JP4463174B2 - Interface device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is designed to display an interface device , and more specifically, to show how a function added when a function pointed to a current setting is confirmed is operated. The present invention relates to an interface device .

  In recent years, printer devices have become increasingly functional and sophisticated, and printer settings have become complicated and difficult for users. Usually, the printer driver's print condition setting screen is used to set the printer's print condition, which is software for setting the printer. However, the printer driver's print condition setting screen is complicated and the print condition is set. With just the name of the printing function to be performed, it has become difficult to imagine what kind of output results each setting corresponding to the name will have.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a print condition setting screen example of a conventional printer driver. Various printing condition setting items are displayed on the printing condition setting screen 300. Here, for example, as the print condition setting items, “Copies” 301 for setting the number of prints, “Collate” 302 for setting printing of multiple copies in units of copies or pages, and reducing each page to one sheet “N-Up” 303 for setting a page when printing a plurality of pages, “Document Style” 304 for setting a document style such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing, stapling for printed sheets, “Finishing” 305 for setting punch or the like is set. The print condition setting screen is composed of tabs 310, and the user selects desired tabs to set target conditions.

  Regarding the print function setting as described above, for example, in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of improving operability, preventing erroneous operation, and improving visibility with respect to setting items for print results that tend to have many setting items. In contrast to the preview display function for visually confirming settings, it has a preview display function that reflects the current settings and a preview display function that reflects the standard settings before setting. An information processing apparatus is disclosed in which a previous situation and a situation after setting are displayed in an easily understandable manner.

Also, in Patent Document 2, product / service information is classified into groups such as by industry, and the group is visually and intuitively imaged with icons that symbolize the group, so that the searcher can easily access the group. A product search method that can be performed is disclosed. Here, when the pointer is placed on the icon, the group name symbolized by the icon is displayed, and when this is clicked, a product list is displayed in a list so that the target product / service can be easily accessed.
JP 2004-348405 A JP 2002-140354 A

  For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult for the user to recognize what output result is obtained unless the print function setting is actually performed. Moreover, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to recognize what output result can be obtained simply by displaying the name for the function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is possible to set conditions for a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions related to the operation of a connected device, and to operate the device according to the set conditions. Before confirming the function setting, the interface device can display how the added function works when the function pointed to the current setting is confirmed. An object of the present invention is to provide an interface device that allows a user to recognize what kind of function it is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first technical means of the present invention is capable of setting conditions for a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions relating to the operation of the device, and performing the operation of the device according to the set conditions. In the interface device , the interface device displays a means for displaying a condition setting screen for enabling condition setting of a plurality of items on a display device connected to the interface device , and an icon associated with the current condition setting state. And a pointer displayed on the display screen of the display device by a pointing device connected to the display device is present in any of the display areas for setting conditions of the plurality of items displayed on the condition setting screen. Occasionally, it has a means for displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item pointer exists on the display device, the current An icon associated with the state of matters set, in which is characterized in that the pointer is repeatedly displayed while switching the icon associated with the condition setting items alternately present.

  When the pointer is moved to one of a plurality of condition setting display areas when the icon associated with the current condition setting is displayed in the first technical means in the second technical means, The display is changed from the icon associated with the current condition setting to the icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer exists.

  The third technical means displays the first technical means so that a state where the pointer exists in any one of the display areas for setting conditions of the plurality of items and a state where the pointer does not exist can be identified. An icon is displayed by the apparatus.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the first technical means, the icon associated with the current condition setting state and the icon associated with the condition setting item including the pointer are output from the device according to the set condition. It is configured to represent an output image.

  According to a fifth technical means, in the first technical means, the plurality of functions relating to the operation of the connected device is a print function for printing out print data, and the icon is associated with the current condition setting state. The icon associated with the condition setting item including the pointer and the pointer is an icon associated with a plurality of print condition setting items related to the print function.

  According to a sixth technical means, in the fifth technical means, when a pointer is present on a display area for setting a staple application condition at the time of print output among a plurality of print condition setting items, a staple application position , And an icon for knowing the number are displayed.

  In a fifth technical means, in the fifth technical means, when a pointer is present on a display area for setting a punching condition at the time of printing output among a plurality of printing condition setting items, the position of the punch, And an icon for indicating the number of holes by punching is displayed.

  According to an eighth technical means, in the fifth technical means, when a pointer is present on a display area for setting a margin shift grant condition at the time of print output among a plurality of print condition setting items, a margin shift is performed. It is characterized by displaying an icon whose position is known.

  The ninth technical means is a medium on which double-sided printing is performed when a pointer is present on a display area for setting double-sided printing conditions at the time of printing out of a plurality of printing condition setting items in the fifth technical means. This is characterized in that an icon for knowing the binding position is displayed.

  A tenth technical means performs saddle stitching in the fifth technical means when a pointer is present on a display area for setting conditions for saddle stitch printing at the time of print output among a plurality of print condition setting items. In this case, an icon indicating the page order is displayed.

  The eleventh technical means is that in the fifth technical means, when a pointer is present in the display area for setting the N-Up printing condition at the time of printing output among the plurality of printing condition setting items, the N- It is characterized by displaying icons indicating the composition of pages to be aggregated by Up printing.

  According to a twelfth technical means, in the eleventh technical means, an icon indicating the configuration of pages aggregated by N-Up printing is an arrangement order of each page aggregated by N-Up printing or each page aggregated. The icon is characterized by the presence or absence of a frame line.

  A thirteenth technical means is the fifth technical means, in which, when a pointer is present on a display area for setting zoom printing or fit printing conditions at the time of printing out of a plurality of printing condition setting items, an input is made An icon indicating that an image to be output is enlarged / reduced with respect to the image is displayed.

  The fourteenth technical means is the fifth technical means, which is used for poster printing when a pointer is present on a display area for setting a poster printing condition at the time of printing output among a plurality of printing condition setting items. An icon indicating the number of recording media to be recorded is displayed.

  A fifteenth technical means is the same as the fourteenth technical means, characterized in that the icon is an icon for indicating the order of print output of the recording medium.

  A sixteenth technical means is the fifth technical means, in which a pointer exists on a display area for setting a watermark printing condition at the time of print output among a plurality of printing condition setting items. It is characterized by displaying an icon indicating whether a watermark is output.

  According to a seventeenth technical means, in the fifth technical means, when a pointer exists on a display area for setting a condition for printing a plurality of copies at the time of print output among a plurality of print condition setting items, It is characterized by displaying an icon indicating whether or not a plurality of copies are to be printed in any order.

  According to an eighteenth technical means, in the first technical means, when a pointer is present on a display area for setting a condition of any one of the plurality of condition setting items, the print having the pointer is present. The name of the condition setting item is added to a part of the icon and displayed.

According to a nineteenth technical means, in the first technical means, when there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item having the pointer, a display area for displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item having the pointer And the icons respectively associated with a plurality of settable values are displayed in the divided display area.

A twentieth technical means is a display area for displaying an icon associated with a condition setting item having a pointer when there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item having the pointer in the first technical means. And an icon associated with each of a plurality of settable values and an icon associated with the current condition setting state are displayed in a divided display area.

In a twenty- first technical means, in the first technical means, when there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item with the pointer, a display area for displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item with the pointer And the icons respectively associated with other values excluding the currently set value are displayed in the divided display area.

