JP2018050210A - program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program of a portable terminal for causing an image processing apparatus to execute image processing operation, under execution conditions suitable for each model of the image processing apparatus, without requesting complex user operation.SOLUTION: A program causes a portable terminal to execute first determination processing (S34) for determining whether a model of a designation device is a specific model or a non-specific model in response to reception of user operation for causing the designation device to execute image processing operation, and overwrite processing (S40) for overwriting a parameter of a specific item of condition information stored in a memory, from a first value to a second value, only when the designation device is determined to be the specific model (S34:Yes), and operation instruction processing for causing the designation device to execute the image processing operation according to the overwritten condition information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for a portable terminal that causes an image processing apparatus to execute an image processing operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known applications that allow a user to specify content data and cause an image processing apparatus to execute an image processing operation on the specified content data. For example, the application described in Patent Literature 1 can cause an image processing apparatus to execute an image processing operation for image data designated by a user according to a predetermined execution condition.

JP 2012-203742 A

  With the model change of the image processing apparatus or the like, existing functions are improved or new functions are added. Therefore, there is a possibility that an appropriate execution condition is different between the old model image processing apparatus and the new model image processing apparatus. And in the application like patent document 1, the user operation which changes an execution condition can be received. However, it is burdensome for the user to check and set execution conditions suitable for a new image processing apparatus every time the image processing apparatus to be used is switched.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to perform image processing on the image processing apparatus under execution conditions suitable for each model of the image processing apparatus without requiring complicated user operations. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal program that executes an operation.

  Various disclosures are provided herein. A program which is one of the disclosed examples can be read by a portable terminal including a memory, an input interface, and a communication interface. The memory stores condition information indicating execution conditions for image processing operations executed by the image processing apparatus. The condition information includes a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items. The program accepts a user operation for causing the image processing device to execute the image processing operation through the input interface, and the image processing device in response to accepting the user operation in the acceptance processing. A first determination process for determining whether the model is a specific model that is a part of a plurality of models for which the program can instruct the image processing operation, or a non-specific model different from the specific model; The parameter of the specific item that is a part of the plurality of items of the condition information stored in the memory is different from the first value to the first value only when it is determined that the specific model is Overwriting processing for overwriting the second value and operation instruction processing for transmitting operation instruction information to the image processing apparatus through the communication interface To be executed in. The operation instruction information is information for executing the image processing operation in accordance with the execution condition indicated by the condition information stored in the memory, and the image data to be subjected to the image processing operation; Condition information.

  According to the above configuration, when the image processing apparatus of the specific model executes the image processing operation, the parameter of the specific item is automatically overwritten from the first value to the second value. Accordingly, the image processing operation can be executed under an execution condition suitable for the image processing apparatus of the specific model without requiring a complicated user operation.

  The program which is another one of the disclosed examples can be read by a portable terminal including a memory, an input interface, and a communication interface. The memory stores condition information indicating execution conditions for image processing operations executed by the image processing apparatus. The condition information includes a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items. The program is the first in the number-of-starts determination process and the number-of-starts determination process for determining whether or not the program is started for the first time after the version upgrade installation is performed on the portable terminal in which the old version of the program has been installed. In response to the determination, it is determined whether the model of the image processing apparatus is a specific model that is a part of a plurality of models for which the program can instruct the image processing operation or a non-specific model different from the specific model. Only when it is determined that the specific model is determined in the first determination process and the first determination process, the parameter of the specific item that is a part of the plurality of items is stored in the condition information stored in the memory. An overwriting process for overwriting a second value different from the first value from the first value, and the image processing apparatus through the communication interface. To perform the operation instruction process of transmitting the created instruction information to the mobile terminal. The operation instruction information is information for executing the image processing operation in accordance with the execution condition indicated by the condition information stored in the memory, and the image data to be subjected to the image processing operation; Condition information.

  According to the above configuration, when the program is upgraded while being connected to an image processing apparatus of a specific model, the parameter of the specific item is automatically overwritten from the first value to the second value. Accordingly, the image processing operation can be executed under an execution condition suitable for the image processing apparatus of the specific model without requiring a complicated user operation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. 2A is a block diagram of the MFP 10, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the portable terminal 50. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of condition information stored in the memory 62. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the execution condition setting process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the printing process. 7A and 7B are display examples of the display 53, where FIG. 7A shows a main screen and FIG. 7B shows a device selection screen. FIG. 8 is a display example of the display 53, where (A) shows a data selection screen and (B) shows a preview screen. FIG. 9 is a display example of the display 53, where (A) shows a setting screen and (B) shows a parameter selection screen. 10A and 10B show display examples on the display 53, where FIG. 10A shows a confirmation screen and FIG. 10B shows a setting screen in which the parameter icon 153 cannot be specified.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. A system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes MFPs 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as “MFP 10”) and a portable terminal 50. The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are configured to be able to communicate through the communication network 101. The communication network 101 may be, for example, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 may be connected by a USB cable or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the MFP 10 (abbreviation of Multi-Function Peripheral) includes a printer 11, a scanner 12, a display 23, an input I / F 24, a communication I / F 25, a CPU 31, and a memory. 32 and a communication bus 33 are mainly provided. Each component constituting the MFP 10 is connected to each other through the communication bus 33. The MFP 10 is an example of an image processing apparatus.

  The printer 11 is hardware that executes a printing operation for recording an image indicated by image data on a sheet. In this embodiment, an example of an ink jet printer 11 that records an image by discharging ink will be described. However, the recording method of the printer 11 may be an electrophotographic method or the like. The scanner 12 is hardware that executes a scan operation for reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan data”). The print operation and the scan operation are examples of image processing operations.

