JP5252019B2 - Information processing program and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method that can set a device that instructs execution of processing for each application.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a computer such as a PC, a printing environment in which a user-desired printer is selected from a plurality of printers connected in a network environment and a print instruction is transmitted has become widespread. In order to print with a desired printer, the user installs a driver corresponding to the type of the printer. When installing the driver, the IP address of the printer used through the driver is stored in the PC. In Patent Document 1, the user registers one of the most frequently used printers as a default printer in the PC. Then, the user normally gives a print instruction to a PC registered as a default printer.

JP-A-2005-44080

  In Patent Document 1, when a process that cannot be executed by the default printer is desired, it is necessary to select a printer that can execute the desired process from printers that have drivers installed in the PC. It was. Since such an operation is troublesome for the user, it is desirable that a suitable device can be registered according to the application and the data to be processed. However, for that purpose, the user needs to perform a registration operation of a device to be used for each purpose and data, which is troublesome.

  Including the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method capable of setting a device that performs processing for each application while minimizing a user's effort. It is said.

In order to achieve this object, the invention according to claim 1 is read by an information processing apparatus including an input unit and a storage unit, and prints a plurality of prints for each of photo data, web page data, and document data. and among the plurality of applications including a scan, an information processing program Ru to execute the process for at least two applications, each device, an input of an application of the from the input unit at least two applications an input accepting unit accepts the input of accepting from the input unit indicating a device for executing the processing for one application, specifying means for specifying a device indicated by the input identification information of the device the specifying unit has identified the causes are stored in the storage unit in association with the one application, for that device identification information of other of the at least two applications Storage control means for storing in the storage unit in association with an application, and processing for the one application to a device identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the one application an instruction transmission means for transmitting an instruction to an information processing program characterized in that to function the information processing apparatus and.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing program according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit is configured to store the identification information when no device identification information is stored in association with the other use. The device identification information is stored in the storage unit in association with the other usage.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing apparatus acquires the function information related to the function of the device, and the acquisition means acquires the information. When based on the function information, the one device is made to function as a determination unit that determines whether the process is suitable for the other application, and the storage control unit determines that the determination unit is appropriate In addition, the identification information of the one device is stored in the storage unit in association with the other usage.

  Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the information processing program according to claim 3, wherein when the one use and the other use are a specific combination, the determination step means does not make a determination. The storage control unit stores the identification information of the one device in the storage unit in association with the other use.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the storage control means is associated with the one application, in addition to the identification information of the device, the settings for the process of the for one application is stored in the storage unit, the instruction transmitting unit, to the device identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the said one application, the one application in association with the the set to the set value stored in the storage unit, the processing before Symbol for one application, and transmits the instruction to execute.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention , at least two of a plurality of uses including a plurality of printing and scanning, each of which includes a photo data, web page data, and document data, each including an input unit and a storage unit. one application of directed processing of an information processing apparatus which Ru is executed on the device, respectively, an input accepting means accepts an input of an application of the from the input unit at least two applications, the for one application An input indicating a device for executing processing is received from the input unit, a specifying unit for specifying the device indicated by the input , and identification information of the device specified by the specifying unit are associated with the one application in the storage unit. causes stored, storage control means for storing the identification information of that device to the storage unit in association with other applications of the at least two applications The to the device identified by the identification information stored primary use and in the storage section in association, by comprising, an instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction to perform the processing of the for one application This is a featured information processing apparatus.

<Inventions of Claims 1 and 6 >
According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus stores the identification information of one device in the storage unit in association with one application, and stores the identification information in the device in the storage unit in association with another application. . Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible for the user to reduce the trouble that the information processing apparatus inputs a device that transmits an instruction to execute a process for an application.

<Invention of Claim 2>
According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus can store device identification information in association with a use in which device identification information is not stored in association with the information processing device. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible for the user to reduce the trouble that the information processing apparatus inputs a device that transmits an instruction to execute a process for an application.

<Invention of Claim 3>
According to the present invention, when one device is suitable for the process for the other application, the information processing apparatus stores the identification information of the one device in the storage unit in association with the other application. Therefore, in addition to the effects of claims 1 and 2, in order to store the identification information of the device suitable for the application in the storage unit, the user can reduce the trouble of reselecting the device instructing the execution of the process for the application. There is an effect that can be.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus associates the identification information of one device with another application without the determination step means making a determination when the one application and the other application are a specific combination. To be stored in the storage unit. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the third aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to omit processing for determining whether one device is suitable for processing for another application.

<Invention of Claim 5 >
According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus stores a setting value related to processing for one application in the storage unit in addition to device identification information in association with the one application. Therefore, in addition to the effects of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, there is an effect that the user can reduce the troublesome work that the information processing apparatus inputs a setting value related to processing for a use.

External view of information processing apparatus 100 Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 Example of application icon display screen Schematic diagram of connection between information processing apparatus 100 and a device that communicates with information processing apparatus 100 Example of application selection screen Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Processing in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application Example of print instruction screen displayed in S704 and S708 Example of data stored in RAM 108 in S706 Example of display displayed in S801 Example of scan request transmission instruction screen displayed in S902 and S906 Example of display screen displayed in S1204 Example of setting information management table Example of print instruction screen displayed in S1806, S1811, and S1814 An example of setting information stored in the flash memory 109

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a portable device such as a mobile phone or a mobile terminal device. The housing of the information processing apparatus 100 is formed in a flat box shape, and one side surface thereof is formed as an operation surface 100a. A display area 101 is provided at the center of the operation surface 100a, and an input I / F 104 is provided below the display area 101.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a display unit 102, a touch panel 103, an input I / F 104, a wireless communication I / F 105, a CPU 106, a ROM 107, a RAM 108, a flash memory 109, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus 110. Yes.

  The display unit 102 includes a display area 101. The display unit 102 receives the image signal output from the CPU 106 and causes the display area 101 to display the received image. As the display means 102, for example, an LCD or an organic EL panel can be used.

  The touch panel 103 is formed of a transparent member and is disposed so as to cover the surface of the display area 101. The touch panel 103 according to the present embodiment is of a capacitive type, and when touched with a user's finger or the like, the capacitance of the touched area changes. Then, an electrical signal corresponding to a region where the capacitance has changed is input from the touch panel 103 to the CPU 106 via the bus 110. When CPU 106 receives an electrical signal input from touch panel 103, CPU 106 determines that an area corresponding to the electrical signal is touched on touch panel 103.

  The input I / F 104 is, for example, an operation button. When the input I / F 104 is pressed, the information processing apparatus 100 is activated.

  The CPU 106 controls each unit connected to the bus 110 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 107 or the flash memory 109. The ROM 107 stores a program executed by the CPU 106. The RAM 108 temporarily stores information necessary for the processing of the CPU 106. The flash memory 109 is a nonvolatile memory. The flash memory 109 can store image data, document data, and the like. Although details will be described later, identification information of a default device for each application is stored. Further, various application programs (hereinafter simply referred to as applications) can be stored in the flash memory 109. The application icon stored in the flash memory is displayed in the display area 101. FIG. 3 is an example of an application icon display screen. Here, icons of a calendar application, a print & scan application, an Internet browser application, a photo viewer application, and a memo pad application are displayed. When the user touches a part where an application icon is displayed, the CPU 106 activates the application corresponding to the icon.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connection between the information processing apparatus 100 and a device that communicates with the information processing apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus 100 communicates with the access point 500 by wireless LAN wireless communication via the wireless communication I / F 105. To the access point 500, an inkjet MFP 200, a scanner 300, and a color laser printer 400 are connected. Here, the MFP refers to a multifunction peripheral device having a printing function, a scanning function, and a copying function. The information processing apparatus 100 may execute a print & scan application and transmit a print request to the inkjet MFP 200 or the color laser printer 400 via the access point 500, or transmit a scan request to the inkjet MFP 200 or the scanner 300. it can. That is, the information processing apparatus 100 can use the inkjet MFP 200, the scanner 300, and the color laser printer 400 via the access point 500.