According to a twenty- second technical means, when the icon associated with the condition setting item for which the pointer exists is displayed on the display device in the first technical means, the pointer is present until the pointer moves out of the display area for the condition setting item. This is characterized in that the display of the icon associated with the condition setting item to be maintained is maintained so as not to change.

A twenty- third technical means relates to the grouped functions when there is a condition setting item in which a plurality of functions are grouped in the first technical means and there is a pointer in the display area of the condition setting item. It is characterized by displaying an icon.

According to a 24th technical means, in the first technical means, the condition setting screen is configured as a screen having a plurality of tabs, and the pointer exists when the pointer moves on a tab different from the currently selected tab. An icon associated with the tab to be displayed is displayed.

According to a twenty-fifth technical means, in the first technical means, comprehensive condition setting items capable of calling a plurality of condition setting items at a time are set, and the pointer moves over a display area for the comprehensive condition setting items. When this is done, an icon associated with a comprehensive condition setting item is displayed.

A twenty-sixth technical means is the first technical means, wherein the condition setting screen has a condition setting button for enabling condition setting of a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions, and the position of the condition setting button It is characterized by displaying while changing.

According to a twenty-seventh technical means, in the twenty-sixth technical means, when a pointer is present on any display area of the condition setting button, the change of the position of the condition setting button is stopped, and any of the condition setting buttons When the pointer is removed from the display area, the change of the position of the condition setting button is resumed.

According to the present invention, what function is added when the input value of the condition setting item where the pointer is positioned is confirmed by displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer is positioned (or And the user can visually understand how it affects the output. In other words, before the input value of the condition setting item pointed to by the pointer is confirmed, the user can recognize the function set by the condition setting item, and the operability related to the condition setting Can be improved.
Here, by using an icon representing an output image, the user can recognize the output image when processing is performed under the condition selected by the pointer.

  Also, for example, by thickening the border of the icon display area, changing the color, or changing the background color of the icon, the user can confirm that the conditions corresponding to each function are in an unconfirmed state. It can be recognized.

In addition, the user can easily recognize how to staple with the current setting by indicating the stapling position that changes according to the orientation of the paper, the binding position of the paper, and the number of staples with icons.
In addition, the user can easily recognize how the punching is performed with the current setting by indicating the punching position that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper with an icon.

In addition, the margin shift position that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper is indicated by an icon, so that the user can easily recognize how the image is shifted with the current setting.
Also, the output result of double-sided printing that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper is indicated by an icon, so that the user can easily recognize how double-sided printing is executed with the current settings. become.

In addition, the user can easily recognize how the saddle stitch printing is output with the current setting by indicating the output result of the saddle stitch printing which changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper. become able to.
In addition, by indicating the output result of N-Up printing that changes according to the setting of paper orientation, aggregation (N-Up) order, and frame line presence / absence with icons, the user can see how N-Up printing is performed with the current settings. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether it is executed.

Further, the output result of enlargement / reduction printing that changes depending on the orientation of the paper is indicated by an icon, so that the user can easily recognize how enlargement / reduction printing is executed with the current setting. .
In addition, the user can easily recognize how poster printing will be executed with the current settings by indicating the poster printing output result that changes depending on the paper orientation and the number of sheets used for poster printing with icons. become able to.

Also, by displaying the watermark printout result that changes depending on the character string and font setting of the watermark and the orientation of the paper to be used with an icon, how the user prints the watermark with the current settings Can be easily recognized.
In addition, by indicating the output result of printing converted according to the setting of the output order of a plurality of copies by an icon, the user can easily recognize how the print output is executed with the current setting. Become.

In addition, displaying the name associated with each condition setting item as an icon helps the user to select a necessary setting condition, and can improve the convenience for the user.
In addition, the user can input the condition setting item where the pointer is located by alternately switching between the icon display associated with the condition setting item pointed to by the pointer and the icon display indicating the current setting state. When the value is fixed, it becomes easy to visually understand what functions are added (or reduced) and how they affect the output.

  Also, when the pointer is on the condition setting item display area and there are multiple values that can be set for the condition setting item, the user can change each of the settable values in order and display them repeatedly. Even if the setting value of the condition setting item is not confirmed, the user can recognize an image of what output state is possible, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In addition, when the switching display is performed, the user can recognize that the icon switching display has been completed, so that the user can know what kind of output is possible depending on the condition setting item currently pointed by the pointer. The user's convenience can be further improved.

  Also, by displaying the number of values that can be set in the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer and the setting number information that indicates the current number, the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer Therefore, the user can recognize the number of values that can be set and the currently displayed icon, and the user's convenience can be further improved.

  In addition, the display time of the icon indicating the settable value can be shortened by sequentially switching and displaying the icon indicating the settable setting value excluding the current setting value of the condition setting item pointed to by the pointer. It is possible to allow the user to recognize what output form is possible when the current set value is changed, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In addition, the icon display area is divided into a plurality of areas, and icons indicating a plurality of setting values that can be set in the condition setting items are displayed in a list in each of the divided areas. It is possible to recognize at a glance what kind of print output is possible for the setting item, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In addition, in the configuration in which the icon display area is divided and displayed, the current condition setting state is displayed in a recognizable manner to the user so that the current condition setting state and the pointed condition setting item can be set. The state can be recognized at a glance, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In addition, the icon display area is divided into a plurality of parts, and icons indicating a plurality of setting values that can be set in the condition setting items are displayed in a list in each of the divided areas. It is possible to recognize at a glance what kind of output is possible for the setting item, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  Also, by displaying a list of icons that show the setting values that can be set, excluding the current setting value of the condition setting item that the pointer points to, the number of icon displays can be reduced and the current setting can be reduced. When the value is changed, it is possible to make the user recognize what output form is possible, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  When there is a pointer on the display area for each condition setting item and the icon associated with the condition setting item is displayed, the display form of the icon is maintained until the pointer moves out of the display area for the condition setting item. By doing so, it is possible to provide a condition setting screen that is easy for the user to understand and has good operability.

  In addition, when there is a condition setting item in which a plurality of functions (condition setting values) are grouped, when the pointer is moved to the display area of the condition setting item, an icon associated with the grouped condition setting item is displayed. This makes it possible for the user to recognize what functions (condition setting values) can be set with the grouped condition setting items.

  Also, when the pointer moves to a tab different from the currently selected tab, the icon associated with the tab to which the pointer points is displayed, so when you try to switch the tab from the current tab, The user can recognize whether the function can be set with such condition setting items, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  In addition, when the pointer is moved over the comprehensive condition setting item display area where multiple condition setting items can be called at once, an icon associated with the comprehensive condition setting item is displayed. The user can recognize what kind of individual condition setting items the comprehensive condition setting items have.

  Also, if there are many condition setting item buttons corresponding to the function, it will not fit on one screen, and it will be difficult to see where the setting items for the set condition are displayed. The user can recognize what kind of output form is obtained simply by moving the pointer on the desired condition setting button.

  Also, in the configuration for moving the condition setting button as described above, if any of the condition setting buttons is pointed, the pointed condition setting button is stopped by stopping the movement of the condition setting button. It is possible to more reliably recognize how the function (condition setting item) associated with the current condition setting functions.

Embodiments of an interface device according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, an example of print condition setting processing by a printing system to which the interface apparatus of the present invention can be applied will be described. However, the interface apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a printer driver, and connected devices (for example, It is possible to set conditions for a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions related to the operation of the printer), and it is possible to apply to an interface apparatus that performs the operation of the device according to the set conditions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a print system to which the interface apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The print system is connected to a client computer 1 for sending a print job including print data and print conditions for printing the print data, and a printer 2 for printing the print data.

