JP4584112B2 - Image formation control device, control program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention displays a setting screen for setting an image forming condition of an image indicated by image data on a display device, sets the image forming condition according to a user input to the setting screen, and performs the image forming process of the image. The present invention relates to an image formation control device to be controlled.

  For example, in a printing apparatus such as a printer or a digital multi-function peripheral, print data sent from a host such as a personal computer is analyzed and developed into a print image, and printing is performed on print paper based on the print image. . As described above, when the printing apparatus performs printing based on the print data from the host, in order to realize an optimum printing form corresponding to the specification of each printing apparatus, software called a printer driver is used. In general, an image forming control device (printing control device) is built by mounting on a host and executing the software on the host.

  When this type of printing control apparatus is used, a specific user interface is usually displayed on the screen of a display device such as a CRT or LCD in order to set functions specific to the printing apparatus. Then, the user sets printing conditions using the user interface. That is, the print control apparatus controls printing in the printing apparatus based on the contents set by the user or the like on the user interface. Such a user interface is configured by combining one or a plurality of setting sheets having setting items related to printing conditions in the printing apparatus, for example.

  By the way, when the host is, for example, a personal computer, print data is created by various application software (hereinafter simply described as applications) installed in the personal computer. Depending on the type of application, the created print data takes various forms. Specifically, for example, when print data is created using a document creation application, most of the print data is composed of character data. For example, when print data is created using a photo creation / editing application, most of the print data is composed of bitmap data.

  Thus, depending on the form of the print data, appropriate printing conditions are different. For example, when printing characters, it is not necessary to increase the print quality, but when printing graphics, it is necessary to increase the print quality. Therefore, depending on the form of the print data, it may not be possible to perform appropriate printing.

  Therefore, for example, techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed for this problem.

  Specifically, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561, a printing condition corresponding to a form of print data can be input by changing a user interface itself displayed on a display screen by an application for executing printing.

In Patent Document 2, print settings are stored for each application, and the print settings are changed according to the application to be used.
JP 2000-298562 A (publication date: October 24, 2000) JP 10-301723 A (publication date: November 13, 1998)

  However, the conventional configuration has a problem that the operability is not good.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the interface (setting screen) displayed for each application is different. Therefore, each time the application changes, the user has to change the printing conditions using a different interface, and the operability is not good.

  In Patent Document 2, print settings are performed for each application. Therefore, the user assumes that an appropriate printing condition is set from the beginning, and may not be able to set a really appropriate printing condition. In recent applications, processing that can be performed by one application is increasing, and depending on how print data is created, appropriate printing conditions may differ. However, if the user thinks that an appropriate printing condition has been set from the beginning, the printing condition suitable for the print data cannot be set.

  In addition, some users may desire printing processing under printing conditions different from printing conditions suitable for the application. For example, a high resolution is set as a printing condition suitable for the image editing application, but the user may desire a resolution lower than the resolution. In particular, a person skilled in the printing process can set the printing conditions suitable for the print data. For this reason, if the setting screen changes for each application or the printing conditions are automatically set according to the application as in the prior art, the convenience for the skilled person is worsened.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming control apparatus that is easy to operate by each user regardless of their proficiency level.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image formation control apparatus according to the present invention displays a setting screen for setting an image forming condition of an image indicated by image data on a display device, and responds to a user input on the setting screen. An image formation control device that sets image formation conditions and controls image formation processing of the image, and a reception unit that receives a request for presentation of image formation conditions suitable for image formation processing of an image indicated by the image data; The specifying means for specifying the application software that created the image data and the application software and related information including image forming conditions suitable for image forming processing of the image indicated by the image data created by the application software are stored in association with each other. Application software specified by the specifying means from the storage device The information acquisition means for acquiring the related information associated with the area and the information acquired by the information acquisition means on a screen different from the setting screen when the reception means receives the presentation request. And an information presenting means for presenting related information.

  The image data includes text data, photo data, and the like. The “accepting an image formation start command” may be, for example, accepting a command for starting image formation, or accepting the image data itself to be image-formed.

  According to the above configuration, when an image indicated by image data created by application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) is formed, the application that created the image data is identified and stored in the storage device. Relevant information including image forming conditions suitable for image formation of the image indicated by the image data created by the application is presented on a screen different from the setting screen.

  Therefore, a common setting screen can be displayed regardless of the application. As a result, the user can always freely set image forming conditions on the same setting screen regardless of which application generates the image data, and the operability is improved.

  Further, a beginner who is not accustomed to setting the image forming conditions can confirm related information including image forming conditions suitable for the application software that created the image data by making the provision request to the receiving means. Thereby, even a beginner can set image forming conditions suitable for application software using the setting screen, and the operability is improved.

  Thus, according to said structure, operativity for each user improves irrespective of a proficiency level.