  FIG. 5 is a usage selection screen displayed in the display area 101 after the print & scan application is activated. The usage is how the device is used. In this selection screen, the user is allowed to select the usage of the device. When the CPU 106 displays the selection screen in the display area 101 and then receives an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the application icon is displayed from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 displays it in the area corresponding to the input electrical signal. It is determined that the use indicated by the icon that has been input is input. When an electric signal corresponding to the area where the photo print icon is displayed is input, the CPU 106 transmits a print request for image data such as JPEG, Bitmap, and GIF to a device having a print function. Then, processing for causing the device to execute printing (hereinafter referred to as photo printing processing) is performed. When an electric signal corresponding to the area where the web printing icon is displayed is input, the CPU 106 transmits a web page print request to the device having the print function, and executes printing on the device. Processing (hereinafter referred to as web printing processing). When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the scan icon is displayed is input to the CPU 106, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a scan request to a device having a scan function and causes the device to execute a scan (hereinafter, “scan”). , Referred to as scan processing).

  Hereinafter, a process in which the CPU 106 controls each unit in accordance with the print & scan application will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows processing after the print & scan application is activated. Based on the electrical signal received from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 determines which application has been input among photo printing, web printing, and scanning (S601). If photo printing is input (S601, photo printing), proceed to 1. If web printing is input, proceed to (S601, web printing) 2. If scanning is input, proceed to 3 (S601, scan). .

  The case of proceeding to 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 106 displays a list of image data thumbnails stored in the flash memory 109 in the display area 101 (S701). At this time, when all the thumbnails cannot be displayed in the display area 101, all the thumbnails may be displayed by scrolling.

  After displaying thumbnails of image data in the display area 101, the CPU 106 determines whether selection of image data has been input (S702). Specifically, CPU 106 determines whether an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the thumbnail is displayed from touch panel 103 is input from touch panel 103. When an electric signal corresponding to the area where the thumbnail is displayed is input, the CPU 106 determines that selection of image data of the thumbnail displayed in the area corresponding to the received electric signal is input. If the CPU 106 determines that the selection of image data has not been input (No in S702), the CPU 106 returns to S702 and repeats the determination. If it is determined that image data selection has been input (S702 / Yes), the process proceeds to S703.

  In step S703, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the photo printing default device is stored (S703). The default device for photo printing is a device set in advance to reduce the number of operations for the user to select a device when the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a print request to perform photo printing processing. When the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a photo print request to the device, the packet to be transmitted includes the IP address of the device as the reception destination address and the IP address of the information processing apparatus 100 as the transmission source address. Then, the CPU 106 associates the IP address of the receiving device with the model number of the device and stores it in the area A in the flash memory 109 where the identification information of the photo printing default device is stored. That is, if a photo print request has been transmitted to a device in the past, the IP address of the device is stored in the area A of the flash memory 109. However, if the information processing apparatus 100 has not performed photo printing processing in the past, the device IP address is not stored in the area A of the flash memory 109. The CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the photo printing default device is stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 based on whether the IP address of the device is stored. In S703, when the CPU 106 determines that the identification information of the photo printing default device is not stored (No in S703), the process proceeds to S706. On the other hand, if the CPU 106 determines that the default device for printing is stored (S703, Yes), the process proceeds to S704.

  In step S <b> 704, the CPU 106 causes the display area 101 to display a print instruction screen for accepting a print instruction. FIG. 7B shows an example of the print instruction screen. An icon 700, an icon 701, and a photo printing default device are displayed on the print instruction screen. The icon 700 is an icon for inputting a request for reselecting a default device. Reselection means that when there is a device whose identification information is already stored in the flash memory 109 as a default device, the CPU 106 reselects a device for storing the identification information in the flash memory 109 as a default device. . When the device for storing the identification information in the flash memory 109 is selected as the default device, the CPU 106 rewrites the identification information already stored in the flash memory 109 with the identification information of the newly selected device. Become. An icon 701 is an icon for inputting a print instruction.

  In step S705, the CPU 106 determines whether a request for reselecting the default device for photo printing has been input (step S705). Specifically, CPU 106 determines whether an electrical signal corresponding to the area where icon 700 is displayed is input from touch panel 103. When a corresponding electrical signal is input, the CPU 106 determines that a request for special selection has been received. If the CPU 106 determines that a request for reselecting the default device has been input (S705, Yes), the process proceeds to S706. If it is determined that a request for reselecting the default device has not been input (No in S705), the process proceeds to S709.

  In S706, the CPU 106 displays the model numbers of selectable devices in the display area 101 (S706). This process is performed as follows. The CPU 106 controls the wireless communication I / F 105 to broadcast a packet requesting the device to return the device model number and information regarding the function to the network to which the information processing apparatus 100 is connected. Then, there is a reply from each device connected to the network. The wireless communication I / F 105 receives a packet including a device model number and information related to the function, which is returned from the device. The packet received by the wireless communication I / F includes the IP address of the device as a transmission source address and the IP address of the information processing apparatus 100 as a reception destination address. The CPU 106 stores the device model number, function information, and device IP address received by the wireless communication I / F 105 in the RAM 108 in association with each other. An example of information stored in the RAM 108 by the CPU 106 in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Based on the information stored in the RAM 108, the CPU 106 extracts the model number of the device having the color printing function from the devices connected via the network. Then, the CPU 106 causes the display area 101 to display a list display of the extracted device model numbers. In this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 7C, since the devices having the color printing function are the inkjet MFP 200 and the color laser printer 400, the model numbers of these two devices are displayed. The reason why the CPU 106 is configured to extract only devices having a color printing function is because photographic printing is usually performed in color.

  In S707, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a device selection has been input (S707). Specifically, it is determined whether an electrical signal corresponding to an area in which any one of the device model numbers is displayed on the display screen displayed in the display area 101 in step S <b> 706 is input from the touch panel 103. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the device model number is displayed is input (S707: Yes), the CPU 106 inputs the selection of the device whose model number is displayed in the area corresponding to the input electrical signal. Judge that If the CPU 106 determines in S707 that the selection has been input (S707: Yes), the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the selection is not input (S707 / No), the CPU 106 returns to S707 and repeats the determination.

  In S708, the CPU 106 identifies the device having the model number input in S707, that is, the device having the model number displayed in the area corresponding to the electrical signal input from the touch panel 103, and the IP address of the identified device is determined. The print instruction screen is displayed in the display area 101 in association with the model number and stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 (S708). Then, the process proceeds to S709.

  In step S709, the CPU 106 determines whether a print instruction has been input (S709). Specifically, CPU 106 determines whether an electrical signal corresponding to an area where icon 701 for accepting a print instruction is displayed is input from touch panel 103. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 701 is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 determines that a print instruction has been input. If it is determined that a print instruction has been input (S709, Yes), the process proceeds to S710. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print instruction has not been input (No in S709), the process returns to S705.

