JP4545903B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print system capable of printing from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer to an output machine such as a printer or a copier, and in particular, an information processing apparatus having various print setting screens, an information processing method, and an information processing program therefor It is related with the medium which recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Information processing apparatuses in recent print systems hold initial setting values that are referred to when the print setting screen is displayed, and when the initial screen of the print setting screen is opened, the screen is displayed according to this setting value. . Further, when it is desired to return the print setting screen to the initial setting screen after performing various print settings, this can be realized by operating the means provided on the print setting screen.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the print setting screen of the conventional information processing apparatus, the initial setting value that is referred to for displaying the initial setting screen is determined in advance, and the initial setting screen is highly convenient according to the usage status of each user. There is a problem that it is far from the display. For this reason, each user must first make an extra print setting according to his / her own usage method.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a means by which a user can edit an initial setting value referred to when an initial screen display of a print setting screen in an information processing apparatus is performed. by is that each user provides information processing apparatus capable of changing the initial screen in accordance with their printing methods.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus equipped with a printer driver that supplies image data to an image forming apparatus and causes the image to be formed.
Display means for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value indicating image forming conditions of the printer driver;
Holding means for holding an initial setting value referred to by the display means when the initial screen of the setting screen is displayed;
Changing means for changing the initial setting value held by the holding means to a changed setting value;
Resetting means for resetting the changed setting value to the initial setting value using the initial setting value before being changed by the changing means after the changing means has changed the initial setting value to the changed setting value; With
The changed setting value input via the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display means, and displayed as a list on the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display means Using the change setting value selected from the list of change setting value candidates to be changed, the changing means performs a change process,
The resetting by the resetting means is performed in response to an instruction input via the setting editing screen,
When the read instruction is issued, the display means, the change setting values changed by said changing means, and, with reference to any one of the initial setting value is reset by said resetting means, in the setting screen The initial screen is displayed.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment suitable for applying the present invention will be described.
[0009]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is a mixture of graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc. based on the ROM 3 program ROM or the document processing program stored in the external memory 11. A CPU 1 that executes document processing is provided, and the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4. The ROM 3 program ROM or external memory 11 stores an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1. The ROM 3 font ROM or external memory 11 stores the above document processing. Font data used at the time is stored, and various data used when the document processing is performed is stored in the data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 1.
[0011]
A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 is a hard disk (HD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter, print driver), and the like. ), And controls access to the external memory 11 such as a floppy disk (FD). A print controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500.
[0012]
The CPU 1 executes outline font development (rasterization) processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, and enables WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 executes various data processing registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10. When executing printing, the user opens a window regarding print settings, and can set the print processing method for the printer driver including printer settings and print mode selection.
[0013]
In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, and a printing unit (printer engine) connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. 17 Output an image signal as output information. Further, the control program of the CPU 12 and the like are stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk in the data ROM of the ROM 13, the host Information used on the computer is stored.
[0014]
The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.
[0015]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a memory controller (MC), which controls access to the external memory 14 such as the hard disk (HD) and IC card described above. An external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation panel on which the switches for operation and the LED display are arranged. In addition to the above-described external memory, at least one external memory is provided, and a plurality of external memories storing options, fonts, cards, and programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected in addition to built-in fonts. It may be configured as follows. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store a printer mode setting division method from the operation panel 22.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of typical print processing in a host computer to which a printing apparatus such as a printer is directly connected or connected via a network. The application 201, the graphic engine 202, the printer driver 203, and the system spooler 204 exist as files stored in the external memory 11, and are loaded into the RAM 2 by the OS and modules that use the module when executed. A program module to be executed. The application 201 and the printer driver 203 can be added to the HD of the external disk 11 via the FD of the external memory 11, a CD-ROM (not shown), or a network (not shown).
[0017]
The application 201 stored in the external memory 11 is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed. When printing is performed from the application 201 to the printer 1500, the graphic that is similarly loaded into the RAM 2 and executable. Output (draw) using the engine 202. The graphic engine 202 converts it into a printer control command by using a printer driver 203 prepared for each printing apparatus. The converted printer control command OS is output to the printer 1500 via the interface 21 via the system spooler 204 loaded in the RAM 2.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed by the printer driver on the information processing apparatus during printing in the present embodiment. The print setting screen 300 includes a print setting item 301 for performing various print settings, all of the setting items 301 in the print setting screen to the initial setting values, and a restore default button 302 and a preview screen 303 for displaying the initial setting screen. Composed.