  Note that specific examples of the image processing operation are not limited to these. The image processing operation may be, for example, a FAX transmission operation for transmitting image data to an external apparatus according to a FAX protocol, a download operation for receiving image data from a server (not shown), or the like. The MFPs 10A and 10B only need to execute at least one operation. Further, the operations that can be executed by the MFPs 10A and 10B may be different.

  The printer 11 executes a printing operation according to predetermined execution conditions. The execution condition of the printing operation is specified by a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items (for example, “size”, “paper type”, “image quality”). The item “size” indicates the size of a sheet on which an image is recorded (for example, “A4”, “B5”, “L plate”, etc.). The item “paper type” indicates the type of sheet on which an image is recorded (eg, “plain paper”, “glossy paper”, etc.). The item “image quality” indicates the resolution of an image recorded on a sheet, more specifically, the number of ink droplets that can land per unit area (for example, “300 dpi”, “1800 dpi”, etc.).

  The scanner 12 executes a scanning operation according to predetermined execution conditions. The execution condition of the scanning operation is specified by a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items (for example, “resolution”, “color”, “format”). The item “resolution” indicates a reading resolution (for example, “300 dpi”, “600 dpi”, etc.) when reading an image recorded on a document. The item “color” indicates the gradation of the color of the read image (for example, “monochrome”, “256 colors”, “full color”, etc.). The item “format” indicates the file format of the scan data (for example, “PDF”, “TIFF”, “JPEG”, etc.).

  The display 23 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and includes a display screen that displays various types of information.

  The input I / F 24 is a user interface that receives an input operation by a user. Specifically, the input I / F 24 includes a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the input I / F 24 may include a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display 23. An operation for designating an object displayed on the display screen of the display 23 and an operation for inputting a character string or a numeric string are examples of user operations. The “object” is, for example, a character string, icon, button, link, radio button, check box, pull-down menu, or the like displayed on the display 23.

  The input I / F 24 realized as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating the position on the display screen touched by the user. Note that “touch” in this specification includes all operations for bringing an input medium into contact with a display screen. In addition, even if the input medium is not touching the display screen, “hover” or “floating touch” that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance to the display screen is very small is based on the above-mentioned concept of “touch”. May be included. Furthermore, the input medium may be a user's finger or a touch pen. The user operation for tapping the position of the object displayed on the display 23 is an example of a user operation for specifying the object.

  The communication I / F 25 is an interface that can communicate with an external device via the communication network 101. That is, the MFP 10 transmits various types of information to the external device through the communication I / F 25 and receives various types of information from the external device through the communication I / F 25. Although the specific communication procedure of communication I / F25 is not specifically limited, For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance) is employable. Further, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are connected by a USB cable, the communication I / F 25 may be a USB interface to which the USB cable can be attached and detached.

  The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 31 acquires and executes various programs, which will be described later, from the memory 32 based on various information output from the input I / F 24, various information received from an external device through the communication I / F 25, and the like. The CPU 31 and the memory 32 constitute an example of a controller.

  The memory 32 stores an OS 34 and a device program 35. The device program 35 may be a single program or a collection of a plurality of programs. The memory 32 stores data or information necessary for executing the device program 35. The memory 32 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory attached to and detached from the MFP 10, a buffer provided in the CPU 31, or a combination thereof.

  The memory 32 may be a computer readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium that is a kind of computer-readable medium, but a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in the media. The same applies to the memory 62 of the portable terminal 50 described later.

  MIB (abbreviation of Management Information Base) of the memory 32 stores the device information shown in FIG. The device information includes a device ID, a model name, and candidate parameters associated with each of a plurality of items. The device information is set by the manufacturer during the manufacturing process of the MFP 10.

  The device ID is information for uniquely identifying the MFP 10. That is, different device IDs are assigned to all the MFPs 10 regardless of whether the model names described later are the same or different. Although the specific example of apparatus ID is not specifically limited, For example, the MAC address etc. which were allocated to communication I / F25 may be sufficient. In the present embodiment, the MFP 10A is identified by the device ID “MFP-A”, and the MFP 10B is identified by the device ID “MFP-B”.

  The model name is information for identifying the model of the MFP 10. In the present embodiment, the model name “Model-01” is assigned to the MFP 10A, and the model name “Model-05” is assigned to the MFP 10B. Although not shown, model names of other MFPs 10 manufactured by the manufacturers of the MFPs 10A and 10B include “Model-03” and “Model-07”. Model names “Model-01” and “Model-03” are examples of non-specific models, and model names “Model-05” and “Model-07” are examples of specific models. The specific model and the non-specific model are determined by, for example, the developer of the terminal program 65 described later.

  The candidate parameter is a parameter candidate included in the execution condition of the printing operation. The candidate parameters for the item “size” are, for example, “A4”, “B5”, and “L version”. Candidate parameters for the item “paper type” are, for example, “plain paper” and “glossy paper”. Candidate parameters for the item “image quality” are, for example, “normal” and “fine”. However, in the model name “Model-05”, the candidate parameter of the item “image quality” is “normal” and “fine” when the parameter “plain paper” of the item “paper type” is selected. When “Paper Type” parameter “Glossy Paper” is selected, only “Normal” is selected.

  The item “image quality” is an example of a specific item among a plurality of items. On the other hand, the items “size” and “paper type” are examples of non-specific items different from the specific items. The item “paper type” is an example of a paper type item. Further, among the parameters of the specific item “image quality”, the parameter “fine” is an example of a first value, and the parameter “normal” is an example of a second value. However, a specific example of the specific item is not limited to the item “image quality”. On the other hand, candidate parameters that can be included in the scan operation execution conditions are not shown.

  The parameter of the item “image quality” indicates a combination of input resolution and output resolution. The input resolution indicates the resolution of image data (for example, raster data) to be printed. In other words, the input resolution indicates the number of pixels per unit area of the image data input to the MFP 10. The output resolution indicates the number of ink droplets used to record each pixel of image data to be printed on a sheet. In other words, the output resolution indicates the number of ink droplets that can land per unit area on the sheet.

