JP4440998B2 - Information processing apparatus and setting method in printer driver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing control apparatus and method capable of setting detailed setting values of functions of a printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there has been known a print control apparatus that provides information necessary for printing to a printing apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of types of printing paper and various printing methods. As a print control device, a user selects or inputs various information necessary for printing, and obtains information necessary for printing by combining the selected or input information, and provides the information to the printing device It has been known.
[0003]
The print control device can print information necessary for printing, for example, “paper size”, “print color”, “media type”, “print quality”, “paper feeding method”, “dithering method”, “color”. Since the setting value is displayed for each setting item such as “processing information” as shown in FIG. 3, the user selects or inputs the setting value from these displayed items.
[0004]
For example, in many color ink jet printers, the head for monochrome printing and the head for color printing are separate, and the head must be exchanged according to the printing purpose. Therefore, the conventional print control apparatus can set color printing and monochrome printing.
[0005]
In addition, in order to check the remaining ink amount for a printer without an ink remaining amount sensor, the amount of ink used in the printer is often counted and the remaining amount is detected based on how much ink is used. In such a printer, when the cartridge is replaced, the operator has to reset the remaining amount of ink in accordance with the replaced cartridge.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, the user needs to select or input various pieces of information necessary for printing, and thus the burden on the user is large. In addition, there is a high possibility that optimum printing cannot be performed due to incorrect input or selection of information. For example, although “A-paper” is selected as the setting value of the setting item “media type” in order to print on paper (referred to as A-paper) for which manual feeding must be selected as the paper feeding method, the setting item When “Auto Sheet Feeder” is selected as the setting value of “Paper Feed Method”, manual feed is not performed, and printing defects such as paper jams may occur.
[0007]
In addition, information is combined in the print control device, and information necessary for printing is created from the result and provided to the printing device. If the content or number of input information changes, it is provided to the printing device. When the content or number of information to be changed changes, it is difficult for the user to respond to these changes.
[0008]
Further, when the operator instructs the resetting of the remaining ink amount in accordance with the replacement of the cartridge, there is a case where the remaining ink amount is incorrect if the cartridge to be reset is different from the actually replaced cartridge.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus and method that can solve the above-described problems and can reduce the burden of inputting user setting values.
[0010]
Even if a color / monochrome head is attached to the printer, the print data is sent to the printing device according to the setting of the print control device by the operator. I couldn't print.
[0011]
The second object of the present invention is to confirm the status of the printer before printing, display if the setting of the print control device is different from the status of the printer, and indicate that the printer setting is the same as the setting of the print control device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus capable of performing correct printing by changing to the above.
[0012]
The third object of the present invention is to compare the cartridge mounted before the cartridge replacement with the cartridge mounted after the replacement, and reset the ink remaining amount in accordance with the replaced cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing control apparatus and method that can correctly handle a printer.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention Information processing equipment Has the following structure.
[0015]
Display means for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value of a first setting item for printing and a setting value of a second setting item for printing;
When the setting value of the first setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is changed from the first value to the second value, the second setting for printing displayed on the setting screen First determination means for determining whether or not the user should determine when it is determined that the third value of the item should be changed;
If it is determined by the first determination means that the user should determine, a screen for allowing the user to determine whether or not to change is displayed, and a second determination for determining whether or not the user's determination is a change. Means,
When it is determined by the second determination means that the user's determination is a change and when the first determination means determines that the user should not be determined, Based on the information including the setting value of the item to be changed as the setting value of the first setting item is changed from the first value to the second value And changing means for changing the third value of the second setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen to the fourth value.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a drawing that best represents the characteristics of a printing system to which the present invention is applied. The printing system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a print control apparatus 200 provides print control information, print data, and the like to the printing apparatus 100, and controls printing by the printing apparatus. As will be described later, the print control apparatus 200 executes the driver program of the printing apparatus 100 including the operating system by the computer 110 of FIG. 2 to realize the configuration of FIG.
[0021]
In the print control apparatus 200, the setting unit 1 selects one setting value for each setting item of the menu displayed on the display unit 9. The setting unit 1 selects a set value by inputting a value using a keyboard or selecting a menu using a pointing device. The settable value storage unit 4 is for storing, as settable values, information on all combinations of setting items representing various functions of the printing apparatus 100 and setting values representing the details thereof. That is, items and values that can be set for each type of printing apparatus are stored. The setting items and setting values stored in the settable value storage 4 are shown in FIG. The settable value information extraction unit 3 extracts information on the setting items and setting values of the menu to be displayed from the settable value storage unit 4.
[0022]
The default information storage unit 6 stores a default setting value for each setting item to be displayed. As the default setting value stored in the default setting value storage unit 6, a setting value that is considered to be almost unnecessary to be changed by a general user and a message information setting value related to printing are adopted. An example of default setting values is shown in FIG. The default setting value information extraction unit 5 extracts the default setting value for each setting item from the default setting value storage unit 6.
[0023]
The link information storage unit 8 stores a list of setting values associated in advance between the setting items of the menu. The link information extraction unit 7 extracts a list related to the setting value whose setting has been changed from the link information storage unit 8.
[0024]
The print information selection unit 2 displays on the display unit 9 the setting items and the setting values extracted by the settable value information extraction unit 3 and the default setting value information extraction unit 5, respectively. The setting value selection unit 2 stores the latest setting value in the storage area 201. If the setting value of the list from the link information extraction unit 7 is different from the setting value of the storage area 201, the setting of the list is performed. The value is displayed on the display unit 9. When the setting value displayed on the display unit 9 is confirmed by the user, the setting value selection unit 2 issues the confirmed setting value to the control command issuing unit 10 and issues the information to the printing apparatus 100.
[0025]
The link information includes setting items / setting values that can be set by the setting value selection unit 2 and non-setting items / setting values that cannot be set. The link information storage unit 8 can set the setting items. A link information candidate is stored by combining values and setting a desired value as a non-setting item for each of the combined setting items.
<Operation of print control device>
Next, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described. When printing is requested by the user to the print control apparatus 200, the set value selection unit 2 issues a settable value information request command 21 to the settable value information extraction unit 3. The settable value information extraction unit 3 that has received the settable value information request command 21 issues a settable value information request command 22 to the settable value storage unit 4. The settable value information 23, that is, all setting items shown in FIG. 4 and all setting values for each setting item are extracted from the settable value storage 4 by the command 22. The settable value information extraction unit 3 notifies the set value selection unit 2 of the extracted settable value information 24. Upon receiving this notification, the setting value selection unit 2 stores all settable value information in the storage area 201 and displays all setting items and all setting values for each setting item on the display unit 9 as necessary.