  In step S710, the CPU 106 sets the IP address read from the area A of the flash memory 109 as a reception destination, controls the wireless communication I / F 105, and sends the image data print request accepted in step S702 to the photo printing default device. Transmit (S710). Then, the process proceeds to S711.

  In S711, storage processing of identification information of the default device for web printing is performed (S711). This process is a subroutine. A more detailed description will be given of the processing in S711 with reference to FIG. First, in S1001, the CPU 106 determines whether identification information of a default device for web printing is stored in the flash memory 109 (S1001). The default device for web printing is a device set in advance to reduce the number of operations for the user to select a device when the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a print request in order to perform web printing processing. Similarly to the photo printing default device, if a web page print request has been transmitted to the device in the past, the IP address of the device stores the identification information of the web printing default device in the flash memory 109. B is stored. However, if the information processing apparatus 100 has not performed web printing processing in the past, the IP address of the device is not stored in the area B of the flash memory 109. Therefore, also in S1001, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the default device for web printing is stored in the same manner as in S703. When the identification information of the default device for web printing is not stored (S1001, No), the process proceeds to S1002. The CPU 106 stores the identification information of the photo printing default device as the identification information of the web printing default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area B of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1002), and this subroutine processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the identification information of the default device for web printing is stored (S1001, Yes), this subroutine processing is terminated as it is. In S1002, the CPU 106 stores the IP address of the photo printing default device as identification information of the web printing default device for the following reason. Usually, a device capable of color printing is selected as the default device for photo printing. On the other hand, as a default device for web printing, a device capable of performing color printing may be selected, or a device capable of performing monochrome printing although not performing color printing may be selected. That is, it is considered that the device selected as the photo printing default device sufficiently satisfies the conditions as the web printing default device.

  Next, the process proceeds to S712 in FIG. In step S712, identification information for the default device for scanning is stored. This process is also a subroutine process. With reference to FIG. 11, the process of S712 will be described in more detail.

  In S1101, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the scan default device is stored in the flash memory 109 (S1101). The scan default device is a device set in advance to reduce the number of operations for the user to select a device when the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a scan request. As in the case of the default device for photo printing and the default device for web printing, if the information processing apparatus 100 has transmitted a scan request in the past, the IP address of the device to which the scan request is transmitted is stored in the flash memory 109. It is stored in the area C where the identification information of the scan default device is stored. However, if the information processing apparatus 100 has not performed a scan process in the past, the IP address of the device is not stored in the area C of the flash memory 109. Therefore, also in S1101, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the default scan device is stored in the same manner as in S703. If the identification information of the default device for scanning is stored (S1101: Yes), this process ends. On the other hand, if the identification information of the scan default device is not stored (No in S1101), the process proceeds to S1102.

  In S1102, the CPU 106 uses the information stored in the RAM 108 in S706, and determines whether the default device for photo printing has a scan function (S1102). When the scan function is provided (S1102: Yes), the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the photo printing default device in the flash memory 109 as the identification information of the scanner default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area C of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1103). If the photo printing default device does not have a scan function (No in S1102), the subroutine processing is terminated.

  Next, the case where the process proceeds to 2 in S601 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 801, the CPU 106 displays the instructed web page on the display area 101. Since the display method of a web page is not the essence of this invention, the description is abbreviate | omitted here. FIG. 8B shows an example of the display that the CPU 106 displays in the display area. The CPU 106 displays the URL of the web page and an icon 800 for instructing the displayed web page to be printed together with the web page in the display area. Next, it progresses to S802.

  In step S802, the CPU 106 determines whether an instruction to print a web page has been input (S802). Specifically, it is determined whether an electrical signal corresponding to the area where icon 800 is displayed is input from touch panel 103. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 800 is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, it is determined that an instruction to print the displayed web page is input. If the CPU 106 determines that an instruction to print a web page has been input (S802: Yes), the CPU 106 proceeds to S803. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the instruction to print the web page is not input (S802, No), the CPU 106 returns to S802 and repeats the determination.

  In step S803, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the web printing default device is stored in the same manner as in step S703. When the CPU 106 determines that the identification information of the web printing default device is not stored (S803, No), the process proceeds to S806. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the identification information of the default device for web printing is stored (S803, Yes), the process proceeds to S804.

  In step S804, the CPU 106 displays a print instruction screen similar to that shown in FIG.

  In step S805, the CPU 106 determines whether a request for reselecting the default device for web printing has been input in the same manner as in step S705 (S805). If the CPU 106 determines that a reselection request has been input (S805: YES), the CPU 106 proceeds to S806. If it is determined that a request for reselection has not been input (No in S805), the process proceeds to S809.

  In step S <b> 806, the CPU 106 displays a list of model numbers of devices having a printing function on the display area 101 in the same manner as in step S <b> 706. Next, the process proceeds to S807.

  In S807, the CPU 106 determines whether a device selection has been input in the same manner as in S707 (S807). If the CPU 106 determines that a device selection has been input (S807: Yes), the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if the CPU 106 determines that no selection has been input (No in S807), the determination is repeated.

  In S808, the CPU 106 identifies the device whose selection is input in S807 in the same manner as in S708, stores the identified device IP address in the area B of the flash memory 109 in association with the identified device model number, A print instruction screen is displayed in the display area 101 (S808). Then, the process proceeds to S809.

  In S809, the CPU 106 determines whether a print instruction has been input in the same manner as in S709 (S809). If it is determined that a print instruction has been input (S809, Yes), the process proceeds to S810. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print instruction has not been input (No in S809), the process returns to S805.

  In step S810, the CPU 106 sets the IP address read from the area B of the flash memory 109 as a reception destination, controls the wireless communication I / F 105, and sends a print request for the web page received the instruction to be printed in step S802 to the web page. It is transmitted to the default device for printing (S810). Then, the process proceeds to S811.

  In S811, the storage processing of identification information of the default device for photo printing is performed (S811). This process is a subroutine. A more detailed description will be given of the processing of S811 with reference to FIG. First, in step S1201, the CPU 106 determines whether identification information of a default device for photo printing is stored in the flash memory 109 in the same manner as in step S703. If the identification information of the default device for photo printing is not stored (S1201, No), the process proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if the identification information of the photo printing default device is stored, (S1201: Yes) ends the subroutine processing as it is.

  In step S1202, the CPU 106 uses the information stored in the RAM 108 in step S806, and determines whether the default device for web printing that has transmitted the print request in step S810 is an inkjet printer (S1202). If the default device for web printing is an inkjet printer (S1202, Yes), the process proceeds to S1205. On the other hand, if the default device for web printing is not an inkjet printer (S1202 No), the process proceeds to S1203.

  In step S1203, the CPU 106 determines whether the default device for web printing is a color laser printer using the information stored in the RAM 108 in step S806 (S1203). If the default device for web printing is a color laser printer (S1203, Yes), the process proceeds to S1204. On the other hand, if the default device for web printing is not a color laser printer (No in S1203), this subroutine processing is terminated.

  In S1204, the CPU 106 displays in the display area 101 that the user is inquired whether the IP address of the color laser printer, which is the default device for web printing, may be stored as identification information for the default device for photo printing. Let FIG. 12B shows an example of the display displayed in the display area 101 in S1204. When an electric signal corresponding to an area in which an icon indicating permission (corresponding to an icon of “Yes” in FIG. 12B) is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 displays a default device for web printing. It is determined that it is permitted to store the IP address of the color laser printer as the identification information of the default device for photo printing. On the other hand, if an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon indicating that permission is not allowed (corresponding to the “No” icon in FIG. 12B) is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 is not permitted. to decide. If it is permitted to store the IP address of the web printing default device as the identification information of the photo printing default device (S1204, Yes), the process proceeds to S1205. On the other hand, if it is not permitted (S1204, No), this subroutine processing is terminated.