  In the model name “Model-05”, the parameter “normal” indicates a combination of input resolution = 300 dpi and output resolution = 300 dpi, and the parameter “fine” indicates a combination of input resolution = 600 dpi and output resolution = 1800 dpi. That is, when the parameter is “normal”, each pixel of 300 dpi image data is recorded on the sheet with one drop of ink. On the other hand, when the parameter is “Fine”, each pixel of 600 dpi image data is recorded on the sheet with three drops of ink.

  On the other hand, in the model name “Model-01”, the parameter “normal” indicates a combination of input resolution = 150 dpi and output resolution = fixed number, and the parameter “fine” indicates a combination of input resolution = 300 dpi and output resolution = fixed number. . That is, regardless of the parameter of the item “image quality”, each pixel of the image data is recorded on the sheet with a fixed number of inks. The fixed number may be 1 drop, 3 drops, or a value different from these.

  Of the values set as the input resolution, 600 dpi is an example of the first resolution, 300 dpi is an example of the second resolution, and 150 dpi is an example of the third resolution. The specific value of the input resolution is not limited to the above-described example, but first resolution> second resolution> third resolution. Of the number of ink droplets used for recording one pixel, three droplets are an example of the first number, and one droplet is an example of the second number. A specific example of the number of ink droplets used for recording of one pixel is not limited to the above-described example, but the first number> the second number.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the portable terminal 50 mainly includes a display 53, an input I / F 54, a communication I / F 55, a CPU 61, a memory 62, and a communication bus 63. The display 53, input I / F 54, communication I / F 55, CPU 61, memory 62, and communication bus 63 included in the portable terminal 50 are the display 23, input I / F 24, communication I / F 25, CPU 31, memory included in the MFP 10. 32 and the communication bus 33, the description is omitted. The CPU 61 and the memory 62 are an example of a controller.

  The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. More specifically, the display 53 of the mobile terminal 50 desirably has a display screen size of 12 inches or less, more preferably 8 inches or less. The input I / F 54 of the portable terminal 50 is preferably a touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display 53. The memory 62 stores an OS 64 and a terminal program 65.

  The OS 64 may be, for example, Android (registered trademark of Google Inc.) OS, iOS (registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc.), Windows Phone (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation) Operating System, or the like. The terminal program 65 is a program that causes the MFP 10 connected through the communication I / F 55 to execute an image processing operation. More specifically, the terminal program 65 can cause the MFP 10 having the model names “Model-01”, “Model-03”, “Model-05”, and “Model-07” to execute an image processing operation.

  One of a plurality of terminal programs 65 having different versions is installed in the portable terminal 50. A plurality of terminal programs 65 having different versions share the basic function of causing the MFP 10 to execute an image processing operation. On the other hand, a plurality of terminal programs 65 having different versions may have different detailed specifications such as a user interface, designation device information, or other information storage methods. The terminal program 65 is released in three versions, for example, version 1.0, version 1.1, and version 1.2. Further, a common program ID is assigned to each version of the terminal program 65.

  The OS 64 can install the terminal program 65. Specifically, the OS 64 receives an execution file of the terminal program 65 from a server (not shown) through the communication I / F 55 in response to receiving an instruction operation for installing the terminal program 65 through the input I / F 54. Then, the OS 64 installs the received execution file of the terminal program 65 in the portable terminal 50. Note that the process of installing the terminal program 65 may be executed by an installer program (not shown).

  If the old version of the terminal program 65 assigned with the same program ID as the terminal program 65 received from the server has already been installed in the portable terminal 50, the OS 64 executes the old version already stored in the memory 62. Perform an upgrade installation that overwrites the file with the new version of the received executable file. In this embodiment, version 1.0 and 1.1 are the old version, and version 1.2 is the new version.

  The memory 62 can store the common condition information shown in FIG. The common condition information is condition information indicating execution conditions of a print operation that is commonly applied to the MFPs 10 having the model names “Model-01”, “Model-03”, “Model-05”, and “Model-07”. . The common condition information includes, for example, a parameter “A4” of the item “size”, a parameter “plain paper” of the item “paper type”, and a parameter “fine” of the item “image quality”. The common condition information is stored in the memory 62 when the terminal program 65 is installed, for example.

  Further, the memory 62 can store the individual condition information shown in FIG. 3B or 3C. The individual condition information is, for example, condition information indicating a print operation execution condition applied only to the MFP 10 designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as “designated device”). The individual condition information is stored in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information at the timing when the later-described designated device information is stored in the memory 62. On the other hand, when the designated device information is not stored in the memory 62, the individual condition information is not stored in the memory 62.

  Although not shown, the memory 62 can store designated device information. The designated device information is device information of a designated device among the MFPs 10 that can communicate through the communication network 101. The designated device information is not stored in the memory 62 when the terminal program 65 is installed, but is stored in the memory 62 by the terminal program 65 in a main process described later.

  Although illustration is omitted, the memory 62 can store an activated flag and an initial flag. The activated flag is information for indicating whether or not the version 1.2 terminal program installed in the portable terminal 50 has already been activated. In the activated flag, a third value “OFF” corresponding to the fact that it has not yet been activated or a fourth value “ON” corresponding to the fact that it has already been activated is set. The initial value of the activated flag is the third value. The initial flag is information for indicating whether or not the specific model MFP 10 is designated as the designated device. In the initial flag, a fifth value “ON” corresponding to the fact that it has not yet been designated or a sixth value “OFF” corresponding to the fact that it has already been designated is set. The initial value of the initial flag is the fifth value.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, the memory 62 may be provided with a data folder. For example, photo data, document data, presentation data, spreadsheet data, and the like may be stored in the data folder. Various data stored in the data folder is data that can be a target of a printing operation.