[0026]
The setting value selection unit 2 issues a default setting value information request command 25 to the default setting value information extraction unit 5. When receiving the default setting value information 25, the default setting value information extraction unit 5 issues the default setting value information 26 to the default setting value storage unit 6. Accordingly, the default setting value 27, that is, the default setting value for each setting item is extracted from the default setting value storage unit 6. The default setting value information extraction unit 5 notifies the setting value selection unit 2 of the extracted default setting value information 28. The notified default setting value information has a unique setting value for each setting item as shown in FIG. The set value selection unit 2 stores the default set value information in the storage area 201 as the latest set value, and displays these set values on the display unit 9.
[0027]
In this state, when the user instructs execution of printing, the setting information 33 of each setting value is issued to the control command issuing unit 10 by the setting value selecting unit 2, and the printing control command 34 issued by the control command issuing unit 10. Accordingly, printing is performed by the printing apparatus 100.
[0028]
However, the user does not always execute printing with the default setting value, and may change the setting value. When the user changes the setting value of a setting item by operating the setting unit 1 in order to change the setting value, the setting value selection unit 2 issues a link information request command to the link information extraction unit 7. The link information request command includes the changed setting item and the changed setting value information. The link information extraction unit 7 that has received the link information request command 29 issues a link information request command 30 to the link information storage unit 8 and extracts the link information 31 including the changed setting value from the link information storage unit 8. When the link information is notified to the setting value selection unit 2 by the link information extraction unit 7, the setting value selection unit 2 compares the information with the latest setting value stored in the storage area 201. As a result, when there are setting items having different setting values, the operator is allowed to select which value the setting value of the setting item is to be changed to, and the value is changed to the selected setting value. To store. Further, the latest set value is displayed on the display unit 9.
[0029]
Each time the user changes the setting value, the information is exchanged. The user instructs the execution of printing, and the setting information of each setting value is issued to the control command issuing unit 10 to complete the above exchange. To do.
<Setting the printer driver in the computer system>
The present invention will be described with reference to more specific examples. In the following example, a printer driver in a computer system having a program configuration as shown in FIG. This printer driver corresponds to the print control apparatus 200 in FIG. In FIG. 18, software / hardware resources of the host computer 110 are managed by the operating system 182. The application program 183 uses various peripheral drivers and managers via the operating system. These driver programs include a printer driver 181 that controls the printing apparatus 100, a display driver that controls the display unit 9, and the like.
[0030]
In the system shown in FIG. 18, when a user creates data using application software (for example, word processor software) 183 and intends to execute printing with a printer, the user instructs printing execution through an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. give. This instruction is transmitted from the application 183 to the operating system 182, and the operating system 182 prompts the printer driver 181 to start. The operation of the printer driver at this time is as described above with reference to FIG.
[0031]
That is, in the printer driver 181, the set value selection unit 2 issues a settable value information request command 21 to the settable value information extraction unit 3, exchanges the series of information, and sets the settable value information 24. It is received from the settable value information extraction unit 3. The settable value information 24 is temporarily held in a storage area 201 secured on a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or an HD (Hard Disk). Subsequently, the setting value selection unit 2 issues a default setting value information request command 25 to the default setting value information extraction unit 5 to exchange the series of information, and retrieves the default setting value information 27 from the default setting value information. Receive from part 5. The default setting value information 27 is temporarily stored in the storage area 201 and displayed on the display unit 9 connected to the host computer. At this time, each item for which a default value is set is displayed in an identifiable manner such as highlighted so that it can be identified. Setting by the user is performed by the setting unit 1 including a keyboard and a pointing device.
[0032]
FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 show various settings for the printer driver according to the present invention when a user using the operating system “Windows 95” manufactured by Microsoft Corporation instructs printing from the application software. It is a screen to show.
[0033]
FIG. 6 shows a screen called a main property. On this screen, the user can set an “auto palette” column for selecting a printing method suitable for the application software used by the user with one touch. In addition, a message indicating the position to move the “Paper Selection Lever” field or “Paper Selection Lever” field and the settings of the “Media Type” and “Paper Source” fields is displayed. Has been. The default setting value for each setting item is “Auto Palette” = “Word Processor”, “Paper Selection Lever” = “Back”, “Paper Selection Lever” = “Center”, “Media” = “Normal” “Paper”, “paper feeding method” = “auto sheet feeder”, and these are displayed on the display device.
[0034]
FIG. 7 shows a screen called a paper property. In this screen, the “paper size” field indicating the size of the paper specified in the application is different from the size specified in the “paper size” field and the paper size actually loaded in the printer. In this case, the “enlargement / reduction” check box indicating that the image is enlarged / reduced, the “printing direction” field for specifying the printing direction, the “color mode” field for specifying the printing color, etc. Can be set. The default setting values of each setting item are “paper size” = “A4”, “enlarge / reduce” = “OFF”, “printing direction” = “vertical”, “color mode” = “color”. Is displayed on the display device.
[0035]
FIG. 8 shows a screen called a quality property that opens when the “detail setting” button in FIG. 6 is pressed. In this screen, a “print quality” slide bar for specifying the print quality, a “resolution” / “print mode” message indicating the resolution and the print mode status in the designated “print quality” slide bar, The user can designate a “paper feeding method” field for designating a paper feeding method, a “media” field for designating media, a “dithering setting” field for designating dithering processing, and the like. The default setting values of the setting items are “print quality” = “second from the left”, “resolution” / “print mode” messages “360 × 360 dpi”, “HQ”, “paper feeding method” = “ “Auto sheet feeder”, “Media” = “plain paper”, “Dithering setting” = “Pattern (high speed)”, and these are displayed on the display device.
[0036]
FIG. 9 is a screen called a color setting property that can be opened after the screen of FIG. 8 is opened. On this screen, the user can set a “density” column for changing the density of data at the time of printing, a “color correction” column for performing various color corrections, and the like. The default setting values of the respective setting items are “density” = “0” and “color correction” = “OFF”, and these are displayed on the display device.