  The client computer 1 includes a printer driver 12 that processes output data to control the printer 2, and print data corresponding to the document created by the application program 14 and set for printing this document. The print condition data is sent as a print job from the data transmission / reception unit 13 to the printer 2. The printer driver 12 and the data transmission / reception unit 13 operate on the OS 11 of the client computer 1.

  The printer 2 prints print data according to the print job sent from the client computer 1. Specifically, the printer 2 converts the print data included in the print job into a medium such as paper in accordance with the print condition data included in the print job (paper orientation, duplex, aggregation, bookbinding, staple, punch, enlargement / reduction, etc.). Print on.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a module configuration included in the printer driver of the embodiment. The printer driver includes a communication unit 201 that communicates with the application program 14, an output data generation unit 202 that generates output data output from the printer driver, and a printer driver setting display unit 203 that displays function settings of the printer driver. A display text data holding unit 204 that holds display text to be displayed when performing function setting display, and a display icon data holding unit 205 that holds icon data displayed when performing function setting display. I have.

The function of the printer driver will be described below with reference to a print condition setting screen of the printer driver to which the interface apparatus of the present invention can be applied. In the example of FIG. 1, the print condition setting screen of each printer driver is generated by the printer driver 12 included in the client computer 1 and displayed on a display screen (not shown) that the client computer 1 has or is connected to the client computer 1. It is. The user can set conditions related to various functions of the printer driver from these setting screens using devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  First, in the present embodiment, the printing condition setting screen generated by the printer driver is configured to be able to set printing conditions for a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions. At this time, an icon indicating the current printing condition setting state is displayed. Is done. In addition, when a pointer operated by a mouse or the like is displayed and the pointer is in any one of the display areas of a plurality of items in which the print condition can be set, the pointer is associated with the print condition setting item. Display the icon. These icons are generated as image data representing an output image, that is, as an output image icon.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the print condition setting screen of the printer driver, and shows a screen example when the main tab of the print condition setting screen having tabs is selected.
In FIG. 3, the print condition setting screen of the printer driver is composed of tabs 308, and the user selects desired tabs to set the desired conditions. A pointer p that is linked to the operation of a pointing device such as a mouse is displayed.

  In the print condition setting screen 300 of the main tab, “Copies” 301 for setting the number of prints, “Collate” 302 for setting a plurality of copies per page or page, and each page are set as print condition setting items. “N-Up Printing” 303 for page setting when printing multiple pages on one sheet at a reduced size, “Document Style” 304 for setting document style such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing, printing “Finishing” 305 is set for setting the staple, punch, and the like for the sheet that has been set. In addition, “OK” 306 for confirming the input value input in each print condition setting item and “Cancel” 307 for canceling this are displayed.

In this embodiment, an icon 311 indicating the current print condition setting state is displayed in the icon display area 310. In the example of FIG. 3, the current printing conditions are “Copies” 301 for one sheet, “Collate” 302 is valid, and “N-Up Printing” 303 is “1-Up” (one sheet per sheet). Page border “Border” is not added, the page printing position (order) “Order” is not set, and “Document Style” 304 is “1-Sided” with one side of the sheet as the side. “Finishing” 305 is set to the side on which the left side (Left) is bound, the margin (Margin) is 0 mm, and the staple (Staple) is set not to be used.
In the icon display area 310, an icon 311 for visually confirming the current printing conditions as described above is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another display example of the printer print condition setting screen, and shows a screen example when the paper (Paper) tab of the tab-configured print condition setting screen is selected.
4, in the paper tab print condition setting screen 400, “Paper Size” 401 for setting the paper size, “Fit To Paper Size” 402 for setting processing for matching the print image data to the designated paper size, “Orientation” 403 for setting the paper orientation, “Zoom” 404 for setting the enlargement magnification (zoom), “Poster Printing” 405 for setting poster printing, “ “Paper Tray” 406 is set. Further, “OK” 407 for confirming the input value input to each print condition setting item and “Cancel” 408 for canceling this are displayed. Also on the print condition setting screen 400 for the paper tab, an icon 311 indicating the current print condition setting state is displayed in the icon display area 310 as in the main tab.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing still another display example of the printer print condition setting screen, and shows a screen example when the Watermark tab of the tab-configured print condition setting screen is selected.
In the watermark tab print condition setting screen 500 in FIG. 5, “Text” 501 for setting the text to be displayed as a watermark and its font, “Size” 502 for setting the size of the watermark, A display unit 503 for confirming the setting state of the watermark and vertical and horizontal slide bars 506 and 507 for setting the position of the watermark displayed on the display unit 503 are set. Also, “OK” 504 for confirming the input value input to each print condition setting item and “Cancel” 505 for canceling this are displayed. Also, in the watermark tab print condition setting screen 500, an icon 311 indicating the current print condition setting state is displayed in the icon display area 310, as in the main tab. The icon 311 displayed on the main tab, the icon 311 displayed on the paper tab, and the icon 311 displayed on the watermark tab are the same, and no matter which tab the user selects, the current print condition The setting state can be confirmed with an icon 311.

When the pointer p is moved to one of the display areas of the plurality of print condition setting items as described above on the print condition setting screen as described above, the pointer is associated with the print setting condition item indicated by the pointer p. The displayed icon (output image icon) is displayed in the icon display area 310.
The icon in this case may be image data associated in advance with the print setting condition item, and displays image data that appropriately expresses the contents and target of processing on the operation screen by a small picture, symbol, or other expression method. Shall be. This image data may be a still image or a moving image including an animation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the pointer p is on the display area of the print condition setting item on the print condition setting screen in the state of FIG. Here, the pointer p is present on the display area of “Punch” (punch) 305 a in “Finishing” 305 among a plurality of printing condition setting items. That is, when the user operates a pointing device such as a mouse, the pointer p is moved onto the display area of “Punch” 305a. At this time, the icon 311 displayed in the icon display area 310 is changed, and the punch position 311 a is displayed for the icon 311.

  The above example is an example of icon display according to the position of the pointer p, and various forms can be appropriately adopted as long as an icon (image data) associated with the print condition setting item is displayed. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  In the above description, when the pointer p moves on the display area for the print condition setting item, the display can be switched from the display of FIG. 3 to the display of FIG. 6, when the pointer p moves over the display area of the print condition setting item, an icon 311 including a display associated with the print condition setting item is displayed in the icon display area 310 as shown in FIG. It may be.

  As described above, by displaying the icon associated with the print condition setting item where the pointer is located, what function is added when the input value of the print condition setting item where the pointer is located is confirmed ( The user can visually understand how it affects the printed output. That is, before determining the input value of the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer, the user can recognize what function is set by the print condition setting item, and The operability involved can be improved.

  Further, by switching from the icon display of FIG. 3 to the icon display of FIG. 6, when the input value of the pointed print condition setting item is confirmed, which function is added to the current print condition. Thus, it becomes possible for the user to know how it works, and it is possible to make the user recognize the difference from the present due to the addition of the currently pointed function, further improving the operability.

  In FIG. 6, when the pointer p is on the display area of any printing condition setting item, the frame 312 is displayed with a thick line, so that the pointer p becomes any printing condition setting item. It is possible to explicitly identify a state where the display area is pointed and a state where no display area of any print condition setting item is pointed. Also in this case, the display form is not limited to the example in FIG. 6, and the display form can be set as appropriate.