[Operation of System 100]
The operation of the system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the terminal program 65 installed in the portable terminal 50 is version 1.2 when the main process of FIG. 4 is started, and the designated device information is not stored in the memory 62.

  The flowchart in this specification basically shows the processing of the CPUs 31 and 61 in accordance with the instructions described in the program. That is, processes such as “determination”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “decision”, “specification”, and “control” in the following description represent processes of the CPUs 31 and 61. Processing by the CPUs 31 and 61 includes hardware control via the OSs 34 and 64. Further, “data” in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. Data having substantially the same semantic content but different formats are handled as the same data. The same applies to “information” in this specification.

  First, the terminal program 65 determines the set value of the activated flag stored in the memory 62 in response to being activated by the OS 64 (S11). That is, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the terminal program 65 is activated for the first time after the upgrade installation is performed on the version 1.2 execution file. The process of S11 is an example of a startup number determination process. Then, in response to determining that the second value “ON” has already been set in the activated flag (S11: ON), the terminal program 65 skips the processes of S12 to S14 and performs the processes after S15. Execute.

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays the main screen shown in FIG. 7A on the display 53 (S15). The main screen includes operation icons 111 and 112 and a switching icon 113. The operation icon 111 corresponds to a print operation execution instruction. The operation icon 112 corresponds to a scan operation execution instruction. The switch icon 113 corresponds to a switching instruction for the designated device. When the designated device information is not stored in the memory 62, the switching icon 113 describes a character string “unselected” indicating that the designated device is not selected. Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the main screen through the input I / F 54 (S16). The process of S16 is an example of a reception process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 searches for the MFP 10 that can communicate with the portable terminal 50 through the communication network 101 in response to receiving the designation of the switching icon 113 through the input I / F 54 (S16: switching), for example (S17). ). A well-known method can be employed for searching for the communicable MFP 10, but for example, the following method can be considered.

  For example, the terminal program 65 searches for a plurality of MFPs 10 that can communicate through the communication I / F 55 using SNMP (abbreviation of Simple Network Management Protocol). Specifically, the terminal program 65 broadcasts transmission request information to the communication network 101 through the communication I / F 55. Next, the terminal program 65 receives the device information transmitted by the MFPs 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B as a response to the transmission request information through the communication I / F 55. That is, the terminal program 65 identifies the MFPs 10A and 10B that are the transmission sources of the device information as the communicable MFPs 10.

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays the device selection screen shown in FIG. 7B on the display 53 (S18). The device selection screen includes device icons 121 and 122 corresponding to the MFPs 10A and 10B discovered in S17. In the device icons 121 and 122, device IDs and model names of the corresponding MFPs 10A and 10B are described. Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the device selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S19). The process of S19 is an example of a first reception process.

  Next, the terminal program 65, for example, in response to receiving the designation of the device icon 121 through the input I / F 54 (S19: Yes), the device information received from the MFP 10A corresponding to the device icon 121 is designated as the designated device information. Is stored in the memory 62 (S20). If the designated device information and the individual condition information are already stored in the memory 62, the terminal program 65 saves the already-stored designated device information and the individual condition information in the work area of the memory 62, and creates a new device. The information is stored in the memory 62 as designated device information. The process of S20 is an example of a first storage process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 executes an execution condition setting process shown in FIG. 5 (S14). When the device information of the MFP 10A is stored as the designated device information in the memory 62 in which the designated device information is not stored, the execution condition setting process is performed as “previous device = none” and “current device = MFP-A”. Executed. The previous device refers to a designated device before the execution of S20. The current device refers to the designated device after the execution of S20.

  First, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the designated device information of the previous device is stored in the work area of the memory 62 (S31). Then, in response to determining that the designated device information of the previous device is not stored (S31: No), the terminal program 65 obtains the same individual condition information as the common condition information shown in FIG. The information is stored in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information of the current device (S32). The process of S32 is an example of a second storage process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 determines whether the current device is a specific model or a non-specific model based on the model name of the designated device information (S34). Whether or not the designated device is a specific model is not limited to the determination based on the model name of the device information, and may be determined based on whether or not the output resolution of the device can be switched. Information indicating whether or not the output resolution can be switched may be included in the device information received from the device, for example. Then, the terminal program 65 may determine that the MFP 10A whose output resolution cannot be switched is a non-specific model, and that the MFP 10B whose output resolution can be switched is a specific model. The process of S34 is an example of a first determination process.

  Then, when the terminal program 65 determines that the MFP 10A as the designated device is a non-specific model (S34: No), the terminal program 65 skips the processes of S35 to S40 and ends the execution condition setting process. That is, when the non-specific model MFP 10A is designated as the designated device in a state where the designated device is not designated, the individual condition information of the designated device is the same as the common condition information.

  On the other hand, although illustration of a specific example is omitted, the terminal program 65 is stored in the work area in response to determining that the designated device information of the previous device is stored in the work area of the memory 62 (S31: Yes). The individual condition information identical to the individual condition information of the previous device is stored in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information of the current device (S33). The process of S33 is an example of a third storage process. That is, when the specified device is specified and the MFP 10A of the specific model is specified as the specified device, the terminal program 65 stores the individual condition information of the previous device in the current device regardless of whether the previous device is the specific model. Taken over.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the terminal program 65 displays the main screen on the display 53 (S15). On the main screen after the device icon 121 is designated, the switching icon 113 describes the device ID “MFP-A” included in the designated device information. Next, for example, the terminal program 65 executes the printing process shown in FIG. 6 in response to receiving the designation of the operation icon 111 through the input I / F 54 (S16: print).

  First, the terminal program 65 displays the data selection screen shown in FIG. 8A on the display 53 (S51). The data selection screen includes data icons 131, 132, and 133 corresponding to the data stored in the data folder. Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the data selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S52). The process of S52 is an example of a third reception process.