[0037]
Normally, the user selects an application type from the “auto palette” of the main property in the setting unit 1. In response to the “Auto Palette” selection, the user moves each lever in the direction displayed in the “Paper Separation Lever” / “Paper Selection Lever” message, and the media displayed in the “Media” message is transferred to the printer. Just by setting, it is possible to execute printing suitable for the application. If the application used by the user is word processor software, the user can execute printing while keeping various settings as default settings.
[0038]
When the user presses the “OK” button in FIG. 6 to execute printing with the default setting values, the default setting values stored in the storage area 201 are set from the setting value selection unit 2 to the control command issuing unit 10. The information 33 is notified, and further, the printing apparatus 100 is notified as the print control command 34, and printing according to the default setting value is performed by the printing apparatus 100.
[0039]
However, the user does not always execute printing with the default setting value, and may change the setting value. An example of this will be described below.
[0040]
FIG. 10 is a screen showing a state in which “photographic film” is selected as the main property “auto palette” when an image created by the photo retouching program is printed on glossy film paper.
[0041]
In FIG. 10, “paper gap selection lever” = “forward”, “paper selection lever” = “middle”, “media” = “glossy film”, and “paper feeding method” = “manual feed”. In other words, a message is sent to the user: "Move the paper gap selection lever to the front, move the paper selection lever to the center, change the media to be set in the printer to glossy film, and feed it manually." It supports the operations necessary to perform the printing desired by the user. If the user operates as instructed by the printer driver and executes printing, a printing result suitable for the photographic film can be obtained.
[0042]
The user who is not satisfied with the main property “auto palette” = photographic film setting and wants more detailed settings presses the “detail setting” button of the main property. Then, the quality property of FIG. 11 is opened. On this screen, the user can change the media and dithering processing, or open the color setting properties shown in FIG. 12 and perform detailed settings such as density adjustment and color balance.
[0043]
In FIG. 11, “Dithering setting” = “Pattern (high speed)” is grayed out and cannot be selected by the user, and “error diffusion” is selected. Grayout means that buttons that cannot be selected are displayed in gray, but the grayout is not particularly shown in the figure. The display as shown in FIG. 11 is performed because the following operation is performed when the user selects “photographic film” instead of “word processor” as the main property “auto palette” in the setting unit 1. It was. It is assumed that “word processor” is set as the default setting when the printer driver is activated, and the setting value is stored in the storage area 201 as the latest value.
[0044]
A link information request command 29 relating to auto pallet = “photographic film” is issued from the set value selection unit 2 to the link information extraction unit 7. The link information 31 extracted from the link information storage unit 8 in accordance with the command 29 includes information indicating that the dithering setting item “pattern (high speed)” cannot be selected and information indicating that “error diffusion” is selected. Yes. The link information extraction unit 7 receives the link information 31 and issues the link information 32 to the setting value selection unit 2. The setting value selection unit 2 that has received the link information 32 compares the latest setting value information stored in the storage area 201 with the link information 32. As a result of comparison, the setting different between the two, in this case, the dithering setting is changed from the default “pattern (high speed)” to “error diffusion” obtained from the link information, and stored in the storage area 201. The changed result is displayed on the display unit 9.
[0045]
In this way, the link information includes setting items / setting values that can be set by the setting value selection unit 2 (in this example, “error diffusion”) and non-setting items / setting values that cannot be set (in this example, “pattern ( High speed))). The link information storage unit 8 stores link information candidates obtained by combining setting values that can be set for the setting items and setting a desired value as the non-setting item for each combined setting item. For this reason, when the value of a certain item is changed, the item that should not be set and the value to be changed are obtained from the link information together with the item that should be changed by linking with the value of the changed item. .
[0046]
Further, the message item of “resolution” is changed from “360 × 360 dpi” to “720 × 360 dpi”, and the message item of “print mode” is changed from “HQ” to “FINE”. All of these changes were linked to changes in the settings of the main property "Auto Palette". In FIG. 11, “Dithering setting” = “Pattern (high speed)” is grayed out, so that high-speed printing with inferior print quality can be prevented from being performed on a glossy film that is a high-quality medium.
[0047]
When the user uses coated paper instead of glossy film to execute printing with the “Auto Palette” field set to “Photo Film”, the setting value of the setting item “Media” is set to “ Change from "Glossy Film" to "Coated Paper". Then, the setting value selection unit 2 instructs the link information extraction unit 7 to include a link information request command 29 including information that the setting value of the setting item “media” has been changed from “glossy film” to “coated paper”. Issue. The link information extraction unit 7 issues a link information request command 30 to the link information storage unit 8. The link information storage unit 8 that has received the link information request command 30 includes information including setting values of items that should be changed when the setting value of the setting item “media” is changed from “glossy film” to “coated paper”. Is issued to the link information extraction unit 7 as link information 31. The information is passed as link information 32 from the link information extraction unit 7 to the set value selection unit 2. The set value selection unit 2 compares the latest set value stored in the storage area 201 with the link information 32. If the setting value stored in the storage area 201 and the setting value of the link information 32 are different and cannot be determined, the user is asked to make a decision as shown in FIG. If the user determines that the link information should be changed, the user presses the OK button in FIG. By doing so, the link information 32 is stored as the latest information in the storage medium. The display unit 9 displays the latest information as shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the setting value of the setting item “paper feeding method” is changed from “manual feed” to “auto sheet feeder”. If the user determines in FIG. 14 that the previous setting is acceptable, the user presses the cancel button in FIG. As a result, the information stored in the storage area 201 is displayed on the display unit 9 as shown in FIG. In the screen of FIG. 16, only the setting item “media” is changed from the screen of FIG.
[0048]
Such exchange of information is performed between the set value selection unit 2, the link information extraction unit 7, and the link information storage unit 8 until the user presses the OK button on the main property.
[0049]
When the OK button on the main property is pressed, the latest setting value information stored in the storage area 201 at that time is notified from the setting value selection unit 2 to the control command issuing unit 10 as setting information 33. . Further, the information is notified to the printing apparatus 100 as a print control command 34, and printing according to the latest set value information is performed by the printing apparatus 100.
<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram when the printing system configured by the printing apparatus 100 and the host computer 200 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by hardware resources.
