value of the print setting using the interface of the CUPS 130 or the like. After the change, it is reflected in the setting file of the print queue 140 and held. The print setting definition 184 is defined in the following format, for example. The definition method is not limited to this and is arbitrary. In the following description, the last left arrow indicates a comment (←: comment).

(Example of resolution)
* OpenUI * Resolution / Resolution: PickOne <-Start of definition of print setting Resolution * FomaticRIOption Resolution / Resolution: enum CmdLine A <-Description of specifying in print setting information * DefaultResolution: 600 dpi% % FomaticRIPotionSetting: Resolution = 600 dpi "<-600 dpi
* End
* Resolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “<< %% FomaticRIOptionSetting: Resolution = 1200 dpi” ← Option 1200 dpi
* End
* Fomatic RI POTION Setting Resolution = 600 dpi: “−r600” ← When option 600 dpi is selected, “−r600” is designated in the print setting information.
* Fomatic RI POTION Setting Resolution = 1200 dpi: “−r1200” ← When the option 1200 dpi is selected, “−r1200” is designated in the print setting information.
* CloseUI: * Resolution ← End of setting definition

  The auxiliary setting definition 185 is unique data in the present embodiment. If it is defined in the PPD 121 in an invalid (commented out) state and there are invalid print settings when the print queue 140 is created, the auxiliary settings corresponding to the print settings are validated and the print queue 140 is created. Auxiliary settings are described in basically the same format as print settings. When specifying default values for print settings, auxiliary settings (default values) can be specified together. This auxiliary setting value is used for complementation by the script 124. The auxiliary setting definition 185 is defined in the following format, for example. The definition method is not limited to this and is arbitrary. In the following description, the last left arrow indicates a comment (←: comment).

(Example of auxiliary resolution settings)
* OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne <-definition of auxiliary setting SubResolution starts * DefaultSubResolution: 1200 dpi <-Default value * SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: ""<-600dpi
* End
* SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “” ← Option 1200 dpi
* End
* CloseUI: * SubResolution ← End of setting definition

  The exclusion definition 186 defines exclusion of print settings.

  The term 187 defines display terms such as print settings.

  The invalidation of the PPD 121 or the print queue 140 refers to commenting out. Comment out is expressed in%. Conversely, enabling refers to removing the commented out “%” of the line that was commented out. An example of the definition of invalidation (comment out) format is shown below. In the following description, the last left arrow indicates a comment (←: comment).

(Example when resolution is disabled (commented out))
*% OpenUI * Resolution / Resolution: PickOne <-Start of definition of print setting Resolution *% FomaticRIOption Resolution / Resolution: enum CmdLine A <-Specified as specified in print setting information * 600% DefaultResolution: 600% “<< %% FomaticRIPotionSetting: Resolution = 600 dpi” ← Option 600 dpi
*% End
*% Resolution 1200dpi / 1200dpi: "<< %% FomaticRIOptionSetting: Resolution = 1200dpi"<-Choice 1200dp
*% End
*% FomaticRIPotionSetting Resolution = 600 dpi: “−r600” ← When the option 600 dpi is selected, “−r600” is designated in the print setting information.
*% FomaticRIPotionSetting Resolution = 1200 dpi: “−r1200” ← When the option 1200 dpi is selected, “−r1200” is designated in the print setting information.
*% CloseUI: * Resolution ← End of setting definition

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence outside the tool when creating a print queue or changing settings.

  As a general flow of processing, the print queue 140 is created or changed by the CUPS 130. The user 50 can create or change the setting of the print queue 140 by the CUPS 130 using the interface (Web Interface) of the CUPS 130 or the like. The tool 123 monitors the creation or change of settings of the print queue 140. When the tool 123 detects that the print queue 140 has been created or changed, the tool 123 reads the print settings of the print queue 140 and sets the print settings that are essential for printing. Determine if it has been disabled. Only when the print setting essential for printing is invalidated, the filter designation of the print queue 140 is changed to be via the script 124 and the auxiliary setting is validated.