  In step S1205, the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the web printing default device as the identification information of the photo printing default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area B of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1205). Then, this subroutine processing is terminated.

  Unlike FIG. 10, in FIG. 12A, the CPU 106 determines whether the default device for web printing satisfies the condition, and stores the IP address as identification information as the default device for photo printing only when it is determined that the condition is satisfied. . This is due to the following reason. Usually, the default device for web printing should have at least a monochrome printing function. Therefore, also in S806 of FIG. 8A, the CPU 106 is configured to display all devices having a printing function among the devices connected to the network in the display area 101. Therefore, in the process of FIG. 12A, when the IP address of the default device for web printing is unconditionally stored as the identification information of the default device for photo printing, the IP address of the device that can only perform monochrome printing is This is because it may be stored as identification information of the default device for use.

  Next, the process proceeds to S812 in FIG. In S812, a process for storing the identification information of the default device for scanning is performed. This process is also a subroutine process. With reference to FIG. 13, the process of S812 will be described in more detail.

  In step S1301, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the scan default device is stored in the same manner as in step S703 (S1301). If the identification information of the default device for scanning is stored (S1301: Yes), this process ends. On the other hand, if the identification information of the scan default device is not stored (S1301, No), the process proceeds to S1302.

  In S1302, the CPU 106 uses the information stored in the RAM 108 in S806 to determine whether the web printing default device has a scan function (S1302). When the scan function is provided (S1302, Yes), the identification information of the web printing default device is stored as the identification information of the scanning default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area B of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area C of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1303). If the photo printing default device does not have a scanning function (No in S1302), the subroutine processing is terminated. Then, the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, the case where the process proceeds to 3 in S601 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S901, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the scan default device is stored in the same manner as in step S703. If the CPU 106 determines that the identification information of the scan default device is not stored (S901, No), the process proceeds to S904. On the other hand, if the CPU 106 determines that the identification information of the default device for scanning is stored (S901 / Yes), the process proceeds to S902.

  In step S <b> 902, the CPU 106 displays a scan request transmission instruction screen in the display area 101. FIG. 9B shows an example of the display screen. On the scan request transmission instruction screen, an icon 900, an icon 901, and the model number of the default device for scanning are displayed. The icon 900 is an icon for inputting a request for reselecting the default device. An icon 901 is an icon for inputting a scan request transmission instruction. Then, the process proceeds to S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 106 determines whether a request for reselecting the scan default device has been input in the same manner as in step S705. If the CPU 106 determines that a reselection request has been input (S903: YES), the CPU 106 proceeds to S904. If it is determined that a reselection request has not been input (S903, No), the process proceeds to S907.

  In S904, the CPU 106 displays a list of model numbers of devices having a scan function on the display area 101 in the same manner as in S706 (S904). Next, the process proceeds to S905.

  In step S905, the CPU 106 determines whether a device selection has been input in the same manner as in step S707 (S905). If the CPU 106 determines that device selection has been input (S905: Yes), the process proceeds to S906. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the selection is not input (S905 / No), the process returns to S905 to repeat the determination.

  In step S906, the CPU 106 specifies the device that has received the selection in step S905 in the same manner as in step S708, stores the IP address of the specified device in the area C of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the specified device, A scan request transmission instruction screen is displayed in the display area 101 (S906). Then, the process proceeds to S907.

  In step S907, the CPU 106 determines whether a scan request transmission instruction has been input in the same manner as in step S709 (step S907). If it is determined that a scan request transmission instruction has been input (S907: Yes), the flow proceeds to S908. On the other hand, if it is determined that the scan request transmission instruction is not input (S907: No), the process returns to S903.

  In step S908, the CPU 106 sets the IP address read from the area C of the flash memory 109 as a reception destination, controls the wireless communication I / F 105, and transmits a scan request to the scan default device. The wireless communication I / F 105 receives the scan data returned from the scan default device. (S908). The CPU 106 stores the scan data received by the wireless communication I / F 105 in the flash memory 109 or the like. Next, the process proceeds to S909.

  In step S909, identification information storage processing for a default device for web printing is performed (S909). This process is a subroutine. The process of S909 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S1401, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the web printing default device is stored in the same manner as in step S703 (S1401). If the identification information of the default device for web printing is not stored (S1401, No), the process proceeds to S1402. On the other hand, if the identification information of the default device for web printing is stored (S1401, Yes), this subroutine processing is terminated as it is.

  In S1402, the CPU 106 uses the information stored in the RAM 108 in S904 to determine whether the scan default device has a printing function (S1402). If the CPU 106 determines that the scan default device has a printing function (Yes in S1402), the process proceeds to S1403. On the other hand, if it is determined that the scan default device does not have a printing function (No in S1402), the subroutine processing is terminated as it is.

  In step S1403, the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the scan default device as the identification information of the web printing default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area C of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area B of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1403). Then, this subroutine processing is terminated.

  Next, the process proceeds to S910 in FIG. In step S910, identification information storage processing for a photo printing default device is performed. This process is also a subroutine process. FIG. 15 is a more detailed flow of the process of S910. This is very similar to the contents of the subroutine processing shown in FIG. The difference between the process of FIG. 12A and the process of FIG. 15 is that the identification information of the web printing default device is stored as the identification information of the default device for photo printing, or the identification information of the default device for scanning is the default for photo printing. It is only stored as device identification information. Therefore, the detailed description regarding the process of FIG. 15 is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the subroutine process shown in FIG. 15 is completed, the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100, the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the default device in the flash memory 109 for each use of photo printing, web printing, and scanning. Therefore, the user can use a device suitable for each application.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the default device for one application, the CPU 106 determines whether the stored default device is suitable for another application and then uses it for another application. The identification information can also be stored as a default device. Therefore, the user can store a device suitable for each application with a few procedures.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 can activate the print & scan application in a state where data to be handled is designated in advance. The CPU 106 receives a print & scan application activation instruction in a state where a web page is displayed in the display area 101 according to the Internet browser application, or in a state where the photo viewer application is executed and image data is displayed in the display area 101. Judge. In both the Internet browser application and the photo viewer application, an icon for inputting an instruction to start the print & scan application is provided. In the display area 101, when an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 determines that an instruction to start the print & scan application is given, and performs processing according to the print & scan application. To start.

  When the CPU 106 starts processing according to the print & scan application in a state where the web page is displayed in the display area 101, the CPU 106 displays the URL indicating the position of the data on the Internet of the displayed web page as the Internet of the RAM 108. Read from the area used when executing the browser application. Then, the CPU 106 stores the read URL in a region D (not shown) used when executing the print & scan application in the RAM 108. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 starts processing according to the print & scan application while displaying the image data in the display area 101, the CPU 106 displays the location information including the absolute path of the displayed image data as the photo viewer application in the RAM 108. Read from the area used for execution. The CPU 106 stores the location information of the read image data in an area used by the CPU 106 when executing the print & scan application in the RAM 108.

  Hereinafter, a process in which the CPU 106 controls each unit according to the print & scan application will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the print & scan application is started in a state where the CPU 106 executes the process according to the Internet browser application or the photo viewer application. First, the CPU 106 determines whether the information stored in the area D of the RAM 108 is the location information of the image data or the URL (S1601). If the stored information is a URL (S1601, URL), the process proceeds to S1612, where web data on the Internet is acquired and printed. On the other hand, if the stored information is the location information of the image data, the process proceeds to (S1601, image data location information) S1602, and the photo printing process is performed.