[0050]
As a hardware resource, the CPU 102 controls the entire apparatus, and executes a program of a procedure described later stored in the RAM 103 to realize the print control apparatus in FIG. 1 or the system in FIG. Furthermore, it is possible to input print information to the user by executing the application program described above. The RAM 103 is provided with a storage area 201 in addition to programs, and stores settable values, default setting values, latest setting values, and the like stored in the setting value selection unit 2. The secondary storage device 104 stores programs and information used by being loaded into the RAM 103. The programs and information stored in the RAM 103 described above can be stored in the secondary storage device 104 and loaded into the RAM 103 therefrom. The display 105, the keyboard 106, and the pointing device 1061 are used when the user selects or inputs setting values. The screens in FIGS. 6 to 16 are displayed on the display 105, and are set using a keyboard or a pointing device.
[0051]
In the host computer 200 having such a configuration, the CPU 102 executes a program of the procedure shown in FIG. The procedure of FIG. 17 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 16, and FIG.
[0052]
First, when a print request is issued by the user and the printer driver is called, a request for settable value information is made (step S1). Then, the settable value information is acquired (step S2), and the settable value information is stored in the RAM 103 (step S3). Further, a request for default information is made (step S4), the default information is acquired (step S5), and the default information is stored in the RAM 103 (step S6). The default information is displayed on the display 105 (step S7).
[0053]
Here, it is determined whether execution of printing is instructed by the user (step S8). When the execution of printing is instructed by the user, the setting value information is issued to the control command issuing unit (step S17). The control command issuing unit issues a control command to the printing apparatus 100 (step S18), and printing output is executed by the printing apparatus 100.
[0054]
However, if the user has not instructed printing, it is determined whether or not the setting value has been changed (step S9). If the set value has not been changed, the process returns to step S8 again.
[0055]
On the other hand, when the setting value is changed, the link information is subsequently requested (step S10), and the link information is acquired (step S11). When the link information is acquired, the latest setting value stored in the storage area is compared with the link information setting value (step S12) and determined (step S13). As a result of the comparison, if both are equal, the process returns to step 8. If they are not equal, it is determined whether the user should select a setting value (step S14). This determination is made by setting in advance a flag indicating that the determination is made to the user for each item of link information, and referring to the flag.
[0056]
If it is determined that the user should make a selection, the selection input by the user is examined (step S15). Step S16).
[0057]
If it is determined in step S14 that the user should not select, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0058]
If the changed set value is stored in the RAM 103 in step S16, the process returns to step 8 again, and it is determined whether the user has instructed printing.
[0059]
As described above, for each value set as a setting item for printing, the print control apparatus according to the present invention stores in advance other related setting items and their values as link information. When the value of any setting item is changed, the link information is searched by the changed item and its value, and the item and its value included in the obtained link information are used as a new setting value or a candidate for the setting value. And For this reason, the burden of the operation | work which an operator performs the setting at the time of printing is reduced. In addition, it is easy to set the printing settings to optimum values.
[0060]
In addition, since the default setting value is set, the user does not need to make many settings regarding print information in the case of general printing, and the user's burden can be reduced.
[0061]
Further, when the setting value is changed by the user, the setting values of the other setting items are also set to the optimum setting values determined in advance, so that it is possible to control so that the user cannot select an unacceptable combination.
[0062]
Here, an example of a printer that can be controlled by the printer driver according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the color laser printer 102. In FIG. 41, reference numeral 711 denotes an optical system, a laser output unit (not shown) for converting an image signal into an optical signal, a polyhedron (for example, octahedron) polygon mirror 712, and a motor for rotating the mirror 712 (not shown). And an f / θ lens (imaging lens) 713. Reference numeral 714 denotes a reflection mirror that changes the optical path of the laser beam, and 715 denotes a photosensitive drum. The surface of the photosensitive drum 715 that has been reflected by the lens and is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure through the f / θ lens 713 and the mirror 714 is linearly scanned (raster scan), thereby making the static corresponding to the original image. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 715.
[0063]
Reference numeral 717 denotes a primary charger, 718 denotes an overall exposure lamp, 723 denotes a cleaner unit that collects residual toner that has not been transferred, and 724 denotes a pre-transfer charger. These members are arranged around the photosensitive drum 715. ing.
[0064]
Reference numeral 726 denotes a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 715 by laser exposure, and has the following configuration. Reference numerals 731Y, 731M, 731C, and 731Bk are development sleeves that are in direct contact with the photosensitive drum 715 and directly develop the toner. These sleeves 731Y to 731Bk, toner hoppers 730Y to 730Bk, and screws 732 are arranged around the rotation axis P of the developing unit. Note that the symbols Y, M, C, and Bk of the above-described constituent elements indicate colors. That is, “Y” is yellow, “M” is magenta, “C” is cyan, and “Bk” is black. When forming a yellow toner image, yellow toner development processing is performed at the position shown in FIG. When a magenta toner image is formed, the developing unit 726 is rotated about the axis P in the drawing so that the developing sleeve 731M in the magenta developing unit is in contact with the photosensitive member 715. Cyan and black development work in the same way.
[0065]
Reference numeral 716 denotes a transfer drum for transferring a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 715 to a sheet. Reference numeral 719 denotes an actuator plate for detecting the moving position of the transfer drum 716, and reference numeral 720 is close to the actuator plate 719. , A position sensor for detecting that the transfer drum 716 has moved to the home position, 725 is a transfer drum cleaner, 727 is a paper pressing roller, 728 is a slow charger, and 729 is a transfer charger. Reference numerals 720, 725, 727, and 729 are disposed around the transfer roller 716.
[0066]
On the other hand, reference numerals 735 and 736 denote paper feed cassettes for storing paper (paper sheets). In the embodiment, the paper feed cassette 735 contains, for example, A4 size paper, and the paper feed cassette 736 contains A3 size paper. It shall be. Reference numerals 737 and 738 denote paper feed rollers for feeding paper from the cassettes 735 and 736. Reference numerals 739, 740 and 741 denote timing rollers for taking paper feed and transport timings. Guided by the guide 749, the leading end is wound around a transfer drum 716 while being held by a gripper described later, and the process proceeds to an image forming process. Note that which of the paper feed cassettes 735 and 736 is selected is determined by an instruction from the main control unit 31, and only the selected paper feed roller rotates.
[0067]
An ink jet printer can be used instead of the laser beam printer, but the description of the structure of this printer is omitted here because it is described in the second embodiment described later.
<Second Embodiment>
As a second embodiment, a printing system that performs printing by executing a printer driver on the configuration of FIG. 19 will be described.