  Next, for example, the terminal program 65 reads data corresponding to the data icon 131 from the memory 62 as designation data in response to accepting designation of the data icon 131 through the input I / F 54 (S52: Yes). Next, the terminal program 65 displays the preview screen shown in FIG. 8B on the display 53 (S53). Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation for the preview screen through the input I / F 54 (S54). The process of S54 is an example of a reception process.

  The preview screen includes a preview image 141, a “setting” icon 142, and a “print” icon 143. The preview image 141 shows a state where the image indicated by the designated data is recorded on the sheet in accordance with the execution condition indicated by the individual condition information. [Setting] icon 142 corresponds to an instruction to edit individual condition information. The “print” icon 143 corresponds to an instruction for causing the designated device to execute a printing operation for the designated data.

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 9A on the display 53 in response to accepting the designation of the [Setting] icon 142 via the input I / F 54 (S54: Setting) (S54: Setting). S55). The setting screen includes parameter icons 151, 152, and 153 corresponding to the items “size”, “paper type”, and “image quality”, and an [OK] icon 154. Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the setting screen through the input I / F 54 (S56).

  In the parameter icons 151 to 153, character strings indicating parameters “A4”, “plain paper”, and “fine” indicated by the individual condition information are described. The parameter icons 151, 152, and 153 are displayed in a display mode that can be specified when a plurality of candidate parameters of corresponding items are included in the specified device information. On the other hand, the parameter icons 151, 152, and 153 are display modes that cannot be specified like the parameter icon 153 of FIG. 10B when only one candidate parameter of the corresponding item is included in the designated device information. Is displayed. The display mode that cannot be specified may be a display mode different from the display mode that can be specified, but may be grayed out, for example.

  Next, the terminal program 65 is shown in FIG. 9B, for example, in response to accepting designation of the parameter icon 151 of the display mode that can be designated through the input I / F 54 (S56: item & S57: plural). A parameter selection screen is displayed on the display 53 (S58). Then, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the parameter selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S59).

  When the parameter icon 151 is designated, the parameter selection screen includes a message “Please specify a parameter for the item“ size ”.”, Radio buttons 161, 162, 163, and an [OK] icon 164. . Radio buttons 161, 162, and 163 correspond to candidate parameters “A4”, “B5”, and “L version” of the item “size” included in the designated device information. In the parameter selection screen immediately after display, the radio button 161 corresponding to the parameter “A4” included in the individual condition information is checked.

  The terminal program 65, for example, after checking the radio button 162 and receiving a user operation for designating the [OK] icon 164 through the input I / F 54 (S59: Yes), in FIG. As shown, the parameter of the item “size” in the individual condition information is changed from “A4” to “B5” (S60).

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays a setting screen on the display 53 (S55). In the setting screen after the radio button 162 is checked, the parameter icon 151 describes a character string indicating a new parameter “B5”. The user can edit the individual condition information by repeatedly executing the processes of S55 to S60. The processes of S56 and S59 are an example of a second reception process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays a preview screen on the display 53 in response to accepting the designation of the [OK] icon 154 on the setting screen through the input I / F 54 (S56: OK) (S53). In the preview screen after the individual condition information is edited through S55 to S60, the preview image 141 shows a state in which the image indicated by the designated data is recorded on the sheet in accordance with the execution condition indicated by the new individual condition information.

  Then, in response to receiving the input I / F 54 for specifying the [print] icon 143 on the preview screen (S54: print), the terminal program 65 transfers the specified data to 300 dpi according to the parameter “fine” of the item “image quality”. Convert to raster data. Then, the terminal program 65 transmits print instruction information to the MFP 10A as the designated device via the communication I / F 55 (S61). The print instruction information is an example of operation instruction information for executing a print operation for specified data in accordance with the execution condition indicated by the individual condition information. The print instruction information includes, for example, designation data converted into raster data and individual condition information. The process of S61 is an example of an operation instruction process.

  On the other hand, although not shown, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 </ b> A receives print instruction information from the portable terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. Then, the apparatus program 35 causes the printer 11 to execute a printing operation according to the received print instruction information. In other words, the printer 11 records each pixel of the image indicated by the designated data converted into raster data on a B5 size plain paper using a fixed number of ink droplets.

  Further, although illustration of a specific example is omitted, when the non-specific model MFP 10A is designated as the designated device and the parameter “normal” of the item “image quality” is designated, the [print] icon 143 is tapped. Except for the terminal program 65 converting the designated data into 150 dpi raster data, the same processing as described above is executed. That is, in the printing operation executed by the non-specific model MFP 10A, a difference of two times occurs in the number of ink droplets that land on the sheet depending on the parameter of the item “image quality”.

  Next, in the case where the terminal program 65 is started in a state where the MFP 10A is designated as the designated device and the individual condition information shown in FIG. Detailed description of the points will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  First, after specifying the switching icon 113 on the main screen, the terminal program 65 receives the specification of the device icon 122 on the device selection screen through the input I / F 54 (S16: switching & S19: Yes), and the MFP 10A. The designated device information and the individual condition information in FIG. 3B are saved in the work area of the memory 62, and the device information of the MFP 10B is stored in the memory 62 as designated device information (S20). The execution condition setting process is executed as “previous apparatus = MFP-A” and “current apparatus = MFP-B”.

  Next, when the terminal program 65 determines that the designated device information of the previous device is stored in the work area of the memory 62 (S31: Yes), the individual condition information shown in FIG. Then, it is stored in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information of the current device (S33). That is, the terminal program 65 stores the individual condition information associated with the designated device information of the MFP 10A in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information of the MFP 10B in response to the designated device being switched from the MFP 10A to the MFP 10B. Let The MFP 10A is an example of a first device, and the MFP 10B is an example of a second device.