  The processing in S1602 to S1608 is the same as the processing in S703 to S709 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 1609, the CPU 106 sets the IP address read from the area A of the flash memory 109 as the reception destination for the print request for the image specified by the location information of the image data stored in the area D of the RAM 108, and performs wireless communication I / O. F105 is controlled and transmitted to the default device for photo printing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1610.

  Since the processing of S1610 and S1611 is the same as S711 and S712 shown in FIG. 7A, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Since the processing of S1612 to S1618 is the same as S803 to S809 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 1619, the CPU 106 sets a print request for the URL web page stored in the area D of the RAM 108, sets the IP address read from the area B of the flash memory 109 as the reception destination, and controls the wireless communication I / F 105 to perform web printing. To the default device. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1620. Since the processing of S1620 and S1621 is the same as that of S811 and S812, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100, the CPU 106 can store the identification information of the default device for each type of data for which the output instruction is input. Therefore, the user can use a device suitable for data output.

In addition, when the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the default device for one type of data, the CPU 106 determines whether the device storing the identification information as the default device is suitable for other types of data and other applications. Thus, the identification information can be stored as a default device for other data and other applications. Therefore, it is possible to easily register a device suitable for each data and application with a few procedures.

(Other embodiments according to the present invention)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Although there is one input I / F 104 shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of input I / Fs 104 may be provided. In that case, in the first and second embodiments, the CPU 106 receives an electrical signal from the touch panel 103, but may be configured to receive an electrical signal input from a plurality of input I / Fs 104. Further, the touch panel 103 and the input I / F 104 may be used in combination.

  The information processing apparatus 100 may be configured to perform wired communication.

  A device connected to the information processing apparatus 100 is not limited to the inkjet MFP 200, the scanner 300, and the color laser printer 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, and may have at least one of a printing function and a scanner function.

  The access point 500 and the device may communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 and the device may perform direct communication without using the access point 500. At this time, the information processing apparatus 100 and the device may communicate with each other by wire or wireless.

  In S706 of FIG. 7A, the information regarding the device model number and function received by the information processing apparatus 100 may be configured only from a device having a color printing function. Specifically, the CPU 106 controls the wireless communication I / F 105 to request that a device having a color printing function returns a device model number and information on the function to the network to which the information processing apparatus 100 is connected. Broadcast a packet to be transmitted. Then, a reply is sent only from a device connected to the network having a color printing function. The wireless communication I / F 105 receives the device model number returned from the device and information related to the function. Then, the CPU 106 causes the RAM 108 to store the device model number and function information received by the wireless communication I / F 105. The CPU 106 displays a list display of model numbers of all devices stored in the RAM 108 in the display area 101. The same applies to S806 in FIG. 8A, S904 in FIG. 9A, and S1605 and S1615 in FIG.

In the first and second embodiments, the information processing apparatus 100 requests a device connected to the network to return information on the device model number and function, and the model number returned from the device in response to the request. It was the structure which receives the information regarding a function. However, the information regarding the model number and the function for every device that can be used by the information processing apparatus 100 executing the print & scan application may be programmed in advance in the print & scan application. In that case, for example, in S706 of FIG. The wireless communication I / F 105 receives the model number of the device connected to the network. The CPU 106 compares the model number of the device programmed in the print & scan application with the model number of the device connected to the network received by the wireless communication I / F 105, and extracts the matching device model number. Then, the CPU 106 reads out information regarding the function of the extracted device of the model number from the print & scan application. Then, the CPU 106 stores the information related to the function of the extracted model number device, the model number of the device connected to the network, and the IP address of the device connected to the network in the RAM 108 in association with each other. The information stored in the RAM 108 is as shown in FIG. 7C, as in the first embodiment. Then, the CPU 106 extracts the model number of the device having the printing function from the devices connected to the network based on the information stored in the RAM 108. Then, the CPU 106 displays a list of model numbers of the extracted devices in the display area 101.

The model number of the device included in the print & scan application and the model number of the device connected to the network do not necessarily all match, and the CPU 106 may extract a partially matching model number. For example, the model number of the device included in the print & scan application is “Ink-MFP331”, and the model number of the device connected to the network is “Ink-
This is the case of “MFP 431”. Since these two units have “Ink-MFP” in the model number, it can be seen that they are the same series. It is expected to have a copy function, so that the device “Ink-MFP 431” has a model number “In
It can be extracted as a device equivalent to the device of k-MFP 331 ".

  The model number may be anything as long as it can distinguish the devices. For example, the model number may not include a number, or may be composed only of symbols. Also, a name such as a device name that can distinguish the device may be used instead of the model number.

  In FIG. 7A, when the CPU 106 executes S707 (that is, when S703 No, or S705 Yes), the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the device selected in S707 in the RAM 106. Also good. In this case, when S707 is executed, in S711 or S712, the CPU 106 uses the IP address of the device stored in the RAM 106 in S707 of FIG. 7A instead of the IP address stored in the area A of the flash memory 109. It is good also as a structure. Further, the CPU 106 may execute S711 and S712 at a timing between S707 and S708. Of course, S711 and S712 may be executed at a timing between S708 and S709 or between S709 and S710. The same applies to FIGS. 8A, 9A, and 16. FIG.

  In S706 of FIG. 7A, in the first embodiment, the CPU 106 is configured to display only the model number of a device having a color printing function among the devices connected to the network in the display area 101. Only the model number of the device having the inkjet printing function may be displayed on the display area 101. In S806 of FIG. 8A, in the first embodiment, the CPU 106 is configured to display only the model number of a device having a printing function among the devices connected to the network in the display area 101. Only the model number of a device having a printing function may be displayed in the display area 101.

  In FIG. 7A, the CPU 106 may select a device most suitable for photo printing as the default device for photo printing, and store it as the default device for photo printing. In this case, the following configuration may be used instead of S706 and S707. The CPU 106 controls the wireless communication I / F 105 to broadcast a packet requesting the device to return the device model number and information regarding the function to the network to which the information processing apparatus 100 is connected. Then, there is a reply from each device connected to the network. The CPU 106 causes the wireless communication I / F 105 to receive information on the device model number and the function returned from the device. Then, the CPU 106 stores in the RAM 108 the device model number and function information received by the wireless communication I / F 105. Based on the information stored in the RAM 108, the CPU 106 selects one device most suitable for photo printing from the devices connected via the network. After S708, the configuration may be the same as that of the first embodiment. The device conditions suitable for photographic printing include, for example, a device having a color ink jet printing function and a device that can use photographic recording paper. Similarly, in FIGS. 8A and 9A, a device that is most suitable for web printing and a device that is most suitable for scanning may be automatically selected.