  As described above, the icon 311 to be displayed in the icon display area 310 can appropriately apply the image data associated with the print condition setting item in advance. However, as shown in FIGS. Is preferably an icon representing a printed output image. In FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the document form, the number of copies, the additional functions such as punching, etc. on the sheet (paper) to be printed out are expressed so that the user can visually recognize.

  As described above, by using the icon 311 representing the print output image, the user can recognize the output image when the image processing is performed under the print condition selected by the pointer p.

Next, a display example of the icon 311 displayed in the icon display area 310 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of icons associated with the print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 7, the position of the staple corresponding to the setting of “Orientation” 403 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 and “Binding Edge” in “Finishing” 305 in the main tab of FIG. . The display of the staple position for the icon 311 is performed when “Staple” 305b in FIG. 6 is currently set to add staples or when the pointer p is on the display area of “Staple” 305b.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 7A, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the stapling position 311b is shown at the upper left of the paper. In the example of FIG. 7B, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the right side is bound (Binding Edge = Right), the stapling position 311b is shown on the upper right side of the paper. In the example of FIG. 7C, when the paper orientation is landscape and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the stapling position 311b is shown at the upper left of the paper.

  As described above, the icon 311 indicates the staple position that changes depending on the paper orientation, the paper binding position, and the number of staples, so that the user can easily recognize how the staple is performed with the current setting. become able to.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 8, the position of the punch corresponding to the setting of “Orientation” 403 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 and “Binding Edge” in “Finishing” 305 in the main tab of FIG. . Display of the punch position with respect to the icon 311 is performed when the setting is made so as to give a punch in “Punch” 305a in FIG. 6 or when the pointer p is on the display area of “Punch” 305a.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 8A, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the punch position 311a is shown on the left side of the paper. In the example of FIG. 8B, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the right side is bound (Binding Edge = Right), the punch position 311a is shown on the right side of the paper. In the example of FIG. 8C, when the orientation of the paper is landscape and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the punch position 311a is shown on the left side of the paper.

  As shown above, the icon 311 indicates the punch position that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper, so that the user can easily recognize how to punch with the current settings. Become.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 9, the margin shift position according to the setting of “Orientation” 403 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 and “Binding Edge” in “Finishing” 305 in the main tab of FIG. . The display of the margin shift position for the icon 311 is performed when the margin shift is set in “Margin Shift” 305c in FIG. 6 or when the pointer p is on the display area of “Margin Shift” 305c.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 9A, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the margin shift position 311c is shown on the left side of the paper. In the example of FIG. 9B, when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the right side is bound (Binding Edge = Right), the margin shift position 311c is shown on the right side of the paper. In the example of FIG. 9C, when the paper orientation is landscape and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left), the margin shift position 311c is shown on the left side of the paper.

  As described above, the icon 311 indicates the margin shift position that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper, so that the user can easily recognize how the image is shifted with the current setting. become able to.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 10, the duplex printing format corresponding to the setting of “Orientation” 403 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 and “Document Style” 304 in the main tab of FIG. The double-sided printing format for the icon 311 is displayed according to the double-sided printing setting of “Document Style” 304, and when the pointer p is on the display area of the double-sided printing setting item of “Document Style” 304, the setting is made. Displayed according to the item.

  For example, the example of FIG. 10A shows an output format 311d for duplex printing when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and double-sided printing is bound in a left-right open book format (2-Sided [Book]). . In the example of FIG. 10B, an output format 311d for double-sided printing is shown when the paper orientation is landscape (Landscape) and double-sided printing is bound in a book format that is opened left and right (2-Sided [Book]). Further, in the example of FIG. 10C, an output format 311d for double-sided printing when the orientation of the paper is portrait (Portrait) and double-sided printing is bound in a vertically open book format (2-Sided [Tablet]) is shown. .

  As described above, the output result of double-sided printing that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper is indicated by the icon 311 so that the user can easily recognize how double-sided printing is executed with the current settings. Will be able to.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 11, “Binding Edge” in “Finishing” 305 in the main tab of FIG. 3, “Orientation” 403 in the paper tab of FIG. 4, and “Document Style” 304 in the main tab of FIG. The order of the saddle-stitched pages according to the setting of “Pamphlet Style” is shown on the icon, and the order of the saddle-stitched pages with respect to the icon 311 is the setting of “Pamphlet Style” in “Document Style” 304 And is displayed when the pointer p is on the display area of “Pamphlet Style” in “Document Style” 304.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 11A, when the sheet orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the left side is bound (Binding Edge = Left) and the saddle stitch printing is set, the saddle stitch is advanced from left to right. A print page order 311e is shown. Also, in the example of FIG. 11B, when the sheet orientation is portrait (Portrait) and the right side is bound (Binding Edge = Right) and the saddle stitch printing is set, the saddle stitch is advanced from right to left. A print page order 311e is shown. In the example of FIG. 11C, when the paper orientation is landscape (Landscape) and the upper side is bound (Binding Edge = Top), the page order 311e of the saddle stitch printing that proceeds from top to bottom is shown.

  As described above, the output result of the saddle stitch printing that changes depending on the orientation of the paper and the binding position of the paper is indicated by the icon 311 so that the user can easily output how the saddle stitch printing is output with the current setting. To be able to recognize.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 12, the composition of the aggregate printing according to the setting of “N-Up Printing” 303 in the main tab of FIG. 6 is shown on the icon. The consolidated printing configuration for the icon 311 is displayed according to “N-Up Printing” 303, and when the pointer p is on the display area of any setting item of “N-Up Printing” 303, the setting is made. Displayed according to the item.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 12A, the number of sheets to be consolidated (N-up) is 2, the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait), and the border line (Border) of the image to be consolidated is Off. An icon 311 is displayed that indicates the composition of aggregation (N-Up) when the print image order (Order) is from left to right (Left To Right). In the example of FIG. 12B, the number of sheets for consolidation (N-Up) is 4, the orientation of the paper is portrait (Portrait), and the border line (Border) of the image to be consolidated is Off. An icon 311 is displayed that indicates the composition of aggregation (N-Up) when the print image order (Order) is from the upper left to the upper right and the lower left (Right, and Down).

  As described above, the icon 311 indicates the output result of N-Up printing that changes depending on the paper orientation, the order of aggregation (N-Up), and the presence / absence of a frame line. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether N-Up printing is executed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 13, enlargement / reduction printing corresponding to the setting of zoom “Zoom” 404 and the setting of fit printing “Fit To Paper Size” 402 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 is shown on the icon. The enlargement / reduction printing display for the icon 311 is performed according to the setting of “Zoom” 404 and the setting of fit printing “Fit To Paper Size” 402, and the setting of “Zoom” 404 and the fitting printing “Fit To” When the pointer p is on the display area of any setting item of “Paper Size” 402, it is displayed according to the setting item.

For example, in the example of FIG. 13A, an icon 311 indicating enlarged printing when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) and “Fit To Page” of “Fit To Paper Size” 402 is ON is shown. . Also, when the zoom “Zoom” 404 is ON, the same display is performed according to the enlargement magnification.
In the example of FIG. 13B, an icon 311 is shown that indicates enlarged printing when the orientation of the paper is landscape and “Fit To Page” of “Fit To Paper Size” 402 is ON. Also, when the zoom “Zoom” 404 is ON, the same display is performed according to the enlargement magnification.