  Next, the terminal program 65 determines that the MFP 10B as the current apparatus is a specific model and the first value flag of the memory 62 is set to the fifth value “ON” (S34: Yes & S35: ON) ), The sixth value “OFF” is set in the initial flag (S36). The process of S35 is an example of a second determination process for determining whether the specific model MFP 10 is designated as the designated device for the first time or after the second time.

  Next, the terminal program 65 determines a parameter setting value of the item “image quality” in the individual condition information stored in the memory 62 in association with the designated device information (S37). Next, the terminal program 65 displays the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10A on the display 53 in response to determining that the parameter “fine” is set in the item “image quality” (S37: fine). (S38). The confirmation screen includes a message “Do you want to change the parameter of the item“ image quality ”from“ fine ”to“ normal ”?”, A [YES] icon 171, and a [NO] icon 172.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives a user operation on the confirmation screen through the input I / F 54 (S39). The process of S39 is an example of a reception process. Then, in response to accepting the designation of the [YES] icon 171 through the input I / F 54 (S39: Yes), the terminal program 65 copies the individual copied in S32 and S33 as shown in FIG. The parameter of the condition information item “image quality” is overwritten from “fine” to “normal” (S40). On the other hand, the terminal program 65 does not change the parameters of the items “size” and “paper type” in S40. The process of S40 is an example of an overwrite process.

  On the other hand, the terminal program 65 skips the process of S40 and ends the execution condition setting process in response to accepting the designation of the [NO] icon 172 on the confirmation screen through the input I / F 54 (S39: NO). . Further, in response to determining that the parameter “normal” is set in the item “image quality” of the individual condition information (S37: normal), the terminal program 65 skips the processing of S38 to S40 and executes the execution condition. The setting process ends. Further, the terminal program 65 skips the processes of S36 to S40 and ends the execution condition setting process in response to determining that the sixth value “OFF” is set in the initial flag (S35: OFF). To do.

  That is, the terminal program 65 executes the process of S40 only when a specific model designation device is designated among the specific model and the non-specific model (S34: Yes). Further, the terminal program 65 performs the process of S40 only when the fifth value “ON” of the fifth value “ON” and the sixth value “OFF” is set in the initial flag (S35: ON). Run. Furthermore, the terminal program 65 executes the process of S40 only when the [YES] icon 171 of the [YES] icon 171 and the [NO] icon 172 is designated (S39: YES).

  Next, the terminal program 65 designates the operation icon 111 on the main screen, designates the data icon 131 on the data selection screen, and then accepts the designation of the [setting] icon 142 on the preview screen through the input I / F 54. Accordingly, the setting screen is displayed on the display 53 (S55: Print & S52: Yes & S54: Setting) (S55). The setting screen displayed here includes parameter icons 151 to 153 in which character strings indicating parameters “B5”, “plain paper”, and “normal” included in the individual condition information are described.

  Next, although illustration is omitted, the terminal program 65 designates the parameter icon 152 and responds to the designation of the parameter “glossy paper” of the item “paper type” through the parameter selection screen through the input I / F 54 ( S56: Parameter & S57: Plural & S59: Yes), the parameter of the item “paper type” of the individual condition information is changed from “plain paper” to “glossy paper” (S60).

  Next, the terminal program 65 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 10B on the display 53 (S55). When the specific model MFP 10B is designated as the designated device and the parameter “paper type” parameter “glossy paper” is selected, the candidate parameter of the item “image quality” is only “normal”, so the item “image quality” is supported. The parameter icon 153 to be displayed is displayed in an unspecified manner. That is, the terminal program 65 does not display the parameter selection screen even if the designation of the parameter icon 153 shown in FIG. 10B is received through the input I / F 54.

  Next, the terminal program 65 specifies the [OK] icon 154 on the setting screen and then receives the input I / F 54 for specifying the [Print] icon 143 on the preview screen (S56: OK & S54: Print). The designated data is converted into 300 dpi raster data in accordance with the parameter “normal” of the item “image quality”. Then, the terminal program 65 transmits print instruction information to the MFP 10B, which is the designated device, via the communication I / F 55 (S61).

  On the other hand, although not shown, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10B receives print instruction information from the portable terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. Then, the apparatus program 35 causes the printer 11 to execute a printing operation according to the received print instruction information. That is, the printer 11 records each pixel of the image indicated by the designated data converted into raster data on a B5 size glossy paper using one drop of ink.

  Although illustration of a specific example is omitted, when the MFP 10B of a specific model is designated as the designated device and the parameter “fine” of the item “image quality” is designated, the [print] icon 143 is tapped, The program 65 converts the designated data into 600 dpi raster data. In this case, the printer 11 records each pixel of the image indicated by the designated data converted into raster data on a B5 size glossy paper using three drops of ink. That is, in the printing operation executed by the specific model MFP 10B, a difference of 6 times occurs in the number of ink droplets that land on the sheet depending on the parameter of the item “image quality”.

  Next, an execution condition setting process when the terminal program 65 is started for the first time after the version upgrade installation from version 1.1 to 1.2 will be described. First, the terminal program 65 is activated for the first time after the upgrade installation, that is, when it is determined that the third value “OFF” is set in the activated flag (S11: OFF), the activated flag is set. The fourth value “ON” is set (S12).

  Next, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the designated device information is stored in the memory 62 (S13). Then, in response to determining that the designated device information is stored in the memory 62 (S13: Yes), the terminal program 65 executes the execution condition setting process (S14), and then executes the processes after S15. . On the other hand, in response to determining that the designated device information is not stored in the memory 62 (S13: No), the terminal program 65 skips the process of S14 and executes the processes after S15.