  The user 50 uses the CUPS 130 interface (Web Interface) or the like to instruct the CUPS 130 to create or change the print queue 140 (step S1). Next, the CUPS 130 receives an instruction to create or change the print queue 140 from the user 50 and creates (generates) the print queue 140 from the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120. Or, the setting of the existing print queue 140 is changed (step S2). At this time, the filter specification of the print queue 140 specifies the filter 122 of the printer driver 120 instead of the script 124. Here, depending on the version of the CUPS 130, the print setting is invalidated due to the specification or failure of the CUPS 130. As described above, the PPD 121 and the print queue 140 have the same format.

  Next, the tool 123 constantly monitors the creation or change of the print queue 140 (step S3), and when it detects a newly created (generated) print queue 140, it starts processing for disabling print settings. To do. The tool 123 confirms the print settings of the created or changed print queue 140, and determines whether the essential print settings have been invalidated (step S4). The method for determining invalidation is arbitrary, but examples include the following determination method.

  1) Use the CUPS API (a function for using the CUPS 130) to search the print queue 140 for a definition name of an essential print setting. If it is not found by the search, it can be determined that the setting is invalidated. An example of the description is shown below.

ppdFindOption (ppd, “ColorModel”)

  2) Read the description of the print queue file as text, and directly check whether the line that matches the definition name of the required print setting has been invalidated (commented out). If it is invalidated (commented out), it can be determined that the setting is invalidated.

  In step S4, if the print setting includes a disabled mandatory print setting, the tool 123 changes the filter designation (procedure information) of the print queue 140 to the script 124 (step S5). By specifying the script 124, the process is a flow of CUPS 130 → script 124 → filter 122 at the time of printing, so that the script 124 can be specified. Next, the tool 123 validates the auxiliary setting of the print queue 140 (step S6). The print queue 140 created at the above step S2 is invalidated.

  Further, the user 50 can change the auxiliary setting from the interface of the CUPS 130 (step S7). The auxiliary settings are the same as the default values of other print settings, and after the print queue 140 is created, the default values defined in the PPD 121 that is the basis of the print queue 140 are set. After the print queue 140 is completely created and the tool 123 completes the invalidation handling process, the user 50 can change the value.

  For example, the default value of the auxiliary resolution setting is defined as 600 dpi in the PPD 121. The auxiliary setting is validated when the print queue 140 is created, and 600 dpi is set after the print queue 140 is added. The user 50 can change the auxiliary setting to another option such as 1200 dpi. The changed value is reflected in the print queue 140. An example of the definition of the auxiliary setting change format is shown below. In the following description, the last left arrow indicates a comment (←: comment).

  First, the description of the PPD 121 is shown below.

PPD:
*% OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne
*% Default SubResolution: 600 dpi ← This value is set as an auxiliary setting. *% SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: “”
*% End
*% SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “”
*% End
*% CloseUI: * SubResolution

  Next, the description after the print queue 140 is created is shown below.

Print queue 140 (after creation of print queue 140):
* OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne
* DefaultSubResolution: 600 dpi ← This value is set as an auxiliary setting * SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: “”
* End
* SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “”
* End
* CloseUI: * SubResolution

  Next, the description after changing the print queue 140 is shown below.

Print queue 140 (after user 50 changes to 1200 dpi):
* OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne
* DefaultSubResolution: 1200 dpi ← reflected here * SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: “”
* End
* SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “”
* End
* CloseUI: * SubResolution

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence inside the tool when creating a print queue or changing settings. Processing performed by the tool 123 after the CUPS 130 first creates the print queue 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print queue monitoring unit 161 monitors the creation or change of the print queue 140 (step S11), and detects that the print queue 140 has been created or changed. This step S11 corresponds to step S3 in FIG. Next, when the print queue monitoring unit 161 detects creation or change, the print queue monitoring unit 161 requests the print setting reading unit 162 to start responding to print setting invalidation (step S12). This step S12 corresponds to step S4 to step S6 in FIG. Next, the print setting reading unit 162 reads the print setting information in the print queue 140 (step S13). Next, the print setting reading unit 162 passes the read print setting information to the determination unit 163, and requests the determination unit 163 to determine whether or not the print setting essential for printing has been invalidated ( Step S14). Next, the determination unit 163 compares the received print setting information of the print queue 140 with the essential print setting information stored in advance in the essential print setting information storage unit 166 of the tool 123 (step S15). Next, the determination unit 163 determines whether there is a mandatory print setting invalidated in the print setting information from the comparison result (step S16). That is, the determination unit 163 compares the print setting information with the essential print setting information indicating the print setting that is essential for normal printing, and the mandatory print setting invalidated in the print setting information. Can also be understood.