[0068]
In FIG. 19, the control unit H01 controls the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as CPU). The keyboard H02 and the pointing device H21 are used when an operator inputs various data. The color display H03 displays the image data stored in the RAM H05. The ROM H04 is a read only memory (ROM) that stores in advance a control procedure for controlling the entire apparatus and other necessary information. A RAM H05 is a random access memory (RAM) used as a work area. The hard disk H06 stores various data reading / writing and programs. The printer interface H07 is a bidirectional printer interface that receives not only the transmission of print data but also the status of the printer H08. The data bus H09 is used for transferring various data. The hard disk H06 stores application programs, printer drivers, and the like, loaded into the RAM H05, and executed by the CPU H01.
[0069]
The printer H08 of this embodiment is a color ink jet printer, and three types of heads can be replaced. One is a monochrome printing head, the second is a color printing head, and the third is a photograde printing head. The monochrome printing head and the color printing head are the same binary heads as the conventional printers, and one bit of the image data of the print command means one dot. The photo-grade printing head is a head that can perform gradation printing by overprinting with light ink. In this embodiment, four-gradation printing is possible. Therefore, 2 bits are required to express one dot. Thus, since the number of bits necessary for printing one dot differs depending on the head, printing cannot be performed correctly unless a print command corresponding to the head mounted on the printer is transmitted.
[0070]
Next, details of the printing system of FIG. 19 will be described. This system checks whether the print head set in the printer driver matches the print head that is actually installed in the printer. If the print head does not match, an error is displayed and printing is stopped or the head is replaced. It is something to make.
[0071]
First, the movement of the printer driver on the screen will be described. FIG. 20 shows a print dialog. The print dialog is a display screen for allowing the operator to make various settings related to printing. The operator sees this display and inputs the appropriate value or makes a setting by selecting from the menu. When the setting is performed, the setting value is stored in the RAM H05 or the hard disk H06. In FIG. 20, a “Cartridge” menu on the screen is a head selection menu. With this menu, the above three types of heads can be set. FIG. 21 shows selection items of the “Cartridge” menu. The printer driver generates a print command in accordance with the setting of the “Cartridge” menu at the time when the “Print” button is pressed. Before sending a print command to the printer, the head mounted on the printer is confirmed. If the head matches the setting, the print command is sent. If they do not match, the error dialog shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. When the “Stop” button is pressed, printing is stopped. When the “Continue” button is pressed, the head confirmation process is performed again, and the process is repeated until the setting matches the actual head.
[0072]
Next, the operation of the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 23 is a flowchart from when the “Print” button in FIG. 20 is pressed until a print command is transmitted.
[0073]
In step S231, the type of head mounted on the printer H08 is obtained via the printer interface H07 of FIG. In step S231, a value set as the value of the “Cartridge” item of the printer driver is obtained. In step S233, it is checked whether the head mounted on the printer H08 matches the set value obtained in step S232. If they match, the setting is sent to the printer H08, and the process proceeds to print processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S234. In step S234, it is displayed that the print head is different from the driver setting. In this embodiment, the error dialog shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. Steps S235 and S236 are error dialog processing. In step S235, it is checked whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to cancel printing. In step S236, it is checked whether the “Continue” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S231. If not, the process returns to step S235.
[0074]
As described above, the printer driver controls the setting of the print head, thereby preventing a printing error due to a difference between the setting of the recording head and the actual recording head.
[0075]
FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a color inkjet recording apparatus IJRA that can be applied to the present embodiment. This printer can be used not only in the first embodiment but also in embodiments other than the second embodiment. In FIG. 24, the carriage HC engaged with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 has a pin (not shown). And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. In the carriage HC, when a color head is selected, as shown in FIG. 24, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black) ink jet cartridges IJC are mounted. When a monochrome head is selected, a black only cartridge is mounted. When a photo color is selected, a photo color cartridge is mounted. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate that presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the moving direction of the carriage. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photo-couplers, which are home position detection means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this region and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013 or the like. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member that supports a cap member 5022 that caps the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means that sucks the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through an opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade, and reference numeral 5019 denotes a member that enables the blade to move in the front-rear direction, and these are supported by a main body support plate 5018. Needless to say, the blade is not in this form, and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example. Reference numeral 5021 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 5020 engaged with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. Is done.
<Third Embodiment>
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, it is checked whether the paper size selected by the printer driver matches the paper size actually entered in the printer. If they do not match, an error is displayed and printing is stopped or the paper is replaced. Is. The configuration of the printer is configured as shown in FIG. 19 as in the second embodiment.
[0076]
First, the movement of the printer driver on the screen will be described. FIG. 25 shows a paper setting dialog. The paper setting dialog is a screen for setting the size, magnification, and length and width of the printing paper. The set value is stored in the RAM H08 and the hard disk H06. The operator sets a desired value for each item on this screen, or sets a print paper size or the like by selecting from a menu. In FIG. 25, the “Paper Size” menu is a paper size menu. The printer of this embodiment is a printer that supports 13 types of paper sizes. FIG. 26 shows selection items of the “Paper Size” menu. The “OK” button in the dialog of FIG. 25 means determination of the paper size, and is not an instruction to execute printing. Printing is performed by selecting a “print” button in the print dialog of FIG. When the “Print” button of the print dialog is pressed, the printer driver generates a print command in accordance with the value set as the “Paper Size” item. Before sending a print command to the printer, the size of the paper in the printer is checked. If the paper size matches the set value, the print command is sent to the printer. If they do not match, the error dialog shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. When the “Stop” button is pressed, printing is stopped. When the “Continue” button is selected, the paper size confirmation process is performed again, and the process is repeated until the paper sizes match.
[0077]
Next, the operation of the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 28 is a flowchart from when the “Print” button in FIG. 20 is pressed until a print command is transmitted.
[0078]
In step S281, the paper size set in the printer H08 is obtained via the printer interface H07 in FIG. In step S282, the value of the “Paper Size” item set for the operator by the dialog of FIG. 25 is obtained. In step S283, it is checked whether the paper size in the printer matches the value set in the dialog of FIG. 25 for the printer driver. If they match, the process proceeds to print processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S284. In step S284, the fact that the paper sizes are different is displayed. In this embodiment, the error dialog shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. Steps S285 and S286 are error dialog processing. In step S285, it is checked whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to cancel printing. In step S286, it is checked whether the “Continue” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S281. If not, the process returns to step S285.