  As described above, the output result of the enlargement / reduction printing that changes depending on the paper orientation is indicated by the icon 311 so that the user can easily recognize how the enlargement / reduction printing is executed with the current setting. Will be able to.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 14, a poster printing form corresponding to the setting of the poster printing “Poster Printing” 405 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 is shown on the icon 311. When “Poster Printing” 405 is selected when setting poster printing, a poster printing setting screen 410 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, and the user sets the number of sheets per page “Sheets per”, which is a setting item of this screen. A page “411”, an overlap “overlap” 412 at the time of poster printing, a frame “Border” 413 at the time of poster printing, and the like are appropriately set.

  In FIG. 14, the display of the poster printing form for the icon 311 is performed according to the setting of each setting item on the poster setting screen 410, and when the pointer p is on the display area of “Poster Printing” 405, Displayed according to the setting of the setting item.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 14A, an icon 311 indicating a printing mode when the number of sheets “Sheets per Page” 411 per page in “Poster Printing” 405 is 2 × 2 is shown. In the example of FIG. 14B, an icon 311 indicating a printing mode when the number of sheets “Sheets per Page” 411 per page in “Poster Printing” 405 is 3 × 3 is shown. In the example of FIG. 14C, an icon 311 indicating a printing mode when the number of sheets “Sheets per Page” 411 per page in “Poster Printing” 405 is 4 × 4 is shown.

  As described above, the output result of the poster print that changes depending on the paper orientation and the number of sheets used for the poster print is indicated by the icon 311, so that the user can execute the poster print with any configuration and the current configuration. It becomes possible to easily recognize whether the sheets are printed out in such an order.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 16, the icon 311 displays a watermark printing form corresponding to the setting of the watermark tab of FIG. 5. The display mode of watermark printing for the icon 311 is performed in accordance with the setting of each setting item on the printing condition setting screen 500 of the watermark tab, and on the display area of each printing condition setting item of the printing condition setting screen 500. When the pointer p is present, it is displayed according to the setting item.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 16A, an icon 311 indicating a print form of the watermark when the paper orientation is portrait (Portrait) is shown. In the example of FIG. 16B, an icon 311 indicating a watermark printing form when the paper orientation is landscape is shown. The watermark to be printed (here, “ABCDE” character string and font settings are set on the watermark printing condition setting screen 500).

  As described above, the output result of the watermark printing that changes depending on the character string and font setting of the watermark and the orientation of the paper to be used is indicated by the icon 311, so that the user can print the watermark with the current setting. Can be easily recognized.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 17, a print output form corresponding to the setting of a plurality of copies by “Collate” 302 of FIG. 3 is displayed on the icon 311. The display form of the print output of a plurality of copies for the icon 311 is performed according to the setting of “Collate” 302 in FIG. 3, and when the pointer p is on the display area of “Collate” 302, the setting item includes Displayed accordingly.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 17A, an icon 311 indicating a printing form of a plurality of copies when “Collate” 302 is ON is shown. In the example of FIG. 17B, an icon 311 indicating a printing form of a plurality of copies when “Collate” 302 is OFF is shown.

  As described above, the output result of printing converted according to the setting of the output order of a plurality of copies is indicated by the icon 311 so that the user can easily recognize how the print output is executed with the current setting. Will be able to.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 18, when the pointer p is on the print condition setting item display area as in the example of FIG. 6, in addition to the icon 311 shown in FIG. 6, the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p. The name (name of the print function) 313 associated with is displayed. Here, since the pointer p is above “Punch” 305 a, “Punch” is displayed as the name 313 associated with the print condition setting item below the icon 311.

  The name 313 associated with the print setting item is displayed when the pointer p is on the display area of the print condition setting item as described above, but the current print setting state as shown in FIG. May be added when indicated by the icon 311.

As described above, the name associated with each print condition setting item is added to the icon 311 and displayed, thereby helping the user to select the necessary print setting condition and improving the user's convenience. it can.
The name 313 associated with the print condition setting item is also image data associated with the print condition setting item in the present invention, and the image data including the icon 311 and the name 313 is the “icon” of the present invention. It shall fall under.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. The example of FIG. 19 shows a state in which an icon (similar to FIG. 3) indicating the current print setting state is displayed even when the pointer p is on the display area of the print condition setting item.
At this time, an icon display associated with the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p as shown in FIG. 18 and an icon display showing the current print setting state as shown in FIG. 19 are alternately switched. To display it repeatedly. In this case, the name 313 associated with the print setting item in FIG. 18 may or may not be displayed.

  As described above, the icon display associated with the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p and the icon display indicating the current print setting state are alternately switched and repeatedly displayed. To make it easier to visually understand what functions are added (or reduced) and how they affect print output when the input values of the positioned printing condition setting items are confirmed Become.

  20 to 22 are diagrams for explaining still other display examples of icons associated with print condition setting items. Here, when the pointer p is on the print condition setting item display area and there are a plurality of values that can be set in the print condition setting item, the plurality of settable values are repeatedly displayed in order.

  In the example of FIGS. 20 to 22, the pointer p is on the display area of “Staple” 305 b in “Finishing” 305. Here, the staple as the print condition setting item is any one of the addition of one staple (“1 Staple”), the addition of two staples (“2 Staple”), and the addition of no staple (“None”). Can be set.

  In this case, when the pointer p is on the display area of “Staple” 305b, a display screen displaying “1 Staple” 314a as shown in FIG. 20 and “2 Staple” 314b as shown in FIG. A display screen and a display screen that does not display the number of staples as described above as shown in FIG. 22 are repeatedly displayed while switching in order.

As described above, when the pointer p is on the print condition setting item display area and there are a plurality of values that can be set in the print condition setting item, the plurality of settable values are repeatedly displayed in order. This makes it possible for the user to recognize an image of what output state is possible without the user confirming the setting value of each printing condition setting item, and further improving user convenience. be able to.
Note that the setting values “1 Staple” 314 a and “2 Staple” 314 b associated with the above printing condition setting items are also image data associated with the printing condition setting items in the present invention and correspond to “icons” of the present invention. Shall.

Further, when the icons 311 are repeatedly displayed while being sequentially switched as described above, the user can be made to recognize that the icon display to be sequentially switched has been completed.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 above, when the values that can be set for stapling are displayed while being sequentially switched, the frame 312 of the icon display area 310 is displayed thickly in FIGS. 22, the frame 312 of the icon display area 310 is thinned as usual. With such a display, the user can confirm that the switching display has been completed by looking at the display of FIG. 22 when the display is switched to FIGS.

  Further, in order to allow the user to recognize that the icon display that is sequentially switched as described above has been completed, the display of “1 Staple” 314 a and “2 Staple” 314 b may be erased for a certain period of time, or the icon display area 310 The display itself may be erased for a certain time. Also, the set number information 315a and 315b (the contents of which will be described later) for displaying the number of values that can be set at this time and the current number thereof may be erased for a certain period of time.

  In this way, by allowing the user to recognize that the icon switching display has been completed, the user can recognize what kind of print output is possible by the print condition setting item currently pointed by the pointer p. In addition, the convenience of the user can be improved.

Further, when the icon switching display is performed as described above, the number of values that can be set in the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p and the setting number information 315a for displaying the current number is displayed. 315b may be displayed.
For example, the number of staples when applying staples is 1 or 2. Accordingly, the setting number information 315a at “1 Staple” in FIG. 20 is set to “1/2”, and the setting number information 315b at “2 Staple” in FIG. 21 is set to “2/2”. At this time, three types of setting number information including “None” may be displayed.