[0019]
FIG. 4 is an example of a table that stores initial setting values 401 immediately after installation that are referred to by the printer driver when the initial setting screen of the print setting screen 300 is displayed. This table is a data table (hereinafter, initial setting table 400) that stores the correspondence between the prefix representing the setting item 301 arranged in the sheet and the initial setting value 401 of each setting item 301. As shown in the figure, the initial setting table 400 is a data table on a matrix of setting items 301 and initial setting values 401, and the initial setting values 401 can be acquired by the setting items 301. It has become. The initial setting table 400 is stored in the external memory 11 or the like.
[0020]
FIG. 5 shows an initial setting screen 500 after a user changes the initial setting screen at the time of printer driver installation in consideration of the usual printer usage. Here, it is assumed that A4 is always set to Output Size and 2 Pages per Sheet is always set to Page Layout for the initial setting screen at the time of printer driver installation.
[0021]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 is set in order to display the initial setting screen 500. By referring to the initial setting table 600 when the initial setting screen of the print setting screen is displayed, the printer driver refers to the initial setting screen 500 in which A4 is set for Output Size and 2 Pages per Sheet is set for Page Layout.
[0022]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of means for providing the user with the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 for editing.
[0023]
By right-clicking on the Restore Default button 302 on the print setting screen 300, an initial setting dialog 700 for setting the initial setting values 401 of the setting items 301 can be opened. This dialog has setting items 701 similar to the setting items 301 arranged on the print setting screen 300, and the user selects the setting items 701 in the initial setting dialog 700, whereby the initial setting values in the initial setting table 400 are displayed. 401 can be reflected. Further, the initial setting dialog 701 has a preview screen 702 and can confirm the setting. Here, if it is desired to return to the setting at the time of printer driver installation, it can be realized by pressing the Restore Default button 703 in this dialog.
[0024]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of means for providing the user with the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 for editing.
[0025]
Here, a menu is provided in which the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400 can be changed by right-clicking each of the setting items 301 on the print setting screen 300, but Orientation 801, which is one of the setting items 301, is displayed. This figure shows an example. By right-clicking Orientation 801, a menu including an item “Default Setting 802” is displayed. From Default Setting 802, a menu 803 for selecting Portrait and Landscape is displayed.
[0026]
For other items of the setting item 301, the initial setting from the same menu is selected, and these initial settings are reflected in the initial setting value 401 of the initial setting table 400. Further, when it is desired to restore all the setting items 301 to the settings at the time of printer / driver / installation, a menu displayed when the Restore Default button is right-clicked is performed.
[0027]
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of print setting operations and processing in the information processing method according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart at the time of printing immediately after the installation, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart in printing after the user has made print settings in which the initial setting values have been changed previously.
[0029]
Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to two drawings.
[0030]
In step S901, the printer driver refers to the initial setting table 400 immediately after installation, and displays it as an initial setting screen. In step S902, when it is determined that it is more convenient for the user to change the initial setting in consideration of his usual printing method, the initial setting table 400 is used using the initial setting dialog 700 provided by the printer driver. To edit. In step S903, the user presses the Restore Default button 302 when the user wants the initial setting value to be reflected on the print setting screen on the spot, the initial setting screen is displayed in step S904, and the print setting item 301 is set in step S905. , Print.
[0031]
The flow of the print setting operation / process shown in FIG. 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. 9, but the content displayed in step S1001 is the same as that shown in FIG. , Different from that shown in FIG.
[0032]
Therefore, the initial setting screen displayed in step S1001 is initially displayed as a print setting screen that matches the user's usage method. Further, when the usage method is changed, the initial setting table 600 is edited again, and when it is desired to change the initial setting screen, the initial setting table 600 is edited through the initial setting dialog 700 or the like in step S1002. To do.
[0033]
<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and a device (copier, printer, facsimile device, etc.) composed of a single device. ).
[0034]
Another object of the present invention is to read a program code stored in a storage medium by a computer (or CPU or MPU) of a system or apparatus, which stores a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. It is also achieved by executing.
[0035]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0036]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. Can do.
[0037]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0038]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU included in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can edit the initial setting value to be referred to when displaying the initial screen of the print setting screen. There is an effect that a convenient initial screen can be displayed. Thereby, each user can reduce the burden of operation at the time of printing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a printer and a host computer are connected according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed by the printer driver according to the first embodiment during printing.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that stores initial setting values that are referred to by a printer driver when an initial setting screen of a print setting screen according to the first embodiment is displayed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen that a user wants to display as an initial setting screen in accordance with a normal printer usage method.