[0079]
With the above procedure, it is possible to check whether the paper size set in the printer matches the prepared size set for the printer driver, so that it is possible to prevent a printing error due to an error in the paper size. .
<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of a printing system in which, when the printer driver setting is different from the printer setting, a different printer is selected instead of an error display. As an example, a system having the same configuration as the printing system of the first embodiment will be described.
[0080]
First, the connection between the host and the printer is shown in FIG. The illustrated PC 311 is a host, and printers 312 to 314 are connected. Each of the printers 312 to 314 has a name. Next, the movement of the printer driver on the screen will be described. FIG. 29 shows a print dialog. The “Cartridge” menu is a head selection menu. The printer driver generates a print command in accordance with the setting of the “Cartridge” menu when the “Print” button is pressed. Then, before sending the print command to the printer, the head mounted on the printer is confirmed, and if it matches, it is sent. If they do not match, the error dialog shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. In FIG. 30, a printer connected to the PC 311 is displayed. When “Stop” is pressed, printing is stopped. When a printer is selected from the display and the “Choose” button is pressed, head confirmation processing is performed again on the selected printer, and the processing is repeated until the heads match.
[0081]
Next, the operation of the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 32 is a flowchart from when the “Print” button of this embodiment is pressed until a print command is transmitted.
[0082]
In step S321, the type of head mounted on the printer H08 is obtained via the printer interface H07 of FIG. In step S322, the value set as the “Cartridge” item for the printer driver is obtained. In step S323, it is checked whether the head mounted on the printer H08 matches the printer driver setting. If they match, the process proceeds to print processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S324. In step S324, the fact that the head is different is displayed. In this embodiment, the error dialog shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. Steps S325 and S326 are error dialog processing. In step S325, it is checked whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to cancel printing. In step S326, it is checked whether the “Choose” button has been pressed. If it has been pressed, in step S327, the new printer selected at that time is selected as the printer whose printing is to be controlled, and this printer is re-executed from step S321. If not, return to S25.
<Fifth embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of a printing system that changes printer driver settings according to printer settings instead of error display when printer driver settings and printer settings are different. As an example, a case where the print head is different as in the first embodiment will be described.
[0083]
First, the movement of the printer driver on the screen will be described. FIG. 33 shows a print dialog. The print dialog is a dialog for executing various settings related to printing. The “Cartridge” menu is a head selection menu. In this printing system, the printer has three types of heads. One is a monochrome printing head, the second is a color printing head, and the third is a photograde printing head. The printer driver generates a print command in accordance with the setting of the “Cartridge” menu when the “Print” button is pressed. Then, before sending a print command to the printer, the head mounted on the printer is confirmed, and if it matches, it is sent. If they do not match, the error dialog shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. When “Stop” is pressed, printing is stopped. When “OK” is selected, a print command is generated in accordance with the head mounted on the printer.
[0084]
Next, the operation of the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 35 is a flowchart from when the “Print” button in FIG. 33 is pressed in this embodiment to when a print command is issued until a print command is transmitted.
[0085]
In step S351, the type of head mounted on the printer H08 is obtained via the printer interface H07 in FIG. In step S352, the value set as the value of the “Cartridge” item for the printer driver is obtained. In step S353, it is checked whether the head mounted on the printer H08 matches the setting for the printer driver. If they match, the process proceeds to print processing. If not, the process proceeds to step S354. The step S354 displays that the set head is different from the actually attached head. In the present embodiment, the error dialog shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. Steps S355 and S356 are error dialog processing. In step S355, it is checked whether the “Stop” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S357. If not, the process returns to step S355. In step S357, the printer driver setting is matched with the head mounted on the printer. In the subsequent printing steps, commands are generated in accordance with the settings of the printer driver, so that commands suitable for the mounting head are generated.
[0086]
In this embodiment, the type of cartridge is targeted, but the same processing can be performed for the size of the paper.
[0087]
As described above, by combining the setting for the printer main body with the setting for the printer driver, it is possible to prevent a printing error due to a setting error during printing.
[0088]
In addition to the second to fifth embodiments described above, for example, even when the paper type and paper feed port settings are different from the printer driver settings, it is possible to perform printing correctly by performing the same processing. Any setting can be used as a physical IF as long as setting information can be transmitted from the printer to the host.
<Sixth Embodiment>
The hardware configuration for realizing the present invention is as shown in FIG. 19 as in the second to fifth embodiments.
[0089]
A general print processing start portion of the printer driver according to the present embodiment will be described. The printer driver displays a dialog for setting print processing before printing, and the user sets print processing according to the printed material and instructs execution of printing. Here, the print processing settings set by the user are called print settings. In addition to the head information described below, print settings include designation of paper size, paper type, printing method, paper feed port, and the like.
[0090]
Next, details of the printing system will be described. The system according to the present embodiment checks the head mounted on the printer while displaying the print dialog of the printer driver, and displays a cartridge menu for the mounted head.
[0091]
First, the movement of the printer driver on the screen will be described. FIG. 36 shows a print dialog. The “Cartridge” menu is a head selection menu. In the present embodiment, there are three types of heads in the printer. One is a monochrome printing head, the second is a color printing head, and the third is a photograde printing head. FIG. 37 to FIG. 39 show the “Cartridge” menu. FIG. 37 shows a menu displayed when a color head is installed, FIG. 38 shows a monochrome head, and FIG. 39 shows a menu displayed when a photograde printing head is installed. The printer driver automatically changes the menu according to the mounted head.
[0092]
Next, the operation of the printer driver will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 40 is a flowchart of print dialog processing in the system of this embodiment. When printing is instructed by the operator, the processing is started by the procedure of FIG.
[0093]
In step S401, an initial print setting is performed. In step S402, a dialog is displayed according to the current print setting. In step S403, the head mounted on the printer H08 is checked through the printer interface H07 of FIG. In step S404, the setting of the print setting head is compared with the head mounted on the printer. If they match, the process proceeds to step S408. If they do not match, the process branches according to the head mounted on the printer. If a monochrome head is mounted, the process proceeds to step S405, if a color head is mounted, the process proceeds to step S406, and if a photograde printing head is mounted, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S405, the print setting head information is set to monochrome. In step S406, the print setting head information is set to color. In step S407, the print setting head information is set to be photo grade printing. In step S408, it is checked whether the print button of the print dialog has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to the printing process. If not, the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the entire print dialog is processed. Here, the print settings such as the print method and the paper feed port are changed. In step S410, it is checked whether the print setting has been changed in step S409. If the print setting has been changed, the process proceeds to step S402. If the print setting has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S403. As described above, if the cartridge actually installed in the printer and the settings for the printer driver are different, setting the driver according to the status of the printer facilitates the setting operation and printing due to a setting error. You can prevent mistakes.