  If it is determined that there is a mandatory print setting that has been invalidated in the print setting information, the determination unit 163 makes a filter specification change request to the filter specification change unit 164 (step S17), and the filter The designation changing unit 164 changes (rewrites) the filter designation of the print queue 140 from the filter 122 to the script 124 (step S18). For example, it is rewritten as described below. In addition, the method of setting the filter specification to script specification is arbitrary.

Before rewriting * cupsFilter: "(data format across filters) (priority) (filter name)"

After rewriting * cupsFilter: "(data format across filters) (priority) (script name)"

  The determination unit 163 makes a request for step S17 and requests the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 to validate the auxiliary setting in the invalidation state of the print queue 140 (step S19). The auxiliary setting validating unit 165 The auxiliary setting for the invalidation state of the print queue 140 is validated (step S20). For example, it is rewritten as described below. In other words, the invalidation (comment out) “%” of the line that has been invalidated (commented out) to be validated is removed. The method of enabling and the description format of the definition are not limited to this and are arbitrary.

Before rewriting *% OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne
*% Default SubResolution: 1200 dpi
*% SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: “”
*% End
*% SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “”
*% End
*% CloseUI: * SubResolution

After rewriting * OpenUI * SubResolution / SubResolution: PickOne
* DefaultSubResolution: 1200 dpi
* SubResolution 600 dpi / 600 dpi: “”
* End
* SubResolution 1200 dpi / 1200 dpi: “”
* End
* CloseUI: * SubResolution

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the print queue 140 is created or settings are changed, the tool 123 of the printer driver 120 checks the print settings of the print queue 140 after creation or changes, and the required print settings are set. If it is invalidated, the filter specification of the print queue 140 is rewritten so as to pass through the script 124, so even if the essential print settings are invalidated in the printer driver 120 without the user 50 being aware of it. The print queue 140 that can normally perform printing can be generated and used. In addition, the setting of the print queue 140 can be changed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the mandatory print setting of the print queue 140 is invalidated, the script 124 is executed, and the mandatory print setting of the print queue 140 is not invalidated. In this case, since the processing of the script 124 is not executed, it is not necessary for the user to use the two print queues 140 consciously. Compared to the case where the processing of the script 124 is always executed as in the prior art, a print job is generated. Time can be shortened.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence outside the script during printing. A print sequence via the script 124 before the filter 122 in the case where it is determined that there is an invalid print setting that has been invalidated after the print queue 140 is created will be described.

  If the script 124 is not used (there is no mandatory print setting invalidated in the print settings), the script 124 disappears from the sequence, and the print data and print setting information are directly passed from the CUPS 130 to the filter 122. It is. Only the portion where the processing of the script 124 is not performed is different. Other than that, the processing sequence is the same.

  The user 50 opens a print setting screen (UI screen) from the application 150 and sets print settings (step S31). The functions and options supported by the print setting screen are displayed according to the print setting definition of the print queue 140. If there are mandatory print settings that are disabled, those settings are not displayed. For example, when the resolution is invalidated, the resolution setting is not displayed on the print setting screen.

  The user 50 instructs the application 150 to execute printing (step S32). Next, the application 150 converts the document to be printed into print data (print data) (step S33), and passes the converted print data and print setting information to the CUPS 130 (step S34). If there is a mandatory print setting that is invalidated, the print setting information is not included in the passed print setting information. Next, the CUPS 130 converts the print data passed from the application 150 into “data format across filters” designated by the filter designation of the print queue 140 (step S35). There are various types of data across the filter, for example, application / vnd. cups-pdf or application / vnd. For example, cups-postscript. An example of the description of the print queue 140 is shown below.

Description format of the filter designation portion of the print queue 140:
* CupsFilter: "(data format across filters) (priority) (script name)"

  Next, the CUPS 130 passes the print data and print setting information to the script 124 specified by the print queue 140 (step S36). If there is an invalid print setting that is invalidated, the print setting information is passed. It is not included in the setting information.