FIG. 6 is an initial setting table in which initial setting values are edited in order for a user to display an initial setting screen corresponding to a printer usage method.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of means provided for causing a user to edit initial setting values in an initial setting table according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of means provided for causing a user to edit an initial setting value of an initial setting table according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of print setting operations and processing during printing immediately after installation according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of print setting operations and processing in printing after the initial setting value has been changed by a user before, according to the first embodiment.

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus equipped with a printer driver that supplies image data to an image forming apparatus and forms an image,
Display means for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value indicating image forming conditions of the printer driver;
Holding means for holding an initial setting value referred to by the display means when the initial screen of the setting screen is displayed;
Changing means for changing the initial setting value held by the holding means to a changed setting value;
Resetting means for resetting the changed setting value to the initial setting value using the initial setting value before being changed by the changing means after the changing means has changed the initial setting value to the changed setting value; With
The changed setting value input via the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display means, and displayed as a list on the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display means Using the change setting value selected from the list of change setting value candidates to be changed, the changing means performs a change process,
The resetting by the resetting means is performed in response to an instruction input via the setting editing screen,
When the read instruction is issued, the display means, the change setting values changed by said changing means, and, with reference to any one of the initial setting value is reset by said resetting means, in the setting screen An information processing apparatus that displays an initial screen.   The display further includes means for inputting a mouse, wherein the changing means displays at least one of a setting value dialog and a setting value menu for inputting the changed setting value by the mouse input on the display means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the initial setting value is changed to the changed setting value by an input from a value dialog or the setting value menu.   Key means for key input is further provided, and the changing means displays at least one of a setting value dialog and a setting value menu for inputting the changed setting value by the key input on the display means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the initial setting value is changed to the changed setting value by an input from a setting value dialog or the setting value menu. In an information processing method in an information processing apparatus equipped with a printer driver for supplying image data to an image forming apparatus and forming an image,
A display step for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value indicating an image forming condition of the printer driver;
A holding step for holding an initial setting value referred to by the display step when the initial screen of the setting screen is displayed;
A change step of changing the initial setting value held in the holding step to a change setting value;
A resetting step of resetting the changed setting value to the initial setting value using the initial setting value before being changed by the changing step after the changing step has changed the initial setting value to the changed setting value; Have
The changed setting value input via the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display step, and displayed in a list on the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display step Using the change setting value selected from the list of change setting value candidates to be changed, the changing step performs a change process,
The resetting by the resetting step is performed in response to an instruction input via the setting editing screen,
When a read instruction is given, the display step refers to either the changed set value changed by the change step and the initial set value reset by the reset step, An information processing method comprising displaying an initial screen. A step of inputting a mouse, wherein the changing step displays at least one of a setting value dialog and a setting value menu for inputting the changed setting value by the mouse input on a display unit; 5. The information processing method according to claim 4 , wherein the initial set value is changed to the changed set value by an input from a dialog or the set value menu. A key step for inputting a key, wherein the changing step displays on the display means at least one of a setting value dialog and a setting value menu for inputting the changed setting value by the key input; 5. The information processing method according to claim 4 , wherein the initial setting value is changed to the changed setting value by an input from a value dialog or the setting value menu. A computer-readable storage medium that stores an information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method in an information processing apparatus equipped with a printer driver that supplies image data to the image forming apparatus and forms an image. ,
A display step for displaying a setting screen for setting a setting value indicating an image forming condition of the printer driver;
A holding step for holding an initial setting value referred to by the display step when the initial screen of the setting screen is displayed;
A change step of changing the initial setting value held in the holding step to a change setting value;
A resetting step of resetting the changed setting value to the initial setting value using the initial setting value before being changed by the changing step after the changing step has changed the initial setting value to the changed setting value; Have
The changed setting value input via the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display step, and displayed in a list on the setting edit screen called from the setting screen displayed by the display step Using the change setting value selected from the list of change setting value candidates to be changed, the changing step performs a change process,
The resetting by the resetting step is performed in response to an instruction input via the setting editing screen,
When a read instruction is given, the display step refers to either the changed set value changed by the change step and the initial set value reset by the reset step, A storage medium for displaying an initial screen.

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