[0094]
In addition to the sixth embodiment, the paper size, the paper feeding state, and the like can be always set with the correct settings by performing the setting process in the same procedure as in FIG. Any setting can be used as a physical IF as long as setting information can be transmitted from the printer to the host.
<Seventh embodiment>
A hardware configuration of a printer system for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. A difference from FIG. 19 is that the printer H08 includes counters H801, H802, and H803 for measuring the remaining amount of ink for each of the three types of cartridges. When the cartridge is replaced, the remaining ink counter is automatically switched. However, the usage is not automatically reset. Further, the printer H08 has a software configuration as shown in FIG. 18, and the printer H08 is controlled by the printer driver being executed by the CPU H01. Further, the printer H08 can determine the type of the mounted cartridge. This can be realized by attaching an identifier such as a protrusion corresponding to the type of the cartridge in advance to the cartridge and detecting it with a sensor of the printer main body.
[0095]
Next, this embodiment will be described together with the display on the screen. FIG. 44 is a utility dialog screen for instructing the printer H08 to perform cleaning, cartridge replacement, or the like. This screen is displayed on the display H03 when an operator inputs using the keyboard or pointing device to use the utility of the printer driver. In this screen, when a cartridge replacement button is pressed, that is, when the button is selected by a pointing device and an execution instruction is given, the printer driver starts cartridge replacement processing. First, the cartridge is moved to the cartridge replacement position and waits for the cartridge to be replaced. The dialog shown in FIG. 45 is displayed until a new cartridge is installed. When the cartridge is replaced (determined by the cartridge sensor), if another type of cartridge is installed, the process ends. If the same type of cartridge is loaded, the dialog shown in FIG. 46 is displayed and the operator is requested to reset the remaining ink level. If the reset of the remaining ink is selected, the remaining ink counter is reset. If not selected, the process is terminated without doing anything.
[0096]
Next, this will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a portion related to cartridge replacement in the printer driver. This flowchart shows the processing after the cartridge replacement button in FIG. 44 is pressed.
[0097]
In step S431, the cartridge type before replacement, that is, the currently installed cartridge type is acquired. That is, the type of cartridge detected by the sensor identifying the cartridge of the printer H08 is requested. Here, the dialog of FIG. 45 is displayed. In step S432, a command for moving the cartridge to the cartridge replacement position is transmitted. As a result, the cartridge of the printer moves to the replacement position.
[0098]
In step S433, a status indicating whether or not cartridge replacement has been completed is acquired. In the printer H08, for example, if the cartridge is once removed from the cartridge sensor and is detected again, it may be determined that the replacement has been completed. The printer responds to the printer driver with this as the status of completion of cartridge replacement. In step S434, it is determined whether the cartridge replacement has been completed based on the acquired status. If the exchange has not ended, the process returns to step S433. In step S435, the newly installed cartridge type is acquired. Here, the same processing as step S431 may be performed.
[0099]
In step S436, whether the cartridge types before and after cartridge replacement are the same is determined by comparing the cartridge type acquired in step S431 with the type acquired in step S435. If the cartridge type is different, the cartridge replacement process is terminated. In step S437, FIG. 46 is displayed, and it is a step for selecting whether or not to reset the remaining amount of ink. If the ink remaining amount is not reset, the cartridge replacement process is terminated.
[0100]
In step S438, it is determined whether the replaced cartridge is a monochrome cartridge or a color cartridge. If it is a monochrome cartridge, the process proceeds to step S439, and if it is a color cartridge, the process proceeds to step S440. In step S439, a reset command for the remaining ink amount of the monochrome cartridge is transmitted to the printer H08. In step S438, a reset command for the remaining amount of ink in the color cartridge is transmitted to the printer H08. In FIG. 43, only two types of cartridges are handled, but the remaining amount counter corresponding to each type may be reset for three types or more.
[0101]
As described above, the ink remaining amount counter corresponding to the installed cartridge can be reset, so that it is possible to prevent the printer from erroneously detecting the remaining amount of ink due to an error in the remaining amount counter to be reset when the cartridge is replaced. it can.
[Other embodiments]
In the previous embodiment, the remaining amount of ink is reset from the printer driver, but it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by using the firmware of the printer main body.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention
The cartridge type acquisition step 1 for acquiring the cartridge type before the cartridge replacement, the cartridge replacement step for performing the cartridge replacement, the cartridge type acquisition step 2 for acquiring the cartridge type after the cartridge replacement, and the cartridge types before and after the cartridge replacement are compared. By having a cartridge type comparison step and an ink remaining amount reset step for resetting the remaining ink amount if the same cartridge type, the replaced cartridge type is automatically recognized and the remaining ink amount is correctly reset.
[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device even if it is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, printer, etc.). May be. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the object is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
[0103]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0104]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0105]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0106]
When the present invention is applied to the above-described storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above. In brief, each module shown in the memory map example of FIG. Is stored in a storage medium.
[0107]
That is, at least for the predetermined item of the control information according to the value of the input item when the control information is input by the code of the input step for inputting the value of each item of the control information and the input step The link information storage means that stores the item to be changed according to the value of the item and its value as link information in advance, and the link information read by the reading step from the code of the reading step for reading the link information Based on the items and values included in the link information, the setting step code for setting the value of the corresponding item and the latest value of the control information set by the input step or the setting step are stored. What is necessary is just to store the program code of each module of the code of the latest value storage process in a storage medium.
[0108]
Alternatively, each module shown in the memory map example of FIG. 43 is stored in a storage medium.
[0109]
That is, at least a setting process code for inputting a value of an item of control information, a setting acquisition process code for acquiring the setting state from the printing apparatus, an item set by the setting process, and the setting acquisition A display process for displaying a code of a comparison process for comparing the setting state acquired by the process, and a value of the item set as a result of the comparison by the comparison process, and the acquired setting state, if this is different The program code of each module of the above code may be stored in the storage medium.