  Next, the script 124 receives the print setting information, and supplements the invalidated print setting information that is not included therein (step S37). Complement is to supplement the supplementary settings by adding them to the print setting information. The auxiliary setting is recorded in the print queue 140.

  Next, the script 124 passes the supplemented print setting information and print data to the filter 122 (step S38). In this print setting information, auxiliary setting information of invalid print settings is added. That is, print settings that are essential for normal printing are added to form normal print setting information.

  Next, the filter 122 generates a print job from the received print setting information and print data (step S39). Since the essential print setting information is complemented by the script 124, the print job is generated normally.

  Next, the filter 122 transmits a print job to the printer (MFP 20) (step S40).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence inside a script at the time of printing. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print setting information input / output unit 171 receives input of print setting information from the CUPS 130 (step S51). Next, the data input / output unit 172 receives input of print data from the CUPS 130 (step S52). No processing is performed on the print data. The data input timing is the same timing as the print setting information input.

  When the print setting information input / output unit 171 accepts the input of the print setting information in step S51, the print setting information complementing unit 173 sends the print setting information and makes a complement request (step S53). Next, the print setting information complementing unit 173 receives the print setting information from the print setting information input / output unit 171 and starts the process of complementing the print setting information (step S54). The print setting information complementing unit 173 sends the print setting information to the print setting information check unit 174 and makes a comparison request (step S55).

  Next, the print setting information check unit 174 compares the received print setting information with the essential print setting information held in advance by the script 124, and the print setting information does not include information that is essential ( A print setting that has been invalidated is specified (step S56). The print setting information check unit 174 returns the specified print setting to the print setting information complementing unit 173 (step S57).

  Next, the print setting information complementing unit 173 issues an auxiliary setting acquisition request corresponding to the invalidated print setting specified by the print setting information checking unit 174 to the auxiliary setting information acquiring unit 175 (Step S1). S58). Next, the auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 acquires the setting value of the auxiliary setting corresponding to the invalidated print setting specified by the print setting information check unit 174 from the print queue 140 (step S59). For example, if the resolution “Resolution” is invalidated, the setting value “600 dpi” of the auxiliary resolution setting “SubResolution” is acquired.

  The auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175 returns the acquired setting value of the auxiliary setting to the print setting information complementing unit 173 (step S60).

  Next, the print setting information complementing unit 173 converts the setting value acquired by the auxiliary setting information acquiring unit 175 into the format of the print setting information, adds it to the print setting information, and supplements the print setting information (step S61). ). Which format should be converted is determined by the filter specification of the printer driver 120. Therefore, the script 124 knows the format and can convert it according to the specification.

  Next, the print setting information complementing unit 173 returns the supplemented print setting information to the print setting information input / output unit 171 (step S62).

  Next, the print setting information input / output unit 171 outputs the supplemented print setting information supplemented by the print setting information complementing unit 173 to the filter (step S63).

  At the same timing, the data input / output unit 172 outputs print data to the filter 122 (step S64). The data output timing is the same as the print setting information output timing.

  Next, the print setting screen of the print queue 140 created by the processing of this embodiment described above and the conventional processing will be described. As a premise, a printer driver 120 that supports (defines) the following functions in the PPD 121 will be described.

・ Paper size ・ Feeding method ・ Double-sided printing ・ Resolution ・ Print mode ・ Print area ・ Left margin ・ Top margin ・ Paper type ・ Sort