  In the image forming control apparatus according to the present invention, there are a plurality of setting items for setting the image forming conditions, and the related information includes an image indicated by the image data among the plurality of setting items. A change setting item whose image forming conditions should be changed according to the application software at the time of forming is included, and the information presenting means uses the change setting item of the plurality of setting items as another setting item. The configuration may be such that the plurality of setting items are presented so that they can be identified.

  According to said structure, the change setting item which should change image formation conditions among several setting items is shown so that it can identify with respect to another setting item. Accordingly, it is possible to display which setting item the image forming condition should be changed so that the user can easily understand, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forming an image without changing the image forming condition.

  In addition, when presenting the change setting item by voice, for example, when presenting the change setting item by voice, it may be presented by changing the sound. When presenting the change setting item by display, The change setting items may be presented in different display states.

  In the image formation control apparatus according to the present invention, the information presentation unit may display the change setting item on the display device with a display state different from that of the other setting items.

  According to the above configuration, the changed setting item can be displayed in a different display state with respect to the other setting items, so that the setting item whose image forming conditions are to be changed can be displayed in a more easily understandable manner by the user.

  In addition, as an example of displaying the changed setting item in a different display state with respect to the other setting items, for example, (A) displaying the changed setting item in a state of being marked, (B) The display color is displayed differently from the display color of other setting items, (C) the change setting item is displayed in a blinking state, and (D) the change setting item is larger than the other setting items. For example, at least one of displaying the image so as to be enlarged. In addition, you may combine the display of these (A)-(D).

  The image forming control apparatus according to the present invention may include a condition receiving unit that receives a condition change command for changing the image forming condition of the change setting item to the image forming condition included in the related information.

  According to said structure, the condition change command which changes the image formation conditions of a change setting item into the image formation conditions contained in related information is received. Thereby, the user can change the image forming conditions more easily.

  In the image formation control apparatus according to the present invention, the image formation control device includes a comparison unit that compares an image formation condition included in the related information with an image formation condition currently set for image formation of the image, and the information presentation unit includes: If it is determined from the comparison result of the comparison means that the image forming conditions are different, a warning may be notified.

  According to the above configuration, when the current image forming conditions are compared with the image forming conditions included in the related information, and the two image forming conditions are different, that is, the current image forming conditions are appropriate. If the formation conditions are not set, a warning is notified. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user to change the current image forming condition to an appropriate image forming condition.

  The image forming control apparatus according to the present invention comprises image forming control means for controlling not to perform image forming processing when it is determined from the comparison result of the comparing means that both image forming conditions are different. Also good.

  According to the above configuration, when the current image forming condition is not set to an appropriate image forming condition, control is performed so as not to perform the image forming process. As a result, when an appropriate image forming condition is not set, the image forming process cannot be performed, so that it is possible to prevent the useless image forming process from being performed.

  The above-mentioned “control not to perform the image forming process” means that, for example, the image forming apparatus created based on the image data does not create image forming data necessary for image formation, and What is necessary is just at least one process such as not transmitting the image forming data to the forming apparatus.

  As described above, the image forming control apparatus according to the present invention displays a setting screen for setting the image forming condition of the image indicated by the image data on the display device, and the image forming condition according to the user input to the setting screen. And an image forming control apparatus for controlling the image forming process of the image, a receiving means for receiving a request for presenting an image forming condition suitable for the image forming process of the image indicated by the image data, and the image data The specifying means for specifying the created application software and the related information including the image forming conditions suitable for the image forming process of the image indicated by the image data created by the application software are stored in association with each other. Corresponds to the application software identified by the identification means from the storage device Information acquisition means for acquiring the related information, and when the reception means receives the presentation request, the related information acquired by the information acquisition means is presented on a screen different from the setting screen. It is the structure provided with the information presentation means to do. Therefore, there is an effect that the operability is improved for each user regardless of the proficiency level.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

  The image forming control device (help system) according to the present invention can set printing conditions according to the application that created the image data when the image indicated by the image data is printed by the printing device (printer). In addition, the printing condition suitable for the application is displayed.

  This image formation control device controls a printing device for performing a printing process in response to a print start command of application software. An example of the image formation control apparatus is a printer driver.

  The image formation control device may be provided in a printing device, for example, or may be provided in an image data creation device (computer) that creates image data to be printed on the printing device. Good. In the following description, a case where a printer driver that is the image formation control apparatus is provided in a computer will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the computer 1 including the image forming control apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 1 includes an operating system 50.

  The operating system 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as OS) controls the processing operations of each component provided in the computer 1. Specifically, the OS 50 controls processing operations of the printer driver 12 and applications.

  The application group 10 is a collection of a plurality of applications for creating image data that is a basis for printing an image by the printer 2. The application group 10 only needs to have at least one application (application software), but in the following description, a case where there are a plurality of applications will be described.

  The printer driver 12 controls a printing operation performed by the printer 2. Specifically, the printer driver 12 converts the image data created by the application into an image format for performing printing processing by the printer 2 or print conditions for printing an image indicated by the image data. Is set.