  The conditions for the CPU 106 to store the device as the default device are not limited to those described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11, 12 (a), and FIGS. 13 to 15. For example, only when the device can perform color printing, it is stored as the default device for web printing, and only when the resolution of the scanning function is equal to or higher than the threshold, it is stored as the default device for scanning. Can also be added. Further, a configuration may be added in which the user is inquired about whether or not to register as a default device, and is registered as a default device only when the user permits. In order to store the web printing default device only when the device can perform color printing, does the CPU 106 replace the determination at 1402 in FIG. 14 with the scanning default device having a color printing function? Can be judged. If the color printing function is provided, the process advances to step S1403; otherwise, the flow of FIG. In order to store it as a scan default device only when the resolution of the scan function is equal to or higher than the threshold value, a configuration in which the CPU 106 determines whether the scan resolution is a predetermined value or higher is added between S1102 and S1103 in FIG. Good. If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S1103. If it is less than the predetermined value, the process of FIG. 11 is terminated. The same applies to the processing of FIG. In this case, it is assumed that the resolution of the scan function is acquired as information regarding the function of the device in S706 of FIG. 7A or S806 of FIG. 8A.

  In the first embodiment, the IP addresses of devices other than the device selected in S705 of FIG. 7A are stored as identification information of the default device for web printing and the default device for scanning in FIGS. It never happened. For example, when the laser printer 400 shown in FIG. 4 is selected in S705 of FIG. 7A, the IP address of the laser printer 400 is not stored in the area C of the flash memory 109 in FIG. However, in FIG. 11, an IP address of a device other than the device selected in S <b> 705 of FIG. 7A may be stored in the area C of the flash memory 109. In this case, processing executed instead of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1701, the CPU 106 determines whether the identification information of the scan default device is stored in the same manner as in step S1101 (S1701). When the identification information of the default device for scanning is stored (S1701, Yes), this process ends. On the other hand, when the identification information of the scan default device is not stored (No in S1701), the process proceeds to S1702.

  In S1702, the CPU 106 uses the information stored in the RAM 108 in S706 to determine whether the photo printing default device has a scan function (S1702). When the scan function is provided (S1702: Yes), the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the photo printing default device as the identification information of the scanner default device. That is, the IP address of the device stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 is stored in the area C of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device (S1703). If the photo printing default device does not have a scan function (No in S1702), the process proceeds to S1704.

  In S1704, based on the information stored in the RAM in S706, the CPU 106 extracts the model number of the device having the scan function from the devices connected via the network. Then, the CPU 106 displays a list of model numbers of the extracted devices on the display area 101 (S1704). Next, the process proceeds to S1705.

  In step S1705, the CPU 106 determines whether device selection has been accepted in the same manner as in step S707 (S1705). If the CPU 106 determines that the selection of a device has been accepted (S1705, Yes), the process proceeds to S1706. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the selection is not accepted (No in S1705), the process returns to S1705 and repeats the determination.

  In S1706, the CPU 106 stores the IP address of the device that has been selected in S1705 in the area C of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device in the same manner as in S708 (S1706). Then, this process ends.

  Further, instead of S1704 to S1706 in FIG. 17, the CPU 106 selects one device most suitable for scanning from devices connected via the network based on the information stored in the RAM 108 in S703. It is good. For example, a device having the highest scan resolution may be automatically selected. 10, FIG. 12 (a), and FIGS. 13 to 15 may have such a configuration.

  As a print function that can be executed by the print & scan application, a document print function may be provided in addition to the photo print function and the web print function. The document printing function stores a document default device for printing document data created by an application program for creating a document such as PDF data or doc data.

  There may be more or fewer uses or types of data than in the first and second embodiments.

  A configuration in which the CPU 106 executes the processing in S701 and S702 in FIG. 7A and the processing in S801 and S802 in FIG. 8A according to an OS (operating system) or other application program installed in the information processing apparatus 100 in advance. It is good. In that case, in step S702, the CPU 106 uses the location information of the image data stored in the area of the RAM 108 that is referenced when executing processing according to the OS or another application program when executing the print & scan application. To be stored in the RAM 108 area. After S703, the CPU 106 executes the same processing as in the first embodiment. Similarly, in the case of S802, the CPU 106 stores the URL stored in the area of the RAM 108 used when executing processing according to the OS in the area of the RAM 108 referred to when executing the print & scan application. After S803, the CPU 106 executes the same processing as in the first embodiment.

  The information processing apparatus may be configured to be connected to an external memory such as an SD card. In place of the flash memory, various data may be stored in the external memory.

  S703 in FIG. 7A, S803 in FIG. 8A, S901 in FIG. 9A, S1001 in FIG. 10, S1101 in FIG. 11, S1201 in FIG. 12A, S1301 in FIG. In S1401, S1501 in FIG. 15, S1602, and S1612 in FIG. 16, when it is determined whether the identification information of the default device is stored, the determination that the identification information is stored is not performed in the area A of the flash memory 109. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether B or C is not all 0 or all 0. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether an invalid bit that invalidates the stored identification information is set. The invalid bit is stored in a part of the area of the flash memory 109 where identification information is stored (often at the beginning). Further, instead of the invalid bit, a flag for invalidating the identification information may be stored in an area different from the area where the identification information of the flash memory 109 is stored, and the determination may be made based on this flag.

  In S708, when the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the default device for photo printing, instead of the configuration in which the device IP address is stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of the device, the following is performed. You can also The flash memory 109 stores data indicating that it is a photo printing default device and the IP address of the device in association with the model number of the device. In that case, S710 is as follows. The CPU 106 reads out the IP address from the area where the data indicating that it is the default device for photo printing in the flash memory 109 and the IP address of the device are stored in association with the model number of the device, and reads the read IP address. The wireless communication I / F 105 is set as the receiving destination, and the print request for the image data whose selection is accepted in S702 is transmitted to the default device for photo printing. The same applies to S808 in FIG. 8A, S906 in FIG. 9A, S1002 in FIG. 10, S1103 in FIG. 11, S1205 in FIG. 12A, S1303 in FIG. 13, S1403 in FIG. This can also be said at S1505 of S15 and S1607 and S1617 of FIG.

  In S1002 of FIG. 10, when the CPU 106 stores the identification information of the photo default device as the identification information of the web printing default device, the CPU 106 stores the information of the flash memory 109 in the area B of the flash memory 109 instead of the IP address. Information indicating that data stored in the area A is referred to may be stored. The same applies to S1103 in FIG. 11, S1205 in FIG. 12A, S1303 in FIG. 13, S1403 in FIG. 14, and S1505 in FIG.

  Instead of the IP address, the device may store the URL or the MAC address flash memory 109 in the area A, B, or C as the default device identification information. In the configuration in which the MAC address is stored in the area A, B, or C, from the information processing apparatus 100 to the device, the MAC address of the device is used as the reception destination address instead of the packet, and the MAC address of the information processing apparatus 100 is the transmission source address. As a result, the included MAC frame is transmitted. When the URL is stored in the area A, B, or C, the CPU 106 may acquire the corresponding IP address and use the acquired IP address for communication with the device.

  In S707 of FIG. 7A, a configuration may be used in which a plurality of devices are selected. In that case, S707, S708, S709, and S710 are as follows. The CPU 106 determines whether or not a predetermined number of electrical signals corresponding to the area where the device model number is displayed are input from the touch panel 103 on the display screen displayed in the display area 101 in S706. When the electrical signal corresponding to the area where the model number is displayed is input for the predetermined number, the CPU 106 determines that the selection of the device of the model number displayed in the touched area is input. If the CPU 106 determines in S707 that the selection has been input (S707: Yes), the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, when the CPU 106 determines that the selection is not input (S707 / No), the CPU 106 returns to S707 and repeats the determination.