In this way, by displaying the number of values that can be set in the print condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p and the set number information 315a and 315b that indicates the current number, the pointer can be pointed. The user can recognize the number of values that can be set in the print condition setting item and the number of the icon that is currently displayed, thereby further improving user convenience be able to.
Note that the setting number information 315a and 315b associated with the printing condition setting item is also image data associated with the printing condition setting item in the present invention, and corresponds to the “icon” of the present invention.

  As described above, when the pointer p is on the print condition setting item display area and there are a plurality of values that can be set in the print condition setting item, the plurality of settable values are switched in order. When displaying, icons indicating settable setting values other than the current setting value of the printing condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p may be sequentially switched and displayed.

  For example, in the above-described example, when the pointer p points to “Staple” 305b and the currently set staple setting value is “None”, a setting value other than “None” can be set. The display screens for displaying “1 Staple” and “2 Staple” may be displayed while being sequentially switched. That is, in this case, the display of FIG. 20 and FIG.

  In this way, by sequentially switching and displaying icons indicating settable setting values excluding the current set value of the printing condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p, the switching display time of the icon indicating the settable value is displayed. Can be shortened, and when the current set value is changed, the user can be made aware of what output form is possible, which can further improve user convenience. it can.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 23, the icon display area for displaying the icon associated with the print condition setting item as described above is divided into a plurality (here, three), and each of the divided areas is set as a print condition setting item. Icons 321a, 321b, and 321c indicating a plurality of set values that can be set are displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 23, the icons 321a, 321b, and 321c correspond to the icons 311 shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, respectively, and these three icons 311 are sequentially switched and displayed as in the above embodiment. Instead of the configuration, the icon display area is divided into a plurality of icons as shown in FIG. 23, and the icons to be switched and displayed are displayed in a list.

  In this way, the icon display area is divided into a plurality of areas, and icons indicating a plurality of setting values that can be set in the print condition setting items are displayed in a list in each of the divided areas. It is possible to recognize at a glance what kind of print output is possible for the print condition setting item being pointed, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In the configuration in which the icon display area is divided and displayed, the current print condition setting state can be displayed so as to be recognized by the user. In the example of FIG. 23, the frame 312c for displaying the icon 321c is displayed with a thin line, and the frames 312a and 312b of the icons 321a and 321b indicating values that can be set by the printing condition setting item “staple” 305b where the pointer p is positioned are displayed. Display with thick lines. The icon 321c corresponds to the display form of FIG. 3 described above, and the icons 321a and 321b correspond to the display form of FIG. 6 described above.

  In this way, in the configuration in which the icon display area is divided and displayed, by displaying the current print condition setting state so that the user can recognize it, the current print condition setting state and the printing condition setting item that is pointed to It is possible to recognize at a glance the states that can be set with, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. In the example of FIG. 24, in the configuration in which the icon display area shown in FIG. 23 is divided and displayed as a list, settable setting values other than the current setting value of the printing condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p are displayed. The icons shown are displayed in a list.

  That is, when the pointer p is on the display area of the print condition setting item and there are a plurality of values that can be set in the print condition setting item, when the icons indicating the plurality of settable values are displayed in a list, the pointer p Only icons indicating settable setting values excluding the current setting value of the printing condition setting item pointed to by p are displayed in a list.

  In the example of FIG. 24, when the pointer p points to “Staple” 305b and the staple setting value currently set is “None”, the set value other than “None” can be set. Only icons 321a and 321b that display certain “1 Staple” and “2 Staple” are displayed. This corresponds to a configuration in which the display of FIGS. 20 and 21 described above is simultaneously displayed in the divided areas of the icon display area.

  In this way, by displaying a list of icons indicating settable setting values excluding the current setting value of the printing condition setting item pointed to by the pointer p, the number of icon displays can be reduced, and When the current set value is changed, the user can be made aware of what output form is possible, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

In each embodiment described above, when the pointer p is on the display area of each printing condition setting item and the icon associated with the printing condition setting item is displayed, the pointer p is moved from the display area of the printing condition setting item. The display form of the icon is maintained until it is removed.
This makes it possible to provide a printing condition setting screen that is easy for the user to understand and has good operability.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. Here, if there is a printing condition setting item in which a plurality of functions (printing condition setting values) are grouped, when the pointer p is moved to the display area of the printing condition setting item, the grouped printing condition setting item is displayed. Display the associated icon.

  In the example of FIG. 25, the print condition setting items of “Document Style” 304 in the main tab of FIG. 3, that is, “1-Sided”, “2-Sided [Book]”, “2-Sided [Tablet]”, and “ Among “Pamphlet Style”, “2-Sided [Book]” and “2-Sided [Tablet]” are grouped into two functions (printing condition setting values). In other words, “2-Sided [Book]” groups two functions, the 2-Sided format and the Book format, and the “2-Sided [Tablet]” groups two functions, the 2-Sided format and the Pamphlet format. Two functions are grouped.

  In the example of FIG. 25A, an output format 311f of double-sided printing when double-sided printing is bound in a book format that is opened left and right (2-Sided [Book]) is shown. In the example of FIG. 25B, an output format 311f of double-sided printing when double-sided printing is bound in a left-and-right open book format (2-Sided [Tablet]) is shown. In the example of FIG. 25C, an output format 311f for double-sided printing when a pamphlet style is used (pamphlet style) is shown.

  As described above, when there is a printing condition setting item in which a plurality of functions (printing condition setting values) are grouped, the grouping is performed when the pointer p is moved to the display area of the printing condition setting item. By displaying the icon associated with the printing condition setting item, the user can recognize what function (printing condition setting value) can be set with the grouped printing condition setting item.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, when the print condition setting screen is configured with tabs, when the pointer p moves on a tab different from the currently selected tab, the tab to which the pointer p points. You may make it display the icon linked | related to.
If there are multiple print condition setting items on the print condition setting screen that corresponds to the tab that is pointed to, the icons indicating those print condition setting items may be displayed in order, and the icon display area may be divided. A list may be displayed.

  In this way, when the pointer p is moved onto a tab different from the currently selected tab, the icon associated with the tab pointed to by the pointer p is displayed to switch the tab from the current tab. When this is done, the user can recognize what print condition setting item allows the function setting, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

In addition, if a comprehensive printing condition setting item that can call up multiple printing condition setting items at the same time is set on the printing condition setting screen as described above, the comprehensive printing condition setting item is displayed on the display area. When the pointer p is moved to, an icon associated with the comprehensive print condition setting item is displayed. In this case, the comprehensive print condition setting item may be displayed by name or may be displayed by another dedicated icon.

  For example, the printing condition setting item “Poster Printing” 405 in the paper tab of FIG. 4 is a comprehensive printing condition setting item. By selecting (determining) this “Poster Printing” 405, the poster printing shown in FIG. The setting screen 410 can be opened. In the poster print setting screen 410, a plurality of print condition setting items, namely, the number of sheets per page “Sheets per Page” 411, an overlap at the time of poster printing “Overlap” 412, and a poster printing time frame “Border” 413 Is displayed.

  In such a case, when the pointer p is moved over the display area of “Poster Printing” 405, which is the comprehensive printing condition setting item, each printing condition setting item “Sheets per Page” 411, “ Icons indicating “Overlap” 412 and “Border” 413 are displayed as a summary. Also in this case, the icons corresponding to the respective print condition setting items may be displayed while being switched, or the icon display area may be divided and displayed in a list.