  The printer driver 12 includes a help system 14 that can present appropriate printing conditions according to an application that creates image data. As will be described later, the help system 14 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 4.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer driver 12 includes a help system 14, and the printer driver 12 is provided in the computer 1. The computer 1 includes the printer driver 12, an operation unit 11, and an application group 10 including a plurality of applications (applications A, B, and C).

  The computer 1 is connected to the printer 2, the information output unit 3, and the storage unit 4, and can exchange various kinds of information.

  For example, the storage unit 4 may be provided as an external storage device in a server or the like, or may be provided in the computer 1 or the printer 2.

  The operation unit 11 instructs the computer 1 to perform various processes. The operation unit 11 includes a setting input unit 13 for setting printing conditions and the like when performing printing using the printer 2. Note that examples of the operation unit 11 and the setting input unit 13 include a keyboard and a mouse.

  The printer 2 performs a printing process. Specifically, the printer 2 performs printing processing based on the printing conditions and images transmitted from the printer driver 12. The configuration of the printer 2 is well known, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The information output unit 3 outputs various information to the outside of the computer 1. Specifically, the information output unit 3 outputs various information received from the printer driver 12 to the outside. The information output unit 3 includes at least one of a display unit 32 (for example, a display) for displaying information and an audio output unit 31 (for example, a speaker) for outputting information as audio.

  As will be described later, the storage unit 4 stores related information in which an application and an appropriate print condition are associated with each other when an image is printed using the application. The details of the information stored in the storage unit 4 will be described later.

  Here, the printer driver 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer driver 12 includes a print control unit 15 (print control unit), an operation control unit 16, an application determination unit 17 (specification unit), and an information acquisition unit 18 (information acquisition unit). . The help control unit 16, the application determination unit 17, and the information acquisition unit 18 constitute a help system 14.

  The print control unit 15 creates information necessary for causing the printer 2 to perform print processing. Specifically, the print control unit 15 converts, for example, RGB format image data created by an application into CMYK format image data to be printed by the printer 2, and is input by the setting input unit 13. Processing such as correction of the image data is performed based on the printing conditions. Then, the print control unit 15 transmits the created image data and printing conditions to the printer 2.

  The operation control unit 16 controls the print control unit 15, the information output unit 3, and the application determination unit 17 based on various setting information input from the setting input unit 13. The operation control unit 16 includes at least a reception unit 19 (reception unit, condition reception unit) and an information presentation unit 21 (information presentation unit). Moreover, the said operation control part 16 may be provided with the comparison part 20 (comparison means) as needed.

  The accepting unit 19 determines the contents of various settings inputted from the setting input unit 13 and the contents of commands (instructions) inputted to the various types inputted from the operation unit 11. Specifically, the receiving unit 19 determines whether or not an instruction for presenting an appropriate print condition according to the application is issued from the setting input unit 13 or whether a print start command is issued from the operation unit 11. Or not.

  The information presentation unit 21 outputs information to be presented to the information output unit 3. Specifically, the information presentation unit 21 outputs an appropriate printing condition according to the application to the information output unit 3.

  The comparison unit 20 compares the current printing conditions with recommended printing conditions that are printing conditions suitable for the printing process of the image indicated by the image data created by the application. The recommended printing conditions are acquired from the storage unit 4 by the information acquisition unit 18 described later. The processing using the comparison unit 20 will be described later.

  The application determination unit 17 specifies an application that created image data to be printed. The application determination unit 17 performs the specification when the presentation command is issued from the setting input unit 13 to the reception unit 19. The application determination unit 17 may analyze the image data received by the printer driver 12 from the application group 10 and specify the application that created the image data, or may specify the application by other methods.

  The information acquisition unit 18 acquires the related information from the information stored in the storage unit 4 based on the application information specified by the application determination unit 17.

  The storage unit 4 stores the related information. Specifically, the storage unit 4 stores related information in which at least a recommended print condition suitable for printing an image indicated by the type of application and image data created using the application is associated. The correspondence table 33 is provided. Hereinafter, the related information will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a data structure for explaining the related information stored in the storage unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, in the correspondence table 33 of the storage unit 4, the type of application, the recommended printing condition (described as a character string in the figure), and the setting item ID are stored in association with each other. The recommended printing condition and the setting item ID associated with this application correspond to the related information. The related information only needs to include at least the recommended printing conditions, and the setting item ID only needs to be included as necessary. In addition, information other than the above, for example, the display image (change setting item) corresponding to the setting item ID itself may be included in the related information instead of the setting item ID.

  The setting item ID is an ID for designating a display image used for displaying the setting state of the recommended printing condition setting item different from other display states on the screen for setting the printing condition. is there. That is, the storage unit 4 stores a display image for displaying the setting item in a display state different from other display states, and the display image to be displayed in accordance with the recommended printing condition is the application image. Type and recommended printing conditions. Note that the display image (or setting item ID) only needs to be associated with the application as necessary. A specific example of the display image will be described later.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, when printing the type or name of an application such as a drawing application, a text application, a spreadsheet application, and a DTP application, and an image indicated by image data created using these applications Recommended printing conditions to be recommended are associated with each other. In the above description, the case where the application type and the recommended printing condition correspond one-to-one has been described. For example, when the recommended printing condition is the same in a plurality of applications, One recommended printing condition may be associated. Contrary to the above description, recommended printing conditions may differ depending on how image data is created in one application. In such a case, a plurality of recommended conditions may be associated with one application.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 1, information exchanged between the respective blocks when presenting the recommended printing conditions will be described.