  In step S <b> 708, the CPU 106 stores each IP address of the predetermined number of devices whose selection is input in step S <b> 707 in the area A of the flash memory 109 in association with the model number of each device. At that time, the CPU 106 does not rewrite the identification information already stored in the area A of the flash memory 109 with the identification information of the newly selected device, but additionally stores the identification information of the newly selected device. It is good. Further, the above-described invalid bit is set in all identification information of the photo printing default device stored in the area A of the flash memory 109. Further, a print instruction screen is displayed in the display area 101 (S708). At this time, the model numbers of all the devices selected in S707 are displayed on the print instruction screen instead of the model numbers of the default device for photo printing. Next, the process proceeds to S709.

  In step S709, the CPU 106 determines whether a print instruction has been received (S709). Specifically, CPU 106 determines whether an electrical signal corresponding to an area where icon 701 for accepting a print instruction is displayed is input from touch panel 103. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the print icon is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 determines that a print instruction has been input. If it is determined that a print instruction has been input, the CPU 106 further inputs from the touch panel 103 an electrical signal corresponding to an area in which any one of the device model numbers displayed on the print instruction screen is displayed. It is judged whether it was done. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the model number is displayed is input (S709, Yes), the CPU 106 receives selection of the device of the model number displayed in the area corresponding to the input electrical signal. Only the invalid bit set in the identification information of the selected device is canceled. In step S710, the wireless communication I / F 105 is controlled to transmit a print request for image data to the device selected in step S709. On the other hand, if it is determined that no print instruction has been input or no device selection has been input (S709: No), the process returns to S705. The subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment. In S709 and S710, the following may be performed. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the print icon is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the CPU 106 selects a device most suitable for photo printing from a plurality of default devices for photo printing, and identifies the selected device. Release the invalid bit set in the information. Then, the process proceeds to S710. In step S710, the CPU 106 controls the wireless communication I / F 105 to transmit a print request for image data to the default device for photo printing in which the invalid bit of the identification information is canceled in step S709 (S710). (A) S807, S808, S809, S810 and S905, S906, S907, S908 in FIG. 9A, S1606, S1607, S1608, S1609 in FIG. 16 and S1616, S1617, S1618, S1619 can also be said. .

  If the wireless communication I / F 105 fails to transmit the print request in S710 of FIG. 7A, the following may be performed. The CPU 106 determines that the wireless communication I / F has failed to send a print request. In that case, an error screen is displayed in the display area 101. An OK icon is displayed on the error screen. If the CPU 106 determines that an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the OK icon in the display area 101 is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, the process proceeds to S704. In this way, the user can request reselection of the photo printing default device in S705, and can select one desired device from the reselectable devices in S706. The same can be said in FIG. 8A, FIG. 9A, and FIG.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 stores a default device and setting values for each use of photo printing, web printing, and scanning. Here, the setting value refers to setting values of various setting items relating to processing for each application to be executed by the device, such as paper size, color printing or monochrome printing, presence / absence of double-sided printing, and the number of copies.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the setting information management table. The setting information management table is a table for storing the IP address, model number, and setting value of a device in association with each use of photo printing, web printing, and scanning. This setting information management table is stored in the flash memory 109. When the CPU 106 activates the print & scan application for the first time in the information processing apparatus 100, no data is stored in the device IP address, model number, and setting value areas of the setting information management table. However, when the information processing apparatus 100 executes the print & scan application and instructs the device to perform processing for each application, the device model number, IP address, and setting value are stored in the flash memory 109.

  Hereinafter, a process in which the CPU 106 controls each unit when the photographic printing is selected in S601 of FIG. 6 (S601: photographic printing) and proceeds to 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Since S1801 and S1802 are the same as S701 and S702 of FIG. 7A in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. In step S1803, the CPU 106 reads a device stored in association with photo printing from the setting information management table stored in the flash memory 109. This process is a subroutine. The default device reading process in S1803 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S2001, the CPU 106 refers to the setting information management table in the flash memory 109, and determines whether the IP address and model number of the device are stored in association with photo printing (S2001). If it is determined that the IP address and model number of the device are stored (S2001 / Yes), the process proceeds to S2002. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not stored (S2001 · N0), this process ends, and the process proceeds to S1804 in FIG.

  In S2002, the CPU 106 reads out a photo printing default device (S2002). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the IP address and model number of the device stored in association with photo printing from the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. Then, this process ends, and the process proceeds to S1804 in FIG.

  In S1804 in FIG. 18, the CPU 106 reads the setting value stored in association with the photo printing from the setting information management table stored in the flash memory 109. This process is a subroutine. The setting value reading process in S1804 will be described with reference to FIG. In S2101, the CPU 106 refers to the setting information management table in the flash memory 109, and determines whether a setting value is stored in association with photo printing (S2101). If it is determined that the set value is stored (Yes in S2101), the process proceeds to S2102. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not stored (S2101 · N0), this process ends, and the process proceeds to S1805 in FIG.

  In S2102, the CPU 106 reads out the setting value for the photo print process (S2102). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads the setting value stored in association with the photo printing from the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. Then, this process ends, and the process proceeds to S1805 in FIG.

  In S1805, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the photo printing default device has been read in S1803 (S1805). If the CPU 106 determines that the photo printing default device has been read (S1805, Yes), the CPU 106 proceeds to S1806. On the other hand, if it is determined that the default device for photo printing has not been read (No in S1805), the process proceeds to S1808.

In step S <b> 1806, the CPU 106 displays a print instruction screen in the display area 101. An example of the print instruction screen is shown in FIG. There are two differences from the print instruction screen shown in FIG. 7B in the first embodiment. That is, in addition to an icon 2200 for requesting reselection of a default device and an icon 2201 for receiving a print instruction, an icon 2202 for changing settings is displayed, and in addition to the model number of the default device for photo printing, photo print processing The setting values of various setting items are displayed. When the CPU 106 displays the print instruction screen in the display area 101, the CPU 106 displays the setting value read and read in S1804 on the print instruction screen. However, if the determination in S2101 is No (S2101 · No) and the processing of S2102 is not performed, the CPU 106 uses the flash memory 109 as an initial value of various setting items related to the photo printing process in advance by the print & scan application. The setting value stored in is read and the read setting value is displayed on the print instruction screen. Then, the process proceeds to S1807. The initial value described above is stored in an area different from the area where the setting information management table of the flash memory 109 is stored when the print & scan application is installed in the information processing apparatus 100. Even if the print & scan application is executed by the information processing apparatus 100, it is not rewritten.

  In S1807, the CPU 106 determines whether reselection of the default device for photo printing is input based on whether an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2200 is displayed is input from the touch panel 103 (S1807). If an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2200 is displayed is input from the touch panel 103 (S1807, Yes), the process proceeds to S1808. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2200 is displayed is not input from the touch panel 103 (S1807, No), the process proceeds to S1811.

  Since the processing of S1808 and S1809 is the same as S706 and S707 in FIG. 7A of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to S1810. In step S1810, the CPU 106 stores the IP address and model number of the device that has been selected in step S1809, in the setting information management table of the flash memory 109, in the area for storing the IP address and model number corresponding to photo printing (S1810). Then, the process proceeds to S1811.

  In step S1811, the CPU 106 causes the display area 101 to display the same print instruction screen as that displayed in step S1806. At that time, the CPU 106 reads out the device model number and the setting value from the area corresponding to the photo printing in the setting information management table of the flash memory 109 and displays it on the print instruction screen. In the setting information management table, if no setting value is stored in association with photo printing, the CPU 106 uses the print & scan application in advance as an initial value of various setting items related to photo printing processing in the same manner as in S1806. The setting value stored in the memory 109 is read, and the read setting value is displayed on the print instruction screen. Then, the process proceeds to S1812.