  Note that at the timing when the terminal program 65 of version 1.2 is activated for the first time, the processing for changing the designated device (S17 to S20) is not executed. Therefore, in the version 1.1 terminal program 65, only when the specific model MFP 10B is designated as the designated device (S13: Yes & S34: Yes), the processing after S35 is executed with the previous device = current device. . Since the processing after S35 has already been described, the description thereof is omitted.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the above-described embodiment, when the MFP 10B of a specific model executes a print operation, the parameter of the item “image quality” is automatically overwritten from “fine” to “normal”. As a result, the print operation can be executed under an execution condition suitable for the specific model MFP 10B without requiring a complicated user operation.

  Here, the non-specific model MFP 10A uses a fixed number of ink droplets to record each pixel regardless of the resolution of the image data. Therefore, even if “normal” is set in the specific item “image quality”, the execution time of the printing operation is not greatly shortened. That is, it is desirable that the non-specific model MFP 10A execute the printing operation in accordance with the condition information in which “Fine” is set in the specific item “image quality”.

  On the other hand, in the specific model MFP 10B, the number of ink droplets used for recording each pixel varies according to the resolution of the image data. That is, if the resolution of the image data is lowered, the execution time of the printing operation is shortened, and if the resolution of the image data is raised, a high-quality image is recorded. Further, the resolution of the image data is the same for the parameter “normal” of the specific item “image quality” for the specific model and the parameter “fine” of the specific item “image quality” for the non-specific model.

  Accordingly, when the specific item “image quality” is set to “normal”, the specific model MFP 10 </ b> B can reduce the execution time of the print operation while suppressing the deterioration of the image quality as compared with the non-specific model MFP 10 </ b> A. Can do. That is, when the specific model MFP 10B is designated as the designated device, it is desirable to overwrite the parameter of the specific item “image quality” with “normal”.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when the specific model MFP 10B is designated as the designated device in a state where the designated device is not designated, the overwriting process is executed on the common condition information. That is, parameters of items “size” and “paper type” that are not specific items are inherited from the common condition information. Further, when the designated device is switched from the MFP 10A to the specific model MFP 10B, an overwriting process is executed on the individual condition information of the MFP 10A. That is, parameters of items “size” and “paper type” that are not specific items are inherited from the individual condition information of the MFP 10A. As a result, the terminal program 65 only needs to be overwritten with the item “image quality” overwriting, so the development cost of the terminal program 65 is reduced.

  The condition information overwritten by the overwriting process may not be optimal for all users. That is, when the condition information after overwriting in the overwriting process is further changed by an explicit user operation, it is desirable to take over the condition information as it is. Therefore, as described above, it is desirable to execute the overwriting process only when the specific model MFP 10B is designated for the first time on the designated device. In S35, “not first time” is determined both when the designated device is switched from the specific model to another specific model and when the designated device is switched in the order of the specific model, the non-specific model, and the specific model. including.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the overwriting process is executed at the timing when the user designates the specific model MFP 10B as the designated device. That is, the user operation for designating the designated device is an example of a user operation for causing the MFP 10 to execute an image processing operation. However, the execution timing of the overwriting process is not limited to the timing when the designated device is designated. Note that the process of saving the designated device information and the individual condition information of the previous device to the work area is executed at the time of S20.

  As another example, the terminal program 65 may execute the execution condition setting process at the timing when the parameter “plain paper” of the item “paper type” is designated in S55 to S60. In the case of recording an image on plain paper, it is often better that the execution time of the printing operation is short even if the image quality is low as compared with the case of recording an image on glossy paper. Therefore, it is desirable to execute the overwriting process at the timing of executing such a printing operation.

  As yet another example, the terminal program 65 may execute the execution condition setting process at the timing when the document data is designated in S51 and S52. Note that the terminal program 65 may determine that the extension is “.txt”, “.doc”, “.rtf”, etc., for example, as document data, for example. It is considered that the print operation for document data is often better when the execution time of the print operation is short even if the image quality is low, compared with the print operation for photo data or the like. Therefore, it is desirable to execute the overwriting process at the timing of executing such a printing operation.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the terminal program 65 is upgraded in a state where the specific model MFP 10B is specified as the specified device, the parameter of the specific item “image quality” is changed from “fine” to “normal”. Overwritten automatically. As a result, the print operation can be executed under an execution condition suitable for the specific model MFP 10B without requiring a complicated user operation.

  Furthermore, the terminal program 65 may determine whether the previous apparatus is a specific model or a non-specific model instead of S35 and S36 in FIG. This process is another example of the second determination process. The terminal program 65 may execute the processes after S37 only when it is determined that the current device is a specific model and the previous device is not a specific model. Note that “the previous device is not a specific model” refers to a case where the previous device is a non-specific model or the previous device is not designated. On the other hand, if the terminal program 65 determines that the current device is a non-specific model or the previous device is a specific model, the terminal program 65 may skip the processing after S37.

  As in the above modification, when the designated device is switched from the non-specific model to the specific model, it is desirable that individual condition information suitable for the MFP 10B of the specific model is generated. On the other hand, when the designated device is switched from the specific model to the specific model, it is desirable that the individual condition information used in the MFP 10 before the switching is inherited. In other words, in the case of the above-described modification, even if the specific model MFP 10B is not designated as the designated device for the first time, there is a possibility that the overwriting process is executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the item “image quality” is described as an example of the specific item. However, the specific example of the specific item is not limited to this, and the item “size”, “paper type”, or other not shown. It may be an item. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the print operation has been described as an example of the image processing operation. However, a specific example of the image processing operation is not limited to this, and may be a scan operation, a FAX transmission operation, a download operation, or the like.