  In this way, when the pointer p is moved over the display area of the comprehensive printing condition setting item, the icon associated with the comprehensive printing condition setting item is displayed, whereby the comprehensive printing condition setting is displayed. The user can recognize what kind of individual print condition setting item the item has.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another display example of the print condition setting screen of the printer driver. In the print condition setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 26, a print condition setting button display area 601 for displaying a print condition setting button for setting print conditions related to each function of the printer driver is provided. The printing condition setting button display area 601 includes a plurality of printing condition setting buttons such as “Copies”, “Document Style”, “N-Up”, “Finishing”, “Orientation”, “Paper Tray”, “Paper”. “Size” is displayed. These print condition setting buttons are configured so that the same print conditions as the print condition setting items displayed on the print condition setting screens of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be set. Also, “OK” 603 for confirming the input value input in each print condition setting item and “Cancel” 604 for canceling this are displayed.

  The user can set a printing condition corresponding to the selected printing condition setting button by selecting a desired printing condition setting button from these printing condition setting buttons. The screen for setting the print condition corresponding to the selected print condition setting button may be newly opened when the print condition setting button is selected (confirmed), and is specified in the print condition setting screen. May be provided, and a print condition setting item corresponding to the selected print condition setting button may be displayed in the specific display area.

  In the print condition setting screen 600, as in the above-described example, an icon display area 310 is set, and an icon associated with the current print condition setting state or a display area where the pointer is a print condition setting button. When it is above, the icon 311 associated with the print condition setting button is displayed. The icon 311 can be set as appropriate in the same form as the icon display example described above. For example, when the paper orientation is “Portrait” and the pointer is moved over the “Document Style” display area of the print condition setting buttons, the icon 311 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the display of the print condition setting button is changed. In the printing condition setting button display area 601 as shown in FIG. 26, when all the printing condition setting buttons cannot be displayed at once, they are displayed while changing the positions of the printing condition setting buttons. FIG. 27 shows an example in which the print condition setting button rows are sequentially displayed while moving one by one in the left direction as proceeding from FIG. 27 (A) to FIG. 27 (C).

  The moving display of the printing condition setting button as described above can be set so that the printing condition setting button moves in a sliding manner without any user operation. At this time, the user can operate the slide bar 602 to arbitrarily move the display of the print condition setting button.

  In other words, if there are many print condition setting item buttons corresponding to the function, it will not fit on a single screen, and it will be difficult to see where the set items for the print condition are displayed. By making the button slidable, the user can recognize what type of print output can be obtained simply by moving the pointer over the desired print condition setting button.

  Also, in the configuration for moving the printing condition setting button as described above, when the specific printing condition setting button is pointed, the movement of the printing condition setting button is stopped, and the pointer is moved from the printing condition setting button. When it is off, the movement of the printing condition setting button may be resumed.

  In this way, when a specific print condition setting button is pointed, the function (print condition setting) associated with the pointed print condition setting button is stopped by stopping the movement of the print condition setting button. It is possible to more reliably recognize how the item) acts on the current print condition setting.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of a print condition setting screen in the printer driver.
First, the printer driver acquires the print condition setting value D from the application program (step S1), and performs a print setting screen generation process (step S2). Event processing is performed (step S3), and it is determined whether the event is an OK event (step S4). If it is an OK event, the currently set printing condition setting value is notified to the application program (step S5).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the event processing example of FIG. 28 in more detail. First, the icon display change prohibition is turned off (step S11). The icon in this case indicates an output image icon representing an output image as described in the above embodiments.
Then, it is determined whether or not a confirmed event by mouse / keyboard input has been received (step S12). If this confirmation event has not been received, it is determined whether a mouse cursor movement event has been received or T has timed up (step S13). If the mouse cursor event has been received or T has timed up, then further It is determined whether or not the icon display change is prohibited (step S14).

  If the icon display change is not prohibited, an icon display change process is performed (step S15), and the process returns to step S12. If no mouse cursor movement event is received in step S13 and T has not timed up, the process returns to step S12. If the change of the output image icon display is prohibited in step S14, the process returns to step S12.

In step S12, when a confirmation event by mouse / keyboard input is received, prohibition of changing the output image icon display is set (step S16). Then, OK or cancellation is discriminated (step S17), and if it is OK or cancelled, the process is terminated.
If the tab is not OK or canceled in step S17, it is determined whether or not the tab has been changed (step S18). If the tab has been changed, a setting screen for the selected tab is displayed (step S19). Return to step S11.

  If the tab has not been changed in step S18, it is determined whether or not the setting button has been pressed (step S20). If it has been pressed, dialog screen processing is performed (step S21), and the process returns to step S11. If the setting button is not pressed in step S20, it is determined whether or not the print setting is set (step S22). If it is print setting, the icon display is confirmed (step S23), and the process returns to step S11. If the print setting is not set in step S22, the process returns to step S11.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the example of the icon output change process in FIG. 29 in more detail.
First, it is determined whether or not the mouse cursor has moved to the tab position (step S31). If it has moved, X = D and the number of icons related to the tab in the point, Y = D and the icon related to the tab in the point. A list is set (step S41).
Then, I = 0 is set (step S45), and the Y [I] icon is displayed (step S46). Further, it is determined whether or not X> I (step S47). If X> I, a timer T is set (step S48), and the process ends. If X> I in step S47, the process ends.

  If the mouse cursor has not moved to the tab position in step S31, it is determined whether or not the mouse cursor has moved to the print function setting value (step S32). If it has moved to the print function setting position, X = D and the number of icons related to the setting function in the point, Y = D and the icon list related to the setting function in the point are set (step S42), and step S45. The process similar to the above is performed.

  If the mouse cursor has not moved to the print function setting position in step S32, it is determined whether or not the mouse cursor has moved to the setting screen display button position (step S33). If it has moved to the setting screen display button position, X = D and the number of icons related to the point button (setting screen display button), Y = D and the icon list related to the button in the point are set ( The process proceeds to step S43) and step S45, and the same processing as described above is performed.

If it is determined in step S33 that the mouse cursor has not moved to the setting screen display button position, it is determined whether or not the mouse cursor has moved to the group area position (step S34). The group area position refers to a comprehensive print condition setting item obtained by grouping a plurality of print condition setting items or an area such as a button.
If it has moved to the group area position, X = D and the number of icons related to the group in the point are set, and Y = D and the icon list related to the group in the point are set (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S45. The same processing as described above is performed.

  In step S34, if the mouse cursor has not moved to the group area position, it is determined whether T has timed up (step S35). If the time has not expired, the process is terminated. I is updated (I = I + 1) (step S36), and it is determined whether I <X (step S37). If I <X, I = 0 is set (step S38), Y [I] is displayed (step S39), the timer T is set (step S40), and the process is terminated.