  First, the user creates image data to be printed using any application in the application group 10.

  Next, in order to print the created image data, the user operates the print button (with the print command embedded) on the application by using the operation unit 11, and issues a print start command to the printer driver 12. Put out. At this time, when a print start command is issued, the application transmits the created image data to the print control unit 15 of the printer driver 12. When the application transmits the image data to the print control unit 15, the name or type of the application that created the image data is transmitted together with the image data.

  When the receiving unit 19 receives the print start command, the operation control unit 16 operates the information output unit 3 to display a print condition setting screen. Then, the user refers to the print condition setting screen and operates the setting input unit 13 to set and change the print conditions for printing the image indicated by the image data.

  Further, when the user wants to confirm the recommended printing conditions according to the application that created the image data when setting or changing the printing conditions, the user operates the operation unit 11 to recommend the printer driver 12 A presentation command for presenting printing conditions is issued. Specifically, the user issues the presentation command by pressing a help button displayed on the print condition setting screen.

  When the receiving unit 19 determines that the presentation command has been issued, the receiving unit 19 instructs the application determining unit 17 to identify the application that created the image data. Upon receiving this instruction, the application determination unit 17 specifies the application that created the image data from the name or type of the application received from the application. Then, the application determination unit 17 transmits the specified result to the information acquisition unit 18.

  Next, the information acquisition unit 18 that has received the specified result accesses the correspondence table 33 of the storage unit 4 and stores related information including the specified application (here, recommended print information and display image). get. Then, the information acquisition unit 18 notifies the operation control unit 16 of the acquired related information.

  The operation control unit 16 that has acquired the related information operates the information presentation unit 21 to output the recommended printing conditions and the display image included in the related information to the information output unit 3. Then, the information output unit 3 displays the recommended printing conditions and displays the display image as a printing condition setting screen.

  Then, the user refers to the recommended print condition, sets the print condition, and then issues a print command for printing the image indicated by the image data. Then, the printing control unit 15 creates printing data based on the printing conditions and image data input via the setting input unit 13 and transmits the printing data to the printer 2. Then, a printing process is performed by the printer 2.

  In this way, the printing process is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the printer driver 12. Hereinafter, processing in the printer driver 12 will be described.

  First, when the reception unit 19 receives a print start command from the operation unit 11 (S10), the operation control unit 16 operates the information output unit 3 (here, the display unit 32) to display a print condition setting screen. (S11).

  Next, the receiving unit 19 determines whether or not the user has pressed the help button displayed on the print condition setting screen. In other words, the receiving unit 19 determines whether a presentation command has been received from the operation unit 11 (S12).

  If it is determined in step S12 that the help button has been pressed (YES in S12), the accepting unit 19 identifies the application that created the image data to be printed to the application determining unit 17. Give instructions to do so. Upon receiving this instruction, the application determination unit 17 specifies the application that created the image data (S13), and transmits the result to the information acquisition unit 18.

  Next, the information acquisition unit 18 acquires related information corresponding to the application from the storage unit 4 based on the result (S14), and transmits the related information to the information presentation unit 21.

  Then, the information presentation unit 21 operates the information output unit 3 to present the related information (S15). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S16.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the help button has not been pressed (No in S12), the process proceeds to S16.

  Next, in S <b> 16, the receiving unit 19 receives the printing conditions input to the setting input unit 13.

  Thereafter, the receiving unit 19 determines whether or not a print execution instruction has been input to the setting input unit 13 (S17). When a print execution instruction is input (Yes in S <b> 17), the reception unit 19 outputs the printing conditions received in S <b> 16 to the print control unit 15. Then, the print control unit converts the RGB image data created by the application into CMYK format image data to be printed by the printer 2, based on the printing conditions input by the setting input unit 13. Processing such as correction of the image data is performed, and the created image data and printing conditions are transmitted to the printer 2 (S18). Then, the process ends. If no print execution instruction is input (No in S17), the process returns to S12.

  As described above, the printer driver 12 always displays the printing condition setting screen, and can present related information corresponding to the application that created the image data only when the help button is pressed.

  Here, details of a display screen including a print condition setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the setting items include, for example, image quality settings for determining resolution and graphic mode, binding margin settings, overlay settings, font settings, toner save and purge protection settings. In the display screen illustrated in FIG. 5, an example in which “Tips (Topics)” that is a specific button for displaying recommended printing conditions is described. Then, when the user presses (operates) the Tips button, the recommended printing condition as the related information is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which recommended printing conditions are displayed on a window screen (help screen) different from the printing condition setting screen. As illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, when the user presses a help button (or a Tips button illustrated in FIG. 6), the printer driver 12 displays the recommended print condition on a help screen different from the print condition setting screen. Can do.