  A print queue 140 is created for the printer driver 120 having the functions described above. The procedure for creating the print queue 140 may be a procedure for creating the print queue 140 using a general CUPS Web Interface.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print queue print setting UI screen. The example of FIG. 16 shows a case where the print queue 140 is created by the CUPS 130 in the processing sequence of this embodiment. The UI screen illustrated in FIG. 16 is a screen in which there is no invalid print setting, and is a screen for setting a default value for the print setting of the print queue 140. As shown in FIG. 16, all print setting functions supported by the PPD 121 of the printer driver 120 are displayed. That is, all the above-mentioned premise functions are displayed.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print queue print setting UI screen. The example of FIG. 17 shows a case where the print queue 140 is created by the CUPS 130 in the conventional processing sequence. In some CUPS 130 versions, some print settings are invalidated when the print queue 140 is created due to the specification or failure of the CUPS 130. The example of FIG. 17 shows an example of the print setting in which the resolution and the paper type are invalidated. The print queue 140 is added (created) in the same procedure as in FIG. Is not displayed on the UI screen. Even if the print queue 140 can be created normally, in the conventional processing sequence, when the setting of the protocol or the like is changed later, the “resolution” and “paper type” are invalidated due to the specification or failure of the CUPS 130. There is also a case.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for auxiliary setting of a print queue. The example of FIG. 18 shows a case where the print queue 140 is created by the CUPS 130 in the processing sequence of the present embodiment for the version of the CUPS 130 in which invalidation occurs as shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the tool 123 enables the auxiliary setting when the print queue 140 is created. For example, when the essential print setting of the printer driver 120 is only resolution (Resolution), the auxiliary resolution setting (SubResolution 62) is validated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, an auxiliary setting screen is displayed, and options for setting auxiliary settings can be set on the default value setting screen for print settings. That is, the SubSetting 61 indicating the auxiliary setting can be selected. After the SubSetting 61 is selected, the resolution can be changed by the auxiliary setting of the resolution (SubResolution 62). That is, when the auxiliary setting validating unit 165 activates the auxiliary setting information, information indicating that the auxiliary setting information is activated (SubSetting 61 indicating auxiliary setting) and the content of the auxiliary setting information are indicated. Information (resolution auxiliary setting (SubResolution 62) is displayed on the UI screen. The function of the display control means for controlling the SubSetting 61 and the SubResolution 62 to be displayed on the UI screen is to execute a command read from the RAM 102 by the CPU 101. It is realized by.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an auxiliary setting UI screen for a print queue. The example of FIG. 19 is an auxiliary setting UI screen shown in FIG. 18, and the resolution can be changed from the pull-down menu of SubResolution 62 to 1200 dpi 63. The changed value is stored in the print queue 140. When print settings are made using the print queue 140 in which the resolution and paper type are invalidated as shown in FIG. 17 and printing is executed, the print setting information passed from the CUPS 130 to the script 124 includes the resolution. The paper type information is not included. Therefore, the script 124 acquires the setting value 1200 dpi 63 of the auxiliary setting SubResolution 62 from the print queue 140, converts it into a format for passing to the filter 122, and adds it to the print setting information. For example, the following image.

(Supplementary supplementary settings-example)
Print setting information passed from the CUPS 130 to the script 124 -Paper size = A4
・ Paper feeding method = Tray1
・ Double-sided printing = Off
-Print mode = Smoothing off-Print area = Extended-Left margin = 0 mm
・ Top margin = 0mm
・ Sort =

Print setting information passed from script 124 to filter 122 (resolution: complementary information)
-Paper size = A4
・ Paper feeding method = Tray1
・ Double-sided printing = Off
・ Resolution = 1200 dpi
-Print mode = Smoothing off-Print area = Extended-Left margin = 0 mm
・ Top margin = 0mm
・ Sort =

  The filter 122 that has received the print setting supplemented with the resolution of 1200 dpi 63 generates a normal print job and transmits it to the printer (MFP) 20. In the case of this printer driver 120, the paper type is not an indispensable print setting and is not supplemented. This is because normal printing is possible even if the specification of the filter 122 of the printer driver 120 is not specified.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the print queue 140 is created or settings are changed, the tool 123 of the printer driver 120 checks the print settings of the print queue 140 after creation or changes, and the required print settings are set. If the print queue 140 is invalidated, the filter designation of the print queue 140 is rewritten so as to pass through the script 124. If the essential print setting is not invalidated, the filter designation of the print queue 140 is not rewritten and the script 124 is rewritten. Since normal processing that is not performed is performed, it is possible to prevent the print job generation time from becoming unnecessarily long without the user 50 being aware of it.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to generate the print queue 140 that can perform printing normally even when the essential print settings in the printer driver 120 are invalidated, and to shorten the print job generation time.

  The tool 123 and script 124 of the present embodiment described above may be replaced with an application or program having the same functional block. The filter 122 may be another executable file, application, or software having the same capability (data conversion function). For example, GhostScript of open source software may be used. In the present embodiment, any OS or system that uses the CUPS 130 can be used other than Linux (registered trademark). For example, MacOSX (registered trademark), a partial OS of Unix (registered trademark), and the like can be mentioned.