[0110]
Alternatively, each module shown in the memory map example of FIG. 44 is stored in a storage medium.
[0111]
That is, at least a setting process code for setting a value of an item of control information, a setting acquisition process code for acquiring the setting state from the printing apparatus, an item set by the setting process, and the setting acquisition If the code of the comparison process that compares the setting state acquired by the process and the value of the item that is set as a result of the comparison by the comparison process are different from the acquired setting state, What is necessary is just to store the program code of each module of the code of the reset process which sets the state acquired by the acquisition process in a storage medium.
[0112]
Alternatively, at least a setting process code for setting an item value of the control information, a setting acquisition process code for acquiring the setting state from the printing apparatus, an item set by the setting process, and the setting When the comparison process code for comparing the setting state acquired by the acquisition step and the value of the item set as a result of the comparison by the comparison step are different from the acquired setting state, the control target is set to a different printing device. What is necessary is just to store the program code of each module of the code | cord | chord of the reset process to transfer to a storage medium.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can execute optimum printing with only minimal settings. Even when the content or number of information selected by the user changes or when the content or number of information to be provided to the printing apparatus changes, it is possible to cope with it by simply changing the combination of information in advance.
[0114]
In addition, since the default setting value is set, the user does not need to make many settings regarding print information in the case of general printing, and the user's burden can be reduced.
[0115]
Furthermore, when any setting value is changed by the user, the setting values of other setting items are also set to the optimum setting values determined in advance, so that the user cannot select a combination that is not originally allowed. It is possible to control, and it is possible to minimize damage caused by changing the set value.
[0116]
In addition, the printer driver and printer settings are matched to enable correct printing.
[0117]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a print control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a printing system including a host computer and a printing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a conventional menu.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating setting items and setting values stored in a settable value storage unit;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating default setting values stored in a default setting value storage unit;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a main property at a default setting value.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of paper properties with default setting values.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a quality property at a default setting value.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a color setting property with default setting values.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state of a main property when a setting value of an auto palette is changed from a word processor to a photographic film.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of quality properties when the setting value of the auto palette is changed from a word processor to a photographic film.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state of color setting properties when the setting value of the auto palette is changed from a word processor to a photographic film.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state of quality properties when the set value of the medium is changed from glossy film to coated paper.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example when a user's judgment is asked.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where a setting value of a paper feeding method is changed to an auto sheet feeder and a setting value of a media type is changed to coated paper.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a case where the set value of the media type is changed to coated paper.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the printer driver of this embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printing system according to second to sixth embodiments.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a print dialog.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a cartridge menu.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a head mismatch error dialog;
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a head check in the second embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink jet printer that can be used according to the first to sixth embodiments.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a paper setting dialog.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a paper size menu.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a dialog for a paper mismatch error.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet size check according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a print dialog 2;
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a printer selection dialog.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of printers are connected.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a head check in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a print dialog 3;
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a confirmation dialog for monochrome printing.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a head check in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a print dialog according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when the color head is mounted.
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when a monochrome head is mounted.
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a cartridge menu when a photograde printing head is mounted.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart of print dialog display in the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 41 is a sectional view of a color laser beam printer.
FIG. 42 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing system according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 43 is a flowchart of processing when an ink cartridge is replaced by a printer driver of the printing system according to the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a utility dialog of the printer driver.
FIG. 45 is a diagram of an example of a dialog indicating that a cartridge is being replaced.
FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog prompting to reset the remaining ink counter.
FIG. 47 is a memory map of a memory that stores a print control program according to the present invention.
FIG. 48 is a memory map of a memory storing a print control program according to the present invention.
FIG. 49 is a memory map of a memory that stores a print control program according to the present invention.

Claims (11)

Display means for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value of a first setting item for printing and a setting value of a second setting item for printing;
When the setting value of the first setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is changed from the first value to the second value, the second setting for printing displayed on the setting screen First determination means for determining whether or not the user should determine when it is determined that the third value of the item should be changed;
If it is determined by the first determination means that the user should determine, a screen for allowing the user to determine whether or not to change is displayed, and a second determination for determining whether or not the user's determination is a change. Means,
When the second determination unit determines that the user's determination is a change, and when the first determination unit determines that the user should not determine, the setting value of the first setting item is the first value The third value of the second setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen based on the information including the setting value of the item to be changed in accordance with the change from the value to the second value. An information processing apparatus comprising: a changing unit that changes the value to 4.   2. The third value of the second setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is not changed when the second determination means determines that the user's determination is not a change. The information processing apparatus described.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a host computer.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for printing includes a setting of a printing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first setting item includes a medium, and the second setting item includes a paper feeding method.   The first changing means is a print displayed on the setting screen when the setting value of the first setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is changed from the first value to the second value. When it is better to change the third value of the second setting item for the user, a screen is displayed that allows the user to determine whether or not to change. If the user's determination is not a change, the screen is displayed on the setting screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third value of the second setting item for printing is not changed. A display step for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value of a first setting item for printing and a setting value of a second setting item for printing;
When the setting value of the first setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is changed from the first value to the second value, the second setting for printing displayed on the setting screen A first determination step of determining whether or not the user should determine if it is determined that the third value of the item should be changed;
When it is determined in the first determination step that the user should determine, a screen for allowing the user to determine whether or not to change is displayed, and a second determination for determining whether or not the user's determination is a change. Steps,
When it is determined by the second determination step that the user's determination is a change, and when it is determined by the first determination step that the user should not determine, the setting value of the first setting item is the first The third value of the second setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen based on the information including the setting value of the item to be changed in accordance with the change from the value to the second value. And a change step for changing to a value of 4.   8. The third value of the second setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is not changed when the user's determination is not changed in the second determining step. The setting method in the described printer driver.   8. A setting method in a printer driver according to claim 7, wherein the setting for printing includes setting of a printing apparatus.   8. The setting method in the printer driver according to claim 7, wherein the first setting item includes a medium, and the second setting item includes a paper feeding method.   In the first changing step, when the setting value of the first setting item for printing displayed on the setting screen is changed from the first value to the second value, printing displayed on the setting screen is performed. When it is better to change the third value of the second setting item for the user, a screen is displayed that allows the user to determine whether or not to change. If the user's determination is not a change, the screen is displayed on the setting screen. 8. The setting method in the printer driver according to claim 7, wherein the third value of the second setting item for printing is not changed.

Images