  FIG. 7 shows that the recommended setting items (change setting items) corresponding to the recommended printing conditions are displayed differently from the other setting items so that the printing setting conditions can be easily changed in addition to the display of the recommended printing conditions. It is drawing which shows the example currently displayed.

  When the display image is stored as related information, the information presentation unit 21 transmits the display image to the information output unit 3. The information output unit 3 performs display for emphasizing recommended printing conditions using the display image. In the example of FIG. 7, a circle is displayed on the setting item for the resolution, and the display recommends that the printing condition of this setting item be changed to the recommended printing condition.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of display of recommended setting items and recommended printing conditions. In FIG. 8, compared with FIG. 7, the content of the recommended printing conditions is related to the recommended setting item. Specifically, the recommended setting item indicates that the recommended setting item has a different display state from the other setting items, so that the user can easily change the printing condition to the recommended printing condition.

  FIG. 9 is a drawing showing still another example of display of recommended setting items. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the printer driver 12 displays recommended setting items in bold on the display unit 32. More specifically, the resolution, which is a recommended setting item, is indicated in bold, and the user can be prompted to change the resolution, which is one of the printing conditions, to the recommended printing condition.

  FIG. 10 is a drawing showing still another example of display of recommended setting items. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the printer driver 12 surrounds the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 with a dotted line and blinks the dotted line. This makes the recommended setting items stand out from the other setting items.

  FIG. 11 is a drawing showing still another example of display of recommended setting items. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the printer driver 12 displays the recommended setting items on the display unit 32 in an enlarged manner. This makes the recommended setting items stand out from the other setting items.

  FIG. 12 is a drawing showing yet another example of display of recommended setting items. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the printer driver 12 displays other setting items in a non-selected state on the display unit 32 so that only the printing conditions of the recommended setting items can be changed.

  FIG. 13 is a drawing showing still another example of the display of recommended setting items. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a state before setting recommended printing conditions, and FIG. 13B is a diagram after setting recommended printing conditions. It is drawing which shows this state. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, a button for changing the current printing condition (resolution 600 dpi) to the recommended printing condition (resolution 1200 dpi) is embedded in the display showing the recommended printing conditions. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 13A, the user operates not only the setting items on the print condition setting screen but also the displayed button indicating the recommended print conditions, as shown in FIG. 13B. The printing conditions can be set to the recommended printing conditions. In other words, when the receiving unit 19 detects that the user presses the button (performs a pressing operation), the operation control unit 16 of the printer driver 12 changes the current printing condition to the recommended printing condition.

  In this way, by displaying the recommended print conditions when displaying the print condition setting screen for setting the print conditions, the printer driver 12 allows the user to perform more according to the application that created the image data. The user can be prompted to change to an appropriate printing condition (recommended printing condition).

  In the above description, the example of displaying the recommended print condition when displaying the print condition setting screen has been described. However, the timing for displaying the recommended print condition is not limited to the above. For example, only the recommended printing conditions may be displayed alone.

  Further, after setting the printing conditions, the printer driver 12 compares the current printing conditions with the recommended printing conditions after issuing a print command for printing the image indicated by the image data. May notify that. This will be described below.

  When comparing the current printing conditions with the recommended printing conditions, the operation control unit 16 of the printer driver 12 includes the comparison unit 20. When the comparison unit 20 receives a print command issued by the user operating the operation unit 11, the comparison unit 20 receives the currently set print condition and the recommendation included in the related information acquired by the information acquisition unit 18. This compares the printing conditions. A process for notifying a warning when the current printing condition and the recommended printing condition are different will be described below.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a comparison process in which the current printing condition and the recommended printing condition are compared and a process corresponding to the comparison result is performed.

  First, when a printing condition is set by a user (including a printing condition in a default state), a printing command is issued. In other words, when the receiving unit 19 receives a printing command (S30), the receiving unit 19 determines whether or not an application is determined. An instruction to specify the application that created the image data to be printed. Upon receiving this instruction, the application determination unit 17 specifies the application that created the image data (S31), and transmits the result to the information acquisition unit 18.

  Next, the information acquisition unit 18 acquires related information corresponding to the application from the storage unit 4 based on the result (S32), and sends the related information to the operation control unit 16 (specifically, the comparison unit 20). Send.

  The comparison unit 20 that has acquired the relevant information compares the current printing conditions with the recommended printing conditions included in the relevant information (S33), and determines whether the printing conditions are the same (S34). ).

  If it is determined in step S34 that the printing conditions are not the same (NO in S34), the information presentation unit 21 of the operation control unit 16 operates the information output unit 3 to present a warning. Specifically, the information presenting unit 21 displays an inquiry as to whether or not to perform a warning display and printing conditions on the display unit 32 (S35).