  Further, in the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 of the above-described embodiment, an example in which each process executed by the controller of the present invention is realized by the CPUs 31 and 61 executing various programs stored in the memories 32 and 62. explained. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and part or all of the configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be realized not only as the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 but also as a program that causes the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to execute processing. Then, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a storage unit mounted on a server that can be connected to the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 through the communication network 101 in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server may be distributed through the communication networks 101, such as the internet, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

10 ... MFP
11 ... Printer 12 ... Scanner 23, 53 ... Display 24, 54 ... Input I / F
25, 55 ... Communication I / F
31, 61 ... CPU
32, 62 ... Memory 35 ... Device program 50 ... Portable terminal 65 ... Terminal program

Claims (10)

A program readable by a portable terminal having a memory, an input interface, and a communication interface,
The memory stores condition information indicating an execution condition of an image processing operation executed by the image processing apparatus, and the condition information includes a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items,
The program
Accepting a user operation for causing the image processing apparatus to execute the image processing operation through the input interface;
In response to accepting the user operation in the accepting process, the model of the image processing apparatus is a specific model that is a part of a plurality of models in which the program can instruct the image processing operation, or the specific model A first determination process for determining whether different non-specific models;
Only when it is determined that the specific model is determined in the first determination process, the parameter of the specific item that is a part of the plurality of items among the condition information stored in the memory is determined based on the first value. An overwrite process for overwriting a second value different from the first value;
Causing the portable terminal to execute an operation instruction process for transmitting operation instruction information to the image processing apparatus through the communication interface, and the operation instruction information is in accordance with an execution condition indicated by the condition information stored in the memory A program that is information for executing the image processing operation and includes image data to be subjected to the image processing operation and the condition information. The accepting process includes a first accepting process for accepting the user operation for designating a designated device, which is one of a plurality of the image processing devices capable of communicating through the communication interface, through the input interface;
The program
In response to the designation device being designated in the first reception process, the portable terminal is caused to execute a first storage process for storing designation device information indicating the model of the designation device in the memory,
In the first determination process, it is determined whether or not the designated device information stored in the memory indicates the specific model;
The program according to claim 1, wherein in the operation instruction process, the operation instruction information is transmitted to the designated device through the communication interface. The memory stores common condition information, and the common condition information is the condition information indicating execution conditions that are commonly applied to the image processing apparatuses of the plurality of models.
The program
A second storage for storing the same individual condition information as the common condition information in the memory in association with the designated device information in response to the execution of the first reception process in a state where the designated device is not designated. Processing,
Only when it is determined that the specific model is determined in the first determination process, the portable terminal executes the overwriting process for the individual condition information,
The program according to claim 2, wherein, in the operation instruction process, the operation instruction information including the individual condition information is transmitted to the designated device through the communication interface. The image processing device includes a first device and a second device,
The program
In response to the designation device being switched from the first device to the second device in the first reception process, the individual condition information associated with the designation device information of the first device is changed to the first condition information. A third storage process for storing in association with the designated device information of two devices;
4. The portable terminal is caused to execute the overwriting process for the individual condition information associated with the designated device information of the second device only when the specific model is determined in the first determination processing. 5. The program described in. The program
A second determination process for determining whether the image processing apparatus of the specific model is designated as the designation apparatus for the first time or after the second time;
5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the overwriting process is executed by the portable terminal only when it is determined that the model is the specific model in the first determination process and it is determined for the first time in the second determination process. The program
A second determination process for determining whether the first device is the specific model or the non-specific model;
5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the overwriting process is executed by the portable terminal only when the specific model is determined in the first determination process and the non-specific model is determined in the second determination process. . The image processing operation is a printing operation for recording an image on a sheet by ejecting ink droplets;
The specific item indicates an image quality of an image recorded by the print operation,
The first value of the specific item is:
Instructing the image processing apparatus of the specific model to record each pixel of the image data of the first resolution with a first number of ink droplets;
Instructing the image processing apparatus that is not the specific model to record each pixel of the image data having a second resolution lower than the first resolution with a fixed number of ink droplets;
The second value of the specific item is:
Instructing the image processing apparatus of the specific model to record each pixel of the image data of the second resolution with a second number of ink droplets less than the first number;
7. The image processing apparatus that is not the specific model is instructed to record each pixel of the image data having a third resolution lower than the second resolution with the fixed number of ink droplets. The program described in The condition information includes a sheet type item indicating a sheet type and not the specific item,
The reception process includes a second reception process for receiving the user operation for specifying the parameter to be included in the condition information through the input interface;
The program
8. The portable terminal according to claim 7, wherein the portable terminal is configured to execute the first determination process when the plain paper of the plain paper and the glossy paper is designated in the second reception process as the parameter of the paper type item. The listed program. The accepting process includes a third accepting process for accepting the user operation for designating data to be subjected to the print operation through the input interface;
The program
The program according to claim 7, wherein the first determination process is executed by the portable terminal in response to document data being designated in the third reception process. A program readable by a portable terminal having a memory, an input interface, and a communication interface,
The memory stores condition information indicating an execution condition of an image processing operation executed by the image processing apparatus, and the condition information includes a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of items,
The program
An activation count determination process for determining whether the program has been activated for the first time after the upgrade is installed on the portable terminal in which the program of the previous version has been installed;
In response to determining that it is the first time in the activation number determination process, the model of the image processing apparatus is a specific model that is a part of a plurality of models to which the program can instruct the image processing operation, or the specific model A first determination process for determining whether the model is different from a non-specific model;
Only when it is determined that the specific model is determined in the first determination process, the parameter of the specific item that is a part of the plurality of items among the condition information stored in the memory is determined based on the first value. An overwrite process for overwriting a second value different from the first value;
Causing the portable terminal to execute an operation instruction process for transmitting operation instruction information to the image processing apparatus through the communication interface, and the operation instruction information is in accordance with an execution condition indicated by the condition information stored in the memory A program that is information for executing the image processing operation and includes image data to be subjected to the image processing operation and the condition information.