(Modification)
The processing of the tool 123 according to the present embodiment is not limited to when the print queue 140 is created or the setting is changed, but allows the user 50 to execute the process at an arbitrary timing. In this case, for example, the following two methods can be exemplified.

  1) Define as a utility tool in the PPD 121 so that it can be called from the printer setting screen (for example, MacOSX (registered trademark)). By defining the tool 123 in the PPD 121 in the format shown below, a tool activation button can be displayed on the property screen of the added print queue 140. Accordingly, the user 50 can activate the tool 123 by pressing a button at an arbitrary timing, and perform processing corresponding to invalidation on the print queue 140. The definition of the tool 123 is defined in the following format, for example. The definition method is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

* APPprinterUtilityPath: "(Tool file path)"

  2) Place the tool 123 on the desktop or the like as an independent executable file format. The tool 123 is developed as an independent executable file format, and the tool 123 or the tool 123 shortcut is placed on the desktop when the printer driver 120 is installed. As a result, the user 50 can activate the tool 123 or the shortcut by double-clicking at an arbitrary timing and perform processing corresponding to invalidation on the print queue 140.

  Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  A program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 is an installable or executable file in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Stored and provided as a computer program product.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 may be provided via a network such as the Internet without being downloaded.

  The program of the information processing apparatus 10 may be configured to be provided by being preinstalled in the ROM 103 or the like.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 includes the above-described functional blocks (tool 123 (print queue monitoring unit 161, print setting reading unit 162, determination unit 163, filter designation changing unit 164, auxiliary setting valid unit 165, essential printing). Setting information storage unit 166, read instruction unit 167) and script 124 (print setting information input / output unit 171, data input / output unit 172, print setting information complement unit 173, print setting information check unit 174, auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 175, The module configuration includes the essential print setting information storage unit 176)). As the actual hardware, each functional block is loaded onto the RAM 102 when the CPU 101 reads a program from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 and executes it. That is, each functional block is generated on the RAM 102.

  Note that some of the functional blocks of the information processing apparatus 10 described above may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) without being realized by software.

  It should be noted that the system configuration in which the information processing apparatus 10 and the device 20 of the present embodiment are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

1 System 10 Information processing equipment (PC)
20, 20a, 20b Equipment (MFP, printer)
30 network 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
104 HDD
105 Device I / F
106 Display Unit 107 Operation Unit 108 Network I / F
109 System bus 120 Printer driver 121 PPD
122 Filter 123 Tool 124 Script 130 Printing System (CUPS)
140 Print queue 150 Application 161 Print queue monitoring unit 162 Print setting reading unit 163 Discrimination unit 164 Filter designation changing unit 165 Auxiliary setting valid unit 166 Essential print setting information storage unit 167 Reading instruction unit 171 Print setting information input / output unit 172 Data input / output Unit 173 print setting information complement unit 174 print setting information check unit 175 auxiliary setting information acquisition unit 176 essential print setting information storage unit 181 printer driver basic information 182 filter specification 183 tool specification 184 print setting definition 185 auxiliary setting definition 186 exclusive definition 187 terminology 210 Controller board 211 CPU
212 SDRAM
213 Flash memory 214 HDD
215 ASIC
216 Management system memory 217 NIC
218 Modem 221 Operation panel 222 FCU
223 USB
224 IEEE1394 I / F
225 Printing / scanner engine 226 Peripheral machine