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 16 determines whether or not there is an instruction from the user to reset the printing conditions, that is, whether or not there is an instruction to set the printing conditions from the operation unit 11 (S36). .

  In step S36, when an instruction to set printing conditions is received from the operation unit 11 (YES in S36), the operation control unit 16 operates the information output unit 3 to display the printing conditions on the display unit 32. A setting screen is displayed (S37). Then, the user resets the printing conditions by operating the setting input unit 13.

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 16 determines whether or not a setting completion notification has been issued from the operation unit 11 (S38). If the setting completion notification has been received (YES in S38), the operation control unit 16 notifies the print control unit 15 of the setting completion notification. Send print conditions. Then, the print controller 15 performs a printing process (S39).

  On the other hand, if the current printing condition and the recommended printing condition are the same in step S34, and if an instruction not to change the printing condition is issued from the operation unit 11 in step S36, the processing is performed. Advances to step S39.

  In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the current printing conditions are recommended printing conditions, and to perform processing based on the determination result.

  In the above description, related information corresponding to the application that created the image data is acquired in steps S31 and S32. However, the related information is already acquired before the process of step S30. In this case (for example, when the process described in FIG. 4 is performed), it is not necessary to perform this process.

  In the above description, an inquiry is made in step S35 as to whether or not to reset the printing conditions. However, for example, an inquiry may be made as to whether or not to cancel the printing process.

  Further, in step S35, instead of inquiring whether or not to reset the printing conditions, for example, it may be inquired whether or not to perform the printing process under the recommended printing conditions. In this case, when the operation control unit 16 receives an instruction to perform the printing process under the recommended print conditions, the operation control unit 16 transmits the recommended print conditions to the print control unit 15. That's fine.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 32 when the current print condition and the recommended print condition are different. If it is determined in step S34 that the current printing conditions are different from the recommended printing conditions, the operation control unit 16 operates the display unit 32 to display a display screen as shown in FIG. More specifically, the operation control unit 16 displays an inquiry that the current printing conditions are different from the recommended conditions and whether or not to change the current printing conditions. When the user determines to change the current printing condition, the operation control unit 16 displays the printing condition setting screen by operating the button displayed on the display screen.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 32 when the current printing condition and the recommended printing condition are different. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the operation control unit 16 displays an inquiry that the current printing condition is different from the recommended condition and whether or not to cancel the printing process. As described above, when the current printing condition and the recommended printing condition are different, it may be inquired whether or not to cancel the printing process itself.

  As described above, the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment causes the display unit 32 to display the print condition setting screen for setting the print condition of the image indicated by the image data, and the user input to the print condition setting screen. The printer driver sets printing conditions accordingly and controls the printing process of the image. Then, the printer driver 12 includes a receiving unit 19 that receives a print condition presentation request (here, pressing of a help button) suitable for the printing process of the image indicated by the image data, and application software in which the image data is created. From the storage unit 4 in which the application determination unit 17 to be identified and the application software and related information including the printing conditions suitable for the printing process of the image indicated by the image data created by the application software are stored in association with each other. When the information acquisition unit 18 that acquires the related information associated with the application software specified by the application determination unit 17 and the reception unit 19 receives a presentation request, the information acquisition unit 18 is different from the print condition setting screen. On the window screen And an information presenting unit 21 to present relevant information.

  As a result, the user can refer to the related information to change the currently set print condition to a print condition corresponding to the application, that is, a more appropriate print condition.

  In the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, there are a plurality of the setting items, and the related information includes, in the application software, when printing an image indicated by the image data among the plurality of setting items. Accordingly, recommended setting items whose printing conditions should be changed are included, and the information presenting unit 21 can identify the recommended setting items of the plurality of setting items with respect to other setting items. The plurality of setting items may be displayed on the display unit 32. This makes it possible to display which setting item the printing condition should be changed in such a way that the user can easily understand, so that the user can be prevented from printing without changing the printing condition.

  In the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the information presentation unit 21 displays the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 in a display state different from that of the other setting items. May be. As a result, the recommended setting items can be displayed in different display states with respect to the other setting items, so that the setting items whose printing conditions are to be changed can be displayed more easily by the user.

  The printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment may include a condition receiving unit 19 that receives a condition change command for changing the printing condition of the recommended setting item to the printing condition included in the related information. . Thereby, the user can change the printing condition more easily.

  The printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment includes a comparison unit 20 that compares a printing condition included in the related information with a printing condition currently set for printing the image, and the information presentation unit 21 includes: If it is determined from the comparison result of the comparison unit 20 that the printing conditions are different, a configuration may be adopted in which a warning is notified. This can prompt the user to change the current printing conditions to appropriate printing conditions.

  The printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment includes a print control unit 15 that performs control so as not to perform print processing when it is determined from the comparison result of the comparison unit 20 that the printing conditions are different. Also good. As a result, when an appropriate printing condition is not set, the printing process cannot be performed, and therefore it is possible to prevent the unnecessary printing process from being performed.