1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a print system to which an interface apparatus of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a module configuration included in the printer driver of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a print condition setting screen of a printer driver. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another display example of the print condition setting screen of the printer driver. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of the print condition setting screen of the printer driver. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the pointer p is on a display area for print condition setting items on the print condition setting screen in the state of FIG. 3. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. It is a figure which shows the screen for poster print settings. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another display example of icons associated with print condition setting items. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another display example of the print condition setting screen of the printer driver. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing the display of a print condition setting button. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of a printing condition setting screen in the printer driver. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in more detail the example of an event process of FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail an example of icon output change processing in FIG. 29. It is a figure which shows the example of a printing condition setting screen of the conventional printer driver.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Client computer, 2 ... Printer, 11 ... OS, 12 ... Printer driver, 13 ... Data transmission / reception part, 14 ... Application program, 201 ... Communication part with an application, 202 ... Output data generation part, 203 ... Printer driver setting display , 204 ... display text data holding unit, 205 ... display icon data holding unit, 300 ... printing condition setting screen, 301 ... "Copies", 302 ... "Collate", 303 ... "N-UP Printing", 304 ... "Document Style", 305 ... "Finishing", 305a ... "Punch", 305b ... "Staple", 306 ... "OK", 307 ... "Cancel", 308 ... Tab, 310 ... Icon display area, 311 ... Icon, 311a ... Punch position, 311b ... Staple position, 311c ... Margin shift value, 311d ... Double-sided mark 311e ... Saddle-stitched printing page order, 312 ... frame, 312a, 312b ... frame, 312c ... frame, 313 ... name, 314a ... "1 Staple", 314b ... "2 Staple", 315a, 315b ... set number information 321a, 321b, 321c ... icon, 400 ... print condition setting screen, 401 ... "Paper Size", 402 ... "Fit To Paper Size" 403 ... "Orientation", 404 ... "Zoom", 405 ... "Poster Printing", 406 ... "Paper Tray", 407 ... "OK", 408 ... "Cancel", 410 ... Poster print setting screen, 411 ... "Page", 412 ... "Overlap", 413 ... "Border", 500 ... Print condition setting Screen, 501 ... "Text", 502 ... "Size", 503 ... Display, 504 ... "OK", 505 ... "Cancel", 506, 507 ... Slide bar, 600 ... Print Condition setting screen, 601... Print condition setting button display area, 602... Slide bar, 603... “OK”, 604.

Claims (27)

It is possible to set conditions for a plurality of items corresponding to a plurality of functions related to the operation of the device , and in the interface device configured to perform the operation of the device according to the set conditions, the interface device can set conditions for the plurality of items. Means for displaying a condition setting screen on a display device connected to the interface device , means for displaying an icon associated with the current condition setting state on the display device, and pointing connected to the display device A condition setting item in which the pointer exists when the pointer displayed on the display screen of the display device by the device is present in any of the plurality of condition setting display areas displayed on the condition setting screen. the icon associated with have a means for displaying on said display device,
An interface device , wherein an icon associated with the current condition setting state and an icon associated with a condition setting item where the pointer exists are repeatedly displayed while being alternately switched . When displaying the icon associated with the current condition setting, when the pointer moves to any of the plurality of condition setting display areas, the icon associated with the current condition setting 2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the display is changed to an icon associated with a condition setting item in which the pointer exists. An icon is displayed by the display device so that a state where the pointer exists in any of the display areas for setting conditions of the plurality of items and a state where the pointer does not exist can be identified. The interface device according to claim 1. The icon associated with the current condition setting state and the icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer exists are configured to represent an output image output from the device according to the set condition. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of functions related to the operation of the connected device is a print function for printing out print data, and the icon is an icon associated with the current condition setting state, and a condition where the pointer exists The interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the icon associated with the setting item is an icon associated with a plurality of print condition setting items related to the print function. When the pointer is present in a display area for setting a staple application condition at the time of print output among the plurality of print condition setting items, an icon for indicating the staple application position and the number is displayed. 6. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein Among the plurality of print condition setting items, when the pointer exists on a display area for setting a punch application condition at the time of print output, an icon indicating the position of the punch and the number of holes due to the punch is displayed. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein: Of the plurality of print condition setting items, when the pointer is present on a display area for setting a margin shift grant condition at the time of print output, an icon indicating the position of the margin shift is displayed. The interface device according to claim 5. When the pointer is on a display area for setting double-sided printing conditions at the time of printing output among the plurality of printing condition setting items, an icon indicating the binding position of the double-sided printed medium is displayed. 6. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein Among the plurality of print condition setting items, when the pointer exists on a display area for setting a condition for saddle stitch printing at the time of print output, an icon indicating the order of pages when the saddle stitch is performed is displayed. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein: Among the plurality of print condition setting items, when the pointer is present in the display area for setting the N-Up print condition at the time of print output, the configuration of the pages aggregated by the N-Up print can be known. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein an icon is displayed. The icon that indicates the configuration of pages aggregated by N-Up printing is an icon that indicates the arrangement order of pages aggregated by N-Up printing, or the presence or absence of frame lines of the aggregated pages. The interface device according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the pointer is on a display area for setting zoom printing or fit printing conditions at the time of print output among the plurality of print condition setting items, the image output with respect to the input image is enlarged / reduced The interface device according to claim 5, wherein an icon that can be recognized is displayed. When the pointer is on a display area for setting a poster printing condition at the time of printing out of the plurality of printing condition setting items, an icon indicating the number of recording media used by the poster printing is displayed. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein: The interface device according to claim 14, wherein the icon is an icon that indicates a print output order of the recording medium. Among the plurality of print condition setting items, when the pointer exists on a display area for setting a watermark print condition at the time of print output, an icon indicating which watermark is output is displayed. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein: When the pointer exists on the display area for setting conditions for printing a plurality of copies at the time of print output among the plurality of print condition setting items, it is possible to know in what order the plurality of copies are printed. The interface device according to claim 5, wherein an icon is displayed. When the pointer exists on the display area for setting the condition of any one of the plurality of condition setting items, the name of the print condition setting item on which the pointer exists is a part of the icon The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the interface device is added to the display. When there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item in which the pointer exists, a display area for displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item in which the pointer exists is divided into the plurality of settable values. The interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein icons associated with each of the icons are displayed in the divided display area. When there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item in which the pointer exists, a display area for displaying an icon associated with the condition setting item in which the pointer exists is divided into the plurality of settable values. 2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein an icon associated with each of the icons and an icon associated with a current condition setting state are displayed in the divided display area. When there are a plurality of values that can be set in the condition setting item where the pointer exists, the display area for displaying the icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer exists is divided, and the currently set value is excluded. The interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein icons associated with other values are displayed in the divided display area. When the icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer exists is displayed on the display device, the icon associated with the condition setting item where the pointer exists until the pointer moves out of the display area of the condition setting item. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the display of the display is maintained so as not to change. When there is a condition setting item formed by grouping a plurality of functions, an icon associated with the grouped function is displayed when the pointer exists in a display area of the condition setting item. Item 4. The interface device according to Item 1. The condition setting screen is configured as a screen having a plurality of tabs, and when the pointer moves on a tab different from the currently selected tab, an icon associated with the tab on which the pointer exists is displayed. The interface device according to claim 1. When a comprehensive condition setting item capable of calling a plurality of the condition setting items at a time is set, and the pointer moves on the display area of the comprehensive condition setting item, the comprehensive condition setting item The interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an icon associated with the icon is displayed. The condition setting screen has a condition setting button for enabling condition setting of a plurality of items corresponding to the plurality of functions, and is displayed while changing the position of the condition setting button. The interface device according to claim 1. When the pointer is present on any display area of the condition setting button, the change of the position of the condition setting button is stopped, and the pointer is removed from any display area of the condition setting button. 27. The interface device according to claim 26 , wherein when the condition setting button is changed, the change of the position of the condition setting button is resumed.

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