  In S1812, the CPU 106 determines whether a set value has been input (S1811). This process is executed as follows. CPU 106 determines whether an instruction to change the setting value is input from touch panel 103 based on whether an electric signal corresponding to the area where icon 2202 is displayed is input. If it is determined that an instruction to change the set value has been input, the input of the set value is accepted. The method of accepting the input of the set value is not the gist of the present invention, and details thereof will be omitted. For example, the following can be performed. The CPU 106 displays a list of selectable setting values for various setting items in the display area 101. When an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the set value is displayed is input from the touch panel 103, it is determined that the set value displayed in the area corresponding to the input electrical signal is input. If the CPU 106 determines that a setting value has been input (S1812, Yes), the process proceeds to S1813, and the setting value corresponding to photo printing is stored in the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. The area to be stored is stored (S1813). On the other hand, in S1812, when the electric signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2202 was displayed is not input from the touch panel 103 (No in S1812), the process proceeds to S1815.

  In S1814, the CPU 106 displays a print instruction screen in the display area 101 (S1814). Since this process is the same as S1811, the details are omitted. Then, the process proceeds to S1815.

  In S1815, the CPU 106 determines whether a print instruction is input based on whether an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2201 of the print instruction screen is displayed is input from the touch panel 103 (S1815). If it is determined that an electrical signal corresponding to the area where the icon 2201 is displayed is input (S1815, Yes), the process proceeds to S1816. On the other hand, when it is determined that the corresponding electrical signal is not input (S1815, No), the process proceeds to S1807.

  In step S <b> 1816, the CPU 106 reads the IP address and setting value corresponding to photo printing in the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. Then, the wireless communication I / F 105 is controlled, and a request for printing the image data whose selection has been received in step S1802 to the device having the read IP address with the setting of the setting value read from the setting information management table is sent to the photo printing default device. It is transmitted (S1816). In the setting information management table of the flash memory 109, if no setting value is stored in association with photo printing, the CPU 106 uses the print & scan application as a default value for various setting items related to photo printing processing. The setting value stored in the memory 109 is read, and a request to print with the setting value read is transmitted to the default device for photo printing (S1816). Then, the process proceeds to S1817.

  Since S1817 and S1818 are substantially the same as S711 and S712 of the first embodiment, only differences will be described. In the default device storage process for web printing in S1817, the area for storing the IP address of the device and the area for storing the model number are the area and model number for storing the IP address corresponding to web printing in the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. This is the area to be stored. Similarly, in the scan default device storage process of S1818, the area for storing the IP address of the device and the area for storing the model number are areas for storing the IP address corresponding to the scan of the setting information management table of the flash memory 109. And the model number.

  When web printing is selected in S601 in FIG. 6, S1801, S1802, S1817, and S1818 in FIG. 18 may be replaced with S801, S802, S811, and S812 in FIG. 8A, respectively. Further, when reading the IP address, model number, and setting value of the device from the setting information management table, the information is naturally read from the area corresponding to web printing. The device IP address, model number, and setting value are also stored in an area corresponding to web printing.

  When the scan is selected in S601 of FIG. 6, a process in which FIG. 18 is changed as follows is executed. First, S1801 and S1802 are not executed. Then, S1817 and S1818 may be replaced with S909 and S910 in FIG. 9A, respectively. Further, when reading the IP address, model number, and setting value of the device from the setting information management table, it is naturally read from the area corresponding to the scan. The device IP address, model number, and setting value are also stored in the area corresponding to the scan. In S1806, S1811, and S1814, the CPU 106 displays a scan instruction screen instead of the print instruction screen.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100, the CPU 106 stores the IP address and the model number in the flash memory 109 for each use of photo printing, web printing, and scanning. Therefore, the user can use a device suitable for each application.

In the information processing apparatus 100, when the CPU 106 stores the IP address and model number of the default device for one application, the CPU 106 determines whether the stored default device is suitable for other applications, and then uses the other device. The identification information can also be stored as a default device for the user. Therefore, the user can store a device suitable for each application with a few procedures.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the CPU 106 receives setting values of various setting items related to processing for a selected application among photo printing, web printing, and scanning (Yes in S1812), the CPU 106 flashes the received setting values. Store in the memory 109. Therefore, when the user selects the same application next time, the CPU 106 sets various setting items using the setting values read from the setting information management table without accepting the user's input. And it is highly probable that the same set value is set each time for processing for each application. Therefore, it is possible for the user to reduce the work load required for inputting the set value.

  The device identification information only needs to store an IP address, and the model number may not be stored in the setting information management table.

  Further, in order to store the IP address, model number, and setting value of the default device for each use of photo printing, web printing, and scanning, a table such as a setting information management table need not be used. For example, setting information including an application, a device IP address, a model number, and a setting value as shown in FIG. 23 may be stored in a predetermined area of the flash memory 109. In this case, a plurality of pieces of setting information for the same application may be stored, or only the latest one may be stored. In addition, whether or not the default device is stored in the setting information management table, the date and time at that time may be stored together.

100 Information processing apparatus 200 Inkjet MFP
300 Scanner 400 Color laser printer

Claims (6)

At least two uses among a plurality of uses that are read into an information processing apparatus including an input unit and a storage unit and include a plurality of prints and scans for printing photo data, web page data, and document data. processing for each an information processing program that Ru is executed on the device,
Input receiving means for receiving an input indicating one of the at least two uses from the input unit;
An input indicating a device for executing the processing of said for one application accepted from the input unit, a specifying unit for specifying a device indicated by the input,
The causes are stored in the storage unit in association with specific means of identification information of the specified device of the one application, the store identification information of that device in association with the other uses of the at least two applications Storage control means for storing in the unit;
To the device identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the one of the applications, the instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction to perform the processing of the for one purpose, to the information processing apparatus Information processing program characterized by functioning.   The storage control unit causes the storage unit to store the identification information of the one device in association with the other application when the identification information of the device is not stored in association with the other application. The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring function information related to a function included in the device;
Based on the function information acquired by the acquisition unit, the one device functions as a determination unit that determines whether the device is suitable for processing for the other application,
The storage control unit stores the identification information of the one device in the storage unit in association with the other application when the determination unit determines that the determination unit is suitable. The information processing program according to 1 or 2.   When the one usage and the other usage are a specific combination, the storage control unit associates the identification information of the one device with the other usage without the determination step unit making a determination. The information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the information processing program is stored in the storage unit. The storage control means stores the setting value related to the process for the one application in the storage unit in addition to the identification information of the device in association with the one application.
The instruction transmitting unit may set the to the device identified by the identification information stored primary use and in the storage unit in association, to the setting value stored in the storage unit in association with the said one of the application is the, the processing of the previous SL for primary use was and transmits an instruction to be executed, the information processing program according to any one of claims 1-4. A device that includes an input unit and a storage unit, and performs processing for at least two uses among a plurality of uses including a plurality of prints and scans for printing photo data, web page data, and document data. an information processing apparatus Ru is executed,
Input receiving means for receiving an input indicating one of the at least two uses from the input unit;
An input indicating a device for executing the processing of said for one application accepted from the input unit, a specifying unit for specifying a device indicated by the input,
The causes are stored in the storage unit in association with specific means of identification information of the specified device of the one application, the store identification information of that device in association with the other uses of the at least two applications Storage control means for storing in the unit;
Wherein the device identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with one application, with a, an instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction to perform the processing of the for one application Information processing device.