  In the above description, the configuration in which recommended printing conditions are presented in response to a presentation command from the user is described. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the recommended printing is performed when a printing start command is issued from the user. Conditions may be presented.

  Further, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, when the help display of the printer driver 12 is requested, the application in which the printer driver 12 is activated is determined, and in addition to help related to normal functions, help related to the application, It may be configured to display Topics (Tips). Then, by changing the Tips, it is possible to display the Tips related to the application for executing normal help and printing, so that necessary information can be provided to the user.

  In addition, the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment may be configured to display Tips relating to an application and to display recommended setting candidates that match the characteristics of the application as Tips. In other words, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the information presentation unit 21 may be configured to display on the display unit 32 with the recommended setting items marked. A function that cannot be normally printed exists as a function of the printer driver 12 according to the application specifications. For this reason, it is possible to display a help for a candidate for the optimum setting for the application and suppress printing failure.

  Further, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, tips related to the application are displayed, and on the user interface of the printer driver 12, the recommended setting candidate control according to the characteristics of the application is marked. The structure to display may be sufficient. This makes it possible to convey clearer information to the user.

  Further, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the tips related to the application are displayed, and the display color of the control of the recommended setting candidate according to the characteristics of the application is changed on the user interface of the printer driver 12, The structure to display may be sufficient. In other words, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the information presentation unit 21 displays the recommended setting item display color on the display unit 32 different from the display colors of the other setting items. May be. This makes it possible to convey clearer information to the user.

  Further, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the tips related to the application are displayed, and on the user interface of the printer driver 12, display of recommended setting candidate controls (recommended setting items) according to the characteristics of the application. May be configured to blink. In other words, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the information presentation unit 21 may be configured to display the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 in a blinking state. This makes it possible to convey clearer information to the user.

  Further, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the Tips relating to the application are displayed, and the display of the control of the recommended setting candidate according to the characteristics of the application is enlargedly displayed on the user interface of the printer driver 12. It is good. In other words, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, the information presentation unit 21 displays the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 so as to be larger than the other setting items. May be. It becomes possible to convey clearer information to the user.

  Also, in the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment, tips related to an application are displayed, recommended setting candidates that match the characteristics of the application are displayed as Tips, and if changes are specified on the help, user interface settings are set. The configuration may be changed to the recommended setting. It is possible to convey clearer information to the user and simplify the procedure up to the setting.

  In addition, the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment is configured to display a warning and allow the user to arbitrarily cancel printing when the setting of the printer driver 12 is not a recommended setting for the application characteristics. May be. It becomes possible to suppress printing failure.

  Further, the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment may be configured to display a warning and move to a step where the setting can be changed when the setting of the printer driver 12 is not a recommended setting for the application characteristics. . It becomes possible to suppress printing failure.

  Further, the printer driver 12 according to the present embodiment may be configured to have a control on the user interface for displaying only Tips. In other words, the printer driver 12 may be configured to display a switch (button) for displaying recommended setting items on the display unit 32 on the display unit 32.

  Thereby, by clarifying the process for displaying the help related to the function and the tips related to the application, it is possible to simplify the operation until necessary information is extracted.

  The printer driver 12 may be configured to display a control for displaying Tips on the user interface only when there is Tips in the application that executes printing. In other words, the printer driver 12 displays a switch (button) for displaying the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 only when the information acquisition unit 18 can acquire the related information. It may be a configuration. Thereby, clearer information can be conveyed to the user.

  The printer driver 12 may be configured to blink, enlarge, or change the display format of a control for displaying Tips only when the application that executes printing has Tips. . In other words, the printer driver 12 displays a switch (button) for displaying the recommended setting item on the display unit 32 only when the information acquisition unit 18 has acquired the related information, with other setting items. A configuration in which the state is displayed on the display unit 32 may be possible. Thereby, clearer information can be conveyed to the user.

  The printer driver 12 displays a plurality of function icons on the screen, scrolls and slides the icons, and determines the application in which the printer driver 12 is activated in the printer driver 12 that selects a function from each icon. An icon for displaying the Tips information may be displayed, and the application-specific Tips information may be displayed by selecting the icon. The printing apparatus may be configured to display an icon only when there is Tips in an application that executes printing.

  The printer driver 12 may be configured to display the setting item as an icon and display a related item in the setting item corresponding to the icon when the user operates the icon. A plurality of the icons may exist, and all the icons may be displayed by scrolling or sliding the icons. This will be described below.

  As the print condition setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, each setting item may be displayed as characters. For example, each setting item may be displayed using an icon or the like.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, each setting item may be displayed as an icon, and an instruction for indicating related information may be displayed as an icon. In the icons shown in FIG. 17, only some of all the icons are displayed, and when these icons slide and move on the display screen, all the icons are displayed on one display screen. The

  When the printer driver 12 detects that the user has operated the “Topics” icon displayed on FIG. 17, the printer driver 12 presents the related information.