JP 2014-032647 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with one or more devices connected via a network,
Reading means for reading print setting information indicating functions related to printing that can be requested to the device;
Storage means for storing essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing to the device;
A determining unit that compares the read print setting information with the required print setting information to determine whether there is a function that is not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information; ,
A print setting adding unit that adds, to the print setting information, a function that is determined not to be included when the determining unit determines that there is a function that is not included in the essential print setting information;
Information processing device. When the determining means determines that there is a function that is not included in the essential print setting information, a filter that executes the print setting adding means is added to a print queue that specifies a module to be executed when generating print data. Further comprising a designation means for designating,
The print setting addition means is executed when designated by the designation means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The print setting information includes auxiliary setting information indicating auxiliary settings that complement the function when there is a function that is not included in the essential print setting information;
The print setting adding means adds the function determined not to be included by the determining means to the print setting information by enabling the auxiliary setting information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Print setting information input means for receiving input of the print setting information;
Data input means for receiving data input;
A specifying unit that compares the print setting information with the essential print setting information and identifies an essential function that is invalidated in the print setting information and indicates a function that requires the setting;
Auxiliary setting information acquisition means for acquiring the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified essential function from the print queue;
Print setting information complementing means for supplementing the print setting information by adding the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information;
Print setting information output means for outputting the supplemented print setting information to a job generation means for generating a print job;
Data output means for outputting the data to the job generation means,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The specifying unit specifies the function disabled other than the essential function in the print setting information,
The print setting adding means validates the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the invalidated function,
The auxiliary setting information acquisition unit acquires the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified function from the print setting information,
The print setting information complementing means supplements the print setting information by adding the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. When the auxiliary setting information is enabled by the print setting adding means, information indicating that the auxiliary setting information is enabled and information indicating the contents of the auxiliary setting information are displayed on the UI screen. Further comprising display control means for performing control,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. An instruction means for instructing the reading means to start reading the print setting information;
The reading unit reads the print setting information when the instruction is received from the instruction unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An information processing apparatus and a device, which are connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Reading means for reading print setting information indicating functions related to printing that can be requested to the device;
Storage means for storing essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing to the device;
A determining unit that compares the read print setting information with the required print setting information to determine whether there is a function that is not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information; ,
A print setting adding means for adding a function determined not to be included to the print setting information when the determining means determines that there is a function not included in the essential print setting information;
Print setting information generating means having
Print setting information input means for receiving input of the print setting information;
Data input means for receiving data input;
A specifying unit that compares the read print setting information with the required print setting information and specifies a required function that indicates a function that needs to be disabled, invalidated in the print setting information;
Auxiliary setting information acquisition means for acquiring the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified essential function from the print queue;
Print setting information complementing means for supplementing the print setting information by adding the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information;
Print setting information output means for outputting the supplemented print setting information;
Data output means for outputting the data;
Complementary means having
Job generation means for generating a print job using the supplemented print setting information and the data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the generated print job to the device;
With
The equipment is
Receiving means for receiving the print job;
Printing means for printing the data based on the print job;
Comprising
system. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus that communicates with one or more devices connected via a network,
A reading step of reading print setting information indicating functions related to printing that can be requested to the device;
A storage step of storing essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing from the device;
A determining step of comparing the read print setting information with the required print setting information to determine whether there is a function not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information; ,
A print setting addition step of adding, to the print setting information, a function determined not to be included when it is determined by the determination step that the function is not included in the essential print setting information;
Information processing method. A print setting information input step for receiving input of the print setting information;
A data input step for accepting data input;
A specific step of comparing the print setting information with the essential print setting information and identifying an essential function indicating a function that is invalidated in the print setting information and requires the setting;
An auxiliary setting information acquisition step of acquiring the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified essential function from the print queue;
A print setting information complementing step for adding the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information to complement the print setting information;
A print setting information output step for outputting the supplemented print setting information to a job generation unit that generates a print job;
A data output step of outputting the data to the job generation means;
The information processing method according to claim 9. An information processing apparatus that communicates with one or more devices connected via a network.
A reading step of reading print setting information indicating functions related to printing that can be requested to the device;
A storage step of storing essential print setting information indicating a function that needs to be set in order to request printing from the device;
A determining step of comparing the read print setting information with the required print setting information to determine whether there is a function not included in the print setting information among the functions included in the required print setting information; ,
When it is determined by the determination step that there is a function not included in the essential print setting information, a program for executing a print setting addition step of adding a function determined not to be included to the print setting information . A print setting information input step for receiving input of the print setting information;
A data input step for accepting data input;
A specific step of comparing the print setting information with the essential print setting information and identifying an essential function indicating a function that is invalidated in the print setting information and requires the setting;
An auxiliary setting information acquisition step of acquiring the auxiliary setting information corresponding to the specified essential function from the print queue;
A print setting information complementing step for adding the acquired auxiliary setting information to the print setting information to complement the print setting information;
A print setting information output step for outputting the supplemented print setting information to a job generation unit that generates a print job;
A data output step of outputting the data to the job generation means;
The program according to claim 11.

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