  These icons may be stored in a storage device (not shown) of the printer driver 12 or may be acquired from an external storage device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the help system 14 that plays an auxiliary role when the user executes printing, the application that executes printing is determined, and the content of the help that is displayed matches the content of the application ( Application-specific specifications and characteristics), and recommended print settings for the application can be displayed or the print settings can be changed. This provides the user with improved operability. Further, it is possible to suppress a printing failure such that a desired printing result cannot be acquired due to the characteristics of the application.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above description, the printer driver 12 has been described as an example of the image formation control device. However, the image formation control device according to the present invention, for example, uses image data created by an application to send a fax. The present invention can also be applied to the case of converting to image data, or the case where the image data is converted into data for browsing with browsing software, for example.

  Finally, each block of the printer driver 12, in particular, the operation control unit 16, the application determination unit 17, and the information acquisition unit 18 may be configured by hardware logic, or realized by software using a CPU as follows. May be.

  That is, the printer driver 12 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program, A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing programs and various data is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program for the printer driver 12 which is software for realizing the functions described above is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the printer driver 12 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Alternatively, the printer driver 12 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The image forming control apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for an application for performing printing processing of an image indicated by image data created by various applications installed in a computer such as a personal computer.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer driver according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a computer including a print control apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a data structure explaining the relevant information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the printer driver at the time of showing the said relevant information. It is drawing which shows an example of a display screen. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which recommended printing conditions are displayed on a window screen different from the printing condition setting screen. It is drawing which shows the example which displays the recommended setting item by changing a display state compared with another setting item. It is drawing which shows the other example of a display of a recommended setting item and a recommended printing condition. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the display of a recommendation setting item. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the display of a recommendation setting item. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the display of a recommendation setting item. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the display of a recommendation setting item. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the display of a recommended setting item, (a) is a figure which shows the state before setting to recommended printing conditions, (b) shows the state after setting to recommended printing conditions. It is a drawing. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a comparison process in which a current print condition is compared with a recommended print condition and a process corresponding to the comparison result is performed. It is drawing which shows an example of the display screen displayed on a display part when the present printing conditions and recommended printing conditions differ. It is drawing which shows another example of the display screen displayed on a display part when the present printing conditions and recommended printing conditions differ. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing condition setting screen in which setting items are displayed as icons.

Explanation of symbols

1 Computer 2 Printer (Printing Device)
3 Information Output Unit 4 Storage Unit 10 Application Group 11 Operation Unit 12 Printer Driver (Print Control Device)
13 Setting Input Unit 14 Help System 15 Print Control Unit (Print Control Unit)
16 Operation control part 17 Application determination part (identification means)
18 Information acquisition unit (information acquisition means)
19 Accepting part (accepting means, condition accepting means)
20 Comparison part (comparison means)
21 Information presentation unit (information presentation means)
31 Audio output unit 32 Display unit (display device)
33 Correspondence table 50 Operating system

Claims (6)

Comprising an information presentation means setting screen Ru is displayed on the display device for setting an image forming condition of an image represented by the image data, and an operation control means for setting an image forming condition according to the user input to those the setting screen , an image forming control unit for controlling the image forming processing of the image,
The setting screen is provided in common for a plurality of application software for creating image data, and includes a plurality of setting items for setting image forming conditions.
Receiving means for receiving a request for a recommended image forming condition suitable for the application software that created the image data ;
A specifying means for specifying the application software that created the image data when the receiving means receives the presentation request ;
A storage unit in which the the recommended imaging condition that is suitable for image forming process of the image represented by the image data created by each application software and the respective application software is stored in association with each other,
When the reception unit receives the presentation request, the information obtaining means for obtaining the recommended imaging condition corresponding to the application software specified by said specifying means from said storage unit,
Information that causes the display device to display an image for displaying the recommended image forming condition acquired by the information acquisition unit by opening a screen different from the setting screen when the reception unit receives the presentation request. Providing means,
The information presenting means is a setting item corresponding to the recommended image forming condition among the plurality of setting items displayed on the setting screen on the screen on which an image for presenting the recommended image forming condition is displayed. Display a button for inputting an operation instruction for changing the setting content of the recommended setting item to the setting content according to the recommended image forming condition,
The operation control unit is configured to change the setting content of the recommended setting item corresponding to the button to the setting content according to the recommended image forming condition when the receiving unit receives an operation on the button. Image formation control device. The information presenting means is
The image forming control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recommended setting item displayed on the setting screen is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other setting items . Comparing means for comparing the setting content of the recommended setting item in the recommended image forming condition with the setting content of the recommended setting item currently set in the setting screen for the recommended setting item ,
2. The image forming control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information presenting unit issues a warning when it is determined that the image forming conditions are different from the comparison result of the comparing unit. 4. The image formation control according to claim 3, further comprising: an image formation control unit that controls not to perform an image formation process when it is determined from the comparison result of the comparison unit that the image formation conditions are different from each other. apparatus. A control program of the image forming control unit for operating the image formation control apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4, a control program for causing a computer to function as each means described above. A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 5 is recorded.

Images